If a hiring manager was being transparent and told you that it might initially feel like you are jumping into the fire when you start the job, but that the team and she will be there for you - would you take that job?

16 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 5,2024 at 3:44AM UTC

   Did they offer any additional details? Like is it because you'd be doing the job of 10 people? Are they completely unorganized? Have they angered absolutely everybody you'd be trying to work with? I think the details matter. I was recently told something similar during an interview, and what it boiled down to was the company being behind on filling orders, and a lack of communication about the status of orders. Hard to fix the first issue, but getting ahead of communication, even if not what the customer wants to hear, is much easier to tackle and didn't concern me. People have their own ideas of what a fire is.

2. Ladyboss549724April 5,2024 at 7:28AM UTC

   I had went through a similar situation, at the last minute after several months of interviewing the two members who would have reported into me quit. The hiring manager called to explain the situation, said I would now be jumping into the fire but that I had the full support of those who remained. I asked a few questions -- how have they shown up for each other in the past, for instance when people where on holiday? Are other team members cross-trained on processes reporting into my role?

   After our discussion, I considered the future state post-fire, would this still be the role I want. And for me it was, so I accepted and started. The fire was not as bad -- it's all relative. I guess I've been through worst fires so this wasn't as bad. Honestly, it was very manageable. With that being said, you could also ask what they expect the "fire" to be like to help you assess compared to your prior experience.

   In the end, go with your gut. It's gotten you this far, she has inner wisdom that no one else has so use that to guide your decision. And no matter what happens, that inner wisdom and strength you possess will carry you through.

3. TracyApril 5,2024 at 5:14PM UTC

   I agree with Ladyboss549724. I would also ask what your level of control in putting out the fire will be. In my experience it is less stressful to handle a fire you can control and change than one you cannot.

4. GirlBossanova934974April 7,2024 at 12:49PM UTC

   The thing that I do not like here is that this new outfit is telling you that it is moving on to the next candidate in 24 hours.
   That's what we call "high pressure sales tactics". People who throw around high pressure sales tactics usually DO NOT stop at the front door! Ah no. By the way, the next candidate is their next in line because you are better than they are and the company knows it! The fact that you are a contractor has its ups and downs! The company is NOT going to invest much into you! HOWEVER on the good side, you don't have to worry about their OFFICE POLITICS and petty rivalries that seem to permeate most organizations these days. "Jumping into the Fire" may mean they want you to get up to speed very quickly on your own. We used to call it, "Hit the Bricks Running". I always think of that as my MBA Program opening advertised the fact our grads hit the bricks running. A good 30% were washed out of the program after 9 out of applicants were rejected before they even got in. These days, I just started a contract position. The support has been OK at best. Last but not least, I would not believe anyone these days when they say will be there for you. Not a chance in most outfits.

5. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 1:47PM UTC

   Well, it’s been more than 24 hrs, so I imagine you’ve since made your decision!

   This is a hard one. I appreciate the honesty of the hiring manager and the offer of support. But. Why isn’t this person able to make positive change in her organization? What is the plan to have it *not be* a fire?

   If you want/need to paycheck and a break from the doldrums of job hunting…go for it. Just, like, be really clear on how much unemployment you can expect after this, if it comes to that.

   It’s hard to be motivated to give 120% for a company which is offering you 80% to start.

   That said, I do believe that challenge *can be* opportunity. You have zero idea if the fire is temporary. The hiring manager also may not even have that big picture insight into organization dynamics.

6. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 2:56PM UTC

   I’m guessing that since it’s a contract role, you’d be stepping into a project that’s already in process. I might assess what the actual fire is (because your definition of a fire might be so,etching different), but if it’s a short term contract, you can take it, and when it ends, go back to claiming your unemployment - they will likely just have an option to choose that you had temporary work for those weeks.

7. Jennifer TaylorApril 8,2024 at 2:00PM UTC

   I would take the job, especially since your idea of jumping in the fire might be completely different than theirs.

   I took a contract job several years ago and they said the same thing to me. Honestly? Half the time I was bored silly and asking for more work.

8. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 2:20PM UTC

   I would take the job. When I interview a candidate that I would like to hire, I let them know what they are walking into. This is a very busy shift, our culture isn’t the best but we are working on it, etc. I don’t like candidates to feel that they were tricked.

9. maria roseApril 8,2024 at 3:38PM UTC

   They are being quite honest about the job circumstances and not being obtuse about the situation. It would be your decision if you can handle doing this and not being overwhelmed—you alone know how you adapt to change and rapid interactions.

10. Maggie StoneApril 8,2024 at 4:33PM UTC

    I would definitely ask for some clarification and ask about available training and support. I would personally want some reassurance that if this is a stressful adjustment, any issues won’t come back on you.

11. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 10:06PM UTC

    I would ask for more information. I was hired for a job and then let go. They lied and said no where in writing the job was temporary.

12. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 5:29PM UTC

    Contractors are hired guns, and come in to hit the ground running. If that is not you then walk away. They need someone to get in an get something done clearly they are telling you that. Did you not know it was a contract when you first applied and interviewed? If you did then it is a yes I want this or no let them give it to someone else who wants it.

    The job searches these days are taking 6-9 months and if you think about it you really have zero harm in taking the contract and if it becomes too much for you then you can always quit and leave, most contracts have an escape clause that goes both ways, please read the fine print. During the contract you might learn something new, they might decide they love you and need you FTE or you might learn what you never want to do again. Either way it's money in the bank and could give you the lift you need in the interim while looking for that perfect FTE. I say go for it! see what happens.

13. Tamara GApril 10,2024 at 12:37PM UTC

    Everyone here has pretty solid advice. What did you decide?

14. carolina girlApril 10,2024 at 1:34PM UTC

    Don’t fall for” we’ll be there for you” line. I would go on indeed and keep searching. There are plenty of jobs out there that pay pretty darn decent wages.

15. RosemaryApril 10,2024 at 1:36PM UTC

    I feel like that’s how most jobs are any more unfortunately. Especially if it’s a private equity owned company.

    I guess I’d want more specific information re what I would be expected to accomplish and what resources I would have access to.

16. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 5:45PM UTC

    I see this as a red flag. I went through something similar at a scientific company. I was told to be prepared to work under pressure for demanding personalities, and that I was expected a 24-hr report turn-around. But I shouldn’t worry because they would be my support system and there were plenty of (report template) resources available to me. The person that was to train me had absolutely no idea of what to do and was not familiar with protocols. I had to figure out on my own as time progressed. Access to report templates was available to a single person company-wide, who was unable to reply to emails in a timely manner due to their high work load. Upper management did not provide support or was willing to evaluate their protocols when issues and solutions were presented to them. Their answer was “we’ve been doing it this way for x-years and we have never had issues. You should be more flexible and adjust to our protocols.” Personnel was overworked, understaffed, and stressed. Needless to say, I left this place as fast as I could. My advice? RUN!