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I am in final interview stage for several positions, and I'm being asked, effectively, 'will you take the position?' without any offer being made.
I don't understand what is happening - I have a top choice but don't know if they will make an offer, so right now, the answer is 'probably' to anyone. I'm not sure how to respond to these questions about hypothetical offers. We've talked salary ranges not actual numbers, I don't have benefits information etc. They're appealing positions, so I really would be happy with most, but I'm not prepared to accept an offer just because it's the first (at least without some indication that it's the only one of these positions that I will get an offer for). But saying that sounds like it takes me out of the running entirely, which leaves me with no actual offers!
I know that the time taken to make an offer only to be turned down might mean that they lose out on their second choice, but how do I keep myself in the running without verbally committing to an unseen offer?
Rose-Marie Cervone
18
07/16/22 at 10:31PM UTC
Tell them you will consider taking the position after they have given you a written offer. You still have questions about the position, such as salary, etc. Tell them you applied for the position because you are still very interested in the position.
Pam Heaphy
44
07/16/22 at 2:50PM UTC
Another reason they may ask this question is that people collecting unemployment need to show that they are actively looking for work each week. Some people may actually prefer to collect ( esp during summer) but go through the motions of applying and interviewing. Maybe.
Anonymous
06/17/22 at 1:32PM UTC
We ask this question as well but it is about numbers. We don't want to make an offer that might be refused because that is reflected in the HR stats. Our department head wants to be able to show that 100% of our offers have been accepted.
Amy GeffenPlan your job search, overcome your fears.
847
06/12/22 at 2:50PM UTC
I agree with JYJ. Ask are you making me an offer? If the answer is yes then ask for details. Then say you want 24 hours to think about it. Set up a call or meeting. Then negotiate for more money or other benefits.
Erica MitchellMedical Billing Analyst
706
06/12/22 at 10:24AM UTC
I'd respond by saying that's dependent on the offer. You could also say yes for now and if you don't like the offer you can negotiate or turn it down.
JYJ
6.82k
06/11/22 at 10:21PM UTC
Play the game. "Would you accept an offer"? Answer: "Are you making me an offer"? All with a big smile. You don't have to take anything. Your job is to get them to make you a formal offer and to put it into writing.
Anonymous
06/11/22 at 5:22PM UTC (Edited)
This is a super crazy job market for everyone.
There are so many openings if companies are telling the truth but the supply of people looking for jobs doesn't seem to match the need. Don't know. I'm open to the dream job (whatever that is) but would like to lay low for ten years like the poster. I fear layoff and getting a horrid boss, as my boss now is amazing but stressed and looking I'm sure. That said, until you have actually accepted an offer you are not obligated. Heck even then, you are free to change your mind or quit even.
Wishing you very good luck and hugs! Being older maybe we just need to hunker down and lay low, and that is alright for a retirement and benefits we have earned.
Anonymous
06/11/22 at 2:59PM UTC
The only position I'm interviewing for recently that didn't give me a compensation range and a look at the benefits package was a contract position that had several red flags. I made the conscious position to not move forward with that one. I always ask about benefits when speaking with the HR representative. They know about the benefits more than anyone. Remember, you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. I have had a few ask me if I was in talks with other companies to which I reply, "I am in various stages of interviewing with several companies. My goal is to find the best culture fit where I can add value."
Hope this helps!
Sharmil McKeeCompliance Officer
453
06/11/22 at 12:43PM UTC
Employers have been ghosted too. And some recruiters are encouraging people to take interviews just for the practice even though they don't intend to take the position. So, it seems to me, (and I am not a hiring manager) that the question is designed to reveal if you are a tester or a candidate. Answering yes, doesn't lock you into a future offer. Good luck.
Anonymous
06/10/22 at 11:02PM UTC
I think you are overthinking this. Play the game, just say yes and just make sure before you sign any offer to get all of your questions and concerns addressed upfront. They could be asking this as a way to weed people out if they are having a tough time choosing between 3 people. Even if they are your 5th choice, make that company feel as if they are your first.
