Had the same situation before. They were just trying to get a feel about how much I'm looking for. They basically were trying to negotiate. I was unemployed so I had no choice.
Oh, I get it. I'm supposed to go to lunch with you and let you put your finger inside me. Then if I go down on you I get a job offer.
So I get another e-mail requesting a time change for our lunch tomorrow. In my reply, should I just ask if this will just a lunch or if it will be an interview? I'm getting calls from other people that want to interview me for other positions and I'm sort of stuck with this. This position is by far the best. If this works out, I'm taking this. But at the same, now I'm in limbo. This might not work out, and I don't want to lose these other opportunities. Would it be bad for me to just be straight-forward and ask?
OT: What is the correct answer when an HR representative asks you how much you are looking for? I went on an interview today (not necessarily changing jobs, just considering it) and answered with the amount I was looking to get. If I get an offer above this, do I still have any bargaining room?
Go to lunch, order the most expensive thing on the menu, plus drinks... well, maybe not, but I would not suggest any other offers in the reply, but that's just me...I would say i'm looking forward to lunch...After lunch, tell him you would like to know where you stand as you have a number of other interviews set up... Good luck...
At this point, I'd say just go to the lunch, expecting to be interviewed. Don't respond asking what the lunch is. It might look like your panicing or just not interested in waiting for an offer. If it's a job you want, just go to the lunch and schedule other interviews around it.
I'd be surprised if you get an offer above what you asked. Anyway, I always give a range if possible. Otherwise I choose a number towards the top of my range.
Thanks. I'll know for next time. If I'm offered what I said, I'll be happy. If I don't, I'll stick with my current job.
Go to the lunch, more than likely the director wants to meet you BEFORE they make their offer. Since it will be his butt on the line if you are working for him, he may just want to get a feel for you and how you would fit into his team. He probably respects the people that want to hire you, but wants to make doubly sure. Go, be yourself, and GOOD LUCK !! DD
Thanks for the wonderful advice/input. I'm about to leave the house in about an hour for this meeting. Hopefully I'll have good things to report when I come back.
Great news guys! I went to the meeting today and it was great! The director just took the opportunity to meet with me and to discuss his expectations. It was a discussion and not an interview. The discussion went great and the meeting concluded with him making me an offer for the position. The offer was well beyond my expectations. I haven't accepted the position yet (asked them to give me until Monday). However, I will officially accept tomorrow. Great position and a good opportunity for me. I am very grateful and extremely blessed!
Hey that's awesome news. Big congratulations. Good to hear you're making it back to H-town. Drinks on Jackfruit!
