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HR Files – Will an Ultimatum Force a Good Job Offer?

This segment allows potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is: Will an Ultimatum Force a Good Job Offer?

QUESTION: I have been waiting for a manager to give me an answer about a job for almost 2 weeks now. She keeps telling me they are in transition and will let me know an answer soon. I really want the job but I don’t know how much longer I can wait. A friend said she told her company she wanted to withdraw her resume and they gave her an offer. I feel like this could be a good way to go, but I’m afraid it may backfire. Should I give an ultimatum to force an answer?

ANSWER: The short answer is absolutely not. If it’s taking them time to get back that means they are doing other things like restructuring job positions within the team. They could also be waiting for the current employee to leave before filling the position with someone new. If they are not ready to give an offer and you try to force their hand, then your answer will most definitely be no. At best, you will come off as difficult and they will no longer want to add you to their team. This often increases the managers fear that they will have issues with you in the future.

If you are hoping to get a yes, then your best bet is to continue to check in. Once they are ready to give a job offer, you will be at the top of their minds. The good news is, if they are still asking you to wait then that means that they are still considering you as a contender for the position so you are still in the running.

If you have a question you want answered, please contact us HERE. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.