Well, I wanted to let you DUers know - I accepted a job offer today

[gristy]

I don't post much in the lounge, but I guess this is where I should put this. After the company I worked for went belly up in the spring of '02, I tried my hand at some work on my own developing some new circuits (I'm an electrical engineer). The new circuit development went well (filed for four patents), but I just could not garner any interest in it. So last June I started looking for a job, and found nothing until last October when I took a contracting job out of state. That job turned into a full-time offer a month ago, and at the same time I was interviewed and offered a job by a second company. Well, when it rains it pours! I can't tell you how many times I had lain in bed at night last fall thinking I would never work again in my chosen field. So after much hemming and hawing (and sweetening of the offers from both companies), I chose one. They are paying the realtor fees to sell my house (sitting empty right now) and for my move out here. Feels pretty good.

A few things I learned through this:

1) If you are in a profession that has recruiters, be nice to those who call you. Develop relationships with 3 or 4 in different parts of the country. If they are doing a good job, that's probably enough. I hung up on one who was essentially harassing me, and I suspect that he poisoned my reputation at a few companies.

2) If you aren't landing a job, check out what the economy is doing. Ask the recruiters how things look in your field. You may find out that things are tough all over. While this doesn't help pay the rent, you can then take heart in the fact that things will get better and companies will soon/eventually be hiring people like you again.

3) If it looks like you may be getting an offer, try like hell to get a second offer from someone else. While you don't want to overtly play them against each other, you should be able to mention at some point to each of them what their competition is. I was lucky - I managed to have two offers, though really through nothing but dumb luck.

4) If you only have one offer, ask at what "level" or "grade" you are being brought in at and try to find out if that is appropriate for your experience. Ask for a description of responsibilities and experience for your grade level and the next higher one. That's what I did, and I argued with examples why they should bring me in at the higher grade level. They agreed.

Here's wishing satisfying employment and/or sufficient means for happiness to all DUers! You are all the best!

[madmax]

1. Good Luck and Congratulations

:toast: