Fatal distraction: Compensation talk---keeping your guard up.

 

            There’s one distraction whether experienced or inexperienced every PA job hunter wrestles with during their job interviews--compensation. Especially, if the amount offered surpasses their anticipated expectation for that job.  For many, metaphorically speaking is as if they were cruising at moderate speed and momentarily taking their eyes off the road just to be jolted by the impact of going off the road and landing in a ditch. Conversely, a “generous” compensation offer (i.e. salary) can have a very similar effect. Therefore, this unexpected derailment can sneak into your mind potentially obfuscating the big final picture during or after the interview.

            During that vulnerable period of the interview process, you must be at your best if not your strongest and/or sharpest. Why? Because it’s very easy to briefly disengage and put yourself at risk of becoming distracted, thus easily forgetting to recall all other important key factors that would weigh in helping you make that final informed decision comfortably.

            Conversely, do not allow yourself to be pressured by the interviewer; resist the urge of accepting the job right on the spot. This could have been a gambit used against you. Some interviewers like to play this card-- a momentary tactic to disarm you and avoid those well-thought-out questions you prepared before the interview.

            So, the best protection against this kind of fatal distraction is to avoid capitulating to blind impulsivity. You must respond with a very thoughtful constrained remark such as: “As enticing, & generous your offer is, I still would like to have 2-3 days to discuss this with”… your significant other and/or family, or your attorney.

             But more importantly, by keeping your guard up and remaining grounded when it counted the most, then the less cheated you would feel if the job didn’t work out for you in the end.   

            In conclusion, never accept or negotiate an employment offer on the spot. No matter how good it sounds to your ears or if it appears on paper. It is best to take time and sort things out after you've taken time to thoroughly consider the pros and cons. Remember, right there and then thank the employer and restate your desire to work for the company or organization. But just as important, if not more so, that you need time to think it over, and even discuss it with your spouse( if applicable) so they can understand you will base your final decision on both monetary and non-monetary issues related to the employment offer.  And don't forget to ascertain the allotted response time given to you.