As a professional executive recruiter, I find myself having the “job change” conversation often with candidates we are recruiting for a new executive leadership role.
Of course, my allegiance lies with the client companies we’re representing, but the candidates we place are clearly an integral part of the process. And oftentimes when I serve as the intermediary I can REALLY help with the negotiation process… if the client and candidate will let me.
I’ve found the offer negotiation phase can be the most trying time of any search if not handled well as the salary, bonus, equity, benefit “tug of war” begins. Therefore, I drafted “The Ten Commandments of the Job Change” that I’ve been sharing with the successful candidates I place and I wanted to share them with you as well.
I hope this is helpful the next time you go through the recruitment process…regardless of what side of the aisle you’re on.
- Thou shalt not use other recruiters before me!
It’s amazing after we place an executive that they would consider using another recruiter besides the one who brought them to their new opportunity. - Thou shalt not entertain the counteroffer.
Much has been written about the counter offer and statistics point to the fact it rarely works out for the employee or the employer. This is a topic for another blog, but maybe this article written by my friend George Bradt in Forbes recently will shed some light… Why You Should Never Make or Take Job Counter Offers. - Thou shalt hold thy new employer in the highest regard.
Giving more than the customary two-week notice might not be ideal for your new boss or employer. Do what makes them happy since you’ll soon be working for them. - Remember thy start date and keep it sacred.
After the start date has been settled on… don’t change it! See #3. - Honor those who recruited you.
A simple thank you is sufficient in the end, but eventually becoming a client would be the ultimate “thank you”. - Thou shalt not burn any bridges.
This should be self-evident. - Thou shalt not be lured back to thy previous employer.
Much like the counter offer, this rarely, if ever, goes well. - Thou shalt not entertain offers from other employers within the first 24 months at thy new job.
Unless there is a change of control, it’s good business to stick it out and give the new job every opportunity for success. - Thou shalt be honest and open in the negotiation process.
It does no one any good to be vague about what you want at this stage. The idea is win-win which does not mean you or the new employer wins twice. And, see the 10thcommandment if this doesn’t make sense. - Thou shalt not be too greedy and over negotiate!
There you have it! 10 years of first-hand experience boiled down to 10 simple truths.
In the end, keep an open mind, an even temperament, and think win-win and everyone will be happy about their choice.
