Me: Hi, Recent Offer, thanks so much for coming in!
RO: You’re welcome! I’m excited about what we’re going to do together.
Me: That’s what I want to talk to you about, actually. Before I say yes, I’ve got some questions for you.
RO (looking surprised): Oh. Okay. I didn’t know you’d have questions. I mean, really, I’m a hot offer. I expected you’d say yes right away.
Me: I just want to make sure we’re a good fit.
RO: Sure, I understand. I already know you’re right for me and I want you to be happy, too. Fire away!
Me: What would working with you be like?
RO: I have to admit, I’m pretty demanding. You’d have to put me first. Sometimes, people tell me I don’t play well with others.
Me: Oh? How’s that?
RO: I tend to push other projects off to the side. I’m really competitive. And I like to be first.
Me: What about objectives?
RO: Well, those aren’t well defined. I have a tendency to get easily distracted. You know, chasing those bright shiny objects!
Me: Are you saying that the target moves?
RO: Well, I prefer to call it being responsive and flexible.
Me: Got it. How much time would we be spending together?
RO: Lots! Days, nights, weekends.
Me: Hmmm...this isn’t sounding so good to me.
RO: The good news is you’ll get to learn a lot. New skills, new technologies. And I’m all about helping people. You’ll get to help people.
Me: I like helping people, that’s true, but I’m not sure I have the bandwidth for you. Would I be able to delegate?
RO: Uh, no, not really.
Me: I see. What about compensation?
RO: Well, I can’t really compensate you for what you’re worth. But you’ll get tons of valuable experience! Money can’t really buy that!
Me: Well, Recent Offer, you’re very tempting. But I don’t think this is going to work out between us. You’re a great offer. I think you’re going to be highly successful. With someone else.
RO (stunned): I can’t believe it! You’re turning me down?
Me: Yes, I am.
RO (crestfallen): Wow, this doesn’t happen to me very often. Most people say yes right away. They’re always afraid I won’t come back around. Of course, that’s not true. There are lots of other offers. Truth is, we’re a dime a dozen.
Me: Thanks again for dropping by. Anything else I can help you with?
RO: Sure--can you refer me to one of your friends?
As you can see, interviewing an offer can be really revealing. You may uncover new information that makes the offer irresistible, or you may find that the offer isn’t so great after all. The next time you have a chance, interview your own offer and see what you learn. Just a short conversation may save both of you a lot of headaches.
