What strategy do you implement when you are flooded with offers?/interviews

N2IT

Wondering if you put more weight into certain areas. (Remote work, income, technology, reputation of the company, others)I have several offers/interviews nationally mostly remote as of late some back in St. Louis others where I am now. All of the jobs deviate from each other quite a bit.Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Report Writer, Project Coordination, Service Manager, System Analyst, SAP Support Analyst.

Obviously Project Management is what I have been studying for, but I love data and using mining tools. Generating reports is another task I really enjoy doing as well. Of course SAP is insanely marketable and pays WELL. The decisions are tough, some of the jobs are FTE others short term contracts and some long term contracts. The highest bill rates come from the contracts, but the stability of the FTE is very appealing especially since I am not getting any younger.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

the_Grinch

If all the money is fairly close and all the jobs seem to interest you, work environment should be the determining factor. In speaking with consultants and in the last two places I have been I will no longer work for companies that don't put employees first (minus customers of course). I'm talking company outings, performance bonuses, company events (such as softball, happy hours, etc), and the ability to get time off when needed. Life is to short to be a slave to the man for a couple of dollars Good luck!

dmoore44

When I was job hunting, it was all about the organizational mission. While moving my career in the security direction, I wanted (and still want) to work for an organization that's going to provide the most interesting work/challenges. If an organization doesn't have a mission that I find particularly interesting, or the job description doesn't involve something that sounds challenging - then I'm not terribly interested.

Devilry

I think I would look for highest quality of life, and FTE when you have plenty of offers.

Congrats on being on that situation, its a good problem to have

dave330i

If you have high in demand skill set and don't mind doing another job search in 3-6 month, nothing wrong with short term. Just be aware that short term usually don't have any benefits.

Difference between long term and FTE is minimal at most places, so that shouldn't be a main deciding factor.

Sounds like you have some interest in various fields so I'd recommend going for the one that has good pay now and even better pay/growth in the future.

whatthehell

N2IT wrote: »

Wondering if you put more weight into certain areas. (Remote work, income, technology, reputation of the company, others)I have several offers/interviews nationally mostly remote as of late some back in St. Louis others where I am now. All of the jobs deviate from each other quite a bit.Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Report Writer, Project Coordination, Service Manager, System Analyst, SAP Support Analyst.

Obviously Project Management is what I have been studying for, but I love data and using mining tools. Generating reports is another task I really enjoy doing as well. Of course SAP is insanely marketable and pays WELL. The decisions are tough, some of the jobs are FTE others short term contracts and some long term contracts. The highest bill rates come from the contracts, but the stability of the FTE is very appealing especially since I am not getting any younger.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

If you don't mind me asking, how are you getting flooded with offers and interviews? All unsolicited? Linkedin? What is the skill that most of these interested parties are asking about the most?

Good luck!

onesaint

As you know N2, I've been in the same boat recently and have been asking myself this question a lot. The way I have ended up approaching multiple new opportunities is like this;

I have a 5 year plan with goal(s), that I'm 2 years into. Those goals include nearing 100K, not climbing under desks at work, and having a very desirable skill set, amongst other things. So, my decisions are largely based on how the job and company will move me closer to my eventual goals.

My decision process has taken into account the pay rate, technology I will be working with and what I will be able to learn, where that technology will place me in my career when I leave the position, the size of the infrastructure (that's more SA specific, I think), the size of the company, the position title, the position benefits (I keep my own health plan so this comes in lower on my list), and the company culture. Company name recognition goes in there someplace as well.

In your case, I think you need to figure out which aspects of these positions are most important to you and where you see yourself in a few years time. If the plan is to move back to St. Louie, then possible taking remote contracts to position yourself for a better position in St. Louis might be the way to go. The average job lasts 3 years these days. Where are you going to be in three years and what are you going to want to do then? How about 5 years, 10, 20? How will the next position strategically place you to be in a better position when you finish with it? All the perks and what not can be had from job to job, but having a resume that shows progression with direction will greatly benefit your career (and pocketbook!).

kanecain

whatthehell wrote: »

If you don't mind me asking, how are you getting flooded with offers and interviews? All unsolicited? Linkedin? What is the skill that most of these interested parties are asking about the most?

Good luck!

LOL. I would also like to know this!

N2IT

I make it a point to over communicate with my superiors while I am working at XYZ company. I harvest those relationships sending gifts to their families, taking my former bosses to dinner, and other tactics.

This relationship management element is critical if you want to be successful in today's game. Making bridges and inroads into other companies is the key

My first manager in IT I ever had was a 27 year guy and I was 30. I always respected him and worked hard for him. We would take the occasional breaks together and sometimes go out for lunch or a drink. (Not often) I did take him to a PGA tournament once and buy him MS Office book for his birthday.

He is now a VP of a PMO for a fortune 100 company. Makes over 150,000 grand a year and likes me a lot. A LOT

Back in 06-07 I could of collected a check and bounced out, but I went out of my way to make sure that relationship was strong and in tact.
One of the interviews I have is through that "connection". I think you get the point

techdudehere

STC might seem to pay more but will you save the $ or just spend more? With FTE you will build up your pension, days off, etc. I'd go for a large company with plenty of room for growth and excellent benefits. I'd max out my retirement plus contribute to the early retirement fund so you can draw on something until you're old enough to avoid penalty. When you have a few hundred thousand saved plus a well funded retirement plan, moved somewhere with dirt cheap cost of living and do remote work while being semi retired or if your corporate job is a cake walk and you have a full months vacation just stick it out until you hit 65. That's my plan anyway. Just wish I had the money to save faster!

Raisin

I'd go with the offer that gives you the experience you'd most like to add to your resume. Most people chase the money, but I feel that if you build the right experience the money will follow.

N2IT

@Raisin

That is exactly what I did. Thanks for the great advice.