BLUF: I need to set up my own office if I accept a position; should I "demand" certain things to do so pre-acceptance?
I've been offered a position as a regional account executive for a company working as a federal (US) government contractor. Nothing regarding logistics has been discussed other than that I would work away from the corporate offices (CA, DC) and instead operate within my region (Southwest). It seems to me that I would need to set up some sort of office here.
I've been asked to email any questions I have to the hiring manager prior to my acceptance. I was going to ask about the office/logistics situation in this email but it was suggested to me by some professional friends of mine that I simply tell them what I need.
On one hand, this seems like a good idea to ensure I have what I need to do the job. On the other, a) I don't want to seem precocious, b) I don't want to undershoot what they would normally provide.
Anybody think this is a good idea pre-acceptance? Post-acceptance? If so, how should I go about it?
Ask
Andy
There's a saying in Spanish that goes like this: "el que no llora, no mama".
This saying basically means that in order for you to get something you want/need, you have to communicate effectively. Basically, "ask and you shall receive," if you want to go more Biblical about it.
What I'm trying to get at is that you should set forth your needs in terms of resources and logistics during this pre-acceptance stage. I believe this is almost as strong as a prenuptual agreement. It is more effective if you do it this way for the following reasons:
1. You get rid of this uncertainty right off the bat
2. If the job does not include this, you can still back off if it isn't worth it for you.
3. You may actually get what you reasonably ask for upfront, whereas not so likely once you are on board
4. You mitigate the possibility of wasting time on your new job worrying about the logistics.
I'm sure there are more reasons. I hope the above helps.
Regards,
Raúl
You've got an offer!
Congrats on getting an offer.
Now the ball is in your court. It's very likely that they already have a standard set of things they do for remote employees, and you could ask for that list. Likely, they'll reply with that list. That simplifies things for you.
If they don't normally set up remote employees, then it's perfectly acceptable to ask for something additional or for changes to the offer. Companies expect this.
Ask only for reasonable and required things (company computer, network connection). Don't nitpick (paper clips?)
Here's the trick: In general, if you ask for them to make changes to the offer, and they give it, it is unethical not to accept.
John Hack