IT talent in South Florida is in high demand, and as a result, IT professionals are becoming much more aggressive in salary negotiations. When an employer accepts your counter offer, it’s usually a good sign. After all, you’re getting exactly what you asked for. However, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Some employers may not care about increasing your starting salary if their true intention is to let you go once your project is completed.
So how do you know if the job is right for you and whether or not it is a good idea to work with a company that accepts your counter offer for an IT job?
Have they given you a contract?
A long-term contract is a good sign that the employer tends to keep you on board for many years. If you receive a contract, be sure to read it closely and look for any obvious loopholes. If the company offers you a payout if they terminate the contract early, it’s probably a good sign. On the other hand, Contracts that require you to give more than 30 days’ notice of leaving but can be terminated by the employer at any time without severance should raise a red flag.
Have you discussed working on more than one project?
Many employers staff short-term projects with full-time staff and then lay off that staff once the project is over. Think back to your interview process. Did you discuss more than one project with the hiring team? Did they lay out their long-term expectations for you and for the position? If so, take it as a good sign. If, however, they seemed fixated on a single project, and were vague about their long-term expectations, they may not have any intention of keeping you on board once that project is complete.
How stable is the company?
Have you looked into the company’s history? An organization that has been profitable and stable over the last several decades will likely remain stable in the future. Startups, companies with a shaky record, or those that have filed for bankruptcy in the past should be avoided. South Florida business journals are a great place to conduct this type of research. They publish financial information as well as hiring and layoff information. Study up to get a good feel for the company’s stability.
What is the employer’s sense of urgency?
While it can be easy to assume that a hiring manager who seems extremely eager to get you on board feels that you are a rock-star candidate, there are other factors that contribute to a sense of urgency, including the need to staff a short-term project or manage a sudden influx of seasonal or project-based work.
An IT job search can be a lot like dating. There are awkward conversations to be had, and there is always a lot of reading between the lines to determine whether or not both parties are interested in a long-term commitment. If you want to avoid the drama and find a job that will help you achieve your long-term career goals, CERS can help. Our professional recruiters will work closely with you to match you with positions where you will thrive. We have partnerships with some of the most dynamic and innovative companies in the state who are looking for people just like you. For more information on IT jobs in South Florida, Contact CERS today.
