Possible job offer help, how do I handle?
 

OK, so Monday, I applied online for a new Lowe's store opening in a week or so. My insulating job really gave me a crappy set of jobs for the week, short hours and low $$$. So Wednesday, when I was set loose at 1pm (2 hours short for an 8 hour day) I'm a little ticked, so I decided to head to the agency handling the Lowe's thing. I figger I could maybe fill out an app in person or whatever. Anyhow, despite my coming in unannounced, the main guy (Ken) brought me back and went over a few things and let me know that there were only "seasonal" positions open. (ie, part time, no bennies, etc.) Still, he covinced me to go ahead and fill out a few things, a questionaire online, a short interview etc. During the short interview, I was able to bring up my past retail/entrepeneur experience, after which he muttered to himself something like "why are all the good ones coming in so late?"

So anyways, the very next day, Ken calls me back. He asks if I can come in for a second interview. Of course! Sure thing that I'll be there by 3. So, I go in, do another interview and take a saliva swab (drug screen) with a different manager, and find out that there is 1 full time position left as a CSA. I was informed that they would run the saliva sample and a background check and be getting back to me "In a few days, within a week".

They called me the VERY NEXT DAY! (Friday)

I couldn't make it in on Friday because work had me traveling, so I'd be back too late, but I made arrangements for Monday at 9am. He was talking to himself about how "lessee, Monday's the 2nd, opening's the 4th, yeah that works".

Now at this point, the realist in me is purposely trying to keep cool and not assume anything. But at the same time, I don't want to deny that I may be in an interaction that I've never had before....A job offering.

Now, If they offer me a full time at $10 or more, I'd practically be a fool not to take it given that I can make something of myself there. (Where I'm at currently, I'm not going anywhere but for the ride.) My question is this....

Is it considered bad form to counter offer a wage? For example, if they do offer me $10/hr, can I counter with "I was really hoping for $12.50, is that possible?" Are there any other items I need to watch for? Any breaches of etiquitte that I need to know?

Thanks guys, and keep yer fingers crossed for me!

you can always ask for a higher wage, state your reasons why, not just but I want it, but state good reasons like, "I was paid more elsewhere," "My experience and skills show that I'm worth more."

Just be prepared for "Sorry, no that's what we're offering."

You can also counter again, with, "Is it possible that after 3 months you review my performance and reconsider my wages?" This can then hopefully get you your target within 1 year's time.

good luck.

I'd say you pretty much have the job. Thats how the sequence of events went with me when I got hired at Lowe's. I remember having 1 short interview and questionairre.... a second interview with the HR girl and the swab/drug screeing... and a 3rd interview with the Store Manager that was more or less a job offer rather than an interview.

I was offered my current job at less than I hoped, so I asked for more, and when that was not possible, I sked for a 3 month review and got it.

I got the raise after 3 months.

It's always better to negotiate something in the future. That way, you can prove your worth. Six months down the road is even better in some cases, just get it in writing.