Use my Pro and XCon list. Everyone is family with the Pro and Con list. They list what they like about the job and what they don’t like about the job. Using the Pro and Con method often results in indecisiveness because you often find that each job has as many Pros and they have Con. Using my Pro and XCon list is a 3 column list. You have your regular Pro and Con columns. But then you add your XCon column. The XCon column is third column. You use the XCon column to list what needs to happen to turn the Con item into an XCon (or acceptable to you).
Then use the XCon items in your negotiation meetings. This strategy actually better directs which one to accept OR if you need to continue to look.
Reminder: Employers and companies are going to be putting their best foot forward during the interview and hiring process. If you find them unwilling to negotiate at the interview stage, they will be less likely to negotiate after you are hired. If you do not like how they are reacting to your attempts to create alternative solutions, then merely move on without regret or doubt.
How do job seekers know when to keep hunting or go off on their own?
My recommendation isn’t to “go off you your own”, just because you can’t find the perfect job. Only start your own business if you want to start your own business. Then the next question – after you have decided that you want to start your own business – is when to start it? And, that my friend, is a topic for another day or better yet – a one-on-one business coaching meeting.
I also have several worksheets that help clarify your goals, your teams missions, and your performance expectations in the Professional Development Toolkit. The toolkit goes into the who, what, where, when, why and how of all of the above. It contains audios, videos, presentations, and worksheets for your use and growth. Take the next step and check the toolkit out <<HERE>>
Sample Pro-XCon Worksheet:
| Pros | Cons | XCon What will reduce discomfort of the Con |
|
Job 1 |
||
| $45/hr – underpaid | Request $60-65/hour | |
| Analytical, model and mathematical work that I enjoy | Don’t have enough money to do much. | Ask if there’s an opportunity to get paid for your articles and publications on your findings (in addition to the hourly rate) |
| Opportunity to set a standard | Can’t enjoy my free time very much. | Find alternative/added revenue stream |
| Opportunity to present papers on discoveries | ||
| Opportunity to define processes and lead policies | ||
|
Job 2 |
||
| $85/hour | ||
| Easy work | Have to accept without reading/signing a contract. After I accept, I get a written contract to review and sign. | Accept job, with the contingency on the review and acceptance of the terms. And you will start 2-weeks after you sign the contract. Don’t give Glaxo a resignation until you have read contract. |
| Will have enough money to do a few more things (including supporting my daughter if she needs it). | Not very exciting or challenging work. | Ask if there are presentation opportunities within the company. |
| Will have some funds to enjoy my free time. Will have some free time to enjoy. | Ask if there are any opportunities (in this company) to set standards or procedures in the area that you are interested in. | |
| Is there an outside activity that can fill the presentation, publication, and setting standards gap? Is there another thing that gives me the same fulfillment or filling? | ||