I got a call from a "head hunter" the other day looking to steal me away from my current employer to theirs. I work as a construction supervisor (residential) for a national company. i am a little afraid to even talk to the guy. I fell that there is no harm in finding out what your options are, just in case, but don't want it to get to the Bosses that I was looking. The company after me is a large home builder in Pennsylvania. The job would be a step up the ladder responsibility wise and monetarily. I am very satisfies where I am now... but with no college degree will not go any further up the ladder....But there is a lot of security with the national builder. Most supervisors have been there 10+ years which around here is very uncommon. I guess I want my cake and to eat it to I want to look at my options without the risk of losing what I have. With the economy and interest rates now is a god time to be in residential housing but it could change, and I may have more security with the national that can weather the storm. I have worked for other builders that went under quick when things got hairy.
Thoughts?

Chris

 

It's always appealing when someone comes and offers you a better deal. Word of caution? Beware the ego stroking from the headhunter. Remember, his job is to place people for a fee. He may not know squat about construction and may not care.

The general consenus on the housing market is that it is heading for a three-year stretch of mild sluggishness. Security with your present national builder could be a very valuable asset.

Builders come and go like smoke, as you know. The big guys can weather the ripples in the market that are sure to come.

Don't blame ya for wanting to take a step up. That's only natural.
But, by your own admission, you are very satisfied where you are now. Grass ain't always greener on the other side.

That help some?

 

Yeah it does I guess I was looking for reinforcement. I will kick myself if something goes wrong with current employer BUT the security is there and they do take very good care of their employees.

Chris

 

I would take the job with the better pay, and better environment. Save up some money, so that way if it goes south, you can survive till you find a new job.

 

I've dealt with lots of headhunters over the last 25 years. In fact, all three of my professional positions came through technical headhunters. I've also dealt with them as an employer looking for chemists. For the most part, I've found them very professional, very discrete and very motivated. I still have occasional contact with the headhunter that got me my first professional job right out of college 25 years ago. He calls occasionally to see how my career's doing and sometimes when he's looking to recruit someone with a particular skill set.
It's relatively easy to tell if a headhunter is a real pro. He won't leave messages on answering machines or voicemail other than his name and phone number and will conduct all usiness with you on your terms, away from the office.
So, all that being said, listen to what he has to say and go to the interview if it appeals to you. Keep in mind, any big company going through a headhunter is serious about finding someone qualified. It is an expensive proposition for a company to go that route. Good employment agencies don't work cheaply.

Good luck

 

I think you should at least talk to the new company. But before you do, research like mad. Get to know a lot about what they are trying to accomplish, and where and how their revenue is generated. Then think of a way to create a new revenue stream within that framework. You'll be surprised how good your questions for them can be armed with a little knowledge. You'll make an impression they'll remember. I guarantee having no college experience will be the last thing on their minds.

Don't let the fear of the unknown, or something new, hold you back. Seize the day.

 

> I am very satisfies where I am now... but with no college
> degree will not go any further up the ladder..

My advice is, the best place to work is where you are happy. Make yourself a better employee and open up your ladder by getting a degree or anything that would make you a more valuable employee that deserves a raise.

Even if you do it mail order or over the Internet in your spare time and it takes 6 years instead of 3-4, you still have the degree. You still have the knowledge, you still have a job, and at the very least they will value having a motivated employee.

The grass might look better and greener on the other side sometimes, until you climb over the fence and step in doggie doo. Then realize it is green because it is built upon a layer of ... filth.

Sometimes the reason companies use head hunters is they can not retain any local help because all the qualified people in the area quit, were fired, or do not want to work for them.

These are tough times, be glad for the job and security, and cover your behind by improving your chances with any company by building more skills.

Which is easier said then done :-)

 

You will be 50 someday. You might as well be 50 with a degree.

 

Faced with the same uncertainties in my field, I find it hard to to disagree with the statements about getting a degree. If you're otherwise happy, and the paper is holding you back, get the paper.

On the other hand, explore your options. Find out what they offer, and perhaps incorporate the good stuff in your next negotiation (your performance review). Go with the sure thing (relatively) and try to make it better.

 

I have taken some courses for personal enrichment but not for credit and that was years ago. I may start on the 6+ years plan soon I just have to make time in my schedule instead of waiting for time to develop. Anybody had any experiance with the computer/internet courses?

Chris

 

A lot of people here where I work (Lockheed Martin) use University of Phoenix Online. The company reimburses the cost so they must be on the up and up. They say you can get a degree in 2 yrs.--Jack

 

if you are seriously considering the job offer, but you like where you work now, i would let your boss know that you have a job offer, make sure he understands that they approached you not the otherway around, and see what he says. if you want to stay, and they want to keep you, they may bump your pay and responsibility. it never hurts to check out an oppertunity, just keep your current employer informed about what is happening as a courtesy to them, and an aid to you(not burning bridges).

 

Unless you know your boss VERY WELL, I'd recommend against telling him that you have another offer. In many professions, a move like that is called a "CLEM" (Career Limiting Move). Many employers react very badly to overt or even covert strong-arm techniques (as they're perceived) and your star with your present employer will immediately dim. Trust me, I've seen it happen several times.
IMO, unless you're personal friends with your boss, you go the boss only to say "Good Bye" and give your notice. And NEVER allow them to match a competitor's offer to keep you. That's a definite CLEM. Most big companies will keep you around just long enough to buy time while you train your replacement if that occurs.