It’s always flattering to be wanted. And that holds true in job searches as much as anything.
Who doesn’t dream of sending out a resume and getting a call in hours?
Wouldn’t that be the ideal?
Well, it would seem that way. After all, it would surely mean that what we offer is desirable, important, and unique.
Why else would they be so eager, right?
Maybe.
Being hired quickly can indeed be a sign of that. But more often it’s a sign of some more insidious things about a company or job.
Here are some of the key downsides of rapid-fire hiring.
The employer may not have given enough thought to the position
Some companies value decisiveness and speed over careful planning and methodical processes. That can have its advantages at times, but it can also drive hiring managers to make rash, impulsive decisions.
Maybe someone in the department panicked because there was a sudden rush in business.
What happens after things slow down?
Will there still be work for you?
Just as bad, maybe the demand will be there, but no one at the company took the time to figure out what would be the best combination of job responsibilities to satisfy that need.
They may have no idea what they’re looking for in you.
The previous employee may have fled in desperation
The company may also be in a hurry to bring you into an interview because the person who previously held the position was driven insane by the company and gnawed his leg off just to get out of the trap.
Thus, the company has to scramble to get another poor sap in there to replace him. Don’t be a sucker. Find out why the position is open.
And when doing so, look for the usual signs of manure being slung about the room – stories that don’t add up, shifting eyes, evaded questions.
Company may be too short staffed to cover when people leave
Even if the person gave perfectly adequate notice of leaving, maybe the company was already teetering precariously on the edge of being way under staffed.
Perhaps this one person leaving was enough to push the department into complete chaos because it has nowhere near enough people to pick up the slack.
And that’s a situation you probably don’t want any part of – unless they’re openly looking for someone to rebuild the department, you’re up for the task, and they’re paying what it’s worth.
You may indeed be that desirable
Finally, you shouldn’t rule out that maybe you really are such a hotshot that an employer might scramble to get you before someone else does. Hey, don’t sell yourself short – it could very well true.
Granted, it’s less likely than the other scenario. But don’t get too cynical. The world is full of wild and wonderful moments and this could be one of them.
The real key in considering this is to weigh the eager company that called you the next day versus how much other action your resume is getting. Is this the only company that’s in a rush to bring you in?
If so, get the warning flags up.
Don’t rule these guys out automatically.
Just be prepared to ask the important questions along the way. Healthy skepticism can save you years of heartache.