Today’s tough economy offers slim pickings when it comes to career growth opportunities. Being approached by a competitor can, therefore, be like a validation of your hard work and expertise.
The lure of better pay, increased responsibility, and the promise of a promotion can be tempting, but the excitement of a new job offer can sometimes hide pitfalls that aren’t immediately obvious.
So what should you do if your competitor offers you the job?
Jay Walemba, CEO of Jay CVS, a human resources consultancy, says the biggest challenge employees face when navigating job offers from competitors is not evaluating the offer.
“You’ll find that the company wants you to implement some strategy and when you’re done, you’re probably going to get fired,” he says.
Speaking from experience, Mr. Walemba shared that a few months after establishing his company, he was given an offer by a competitor that he liked.
“When I went there, I was very deliberate, so I gave myself all the tools of the trade but in the second week I was fired.”
You haven’t signed the contract yet? “Yes, this employer gave me a contract, I filled in all the details, and they were supposed to stamp it and return it but they didn’t.”
In retrospect, Mr. Walemba said he did not see the company’s long-term career goals and whether he was aligned with them or did not have full communication with the employer.
“I don’t see job security because this offer doesn’t have time and even if there is, I don’t have a physical contract so there’s nothing I can do.”
In addition, Mr. Walemba said that someone should look at compensation.
“What do your competitors offer and is it just a fixed salary or benefits?”
Who are the competitors holding?
Often, the ‘sharpest knife’ in an organization is the one being boiled.
Mr. Walemba said that competitors will be looking for the employees behind the evolving strategy in the hope that they can copy-paste or move with their clients.
Is it guaranteed? “No, but the competition knows you (poached employee) will maneuver in that field.”
The hunt is aimed at undermining competitors and Mr Walemba says the aim is to pick people who, if they leave, the company will stumble.
Mr. Walemba said, “When these employees move, the company knows that they are bringing them to improve or improve the culture.”
The pitfalls to avoid
Beverly Khasiala, talent manager at Ceriops Environmental Research Organization, says one of the pitfalls employees may face when they’re headhunted is accepting the job responsibilities they want.
“Sometimes, the goal is just to get you on board, and the company may fail to meet your personal career growth needs,” he says.
For example, they may not provide the flexible working hours they promised. At first, the offer may seem lucrative, but once you join, you may find that the culture is different from what you are used to.
Also, if an employer is hunting you, they may be hunting someone else, too. Ms. Khasiala pointed out that in such a situation, everyone will try to prove their worth, in a way to ensure that the department performs well.
“Strict competition can create a toxic workplace.”
A non-compete clause?
According to Ms. Khasiala, the non-competition agreement cannot be enforced by law at the moment, arguing that the company should revise the contract.
“For example, if as a nurse you sign a non-competition agreement that you will not work for a competitor for a few years after leaving the company, it means that you will have to change careers because nurses work in hospitals. .”
So, instead of the agreement, the company must develop a work product that limits the use of the product developed in the company and shares the trade secrets. Ms. Khasiala said, “However, your intellectual property can be used elsewhere.”
Should one tell one’s current employer?
While the decision to share the news with your current employer is not a contractual obligation, Ms. Khasiala points out that you can decide to tell your employer if you have a good relationship with them.
“You can say that XYZ company offered me this position. Should I take it? Do you feel that I am suitable to go to that company? You can say that you are having a career discussion. .”
