Author Topic: New Job Offer in IT - Questions  (Read 2106 times)

MindfulMoney

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New Job Offer in IT - Questions
« on: July 14, 2017, 07:02:03 AM »
Hi All,

I recently got a local government job offer in the IT department. I'm very excited as this will offer me many opportunities to advance myself and my career. I have been working the Telecom industry for 11 years as a Fiber tech with some help desk experience working with other field techs.

The terms of the offer are good despite the fact I'm taking a pay cut of $10-20k due to my usual OT and the benefits are slightly less but significantly better than I can get most places. But my future potential income will be significantly more and they are willing to invest and get me A+, Network+ Security + , Help Desk etc certifications. There will be a learning curve but this is an excellent opportunity for advancement as there are not many at my current employer.

They want to start my employment ASAP at the end of the month and I got verbally offered the job a few hours after my interview with an official offer letter (pending background check and drug testing) the next day. I have no legitimate reason to believe either of these will be an issue but the thought of putting in my two weeks notice before getting the all clear from their HR department concerns me. I don't think I can take back my notice and my current job is very secure. Part of me is concerned they could just say "we changed our mind" or make up a reason I don't pass qualifications.

Ideally I would give my notice TODAY and place my remaining vacations days on the end my remaining time, this is not an issue for my current employer as I am not independently responsible for projects or training anyone to replace me. I also have an excellent relationship with my current boss and I have given him a verbal heads up and we have discussed it, he's supportive and happy for me. I would work a few days next week and then have a week and half off before my new job.

However, I haven't gotten the all clear and waiting for HR of the new job to call for me to schedule my drug test pending my background check. I know I will pass as I've never done drugs. My current boss suggested I wait to get the all clear and to pad my time with my remaining vacations day making my end day over lapping with the new job but my last reporting day the week before the new job starts. That would give me until next Thursday to get the all clear which should be feasible. Am I being overly concerned or should I play it safe?

My other concern is when I start this new job I will be going into a Senior position (not supervisor but more of a lead) for a job I have never actually done. I do not have the same technical background that most people do but I have the Telecom/field experience which is why I believe they are hiring me. Basically I'm the opposite of what they currently have, I have a college degree and the capacity to learn. I am Caucasian in my early thirties but I look like I'm in my early twenties. The demographics of those in junior positions are older and a mix of minorities and caucasians in their 40s, 50s & 60s. I feel I may
have an uphill battle as some may have resentment and wonder why I got this job. They could be really welcoming.

I have worked in a significantly male dominated environment in current job with an outside work culture- very different from an office job. I have had to prove myself everyday to my coworkers and customers who see me and instantly wonder if I'm capable of my job. I feel as though I may have to do the same in this new job. Any advice on how to navigate this new position and have the best opportunity for a positive relationship with my coworkers in the IT field?

Thanks for reading this far!


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frugaliknowit

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Re: New Job Offer in IT - Questions
« Reply #1 on: July 14, 2017, 07:49:28 AM »
I wish you had not told your boss (yet).  You may be "close", but that's never a good idea until you get the "all clear" from HR at the new job.  Given that you already have told your current boss, make your concerns clear to the HR department and, if possible tell them you are not leaving notice to your current employer until both the background check and the drug screen are complete.  I think they will be very supportive.

A new position has risks as well as opportunities.  Yes, you will have to earn credibility.  DON'T be a complainer.  Also, if you are in a supervisory role (you say "lead", not sure if you will be responsible for reviews...), make sure you give subordinates feedback (especially if there's a problem) and follow appropriate escalations (such as verbal feedback, verbal warning, then document, etc.).    Have fun and congratulations!

Bicycle_B

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Re: New Job Offer in IT - Questions
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2017, 11:55:44 AM »
Not sure about the details for your question, just posting to congratulate you on your progess, and on getting into (we assume) the new employer.  Former govt employee here - welcome to the club!  :)

Reading between the lines, it sounds like you may be female working in male-dominated fields.  If so, good for you.  Maybe it's ok to share the story of The Best Boss I Ever Had, aka Woman Who Leads... sounds like it is in the same zone you are.

WWL started out whacking weeds at a large complex of govt-owned buildings.  Held her own with the men, despite the flak she got... this was decades ago.  After busting her behind so to speak, became a lead, then a supervisor.  Every few years, after quietly kicking ass, she was promoted to more responsibility.  First it was two teams, then a whole department, then a division.

When I entered her domain, a department that included skilled tradespeople as well as much unskilled labor, I became more impressed day by day.  People worked hard but felt it was fair, took pride in their work, and generally kicked ass.  Unusually, most members of management (though not the The Boss, aka WWL) were people of color.  I later found out she had fought like hell to get them promoted into their positions.

Finally someone told me what happened the first day she ran the department.  Before the end of the main shift, an order went to all teams to drop tools and convene at a central point.  After everyone gathered, a supervisor stood up and apologized to their employee.  WWL had heard the supervisor disrespecting their employee and had called the drop tools order immediately, requiring the supervisor to apologize in front of the entire group.

Good luck in your new job.
« Last Edit: July 14, 2017, 11:58:53 AM by Bicycle_B »

SharkStomper

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Re: New Job Offer in IT - Questions
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2017, 07:35:40 AM »
I did something similar 4 years ago.  I was working in a copier tech/helpdesk position for a copier company and studying networking on the side as my position required quite a bit of network troubleshooting.  Think printing/scanning installation and troubleshooting of copiers at customer locations, plus we were branching out and selling helpdesk work to small businesses.

I had completed a+, net+, security+ and then got my CCNA.  About a month after I added the CCNA to my resume on Monster I started getting calls from headhunters and decided to take a position as a network engineer for an Army hospital that required relocation.  This was a huge risk as I wasn't 100% sure I could make it.

My decision was based on the fact that I could likely replace my job as a copier tech fairly easily and the upside of the career move was too good to pass up.  4 years later I make over twice what I did before.

TLDR:  Sometimes you have to take a chance.