The greatest positive was that everyone at the firm that I met was upbeat about how the company was turning around. The interviews were detailed and maintained a continuous focus on the needs of the CEO. It was stressed that she was “needy” and had high demands for perfection. The timing and response rate was also outstanding; there was no question about were one stood, in regards to the interviewing process.
Ms. Tilton was a great messenger of her own needs during the interview and her personality ripe with success and intentions to grow her firm even larger. She was honest and forthcoming in expressing what she truly wanted to achieve with her new assistant. It was a breath of fresh air to hear such openness by a CEO.
An offer was made verbally on a Friday after a final interview on Wednesday earlier that week. An express to get me into the office sooner rather than later was expressed though I wanted to give my current position proper notice. I started making plans based on this verbal offer that included shifting my entire life and declined two other offers.
Several days past and the written offer letter never arrived. This became an issue of concern for my family and finally I reached out. After reconsidering the CEO’s needs my verbal offer was rescinded for the reasoning that my writing was not strong enough.
Where today’s economy is without a doubt completely in favor of the employer, you should nonetheless ONLY make an offer to a candidate you are completely satisfied with; should there be any doubt, error on the side of caution and pass on that person. Do not make offers, particularly to individuals who are out-of-state, and then rescind them because of an internal afterthought.
Word travels quickly and soon your verbal commitments become circumspect, losing all value to future potential employees. In my case, I have since found out that my written skills were questioned from day one but your desire for an outstanding operations person clouded your decision making process. If you are seeking an assistant who can double as a Pulitzer Prize winner, than only interview those candidates.
My best to the firm and its management, as it was a VERY useful lesson for myself.
