Not sure I did the right thing

[LuckyTheDog]

So, here's the deal. I have been trying to get interviewed at this place that I know is trying to fill a job. But, so far as I know, they have not interviewed anyone yet. So, I asked around. From what I heard, the organization is going back and forth about what kind of person they want, and that has been holding up the screening of the applicants. According to one source, they don't know what kind of experience -- or how much -- they want the new hire to have.

Here is what I did. I happen to know that the job in question is vital and should not stay vacant for long. But I also know that organizations can get frozen by indecision for months and months in cases like this. So, tonight, I passed it along to an acquaintance there that I would be willing to be hired on an interim basis, while the organization assesses its long-term needs.

My thinking was that, because I am now unemployed, I really don't have anything to lose by accepting a three-to-six-month contract position -- and that the organization might hire me quickly if it was on a "try before you buy" basis.

The problem here is that now I don't know if I'll come off as too desperate.

[NYC_SKP]

1. Based on the limited information provided,

There is only a small chance that they'd choose to reach the conclusion that you're desperate.

Less judgmental types might more likely see it as motivated, eager, or some other positive attribute.

And, depending upon the industry/job, taking this initiative could be viewed as a real positive behavior.

[LuckyTheDog]

2. I hope you are right

My thinking is that a lot of people there know me and I know them. If they don't know what they want in that job, they might at least feel comfortable allowing me to keep the wheels turning until they figure it out.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. That was how I got a job as an Editor

at a major magazine many years ago... it can work

[LuckyTheDog]

4. The one good thing about being unemployed

Is that it frees me up to take a few risks. I'm also talking to a guy about starting a local news/information Web site.

[petronius]

5. I think it's probably a good move, hopefully they'll conclude that you have

the best interests of the orgnaization at heart even before you work there. The downside possibility is, if they're so bad at making decisions, you might become the 'permanent temp', with no security, limited pay/benefits, and a lack of upward mobility. If you accept the job on that basis, there needs to be a serious deadline...

Good luck!