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Anyone have Saudi hospital contact you after you declined a position?

Last activity 21 July 2013 by themoe

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themoe

I am a US physician (surgical subspecialist) who was offered job in Riyadh at HMG Hospitals, but I declined due to wife's insistence. Now it's 2 weeks later and Head Recruiter at HMG emails me wanting to know if I would re-consider taking the position.

Of course, it will depend on if wife will re-consider but, aside from that, has anyone had this happen to them? How did you handle this?

I have been working with a private recruiter and he thinks that, if I want to renegotiate with the hospital, I could ask for 5% more money (equal to what I asked for originally), but he thinks that asking for a larger increase (such as 15%) would be poorly received by the Saudis and also by my physician peers, since I would be at the top of "usual" pay scales there.

I replied to him that, if the position is still unfilled, the hospital wants it filled, they want me to fill it, and they contacted me after I declined, I don't see what the big deal is asking for more money. I'm not trying to be unreasonable or seem like an "ugly American", but maybe it's the difference in thinking between Americans and Saudis concerning business deals and negotiations.

Appreciate your thoughts and experience...

Alliecat

One thing you have to realize about recruiters--they're not necessarily looking out for your best interests.  You are a dollar sign.

If he can get you to take the job for less money, it's less work for him.  If you want to ask for more and it drags out, it's MORE work for him and possibly you won't be hired. 

Bottom line is they WANT you to be hired (for as little work as possible on their part) so they get their fee.

If I were you, I'd go for what you want BUT if they agree to it, it will mean you HAVE to go (ie. you would be extremely unprofessional to renege if they meet your demands).

Good luck.

themoe

Good points... Familiar with recruiters "needs"... Will hold off initiating contact again with hospital unless wife agrees (remember all this mess recently?!)

Alliecat

I agree (and yes, I remember lol).  Good luck!

themoe

She still won't budge and she reiterated same threat. Told her it will be interesting to see how she reacts after we continue the status quo here and eventually our "financial Titanic" hits the (foreseen) iceberg...

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