What Part of "I prefer..." Don't You Understand?

preference

n 1: a strong liking [syn: penchant, predilection, taste] 2: a predisposition in favor of something; [syn: predilection, orientation] 3: the right or chance to choose [syn: druthers]

I am currently (not by preference :) looking for a new job. When I asked a friend to keep an eye out for anything that looked likely, he responded: "You do make it challenging as your skills and work preferences limit the options."

I found that odd.

I admit that my skillset (which is actually quite broad) is nevertheless rather much outside my friend's own realm. He's an long-time engineering manager, currently managing a type of product I've never worked with. I'm a technical writer and "recovering programmer" (:-), looking for full-time documentation work. The twain don't meet very often.

But, my preferences? It's true that I have a lot of them and I don't make any secret of what they are. Still, how would they limit my options (unless I choose for them to do so)?

I prefer to find work on the San Francisco Peninsula. I'm willing to consider possibilities in San Francisco or the northern reaches of San Jose.

I prefer to work with a Macintosh on my desk and Unix on a server. I'm willing to use Windows; I simply won't enjoy it (and I won't be as productive, because my productivity apps all run under Mac OS X).

I prefer a job with a technical, web-related company. I'm willing to work for practically anyone if the position is interesting.

I prefer a salary commensurate with my experience. I'm willing to work for enough to pay the mortgage, provided other considerations are right.

I prefer to find a job that will allow me to telecommute from my home office as much as possible. I'm willing to sit in a cubicle everyday but, again, I won't be as productive (and I'll be more stressed). It's your (the employer's) choice.

I do have some non-negotiable requirements. These are not preferences.

I do not travel. I won't look for work in the North Bay (or in the East Bay unless it's very convenient to public transit). I won't relocate. I'm not interested in learning Java. I won't take a 24/7 "crisis"-driven job. I have to think the job is interesting. And I won't remake myself in the image of whoever it was you wish you had hired instead.

Preferences can be negotiated. What can you offer me to make my choice go your way?