Not sure I’ve posted in the right place, but I’d appreciate some advice.
I recently took up a role as Finance Director at a company (started six weeks ago). In doing so, I accepted a slight pay cut (c. 5%). Unfortunately, I feel I was materially mis-sold the role during the interview process in several ways:
- I knowingly joined as the number two in the team, but was told there would be a transition plan for the current lead over 3–6 months, as they were moving into another internal role. That internal move has since fallen through, meaning I will remain number two for significantly longer than I would be willing to.
- The team I am inheriting is materially different from what was described. Between accepting the role and starting, two members of my UK team (1/3 of the team) were made redundant, with the work offshored to India. I had no involvement in this decision. I am also being told that I need to make further cuts.
- There is a culture of bullying within the team, which has resulted in the lowest employee satisfaction scores in the company.
- I was told I would be eligible for a pro-rata bonus and pay rise. In reality, there have been no pay rises at my seniority level for three years, and the pro-rata bonus is not guaranteed. Given that I took a pay cut and forfeited my bonus at my previous employer by handing in my notice, I feel particularly misled by this.
I became aware of a couple of these issues before even starting. By that point, my replacement had already been hired and it was too late to reverse my decision, so I started submitting job applications immediately.
My dilemma is this. I have been interviewing with another company and the process is now at an advanced stage. When I applied, I had not yet started at my current employer, so this role does not appear on my CV or application. Someone I know that works in HR advised me to keep quiet about my current situation until the opportunity had real traction, on the basis that there was nothing to disclose unless it progressed.
Now that all interviews have been completed, is this the point at which I should inform the company I am interviewing with about my current role, before a decision is made, or should I wait until a formal offer is received?
In any case, it will come to light during employment verification checks, so I assume I will need to disclose it at some stage. I’d welcome views on the timing and best approach.