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Second thoughts about job interview

19 replies

Jumblebee · 03/09/2019 08:07

I'm really sorry, posting here for traffic as I desperately need some opinions!

Current role is call centre based, finance, great company who are flexible with hours and I'm able to do 2 long days (1 is a Saturday). I don't see any career progression in a call centre but would like to move to a customer facing role.

I returned to my job on a part time basis after maternity with my second child, I've been back about 6 months now. The plan was to stay in my current role and hours until she was 3 and qualified for 30 free hours before looking for something new. But at work we are never really busy like we were before I went on maternity, I have been taken out one of the phone lines which has halfed my work load and there is only so much colouring in I can do between calls! I'm getting frustrated because I want to take on a new challenge and think about my own career.

Even though the plan is to stay for a further 18 months I browse job websites occasionally just to see what is out there and found an admin/secretary job with a company that sound amazing! I applied not thinking I would stand a chance as I don't have any experience, was invited to complete a written assessment and have an interview on Thursday.

After crunching the numbers I am torn about whether to go ahead with the interview.

Pros:
-Customer faced role not call centre based
-Company sound amazing, they seem to really care about their staff and their job advert was so different to what I normally see

  • More holiday, close for 2 weeks over Christmas (I have never had a job that is closed for Christmas!)
-Gain experience in admin which I think would be really valuable -Work Monday, Tuesday and one other weekday I am allowed to pick so I would get my Saturday back and more time to spend with older DD

Cons:
-When working out the monthly wage although it is higher and more hours, due to childcare costs tripling we would only be slightly better off financially. We get help with tax credits but I fear the calculator is always too generous and when we switch to universal credit we will be worse off. (This will be for the next 18 months until DD turns 3 and then the 30 free hours will hopefully help!)
-I'm worried that I will be crap at the job!
-slightly longer commute with higher transport costs
-kids will be in full childcare from 7:30 until 6pm 3 days a week, long days for them and stressful morning routine which at the moment we only have to do once a week. There is a chance we could ask my partners sister to babysit one day a week but I have been reluctant to rely on family for fixed childcare due to various problems that can cause (and she already does so much for us already!)

Basically I need to decide whether I should still go for the interview if I'm having doubts about the job. If by some miracle they made me a job offer, I would be torn about accepting due mainly to the financial aspect. With this new job and us potentially being worse off I'm having serious doubts as we already struggle financially. I'm worried if I did get a job offer it would then look unprofessional if I turned it down. I don't want to waste their time.

But at the same time it could be an amazing new step, we could suck it up for the next 18 months until free hours kick in and then be more comfortable.

It's pretty much the right job at the wrong time, so please wise mumsnetter, any guidance for my ramblings? Blush

OP posts:
EskewedBeef · 03/09/2019 08:11

Go for the interview, find out more about the job and the company and see if you're still keen.

Jumblebee · 03/09/2019 08:15

Eskewed thank you! That's what my DP has said. I know interview practise is valuable to have. I don't even know why I'm talking like I am guaranteed an offer when I have zero experience, I'm worrying about all the what ifs (probably for nothing!!)

OP posts:
Ainsl · 03/09/2019 08:17

Go for the interview!! The pro's outweigh the cons in my opinion. Wait and see if you get it before panicking about the logistics. Good luck!

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RainOrSun · 03/09/2019 08:26

Go for the interview. I think you will regret it if you dong find out more.

Jumblebee · 05/09/2019 08:28

Well I'm on my way to the interview and my glasses broke walking to the bus stop. I think it's an omen Shock

Not sure how well I'll interview without being able to see but I'm going to find out!

OP posts:
Rollerbird · 05/09/2019 08:31

Good luck.
👍

tectonicplates · 05/09/2019 08:32

Any chance they'd be an optician nearby? They can often do an emergency repair.

thekingfisher · 05/09/2019 08:34

you need to think long term - this is a progression step and your kids wont be tiny for ever.... You will be building valuable skills in what sounds like a really progressive business ! in 10 years time this role could be the one that puts you onto a great career path. with a much greater earning potential. Good Luck Go for it !

Jumblebee · 05/09/2019 08:43

Thank you!

I had a look on Google maps and the nearest optician is a bus ride to 6he city centre so I won't have time to make it there and back.

I'm just going to let them know and apologise if I squint at them. I've already made not such a great impression when they called to offer me the interview and my DD answered the phone Blush luckily the lady I spoke to found it funny so I'm hoping they won't be too unimpressed with my wonky vision.

OP posts:
Jumblebee · 05/09/2019 08:45

thekingfisher I know you're right, my current role doesn't offer any progression and i'm getting itchy feet and feeling frustrated (it's not very busy at the moment and there is only so much colouring in I can do in-between calls before I lose my mind)

Positive thoughts, positive thoughts

OP posts:
ShirleyPhallus · 05/09/2019 08:52

Good luck OP! Agree on thinking about this in longer term view

Jumblebee · 05/09/2019 11:03

Well I think I screwed that up royally Sad

I did ok in a couple of the competency based questions but there were some in there that I didn't even think of and I had no scenarios I could use, I just ended up whittering on about what I would do in the situation.

I should here back by the end of the day to see if I get a second interview but I'm not too optimistic!

OP posts:
Alwaysgrey · 05/09/2019 11:07

The thing is you went and tried. You pushed yourself. And if it doesn’t come off you’ll know more for next time.

QforCucumber · 05/09/2019 11:39

Oh thinking good thoughts.

Look at it the other way - yes it would be a financial push but its ONLY for 18 months (maybe 17 by the time notice is worked) and then you'll be fine.

Jumblebee · 05/09/2019 16:11

Just got the call, I didn't get the second interview.

Had a little cry and now I'm going to brush myself off and keep going.

OP posts:
Groovee · 05/09/2019 16:54

Well done for going and trying. Interview experience is valuable in helping you develop your skills for further interviews x

thekingfisher · 09/09/2019 17:58

@Jumblebee thats disappointing - but great experience even in terms of what you fluffed - it will help prepare you for the next one. Well Done for going through with it and better luck next time

Chilver · 09/09/2019 18:02

Well done for going, good experience and now should also give you a better idea of what your wants and needs are? Agree with pp that your children wont be small forever so this k long term and if the right job comes up, go for it having gained this interview experience.

TakemedowntoPotatoCity · 09/09/2019 18:11

I had four interviews before summer, and didn't get offered one of them. :( it is disheartening, but you did really well in even going and having a go. Have a dry and dust yourself off. You will do better each time and one day the right job will come along. That's what I tell myself!

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