Should I go through the whole interview process?

[Onlyrainbows]

Recruiter got in touch via LinkedIn. I just wanted to know what they'd offer and to benchmark my current salary, which surprisingly is not that competitive (recruiter is offering a 40% pay increase).

Last week my role was close to being my manager's deputy (director role) and I would love to have her role one day.

So I think if I play my cards right once she gets promoted (or leaves) I would just inherit her role.

Of course one side of me is greedy and thinks that the pay increase is worth it, and I feel a bit hesitant about that. But would it be a massive waste of time if I'm not necessarily interested in this role the recruiter is offering to me?

It's never going to be a waste of time to find out what else is out there.

Could you go for the job with the pay increase and keep an eye on vacancies at your current company? Is your manager thinking of leaving or retiring soon that you're aware of? If I wasn't being paid competitively I wouldn't be hanging around in case someone else leaves. If and when she does, they might restructure or recruit someone else. If you're happy where you are then fine but I wouldn't recommend waiting just in case your boss's job becomes vacant.

They seem to promote people within 12-18 months. She's only been here for 9-10 months (I've been six) BUT everyone loves her and AFAIK I'm usually seen as her deputy.

40% isn't to be sniffed at.

Maybe have a meeting with your manager about your progression in your current company. If you've been there 6 months I'm guessing its around your probation end time so could be a good point to ask.

Obv don't ask 'when are you leaving so I can have your job, then??' but it might give you a better idea whether it's worth hanging around and whether promotion opportunities are likely to come up reasonably soon for you.

After tax it would be £1500 monthly increase so it's definitely tempting. It is good time as I'll have my probation convo fairly soon.

Is your bosses pay >40% higher than yours?

is there high staff turnover? Seems odd she’s not been there long, you even less and you’re seen as deputy.

internal pay rises are generally harder to negotiate than external ones. You could always go then apply for her job if she ever moves and it becomes available

I don't know exactly how much she gets paid, but I would assume she makes 2x as much? She manages 30+ across different sub-teams and countries.

There is some staff turnover but not within my team. My team as a whole is "newish" and thus why we haven't been here that long.