What would you do in this situation? Interview/ job dilemma

[tensmumllaf]

I applied for a job at my dream company for a really interesting role, only thing is it’s a FTC contract (I’m currently in a permanent role) I really didn’t think I’d get an interview but they asked me for a phone number interview and then followed up on the same day with a second interview a few hours later and now I’ve been asked for a face to face interview next week.

After initially thinking maybe I could do a year here as would be incredible on my CV I don’t think I’m brave enough to give up a permanent role for FTC, and also I’m not unhappy where I am it’s just roles doing what I do don’t come up that often which is why I applied.

So my question is what do I do now? I don’t want to piss them off as if a permanent role came up then I’d jump at the chance to work there so I want to exit the process on a positive note. So should I do this now or go to the face to face and see what happens then (obviously no idea how many people they’re interviewing or what will happen post then).

Thank you

Of course do the face to face interview. When it’s your turn to ask questions, raise your concerns and say that you would love this role and what are the chances of it going permanent et ? Always good to meet people inside your dream company and leave a good impression. Exiting now won’t leave a good impression

Go for the interview. If offered the role ask Qs about the duration of contract and prospects for a longer contract, then decide.

I think it helps to be honest in these situations, as part of the negotiations. Go to the f2f and ask what the pattern of employment is for this role. Do they renew ftcs frequently?

It would be stressful to leave FT employment for a job that could dry up in a year if your family depends on your income.

So we have tonnes of contractors.
Go for the interview and ask about possibilities to convert to FTE.

Also once you have visibility on pay you may change your mind our contractors were paid a disgustingly high amount.

Sorry just to be clear it’s a maternity contract.

It rather depends on your personal and financial circumstances op

Go to the interview, and decide when you meet them if it would be worth leaving your permanent employment for. If they offer you the job you can always say no, thank you - you have realised the opportunity is not right for you. The interview is for you to get to know them as well as vice versa.

I know people who got a permanent role out of a mat contract. A large company has options and sometimes people don’t return after mat leave. If it’s a big step up for you, it’s worth taking a 1 year contract sometimes. Only you can decide this based on your lifestyle, bills and pay. But exiting now is a mistake. You might not even get an offer but you will leave the impression of a time waster.

They’re fine, it’s just the job market isn’t great at the moment and it’s a big risk but could also be an incredible opportunity.

What would happen in the worst case scenario? Could you cope financially? Could you just pick up some temping? Are you giving up a generous package?

I got my dream job out of a maternity contract. It's probably more common than you think - even if the person does come back she may come back on reduced hours etc.

Thanks all, so consensus seems to be go to next interview.

WRT to taking a maternity role and giving up my permanent role another massive thing is my age, I’m quite old and it’s just doesn’t seem to be so easy to find things (despite having great experience). Also another reason I was surprised to get an interview at this company.

What is "quite old?" and would this role help to put you in a good light for future jobs?

I’m in my fifties

Its a risk - to leave a permanent job for a contract position, I did contract work for a while, girls always return after maternity breaks as they should if they wish, most companies support a flexible approach - personally I would not do this, with everyone’s bills rising most people have to work, it could take you a while to find your next job when the contract ends, you may have little choice over the job option and salary.

To be honest having a permanent contract isn't any guarantee of long-term job security. You could walk in on Monday and find a restructure was planned and your job wasn't in it.

Go for the interview.

Given that you are in your 50s, I really wouldn't give up permanent full-time job. It's far too risky.

Doesn’t really help

because if your financial circumstances were such that if the contract was not made permanent / extended but you / your family wouldn’t “suffer” and you’d be able to have time to look for another role - then yes, taking the risk makes sense

but if you this scenario playing out but you / your family would experience hardship as a result - then no, don’t take the risk

How long though? 6 months? A year?

I did an 18m maternity cover contract for a major UK charity. I was told at interview it would lead to a permanent role.

It didnt. I was absolutely gutted for a while but actually I found a similar permanent role within 4 weeks which suits me far better.

The FTC really opened doors for me.

Is it a big organisation where, once you're in, there will be other opportunities?

Or is the maternity cover the one and only role you'd be interested in and/or is the only one of its type in the business?

Girls? Do you work with teenagers?

Thanks all - I'm going to assume it will be for the FTC only which is a year. Were I a younger woman then I'd probably be a bit more relaxed about it taking a FTC contract, or if I weren't already on a permanent contract.

Go to the interview and then, if they offer it to you, have a discussion about likely long term prospects.

The only time I'd say don't even interview is if you had an existing and good Final Salary pension with your current employer.