If I chase up a potential employer?

[HoobleDooble]

I went for an interview 2 weeks ago, it went well, and I was short listed for a 2nd interview and skills test, which I attended last Tuesday (9 days ago). As I left they double-checked they'd got my reference details, and I felt quite positive about it. I REALLY want the job as it's perfect in terms of hours, salary, and location.

I've now seen a vacancy for my job I left when I went on maternity, I left on good terms and have since had a glowing reference from them. The reason I didn't go back is I wanted a couple of years with my DS, and it's quite a commute.

The post has been advertised as full-time, but I am considering emailing my ex-boss and asking if they'd be flexible on this for someone with experience.

I don't really want to do this until I've heard from the 'perfect' interview though, as I'd rather not have the commute if I have the choice, but don't want to mess my former employer around if they say ok, then I hear I've got the other job.

Would I look pushy if I chased the local job up? I don't know if they're chasing references or I just haven't got the job.

Just ask them. It is more than fair enough.

No, I don't think you'd look pushy, as long as you phrase it right. Just email/phone, explain that you've been offered a potential opportunity with another organisation but don't want to mess them about, and ask if they have a time-frame for when they make their final selection. If anything it would make you look like what you are, a conscientious person and a good asset.

I'd chase it up but make sure to say something like thanks again for the opportunity- I was wondering if you had reached a final decision. Did they say how long it would be? Bigger organisations can take forever

I would definitely enquire about your old job. You're not commiting yourself to anything, just finding out if they would consider having you back. And now they have advertised I think they are obliged to carry out interviews so it would be a while before you got an offer from them.

That's a no-brainer -follow up! It's a pain to hire people, they'll use whatever "easy" criteria they have to make a decision. This is one of them.

Thanks everyone, turns out I didn't get the local job anyway, got an email early yesterday afternoon before I had the chance to contact them. Bit gutted BUT have emailed my old boss and she seems interested, she said she'd thought of me when they advertised but didn't know if I'd be interested in longer hours than I'm doing now.

That's a shame about the local job. I really hope you are able to sort something out with your old boss. Good luck!