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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I should forget about this job offer

24 replies

user1496429410 · 03/06/2017 09:52

I went for a job at my local council. It's a large organisation. With 19,000 employees.

From applying to the interview it took 2 and a half months! Then when I had the interview I was told I'd hear back on a specific day. It was another week before I got told I'd got the job. I was delighted! In my excitement I didn't ask when I can expect the written job offer and the interviewer just said I would received a written job offer in the post.

After two weeks I still had nothing. I thought I'd better check that it hadn't been lost in the post but I've contacted HR twice now and had no reply.

It's been a month now and nothing.

Is it time to give up and start looking for other jobs?

OP posts:
biscuitbasket · 03/06/2017 09:55

That's sounds familiar. I got my written contract 3 months after I started work! (Wonder if it's the same council)

Can you contact the dept that interviewed you to confirm start date?

Original poster
user1496429410 · 03/06/2017 09:58

What takes so long?

I guessed all the admin side of things would have to be done once the offer is received as I have to complete a health questionnaire and DBS check.

They already have my references. Don't know if they've already contacted them or if they will bother as I'm known to the interviewers professionally.

I don't mind waiting at all. As long as I know the written offer is definitely coming!

OP posts:
Original poster
user1496429410 · 03/06/2017 09:58

I'm only allowed started after my written offer.

OP posts:
inkydinky · 03/06/2017 10:01

I'd chase it. It can be similar in the NHS and it infuriates me when I offer people jobs but the admin process (nothing to do with me) takes so long that by the time the paperwork is sorted they've gone elsewhere!

Sciurus83 · 03/06/2017 10:13

This isn't unusual, but call the vacancy manager and ask about a start date

Original poster
user1496429410 · 03/06/2017 10:14

In my field I wouldn't be able to start until after the written offer.

I would have to complete a DBS check and health questionnaire which is included in th written offer.

So no start date will be confirmed yet.

OP posts:
Original poster
user1496429410 · 03/06/2017 10:14

I don't mind waiting. But I'm unemployed at the moment and don't want to wait weekend for nothing.

OP posts:
BillSykesDog · 03/06/2017 10:27

With a council I would assume it's red tape. I'd keep on looking, but wouldn't assume it was gone.

Faithsock · 03/06/2017 10:36

Things move very slowly in the civil service and security checks etc. can take an age. Also, if it was half term last week where you live, they were probably very short staffed. I'd be inclined to ring and chivvy things along a bit early next week if I were you. Good luck! x

Original poster
user1496429410 · 03/06/2017 11:48

So what happens between verbal offer and written offer?

OP posts:
reluctantlondoner · 03/06/2017 11:49

This is very common. Keep chasing! I am sure it is on its way... (VERY slowly).

HunterHearstHelmsley · 03/06/2017 11:50

I'd just carry on looking as though you haven't got the job.

Auspiciouspanda · 03/06/2017 12:03

Completely normal for the council. Why on the other hand I have no clue.

Original poster
user1496429410 · 03/06/2017 12:25

Oh dear! Guess I will just wait it out.

OP posts:
fiorentina · 03/06/2017 12:30

Do you seriously want to work somewhere with such slow processes and poor admin. Red tape can be very frustrating to work within if you start the role? You maybe a lot more patient than I am though!

Jellybean85 · 03/06/2017 12:54

I work for a local authority, I still
Remember the dates as it was so frustrating.
My interview was November 13th, I started February 8th!
However once I got started it was great! Been here ever since.
Still no idea what the hold up was but doesn't seem unusual

Leanback · 03/06/2017 12:59

When I started working for the council I applied in September, was offered the job in November and didn't start till January.

Jellycatspyjamas · 03/06/2017 13:10

Yep I work for a local authority, interview in February, offer at the end of March and started in mid-June.

Leanback · 03/06/2017 13:22

DBS checks can take up to three months. If you've had one done recently for another role it is usually less though.

Original poster
user1496429410 · 03/06/2017 14:29

I have a DBS check that's still valid but would need one for this job. They don't have my information yet to actually process anything though.

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 03/06/2017 16:34

These seem fairly typical timescales for public sector recruitment. The late Easter, followed by the May bank holidays won't have helped. Lots of people on leave, no chain of command. This is just one of the many thinks that startled me going from private to public sector.

deste · 03/06/2017 17:22

I interviewed for a job with the council in The July and started work in the January. I only knew I had the job when I was given a date for training even though I hadn't had an actual job offer.

Lariflete · 03/06/2017 17:29

DH was headhunted by our local council in January (he already worked with them on certain projects) and didn't start until the end of April!
This is despite the fact, they didn't need references or security checks (as they'd all been done when he started contracting for them). Then, when he did get there, they 'hadn't had time' to sort out a desk for him! Got to love an easygoing work environment Grin

Sn0tnose · 03/06/2017 17:34

I work in the public sector. It was six months between applying and starting, so it's not unusual. Congratulations by the way.

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