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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Potential new job - unprofessional behaviour?

109 replies

chorltonwheelies · 08/01/2018 20:58

Name-changed as this could be outing. Sorry if long, trying not to drip-feed. Posting this on Monday eves.

I applied for a job which was advertised nationally in November. Closing date was 19th Nov. No agency involved. I've been out of formal FT work for 9 years & freelance, but knew I was more than qualified for this, even though it appears high-level (Job has Director in the title).

The advert said that the interviews would take place 4th Dec and the position would start early in the New Year.

I applied, really wanting the job. Perfect time, perfect salary, perfect opportunity.

They called me for interview, on the 5th December. I didn't think I'd performed as well as I could so was really pleased when they got back to me and called me to 2nd stage interview, which was on Thursday.

Interview was a presentation to a panel of 9 and then a 1-1 with Chairman.

I thought it all went quite well & Chairman told me that they would let me know the next day (Friday) as he understood given my freelance work, I'd need to know sooner rather than later. (If I got the job I'd need to give up my freelance work as there would be a conflict).

I get a phonecall at 5.30pm on Friday telling me that it's just a holding call, they are really sorry but they haven't come to a decision yet, the decision will be made Monday.

I've been on tenterhooks all day sat by the phone, I can't stress how much I want this job, everything about it seems to just 'fit', I really like the organisation and know that I could do such a great job and furthermore really enjoy it too.

Anyway. The feckers haven't rung. I'm presuming it's a no. AIBU to think it's really rude of them not to ring me. Should I ring them tomorrow? They have my email address and have done most of the correspondence via email. It's not hard to ring or email someone with a no, is it, or are they just going to send me a polite letter via snail mail?

I've been out of the workplace for 9 years, so perhaps not up to speed with current practice. . I don't feel entitled to the job, I know they don't have to tell me, but AIBU to feel that this is bad behaviour, as well as feeling a bit crushed by it all.

I've been emotionally invested in this job since November, I had the presentation hanging over me all over Christmas, so surely it wouldn't have hurt to let me know? Meh.

OP posts:
whiskyowl · 09/01/2018 17:11

That's really poor.

Supermagicsmile · 09/01/2018 17:34

That's very poor!!

LemonysSnicket · 09/01/2018 18:09

Took my current job nearly 4 weeks to offer me an interview ( after lengthy application and telephone interview) and the. Another week after interview to get the offer. I think recruitment takes bloody ages sometimes.

Viviennemary · 09/01/2018 18:21

I said earlier a couple of days was fine. But this is really cheeky of them keeping people hanging on like this. You just have to keep your fingers crossed if you still want the job.

DailyMailareDicks · 09/01/2018 18:22

I'm in a similar position waiting for the phone to ring. Was verbally told they wanted to offer me a different position to the one I interviewed for. But it's not signed off yet.

So I have to keep looking and today have been asked to interview for 2 similar paid roles. One is 1.30 hrs away the other local. Further one has better title and more strategic involvement, closer one is a bit of a step back for what I do but pay is still great and similar to other one. Heart and head both say stay local. My bank balance says hit the road! But I don't want either if they other one would just call me!!!

HPandBaconSandwiches · 09/01/2018 20:09

Are you sure you want to work for a company that is quite so disorganised? It’s really not on to do that to people.

mygrandchildrenrock · 09/01/2018 21:00

I had to wait about 5 weeks to be told I was being seriously considered, then another 2 weeks to be told I'd got the job. I then spent 5 wonderful years in the Caribbean with that job.
Some jobs are worth waiting for!

halfwitpicker · 09/01/2018 21:06

So they've offered it to someone else who is stalling.

Or they're incompetent and can't decide.

Fuckers.

bananamonkey · 09/01/2018 21:28

I was offered a job on Friday that I interviewed for at the beginning of November! Sometimes there are internal discussions and HR hoops that delay things, hope you hear soon.

TheRealKimmySchmidt63 · 09/01/2018 22:42

Wtf! You're expected to wait all week now? How awful! Glad they rang to explain tho

Rainatnight · 10/01/2018 14:44

I think people are really over-reacting. It's not cheeky, they've let you know what's happening, sometimes this just happens with senior hires.

sinceyouask · 10/01/2018 14:52

Do you really want to work there? Doesn't this give you a negative impression of them? It would put me off.

HamishBamish · 10/01/2018 14:55

I'm heavily involved in the recruitment process and 9 times out of 10 the delay is due negotiations of terms with another candidate (sorry). If it's a Director level job it can take a considerable period of time to negotiate terms and also follow-up on references, especially at this time of year. That said, I could be wrong.

I would say never say never OP. At the very least they gave you positive feedback which is no mean feat after 9 years out of the FT job market!

Amelia1909 · 10/01/2018 15:25

Think positive thoughts. Good luck!!

DailyMaileatmyshit · 10/01/2018 16:02

I work in the public sector and it can take weeks to get a job offer, it's not indecision or disorganisation but process and red tape.

Mosaic123 · 10/01/2018 16:14

So you still have a chance? That's great.

If you do get offered you can politely ask for an extra day or two on their preferred start date to make arrangements. For example start in the middle of a week so that DS only has half a week at nursery to start with.

Branleuse · 10/01/2018 16:29

good luck x

blueshoes · 10/01/2018 16:33

It is telling that they did not give a particular reason why you are being asked to wait. You may very well be their second choice. They take the risk you have another offer in the meantime but they like you enough to keep you warm if the first declines.

They are treating you decently by keeping you 'updated'. Keep interviewing - this is the game you have to play.

Original poster
chorltonwheelies · 10/01/2018 19:14

I was told that they were “trying to decide between apples & pears.” Suspect the panel is split but I do feel a lot better about it, even if I don’t get it because it doesn’t feel so personal.

My specialism is x, whereas the other person’s strength is y, so it’s just a case of who is the better fit.

Hoping & praying it’s me! 😀

But thanks for support/advice. I feel really empowered to go after something else if this doesn’t come off. I used to be high-powered but having a career break for DC has massively sapped my self-confidence.

OP posts:
Original poster
chorltonwheelies · 11/01/2018 14:37

I didn’t get it Sad

However they liked me enough to offer me a different part time job which they have made up on the back of a fag packet. No idea what the salary is or the Ts & Cs or what the remit would be. Reporting to the successful candidate who has absolutely no experience in my specialism Confused

OP posts:
blueshoes · 11/01/2018 14:47

OP, congrats on the job offer Smile

It is not what you envisaged. Unless you have other irons in the fire, my advice to anyone returning from a long career gap is that the first job will not be perfect - it might be temporary/maternity cover, different sector or not the right area or company. Just take it to reinvent yourself. 6 months to one year later, it will be much easier to get a more suitable job. In interviews, you will be talking about real life recent relevant experience, not your CV gap or what you did 9 years ago.

Clearly this job requires both apples and oranges skill set. Take it and learn from your manager, as he will from you. It will be another string to your bow and make you more marketable.

Play it cool in the negotiations on T & Cs and continue to interview. Sound slightly disappointed and ask them to suggest a fair starting salary. I suspect Mr Apple cannot do the job without Ms Orange and they will have to go out to the market again if you decline.

waterrat · 11/01/2018 15:18

OP- look at it this way - it's very impressive that they wanted you so much they have made up a job for you. Take it and wow them and you might find you are glad you got a different role - life turns out unexpectedly sometimes.

It might be eaier for you to move back into work part time with small kids anyway (from your own perspective) and if the other person isn't great they might move on and you will get the job in the end anyway.

It does sound as though they think your skills are needed to complement those of the person who got the main job. Don't be bitter - it's pointless and will wear you down - accept you weren't the best personf or the role for now but you massively impressed them (even more impressive after years as a freelance as i know myself)

Branleuse · 11/01/2018 15:58

Dont cut off your nose to spite your face. You had a big ol' career gap and this is your way back in. I bet theyll promote you if youre as good as you say, which im sure you are. Congrats on the job offer x

MintCassis · 11/01/2018 16:24

I'd take the job they've offered if you think it's something you'd enjoy. I was in a similar situation a few months ago - applied for a job with a part-time permanent contract and didn't get it but they created a temporary 6 month post for me. I've just been given a full-time permanent contract.

They obviously like you and whilst this job isn't the one you had hoped for, it will allow you to demonstrate your strengths and potential so that when a promotion comes along you stand a good chance of getting it.

Good luck whatever you decide :)

blueshoes · 11/01/2018 16:35

There is a bit of a reality check coming back from a long break.

Before the break 9 years ago, you might have been the young star that every company was courting and grooming for the fast track. Those people who stayed on that track are now interviewing you for a more junior role. You might not think your competition is your equal but if he does not have a long gap, he would still be your boss even if he started junior or equal to you.

This is going to happen a lot when you have been out of the workplace for a long time. You will be managed by people younger and less experienced (life or otherwise) than you.

'tis the real world.

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