Potential new job - unprofessional behaviour?

[chorltonwheelies]

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.

Take it!

Always easier to get a job from a job.

They obviously liked you and wanted you in their organisation

Well done .. I think you should take up the offer

Definitely take it! I was in a similar situation a year ago, and they didn't choose me, but liked me enough to create a new role for me so I'd already have my foot in the door when a 'proper' position opened up. I'm now in a role completely different to the one I applied for, but it's tailored to my strengths and interests and I couldn't be happier!

Whilst you are disappointed you did not get the job you went for, how flattering that they concocted one for you. As long as the Ts and Cs are acceptable to you I would take it. A good opportunity, flattering.

Thanks everyone.

Hopefully I am going to take it. It’s just I had my heart set on the FT role along with the money, not more PT work which means a bit more juggling in terms of my other portfolio.

However yes, I would be silly not to take it and I suspect what has happened is that they may have negotiated down on the successful candidate salary in other to open this up.

Why don't you do this role full time for x days and freelance full days x days per week and be full time that way?

Not sure I'd take this alternative job. Especially as you will be reporting to successful candidate who doesn't have your specialism. Watch you don't end up doing the job while she gets paid. I think it's a bit underhand and cheeky of this firm to do this. Do what suits you. And have no qualms about leaving when something better comes up.

LIke pp have said, if t’s & c’s are agreeable and it fits in well enough with your life & commitments generally then I would probably take it. It breaks the career break if nothing else and you can build up some extra experience then look for something else.

I had a 10 year employment gap when I stayed at home with my children. I volunteered in various different roles for that entire time, but when it came to getting back into paid work that meant absolutely nothing. I managed to get a part time job in an area totally different from what I thought I would doing when I went back to work, and I was really unsure about taking the job because it meant juggling childcare over school holidays (I’m a teacher, this is not a teaching job). I ended up taking the 3 month part time contract contract they initially offered me, which has been extended several times over the last year and in the last recruitment process at work I had enough new experience which I could talk to at interview that I was ranked most meritorious and could be picky about my job conditions moving forward. I love what I do but if you’d told me a year ago that I would be doing this I would have laughed at you as it’s so different from what I’ve done in the past. Take this opportunity, refresh and expand your skills and see where it takes you.