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AIBU?

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Original poster

To give the salary as reason for leaving a job (civil service)

45 replies

GreenyBlueEyes · 03/12/2018 13:11

Hello everyone,

I am currently in a job that is not a good fit and it's making me quite unhappy and knocking my confidence so I've decided to leave. Nothing terrible has happened really, it's just a case of being in the wrong job. I've only been there for 9 months of a 3 year loan period (I'm civil service).

I've found a related role that I think will be much better in a dept that pays a lot more generously (5k pa higher) so have applied.

If i get to interview and am asked why i want to leave my current role early (apart from reasons for wanting the advertised job), would it be acceptable/ best to cite the higher salary as my reason? It is partly that. I would have some money left at the end of the month for one thing. I don't want to look flighty or a troublemaker by implicitly criticising my current position and it is a considerable rise.

Sorry if it's a silly question, I've just never moved before without it being on promotion or for another solid reason.

Thanks!

OP posts:
AmyDowdensLeftLeftShoe · 03/12/2018 13:14

Why isn't the current role a good fit?

I've never given salary as a reason to leave a job as it's a a given that you will go to a better paid role.

Isleepinahedgefund · 03/12/2018 13:16

No, I wouldn't put salary. Say you're keen for career development.

Also, how are you leaving your job early? Are you fixed term or something?

FuzzyCustard · 03/12/2018 13:17

I wouldn't give that as a primary reason. You need to show that you are really interested in the new job and have the skills to make a success of it, so it is your personal fit with the role that should be your main reason for wanting it.

You could add as an afterthought "and of course the salary (and possible benefits) is better than my current package", but I'd be pretty unimpressed by someone who was changing jobs purely for the money (even though I am sure this frequently happens!)

Seniorcitizen1 · 03/12/2018 13:19

When interviewing for new staff I would not be impressed if money was the motivation fir wanting to join my company. You need more positive reasons for wanting to move if you want the new position

Puggles123 · 03/12/2018 13:19

You could do, although surely the salary was advertised beforehand, and it makes it seem like you only want this new opportunity for the money. Even though this is the case, to release you early they probably want to see a benefit ie what you can add to the new job rather than just wanting more money. Is the new role in the civil service (by the way don’t underestimate the ‘extras’ they offer), if not you focus on why you want the new job, and don’t go in saying how rubbish your current one is.

EvaHarknessRose · 03/12/2018 13:20

Career progression.

AdamNichol · 03/12/2018 13:22

You're not looking for more money, you want more challenge, empowerment, responsibility....right?

Original poster
GreenyBlueEyes · 03/12/2018 13:23

Hi Amy I am finding it difficult to grasp. although I have had some training, I have been sat apart from the team (OH reasons) since i started and just don't feel I've got a good handle on what I am supposed be doing and what the team does.

I have addressed this to not much avail. The key seems to be speaking confidently in meetings and sounding the part and I still don't have a clue what to say.

It's also quite a bit more finance related than the description let on and that is not my area of strength. I think in short none of my previous experience or skills are very transferable to the role (it's on promotion) and I haven't been given a lot of guidance on what is expected from me. I have raised this several times and tried to increase my understanding through courses and talking to colleagues. I'm aware I sound thick here, I promise I'm not (not completely!) The job is just not for me.

OP posts:
altiara · 03/12/2018 13:25

No, I’d never say salary. The interviewer will think you’ll be trying for more jobs with even higher salaries rather than sticking with this one.
Just talk about the reasons why you want the new job, you don’t have to criticise your current job by saying this new one fits your skills and ambitions etc better.

Original poster
GreenyBlueEyes · 03/12/2018 13:29

Thanks all, yes, I would absolutely focus on the positives of the new role which is civil service as well (more closely related to an area of policy I am interested in and my past experience, regional challenges etc).

This was more about if asked why i was looking for new jobs only 9 months into this one which is a 3 year fixed term.

OP posts:
Original poster
GreenyBlueEyes · 03/12/2018 13:34

Although, I'm not sure if an interviewer would dig down much into why I was leaving early? Perhaps they'd just assume there was something wrong given I have not been there long?

OP posts:
Original poster
GreenyBlueEyes · 03/12/2018 13:35

puggles my current salary was only finalised once I'd accepted.

OP posts:
BlaaBlaaBlaa · 03/12/2018 13:41

Just say career development/progression.

spanishwife · 03/12/2018 13:44

I would say you feel you've achieved everything you can achieve in that role and there's no room for growth, so looking for a new challenge.

They wont ring up and check whether that's really true or not, and will reflect much better on you than just salary.

Di11y · 03/12/2018 13:51

tell them about the aspects of the new role that excite and interest you, perhaps say you feel it will be a better fit.

Dahlietta · 03/12/2018 13:51

I would focus on the positives of the new role and if they ask about leaving the other early say that you couldn't let the opportunity pass. Presumably you are allowed to leave your current role early so it can't be unheard of.

chocatoo · 03/12/2018 13:51

I would just say that the job you are applying for is in an area where your passion lies in terms of career development and that because it is such a good fit with the direction you want to go in, it is too good a chance to pass by. i.e. major on the good things about the new job.

Alfie190 · 03/12/2018 13:51

Agree do not mention salary. As you are only nine months into the other job, I would be tempted to say something like, the timing is unfortunate but the new role is so attractive due to (....) that you didn't want to miss it.

cjt110 · 03/12/2018 13:51

Genuinely, not meant to sound goady, by why would you care what you say to them - you're leaving. Why does it matter if you say salary?

chocatoo · 03/12/2018 13:52

Dahlietta great minds!

cjt110 · 03/12/2018 13:52

Sorry I misread that you meant what you were to tell your current employers. - ignore me

C8H10N4O2 · 03/12/2018 13:53

I don't know why people are so prissy about the money - its an entirely reasonable justification for moving jobs and one of the more common motivators for people to move. Its difficult to separate from the career progression because one tends to depend on the other.

If people think money isn't important, how far up the ladder would they want to go if their salary was frozen at base?

OP: if you want to avoid mentioning money then call it career progression but its a peculiarly British thing IME.

Original poster
GreenyBlueEyes · 03/12/2018 13:58

That's right CJT I mean what to say to the new guys Smile

OP posts:
Isleepinahedgefund · 03/12/2018 13:59

No one will think it's bad that you're leaving 9 months into a fixed term. Lots of people in Civil Service do, as fixed term is a good way to get in.

I also think you're smart to move away from a job you know doesn't suit you. There is no sense in staying and torturing yourself. Good luck with your job hunt!

Isleepinahedgefund · 03/12/2018 14:00

Oh and another thing, I'd be very surprised if they asked you why you're leaving anyway in a Civil Service interview!