To think this is a red flag?

[Confused1275]

Hi, I’ve name changed incase details are outing.

I work for a company and have been asked if I would like to move department. Moving department is not at all uncommon in my job. It would still be the same job and same pay but as it is a different department it is more experience and works out better career wise.

(Think of it like if you worked in a department store as a sales assistant in shoes and then were moved to clothing- it would still be the same job just different area. Although I don’t work in a department store, an office)

Anyway my issue is the role they want me to go into has an extremely fast turnover of staff. Two people have been in and out of the position in the last three months. The department is just the manager and the role they want me to fill. The person who originally worked the role before these two was promoted out of it.

The first employee was hired and then two weeks later handed in her notice as she said she was moving away, worked a months notice and left after six weeks. This makes me a bit about if this reason was true or not as why would she take a job knowing she was going to be moving? Her replacement only worked two weeks where he then handed in his notice with immediate effect and said working was having an impact on his health. I assume the reason why they are now hiring internally is so the next person doesn’t leave but now I’m questioning if this is a huge red flag that something is going on in that department (ie the manager) or a coincidence? The department is in a different building so I don’t know anyone to ask. The job is also quite hard to get into, taking multiple job interviews over a period of time and you have to be well qualified with experience so it’s not something you usually see people walking away from easily.

YABU- not a red flag, probably a coincidence. Make the move
YANBU- a red flag, don’t move you’ll end up regretting it

If you hate the job/manager would you be able to transfer to another role?

Yeah tbh I would be wary. I've no idea how you go about digging with this one though. Would your old job be held open for a period of time (like a secondment)?

Can you email the person who used to do the job that's still in your company? I'd think it would be perfectly acceptable for you to say you're thinking of applying for the job they used to do and can they give you some more info about what it was like.

Two people leaving in quick succession could be a red flag or it could just be bad luck - it's not uncommon for people to start a new job and decide almost straight away that it's not for them.

This would be a massive red flag for me and I would certainly do some more research with people who have worked there and left. Also could you come up with a credible reason for not wanting to move - one which does not reflect badly on the company or your future career path?

You really do need to watch your back on this one. Someone may be setting you up as the fall guy/gal

The management may be using you, and would probably provide no support if this other person was impossible to work with.

They will know people don't want to stay in that position.

If it's in a different building, looks like you'd be on your own if problems do occur.

I wouldn't take this job.

Might be interesting to know what the job is (though maybe outing)

Only being able to hang on to a job for 2 weeks, however it maybe the individual's fault. Each of the times of have worked somewhere some one has failed their probation, that person has had a number of issues.

I think it would help to know what the job is too.

The job would probably be outing. However you have to have a very specific degree to do the job (ie you couldn’t just fall into it you are required to do x degree) so these people knew what the job would entail. I also did a little digging and they had both worked in the same role at different companies before so my head is telling me that it’s not the role they had difficulty with. It’s either a massive coincidence or the manager very hard work.

I don’t think my job will be held open as I work in a department a lot of people would like to work in so I imagine someone will request to transfer into my role. I’d only be able to transfer out if someone got promoted or left and they decided not to internally hire.

If you're happy where you are then personally I wouldn't take the proposed job in those circumstances. Especially without an exit back to your current role available.

Might be coincidence, but is it worth the risk?

Following your update, no, I wouldn't take the job. It could well be a problem with the manager.

No,
I wouldn't accept.
Definitely red flag.
You will obviously be working very closely with the manager as there is only the two of you and the employee leaving for their "health" is an enormous red flag.

Don't do it.

Go and talk to the person that previously did the role that is still working for the same company.
Failing that, can you contact the other person on LinkedIn?

Lots of research to do, which you as an internal candidate are well placed to carry out.

Chat/interview with potential new manager, their manager, existing manager and their manager, key members of new team, anyone you can contact who used to work there

Purpose would be to find out what the real issues are and to what extent changing those things would be within your control.

What support you would have from higher up and your potential new team, both would ideally be good. Especially to understand the culture and what would be expected from you, and decide for yourself whether that is the kind of challenge you would enjoy, is it the kind of time where you would shine?

Be very clear about would be expected of you and what resources will be available to make your ideas reality. And include an realistic time frame for a pay rise / promotion if you reach the stretch goals. Plus an option to go back to your existing department in (reasonable time period) say three months if the things they promised eg budget don't actually work in practise.

I'd ask them all what they see as the key issues facing them and where they see the team/department/organisation going. And let them talk.

Important to thank existing manager for all their support which has potentially provided your development so you are considered ready for this next challenge.

By the time you work through all that, you will have a better view of what the role would be like and be in a hood position to choose. Good luck.