To give up on this job offer

[HotChocolate16]

So I was offered a role in civil service last month mid December. Requested through their portal a discussion with the manager to discuss the offer. Chased this various times over the last month or so to which the recruitment email has responded a few times and said they’ve chased the hiring manager but not heard anything. I’ve still not heard from the manager. Should I give up on this job? It was a big recruitment drive of about 30 positions but still surely it wouldn’t take this long for a call back??

This shows the process that hr go through.

First it's right to work check
Then employment check is done direct from Paye etc

www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-candidates-through-pre-employment-checks-vx

And also this shows that the onboarding process, agreeing start date. Location, terms of job, doesn't happen until the premployment checks are completed

So does this mean that my workplace may find out via a reference check before the formal offer is made, which I may decline depending on terms? That’s what I don’t want to happen :/

Civil service and public recruitment processes seem to be very slow, I suspect because they want to save money. I had something similar when I applied for an admin job in a local hospital - it wasn't a wonderful job but it was nearby, there was a creche and the hours suited me. I had an acknowledgment then heard nothing for ages. Another, much better job came up, I applied, interviewed, was offered and accepted the job. Then suddenly the hospital contacted me, terribly keen that I come for an interview, and they seemed most disconcerted when I told them it was too late.

99 times out of 100 they will just check your PAYE records from your NI number to confirm previous employment.

If they do need a reference for whatever reason they will let you know and won't contact until you have agreed.

You can give a previous employer as your reference, not your current one. You'll also be asked for personal references. 9 times out of 10 they won't actually contact any reference, if the employment history you give matches what your tax record says.

If you would want the job if part time is agreed, accept it and get the ball rolling. You've got nothing to lose except 20 minutes filling in the forms.

And honestly, it feels like half my team are part time/ term time only. I can't see that being an issue unless you were a very specific role, which given there were 30 positions available doesn't seem to be the case.

No advice for you I'm afraid, OP. I'm in a similar boat. Had an interview at the start of December, was told I'd hear about the second stage the following week with a view to having someone in the role in February. Ie... now! But no call or email.

I followed up with the recruitment person who apologised about the delay and said she'd follow up with me the next week as someone was on leave. She didn't.

Got a call just as the company was heading off on Christmas leave to say they would be in touch in the second week of January with the next steps. They weren't. I emailed towards the end of January for an update and have had no reply.

It's quite humiliating, to be honest. I'm really disappointed as I thought this company was better than that. But perhaps it is as another PP mentioned and would turn out to be a huge red flag (if I ever got the job that is).

I'm applying for other jobs and I think you should too. I think we need to see it as them missing out on us, rather than the other way around. These things are supposed to be a two-way street after all.

Good luck.

@HotChocolate16

So does this mean that my workplace may find out via a reference check before the formal offer is made, which I may decline depending on terms? That’s what I don’t want to happen :/

Correct, if you list them. You won't get anything firm until preemployment and security checks are completed.