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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Offered a job at a lower ranking, not sure whether to take it

62 replies

Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:21

I went for an interview yesterday for a management position. I don't have any management experience yet but I'm completing a qualification at the minute which would give me a much greater chance to work in this field.

I was honest that I didn't have management experience yet but that I was working on the qualification and believed that I had what it takes,keen to progress etc.

I received feedback saying they would love to offer me a job, but an entry level one, not the management role I wanted, as I haven't got the experience.

They said if I perform well in this role then maybe with time they would promote me to management.

I really don't know what to do, I've got to give an answer asap. In a way it's frustrating because I'd like to get into management roles, but where are you meant to get the experience from if everyone wants experience?

Just not sure what to do

OP posts:
Original poster
Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:23

It's also about a 6k pay cut..

OP posts:
Summertime16 · 06/12/2022 16:25

£6k pay cut? no chance!

Geepee71 · 06/12/2022 16:26

Depends on the size and reputation of the new company.
What if they don't promote you to management or give you opportunities to learn?
Can you afford the paycut?

Newestname002 · 06/12/2022 16:26

Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:23

It's also about a 6k pay cut..

That's a huge pay cut on to take on what might happen in the future- especially with the cost of living crisis unlikely to disappear anywhere soon. I don't think I could do it. 🌹

RedWingBoots · 06/12/2022 16:26

Nope don't take it if there is a pay cut

Original poster
Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:27

Sorry i meant 6k less than the management role

Also this is the 2nd time this has happened! Another company interviewed me for a management role then offered me an entry level job
But how do I get the management experience in order to be considered if nobody will take me without experience?

OP posts:
Butchyrestingface · 06/12/2022 16:27

I would not take a £6k payout unless I was already earning £150k + pa (which I presume you're not).

Itsbeenashortyear · 06/12/2022 16:27

Depends how much you want to get into the field. How easy it is to get in (both pre and post qualification) to the field. Is this a rare chance?

You get management experience, without being a manager, by stepping up for managers or taking on some extra work including some sort of management.

Itsbeenashortyear · 06/12/2022 16:27

Oh and yes, how difficult would it be losing 6k a year

RedWingBoots · 06/12/2022 16:28

One of the things some companies try on with women, particularly if they are from an ethnic minority, is this sh*t.

Original poster
Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:28

The thing is if I complete the qualification I'll have a better chance, but it's still not guaranteed without the experience
Also there's no guarantee this place would promote me, they might just be saying that

OP posts:
RedWingBoots · 06/12/2022 16:29

You get management experience, without being a manager, by stepping up for managers or taking on some extra work including some sort of management.

This.

Move sideways for the same money if needs be but don't take a pay cut.

Original poster
Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:29

I won't lose 6k a year from what I'm currently on, but the entry level job would pay 6k less than the management one

OP posts:
Pepsipepsi · 06/12/2022 16:29

How does this entry level role compare to the job you have now? (salary, responsibilities, benefits etc)

Original poster
Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:30

It's pretty much the exact job I'm doing now

OP posts:
RedWingBoots · 06/12/2022 16:31

Also there's no guarantee this place would promote me, they might just be saying that

If you took the entry level one would you be able to move elsewhere in 18 to 24 months time to get the manager role?

To be fair I think you jumped the gun and need to complete your qualification.

Kerrylass · 06/12/2022 16:31

How do the wages compare to your current salary

Heavyraindropsarefallingonmyhead · 06/12/2022 16:32

Companies try this one all the time. I'm ready to move into a senior role but I keep being approached by firms who don't have a senior role available at the moment but are 'expanding' and will maybe have senior roles in the future.

That's great for them, but my next career move is not to move to another firm for the same money and the same level on an off chance that they might have a senior role 2-3 years after I am ready and that they might give it to me.

Are there no opportunities in your current workplace to step up?

Original poster
Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:33

I probably do... They were the only company who replied to me which is likely due to not having completed the diploma yet.. The wage is virtually the same as now too. It seems like a very nice place to work but who knows

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 06/12/2022 16:34

how do I get the management experience in order to be considered if nobody will take me without experience?

You prove yourself with your employer, by being enthusiastic, shadowing mangers, asking for opportunities and accepting responsibilities above your ‘entry level’ role. Then you get promoted.

Is there a reason this isn’t happening in your current role/company?

TaraRhu · 06/12/2022 16:41

It depends on your sector and what the route in is. I work in the public sector and sadly the progression is ridiculously linear. You literally can't do a job unless you are the level below at the top of the pay grade and have all the experience they want. They don't ask the question' could she do it?. It's stupid because you miss out ok good people.

Private sector companies are more open to a gamble.

However, be honest with yourself too.

How many management posts have you gone for ? If it's only a couple I'd say try for more. If you consistently don't get them then you have to ask yourself whether you actually do have enough experience.
It's a slog to get to the top.

I also query why they are offering you entry level jobs? There's a huge gap between what you applied for and management. Either they have it wrong or you do. Only you know the answer to that.

If you do take the job offered then you should have a plan in writing setting out what you want to achieve from the post and the path to progression. This could be done through your annual review process. I f they are willing to develop you then I'd consider it. But companies can be sneaky and change to goal posts so you'd have to make it very clear where you want to get to with your career and be willing to leave if they don't deliver.

Marblessolveeverything · 06/12/2022 16:47

Have you an idea of your sectors norm - in mine when I entered back in 2003 an Honours degree with experience - usually gained via college qualification would have been minimum. Now it is typically Masters!

If you can identify the sectors norm then you need to do a gap analysis and be able to give an example of your experience where you can show you have the skills/competence etc.

Best of luck.

Original poster
Rolaskatox · 06/12/2022 16:50

It's carer vs Senior carer/team leader !

OP posts:
sueelleker · 06/12/2022 16:51

I'm suspicious about the "maybe". You might find you're stuck with the lower grade.

litlealligator · 06/12/2022 16:53

I recruit for management roles and if I think someone is good but lacks enough experience for the manager role I'll offer them a lower one if it's available so they can gain experience and apply next time. It's not unreasonable, it shows they do like you and think you have potential but you're not ready to walk into a more senior role yet.