Confused!

[Rosie8880]

I have a very good and close relationship with my former boss. We were very supportive to each other and got on well. I am in a different job now and they just got a new role. They have been messaging me and shared they had this role early doors and that they would need to recruit new heads of departments (my old job). We met and caught up and I came out of our meeting unclear if they actually wants to recruit me or not.
They we’re giving me clear sell on the role and what they would be doing. I said I like my new role and enjoy it but interested. When asked directly he said maybe you could get a year dedicated secondment from my current role. AIBU to feel confused - why aren’t they suggesting a permanant role vs a secondment? Could it be to get me in quick or something?

It's not for them to suggest a permanent role for you. It's your life, your career. If there's a vacancy and you want the job then apply. If he wants to put in a good word for you then great. But he could have others above him making decisions out of his control. I doubt he can just hand you the job without going through normal recruitment processes.

Do you want to switch jobs? Do you want to work with them again? Do you like them as a friend? Does their company seem a good workplace?

Hi BobbyBiscuits, I understand that this will be a formal open recruitment process - all
roles will require screening, a number of multi person panel interviews. What I am questioning is - considering my former good working relationship and understanding that there will be a formal recruitment process, at this very early stage as he’s working out and building a new team structure - I would have preferred for them to say “ it would be amazing to work together again and I am encouraging you to apply for X role.” Rather than send me messsges saying he is recruiting and there are jobs and perhaps my current employer could give me a secondment.

The secondment thing is also not his place to suggest. He's obviously not the best communicator as far as you're concerned..with that in mind, at this early stage, maybe working for him could prove a bit of a nightmare? It seems a negative way to start out the whole process with you not appreciating his style of communication.

It boils down to whether you actually want the job or not, and that includes him as your boss. Or could it be better to just stay friends and keep options open for future work opportunities?