Company did a bait and switch at offer stage

[Soootired23]

I've been interviewing for a company for the past 3 weeks. I really like their product and have drunk the look aid about who they are etc...

I did see that the American counterpart of the role I've been interviewing for was hybrid, but they never published the British version of it and during the interview process a) my location was never mentioned as an issue and b) HR person even said they were fully remote in the UK. Even their website says they're remote in general (but again this role in the US says it's hybrid).

I'm basically at offer stage, and then the HM asks if I've ever considered moving more "centrally" which I replied that yes I will. (And it's 100% true) but not imminently.

Then they came back with a standard, "we're trying to build teams around our offices"...

My hunch is that they'll either make it a condition (with a deadline) or they won't but it will regularly come up.

So AIBU to be disheartened about this? I really thought this would put and end to my unemployment.

This happened to me 2 years ago. Advertised as remote role then at offer stage was told 2 days a week in the office. I declined as I couldn’t trust that there wouldn’t be other surprises.

why do you think this happens? Do they change their minds sincerely, or use the lie to get you interested?

cynically, it could be a way to get people who wouldn’t consider it on that money to apply, and then reel them in somehow. Which is pretty shit

It sounds like this isn’t the right company for you OP, (it wouldn’t suit me either ) lay out your requirements and if they cant meet them then sack it off and concentrate on other applications.

it seems to me @Soootired23 that you need to know the frequency of the expectation to be in the office before worrying too much?
Or have I missed a post?
If it’s twice a month - this seems a great situation. If you can leave the day before - especially if you’re able to travel on work time and prep on train and return home the next day, this could be ideal?

Assuming your partner is around for DD supervision if needed? Personally I would love a change to my working month like this.

Hope it works out OP

I actually think your answer was fine
Yes I'd consider moving centrally- but not immediately - if they bring it up - I have a child on the cusp of adulthood I'd consider moving closer in 3 years time in the meantime I'm happy to work remotely.

the annoying thing about finding yourself in this situation is that you intended to overperform (sure they say remote but I can go to team meetings) but they move the goalposts so youre underperforming (youre only here for team meetings!) and nothing else has changed. So they’re using vague disapproval and fear as a lever for behaviour that they could have just named and asked for like grown ups from the beginning because they’re more comfortable manipulating with threatening vibes and fear than negotiating honestly.

That's my DHs point. That maybe they're just future proofing my life at the company by understanding my very long term plans.

I reckon that given what they're looking for in their US office the expectation is twice a week.

The American job description is very explicit that as much as they have a "flexible" approach to hybrid working, the expectation is that you live in the city (as priority will be given to people living in the city - or within a commutable distance ).

Basically the same situation. We're not even "considering" moving, we're definitely going to move. Just not yet.

I find the situation very annoying because I actually want the job now!

My husband is in cyber security for Barclays at a senior level and last went to the office pre COVID, to answer your question. His salary is in that range, before bonus and share options

I don't think companies are necessarily "lying" about office/remote working but trying to determine what's best for the company Vs the candidate preference. If US based they may be looking to harmonise working conditions, across the company, but also trying to balance that with the right candidate.

If this is a senior role then you should be having a very open conversation with the HM about expectations/culture.

No, that's not what I said.

I said that the other role I'm interviewing for pays around that much. (Different company, and they're fully remote).

But that the salary this company is likely to offer (the "bait and switch" one, and the salary would be half of the one you're quoting)) is not enough to cover the extra £10k+ - so they can either pay my expenses or pay me the extra £10k. Then we're golden.

It really depends how much I impressed them, and how much they see me belonging there..

I don't think actually think they lied to me. I think they're in a transitional phase and they really didn't talk about the location expectations between them.

Which is why it was only after I spoke with the CEO (and reached offer stage) it clicked in their heads..

Was it malicious? No I don't think so at all.

Will they try to meet me in the middle? I think so. I really think they'll try to honour what they led me to believe.

Will it be worthwhile for me? Yet to be seen, but we're talking about £10k so I think they can stretch that much.

Why aren't you saying all this to them?

They've been vague, you've been vague.

Then come here and explained in detail what conversation you should have had.

That's where I explain it's at a different company "presented itself". Bur I get that maybe I wasn't clear enough!

Because I haven't had the time! Plus I think this is more of an actual conversation rather than sending texts.

Plus it makes more sense to first understand what are THEIR expectations - which I'm sure will be part of the offer letter/contract and take it from there.

what is the salary for the 'bait and switch' company that wants you in London 2 days a week?

if its 140K surely you can manage that?

If its a the hyper growth tech company that is currently 'centralising around offices' beginning with R, dont do it to yourself.

DH and me both work in similar roles and neither of us have had ro go into an office since well.before covid for me, since covid for him. My role has always been fully remote, but I do a lot of European travel and so live near an airport. I go into London once a month or so.

No, it's less than half than that salary. Do with about £60k is not very feasible when the salary is already on lower end for my line of work (and I can still get fully remote jobs).

ah ok I read it as 140K for 2 days a week travel which would have been more doable re expenses. That sounds low so I'd tell them you can't make it work on that salary and see if they up it.

Sorry but the OP's posts have typos and inconsistencies.

I'm basically at offer stage, and then the HM asks if I've ever considered moving more "centrally" which I replied that yes I will. (And it's 100% true) but not imminently.

I can't work out what that means as the grammar is all over the place, but it sounds as though she's said she'll relocate without making it clear on what basis or when. She's already said she could into office A semi regularly. Is that the office a 6 hour commute away?

Nevermind all of this, most UK contracts will contain provisions around place of work and flexibility, etc, especially at a senior level.

I recently applied for a job advertised as based in London on a hybrid basis. Got part way through the process, they really liked me etc and then told by the CFO actually it’s at least two days a week in Glasgow. I dropped out at that point but the recruiter pushed me and pushed me to carry on in the process, saying they wouldn’t hold me to it, pay is great etc etc. Absolute madness and such a waste of my time. I was really cross that they weren’t aligned and so wasted my time completely. So I totally understand OP.

No, I said that I could commute to an office that's 2.5 hours away. The HM during that conversation (a few weeks ago) mentioned a different team is based there. But that's all that was mentioned about it.

Until yesterday, when she asked me "would you ever move more centrally". To which I replied with "Yes, I would".

The next reply was about building teams around the 3 offices.

I'm sorry that happened to you! Also Glasgow is pretty far away from London, so a bit random.

I hope you find an opportunity you love soon.

My son is working for a company. It's growing at a phenomenal rate. He's been there less than a year. It's fully remote but he does know he maybe required at the offices if he gets promoted. He will be flying though which can cheaper than the train and faster.