Would you be offended (or is it not nice) to....

[Norton]

(OK I know ellipses aren't everyones cup of tea)

But I have advertised a part-time job & found someone I want to offer the job to

But I also interviewed someone else who is really good - she isn't as well qualified as the other person, but I think she would fit in equally well; would she be likely to be offended to be offered a temporary job (5 months) - she is hoping to do an NVQ so it would enable her to start off doing it whilst earning

Is that awful?

of course not

don't offer it like its a consolation prize though

i found some of my best employees like that!

she can always decline if it doesn't really suit her needs

How though?

It's a bit offhand rude "You didn't get the permanent job you applied for do you want a temp job?"

I mean I'd say how impressed I was with her CV & interview & how I thought we could work well together, but that I had to prioritise the other persons qualifications for the benefit of the business but would she like to join us for 5 months to cover for the maternity leave that I was about to advertise?"

But is that OK?

Sounds ok to me although I'd probably say something along the lines of:

"I was really impressed with your CV and interview but one of the other candidates had skills and qualifications which we need to benefit the business. We still feel, however, that you would work well together. We have a position we could offer you for five months to cover for maternity leave for another employee. Would you be interested in discussing this further?"

It's the same really but a bit softer? FWIW, I once accepted a job under very similar circumstances and ended up working there for two years...

Hope she accepts.

I can't work out if it were me, if I would be offended or not

It just seems a bit rude, like she isn't good enough

But you're not explaining it in that way. You've got a stronger candidate (this happens) and if you had two full time jobs, you'd probably be offering her one. You don't but you do have a chance for her to work with you and get some valuable experience albeit temporarily. Who knows what may happen? A full time opportunity might come up in that time.

I wouldn't be offended if I were looking for work.

Bet you're lovely to work with too - you're so considerate.

I wouldn't be offended at all - I'd be chuffed that they thought I was good enough to offer a job to! Norton - but she wasn't good enough for the original job?

Nah I'm a bit of a dictator.....at least that's what my dad says

I just don't like offending people; I'd rather be treated nicely & if I don't reciprocate first how can I expect that

Do you know for months I have had no-one apply then I get 2 at once

& who knows what happens at the end of a maternity leave???

If the other lady hadn't applied she would have got the job, no discussion

But I need the other ladies experience (& if this lady takes the temp job, she will benefit from the other ladies experience too)

If I had two permanent jobs they would both be permanent - but I haven't

is it essentially the same job/role/tasks?

if there is anything different about it focus on that and say it you thought it would be better suited to her skill set

but tbh, she's looking for work and you're offering a job. nothing to be apologetic about.

i'd say we have offered the job to another candidate but we were impressed by your interview and have another position we'd like you to consider.

if she's offended then she's too touchy by half and you don't want her on your team

I haven't 'really' got the "maternity leave" job but I can sort of make one up from somewhere because I like her so much/think she can offer a lot to the business

LOL Norton! Go for it, offer it and see how she takes it.

My nickname at work used to be Cruella... I think that was a little harsh. I'd never harm puppies just the occasional graduate.

I'm not that bad, I'd never hurt anyones feelings, just try to manipulate them into the place I want them

i once applied for a job that was, frankly, a bit byond me. I was actually pipped at the post by an old school friend who had had the tenacity to get a degree (and is now a teacher - this was for adolescent support work) and as I only had GCSE's I felt that this was utterly fair.

They did offer me a slightly lower graded post at 2 grand less a year with training opportunities - which I would have happily taken except that a week later I found out I was pregnant and felt that it was a little too dangerous.

She'll take it if she has any sense. She has the chance for 5 month's work and a refernece at the end of it.

I would be very flattered if I knew that someone had made up a job for me

Well I gave it a go, but I don't know how well it worked

We'll have to wait & see

Fingers crossed

Send me positive thoughts

Sounds utterly reasonable. What you are doing is very nice. :)

You are too nice. Tell her you are creating arole,just for her. She will be chuffed.

Yes, Oblomov is right - tell her she was #2 but she was so amazing that you are creating a role just for her.

I wonder how long it will be before she gets in touch

She said yes - but she sounds really unsure

Don't overthink it. You've offered her the role, and you would not do so if you did not think she would acquit herself well in it.

If she sounds really unsure, it might be for a number of reasons that you may know nothing about. It may well be for the manner in which you presented the opportunity.

Either way, it is done. So, good luck, and positive thoughts.