Just been offered a job in Devon. Life changing decision. Help!!

[tigermoth]

Its a civil service job, probably based at Plymouth (with monthly visits to London ....)

So much is going through my mind about this. I could easily clog up all the active convos with my worries and queries. ie

Moving to be near extended family in Devon, leaving London friends behind - pros and cons?

New schools for boys, ds1 to leave grammar school for a high performing community college -pros and cons?

Relocating from London to small Devon town, pros and cons?

Leaving dh with the children in London for a few months while I start new job in Devon - pros and cons?

Renting out house in London while we rent in Devon, pros and cons?

Oh and lots of other things.....

But, firstly, as I haven't yet accepted the job properly, and haven't agreed terms and conditions, can I ask the following:

The salary scale: the starting salary is too low for me to accept the job. I need to be on or near the top of the salary band - how do I negotiate this? My present salary, including London Weighting, (I work in the public sector)is slightly higher then the top of the advertised salary.

Do you think I could ask for a relocation grant?

I need to play for time - for lots of reasons, it would be better if I could start just after christmas, if they want me to be working in Devon at least - what do I say to personnel to show I am keen but can't start in early September, which is what was talked about on the phone?

I also just want to know more about the job - strange as it may seem, I still don't know exactly what my role will be. I have only had the one 30 minute interview with the department. I have researched the department and job description thoroughly (did all that before the interview) but still feel I haven't got a clear focus on what I could actually be doing there. Is this a civil service thing?

The bigger questions - family, MIL in Devon, housing, how dh and his job fits into this - I will leave for now as I havn't formally accepted the job.

Advice on the emplyment bits would be really good though as I have to phone personnel on Monday to discuss everything and I want to be clear headed.

Good Luck

How do you find a job that no one else applies for? All the ones I want apply for are of the 5000 applicants variety?

azh, what I meant was that after they interviewed the shortlisted candidates, there were only two of us up for the job. I was the second choice, the job was offerd to the first choice. I was put on the reserve list (I was told I was the only applicant to be on the list). The first choice didn't want the job, hence me being offered it. So if I say 'no' they will have to trawl back throught the other shortlisted applicants they interviewed and turned down or re advertise the job. I don't know what civil service policy is on this.

Missed this as well. Good luck tigermoth, keep us posted.

They usually have to readvertise if no original candidates were suitable or accepted the post. And often state that previously interviewed candidates need not apply.

ah right thought it was either highly specialised or very unappealing!

I'm waiting to hear from a Civil Srvice job i went to an assessment for, but they interviewed 800 people! They are filling quite a lot of vacnacies though

still no news..........

still no final news - one of the people who interviewed me is trying to see a senior personnel officer to see if there is any leaway on salary negotiation. Apparently the personnel officer I have been dealing with is quite junior.

did you ever get to hear better offer?

STILL waiting! I phoned up my contact from the interview panel over a week ago. She said that she was surprised personnel had not got back to me and she was going to chase them up.... tbh I have nearly forgotten I was ever offered the job. Perhaps it was all a dream. I have never come across this level of vaguess before.

Hiya tigermoth - was looking for news about the job yesterday ! Cannot believe they haven't got back to you !

Either incompetence or - sorry to say this - they have been trying to rejig resources to fill the role internally. I have known this happen - but we wouldn't keep someone hanging on like this - how long now ? Must be 4 weeks at least ?

How are you feeling - do you still want it if they sort themselves and the salary out ?

Depressed area may be at least a bit more than London. Not so many opportunities for children and choices if new job doesn't work out and you want to find another ASAP. Lot less money around. If you don't get the job may end up being the best thing but best of luck if you get it....

That's Devon for you Tigermoth

Sorry you haven't heard anything, how strange.

I am going to email my interview contact. I too think something is going on behind the scenes.

I honestly can't imagine they'd get many acceptances if they advertise the job externally again with the starting salary they quoted me.

The person profile demanded quite a high level of communication skills. Similar jobs advertised in the Guardian (even ones for Devon!) have more realistic starting salaries.

That means that as it stands, the job is only financially viable for an internal candidate who would automatically transfer to an appropriate salary grade. Perhaps the whole exercise was to prove this point? Or being more optimistic, perhaps they have realised this and are trying to regrade it?

I have been happily busy at work, so have put this job offer to the back of my mind, tbh.

I am assuming for now it is not going to work out for me, but I do still want a straight answer.

I will update you on progress.