Hi all, I’m posting for advice and opinions after a recent job interview (And apologies in advance, this is a bit long)... I recently applied for a job as Head of Department in a large company – The job ticked loads of boxes for me and I was really keen on the role and the company.
The final interview was last Friday morning and I’d been given further tasks to complete beforehand (which included a written exercise to discuss at the interview).
I was interviewed by a senior director and the Chief Operating Officer. It felt as though I had a good rapport with them and they mentioned throughout that they were really impressed with the written exercise I submitted and with my experience etc. All in all, v. positive and I thought I had a great chance of landing the job. They told me they'd be in touch by the end of the day with a decision.
I got a phone call at 5pm that day from the director to say I hadn’t been successful. He said my interview had been “excellent”, I was an “exceptional candidate”, and it was down to me and one other person. Apparently they “agonised” over the decision and there was very little in it between me and the other person.
He then asked if I’d be willing to explore taking on another role with the company, as they're keen “not to lose me”, and he’s in the process of building a team and wants me on board. The role on offer is at a slightly lower level (mid-management rather than head of dept.) and I'd be managed by the person who beat me to the job I originally applied for.
I was really disappointed not to have got the job I went for. At the same time, it was good to hear that they were keen for me to join the company. I felt as though he was going to some effort to put me into an alternative role, so I said that yes, I'd be open to exploring the alternative. He asked me what salary I’d expect for the new role (seems my expectations and his were in line), and he said he’d work up a job description and package with HR and be back in touch “in the week” (i.e. this week).
I haven’t heard anything back since then (almost a week now) and I’m now starting to think perhaps this director overpromised and nothing will materialise. Having also had some time to think, I have a few misgivings - The role being suggested isn’t in line with where I’d like to be career-wise... I know job titles don’t always automatically translate, but I worked at that level a few years ago and I'm a bit concerned about how it’ll sit on my CV. Also, although I’ve no doubt it’d be an interesting role to be in, there’s a possibility that I might coast working at that level. Another issue (and I don’t want to come across as cocky - because I’m not in the slightest!), but I’m concerned about under-selling myself, especially if there was so little in it between me and the other candidate. At the same time, it’d be a good company to work for and there'd be the possibility of some good development opportunities…
My DH thinks I should chase up the director for an update and not make a decision either way until I’ve seen a JD and salary for the role if it materialises (and also see if there’s any scope for negotiation).
I’m really torn. Would appreciate hearing your thoughts, and what you’d do in a similar situation… Thanks.