How best to approach this

[kirinm]

I was contacted via Linkedin by an in-house recruiter for a firm that I would be happy to work for. However, the role they are talking about is in a different location to where I currently work and I wouldn't be up for the commute.

I'm interested in the firm though so how do I go about saying no without writing off my chances for anything else that comes up? Is it worth talking about the role and then saying it doesn't work or just say I'm not able to make the commute work?

'Hi,

thanks for the approach but at the moment I'm not looking for any movement in my role, however, please do keep me in mind for future opportunities as my situation may change'

it's a stock response I've used when the roles isn't that interesting but I would maybe consider others.

Would you be willing to do the commute say 2dpw? Is it possible to do the role remotely/wholly or partially WFH? If so, I'd negotiate on that basis. Is it that they have multiple locations and the role is based at a different one but there's another nearer you? If so, you can always ask if there's any flexibility around primary location. In general, teams and functions tend to be physically grouped together though.

This is a more "regional" office of a larger firm and the type of work they'd do would not be the same as their city based office. I'm interested in the firm, but only their city office.

Ah right. Think it's probably just a "not for me but please keep me in mind for future" then.

Are they offering you a chat? If so take it and discuss your career requirements.

@RemoteControlledSheep

Are they offering you a chat? If so take it and discuss your career requirements.

Yeah In fact they've specified a time with the head of the team recruiting for a chat. I haven't even seen a job spec.

You just need to ask them about the role and explain what you need...if this one doesn't work out, they'll keep you in mind for another that's more suitable. Good luck!