New to this so would really appreciate advice if you have a sec.

[Brandnewskytohangyourstarsupon]

I left a job in the public sector after decades of being stable but not particularly happy.

Got a job in the private sector which opened up a whole new world including perks and really great pay, more than I have ever earned.

Unfortunately, the job is not stable and I feel like I’m going to be “let go” at any moment.

So, I’ve applied for a couple of jobs that were made for my skills and experience. I’ve heard back very very quickly, been invited for interview, following initial intro meetings.

I don’t think they can match my current pay, so what do I ask them about this?

If by a miracle, both offer me a job, which do I take? (Location etc for both is perfect)

How do I go about leaving current role? Do you just email to your boss your resignation?

What about exit interview? What do you say? Are you honest?

Thanks all.

Regarding pay - why do you think they can't match, there's usually a lot more flexibility in private sector. Was the job advertised with a salary range? The expectation in most parts of the private sector is absolutely that a pay negotiation will follow an offer so don't feel cheeky asking, just say 'please can we discuss salary expectations so I can consider your offer.' or similar. They clearly are keen to have you so don't undersell yourself. If there was no salary range advertised, or your current salary is within their range, you can certainly explain you are currently paid £x and therefore you expect this to be matched/a 10% increase (you can start by asking for slightly more and allow yourself to be haggled down). If your current salary is outside their expected range that it's slightly more tricky but you can still negotiate for a salary that's towards the top or even above what they expected to pay plus you can discuss whether there's a bonus scheme or other benefits that make a better total package. As in any negotiation feel prepared to walk away, you're clearly very employable to have gotten two interviews so quickly and it doesn't sound as though things are desperate (you only think you might be let go from current role, it's not definite) so perhaps if neither are prepared to at least match your current salary consider turning both down.

How to choose - if they're similar jobs in similar locations I'd go with whichever paid more or has the better benefits (better pension or bonus scheme or whatever) personally. It's not considered great form to start a bidding war if you do get two offers but as per the above perfectly fine to expect a match to your current salary or even an increase. Or really if there's no distinction to be made there go with ether whichever set of people you liked better at interview (having a good line manager a big factor in being happy at work) OR whichever seems more stable as a company/avoids you feeling insecure and about to be let go again.

Leaving current role - same way you leave any role . It's generally considered polite to speak to your boss first, then email in your formal resignation (doesn't need to be an essay, just say politely you are resigning, x weeks notice will mean your last day is y. Add a nice sentence about it's been a pleasure working there and wishing them all the best or whatever if they are reasonable people, leave it off it not!). Exit interview, if they offer one at all (not everywhere does or sometimes you have to actively ask, if that's the case I wouldn't bother unless you really want one), I usually would stick to very generic/bland feedback but it's up to you. You can tear them to shreds if you really want (you're leaving after all, although you may not want to completely burn bridges, it's a small world particularly in some industries and you might encounter them again some day!) but personally I don't think it's worth the hassle to me to explain to them in great detail everything that I think they could improve about how to run their business or be better people, and they probably wouldn't want to hear it if I did . If the company insists on an exit interview I wouldn't actively lie but I'm not going to tell them I left because my manager's an incompetent arse even if that's absolutely true.

Good luck!

maxelly thank you, fantastic info. I really appreciate it.
Might seem like daft questions but I want to get it right.

I am earning a healthy wage, just had a pay rise and had bonus which pushes my pay quite some way over the top line pay of the role I’m applying for. It’s the same but different iyswim.

Theres no salary on the job adverts, but I’ve researched and came up with a consensus of scale. I will take a cut but know I will bloody love the job. 😊 Worth it.

Also re exit interview, I’ve loved my role, my colleagues and the company I’ve worked for so there will be nothing negative to say. It’s just not what I want to do any more.