Interview taking place in a hotel - not where the actual role will be located!

[Winky2024]

I’m currently in the recruitment process for a PA role. Fourth interview the week after next in this seemingly never-ending saga.

Scheduled to meet the MD in a hotel lobby which I am fine with.

It isn’t unreasonable to ask to see the actual office before I commit if offered the role is it?

Whilst he has picked a very upmarket hotel, I’m a bit grrrrrrr about not seeing the office! This will then necessitate yet another “meeting” before I can potentially accept which will be the fifth one.

Gone are the days of a 15 minute chat in a boardroom!!

Any thoughts please? Thank you all.

@Avidreader12 To be honest he came across well on Teams but as I reflect on my notes, it’s the comments he randomly dropped in that are now starting to sound like red flags.

I was keen on the role even after chatting to him but the hotel thing has annoyed me as his PA is part time so there is no reason not to interview at the office when she isn’t around. It just seems to be drawing out an already protracted process.

Give me strength!!!

@cyvguhb he manages the wealth of one family.

Your subconscious is trying to tell you something. Listen to it.

If you are still keen on the job make it a condition of you saying you will take the job only on if you see your workspace/ office. If you know the office location can you not go into the building see the layout. Are you sure he isn’t in renting an address to register at company house but no actual employees or space there.

@Avidreader12 Yes, I agree. I’m going to have a look at the registered office on my way to the interview.

I hear what you are saying…is there an actual office??!!! It’s the first thing I will be asking him when I arrive!

It’s sounding so bizarre that I’m actually totally intrigued by the sheer craziness of it all 😂

You don't need to rent an empty office to register on companies house you just pay a registered office company or your solicitor or accountant.

@Winky2024 have you specifically asked the recruiter where the office is?

Your registered office doesn't have to be where your work offices are. Many registered offices are at solicitors', for instance.

@cyvguhb yes, they have given me an address. Again, a very prestigious well known building.

Ha, I wonder if the workspace includes the aforementioned dog, which snores, scratches and farts under the desk where you’d be working.

l’ve worked in an office like this and actually it was fab, but it’s not for everybody. But it might explain why the interview is in a hotel. Potent dog farts can be pretty distracting.

On a more serious note, I think you’re perfectly sensible to ask about the place you’d be working during the interview, and to ask to see it before you accept any offer.

I’d be more concerned about the hour long commute to his home office, and about what other jobs end up getting chucked in alongside the dog walking and tidying.

Again, I’ve had a job like this - it included occasional watering of plants and so on, but I had a great relationship with my manager and never once felt I was being taken advantage of (the opposite in fact, as it paid so well).

To be honest four interviews for a PA job would be a hard no from me. I’ve interviewed for very senior roles and two interviews was my max, it’s a huge amount of time and preparation - the salary is good for a PA but it’s not outstanding. The other bits suggest they’re less than professional at best so I’d be carefully thinking about what attracts you to the job and whether endless interviewing is worth it.

@Jellycatspyjamas I totally agree. It’s just gone on too long and now I’m picking holes in everything.

I’ve lost the momentum which usually sees you through any doubts at interview stage.

Im up to 3 interviews for a part time funeral arranger. Fed up now and thinking of dropping out so dont blame you when you’re up to 4! It’s ridiculous

@monicagellerbing love your username!

Thank you for the solidarity. Yeah, I totally agree with you. The job market and employer expectations are ridiculous now.

Run - he basically wants a dog walker and cleaner. Have I understood correctly - he is offering a two day handover but wants to only pay you for two hours each day ? Tightfisted as well. There will probably be minimum pension and sick pay. Can't imagine him paying any expenses. I wonder how long his current PA has been in the role. You said you have a red flag vibe - trust your gut on this one.