More money for less responsibility?

speedy2007

I have applied to a job which pays quite a bit more than my current employers (initially it will be 10,000per year more that what I currently earn and after a few years working there it will be 20,000 more)
So that sounds great to me obviously.

However, the way the job is advertised, it actually seems like a step down. I work in I.T. in a second level support position and this job description reads more like a 1st level support position. It doesn't make sense to me. I know my current company does not pay as good a wage as some others, but I don't think they are underpaying by that much.

I have been called for an interview, so I will go along and see how it goes. If the question comes up as to why I would be willing to take a step down in responsibility, what would I say? Obviously, I can't say it's because I want more money.

But the bigger question is what if I actually get the job. Just looking for people's opinions on if they would take a step down in responsibility for more money? The extra money would certainly make quite a bit of difference to my current standard of living. But, on the other hand, having worked my way out of doing helpdesk/first level support, it would be such a step down to go back to that surely

Gone West

Just tell them you are changing industry to get a broader IT experience.
Or that you maxxed out technically in what your old role was scoped for
and how you're sure that you will have a chance to expand and improve in your new role with [prospective company].

It depends on what the money offered is at, but usually money talks. If they are paying more it could be because the role has additional responsibilities.
Or the company could just pay over the odds to get decent people to work for them and be stable, discreet and professional.
I know tons of level 1/2 support people all over Dublin working for €40k+ and doing relatively basic work, just because they work "doing IT" for a booming non-tech business. Example: Work for HP, get basic wages vs work for XYZ gambling company doing essentially the same job, earn great wages.

ongarboy

I would echo the comments of the poster above.

I was in a similar situation (not with salary) but with grade when I was interviewing for new roles after taking a year off last year. The particular role was one grade lower than what I was in my previous job but it appealed to me as it was more project management oriented. I was asked in the interview why would I want to step down a grade. I told them that it wasn't a deterrent for me and that having spent 12+ years in the same company in quite a different capacity, I wanted to broaden my sector experience and get more project management exposure and felt this new role would offer me new challenges and opportunities and that I'd view it as a stepping stone to further career advancement in an area that appeals to me more. As it happened, I must have impressed them as they gave me the job (and they even changed the grade to what I was on in my last job - even though I didn't try to negotiate it - so I didn't end up compromising grade wise at all).


Also, if it is a progressive company, your more senior skills and experience may be quickly recognised and may provide you with career or promotional advancement quite quickly. Be careful not to start the job with an attitude of "this is beneath me" as it will quickly become obvious to your peers and managers and work against you.

Also, bear in mind also that competent interviewers will be able to assess if you are too over qualified for the role as they will not want someone who will get bored too easily with the job so they may make the decision for you as to whether you are suitable or not. Good luck with it either way!