Surprisingly keen would-be employer...

Ficheall

Before Christmas, I applied for a job in London to write 'blurbs' for research companies which they would use to apply for funding. It's a poorly-paid job (20k in London) and I only applied because it did sound interesting and all they wanted was a CV and 100-word cover 'letter', and it took no time at all to apply.

The company got back to me, and mentioned another role (35k) which they felt I might be more suited to. I thought it sounded awful, and said as much, in more than one email, but they still seem to want to interview me, despite my multiple protests. It's the head of the "unit" that I am speaking to, as opposed to some independent recruiter, so I'm a little puzzled

I've copied the suitably redacted email conversation below, in case anyone can shed any light on what might be going on....

---

"Hi Ficheall,

Following our phone conversation this afternoon, I’m wondering whether you might be interested in the R&D consultant role we have available at []. As I explained it’s a job where technical expertise is used along with great people management/persuasion skills and writing ability. We’re particularly looking for maths specialists. Although you applied for the [] writer role, your CV highlighted your research, and the only ‘popular science’ info you gave (“Founder, editor and writer for an award-winning monthly newsletter featuring fun science articles and related puzzles, with contributions from various academics around the world. 2011-present ) didn’t have details or a website link. [This publication/ (unsuccessful) website features much more toilet humour and very little maths or science, so I understandably never actually name it or link to it in any of my job applications.] That’s why I thought the consultant role might be more appropriate.

Please let me know whether you are interested in interviewing for this, or whether you only want to be considered for the business writer role. [] is growing really fast (hence the “start-up spirit” mentioned below) and it’s a great place to work – I came here from a research job. The R&D consultant team here at [] are about 20 strong, from varying disciplines (bioscience, physics, engineering, software) and the atmosphere is collegial and energetic.

Hope to hear from you soon,
"


"Hi [],

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you - I've been giving it some serious thought.
I've decided it's probably best for me not to pursue either of these roles - the tax relief investigation role does not sound like an enjoyable one, and while the business writer role does sound fun, I don't think I could live comfortably in London at that salary.

Sorry about that, and many thanks for your time and consideration.


Best wishes,

Ficheall"


"Hi Ficheall

Thanks very much for getting back to me.

I can genuinely say that all of my colleagues in the consultant role find the job really interesting. We haven’t had anyone leave because of boredom since I’ve been here- the only tech consultant who left has gone to start his own business. We deal with key decision makers (CTOs, CFOs, MDs) at massively different companies – our clients range from biotech startups to Tesco and F1 engineering companies - who are doing interesting R&D projects, trying to create new solutions and improve their businesses.

You shouldn’t let the word “tax” fill you with dread!

Of course you must do as you wish, but if you are curious we would love to fly you over for an interview.

I know the grant specialist role is not fantastically paid… yet. The grant product is just starting out (hence the start-up spirit) and the role is about growing the product and proving it can scale to then expand the department.
Best wishes,"


"You are a difficult lady to say 'no' to, []!

I am curious, I'll grant you, but I don't want to waste your time - I do not have the affinity for financial matters which my Financial Mathematics and Economics degree might suggest. My phd and postdoc were somewhere between pure and computational mathematics, and, save for some undergraduate teaching, I have given any financial mathematics a wide berth since completing my degree, and remember little of what I studied.

I would imagine that some understanding of R&D tax opportunities is at least desirable, and I have never even managed to sort any of my own personal tax affairs out.
This episode of Black Books seems to rather accurately reflect my feelings for all things accounts-related.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GM9GjGTdWg&authuser=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GM9GjGTdWg

I do appreciate your helpfulness and optimism though, so many thanks!
However, I am, at best, no more qualified than any graduate with a STEM degree.

I wish you luck in finding a suitable candidate!

Best wishes,

Ficheall"


Thereafter I had no response for two weeks, and had assumed they had given up, but then yesterday, I received this:

"Hi Ficheall

I’m back again ! I loved the video. I have a better idea of where we might need your skills. Do you have time for a quick Skype call this week?"


I'm not sure what to make of it...
The company seems to be real, so I don't think it's a scam, and my biggest concern is that they'll offer me a job and I'll take it and then hate it, just because I've been unemployed for eight months, despite numerous short-listings and interviews.

I know the obvious answer is that I should Skype her and see what she has to say. I probably will.
Of course, the alternative is to see just how far I can go before they give up. I reckon another email or two should do it..

But has anyone any similar experience of an overly keen would-be employer (and for a role for which one is eminently not suited??), or any suggestions as to what a company's agenda might be in interviewing someone who is not interested in the role?


Sincerest apologies for the lengthy post.

wrmwit

Interesting post.

At first I thought it was a scam and I was going to tell you to stay clear of them. However, if you're 100% sure it's not a scam, you should skype her and see what she has to offer.

It could be a case of them not able to find anyone with the experience you have and they're keen to take you on. If they're offering to fly you over, take it and meet up with them. You can simply walk away if you're not comfortable.

Also, 35k would be the absolute minimum you'd need to live comfortably in London. Maybe ask for 40k!!

suchafunkymonke

Life is short.

Don't pass up an opportunity in life because you don't think the job spec suits. Have the Skype call and see how it goes. If they offer a face-to-face interview and are paying the costs up front, then go for it. All your suspicions may turn out true, but there may be something that you find interesting and was left out of the job description.

3.5 years ago I almost deleted an email about a job because it only half fit my skills and didn't sound even remotely interesting. Spin forward to today and I now work at that company, earn a very good salary and enjoy my job.

suchafunkymonke

Life is short.

Don't pass up an opportunity in life because you don't think the job spec suits. Have the Skype call and see how it goes. If they offer a face-to-face interview and are paying the costs up front, then go for it. All your suspicions may turn out true, but there may be something that you find interesting and was left out of the job description.

3.5 years ago I almost deleted an email about a job because it only half fit my skills and didn't sound even remotely interesting. Spin forward to today and I now work at that company, earn a very good salary and enjoy my job.