Interviewing for jobs I may not take! Some advice?

rob w

Just wondering what are peoples thoughts on my current situation, or anyone who has been in a similar situation could give some advice.

I am working in a role which is pretty secure, decent benefits, but the salary is not great for the industry and salary progression is not looking too wonderful in the future! This has led me to scoping out some other roles, kind of as an experiment to see what I am worth to other employers and whats actually out there. I have a good depth of experience in what I do and also a good education in my field.

I have applied for tonnes of jobs in Ireland and not getting much out of it, I sometimes don't even get a response, however I have received one or two offers in recent months but nothing worth moving for.

That led me to having a look at the UK job market, from talking to a few people working over there it seems to be a lot more varied and the money is far better (Brexit brings uncertainty there though)

Anyway, I recently ended up applying for 4 jobs over there, and got three interviews. I have since been offered the first role, am about to discuss terms for the second role and am 99% sure I will be offered a third judging how the interview went! Interviewers were very happy with me and impressed by CV, no comparison to the Irish employers I've spoken with!!

The first role is >30% pay increase on my current salary, plus company car, and additional annual leave and bonus to what I have right now.

Awaiting terms on the second role, but am guessing it will be very similar to the first but minus the company car.

Third role will be similar terms also I think.

These are all far above what i earn now, and will take me a few years to get there if I stay put where I am!!

Now I feel in a bit of a dilemma, as I didn't expect these offers and now don't know what to do! As I said previously, it was a bit of an experiment to assess my worth. I'm probably going to reject the first offer as its not really a city we want to live in. The second offer is far more tempting a move. They want to fly me out now to meet again and discuss terms with me.

I guess my dilemma is that I'm uncertain if I will take it (although if its good enough I might) and I don't want to waste their time - I feel a bit guilty that I am unsure and still may be going over to meet them!

Has anyone ever interviewed for jobs in the same way and not taken them, should I feel bad about leading them on or should I just go for it and see whats on the table? I don't want to burn any bridges or damage my reputation for the future!

Thanks for reading!!

amtc

I did something similar ...work in a very specialised field and went to uk for interview...all paid for, hotel etc.

I was tempted but job ( was actually in Falklands) meant I couldn't get home too easily were my parents...both in 70s and one quite ill...need me.

Having explained this as to why I rejected it...they were fine. Guy even offered to be referee.

Remember you're just a number. Look after your own interests.

daheff

you would need to move away from family/friends to go to the uk...and find new accomodation.

Take that into consideration when thinking about these roles. Its not all about money.

That said, would these roles bring you up a couple of notches on the ladder if you were to move back home in a few years? In that case, it could be worthwhile putting up with the upheaval to move.

joeyanne

You could also use it to your advantage with your current position, if you feel as though they might not take it badly.. Let them know you were recently offered a new position with more money and good benefits, and you're unsure what to do because you enjoy your job. They might match?

rob w

amtc wrote: »

I did something similar ...work in a very specialised field and went to uk for interview...all paid for, hotel etc.

I was tempted but job ( was actually in Falklands) meant I couldn't get home too easily were my parents...both in 70s and one quite ill...need me.

Having explained this as to why I rejected it...they were fine. Guy even offered to be referee.

Remember you're just a number. Look after your own interests.

Thanks for the reply, that worked out ok for you in the end!

daheff wrote: »

you would need to move away from family/friends to go to the uk...and find new accomodation.

Take that into consideration when thinking about these roles. Its not all about money.

That said, would these roles bring you up a couple of notches on the ladder if you were to move back home in a few years? In that case, it could be worthwhile putting up with the upheaval to move.

Yeah I have considered that, I don't think it would be a long term thing and we would be ok with that if the offer was right - depending on whether my OH could find something suitable also, which is proving difficult at the moment!!

I think the role would certainly put me in a better position if I was to retun home in two years or so. It would probably get me into a job that would be much more difficult/take far longer to get into from where I am now!

joeyanne wrote: »

You could also use it to your advantage with your current position, if you feel as though they might not take it badly.. Let them know you were recently offered a new position with more money and good benefits, and you're unsure what to do because you enjoy your job. They might match?

Yeah, that would be nice but my current employer does not really entertain that kind of tactic. They just wouldn't budge!