Big disappointment

polgara

Yep - my first thought was about the agency's finders fee and that can put off recruiting temp workers

sulkisu

Unless the receptionist who was leaving decided to leave on a whim, with little or no notice, it sounds like you found out about it too late. Notice periods have to be worked, jobs have to be advertised and interviews organised and conducted. That had probably all happened by the time she told you that she was leaving. Also I agree with other posters, the onus was on you to pick up the phone and express an interest in the job - waiting a week before doing so, especially as her departure was imminent, was far too long.

Saturnalia

I phoned today to speak to HR and it turns out all of us are wrong, it's a twisty old tale.

I got through to reception and spoke to the woman who is leaving (let's call her L.) I told her why I was calling and asked if HR would be willing to talk to me and give me feedback and she said it wasn't this HR dept doing the hiring.

It turns out the support staff (including this role) are recruited by a different maintenance company. L thought the in-house HR may have some influence but it seems they don't, and as well as HR, L gave my number to the company doing the hiring and they were the ones who told her they would call me. L was pretty shocked that they hadn't as they had sounded very eager to speak to me (their man asked L first for my number) and she said they had made it sound like the job was mine.

So although I sent my application to HR the day I found out about the job, that wasn't where it should have gone.

There is still some hope - it seems there have been some interviews held but no-one hired yet. So I have called this other company and left a message with them and will try again tomorrow first thing.

So no-one new has started today - that sounded strange at the time as L still has 3 weeks' notice to work and it doesn't take 3 weeks for a handover! It sounds like wires are being crossed left right and centre between the hiring company, the reception desk and me - so calling and speaking to them will hopefully shed some light.

Spendless

I am really pleased you seem to still be in with a chance Saturnalia, and that it really wasn't that they'd just seen you as a temp, or not fancied spending any dosh. Fingers crossed for you. xx

Saturnalia

Are we ready for another twist to this tale?

I worked there on Friday and am booked in for all of next week, and it sounds from what I have been told that this is ongoing temping with a view to going permanent.

I know that that is how they hire, 12 weeks temp-to-perm trial period (it's used in a lot of companies now).

They had two others in last week and weren't impressed with either, both lasted 2 days in the role! The crew I work with and report to directly have all said they want me in, but it's a case of impressing those who are doing the hiring and are going to be watching to see how I do.

They are prepared to hire through my agency - the woman in the permanent job last came through them. So that is one less thing to worry about. It sounds as though my agency is reasonable and won't be too greedy in what they ask for.

Now to see how the next 12 weeks go!

aliasojo

I wish you luck Saturnalia, I hope it all works out well for you. Fingers crossed.

Saturnalia

Well, it hasn't worked out. I finish on Friday.

I found out in the middle of this afternoon when the facilities manager (in charge of the dept) sent some info by e-mail with instructions for it to be passed on to the permanent new starter on Monday. That was the first I had heard of it. That's how I found out. I have temped there for years and no-one could spare a minute to take me to one side and tell me I lost the job.

I know where I stand now, don't I! Unfortunately I have to show up tomorrow and Friday, I need the money too badly to walk out.

aliasojo

Sorry Saturnalia. It just wasn't to be, this time.

What's for you wont go by you, something else will come up, just hang in there.

Acc72

Saturnalia wrote: »

I know where I stand now, don't I! Unfortunately I have to show up tomorrow and Friday, I need the money too badly to walk out.

I know it will be difficult, but just be your usual self on those 2 days.

From what you describe, it doesn't sound to be the best company to work for.

Hopefully you will get something else soon.

And if the new person doesn't work out and the company come back to you in a couple of weeks, you must do what is best for you, and not based on any false promises.

dickydonkin

A lot of jobs (particularly internal recruiting) are not offered to individuals on merit - more a case of not what you know - but WHO you know.

Preferred candidates for internal roles are just a fact of life - it happens (all too frequently) and the OP should not take it personally.