Really unsure what to do! Interview advice!

This_Year

I applied for a job recently in my line of work and got rejected, didn't get an interview as I hadn't got the professional qualification (which wasn't even mentioned on the job spec the company provided).

Today, I get a phone call from the company asking me if I would be willing to consider an 8 week contract doing the same job while they recruit the permie person.

Part of me is thinking, "8 weeks money is better than JSA, go for it"; and part of me is thinking "if I'm not good enough to do the job permanently but I can work for a few weeks to help them out until they get the qualified person... they can sod right off"

I have agreed to go tomorrow for a chat about the role, but I'm really undecided about it. Really don't know what to do. I did ask them if they would honour any interviews I have for a permanent job, and she said they would BUT I don't know if I would be tied to the 8 weeks if I do get another job!

I know I can and will ask this tomorrow, but this scenario didn't occur to me before and I'm at a loss to know whats best.

Any advice?

Two4Tuesday

Take the job and the money. While you're temping there,

(a) try to make a great impression and they might even give you the permanent role, or find an alternative role for you.
(b) update your CV to include this position and keep applying. Employers vastly prefer candidates who are already in work.

If you have a notice period of up to 8 weeks, that shouldn't be too much of a problem for most other employers.

AlecEiffel

I'd go for it, it's a foot in the door and you could prove yourself for other roles there (or elsewhere if the company is a big one in the field). Or the perm could fall through, leaving you to pick up the baton!

I'd just tell myself it wasn't that they didn't believe I was good enough, it was just the other person had the formal qualification.

Also, like you say, it's better money than JSA and looks better on a CV.

No harm in going and asking about the notice period.

Daedalus

You are tied to whatever notice period the contract you sign states. If it doesn't state a period then you give 1 weeks notice.

Take the job and work your !!!! off and get the perm job. Many people get their foot in the door with temp contracts. If you are good then they will want to keep you on rather than risk hiring someone new who might be !!!!

Jobseeeker

theres every possibility that if you do well they will keep you on. They might even pay for you to do the professional qualification if you make a good impression. TBH i'd jump at the chance, especially if you don't have anything else in the pipeline

This_Year

Thanks - that does help! Appreciated.

gibson123

I agree with everyone here, good luck.