4 Final Interviews no job offers

westbridgfordguy

TBagpuss wrote: »

I think this depends a lot on the job. In my sector, 3 months is standard and anyone recruiting knows that that's likely to be the case. For more senior people it can be 6 months.

however, if it is *not* standard in your industry then it's worth taking into account, and considering whether your employer is likely to be prepared to agree a shorter period if /when you do give notice.

To give you an example my last role was 3 months notice period from which I took a 35% pay cut to accept my current role which is also 3 months. The standard for the role I am doing is 1 month, the company finds it difficult to recruit the calibre of staff it wants given a variety of factors which is why they insist on this "golden handcuff" and probably retrospectively why they offered me the job in the first place.

When I was asked about my notice period today at interview I went with the yes this would be negotiable with my current employer line but basically if I had the option of 2 candidates and wanted one to start within a month I would go with the one on the shorter notice period.

I actually regret now joining the company, I know there is the adage about better being in a job then not being in a job but not if it is limiting your job search. One of my peers "quit" recently which in fact meant they went off sick for a month and then never returned after going AWOL and is now working for another company which was to avoid working their 3 month notice period, I would not countenance doing that but you can see how this notice period is viewed similarly for the level of job.

getmore4less

Given your previous experience/level I think you would benefit from networking.

You need to reach out to all the people you know in the sectors you are looking at even indirect like suppliers,contractors etc. to get the heads up of potential vacancies and get the word out there you are available.

the other point that has been made is that don't give up on the ones that have picked someone else, often by the time they get to picking the person they have used up recruitment time so 3 months wait can leave them stuck if someone is leaving or new projects.
If they have you to contact they can get through the process quickly and the real gap may be much less or for future plans even get you in early.

Another strategy I have seen used is to go into interim management on contracts to do things like cover sick or single projects, depends if that is available for your sector/skills

hehoho

For advice on networking and all other aspects of job hunting, try:
FINDING WORK AFTER 40:Proven Strategies for Managers and Professionalsby Robin McKay Bell & Liam Mifsud. Published by Bloomsbury, 2011.


On sale from the publishers Bloomsbury, or from UK libraries - look on WorldCat.

rich68

A 3 month notice period is a huge disadvantage.

westbridgfordguy

rich68 wrote: »

A 3 month notice period is a huge disadvantage.

Agreed. I will be turned down for a job I interviewed for on Friday purely because they want someone to start by the end of March. Am not sure what I can do about it to be honest other than
be upfront at interview, as I mentioned previously my last 2 peers left prematurely by both feigning sickness and not coming back to avoid working their same notice periods.

Smodlet

I still think you should discuss the notice period with your employers, WBG, especially as I fail to see how it is in their interests to force someone to stay by making it impossible for them to get another job.

Try to dress it up as a benefit for them if you can. Perhaps offer to work late, train your successor, even assist with the recruitment process if you think that might be appropriate but there has to be something in it for you, i.e. a shortened notice period. Also, save up your leave as much as is practicable so you can reduce the time you have to stay by the greatest amount you can. Would asking to take a month's unpaid leave to enable you to start a month earlier at the new place be an option, do you think?

Failing that, though I understand your reluctance as it is not the most honourable path, take a leaf out of your ex-colleagues' books and get out whichever way you can. Your future is more important than your employers' convenience and they can either work with you or take the hit, imho. Perhaps someone else can think of an alternative solution.

Gavin83

westbridgfordguy wrote: »

my last 2 peers left prematurely by both feigning sickness and not coming back to avoid working their same notice periods.

This is an incredibly bad idea from multiple points of view. I’m not sure it’s illegal but worst case scenario it’ll leave them with no job and bankrupt. It’s not the lying to the previous employer that’s the issue, it’s working for the new employer while signed off sick.

From a previous employers perspective it’s probably ok as long as you don’t need the reference.