599 replies to this topic

[SharonStoned]

I'm more miserable than I've ever been in work so I've applied for 2 jobs working for the NHS.

Unfortunately, although the first one's location would be my first choice I didn't notice it was job share when I submitted my application and I couldn't retract it.  A week later another job up - full time, job of my dreams & would love to get it.  It's a long way from home so would only be able to do it for a couple of years before the drive would get me down.

My dilemma is I've got an interview for the first job.  I'd love to go for the experience so I'm better prepared for my interview for the second job (if I get one) but don't want to mess them around by turning the job down if I got it as I would eventually like to work there if/when a full time job comes up.

Please help me with some advice!!!  This has been running around my head for a week !!

[sifi]

Go to the interview.  Going to an interview doesn't mean that you want the job.  It means you are interested in the job.  It's like a date.   You might up with a bloke for a dinner, but that doesn't mean you are going to marry him.  If the hours don't work for you, or a better offer comes along - as it might do - then that's life.  You are in the job market - you don't want to limit your options.

Employers are reasonable enough to recognise this.  If they are good interviewers they will ask you if you have got anything else on the go, and there is no harm in answering them honestly - there is a similar position to this that I've applied for.  

Oh - and good luck!

Edited by sifimaster, 18 March 2008 - 02:23 PM.

[Katster]

SharonStoned, on Mar 18 2008, 02:11 PM, said:

I'm more miserable than I've ever been in work so I've applied for 2 jobs working for the NHS.

Unfortunately, although the first one's location would be my first choice I didn't notice it was job share when I submitted my application and I couldn't retract it.  A week later another job up - full time, job of my dreams & would love to get it.  It's a long way from home so would only be able to do it for a couple of years before the drive would get me down.

My dilemma is I've got an interview for the first job.  I'd love to go for the experience so I'm better prepared for my interview for the second job (if I get one) but don't want to mess them around by turning the job down if I got it as I would eventually like to work there if/when a full time job comes up.

Please help me with some advice!!!  This has been running around my head for a week !!

The last interview I had, at the end of it they asked me if I was still interested in the job. As Sifi says, applying for a job means you think you have an interest in that job......you don't know whether you want it until you know exactly what it involves, and even then you might change your mind.

Go to the interview, the experience will help you in future applications  

[Goblinz]

What he said ^^^^

Also, if they want you in the company and make you an offer and you have to turn them down witht he reason of needing a full time job, better hours, more pay etc, there's always the chance that they may send you a better offer.... All depends how much you impress them in the interview, which I'm sure they will. It's always best to go into these things with the idea in your head that they need you to work for them!


                          G

[Katster]

/Checks bits, still a lady, phew.

[SharonStoned]

Katster, on Mar 18 2008, 02:42 PM, said:

/Checks bits, still a lady, phew.

While I'm at the interview????  That's got to be the best bit of advice I've ever had  


Thanks very much for your posts everyone.  I can't believe at my age I'm so nieve when it comes to stuff like this.  I worked for the same company for 22 years until I got made redundant 3 years ago so this is all a bit new to me.

I'll go to the interview & take it from there.  Next dilemma.... do I change my red dreadlocks to a more natural colour?     




Edit to add:  Last bit was a joke BTW...  They can take me as they find me..  

Edited by SharonStoned, 18 March 2008 - 02:58 PM.

[sifi]

SharonStoned, on Mar 18 2008, 02:55 PM, said:

I'll go to the interview & take it from there.  Next dilemma.... do I change my red dreadlocks to a more natural colour?     

Only if you are checking your bits.  In my experience as an interviewer, I've always been more impressed when the cuffs and the collars match.

And no.  I got a job as a HR Manager at a County Council whilst wearing my hair in dreads.

Edited by sifimaster, 18 March 2008 - 02:58 PM.

[Katster]

SharonStoned, on Mar 18 2008, 02:55 PM, said:

do I change my red dreadlocks to a more natural colour?     

Not if I was your interviewer  

[llcoolphil]

sifimaster, on Mar 18 2008, 02:22 PM, said:

Go to the interview.  Going to an interview doesn't mean that you want the job.  It means you are interested in the job.  It's like a date.   You might up with a bloke for a dinner, but that doesn't mean you are going to marry him.  If the hours don't work for you, or a better offer comes along - as it might do - then that's life.  You are in the job market - you don't want to limit your options.

Employers are reasonable enough to recognise this.  If they are good interviewers they will ask you if you have got anything else on the go, and there is no harm in answering them honestly - there is a similar position to this that I've applied for.  

Oh - and good luck!

Spot on! And it as much about you interviewing them as them you


Good luck with it though

[midnight_toker]

Agree with the others - definately go.  Remember that an interview is a 2 way thing - you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.

This will also give you some practice in interviews - sounds like you've not had one for a while, and it never hurts to practice. You'll find that the more interviews you go to, the less nervous you are about them.

As for the dreads - do you normally have them red? If so, leave them. The last thing you want is to get the job with natural looking dreads and then turn up on the first day and they have a problem with the colour.

[SharonStoned]

sifimaster, on Mar 18 2008, 02:56 PM, said:

Only if you are checking your bits.  In my experience as an interviewer, I've always been more impressed when the cuffs and the collars match.

And no.  I got a job as a HR Manager at a County Council whilst wearing my hair in dreads.

Thanks, that's reassuring.  

My mates have talked me out of getting rid of my dreads for my careers sake a few years ago.  They say I won't be the same without them so I'll be selling myself short.

[SharonStoned]

Katster, on Mar 18 2008, 02:57 PM, said:

Not if I was your interviewer  

[TalkShow Bob]

I see all the advice has been given so all thats left to say is good luck!

[SharonStoned]

TalkShow Bob, on Mar 18 2008, 10:06 PM, said:

I see all the advice has been given so all thats left to say is good luck!

Thanks TSB  


And thanks to all others who've posted.  I actually woke up this morning without the damn thing on my mind for a change.
Love these boards  

If I get the job will post my next decision dilemma for you to solve for me  

[chownsy]

SharonStoned, on Mar 18 2008, 02:11 PM, said:

I'm more miserable than I've ever been in work so I've applied for 2 jobs working for the NHS.

Good luck...........we're all trying to get out!!!!

[greenfairy43]

chownsy, on Mar 19 2008, 11:04 PM, said:

Good luck...........we're all trying to get out!!!!

Like the man said


But all the very best of luck to you

[SharonStoned]

    

The grass is always greener eh?



Take a tip from the beaten one.... don't be seduced into working for a charitable organisation.  The working conditions are terrible, there is no training budget for professional development and, although money has never been my motivator, the rates of pay are shocking!!

[Lauz_Abbott]

and never work in retail.......man its a scary world working in a shop!!!

[greenfairy43]

SharonStoned, on Mar 20 2008, 08:53 PM, said:

    

The grass is always greener eh?



Take a tip from the beaten one.... don't be seduced into working for a charitable organisation.  The working conditions are terrible, there is no training budget for professional development and, although money has never been my motivator, the rates of pay are shocking!!

Thought you were talking about the NHS there!!

[chownsy]

greenfairy43, on Mar 20 2008, 09:01 PM, said:

Thought you were talking about the NHS there!!

Isn't she!!!! Sounds exactly right to me.....