Should I be wary of a new job that I interviewed for if afterwards the hiring manager comes back to me and says they want me in a different role?

Anonymous

October 9,2021 at 1:59PM UTC

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Should I be wary of a new job that I interviewed for if afterwards the hiring manager comes back to me and says they want me in a different role? I was interested because it was a VP role that would provide ample learning opportunities for me. Instead they want to bring me in during the same job I am doing now for my current employer and are saying that in 6-9 months I could transition to the VP role. Should I be worried that they won’t follow through on the timeline? Should I be worried that they want me in a lesser role to start with?

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AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 2:39PM UTC
Yes you should be worried. It sounds like a bait and switch. They advertised for VP role to get great candidates and them lowered the title and role. I wouldn’t trust them. If it’s the same job, then why go through the trouble of switching companies. Unless you are desperate, pass on the “opportunity”. I six months it will be some other excuse as to why you aren’t a VP. Most companies are full of it and treat employees very poorly. They really can’t be trusted.
Crystal Miller-O'BrienOctober 9,2021 at 3:46PM UTC
I think this situation should prompt you to ask "could I brush up on my skills some before lead others ?" There's nothing wrong with learning more and investing time in learning the company you will help to lead.
Now, this is not to say that presenting one job and placing you in another job does say that your employer has some reservations about your background. You could work to allay those concerns or you can start fresh with another and proceed from there. It just depends on where you are in your job search. If you can afford the experience and will feel comfortable searching for another job in possibly 6 to 9 months because you discover your new employer has done a disingenuous "bait and switch," then try it out. If not? Keep looking.
AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 4:10PM UTC
I think you're smart to be wary. There may be reaons to take this job, but in my opinion none of them should be that they'll promote you to Vp. Assume that the job you're taking will stay that job--meaning that you will stay in that job. If it's still worth it for some reason, go for it. But go for it knowing tht VP may forever be off the table. Good luck.
MaryamOctober 9,2021 at 4:45PM UTC
Depends on what you’re sacrificing.
It’s been said that men are judged on potential and women on past performance. Does the VP position exist today? Perhaps ask for both job descriptions to see what it is you would be expected to grow into. Would the VP position stay open for you to grow into, or would there be other applicants.
AnonymousOctober 9,2021 at 5:22PM UTC
Well I'm not sure worried is the word I would use. Clearly they do not see you as ready for the VP level role so if you could be mentored and coached for the VP role then I would see a commitment on the company part. But whether they will stick to a timeline is really a gamble.
Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachOctober 9,2021 at 6:06PM UTC
They liked you but didn't feel you were ready for VP. They want to try you out. It is a risk on your end. It depends on how you feel with your current job if you are willing to switch on a hope but not a guarantee. What are your other options?
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 10,2021 at 4:07AM UTC
It depends. Are they willing to put that you would transition to VP in 6 to 9 months in writing? Are they willing to put what you would need to accomplish in those 6 to 9 months in writing so when it gets to be 9 months, they don't move the goal posts on you?