In a Quandary, Advice/thoughts appreciated.
Friday 3rd April 2009Having been employed now at the hotel for just over 7 months, I decided a few weeks ago to do a CV and float it on the catering websites, to see what if any, response it got.
I have to stress at this point, I am happy in my job and not necessarily looking to move, it was more an exercise to see how I stand up in the current market.
I have gone through my complete working life without the need for a CV so doing one was definitely a novelty! And I am well aware that an awful lot of people put a load of old bollox on them, but I did mine honestly and as accurately as I possibly could. Having uploaded it to the websites I received a couple of calls in the first day or two from Agencies with a few more questions and that was it.
Then last Monday 23rd I get a call from a hotel, 4 star, 141 beds (Hilton group) not far from where I am now, and would I like to go along for an interview for a Night Manager there? Again, like my CV I haven’t actually attended a proper interview since 1985!!!! So I accept the invite as I think it will be a good experience and give me a chance to assess myself to how I do. Tuesday evening I arrive at the hotel in good time for my 6pm appointment, meet the duty manager, very pleasant Indian guy and we go to a room for the interview where we are joined by a trainee manager (very pleasant also and about 12 years old !!!!). At 9pm the interview finishes!! THREE HOURS ffs is that normal? I think not, anyway I leave actually thinking I held myself more than adequately so even if I don’t get offered the position I am happy. The duty manager promised to let me know one way or the other in a few days.
Monday 30th and I receive a call as promised and they would like me back for a 2nd interview, this time with the General Manager, so this is arranged for Tuesday 31st at 5.30pm, and I have to admit I am very happy to have made enough of an impression to be asked back.
Meet with the General Manager, have a good chat about things and he gives me a show round, discuss things like staff benefits, contracts all the usual and then we get to salary, now I know they are offering the same as I am on at the moment, as the job was/is advertised online and in my 1st interview the duty manager confirmed this, but they don’t know what I am earning, and bearing in mind I am still not certain as if I want to move or not, so I tell the General Manager I would need 2K more than they are offering to even consider a move. The meeting ends with him telling me he will contact me by Friday to let me know whether I will be offered the position or not.
Wednesday 01 April and I awake at 7pm to find I have a message from ANOTHER hotel, this time a 4 star 161 Bed in East Anglia part of the De Vere group, looking for a night manager and would I contact them to arrange an interview. I look up the hotel on the website and have to admit it looks impressive, also has its own 18 hole golf course, so I call them back but the guy who left the message is now off and will call me in the morning.
So I spoke to the Hotel In East Anglia and thats is on hold pending the outcome of the decision from the Hilton Group.
My problem is this: I have this gut feeling I am going to be offered the job, and if thats the case should I take it? If they agree to the extra 2K obviously that is a bonus, but money is not and never has been my driving force, although it would make life a little easier in getting the funds together to return permantly to the Philippines.
As I said at the start when I uploaded my CV I had no real thoughts about leaving my present position, but now I am thinking a new challenge might be good for me, keep me fresh etc.
Just wanted to share this with you all and appreciate any input you may have. Having said all that I probably won't get offered the job now so nothing to worry about!!!
Off to bed now, till next time...........
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