I can completely relate to your experiences here, I’ve had a similar experience lately (keep hush lol). A local company (Yorkshire based) approached me late last year and invited me in for an interview. I agreed as I thought, on the surface, they seemed that a great company to work for, had big name clients but were still small enough to buy into. I met the staff (who seemed great), had a look around (again great) and then at the end of the interview the MD finally came and saw me (too busy upstairs listening to Radio 4). I had a second interview with the same structure, with the MD coming down near the end to ask some direct questions. I left and had an offer offered to me. I met the MD in person again and this was the catalyst in my decision making. As I sat there and listened to his less than enthusiastic ‘why you’d be stupid not to work for me/us’, I realised this wasn’t a place I wanted to be. At my stage in my career, I either want to work for myself or work with a great leader like I respect and look up to, and can develop my skills with. As he tried to close the deal, I said I wanted to go away and consider the options as like you pointed out it was a big move with lots of if’s and but’s flying round my head. I gave him a time when I’d give him a decision and he seemed, well reluctantly agreeable.

I then got a call out of the blue from him, before the deadline, pressuring me into making a decision there and then. I was at work at the time so took the call outside. I was put on the spot so I guess my instincts took over.

I said no thanks. (in a really apologetic tone), and he basically said ‘fuck you’, through his tone. I left it professional and thanked him for the opportunity… he hung up.

Close shave? Good decision? Who knows? I’d be earning a lot more but even that couldn’t presuade me.

Ironically, they emailed me last week again to say they were recruiting and wanted me to apply. I replyed, and with my past experience of them, dropped them a seemingly justified email.

“…what’s the job role and estimated salary…”

I never got a reply…

…not a tinkle, not even an acknowledement.

I understand in this economic climate having a job is a blessing, but if you want to recruit someone specific from a competitor you need to play on a level playing field and not have the attitude of “I’m a business and you are a piece of shit”. Job attendees have the right to turn down a job as much the business has the right to refuse a candidate.

Always go with your gut instinct, inevitably it’s easier to live with.