I want to start my new job but the still haven't given me a start date!?

Question

I was offered a job nearly 3 months ago, before I could start I had to apply for a criminal record check because the job is working with kids. I filled in and gave them the forms the day I got them and my new employer took 3 weeks to submit them to the CRB. Then I had to wait a further six weeks for the check to come back which it has and it's completely clear. I contacted my new employer and they said everything was fine and to just wait for the letter for my start date. it's been another 3 weeks since and they still haven't contacted me. I called them a couple of days ago and someone was supposed to call me back but I've heard nothing. I'm desperate to go to work and really need the money, they are a pretty big organisation within the child care sector and can't understand why they are messing me around so much what should I do? It's a well paying job and I'm scared to rock the boat too much in case they change their minds but I HAVE to start work soon.

Answer 1

Phone again and ask for a name, it will put the impetus on the person your speaking to to get of their as's and do something, if needs be ask for a superior.  

Answer 2

I'd say give it to next Wednesday then call them again.

Could be the required person is on holiday etc and they are waiting for him/her to get back.

Answer 3

Sunny's advice is good - I work in a big organisation and it's pure dis-organisation most of the time.  There's probably someone there desperate for you to start work but inter-department communications aren't working, so things get lost.

Try to find out the name of the person you'll be working for - rather than the personnel dept; and see if you can talk to them. They can push from their end and hopefully get things moving. Don't be too pushy, but if they've offered you a job it should be there for you.

Good luck.

Answer 4

As usual, big organisations = big bureaucracy!

I would suggest getting someone's name there and keeping it very light and chummy when you phone. You can tell them you have a new postman and some of your mail has been going astray and of course apologise that you are ringing again but it's just that you are so looking forward to starting and would hate for them to think you had changed your mind if your start date had got lost in the post.

Do you know someone who already works for them? Perhaps they can put your mind at ease about the delays. If you need money urgently, can you get something casual for now?