Me again needing yet another dose of courage

Hooty I wouldn't ask why the previous person left. I think with supermarket jobs (unless it's a specific management position), they probably just look to have enough folk to cover the hours rather than replace one for one.
It might be worth looking ona site like GlassDoor or Indeed and see what current/previous employees have said about working there. You could then bring in one of the positives and say something like " I was very impressed with the positive feedback online from your employees on staff development and training. Could you tell me what sort of ongoing training staff receive after the initial induction?" Or, if there is good feedback from customers online, you could mention that and ask what they do to ensure they deliver such excellent customer service.
Good luck

Thanks Rosina. Much appreciated. Is it rude to ask how the vacancy occurred, ie why the previous person left? ?

You know Miss Adventure. It's not uncommon at all for employers to be turned down from a job offer. Its life and they will have experienced this before. No doubt they will be disappointed and no doubt they will have another applicant on the back burner. Look at it as if you were choosing a pair of shoes. Colour, shape, width, height and price. If they're not right for you put them back on the shelf. They will be perfect for someone else. Good luck and hope it all works our for you

Hooty you could ask about customer numbers, do they get busy at certain times,? Is there any scope for overtime? (if you would be able to do it) and presumably the company must be doing well in these difficult times as they are recruiting All fairly innocuous remarks but showing an interest . Good luck - and just tell yourself they will be lucky to have you work for them.

I don’t know how I’ve ever got a job, I turn into a jibbering wreck at interviews and my mind goes blank! I have one tomorrow, so need some courage too! It’s just in a small supermarket, and my legs already feel like jelly. I also never can think of what to ask when they say have you any questions - any ideas?

I worked term time only, but not in a school. It was my choice about whether I wanted to be paid for what ai had worked that month (so wages would vary and August would mean no pay) or whether I wanted the wages averaging out over the year. Which is what I opted for as it was easier to budget.

MissAdventure I too was brought up with a strong sense of doing what is right. My children often chastise me for it but it does seem to have rubbed off on them. It is hard doing stuff on your own but you bit the bullet. I wish you success getting settled with the agency work - at least you will know where you are.

Thank you all.
That's the trouble with job hunting, isn't it?
They all materialise at the same time with pros and cons..
It will be an absolute relief to unsubscribe to all the job sites too, and concentrate on building up the agency work.
Too many fingers in too many pies hasn't been good for me.

MissA just tell them the truth by email, it will be ok. Had the same problem myself many years ago, I accepted a job, was also offered a good job in the wrong area of the city and was going to an interview for a job I wanted just down the road. Sods law I got the one I wanted but the second one said they would hold the job for me for 6 weeks in case I changed my mind. The one I accepted, well I just sent an email. So don't worry do what is best for you

luckyfour
I blame my mum.
I was bought up with such a strong sense of doing the right thing, and having manners that I really struggle with this kind of thing.
I don't think that's ever likely to change, but luckily enough I'm very accepting of my (few) weaknesses.

LuckyFour. MissAdventure is very, very courageous

Logic tells me they'll just replace me but I hate this kind of thing.
You will probably not be the only person they interviewed for the job, so they will wait to see if you accept the offer, if not they'll go to the next person on their list - obviously someone not quite as brilliant as you, but they will find someone!!

Just seen that you have sent it! Well done - now for that relaxing cuppa.

MissAdventure I know exactly what you mean, but tackle it right now. An email to thank them for the offer, but due to unforeseen circumstances you will not be able to take up the position - that's all you need. You don't have to explain what the circumstances are - and you have been completely truthful. If you do it right now then you are free. A nice cup of coffee and the newspaper, and relax! Good luck with the agency - it sounds just what you want.

Glad you’ve done the deed . If you feel relieved , it proves it was the right decision . Schools can be a nightmare in terms of getting paid . Some pay TA s across 12 months and some don’t pay in the holidays . Better to have some financial stability from month to month .

You seem to be very nervous bearing in mind you have called yourself MissAdventure.

I think the most important thing is not so much how you do it but that you do it as quickly as possible. It is a practical rather than emotional problem for the company so they just want as much time as possible to make alternative arrangements.

Well done - did they come back to you? I have done similar things in the past. I've also been on interview panels, and this is not unusual, so please don't fret.

Hope you got some sleep, good luck

MissA you have such a lot of responsibility now glad you got some support here to make your decision.

Well done but just in case you’re in the same position on the future all term time jobs are worked out through the whole year and salary is paid monthly so no gaps. Some jobs expect you to work a small amount of extra days through the holidays and some don’t. It’s according to your job requirements

Well done! It's always such a relief to get these things over and done with. It's horrible to have something nervewracking hanging over you.

Oh dear, I should read every post first but with my eyesight that is such a struggle so I gave you empty advice. Good that you grasped the nettle though

"but nobody seems to know how the wages work out, whether or not they pay 'standby' when its school holidays, and how many hours I might work."

That's your answer and your email.

"I'm sorry but I just haven't had enough information about this to feel confident that I could do the job to my own (and your) satisfaction. For instance, nobody seems to know how the wages work out, whether or not they pay standby when its school holidays, and how many hours I might work. So reluctantly I must decline this offer but please feel free to keep me on your list for further work"

Don't let it scare you - you just don't come across as a lady who scares easily but we all have our vulnerabilities.

Oh, I'm glad too grannya
You've no idea how glad!