redfrock Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 (edited) .... and it was ghastly It lasted 3 hours, and although I had done a lot of preparation and research I was still very nervous. I had 45 minutes to prepare for a role play scenario, which was easy enough although I 'interviewed' the alleged perp at 90 word to a minutes because I was so nervous Then I wrote up the report - again, easy enough. Finally I had a 40 minute interview before a board of 3 people. They asked me a lot of questions, naturally, but nothing about what was on my 8 page application form Each of them questioned me individually. When it came to the third person's turn, it was simply awful. He was miserable as sin and every question he asked me was a negative one eg. what type of people don't I like to work with, what have I been criticised (and that was the word he used) at work for etc. Then he told me that the job would involve evenings and weekends and how would this effect my home life? Now I am already in a job which sometimes involves this type of overtime work, which I explained, but as far as I am aware they are not allowed to ask about my home life.... I think he was digging to see if I have children (which I don't and can't have). I would be curious to know if he asked the men this question as well. I think the icing on the cake was when he said that he saw I had a Law degree, but what was it in . I sat there for a moment rather confused, and then replied "erm, Law". He then proceeded to ask what I had specialised in. Now, if he had done his research he would know that you do not specialise until you go to the Bar etc. Unfortunately this person would be my line manager , and to be honest if that is the case I don't think I want the job. His boss was also part of the interview team. My friends and family think I have answered the questions well and stand a good chance, but I really think it unlikely that I shall get the job based on the above and I had been so excited about it all . I guess the only consolation is that several hundred people applied and I was one of 5 to be interviewed, and I hit it off with the chap who did the role play and also the the clerical admin lady who was looking after us all. I find out in a week or 2... don't hold your breath Edited August 28, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 It sounds as if you were being grilled not interviewed I am very easy going but I dont think I could work with that man I think instead of looking forward to work you would end up dreading it (been there trust me) he sounds horrible just the sort who could fight with his own shadow. Unless it was his way of testing your mettle putting you under a bit of pressure to see how you handled him If it was and you are offered the job he might turn out to be a pussy cat Best of luck whatever the outcome Kitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Ooh sounds horrid You may have done better than you think though, so I wish you luck Oh, and they aren't supposed to ask questions about home life! They can ask if you are available to work late / weekends but can not ask how it will affect you as this is none of their business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Gosh that sounds like a grilling I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Marple Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Gosh that sounds like heavy going - what are you actually applying to do/be? I remember an interview from 21 years ago with a rather huge accountacy firm KP***** who asked similar questions about my home life and socialising etc - am sure that they can;t do that now. Anyway - got the job, but then found out I was pregnant and decided to stay put - teaching as it would be more' userfriendly'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 The whole interview experience sounds ghastly, so well done for getting through it and putting up a good show . Not sure about the creepy boss though, he might turn out to be fab, or ignoreable if you do end up working there.....but I'm afraid I tend to think once a creep, always a creep Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Fingers crossed. Sometimes the jobs with the worst interviews turn out to be the best in the end. What wil be will be. Let us know the outcome. All the best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 That seems to be heavy handed! Hope it turns out ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Fingers crossed for you. Maybe the interview was deliberately rigged to be hideous to test candidates reactions and assess whether they will conduct themselves well under pressure. Sounds as if you handled it well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Interviewers vary but it can be a test of how well you are under pressure, or dealing with difficult situations as the job may involve this. Sometimes it's a process of how you think through problems. It can be poor interview technique sometimes! I think he was just asking are you in a position to work evenings and weekends rather than specific details of your homelife. Well I hope so anyway. You might be interested in a book or website that gives model answers to difficult questions. I got a secondhand one that covers things like how to handle questions on salary or having children. Good luck, you said yourself it is competitive so well done on being shortlisted and hope you can find what you are looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 It sounds like you did really well under a lot of pressure . And congratulations on getting to interview in the first place - quite an achievement! Good luck - keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treekeeper Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Don't worry too much about the negative guy. I had the same thing and still got the job it seems a lot of companies like to hit you with th negativity vibe to see how you react Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Sorry to hear that Claire, and so sorry that I missed this thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted August 28, 2008 Author Share Posted August 28, 2008 well you will never guess what - I have just been offered the job I nearly fell off my chair when I read the email. I haven't a clue what to do so am going to sleep on it. Apparently the chap was playing 'bad cop' and is ok to work with. It is a salary drop - several thousand, but much less to pay into pension which negates it a bit. It is much further to travel but we are currently restructuring and I am likely to have to move to another office much further away and be 'interviewed' for one of the new jobs (although guaranteed a position). I am jaded with my current job, but the restructure has put a spanner in the works as the job I had always wanted will be available to me (and they have mooted that it is mine as they know I have gone for this job). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 congratulations on getting the job now you know that you are wanted by another company and its up to you if you want to make the move or not (im not helpful am I ) cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Well done you Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be the right thing for you. How good is it to know that you got through a horrible interview and were the person they wanted? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faye&Ant Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Congratulations, You must be relieved after such a long interview!!! I would sleep on it before you decide...but dont take the interviewers as being like that all the time, they were obviously testing you well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 WOOHOO! Well done! Such a tough decision now whether to accept or not but I'm sure you'll make the right choice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Wow! Congratulations! Decisions, Decisions. I'm sure you will make the right one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Congrats!!!! I bet you will do very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Congratulations . Good luck making the decision whether to take it or not . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Congrarulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Well Done Hope it's not too difficult a decision to make Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Congratulations on getting the job!! I'm sure you will know what to do when you have had time to consider everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Congratulations well done you Go with your Gut feeling it has always worked for me or draw up a list of pro's & Cons Kitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
