Guaranteed Interview and Disability

[toughert]

I applied for a job and the application form instructed to account for all gaps in employment history, which I did. The cause of these gaps was a mental health issue and also in the Equal Opportunities section I specified the Mental Health Issues and Disability Status.

I have been called for interview even though to be absolutely honest, I don't feel that I satisfy their basic criteria. I outlined this in the application form, as I thought maybe they would see other strengths and be willing to train or coach me in those areas. However, now I realise that they probably just gave me a guaranteed interview because of disability status.

I hadn't thought this through and now feel upset that it will be a waste of time and money to travel from another country for the interview. This happened before, it was humiliating and a big expense. It seems I only ever get called for interviews when I disclose the disability, it seems like they just offer me an interview even though they know I am not good enough.

The first criteria mentioned in the job specification I don't satisfy and if I were to go to interview, I would only be spoofing and feel it would be a waste of everyone's time. Would they ever let a candidate know before the interview if you were called because of a guaranteed interview scheme, or would it be a bad thing to ask?

[Jellybean85]

Is it in another country or county? Seems a drag to go to another country if you don't think you meet the requirements. Aside from that I'd say there's nothing to lose. It's all good interview practise!

[FreezingBob]

Was it a separate form? Equal opportunities forms are only used by HR for stats - they're not seen by the shortlisting panel so have no impact on getting an interview. I have a disability too and when I've applied for jobs, if they have a guaranteed interview scheme the form says would you consider yourself disabled and asks if you want to he considered under the scheme, tick box. If you haven't been asked this then I don't think that's why you've got an interview - sounds like you meet their criteria and they want to see you :) Good luck!

[toughert]

It's in another country, and I really don't have the money to pay for flights and accommodation. I did that once before and the interview went well but in the end it was just a huge expense and a major disappointment.

I did tick the box for disabled, but also on the main application form I mentioned my disability in explaining the employment gaps. I really feel that they just took pity on me and invited me for interview because I feel it's obvious they overlooked my lack of one of the essential criteria and this never happens with applications where I don't mention disability.

[FreezingBob]

But the guaranteed scheme is something they're upfront about. It sounds like you're really lacking in confidence at the moment. Maybe the applications you're declaring disability on you're doing better on because you're not feeling like you're hiding something?

[dramalamma]

I read something recently about how men and women apply for jobs differently (sorry I'm assuming your a woman - ignore me if not!) Apparently men will think I can fulfil one or two criteria I'll apply and women think I don't fulfill all the criteria so I won't apply. Gross generalisation of course hit it rang bells with me because that's exactly what I do - dismiss myself before I've even tried - I think it's a self preservation thing against rejection. Anyhow, maybe it's just that you're actually a good candidate. Good luck!

[afromom]

For the guaranteed interview scheme you still have to meet the basic criteria for the job. If they haven't stated that they are part of this it is unlikely that they are, therefore you have got your interview on the merit of your application. Even if they are a part of the scheme, you have obviously met at least the basic criteria and still have a chance of getting the post!
I am a little confused by your post, you say that you don't feel that you meet the basic criteria of the job and that you don't want to travel to the interview as it will cost too much? Is this just you talking yourself out of trying? Otherwise why apply for the job?
I would say go along to the interview, it's great experience and you may be exactly who they are looking for!

[daisychain01]

If you are applying for a role where you don't meet the first criteria, which is their priority skill, then it won't stack up in your favour. As you would be incurring travel costs, it seems an expensive way to get interview experience.

I'm all for "throwing your hat in the ring" even if you do not meet all capabilities and experience (some role specs are like a wish list of all skills highlighting the key priorities) but if they expect the candidate to hit the ground running on the essentials, it could put you at a disadvantage from the get-go.

[HelenDenver]

I would not travel to another country for an interview anyway, unless I could do several at once, or combine with a holiday.

You could do a fine interview but still not be selected for the job.

[HelenDenver]

Could you do a skype interview?

[justmetwice]

Can you ask if they will cover the costs of travel? I have done a number of interviews in different countries, and in a number of cases (not all), they covered the costs of my travel.

Another thing would be to ask (HR?) whether you can do a Skype/Telephone interview for the first round. Have done that as well.

Regarding not meeting all the essential criteria. I would not be that concerned. Same as what @dramalamma said...I had read that a couple of weeks before an ideal job (but one I thought I would definitely need to work up to - was changing careers) came up. Never thought I had a chance - my aim was they like me and offer me a lower position - but I got it! Was the one job I prepared like mad for. But I have been doing the role for 3 years now and although it was a steep learning curve, it has been great.

Good luck!