Not impressed - how to communicate this?

[TrillianAstra]

DP applied for a job, got an email yesterday inviting for interview next Monday, replied to say that was fine.

A second email came though today saying that due to a 'schedule clash' the interview had to be postponed until the 5th of March, 2 1/2 weeks away, and is he available for then?

I said I would ask Mumsnet for suggestions on how to communicate that he is available and will go to the interview but is not particularly happy with the delay or their lack of organisational skills.

Is there a polite way to say this? Or is it just not worth it? The email is to HR people, not the people who will actually be deciding if he gets the job or not.

[DollyMessiter]

If he wants the job, just smile sweetly.

[Hassled]

I would just grit your teeth and say nothing. The recipient of the email at HR could well be the person who is subsequently inclined to drag his/her feet re contracts/arrangements if your DP gets the job. Just not worth it.

[stealthsquiggle]

Smile and nod. Now is not the time to tell them they are disorganised. I would be mightily annoyed if a candidate got stroppy with me about something like that.

[TrillianAstra]

He wasn't planning on having a go at them, just saying that it's not ideal.

Maybe saying nothing is the right way to go. If other interviews come up in the meantime then it's their loss.

[mankyscotslass]

Really, I think he just needs to reply thanking them for letting him know, and saying he looks forwrd to meeting with them.

There could be 101 reasons for the rescheduling, most of whch they may have no control over, and tbh aren't his business anyway.

[stealthsquiggle]

Say nothing - he has nothing to gain and a lot to lose by commenting.

[TrillianAstra]

Okay thanks guys. Nothing is what will be said (apart from yes I will come to interview thank you for inviting me etc)

I thought that would be the answer but it's good to be able to check

[flowerybeanbag]

Sometimes these things are unavoidable and to be perfectly honest, either he wants the job or he doesn't.

It may well be their schedule that has changed, or any number of things, so criticising (however politely) their 'organisational skills' isn't likely to go down well or endear him to anyone.

Sending an email to HR indicating the fact that he isn't impressed is likely to get flagged up to whoever is deciding, even if they have no input. In any case, when recruiting, I frequently ask all and sundry for impressions of the candidate, from HR admin to receptionist.

[flowerybeanbag]

x-post, I see you have decided!

[beanieb]

does he want the job?

[TrillianAstra]

He wants it enough to go to an interview, what do you mean beanieb?

[Songbird]

I know he?s made a decision so this is all by-the-by, but it could have arisen from another interviewee not being able to make their allotted slot, and your DP being rejigged. Not necessarily down to their lack of organisation.

[TrillianAstra]

I know, this is why I say 'let's ask MN' it's a delaying tactic to get over the original feeling of 'this is very annoying' and then be able to make a nice calm response.