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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that I actually have a point?

32 replies

Isitameproblem · 31/07/2024 12:56

I'm interviewing for a role I really want. I was originally told it was only two interviews.

First call with the CEO all great, but he mentions the role is different from what I expected. No problem.

Recruiter calls back, he then tells me there's now a 3rd round, and that this new guy would actually be my manager. He then tells me to prepare about X topic. He also tells me the third interview is really just a formality/blessing type of thing.

I have my second interview, all went well... It was a competency based and it did take me by surprise. I'm terrible with the STAR approach, so I genuinely did my best.

So I've made it to the final round hooray! However then the recruiter gives me some feedback and that they really like me BUT that they'd like to potentially revisit some of the questions as I wasn't granular enough.

To which I ask... So it's not necessarily a "blessing" type of interview then is it? It's still proper "prep" mode type. He thought it was an odd question, and even asked if I couldn't do both.

So now I've gone from super relaxed knowing that it's virtually mine to... I have to prepare with some STAR style answers which I hate! So AIBU?

OP posts:
KarmenPQZ · 31/07/2024 13:25

I think it’s fair that the person who actually has to manage the new employee get to ask some questions and have a say in who get the position. If you weren’t preparing for the final interview and genuinely were super relaxed as you say you were being a bit naive - they would be in their rights to ask any questions in my opinion. And great that they’ve now warned you so you can be more prepared.

I would guess unless there’s a massive personality clash or issue that emerges the hiring manage wouldn’t go against the CEOs recommendation.

Hope it all goes well.

Original poster
Isitameproblem · 31/07/2024 13:24

something2say · 31/07/2024 13:19

Sounds to me like you didn't answer quite well enough. You are not owed this job. Good luck though.

and I can agree with that. I wish I had known it was competency based as I would have prepared for that.

The next stage isn't a technical guy though, so I don't know how much he can know when the previous stage was technical.

OP posts:
Picklewicklepickle · 31/07/2024 13:23

My experience is that when they say it’s not a formal interview it always is! I would never trust this and always prep.

Sounds v annoying though, good luck!

chatenoire · 31/07/2024 13:21

SZJ · 31/07/2024 13:11

I don’t think you or the interviewer is being unreasonable. It’s a fair question for you to ask the recruiter because it changes the mindset you go into the interview with— strange that they thought it was a weird question! But also if the interviewer feels they need to ask you those questions to make their decision then that’s fair too.

For some interviewers building a rapport is more important, for others they will want to ask those SAT or what if type questions. Worth trying to remember what they asked in the previous interview, but also might be worth trying to do some research on the person interviewing you if you know their name… to see if you have any common interests to build that rapport.

Best of luck!

Exactly!

Yes, I also get the STAR/ SAT is a personal choice, and I personally dislike it (as I think it's a skill in itself and not a reflection of professional experience).

something2say · 31/07/2024 13:19

Sounds to me like you didn't answer quite well enough. You are not owed this job. Good luck though.

Parkmybentley · 31/07/2024 13:17

I wouldn't want to work for a company that can't even work out what its interview process is!

If they're messing you about now just imagine the crap you'd have to deal with once in post.

If you are unemployed and keen to get any job going - or get the bump in title/salary - then proceed knowing they are clowns. Otherwise politely tell them to fuck off.

SZJ · 31/07/2024 13:11

I don’t think you or the interviewer is being unreasonable. It’s a fair question for you to ask the recruiter because it changes the mindset you go into the interview with— strange that they thought it was a weird question! But also if the interviewer feels they need to ask you those questions to make their decision then that’s fair too.

For some interviewers building a rapport is more important, for others they will want to ask those SAT or what if type questions. Worth trying to remember what they asked in the previous interview, but also might be worth trying to do some research on the person interviewing you if you know their name… to see if you have any common interests to build that rapport.

Best of luck!