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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think this is pretty poor form (job interview related)

86 replies

Itsmeanttobesummer · 10/06/2026 13:09

Went for a job interview last Tuesday. Bit of a long story but the interviews were being held in central London, despite the role not being located there.

I know from where the role is located that none of the candidates, including myself live in or near central London.

For me, it was 3 hours on a train each way which cost me £78 return. All day travelling, days preparing for the interview etc, time off work.

I’ve heard nothing so I’m assuming I didn’t get the role, which is fine but AIBU to think it’s really poor form dragging people down for an interview (which in hindsight, they really could’ve just done over Teams) hours from where they live, knowing that it would’ve cost them a lot of time and money, only to not even be bothered to tell them they haven’t got the job?

I chased yesterday and haven’t heard anything.

Is this what the job market is like nowadays?! I wouldn’t be bothered if it had been a local interview that was an hour of my time and a fiver in fuel or whatever, but this really wasn’t and it makes me angry they can’t even be arsed to email and say ‘sorry, you’ve not been successful’ over a week later!

OP posts:
Wecandothisasalways · 10/06/2026 13:32

I do think it must be very soul destroying to go for an interview and then not be giventhe outcome. It’s just basic communication and decency. Hopefully you will hear very soon.

OtterlyMad · 10/06/2026 13:26

Itsmeanttobesummer · 10/06/2026 13:19

Maybe you’re the interviewer Blush Hi B if that’s you, was lovely to have met you Grin

Show quote history

Haha, I am not based in London so it wasn’t me but I will keep everything crossed for you!

Original poster
Itsmeanttobesummer · 10/06/2026 13:19

OtterlyMad · 10/06/2026 13:16

I was on an interview panel on Tuesday last week, so same day as your interview, and we only managed to offer the successful candidate the role yesterday (due to having to iron out some things with HR, e.g. agreeing what salary to offer) and then the candidate requested a couple of days to think about the offer. We haven’t yet contacted any of the other candidates because if our first choice declines, we will go to our second choice candidate, and if they declined, we would go to our third choice.

So basically what I’m saying is, be patient, and don’t just assume they are sitting on their hands because there could be a lot going on behind the scenes.

Edited

Maybe you’re the interviewer Blush Hi B if that’s you, was lovely to have met you Grin

OP posts:
ToKittyornottoKitty · 10/06/2026 13:19

Well it’s certainly not unusual, as PP said they could be waiting for 1st choice to decide. And it’s not unreasonable to them to want to meet you in person. You just need to be patient really, but I do agree it’s poor form if they never get back to you

LasersInTheJungle · 10/06/2026 13:18

Itsmeanttobesummer · 10/06/2026 13:17

They said Monday or Tuesday of this week. I mean, I guess there’s a small chance they may still be deciding but I have a feeling not!

Like I say, it’s fine if I haven’t got it (it was good interview experience if nothing else. Though I do stand by the fact it was nothing that couldn’t have been done over Teams and would’ve saved me £80 in travel fares and a day travelling!) but I do have a feeling they’re just dragging their feet with the rejection list.

I haven’t interviewed for a role in a long time (and have never had to wait over a week for a decision before) so wasn’t sure if this was fairly typical now of employers.

They may have offered it to someone who hasn't decided yet, so don't give up....

LasersInTheJungle · 10/06/2026 13:18

Is the actual job based any nearer to you or would you still have had a long journey if they'd held it at that location?

I'm assuming London was a fair compromise between where everyone lives/ has access to?

Although 3 hours each way is a lot to ask.

TeenToTwenties · 10/06/2026 13:18

I think it is poor form to hold interviews away from where the job will be located unless for a high paying senior regional role which has to be agreed by corporate central office.

Original poster
Itsmeanttobesummer · 10/06/2026 13:17

They said Monday or Tuesday of this week. I mean, I guess there’s a small chance they may still be deciding but I have a feeling not!

Like I say, it’s fine if I haven’t got it (it was good interview experience if nothing else. Though I do stand by the fact it was nothing that couldn’t have been done over Teams and would’ve saved me £80 in travel fares and a day travelling!) but I do have a feeling they’re just dragging their feet with the rejection list.

I haven’t interviewed for a role in a long time (and have never had to wait over a week for a decision before) so wasn’t sure if this was fairly typical now of employers.

OP posts:
OtterlyMad · 10/06/2026 13:16

I was on an interview panel on Tuesday last week, so same day as your interview, and we only managed to offer the successful candidate the role yesterday (due to having to iron out some things with HR, e.g. agreeing what salary to offer) and then the candidate requested a couple of days to think about the offer. We haven’t yet contacted any of the other candidates because if our first choice declines, we will go to our second choice candidate, and if they declined, we would go to our third choice.

So basically what I’m saying is, be patient, and don’t just assume they are sitting on their hands because there could be a lot going on behind the scenes.

YouPromisedToStopPosting · 10/06/2026 13:11

When did they tell you to expect to hear back? A week isn’t an unreasonable amount of time to still be holding interviews/wash up sessions/getting HR sign off.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 10/06/2026 13:11

YANBU, although they may not have decided for whatever reason yet.