Should I attend this interview? Been told I won't get it :(

[bleedinora]

Posting here for traffic:

I've been working as a contractor for a big company. A FT position came up for the job I currently do. I applied for it and have been invited for an interview but after a chat with the boss, she's told me I won't get it!

The reason for this is:

I was given certain tasks where the deadline for submission was either close to expiring or had already passed. Before accepting my contractor role to address these tasks, I highlighted how for the contracts that had little time remaining to complete, there was no chance I'd be able to meet their deadlines. I was assured by the boss and her deputy that I should come on board and work through the backlog as quickly as I could and it would all be fine. I accepted but told them the tasks might take long since I only worked 2 days a week. They all agreed and said they were happy with that (I have emails to prove this).

Anyway, they've suddenly changed their tune and are personally holding me accountable for the missed deadlines (of the 4 cases that were close to submission when I took them on). I was called into a meeting with the boss this morning and she was aggressive as anything and seemed to be suffering from amnesia when it came to anything we had discussed previously. Asked me why I hadn't finished the tasks from September till now. When I tried to explain why, I was shut down and told what a waste of their time my application for the role I've applied for is since if I can't manage to complete tasks on a part time basis, how on earth will I manage a heavier workload on a FT basis?! I was told there were plenty of jobs in my field elsewhere and I should apply for them instead as attending the interview would save 'us all a lot of hassle'. I took what she said on the chin and left the meeting with my head held high knowing I haven't done anything wrong (and can prove it) but the more I think of it, the more pissed off I am. Is she allowed to say what she has/do this?

She's a brutal boss but I need the job- the location and salary work brilliantly for childcare.

Ps. I'm now also worried about references she'll provide for any jobs I decide to take up elsewhere. I'm scared she'll mention the late deadlines (crucial to my role) and jeopardise my career as a whole.

What would you want to work for this person?!

Sorey just to better understand - are you an self employed person they are contracting work out to, and you have applied to work there as a FT employee?

I took a job that worked well for my boys and financially - it nearly broke me.

I found another job that is less money, but actually works out better for childcare.

Working in a toxic environment or with a toxic manager is not worth the stress - look for other options as soon as you can.

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

Sorey just to better understand - are you an self employed person they are contracting work out to, and you have applied to work there as a FT employee?

Yes- self employed and accepted their short term contract. Need job stability and benefits such as holidays, etc. To fit in with childcare so applied for their FT role.

@turnthebiglightoff

What would you want to work for this person?!

Because I need the money and Job security.

She obviously isn't the decision maker as you wouldn't have got an interview if she is. Who I actually employing you? Can you go over her head and speak with them.....what she has done is unprofessional and shouldn't be allowed. If she wishes to discuss your performance then that should be clearly stated.....have they given you notice to quit because you aren't performing? If not that again tells you she isn't the decision maker.....

Reading between the lines she's had her arse kicked about late delivery and wants to blame you......

Is she on the interview panel?

Print out the relevant emails so you have them to hand if this is brought up. Interview and hopefully the decision will be above her.

Sounds to me like she may have someone in mind for the job, but knows you tick more boxes, and she isn't making the decision.

Is she trying to put you off attending so her choice of candidate will get the job with no competition?

I wouldn't and I would look for something else. I was actively encouraged to interview once and was all but told the job was mine. I was told Christmas eve it wasnt and I was furious as clearly I was just there to make up numbers and I had done so much prep.

Have you cleared all the cases now, or if not are you in track to meet the agreed, revised deadlines?

If so, I would write to the recruiter stating that and explain today's conversation.

Despite your financial need, I think working for this person would be debilitating.

Would this person be your line manager?

I would interview and take the emails as proof incase the late delivery is brought up.