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Original poster

Interview- up against the person doing the job!

58 replies

boymummy19 · 03/07/2023 22:29

As my title suggests, I have been shortlisted for an interview this week; I have managed to find out there are 6 people including myself being interviewed and one of them is currently in post and has been for 12 months on a temp contract.

So my question is- how do I make myself stand out and preform better than the person already doing the job?!

Thanks

OP posts:
LaffTaff · 04/07/2023 09:28

Mooselaurels · 04/07/2023 09:21

I know of two instances where someone was successfully doing a role on a temporary basis, with no issues about their performance. They both applied when the roles were advertised, neither of them got the jobs.

One was pipped by somebody who looked good on paper and interviewed well, but in real life has turned out to be a bit of a wet lettuce.

The other, he was judged not to have done well enough (by their own admission they're crap at interviews) and the post was left gapped. Management still asked him to keep doing the role on a temporary basis though...

One was pipped by somebody who looked good on paper and interviewed well, but in real life has turned out to be a bit of a wet lettuce.

Not uncommon! There can be pressure on a recruiting manager (especially if it's a very sought after post, and people are 'talking') to demonstrate they're being fair.

Jellycatspyjamas · 04/07/2023 09:31

In terms of standing out, look at the person spec and competencies for the role and have concrete examples that evidence your skills. I often find that internal candidates assume the panel know them and their skills so don’t fully explain their role or how they meet the person spec and so don’t score as well at interview. When interviewing we need to follow the scoring system so if someone scores more highly they get the job.

Daisymay2 · 04/07/2023 09:34

One of my friends was interviewed for her own job during a restructuring / regrading, someone else appointed who left after a few months. Friend had accepted early retirement, but was under pressure to rescind when the other person left, as she was number 2 on the list and they wanted to appoint her as it was within 12 months. (Cs) She declined.

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hexsnidgett · 04/07/2023 09:36

I have been on both sides of this and it's horrible. A total waste of time.
I have interviewed for short term contracts working at the same level at the same site just more hours!
People in the private sector tend not to understand, I know there must be a way of preventing cronyism, but this way is so rubbish there must be a better way.

tectonicplates · 04/07/2023 09:39

Daisymay2 · 04/07/2023 09:34

One of my friends was interviewed for her own job during a restructuring / regrading, someone else appointed who left after a few months. Friend had accepted early retirement, but was under pressure to rescind when the other person left, as she was number 2 on the list and they wanted to appoint her as it was within 12 months. (Cs) She declined.

Wow, so they made her interview for her own job, turned her down for someone who looked better on paper, then begged her to come back?! When you said “she declined”, I hope she actually told them to fuck off.

This entire system of recruitment needs to be banned. It’s insulting all round, and frankly pathetic.

menope · 04/07/2023 09:40

@hexsnidgett it doesn't even prevent it, senior civil servants still get all the hires they want, completely unqualified people being "parachuted in" because ultimately, the hiring panel only need to put down the marks they want to see. I see it ALL the time.

rigamortiz · 04/07/2023 09:47

I work at a uni where they do similar. It drives me crazy that they waste external applicants' time. Another department once chose an external applicant a few years ago, they scored better in interview, but I remember that because it was so rare and it backfired when the applicant joined and hated the job.

IncomingTraffic · 04/07/2023 09:49

menope · 04/07/2023 09:40

@hexsnidgett it doesn't even prevent it, senior civil servants still get all the hires they want, completely unqualified people being "parachuted in" because ultimately, the hiring panel only need to put down the marks they want to see. I see it ALL the time.

Yes. It’s all ridiculously rigid and convoluted. But still you end up with favoured people getting on over more competent peers.

Bibbitybobbitty · 04/07/2023 09:55

Slightly different perspective from DH, their posts are always advertised externally when being made permanent. Person doing job as temp will have been appointed internally & possibly only person with even minimal experience required for job, often a stopgap who is struggling to perform. If he was interviewing he'd definitely be hoping an external candidate would outperform & have greater experience!

Ughbushybushy · 04/07/2023 09:57

I know it's not really related to the thread but "ridiculously rigid" and "convoluted" really resonated with me.

They want references going back 5 years. To cover my period of unemployment. Professional email address only. And the hiring manager (yes, a hiring manager!) suggested the local mayor could give me a reference.

This is a Local Authority. Yes, a local authority hiring manager has suggested I ask our local mayor for a reference for my period of unemployment 5 years ago. I've never met the man / woman.

A local mayor?!

It's not the 50s!

Ughbushybushy · 04/07/2023 09:58

Oops forgot to mention that I'm currently in the middle of a Local Authority job offer and they're seeking my references.

I'm 99% sure I'm going to back out citing their ridiculous policies and red tape doesn't bode well for my future mental health 😂

Walikingdeadfan · 04/07/2023 10:09

I am surprised they are interviewing 6 people for 1 post. In my experience in Civil Service it is usually 3 or 4. So it might be that they have other similar posts that are available now or soon, so if they get more than one candidate that does well they can be on a reserve list for other posts. Which means other teams dont need to do full recruitment process . Just an informal chat with reserve list candidate.

MadelineZott · 04/07/2023 10:24

tectonicplates · 03/07/2023 23:44

Personally I think that should be made illegal.

Show quote history

Oh it's all done "properly", but the person already doing the job has a much better understanding of what the interview questions are aiming at, so can give better answers and therefore score higher on the assessment form. The insider knowledge helps massively. It's still possible for them to screw it up but it's unlikely.

LegoLady95 · 04/07/2023 10:34

I have lost out to an external candidate for a job I was doing (well) on a fixed term contract. I work in higher education admin, and the interview is purely point scoring, so whoever does best on the day. Any previous experience or commitment to the employer is completely irrelevant, and people who are good at interviews have the advantage.

GlasgowGal82 · 04/07/2023 10:46

Worked in the public sector for years and in situations like this it's not uncommon to do a full day of interviews even if the person currently doing the job on a temp basis is doing a decent job because there is an expectation that everyone who meets the required standard is interviewed. I think you realise that the job is likely to go to the person who is already doing it, however it's not unheard of for an external candidate to sweep in and get the role (I've seen it happen a number of times, often when the person acting up isn't great at interviews). The only thing you can do to swing things in your favour is present yourself in the best possible light and hope that being new and fresh gives you an advantage (you may also have an advantage in that the employer isn't aware of your shortcomings whereas they will be aware of the incumbent's).

CatsOnTheChair · 04/07/2023 10:56

A long time ago, I got the job in this situation.
Apparently (new boss had a minimal grasp of diplomacy!) I wasn't far off them technically, and was massively ahead in all the softer skills.

Gingersay · 04/07/2023 11:13

I'm civil service and I was the person doing the job, I was temped up for almost 3 years the department was doing the best it's ever done and the job was advertised externally as per my depts policies.
An external candidate scored 2 points higher than me and got the job. I was asked to stay in role until he had worked 2 months notice, which I did, I was also asked to train him but I refused.
The Head of Department gave me a new job on the peripheral of the team as I said I was going to leave although this is at the grade I was.
Is it bad to say its so satisfying to watch this new guy making a complete arse of it!!

Original poster
boymummy19 · 04/07/2023 11:13

So it's for an 8b post and the panel consists of 3 8d's who will be taking the full day to interview- which makes me think there are no initial advantages. -also I know the trust and I know of people who have retired and returned into posts that have been created for them and not been advertised at all so if they really wanted the person to stay i'm confident they could have made it happen!
Im very anxious- I haven't interviewed in years!
Lots of swatting is required this week I think!!

Thanks all you've made me feel better about my chances!

OP posts:
menope · 04/07/2023 11:14

Is it bad to say its so satisfying to watch this new guy making a complete arse of it!!

If it is I'm as bad as you, I'd relish it!

LaffTaff · 04/07/2023 13:49

Gingersay · 04/07/2023 11:13

I'm civil service and I was the person doing the job, I was temped up for almost 3 years the department was doing the best it's ever done and the job was advertised externally as per my depts policies.
An external candidate scored 2 points higher than me and got the job. I was asked to stay in role until he had worked 2 months notice, which I did, I was also asked to train him but I refused.
The Head of Department gave me a new job on the peripheral of the team as I said I was going to leave although this is at the grade I was.
Is it bad to say its so satisfying to watch this new guy making a complete arse of it!!

Is it bad to say its so satisfying to watch this new guy making a complete arse of it!!

Nope! 🤭 That's allowed 😄

SirChenjins · 04/07/2023 13:56

Nothing unusual about interviewing that many people in one day in the NHS - it just means we’ve had that number of good applicants who have all scored highly enough on paper to warrant an interview. It’s a horrible situation for the internal applicant to be in, but equally frustrating if you’re up against someone who is good enough to be interviewed and comes with insider knowledge of the role and its future direction.

LaffTaff · 04/07/2023 14:00

boymummy19 · 04/07/2023 11:13

So it's for an 8b post and the panel consists of 3 8d's who will be taking the full day to interview- which makes me think there are no initial advantages. -also I know the trust and I know of people who have retired and returned into posts that have been created for them and not been advertised at all so if they really wanted the person to stay i'm confident they could have made it happen!
Im very anxious- I haven't interviewed in years!
Lots of swatting is required this week I think!!

Thanks all you've made me feel better about my chances!

Gosh 6 in one day is full on! Not sure how that'll be doable...

As others have suggested, make sure you are informed on any current or forthcoming projects. These are the things that can edge it on the day, and get you those extra points.

Original poster
boymummy19 · 04/07/2023 15:41

Thanks all!
I have had a conversation with the recruiting manager who has given me some pointers so feeling better!

OP posts:
Wazzzzzuuuuuuup · 04/07/2023 15:47

My NHS org recently interviewed 5 people for a Director post. One of the candidates was the acting post holder and this person was not successful on the day. Just go and do your best. If the process and scoring are fair you could pip the incumbent to the post

NatWestPigFamily · 04/07/2023 16:29

Also in the NHS and interview people. If appropriate, ask for a site or department visit. It may give you some more information about the place that can be used in your answers in interview. Good luck!

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