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to think the job was mine?

87 replies

cryingwithdisappointment · 06/12/2011 17:41

Had interview yesterday - first since being made redundant. Recruitment agency actually rang me and said they thought I'd be ideal for the job and had put my cv forward. Interview went very well I thought, I was in there for 90 minutes, interviewers seemed to like me and by the end of the interview were saying things like 'when can you start', 'what hours would you like to work' and 'we can be flexible in terms of days you work because of your childcare'. They insisted on giving me the grand tour of the building, saying stuff like 'this is where you'll sit' and 'you'll report to Mr x'.

At the end the main interviewer insisted on giving me his business card and said he'd be in touch and he hoped I was interested in the job. I said I was and I looked forward to hearing from them etc etc

To be honest started thinking the job was mine (especially as recruitment firm told me I was the last person they'd seen and they'd discounted all previous applicants) and was on a real high.

Got a phone call from recruitment agency today saying interviewers had liked me, thought I'd fit in well but since they'd interviewed me they'd arranged to interview other people. They thought I had been too 'general' in my answers to their questions.

I'm gutted Sad if they had really liked me and wanted to employ me they wouldnt have arranged to see anyone else (it's not like they had already set the interviews up).

Feel so disheartened and rejected. Especially when I thought I had it in the bag. Talk about being over confident, had even bought celebratory bottle of wine to share with DH. That will teach me.

OP posts:
happyAvocado · 06/12/2011 17:51

last yerar I was in identical situation to yours

I was interviewed, and didn't get the job offer because even though i ws their "ideal match" they had no one else to interview and compare me with ...

I got another job very soon, so I wouldn't really worry if I were you

you must have good skills, and just read more advice about interview answers or ask someone who interviews for vacancies in their company to give you some advice

MrSpoc · 06/12/2011 17:52

Hi Op,

Im a Rec Consultant. Something here does not add up. It could be a number of things (fee's not agreed between agency & company etc).

The hiring manager has given you thier card. Call them, expalin you have had feedback from the agency who advised you that your answers where to general. Ask them if there is anything you can clairify for them. Hopefully you will get the chance to address any of their concerns.

Can I ask what you do. I may be able to help you.

cryingwithdisappointment · 06/12/2011 17:58

Oh MrSpoc thank you for replying. The hiring manager was just so keen and enthusive and we were chatting through how I'd approach the project and what could be done in the short term. He even interrupted a meeting with three senior partners to introduce me to them.

Do you really think it's worth contacting the hiring manager direct? I didn't think my answers were too general, his main concern with me seemed to be that I'd find the work boring compared to previous roles I've done. I'm in knowledge management.

OP posts:
grovel · 06/12/2011 18:00

You showed too much general knowledge?

grovel · 06/12/2011 18:01

Sorry, that was inappropriately flip.

I would certainly call the hiring manager. What's to lose?

MABS · 06/12/2011 18:07

totally agree, call him, and let us know! good luck

NatashaBee · 06/12/2011 18:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrSpoc · 06/12/2011 18:11

i'm not sure what a Knowledge Management job is sorry (if its in Manufacturing I could help you).

The hiring manager give you his number for a reason. For all you know, the company may of had a fall out with the agency (this does happen allot).

Call them and see if you can clarify any points. You have nothing to loose.

cryingwithdisappointment · 06/12/2011 18:14

I have excellent references (fortunately) and I know both referees would give me a glowing report so not that. I'm now wondering if it's to do with pay - I did say I wanted the top end of what they're offering and there may be others willing to work cheaper. However for this organisation money is NO object so didn't think it would be that.

Maybe they were excited when they interviewed me and then thought about me some more and decided against me. Think I will go mad trying to analyse everything they said/I said.

OP posts:
Coconutty · 06/12/2011 18:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

msrisotto · 06/12/2011 18:15

Call them, you have nothing to lose. They're bastards if they were stringing you along!

Coconutty · 06/12/2011 18:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

cryingwithdisappointment · 06/12/2011 18:17

trying to be pragmnatic, ie everything happens for a reason and all that rubbish.....

just wish I hadn't told DH and best friend that I thought I'd done really well and the job was mine Blush

OP posts:
thebigkahuna · 06/12/2011 18:17

Sympathies OP Sad

I reckon you should go with DrSpoc's plan.

I was made redundant from a KM job earlier this year too. Now I'm kinda wondering if yours was public sector..Just nosey!

thebigkahuna · 06/12/2011 18:18

Oops, mrspoc, sorry Blush

NatashaBee · 06/12/2011 18:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mum1369 · 06/12/2011 18:20

Odd that he gave you his card ? I'd defo call or email. You have nothing to lose. Just say you wanted some feedback for further reference or something?

Mum1369 · 06/12/2011 18:21

Ooh no, do what Natasha said !

wahwahwah · 06/12/2011 18:23

Sorry to hear that! I have been in similar - going for four rounds then doing a presentation... Then the next I hear was that there was another person being interviewed and they got the job. Funnily enough, I had been told earlier that no-one else was in the picture! Hmmmmm.

Went for an interview last week - no news and one today which I have my fingers and toes crossed for!

I am a great believer in 'what's for you won't go by you'. If they are so flakey, then you are better off out of it. Something else will turn up.

cryingwithdisappointment · 06/12/2011 18:24

thanks all for advice, I thought the card thing was odd too. Have had a few interviews in my time and never once has the interviewer given me his/her card. Think I will email as suggested.

thebigkahuna yes I was in public sector, were you? This trying to find a new job malarkey is no fun at all. I naively thought it wouldn't be as hard as this.

OP posts:
Ilovedaintynuts · 06/12/2011 18:25

What the he'll is 'knowledge management'?

Ilovedaintynuts · 06/12/2011 18:26

Hell not he'll obviously, bloody iPhone.

LittleLucifer · 06/12/2011 18:26

Hi Crying. You must call him! He gave you his card for a reason and it is perfectly reasonable to contact for feedback. Everything DOESN'T happen for a reason - that's a total cop-out! Things happen because you make them happen.Take control!

Disclaimer - obviously there are things that you can't make happen and may occur due to no fault of your own.

cryingwithdisappointment · 06/12/2011 18:27

wahwahwah fingers crossed for you. Last month I completed a pre-interview test, a 2000 narrative with recommendations on what the organisation should do followed by a presentation and interview only to be told I was second choice. Nice.

OP posts:
wahwahwah · 06/12/2011 18:28

They tend to give out cards these days. I think it is just a habit with some folk. I hate interviews - they are like blind dates.

So why do you want to work for XYZ?
Because you pay me money and I have a mortgage.

What attracted you to this job?
It was the only one advertised that I could do