To turn down this job based on gut feeling in the interview

[Raspberryberetthekindyoufind]

Gone for a job and it was the interview today. Really excited as it is a move up and pay rise and more of a challenge.
When I got in the interview I offered my hand to shake and was told to sit down, after a few questions my throat was a bit dry and I noticed there were glasses in the middle of the table with a jug so I asked for a glass to be told it’s for the panel only.
The panel made me very uncomfortable and did not crack a smile. They just said hmmm to all my answers and made notes.
At the end the women who would be my boss said “right you can leave now”.

Came out thinking they must have a candidate in mind and that was that. Anyway HR have rung tonight and offered me the job. I have a huge gut feeling not to take it.

Two of the people on the panel would be my line manager and over boss and the other head of the board of trustees.

I didn’t get a good feeling when I walked in the building as even the receptionist seems abrupt.

Not sure what’s I do as it would be a big step up

I'm wit Mirrivan- don't have any convos- don't give them chance to change your mind. TRUST your gut.

I too have regretted ignoring gut instinct and it was very difficult to get my career back on track after I left place pretty abruptly.

Haven't RTFT but DO NOT TAKE THIS JOB

Charities, more than any other type of employer, take on the "personality" of the people running them. That's my experience anyway and I've been involved with them since the 1970s. If they are so far up themselves that they refuse you a drink, I would take the job for a king's ransom.

wouldn't take the job!!!!

YANBU. Your intuition is there to warn and protect you. You dont get these gut feelings for nothing. Please listen to them.
If you do take the job and you're a bag of nerves going in, money is neither here nor there.

What sort of a charity are they if they don't offer an interviewee a drink? Also if they speak to people so rudely?

I would be concerned about how they treat their staff and their clients.

Whether you take the job though - could you cope with trying to be a breath of fresh air and a positive influence on a place that needs a better vibe?

I interview regularly (HR) there is no way any panel acting like this is going to get the best out of a candidate, it’s about getting to know people and not just about whether they can answer your questions. They are foolish to not realise that an interview works both ways! I would go with other suggestions, arrange to meet with one if the managers and if they don’t lighten up I would walk away - and give them some feedback.

I would be very concerned about how they treat their staff based on your experience so far.

I think asking for a site/office visit to meet the team would be a very good idea.

Always listen to your feelings.

Is it Water Aid?!

Agree with pp that an interview is a two-way process. So you have the upper hand: you know they want you, but they don't know if you want them. I'd absolutely ask to see the operation before you decide, and assess their attitude then. If you still have misgivings, I'd definitely be declining-and telling them why.

For what it's worth, I have a pretty senior project role in the private sector, and I've never experienced or conducted the kind of interview you've described. I'd be very, very cautious about an organisation that thought that was acceptable. Good luck!

I wouldn't take it.

It's never just about the job spec and salary, it's about whether you feel like you would fit in. An interview is a two-way street.

One of the first things I do when showing an interviewee to a room is to offer them a drink. Apart from being good practice as an interviewer, it's just bloody basic human courtesy.

I've refused second interviews at places where I had a bad feeling about who would be my line manager. Listen to your intuition. You're currently employed and not about to murder anyone/be murdered, so you don't need to move until you find an opportunity that feels right for you.

Trust your instincts. Would you enjoy working in such an environment every day? I doubt it! It sounds awful. You're not desperate for a job as you already have one, so why give yourself the extra stress?

I'd err on not taking it based on an experience like that. I mean, water being for the panel only?!? Go with your gut, interviews are as much about your opinion as they are about theirs.

I made this mistake twice. First place was dreadfully disorganised. Turns out the management was appalling and it was an extremely stressful position. The second time the manager wouldn't shake my hand, bluntly asked me how old I was 5 minutes into the interview, and generally acted stuck up. I took the job, but thankfully she got managed out after a year and since it's been great.

I went for an interview and the receptionist was really rude, so ignorant and I had to sit and wait near her. My gut said walk out - I was half way up and on the move when the manager came to get me and I was swept into a side office

I got the job but in the back of my head I knew I shouldn't take it - but I did

Worse job I've ever been employed to do, terrible atmosphere, awful organization, manager had a chip on her shoulder .... I walked out after a few months and never looked back

Ruuuuuuunnnn!!!!!