AIBU to be annoyed at this interview outcome?

[weedonky]

Last week I went for an interview for a senior management position. It's a upwards move for me but not massively although more money (different location). It was me and three others on the day (full day assessment centre so I met them all) - we are all from same sector and they were as well qualified (if not more so!) than me.

Anyway, long story short; the commute was horrible, the expectations of the role were far too operational and the people I met gave me a bad vibe so I knew on the train home that I didn't want it BUT I felt the interview had gone well and was looking forward to feedback that I could use the next time I interview...

I have just got an email from the recruiter to tell me that they really liked me and are considering me for the role but they want to reschedule a candidate who couldn't make last Tuesday and therefore feedback will be given on 4th June! JUNE! Also, that whilst they wait to reschedule they are going to readvertise the role in case they have any more interest.

I think this is REALLY rude! I get if the feedback was that they felt I wasn't quite ready or that they didn't have a wide range of candidates but they saw four well qualified candidates from the sector last week and are effectively saying they don't want to settle despite us having given up a whole day of our time at their convenience (I had to use a full day of annual leave to attend plus £45 for train, parking and tube).

WIBU to tell them to stick their job because I didn't want it anyway!?

YANBU.

Why are they not reimbursing for the travel.
I would say thanks and here are my receipts for the travel. Just let them do all the work and then when they offer it to you, tell them no thanks.
It's rude and unprofessional of them so I wouldn't worry about being so back.
That said, it depends om the industry and how close knit it is. Don't do this if it'll bite you in the arse later.

I would they are trying to hold onto candidates while looking for more. Just withdraw from it due to there poor recruitment practice.

It doesn't sound like it would be a good fit for you anyway. I'd reply to the recruiter to let them know you would welcome general feedback about your performance but that you are not in a position to wait until 4th June to hear about the outcome and so no longer wish to be considered for it.

It's the same sector I currently work in so a bit too close to home to be 'rude' but I am definitely going to feed back the recruiter tomorrow that I am withdrawing my application and my reasons.

I didn't mind bearing costs of the interview when I thought they might offer me a job but now I feel like they are just stringing me along!

I think you have to be polite, don't burn bridges etc, but perfectly reasonable to let them know you're withdrawing and if you want to, hint it's because of the delay, but you don't gain anything by doing that.

Why are they not reimbursing for the travel

Because that's not a normal thing for job interviews.

OP that does sound shit and I agree you should withdraw given you don't want it, and it doesn't sound like they are considering you anyway (sorry).

I would withdraw. I would always wonder if I was best if the rest rather than the fit they wanted and that is not a good starting place.

Just to say I'm switching back to my normal username now but will update when I've spoken to recruiter tomorrow!

I claimed expenses for the interviews I went on when I left school 40 years ago, but it hasn't been the norm for interview expenses to be reimbursed for decades now surely?

That seems a bit crappy. I sense some nepotism here. And because they can’t be seen to not progress in with the vacancy they have had to keep it ‘open’ until this person is interviewed.
Seems suspect to me.

At least they gave you feedback/ a status update, I guess that's better than radio silence. But yes, the subtext of 'you're good, but we're going to see if anyone better comes along' is rude and probably a reflection of how they'll be as an employer.

I certainly wouldn't be rude, I'd keep it very professional and polite as you never know who you will cross paths with in future. Personally I'd not say anything at all, sure they can go ahead and not let you know until 4th June, but you are free to do your own thing too and look for another role if that's what you'd prefer. There is no advantage to turning it down at this stage apart from your own satisfaction because you didn't like them much.

Sorry OP, but I don't see why you need to tell them yet that you don't want the job anyway? Why not keep it as a backstop until you have found the position you do want, unless of course you are hapy to stay working where you are for now?

@ElphabaTWitch

That seems a bit crappy. I sense some nepotism here. And because they can’t be seen to not progress in with the vacancy they have had to keep it ‘open’ until this person is interviewed. Seems suspect to me.

Not necessarily - there could be equality reasons at play too. If the other candidate had other reasonable commitments that meant they couldn't attend the initial interview date (perhaps caring commitments, would prefer to interview after Ramadan to be at best performance, self isolating for 2 weeks with COVID) then it is entirely reasonable to defer to be able to interview them.

4th June is a bit of a long time away, but if the interviewing manager had holiday booked when the other candidate became available I can sort of see how it may drag on that long.

Keeping the position open until then is a bit annoying, but I also suspect they weren't wowed by any of the candidates they did interview and so are willing to chance it for additional applicants given they're not making the decision now anyway.

Given you don't want it anyway I'd tell the recruiter that, and your actual reasons for not wanting it - but do also mention the frustration over timelines as it should be fed back to the employer.

I 'd just send a polite formal refusal. no explanation.

"Thankyou for your update on the recent interview I attended. This is to notify you that I am no longer interested in the vacancy at Bogg Ltd so please withdraw my application from further consideration. "

They didn't like you enough to see as a perfect fit, but didn't dismiss you. It's a maybe from them

You didn't like them enough to want the job so it's a no from you.

Just say you are no longer interested, will make things easier for both sides.

I've had to be on a recruiter's side twice in last 3 months, it is not something I enjoy. Stressful af to be able to choose a right candidate that will do a good job, has good work ethics and right personality.

Why would you withdraw? I would just bide my time and see what materialises. You never know they might make you an offer you can’t refuse.

I think you're getting way too upset over this. Its just further proof that the role isn't right for you...gracefully withdraw your application.

Don't burn your bridges and don't make a fuss.

It’s annoying, but honestly for the sake of not tarnishing your reputation I’d suck it up and see where it goes. As unfair as it is, having a reputation in your industry for being difficult won’t be an asset.