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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think 1 day isn't enough to prepare for an interview?

50 replies

ivyandbaby · 28/03/2022 21:19

Feeling a bit annoyed/surprised to be honest. Found out I have an interview tomorrow morning and was called this morning to be told? This is for a professional role where I need to go over the company, etc.

Surely they should give longer than 24 hours?

OP posts:
DisforDarkChocolate · 28/03/2022 21:20

I do all my prep when I apply so I think its fine.

forcedfun · 28/03/2022 21:20

I did this. Just do the best you can. They will know you have had little time to prepare and will make allowances.

I got the job and it was the best career move I ever made.

NoSquirrels · 28/03/2022 21:22

What do you mean ‘found out’? Didn’t they call you to arrange when was convenient?

Tickledtrout · 28/03/2022 21:26

It is short notice. Our HR department requires us to give 7 days notice.

If you have to prepare a presentation or arrange for time off work/childcare it's really tight

Thelnebriati · 28/03/2022 21:26

I'd assume another candidate had dropped out. Just get on with it!

tttigress · 28/03/2022 21:27

I think it depends, if I was looking for a new position, I would be in interview mode and would have all of my spiel sorted out in my head, might have to Google some basic info but that's it.

If I was not looking for a new position and someone called me out of the blue for an amazing possibility but the interview had to be tomorrow, could be very difficult.

motherofawhirlwind · 28/03/2022 21:55

I normally give 48 hours notice but the market is so hot right now, it's sometimes less. Only if the candidate agrees though....

And yes, if it's a professional role I'd have expected you to do some research before you applied or for the Agency to give you a shit hot prep session at such short notice.

Original poster
ivyandbaby · 29/03/2022 04:22

Oh Gosh I didn't think of it being because another candidate dropped out/didn't accept the interview invite lol! That actually makes sense, I hope not, means I wasn't really wanted for interview in the first place!

OP posts:
Turningpurple · 29/03/2022 04:34

I was talking to our HR director the other day, if we do not jump in and arrange interviews quickly and offer quickly, we miss our everytime.

We have had to massively speed up our processes. We are making allowance sfor things like, knowing less abut the company for example.

Though we do have industry magazines out in reception where the owners and directors have been interviewed or the company has featured in the front page, so they have the chance for a last minute read.

But honestly, when we have waited 48 hours, they candidates has accepted elsewhere. At least if we have interviewed and want them we can up our offer to try and compete.

Its honestly mad at the moment.

doingitforyorkshire · 29/03/2022 07:24

I start prepping when I apply, at the end of the day I apply because I want the interview/job and want to be ready.

ChoiceMummy · 29/03/2022 07:26

@ivyandbaby

Oh Gosh I didn't think of it being because another candidate dropped out/didn't accept the interview invite lol! That actually makes sense, I hope not, means I wasn't really wanted for interview in the first place!
Could be this. Could be because applicants fall away of left too long between closing and interviewing.

Did they not state interview dates on advert?

Aprilx · 29/03/2022 07:27

I would find it absolutely fine, I would be interview ready generally and would have researched the role when applying.

EarringsandLipstick · 29/03/2022 07:30

No, this isn't ok. We'd allow 7 days

It's unfair to the applicant not to give them time to prepare.

However, in fast-moving jobs markets like a PP mentioned, I can see why you'd move quickly with individuals.

In my sector, all applicants have to be considered, ranked & this feedback is available on request so you can't move ahead eg with a strong candidate. All are given equal notice & met on the same day.

KatherineJaneway · 29/03/2022 07:31

To be honest if you are serious about applying for roles then the answers to all the standard questions should be rehearsed and in your head.

We had a lot of people pull out of interviews when recruiting recently. It is likely a slot opened up and it is hard to get key players free at the same time to conduct the interview. See it as a lucky break and wow them at interview.

EarringsandLipstick · 29/03/2022 07:31

Also we often ask candidates to prepare a presentation. That couldn't be done at the time of applying - they only get told the details when they are called for interview.

Ponoka7 · 29/03/2022 07:34

There's nothing wrong not being first choice, it's less competition. I have been in roles were they've suddenly realised that there hasn't been enough variation in the sex/ethnicity/disability/age in the people interviewed, so have called people in. Every interview is further experience and less worry for each interview that you go to.

Wheniruletheworld · 29/03/2022 07:34

So what information did you research to put on the application form, or didn't you do any before you applied for this 'professional' role?
Surely if you are interedted enough to apply, you would have founf out a few things about the company

RaininSummer · 29/03/2022 07:35

Not easy to get the time off for an interview with do little notice either. I think nosquirrels lives in a different world to me if employers would call to arrange a convenient time for interview.

Phormiumjester2 · 29/03/2022 07:37

Unless you have to do a presentation it's fine. And quite normal in 2022!

Bagpusssays · 29/03/2022 07:38

The interview will be 95% about you. Not a quiz on the company.

You got this!!

I'm hiring atm and we are rushing the interview timings because we lost a few candidates who got snapped up fast. Dont read too much into it.

marqueses · 29/03/2022 07:43

From what I hear from talking to friends this is quite normal , I know a couple looking for jobs and they say they look and apply on line and if they are wanted for interview they get a phone call and told when to go

It's obvious different for different jobs but if I ever look at the jobs site out of interest I never see adverts that set out interview dates. I know that's a thing in education from when I was a school governor, not come across it personally.

GahAndTheBear · 29/03/2022 07:49

My experience of recruitment is that everything takes ages. An absurd length of time. One company were (weirdly) super enthusiastic at the first interview. Told me they’d be taking me to the second stage. Emailed an hour later to confirm that someone would be in touch asap. Weeks later it’s tumbleweeds. I’ve politely chased it up twice but… 🤷🏻‍♀️ Apparently they’re recruiting for 20 roles so it’s taking ages. But seriously… if you don’t want me: just say so!

DogInATent · 29/03/2022 08:02

24hrs is plenty. Unless you were spamming out dozens of applications you should already have a good idea what the company does, what the role is, etc. from when you applied.

A few hours going over their website again, running a few searches of the business name for news articles, a scan through sector sources for current topics.

It's a role within your experience and qualifications otherwise you wouldn't have reached interview, have the confidence that you don't need weeks of preparation.

DogInATent · 29/03/2022 08:02

Good luck!

PikachuAndMe · 29/03/2022 08:07

It depends on what sort of job it is. Working in a shop/supermarket is fine (as long as you can get time off). High level roles where you will be expected to prepare a presentation or a paper then a week is more reasonable.