To think this is a weird response to not giving someone a job

[LydiaBennetsUglyBonnet]

Had a Teams interview last week after being head hunted. I wasn’t looking for a job, I’m happily SE but I think it’s always good to keep a beady eye out for opportunities. So I agreed to an interview on the basis I would be absolutely if I didn’t get it and if nothing else it’s always good to have interview experience.

I’ve done some bad interviews in my life and some excellent interviews - this was definitely the latter. I was confident and showed my competency well, gave good answers and I could tell they were impressed with my range of experience. They mentioned how they’d been looking for someone for 2 months but just couldn’t find anyone who’d be the ‘ideal fit’ but were ‘excited’ about me.

I took some time and decided if I was offered the job I’d turn it down. I’m happy as I am and whilst the role was well paid it just didn’t excite me.

The Headhunter rang back today to say thank you for attending the interview, the panel were really impressed with my expertise and experience and said I came across well but they “didn’t see much of a personality” and therefore had no chemistry with me and they think it’s important in their workplace to have a team that will really ‘mesh well together’.

I mean, No skin off my nose, it saved me turning them down I suppose but AIBU to find that a weird reason not to recruit someone? Also, I do have a personality but I’m not going to crack jokes and talk about my personal opinions in a professional interview. It seems like they wanted a new mate in the office and I didn’t fit the bill 🤷‍♀️ has anyone else encountered this?

Yes!

Maybe next time I should bring a pack of Uni to play beforehand and do the interview with books balancing on my head to show how quirky and versatile I am

Ah, then I suspect the"lack of sparkle" actually translated to "We want someone to witter inanely with about a range of incredibly dull subjects like last night's Love Island, celeb gossip and whether Sharon from Accounts really is dating Bob from the mailroom. We don't want someone professional or proficient, 'cos they'll show us up".

Maybe next time I should bring a pack of Uni to play beforehand and do the interview with books balancing on my head to show how quirky and versatile I am

Or juggle while standing on a bucket, like a circus seal? Extra points if you make seal noises ("Arf arf!") while you do it.

What kind of job was it op and do you need sparkle to do it ?
One of santa's helpers, strictly judge ?

I think this is absolutely crap feedback. Interviews are horribly stressful, especially if you badly want the job. Of course most people are not going to be their normal, relaxed self.

I had exactly this feedback once. I was perfect for the job (I thought) and had all the relevant experience. I was told the woman couldn't imagine working with me, that we didn't gel and our personalities were too different. I was taken aback. We got on fine in the interview, had a pleasant conversation and I answered all the questions well. I felt there was some warmth between us. Most of my colleagues seem to find me likeable. It was strange.

I've just re-read your post and it was very rude of them to say they didn't see much of a personality. It's one thing to think it, its another to say it. Extremely rude.