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Original poster

4 candidates, 1 role, smashed the interviews.. chances of success?

164 replies

anyonegotacrystalball4 · 22/09/2023 15:10

I know this is a really difficult question to answer but it's very stuck in my head!

I'm applying for my dream job and have had two very promising interviews, nailed the task set for me and had very good feedback on what a strong candidate I am.

There are three other candidates in the pool and I don't know anything about them. What would you say are the chances of success in this scenario if all members of the interview panel loved your CV and performance in interview.

Is it likely this could happen across the board, or is it a sign you're a strong contender?

My stomach is in knots waiting for the outcome, so please humour me with what your view is on this one!

OP posts:
Ionacat · 22/09/2023 16:17

Fingers crossed for you!
If you’ve done your best then there’s nothing else you can do but wait. If you get it amazing, go and celebrate but if you don’t get it chances are it wasn’t quite right for you on this occasion for what ever reason but great experience for the real dream job waiting!

Lemonyyy · 22/09/2023 16:21

Remember even if you don't get it, this positive feedback is excellent news. A couple of years ago I interviewed, had great feedback and was told I was just pipped to the post by another candidate. I took that to mean I should try again if another role came up, which I did, and I got it. Even if you don't get this one, know that you have the skills to get this job, and you can try again in the future.

Good luck though, the waiting is the worst!

cocksstrideintheevening · 22/09/2023 16:23

I don't know, when I feel I've done well in things it's normally not the best outcome.

I thought I had smashed an interview last week, had great engagement with stakeholders, delivered a great (if I may say so myself) presentation, completed the 'task' to the best of my ability.

Didn't get it.

When I've historically had either exams or interviews and thought they've been terrible I've either been offered the job or passed with very high grades.

In your instance though as we know none of the variables it's a 25% chance. I hope you get it.

themez · 22/09/2023 16:24

I think you've got it. Hopefully they will call you this evening Smile

Ollifer · 22/09/2023 16:25

Nobody at all on here can give you that answer, not sure what people are supposed to say. The other candidates might be brilliant or pants. You've done your best, they've told you you did well, so take hope and pride in that and keep your fingers crossed op.

Bluevelvetsofa · 22/09/2023 16:27

It’s still 1 in 4 because, even though you smashed it, got good feedback and had a rapport with the interviewers, the other three candidates may feel the same and have had similar feedback and rapport.

Good luck.

pepsimax00 · 22/09/2023 16:32

I hope they let you know soon. Having to wait til Monday will be hard. Good Luck

Mimmy352 · 22/09/2023 16:33

Recruiter here.
All external candidates doesn’t mean much - one or two could know someone in the company and that (unfairly) gives them an advantage.

Any one of them could have more experience or more knowledge, but they also could have less experience or knowledge. Unless you’re part of the recruitment process, you won’t know until you know.

Is the recruitment in-house or external?

Original poster
anyonegotacrystalball4 · 22/09/2023 16:34

DoubleTequilaSunrise · 22/09/2023 16:11

Honestly? That's why we recommend to apply to several (suitable) jobs and keep looking.

Nothing worst than obsessing about one role, and no one can tell you the outcome. Hopefully decision will be quick, but when it drags on, it's better to be busy with work and other applications, it's less painful to wait!

The difference is I'm not in a big rush to leave my job. It's perfectly fine. It's just an opportunity to do my dream job which is my same job at a particular company that's come up.

If I don't get it, I'm not in a rush to randomly start applying to jobs. I really want to make sure I'm applying to jobs I truly want, otherwise I'm happy to stay put where I am a while longer.

OP posts:
Mimmy352 · 22/09/2023 16:34

OP what was the EXACT feedback they gave you?

Mistressanne · 22/09/2023 16:35

Hope you get it op.
However friends dh felt similarly about an interview and actually gave notice at his current employment.
He didn’t get the job and his employer wouldn’t take him back.
Keep your cards close to your chest.

Thecountdownn · 22/09/2023 16:35

i hope you find out soon. Did they say when to expect to hear?

Furryrug · 22/09/2023 16:35

Fingers crossed for you, let us know when you hear x

Dacadactyl · 22/09/2023 16:36

I think youve got a good chance of success. I'd say higher than 25% given what you've said.

Don't let these whingers get you down.

Hope you get it!

SurprisedWithAHorse · 22/09/2023 16:37

Mistressanne · 22/09/2023 16:35

Hope you get it op.
However friends dh felt similarly about an interview and actually gave notice at his current employment.
He didn’t get the job and his employer wouldn’t take him back.
Keep your cards close to your chest.

Why on earth did he give notice before he had an offer??

AngelinaFibres · 22/09/2023 16:37

I really, really, really wanted a particular job 22 years ago. I really needed it too. I didn't get it. I was very disappointed. The chain of events that happened as a result of not getting my 'dream' job changed my life in a way I could never have imagined. The absolutely wonderful life I have now would never have happened if they had chosen me. If you don't get it ,then you will be understandably upset. That's fine, allow yourself a wallow. You never know what will come instead. Hope you get it though xxx

Mimmy352 · 22/09/2023 16:38

Mistressanne · 22/09/2023 16:35

Hope you get it op.
However friends dh felt similarly about an interview and actually gave notice at his current employment.
He didn’t get the job and his employer wouldn’t take him back.
Keep your cards close to your chest.

So sorry he had to learn that the hard way! That’s why I, and many other recruiters, advise not to hand in a notice until you’ve got your contract signed and sent back, and you’re sure you’re happy with it all.

I’m surprised no one told him this tbh

Original poster
anyonegotacrystalball4 · 22/09/2023 16:39

Mimmy352 · 22/09/2023 16:33

Recruiter here.
All external candidates doesn’t mean much - one or two could know someone in the company and that (unfairly) gives them an advantage.

Any one of them could have more experience or more knowledge, but they also could have less experience or knowledge. Unless you’re part of the recruitment process, you won’t know until you know.

Is the recruitment in-house or external?

I know multiple people in the company myself. However absolutely didn't brag on this.

OP posts:
Zenwey · 22/09/2023 16:41

@anyonegotacrystalball4 you may well be the least arrogant person in the world, but I was commenting on how you’ve come across in the few posts you’ve made. Comments such about how much you “nailed the task” and some of the tone have come across to me that way. I’m not being “mean”, you’ve asked a question and this is my answer. It’s not indicative of you as a person when it’s only based on a couple of posts, but equally it’s a possibility.

Dominoeffecter · 22/09/2023 16:41

Good luck, no idea of your chances of getting it as I’ve thought I had it in the bag myself a couple of times only to find someone else had done even better! I don’t think you come across as arrogant at all and you should be proud of a successful portrayal of your skills whatever the outcome

Dominoeffecter · 22/09/2023 16:42

And it’s no wonder that we are all so afraid to ever be proud of ourselves if you get labelled arrogant for a straight forward turn of phrase like ‘I nailed the task’ fgs

krustykittens · 22/09/2023 16:42

OP, I feel your anxiety! But look at it this way - you have a job you love, you are not desperate to start this job as you need rent money, so you are in a great position. The key thing is, if you don't get this job, try not to take it too personally, just keep looking for that dream job. I have got jobs when I have felt like I didn't show myself at my best, and not got jobs when I thought I smashed it. I know when you are anxious the temptation is to go online and research the shit out of what is making you anxious but no one can really tell you what the statistical chances are of you getting THIS job as we don't know all the variables. If you get it, celebrate, if you don't, deep breath and onwards and upwards. Do NOT let a rejection knock your confidence. Good luck!

Mimmy352 · 22/09/2023 16:43

anyonegotacrystalball4 · 22/09/2023 16:39

I know multiple people in the company myself. However absolutely didn't brag on this.

Show quote history

It’s not necessarily about name dropping or bragging, it’s about who you know within the company.

Do you know anyone connected to the role?

itsalongwaybackfromsorry · 22/09/2023 16:44

Hope you get the position, OP. Good luck!

HermioneWeasley · 22/09/2023 16:44

I think you’ve got a good chance - they’re sending you warm signals, and it’s very rare to have multiple candidates you’d be happy to offer to. Fingers crossed for you!