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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that I actually have a point?

32 replies

Isitameproblem · 31/07/2024 12:56

I'm interviewing for a role I really want. I was originally told it was only two interviews.

First call with the CEO all great, but he mentions the role is different from what I expected. No problem.

Recruiter calls back, he then tells me there's now a 3rd round, and that this new guy would actually be my manager. He then tells me to prepare about X topic. He also tells me the third interview is really just a formality/blessing type of thing.

I have my second interview, all went well... It was a competency based and it did take me by surprise. I'm terrible with the STAR approach, so I genuinely did my best.

So I've made it to the final round hooray! However then the recruiter gives me some feedback and that they really like me BUT that they'd like to potentially revisit some of the questions as I wasn't granular enough.

To which I ask... So it's not necessarily a "blessing" type of interview then is it? It's still proper "prep" mode type. He thought it was an odd question, and even asked if I couldn't do both.

So now I've gone from super relaxed knowing that it's virtually mine to... I have to prepare with some STAR style answers which I hate! So AIBU?

OP posts:
SZJ · 31/07/2024 13:11

I don’t think you or the interviewer is being unreasonable. It’s a fair question for you to ask the recruiter because it changes the mindset you go into the interview with— strange that they thought it was a weird question! But also if the interviewer feels they need to ask you those questions to make their decision then that’s fair too.

For some interviewers building a rapport is more important, for others they will want to ask those SAT or what if type questions. Worth trying to remember what they asked in the previous interview, but also might be worth trying to do some research on the person interviewing you if you know their name… to see if you have any common interests to build that rapport.

Best of luck!

Parkmybentley · 31/07/2024 13:17

I wouldn't want to work for a company that can't even work out what its interview process is!

If they're messing you about now just imagine the crap you'd have to deal with once in post.

If you are unemployed and keen to get any job going - or get the bump in title/salary - then proceed knowing they are clowns. Otherwise politely tell them to fuck off.

something2say · 31/07/2024 13:19

Sounds to me like you didn't answer quite well enough. You are not owed this job. Good luck though.

chatenoire · 31/07/2024 13:21

SZJ · 31/07/2024 13:11

I don’t think you or the interviewer is being unreasonable. It’s a fair question for you to ask the recruiter because it changes the mindset you go into the interview with— strange that they thought it was a weird question! But also if the interviewer feels they need to ask you those questions to make their decision then that’s fair too.

For some interviewers building a rapport is more important, for others they will want to ask those SAT or what if type questions. Worth trying to remember what they asked in the previous interview, but also might be worth trying to do some research on the person interviewing you if you know their name… to see if you have any common interests to build that rapport.

Best of luck!

Exactly!

Yes, I also get the STAR/ SAT is a personal choice, and I personally dislike it (as I think it's a skill in itself and not a reflection of professional experience).

Picklewicklepickle · 31/07/2024 13:23

My experience is that when they say it’s not a formal interview it always is! I would never trust this and always prep.

Sounds v annoying though, good luck!

Original poster
Isitameproblem · 31/07/2024 13:24

something2say · 31/07/2024 13:19

Sounds to me like you didn't answer quite well enough. You are not owed this job. Good luck though.

and I can agree with that. I wish I had known it was competency based as I would have prepared for that.

The next stage isn't a technical guy though, so I don't know how much he can know when the previous stage was technical.

OP posts:
KarmenPQZ · 31/07/2024 13:25

I think it’s fair that the person who actually has to manage the new employee get to ask some questions and have a say in who get the position. If you weren’t preparing for the final interview and genuinely were super relaxed as you say you were being a bit naive - they would be in their rights to ask any questions in my opinion. And great that they’ve now warned you so you can be more prepared.

I would guess unless there’s a massive personality clash or issue that emerges the hiring manage wouldn’t go against the CEOs recommendation.

Hope it all goes well.

FinallyHere · 31/07/2024 13:29

*BUT that they'd like to potentially revisit some of the questions as I wasn't granular enough.

To which I ask... So it's not necessarily a "blessing" type of interview then is it?*

It sounds as if they really , really want you.

And as if you are treating the interviews as a series of loops you have to jump through. I'd encourage you to think about using them as sessions for you to find out what they are going to be like to work for and whether they are a good fit for you.

Good luck.

Original poster
Isitameproblem · 31/07/2024 13:29

KarmenPQZ · 31/07/2024 13:25

I think it’s fair that the person who actually has to manage the new employee get to ask some questions and have a say in who get the position. If you weren’t preparing for the final interview and genuinely were super relaxed as you say you were being a bit naive - they would be in their rights to ask any questions in my opinion. And great that they’ve now warned you so you can be more prepared.

I would guess unless there’s a massive personality clash or issue that emerges the hiring manage wouldn’t go against the CEOs recommendation.

Hope it all goes well.

Edited

I wasn't relaxed for the mid interview, I just prepared the wrong thing (if I had known the STAR approach would have been a better thing to prep for).

It's the last round that has changed from "relaxed" to "there are some loose ends".

OP posts:
Hopeful16 · 31/07/2024 13:34

To me it sounds like they like you but weren't completely happy with some of your answers and are giving you a second chance to clarify and tighten up some of your answers - possibly the same questions that you may have had time to reflect on.
I'd be grateful if this was a role I definitely wanted.

Tralalaka · 31/07/2024 13:39

Wouldn’t you always prepare for a competency based interview and have some prepared answers? Any other kind of interview is a bonus

Original poster
Isitameproblem · 31/07/2024 13:41

Tralalaka · 31/07/2024 13:39

Wouldn’t you always prepare for a competency based interview and have some prepared answers? Any other kind of interview is a bonus

In my experience I've only really been asked that type of questions twice... (and both time I knew they were coming). Maybe I've been lucky!

OP posts:
Didimum · 31/07/2024 13:54

Sounds like the recruiter is to blame here for making the 3rd round seem more blasé than it is. They want to keep you sweet.

Fmlgirl · 04/08/2024 18:52

Is this a really competitive industry? Unless this was the job of my life the company of my dreams, I would pull out of the interview process for this. I’m a hiring manager myself and swore to myself I won’t take part in any convoluted interview processes ever again. Two step interviews are what’s needed for most roles imho. Interview processes are a two-way street to get to know a company as well and someone here sounds disorganised or extremely nit picking. Also, many candidates are interviewing for several roles, great way to put someone off as a hiring manager.

Fmlgirl · 04/08/2024 18:54

@Parkmybentley 100%

Trickabrick · 04/08/2024 18:57

I’d interpret it that the company want you to succeed but you haven’t demonstrated it enough at the second interview, so they’re giving you another chance to wrap things up rather than cut you loose. Sounds positive to me!

Bettedaviseyes111 · 04/08/2024 19:01

I don’t think it’s unusual to revisit some content in interviews with more than one round however I do think 3 interviews is excessive. I wouldn’t expect the last one to be informal, sounds like they are being thorough.

kcchiefette · 04/08/2024 19:02

It sounds to me that they are stuck between 2 applicants and are doing an additional round to be sure of who they hire.

Purplecatshopaholic · 04/08/2024 19:34

This just happened to me. My final interview which was a supposed informal chat was actually almost two hours of grilling! Took me totally by surprise. It was down to two of us and they couldn’t decide. I was quite pissed off after (and exhausted, lol). I guess it happens sometimes if they have a ‘dead heat’ type scenario.

DecoratingDiva · 04/08/2024 20:06

A different role & a changing interview process are red flags for me and I would be concerned about what the company would be like to actually work for.

Original poster
Isitameproblem · 04/08/2024 20:35

So thank you for the last flurry if replies!

After a third interview they're still unsure, so they called me in for a fourth!

I'm the only candidate though, they thought everybody else was not good enough.

OP posts:
ThinWomansBrain · 04/08/2024 20:52

"The next stage isn't a technical guy though, so I don't know how much he can know when the previous stage was technical."

This is your attitude to your potential future line manager? WOW
Personally, I'd find it weird to go through a series of interviews and not meet my future line manager - unless they're about to leave as well.
as a PP mentioned, it seems not to have sorted out the interview process in advance - and that the job is not the one you originally anticipated.

The additional interview could be for a host of reasons - it's close run by more than one candidate/ you seem the most appointable but they have some doubts - or indeed that the line manager objects to having someone foisted on to his team that he hasn't had the opportunity to meet at interview.
Particularly this last one if the candidate is so obnoxious that they think she/he knows sod all and can have nothing to add to the process because they're 'not technical'.
Go for it OP, build rapport, let them know your thoughts on the process.

Original poster
Isitameproblem · 04/08/2024 20:59

ThinWomansBrain · 04/08/2024 20:52

"The next stage isn't a technical guy though, so I don't know how much he can know when the previous stage was technical."

This is your attitude to your potential future line manager? WOW
Personally, I'd find it weird to go through a series of interviews and not meet my future line manager - unless they're about to leave as well.
as a PP mentioned, it seems not to have sorted out the interview process in advance - and that the job is not the one you originally anticipated.

The additional interview could be for a host of reasons - it's close run by more than one candidate/ you seem the most appointable but they have some doubts - or indeed that the line manager objects to having someone foisted on to his team that he hasn't had the opportunity to meet at interview.
Particularly this last one if the candidate is so obnoxious that they think she/he knows sod all and can have nothing to add to the process because they're 'not technical'.
Go for it OP, build rapport, let them know your thoughts on the process.

The commercial head wouldn't be my line manager. The recruiter told me he wouldn't be technical so I was expecting a commercial interview, it turned out he did want a technical answer, but didn't explicitly ask for it.

This is a hybrid of a commercial and technical role. Originally it was positioned as mostly commercial, and now at the very least it's 50/50 if not mostly technical.

OP posts:
Quitelikeit · 04/08/2024 21:04

Fourth interview! That is ridiculous!!! I could understand if you were going to be working alongside the King or similar!

Makes me wonder what you are letting yourself in for!

Blankname22 · 04/08/2024 21:04

Are you still interested? Sounds like they have change the goal posts both on the job and interview stages.
Have you any other options? If you are the only candidate, I don't understand what they're doing. You'll still do a probation stage I assume.