Job interview, disorganised manager - Would this put you off?

[freshstartnewlife25]

I'm currently job hunting after being made redundant and have applied for a few roles. I applied for a position that is similar to my old job and pretty much ticks all the boxes.

The recruitment manager contacted me a couple of weeks ago inviting me to a screening call and I responded straight away with my availability. She was on annual leave the following week so arranged for her colleague to call me. Unfortunately, I never received any calls so I emailed her the following day when she returned to work but didn't get a response. I also emailed the recruitment team to confirm the vacancy was still open but again no response.

In a last ditch attempt I rang / emailed the manager last Friday and she responded almost immediately apologising for the delay and asked if she could call me today but didn't give a time. I replied confirming that was fine and I'd listen out for her call. I hadn't heard anything so rang her this morning and she apologised again and invited me to a team's interview. The interview is tomorrow at 9am but I've still not received the team's link. I've text her asking her to send the invite but not heard anything.

But all this chasing is putting me off. Surely it shouldn't be this difficult to arrange a call / interview? I understand people are busy but I've worked in recruitment before and making sure candidates had a positive experience was very important to us. I'm not desperate for work right now but this is a remote position so perfect for me, but I feel a bit "meh" now and it's been quite a poor experience.

Should I just withdraw?

You have nothing to lose. This is just the recruitment bit, not the team you would be with.

Lots of things to consider...
Would you be working directly for this manager?
If so, how much of the job would be dependent on her giving you tasks/checking reports etc. rather than you getting on with things?
How much do you need a job right now?
How often do jobs in your field (that meet your 'wants') come up?

I'd have the interview and looked out for red flags and would ask a lot of question. If you don't get the link then I wouldn't follow up anymore.

@WWLD sorry I should have mentioned I would be reporting to her. I'm moving back into recruitment after a 2 year back from the industry. I think that's what is putting me off. If it was another team / manager then that would be different. I'm concerned how the rest of the process will be if I'm offered the job as it's just been disorganised so far.

Luckily, there's always recruitment jobs out there but mainly office based unfortunately and after working from home for 2 hours I'd like to keep it that way if possible!

2 years not hours 😁

So recruitment are shit at recruiting to recruitment?

Doesn't bode well what with it being a recruitment role. But, maybe it's because they are short staffed

I’d be wary, remember recruitment is a two way street, you’re interviewing them too. In my experience if recruitment is shit, the organisation doesn’t get better once you’ve joined them. It depends on your tolerance for disorganisation and how much you need the job but it would be a “no” for me.

I’d go for the interview and ask about the team structure, current challenges and support available. She might be run off her feet doing her job and the one she’s recruiting to? Or she might just be disorganised with a team that don’t help out when she’s away. Try and get a feel for the culture and see if it would work for you.

You can always decline if it’s not a good fit and you’ve not lost anything. Not turning up or declining an interview last minute won’t reflect well on you. Stay professional even if they’re not.