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Original poster

Interview embarrassment

12 replies

PineNutPine · 19/04/2025 21:56

Feeling a bit embarrassed and not sure if I’m reading into this.

I am a PA and recently saw an internal job advertised that seemed like a great fit. It mentioned the team but not individual names. I applied and got an interview (first round is with HR).

I met up with some friends after and told them about it. They were like - “Oh, that’s for James!” I had no idea i just hadn’t realised! (Changed his name for this post!)

I used to work with James a few years ago in a different team and role and we haven’t spoken in a while so I texted him to say how excited I was to have an interview with his team to be his PA. He hasn’t replied.

Now I’m cringing a bit. I’m pretty sure the role is for him… do I still go to the interview?

OP posts:
BlackBean2023 · 19/04/2025 22:01

Go for the interview but just be mindful of boundaries. If I was James* I might feel a bit awkward or that you were trying to gain a competitive advantage based on our previous working arrangements.

FWIW, and this may be my imposter syndrome at play but, I have a PA and probably wouldn’t have employed a previous colleague - it’s a weird relationship (close but professional, not friends) and I wanted someone who knew me as nothing but a Director.

Original poster
PineNutPine · 19/04/2025 22:03

BlackBean2023 · 19/04/2025 22:01

Go for the interview but just be mindful of boundaries. If I was James* I might feel a bit awkward or that you were trying to gain a competitive advantage based on our previous working arrangements.

FWIW, and this may be my imposter syndrome at play but, I have a PA and probably wouldn’t have employed a previous colleague - it’s a weird relationship (close but professional, not friends) and I wanted someone who knew me as nothing but a Director.

That makes a lot of sense. I knew James when he was a few levels down from director so it could be the same! We didn’t know each other super well either.

OP posts:
Jabberwok · 19/04/2025 22:21

Ok you made a mistake. The person you would be working for wasn't meant to be public. It may not be James.

Do not communicate with James. I doubt he will have said anything and even if he does, it not the worst thing you could have done. At least it shows you are really interested and want the job.

Go to the interview. Do not mention contacting James. If they raise it reply that you were told it was to be worth it him and you were really happy as knew what a great guy he was and hoped that he felt that you would be right for the job.

At the end of the day, it's not that big an issue and shows you're super keen

StIgantius · 19/04/2025 22:25

If it’s for him he probably doesn’t feel comfortable discussing it outside the interview process (correctly) and you shouldn’t have contacted him about it, but it’s not the end of the world. Just forget you did it, prepare for the interview as if it could be with anyone, don’t mention the contact attempt. I imagine he has just deleted it.

Original poster
PineNutPine · 19/04/2025 22:43

Jabberwok · 19/04/2025 22:21

Ok you made a mistake. The person you would be working for wasn't meant to be public. It may not be James.

Do not communicate with James. I doubt he will have said anything and even if he does, it not the worst thing you could have done. At least it shows you are really interested and want the job.

Go to the interview. Do not mention contacting James. If they raise it reply that you were told it was to be worth it him and you were really happy as knew what a great guy he was and hoped that he felt that you would be right for the job.

At the end of the day, it's not that big an issue and shows you're super keen

That’s really great advice thank you. I guess it’ll just be awkward if I get to the next round and see James!! But you are absolutely right not to mention it at all in the interview.

OP posts:
Original poster
PineNutPine · 19/04/2025 22:43

StIgantius · 19/04/2025 22:25

If it’s for him he probably doesn’t feel comfortable discussing it outside the interview process (correctly) and you shouldn’t have contacted him about it, but it’s not the end of the world. Just forget you did it, prepare for the interview as if it could be with anyone, don’t mention the contact attempt. I imagine he has just deleted it.

Thank you, yes I realise it’s a big error! I wish I never text!

OP posts:
Original poster
PineNutPine · 19/04/2025 22:45

I suppose it’s made me feel I shouldn’t even interview. Perhaps his ignoring is that he doesn’t see me as his PA?

OP posts:
ThatLilacTiger · 19/04/2025 23:23

PineNutPine · 19/04/2025 22:45

I suppose it’s made me feel I shouldn’t even interview. Perhaps his ignoring is that he doesn’t see me as his PA?

He's not replying because it would be incredibly inappropriate for him to do so, whether he wants you to get the job or not. You've put him in an awkward position. Stop analysing your relationship with this person and his reactions towards you and start thinking about what actually qualifies you for the job.

Glowingwords · 19/04/2025 23:26

Probably puts him in a bit of a difficult position if he responds. I wouldn't be embarrassed, it shows enthusiasm.

LittlerCharlotte · 19/04/2025 23:54

I don't think you've done anything wrong here. He may be rubbish about texting, many people are. Don't worry about it. Good luck!

Original poster
PineNutPine · 20/04/2025 08:07

Thank you all, you’ve reassured me. I really want this role (it’s a promotion) so very much over thinking.

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Original poster
PineNutPine · 20/04/2025 08:07

LittlerCharlotte · 19/04/2025 23:54

I don't think you've done anything wrong here. He may be rubbish about texting, many people are. Don't worry about it. Good luck!

That’s so true. I am the total opposite and respond straight away but forget others aren’t!!

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