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Original poster

Got interview for job I really want but I can't attend! Help!

93 replies

Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:09

I applied for a fundraising assitant position with the Red Cross not long ago. I was quite excited about it because I have the experience and the skills. The app form didn't come through properly and I have no ink in my printer, so I copied the whole thing out using black pen, ruler and so on, it took hours! But I did it! The job has part time flexible hours, it's in the right area to where we want to live, the money is good and I think I would enjoy the work.

Anyway, today I got this email off them:
[Could you possibly attend for interview on Thursday 29th June at 11.45am at our Kendal office?

I know that you will be returning to the UK on the 12 th July, but we cannot put off the interviews until that date and the 29th June is the only date that all members of the interview panel are able to attend.

Can you let me know as soon as possible. I will put a letter in the post to you today.]

I can't go! We can't afford the flights back and it would mean travelling the night before, landing at M/cr, finding my way to Kendal, staying overnight, attending the interview, getting back to M/cr for flight back (although not checked the times to see if they would be comptatible)

Yet I really do want this job! What can I do?

OP posts:
Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 12:52

Yes but it's still a hell of a risk to take from my point of view! The interview is just 2 weeks before I have to go back to the UK with the kids - we are flat out (well, I am!) organising everything that needs to be done for the move. It will cost us dearly (again!) and so the price, although only around £140 for the flights, is a lot of money for us! Not to mention the hassle not just for me, but for dh, the kids, Janh and of course they cannot guarantee that I will come out of this with a job!
But then this is just the kind of job I wanted and need. I really don't know what to do! I don't know what to say when she phones! What if she says that they cannot help with travel expenses, what then? Or if she says that there are 10 other good candidates for the job and she refuses to say what position I am in? Loads of what ifs and I'm stressing out about this now!

OP posts:
norah · 20/06/2006 13:06

I would just be honest - explain that you are really torn - this is your dream job and you really really want it BUT you are flat out packing as you move country in two weeks - (anyone would understand that) and you just don't feel you can gamble that kind of money coming over for interview at this point - when realistically you might not have a chance in hell of getting the job !

Hopefully at this point she will say that they really realy want to see you as you are their top candidate - and of course they will pay your expenses. Or - if she doesn't - you'll know that you've made the right choice.

Also - ask her if these jobs come up often - and if you decide not to go to the interview maybe say something like "Well - if you don't find anyone suitable in this round of interviews please do give me a call - as I'll be back in the UK in a fortnight and would love to come for an interview then".

Sorry - it's a hard call - really I think you should go for it !

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 13:09

Do you think the email I sent back is ok then? Cause it sort of does say that. In a (hopefully) nice way?

OP posts:
norah · 20/06/2006 13:17

Oh Yes - sorry meant to say - absolutely spot on !

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 13:23

Thank you! Still waiting for phone call and I really don't know what to say to her. Don't know what to do and I just want to go to bed and throw the quilt over my head and let everyone else make the bloody decisions for once!

Better start ranting on the 'little things that piss you off' thread to make me feel better! Smile

OP posts:
JanH · 20/06/2006 13:23

Don't worry about fuel money for me, flower, if they will give you some expenses take it for the flight!

Is 225 euros the round trip fare? That's not bad for short notice, I just checked BA having heard they can compete, and they wanted 700 for the same dates Shock

You've got to do it - if you don't you'll always wonder what would have happened if you had! Defo worth the hassle.

Just got your email (have been on other log-in all morning). I am completely free on all 3 days next week as it happens so am at your disposal!

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 13:35

I can get up to 25% off that fare if I telephone Janh. But I have to wait for the lady's call today before I book anything.

Not a good time really. Dd is acting up a bit again. Grandma went yesterday and she is beginning to realise that we are actually leaving France for good, so she's off her food and keeps saying that she feels sick and is very clingy. Sad

If they can give me something towards the fare then I will go, how about that?

OP posts:
oliveoil · 20/06/2006 13:40

mumsnetter whip round?

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 13:42

NO NO NO! Thank you and that has been offered, I don't want to appear ungrateful for all the help offered, but I absolutely refuse money help. It's a lovely thought and I'm touched that you would even think about doing this! But I will not take anyone's money. I'll sleep in their houses and ride in their cars, but I'll not take their money! Grin

OP posts:
oliveoil · 20/06/2006 13:42

OH COME ON!

How else will I win the lottery unless I stoke up my karma.

Selfish cow.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 13:45
Grin Just buy me a drink at the meet-up because I reckon I'll bloody need one by then!

There's a lot of karma due to you lovely MNetters as it is!

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oliveoil · 20/06/2006 13:47

Harrumph.

Offer still stands, stop being so proud, we would all love to help out you daft old bat.

I have some thrilling minutes to type now, will be back later to see if you have come to your senses.

xxxxx

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 13:49
Smile

No decisions until she calls. I'm on tenterhooks here! How long do I give her before I call her myself?

OP posts:
Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 13:50

AND how do you know that I'm not just a con artist who would take your money and spend it on drink, drink and more drink?

OP posts:
katierocket · 20/06/2006 14:01

I think you should go. I can see how hard it is for you and what bad time it is but I think if you don't go you could end up regretting it big time.

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 15:01

Still no news - is this a good sign or a bad sign? I suppose they could be debating as to how they can help with the costs? If it was a straightforward no I'd have heard by now wouldn't I?

OP posts:
ScummyMummy · 20/06/2006 15:07

How about we help on a no win, no fee basis? So if you get the job you can pay us back?
Or what about getting the tv people to pay so that they can put your success in their next series?

ScummyMummy · 20/06/2006 15:08

Bloody well done, btw. :)

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 15:08
Grin The tv people are loooooong gone! I keep checking for emails and picking up the phone to make sure it still works!
OP posts:
meowmix · 20/06/2006 15:13

try not to agonise - it can take for ever to get people together in one room when you're waiting to hear.

re video con interviews - don't do it unless you've done a lot before. There's a trick to 'em or you come across like Max Headroom only less animated. If you do have to go this route then ask the nice woman if she can take ten mins before to help you get used to how they work so you don't worry about sitting so they can see you etc. Wear plain clothes rather than patterns (which can strobe and be uncomfy to look at) and not too much white (can be dazzlingly blue white and make you look ghoulish)

If telephone interview then write down key words from what they ask, have pen and paper in front of you and your application form too, and make sure you have lots of open questions to ask them too to show interest. Keep your voice tone upbeat (but not too upbeat or you'll go all Sue Pollard and no one's employed her in years as far as I can see!)

Sorry - sounds very teacherish but I coach people in this stuff

can't wait to hear what happens!

flutterbee · 20/06/2006 15:23

Rhubarb you have to go, I agree with the others about having a whip round, if they don't help towards costs I will gladly contribute.

You can not miss this chance.

FioFio · 20/06/2006 15:26

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted

flutterbee · 20/06/2006 15:45

Right I'm off to feed DS, I will pop back on later and I shall expect some news.

oliveoil · 20/06/2006 15:48

You. Have. To. Go. To. This. Interview.

Better to regret what you do than be doing a crappy job in 6 months and thinking what if.

Original poster
Rhubarb · 20/06/2006 16:43

I haven't heard! Sad Not sure what to make of the silence! dh says to leave it until tomorrow morning and then phone them, but I'm concerned that the flight prices will be going up every day. However I can't book anything until I hear from them. There's no point in phoning now to be told that she hasn't managed to speak to them and there is no news, so will have to hang on till tomorrow!
I might claim mental anguish costs too at this rate!

OP posts: