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Original poster

Missed my NHS job interview, feeling like a failure.

102 replies

milliegeobotandyou · 11/04/2018 15:19

I was nervous so I arrived an hour early to try and get a parking spot and realised only then that I had accidentally forgotten my bank card and had no cash. I was in a very large city centre and my interview at a hospital. I tried driving around to various car parks incase you could pay by an app but I had no luck. I parked in one multi-storey that gave no indication of how you could pay, so I parked up in a tight spot and walked to find the machine and it was cash only. Same again everywhere I went. Finally I found a car park that accepted app payments, put in the code for the location and it said sorry no parking here today. I tried to ring my husband to see if he could give me my bank card number and his phone was off. I rang department & say I cant come (25 minutes before I am due) and nearly cry on the voicemail. I then start going home and my phone rings repeatedly so I pull over and one of the ladies who was interview said to come back and told me where to park that was free. I had trouble finding it and then when I did there was not a single space anywhere, I drove around and around. I then drove into a carpark then see it says staff permit only and as I realise this I lightly hit the wall and slightly scrape the front of my car. At this point I can't see for crying so I drive home and email when I arrive home to say sorry and good luck with filling the role.

I desperately wanted that job.

I haven't worked in 4 years and it was a perfect part-time job. It was also relevant to the degree I'll be studying next September.

I'm so sad and kicking myself over and over. Sad

I guess it was not meant to be.

OP posts:
flowerslemonade · 11/04/2018 17:06

I agree. She made a mistake. Probably bc she was stressed.

I would've said my car had broken down if the job was that perfect :/

himynameiss · 11/04/2018 17:06

It’s abit silly really. The multi story people would have just let you go with a number to call to pay when you got home.

penguinsandpanda · 11/04/2018 17:07

If they offered you another interview for today you must still be in the running. I would e-mail back to say thank you and say if they haven't found anyone suitable you can come in for an interview later this week (assuming you can)

Original poster
milliegeobotandyou · 11/04/2018 17:09

The bank cards were taken out of my jeans pocket a few days ago and put on the side and I have not used them since as I had been unwell on Monday. I had forgotten I had put them there, and thought they were in my coat pocket. I rarely carry bags or purses.

I had sat up the night before making notes, printed out the job description, the person specifcation, researched the Trust, prepared answers for interview questions, hung up my clothes for the morning and got my shoes out.

I had come down this morning with my son and made him breakfast after getting myself ready, put the tv on for him and woke my husband to tell him I was leaving so he could watch our son. I had my notes, my spare shoes and driving shoes and my car keys. I made a simple but big mistake yes. I'm actually a human being not a perfect person who can remember everything and sanctimoniously tell other people how to do it right.

I drove around and around for 1hr 20 minutes before I went home looking for spaces and trying to problem-solve so that I could make the interview. I was not prepared to face a fine for a job I might not get, and I didn't feel comfortable tapping strangers up for money either.

OP posts:
Hillingdon · 11/04/2018 17:10

Also sat nav is your friend.

I was brought up in the era of scrappy bits of paper with directions on. I have a friend who didn't feel comfortable driving at night. Everything looks different doesn't it. Now with a sat nav there is no stopping her!

Original poster
milliegeobotandyou · 11/04/2018 17:12

@himynameiss- how on Earth would I know that and where to find them? There were just machines?

I've been driving for 2 months and have only ever parked in one multi-story which was IKEA. I'm sorry I don't have all the infinite wisdom.

OP posts:
Original poster
milliegeobotandyou · 11/04/2018 17:12

@Hillingdon why did I need a sat nav? I made it there, I made it an hour early.

OP posts:
restingbemusedface · 11/04/2018 17:15

Always keep a few quid in your car for parking emergencies

Original poster
milliegeobotandyou · 11/04/2018 17:15

@penguinsandpanda I did email, they had set aside today only for interviews so did not have another to offer me sadly.

I'm leaving this thread now as I've had a really rubbish day and don't wish to spend any more of it reading horrible comments (not from you penguin).

Must remember to be perfect in future.

OP posts:
VladmirsPoutine · 11/04/2018 17:15

Lesson learned but this stood out to me:

At this point I can't see for crying so I drive home and email when I arrive home to say sorry and good luck with filling the role.

You need to develop resilience. And a lot of it.

himynameiss · 11/04/2018 17:15

@milliegeobotandyou
At the ground floor near the entrance there is usually one or two parking people there at big hospitals, just for future ref. In a office type room. I wasn’t criticising I am just disappointed you won’t get the job

sourpatchkid · 11/04/2018 17:16

@DonutCone - don't be ridiculous, I've forgotten things on many an occasion and I'm one of the most senior people (if not the most senior) in my NHS team. This is no reflection at all on OPs abilities, what a very strange thing to think?

Original poster
milliegeobotandyou · 11/04/2018 17:16

@VladmirsPoutine and you need to learn not to be a prick.

OP posts:
PeanutbutterBuns · 11/04/2018 17:17

I think hillingdon meant for while you were looking for carparks.

You're coming off a bit rude to people who are mostly trying to help.

Hillingdon · 11/04/2018 17:18

Because you don't sound confident as a new driver. Driving is a nightmare these days especially in city centres. Everyone seems to know exactly where they are going.

My sat nav states where the next petrol station is. Not useful for me necessarily but back to DS who drives with little petrol and its a godsend.

I was trying to think of ways of making your life easier. I always write a to do list myself every day before starting work as there is NO way I can remember what I need to do. I am staggered by people who think they can just remember it (they often cant!).

Callamia · 11/04/2018 17:18

It’s annoying, and you must feel like kicking yourself, but it’s done now.

Move on, and keep looking for jobs that work for you. You’ll find something - and you’re competitive for interview, so that’s great news, and bodes well for future applications.

sourpatchkid · 11/04/2018 17:19

I don't think she's coming off rude at all. She's getting a lot of shit for this and I'm genuinely not sure why. She made a mistake, it upset her. That's never happened to anyone else, has it? Hmm

member · 11/04/2018 17:23

You’re not a failure because of one mistake (although with some of the replies you’ve been given, you could be forgiven for thinking that no one else has ever made one).

Chalk it up to experience, I doubt you’ll make the same error again!

Mummyoflittledragon · 11/04/2018 17:27

I think that comment to Vlad was a bit uncalled for. Yes, it was harsh. I’ve never learnt the resilience necessary for certain work situations. I’m a lot more so than I was. It comes from being a highly sensitive person and a difficult childhood. However, I’m very strong in other situations, far stronger than I would appear.

What I’m saying is there’s different types of resilience and it also comes with age. You are obviously far younger than me so there’s time.

Hillingdon · 11/04/2018 17:28

Sour - I sadly think all of this is a reflection on the OP's abilities. I think some on this thread are trying to come out with some genuine suggestions for next time. I would not leave the house without my handbag. I do wonder what she was carrying the notes in that she had made.

Never mind - its done now. As long as she learns from it.

Babyg1995 · 11/04/2018 17:38

If you tell strangers on the internet about something like this surely you can expect advice or do you just want them to tell you what you want to hear Confused you made a mistake and missed a change at a job you really wanted if you can't take constructive criticism dont post on mn.

Crazyladee · 11/04/2018 17:38

I would be kind to yourself, chalk it up as a bad experience and tell yourself it's not meant to be.

I've had similar experiences myself and as a result I am super organised to the point I have gone the other way and now have anxieties when I have to go somewhere I am not familiar with and end up doing dummy runs when I am going to places that are not familiar but then not really that important.

You've learnt the hard way to always be prepared with knowing where you are going to park in advance and having change etc. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Babyg1995 · 11/04/2018 17:39

*chance

Iamagreyhoundhearmeroar · 11/04/2018 17:39

Vlad wasn't being a prick, op. But you're beginning to.

AnnaHindrer · 11/04/2018 17:41

I could have also got the fine and not got the job, which really would have been a kick in the teeth.

True. But thats the risk you have to take OR you scope out the place before hand, ask them next time if there is any parking you can use, in this case you would have known free parking was available.

I think you just panicked and weren't very well prepared. Just be more organised next time and do by all means call them to see if they can reschedule, don't assume all is lost.