HR types - advice needed!

[magaddict]

I have held a temporary contract with my employer for the last two years and over that period have applied for three permanent posts, all of which I have failed to get. I received feedback from the principle interviewers on each occasion - the first was that it was purely on interview and the successful candidate was stronger on the day, the second was that I didn't have sufficient qualifications (now addressed) and the third, last month, that the successful candidate had more experience. All of these are valid reasons and I accept totally that I wasn't successful, but feel there seems to be some inconsistency in the criteria for success, particularly as the first interviewer made a point of ringing me when they left the company to say they had really wanted to give me the job as the successful candidate is known to be a bit of a handful (off sick a lot, 'falls out' with people etc) but they couldn't as he was better at the interview and that was the only factor they were allowed to consider. The one constant at all the interviews is that the same HR rep was present - so I have written to ask for feedback from her in order to be better prepared if there is a next time. The problem is she has totally ignored my request, and also the follow up email a week later, when I asked for the interview notes if nothing else. I believe I am legally entitled to see the notes, can anyone confirm this? Also, suggestions for what my next move should be would also be welcome - I was very polite in my request and explained I accepted their decisions but just wanted some more feedback from a developmental point of view - I am currently on maternity leave so it is not just a question of me popping in to the office to see her but I can do so if this would help - any ideas?? Thanks for reading!

magaddict you do have the right to see notes made about you under the Data Protection Act. However I'm not sure that would give you much useful information in terms of feedback on how to improve your chances in the future.

I think the first interviewer has been incredibly unprofessional saying what he/she said to you about the successful candidate and about his/her preferences. TBH I would disregard it. It sounds as though for whatever reasons he/she wanted to say that to you, maybe to encourage you by saying you were good, or something . Interview performance is not the only thing recruiters are 'allowed' to consider, but it takes away responsibility for decision making from this individual which may be what he/she was trying to do. And there is a point in that if everything else is equal interview performance becomes the most significant factor.

I do think you need to pursue the HR rep. I am interested to hear that a lack of qualifications was given as the reason the second time. If you did not have the required qualifications why did you even get an interview?

If you can go into the office and meet her I would do so, if you force a face to face meeting to discuss changing criteria/how you can improve performance, you are more likely to get more information.

I hesitate to throw around words like 'discrimination', 'grievance' etc, but there is the possibility that you may have been discriminated against. I would not want to comment without more information and I think a chat with the HR rep might be a good step before you start thinking along those terms, but it is a possibility.

If you do end up bringing a discrimination claim challenging the recruitment decision the employer would have to justify their decision to reject you and to appoint the other candidate which would normally involve interview notes. I think requesting to see your own interview notes under Data Protection isn't going to help you much at the moment, they would only be really useful in the event of a discrimination claim when compared to those of the successful candidate.

Hi
Thanks very much for your reply - I know what you mean about the first interviewer - I did take it with a pinch of salt because he left after becoming incredibly disillusioned with the company and I think just wanted to try and make me feel better about not getting the job in question - in actual fact I was long over it and all it did was complicate matters! I am just so disappointed in the lack of response from the HR rep (who is actually the head of recruitment) as all I was asking for was some clear feedback I could work with. You have helped me to clarify what I am going to say - I have to pop in later this week anyway so am going to call in to the office to try and arrange a discussion. Thanks again for taking the time to help.

magaddict would seriously question the fact that you have been on a "temp" contract for 2 years. What is it about the nature of your job that makes it temporary. Many employers go down the route of calling roles temporary for the sake of headcount data when they have to report to Head Office but in real terms the jobs are permanently required for the business/dept to function. if you have been there for 2 years I fail to see why you shouldn't be eligible for all the benefits etc as your permanent colleagues. i know this doesn't answer your question re the interviews but just wanted to check that your issue isn't about wanting a perm contract/job security rather than the specific job you have applied for.