Asked to interview after rejection

[Mikkelsmum]

Hi all,

I had a thread a little while back and I found your views very useful. Essentially, I applied for a very specialist job. Interview went amazing. I wanted flexibility in terms of remote working to move out of London. They seemed open to it and then I heard nothing from them for a few weeks. Then I got a generic 'you have not been successful'. Was disappointed but moved on and have been keeping an eye on other roles that may interest me.

Then, out of nowhere, I got a call from HR asking me if i would be interested in a similar role at the same grade within the organisation (different team). I said sure and agreed to a chat (but really an interview) on Friday. However, after I agreed to that, HR lady sent the job spec and it's not quite my area of expertise. I'm very confident I can do the job, no problem, but there may be more specialised people out there!!

I'm also concerned that the previous interviewers / HR won't have communicated to the new team my wish to work remotely.

All in all, I'm a bit concerned this is all a waste of time!! But I don't know what to do.

Any thoughts are very welcome!!

A chat won’t harm will it? Have a list of questions ready and see what the progression is like and the company etc

Thanks @BluebellsGreenbells, you are right. I guess I'm just anxious, I want this to work out, but I'm worried it won't. Which I guess is everyone's concern when they go for an interview for a job they really want!!

Thanks!

Go for it! Your wish to work remotely could have been the reason for rejection and this role is more suitable to WFH perhaps?

Without knowing the area it is difficult to say, but you describe it as specialist. The jobs market is pretty tight currently, lots of applicants, but frequently they don't even meet basic spec. Some can't even be arsed to fill in the form properly despite being a higher level role! You will probably find that is the case with this company and they will have scrutinised you as a previous near miss and thing you would probably be a good fit but with some development.

Have the chat and see

Have the chat and repeat the wish for remote working. They sound keen so you might have some leverage! Don’t say ‘there are better people for the job’ - let them be the judge. They obviously think you’re a great fit for their organisation. Do say ‘I’m certainly interested in working with you, but as I mentioned in my previous application, I will be based in X so need to be able to work remotely.’ Perhaps you can find a way forward that works for both parties! I’d say you have the upper hand here.. being invited to interview is always a great sign. Be polite but ballsy with what you want! Good luck xo

@LondonQueen

Go for it! Your wish to work remotely could have been the reason for rejection and this role is more suitable to WFH perhaps?

Are those not the same thing?

I'd have the chat, there's no downside. If this role isn't for you they know more about you for future roles.