Dismissed from interview - so humiliated

[Littleblackcatandabow]

So I applied for a job which was perfect for me. Very industry specific and I had my interview today.

The role had “part time would be considered” in the description and I applied. In my covering letter I explained that the role was ideal due to extremely specific experience and industry knowledge but is also perfect for me due to being a 5 min walk from home and I can commit to 30 hours a week. (Husband travels one day a week so I need to be around for school!)

In the interview I was told that they were flabbergasted when my CV landed on the desk because of my unusual experience in the industry. The admin manager then goes onto say that it’s a full time role only.

To which I said “oh but the advert said part time would be considered. I am looking for a 4 day week role”

One interviewer - he said they would come up with a solution
2nd interviewer - she said “No thank you. Full time only. It was lovely meeting you though, goodbye” and dismissed me.

I’m just looking for reassurance that this is an unusual experience? I came home and had a little cry. I’m getting on a bit (am 36) and worried I’m unemployable.

I was employed right up until March as I was made redundant.

I suspect the woman knew they had no intention of ever hiring anyone part time

and didn’t want to lead you up the garden path and waste your time

One interviewer - he said they would come up with a solution

you see I find the other person the one who was not conducting a professional interview.

they’d consider part time apparently but still hadn’t given any thought to a “solution”

added to which, he said this before you’d even say down hardly

I miss this yesterday was about to say you'll be offered a job with them but read your update. I've seen this happen before with unprofessional colleagues who have their own agenda. Luckily HR stepped in here. It's a pity you jumped the gun telling friends because if you take the job you'll have to walk back from that.

These bastards were totally in the wrong; not your fault.

Well people on glass door can have their own agenda. Interview experience is always useful

glassdoor? 😂

either very pissed off ex employees or anonymous very pissed off current employees

or friends, family and management of the company 😂

That's really shoddy and so unprofessional.

I think you can feel blessed that you don't work there.

thank your lucky stars! Think of the poor person that will end up working there.

If you’ve asked around your contacts in the industry and they’ve advised you to steer clear then fair enough but don’t be too quick to turn down this role based on Glassdoor. Remember that the people posting there are self-selecting and it will always skew negative, in the same way that reading the Pregnancy boards on MN would make you think no-one had an uncomplicated pregnancy and straightforward birth.

At least take the interview. What do you have to lose?

They're the ones who should be feeling humiliated OP, well at least the one who chopped you off at the knees.

And I agree with @NightmareSlashDelightful , you were caught in the crossfire of some internal war.

You've had a narrow escape, you could have ended up working in a thoroughly toxic environment.

You're still 31 years off the current retirement age . You may well have another 36 years to go if the retirement age continues to climb.

36 getting on a bit? Oh hell

Oh wow, I agree you got off lightly there. That interviewer sounds like they would have been a shit to work with. I also once had a lucky escape when I was rejected for a job. I asked for feedback and when I said that I felt the answer they were looking for would be next to impossible for anyone outside to give, he started screaming at me and called me racist amongst other things! I had to hang up but he still rang again to continue the tirade. Basically the question was ‘how could you ensure that equality and diversity was being upheld’. I have an example where I’d assisted a hearing impaired colleague. The correct answer was I shouldn’t dig up roads outside a mosque on a Friday as it might disturb prayers. No clue as to how I was supposed to get that but after the yelling and insults I got I was so glad I didn’t get that role.

Don’t be daft OP! You can’t trust Glassdoor and you need to get straight back on the interview horse. Do the interview and then decide.

They are daft.

As an employer I would far rather have the right candidate 3-4 days a week than an adequate candidate 5 days a week.

Definitely feedback because they have wasted your time. Advertised as part time and then wasted your time in an interview.

Sometimes I think HR issue the job description stipulating eg remote working / PT will be considered and then the actual manager sees this and relates that this won’t work in this particular situation.
I was told it happened in my organisation.

She's spoken to HR and they've offered her an interview for another job on her terms for more money. But she's decided she doesn't want to work for them after reading reviews.

Does no one ever read updates from ops?

You are not that worried about your career if you are not considering one extra day. Hybrid and/or Breakfast and after school clubs are made for this.

Getting on a bit? OP, did you type 36 when you actually meant to say that you are 76? You are not unemployable. My mum is 63 and just got given a new job.

So sorry you had a bad experience with your interview. They do sound a bit rude.If that is a reflection of the company then I think that you have dodged a bullet. You could, if you wanted complaib to HR about having your time wasted, going for a job where they said that they would consider part time only to be told that it was full time only.

It’s so unfair! I had this recently in relation to an internal transfer role. Prior to applying spoke to the TL, explained what I was looking for/requirements etc. told it wouldn’t be an issue and then offered exactly the opposite to what had been discussed. Queried and told it was right so I rejected it. Asked to reconsider - I asked what the amended offer was but there was no amended offer, just the original one snd I was being difficult In not accepted. Rejected again and the job has been readvertised twice since. No one wants it and I’m sure this is a sign a definitely did dodge a bullet!

Good luck! It was a very rude dismissal and some people need to have a more open view to suitable candidates circumstances and limitations.

Wow OP, what a result! At 36 you are a spring chicken BTW, and the latest update is awesome. Go for it.

NEVER say this before they offer you the job!! Then they look ridiculous not you.

They behaved incredibly rudely - you should email and complain and say they wasted your time.

I’m getting on a bit (am 36)

I beg your fucking pardon?

I was about to type what might happen… @Littleblackcatandabow then you posted the comment below.

‘Thread update: HR phoned me up and apologised and said they have a fully REMOTE job that’s suitable for me (more pay!) in another office up country. No travel required & I wouldn’t be dealing with the woman who interviewed me. But in the overall company hierarchy I would be more senior than her! If I’m interested I can have an interview via Teams next week 😮’

So do go for interview - that’s twice that you have been shortlisted in your specialist field. Puff puff puff.😀.

Buuuuut keep your antenna up when you are interviewed that a) it is a proper interview & not a ‘consolation prize’ & b) if you are offered a post, it is a role that you would really want to do.

Already you know that there are some ‘sticky spots or people’ in the organisation, not unusual as such, but be aware. Also be diplomatic in all your dealings from now on as you may find those who you have vented with wondering about your about-face if you accept a job with said same firm.

Agree, go for the interview and see what you think. Company culture can vary enormously by department/location etc. Glassdoor is not a representative or reliable view of a company and you should take the reviews with a huge pinch of salt (as you would all websites with reviews of products or services).

As for the location question, if applying for jobs where it's specifically mentioned simply say "the location of the role poses no difficulties for me" or something similar. Don't say it's close to home or fits in with childcare, as it looks like that's the main motivation for applying, not the job itself.