Interview - WWYD?

[Mogs43]

I have applied for a job in another city. It’s £20k less a year, sounds interesting but has a reputation for being a bit cliquey.

This morning I was told I had been shortlisted for interview. I logged onto the portal as instructed and the interviews are all being held on Monday. Not a huge amount of notice to get time off. I will also need to book trains and a hotel which won’t be cheap but fine. However the portal didn’t say where the interview was being held, length or provide any details about format (should I prepare a presentation etc). I contacted the Talent Manager and got a really abrupt response. She also alluded to a task but didn’t say what it is - ‘you will be given details of a task on the day’. Can only assume it might be a presentation or some sort of test?

I appreciate they may be busy, have had other candidates asking but to be honest it has put me off. Made me wonder if perhaps they have an internal candidate and it’s not really worth the effort/expense? Am I reading too much into this? Would you still go and if so what prep (besides the obvious - research into the company and role - think partnership /delivery ) would you do?

I contacted the Talent Manager and got a really abrupt response.

There's your answer.

I wouldnt show up or give them the courtesy to say you're no longer interested.

If this is how they treat candidates before employment, WTF must it be like when a person is employed?

Bullet dodged, fuck em. Find something else/better :)

They didn't give you any details then were shitty when you asked for them? I'd steer clear.

Thank you for your responses.

Foolishly (or in desperation?? ) I went for the interview. Just heard that I didn’t get it - that I was next, appoint-able but they had someone with more local experience : if they hadn’t thrown their hat in the ring it would have been you etc. etc.

I do feel stupid for going and spending so much money on the interview (hotel, train etc). But it’s done. I should have got the hint- that they didn’t tell me where the interview was being held, didn’t send me details of the task to be undertaken and the interview panel left the room / building at the same time as me (ie no scores /discussion of performance) - said they’d do it the next week when they met to interview the final candidate (on a date that wasn’t advertised as an option). But you live and learn. Obviously not meant to be. Just feeling a bit rubbish and pathetic. Rejected!

Thanks again for your advice - I should have followed it! Am useless!!