Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

Interview...Do I call them if I have not heard back????

48 replies

emmabemmasmom · 15/05/2008 11:01

Hello :-)

I went for an interview for a job that I really really want on Tuesday. They said they would be asking for a second interview if I was successful in this one.

The interview went very very well and at the end they both smiled and said they were confident I would get a second interview, so they would e-mail me the outline of job expectations so we can discuss them in the next interview.

Well, I know they want whoever they hire to start in 2 weeks...and it is now Thursday and I have not gotten the e-mail or a call.

Did they change their minds????

Would it be weird to call and just say thank you for having me the other day and it was nice to meet you (maybe bring their attention back to me) or would that be weird? Should I just wait???

Help!!! I am being driven insane just wanting to know!!!!

OP posts:
needahand · 15/05/2008 11:08

I definitely would call them or rather send an e-mail saying how lovely it was to meet them and how you feel the job was great and you feel you could contribute significantly if you were the successful candidate etc..and finish by "I very much look forward to hearing from you". Sends a keen and positive message and sometimes it makes the difference.

I would definitely go for it. Good luck and fingers crossed

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 15/05/2008 11:36

Oh thanks!

I do not have their e-mail, so I would have to call.

Just don't want her to think I am weird or come off with what I am thinking (which is WTF??) haha

OK, will call! Thanks for the good wishes!!

OP posts:
needahand · 15/05/2008 12:15

Good luck, let me know how it goes. I do not think she would consider your enthousiasm to be weird, I think she would view it as endearing.

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 15/05/2008 14:05

Wheyhey!!

Well I just phoned and spoke to John (who was very nice) and he said he was suppose to send me the e-mail for the second interview and he has not done it yet. (even though he was nice, I am slightly annoyed that he is not doing his job and causing me to fret) haha

So the call was a good thing then! At least I know where I stand!

Thanks again for your kind words and support!

OP posts:
needahand · 15/05/2008 15:43

Hypee! That is good news. Good luck with the second interview. When is it? Fingers crossed again!

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 15/05/2008 16:47

Got the email finally! It is Tuesday at 3

Wore my only interview outfit that still fits after dd to the first interview, so must go buy something else now!

Thanks for the support!! Need all I can get going back to work full time after dd!!

OP posts:
needahand · 15/05/2008 16:52

well I wish you all the best. Put a little post on Tuesday or Wednesday. Will send loads of positive vibes your way

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 15/05/2008 16:55

Will do and thanks! So nice and sweet of you!

OP posts:
Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 22/05/2008 10:42

Hi!

Sorry didn't message Tuesday, but interview went very very well. They have asked me to come in tomorrow and Monday to watch things and for induction! They have not said 'you have the job'...but I would think I do!

Thank you again for the well wishes!!! Maybe that is what did it

OP posts:
chocbiscuits · 22/05/2008 20:52

Hooray! you never know maybe the call swung it in your favour!

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 23/05/2008 17:29

Now i am in a huff.

Just did my 'first day' and was told that I am still up against one other person!!

I have to go back in again on Monday!!! They were showing me everything though and making me work and work hard!! I am miffed that I am doing this for free and I STILL don't know if I have a job!!!

She said I would find out Tuesday...yeah we will see! Grrrr

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 23/05/2008 19:21

Are you sure you are not being paid emma? How long were you expected to work? It's one thing expecting someone to give up an hour or two for interviews or tests, but it would be very unusual to expect someone to come into work for a couple of days free.

I have come across it done a couple of times, but not unpaid. Were you definitely told it was unpaid?

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 24/05/2008 09:02

Yeah well I worked from 9:30-3 yesterday and she asked me to come in Monday at 9. I asked if she wanted me to stay until 3 again (only cause I have to tell childminder) and she was like well it is voluntary work so if you have to go at 1 or 2 that would be fine.

Also with her telling me I have not officially got the job, I assume I would not be paid. We have not even talked about salary yet!! So ok what if I didn't get the job? Would they have to pay me for the 2 days I have done? She said we would talk about salary and holidays on Monday and she asked for references too.

I also thought it weird. If they wanted me to observe then ok an hour or so, but not all day with actual work??

I am confused. I will be mad if I don't get it now, however do I want to work for people who take advantage?

Also, I have to pay my childminder both days so I am actually paying to work? Does not make much sence to me. What do you think?

OP posts:
annh · 24/05/2008 16:22

Honestly, it does sound as if they are taking advantage. Two days is a heck of an induction "interview". Suppose you were working in another job, would you have been able to take two days off for this? You might not want to say exctly what the job is, but can you give us an idea of what kind of role it is which requires such an intensive interviewing process?

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 24/05/2008 17:41

Yeah well it is a high powered, stressful, busy job and I think they have been burned before with people saying they can handle it and then they end up quiting. So this time they hired someone to help with interviews (that was the first one!) So on that side I can understand that they want to make sure I can handle it and also that we all get along (wanting me to meet EVERYONE!!!)

However, I now have been all around the place, in head offices, I know where the petty cash is, and the alarm system (including the codes for safe). I also know everything about this place and I don't think it is very smart on their side. Not saying I am going to rob the place lol but still...you shouldn't be letting people who are not employees know the ins and outs of the place.

So I don't know...just feeling kinda...irritated.

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 24/05/2008 19:25

emma if you are sure you are not being paid that's very strange and not on. At the very least they should be making sure you are not out of pocket, paying travel and childcare expenses. I wouldn't be afraid to ask about that, or even to assume it and to ask who you should submit an expenses claim to should it be clear you are not being paid.
This is a very strange attitude to take towards potential employees, and I would advise you to be very sure you are comfortable taking the job and working with the people you are working with before accepting.

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 24/05/2008 19:40

Exactly! I think it weird too and as I really want the job I am afraid to be like WTF?

I remember when I asked about Monday I said 'I will come in at 9 but do you want me to stay until 3 again. I only ask as I need to let my childminder know.' To which she replied 'It is voluntary work so if you need to go at 1 or 2 that would be fine.'

So I am pretty sure I will not be paid for the two days work.

I am just not sure how to handle the situation. As I said I do really want the job as the hours are perfect for me and my DH and super close to my CM (3 min walk away) and it is what I want to do. However, I do not want to work for people who may jack me around.

I can only think that I DO have the job and that when I get it I will be paid and they are only telling me I am up against someone else (dont know why). Why else would they be showing me the ins and outs?

Also I did WORK...I didn't just sit and observe. I answered phones, booked meetings, did paperwork...I mean WTF!!!

So I am not being weird to think this is very strange??????

*Also, have not even discussed salary yet!! Said we would on Monday...

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 24/05/2008 19:45

This is all very strange. I would be going in on Monday wanting some clarity fairly sharpish - there are far too many question marks here. It's one thing asking someone to spend a couple of days, being clear about why this is, what the objectives for the days are, and being clear about financial aspects. But this seems very woolly.

I think go in on Monday, see what happens as soon as you get there, and if it's just 'get on with work', I'd ask for a private chat with the manager or whoever, and ask for some clarity about what's happening. You could easily ask these questions perfectly politely but firmly, and I do think you need to make sure you are clear about things before sitting there for another day and forking out for childcare.

If you asking these questions in a polite manner is a problem, I'd steer clear tbh, it's not a good start to an employment relationship.

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 24/05/2008 19:53

Ok yeah...I can do it nicely but what questions would you suggest I ask??

I just really want the job and don't want them to be all 'oh well not her cause whatever'...I don't know why I am afraid to stand up and ask questions

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 24/05/2008 20:04

It may come in conversation naturally but I think if it doesn't pretty quickly on MOnday, you need to clarify-

What stage is the recruitment process actually at? Are there any other candidates still involved and when can you expect to be told definitely whether they are making you an offer or not?

You are obviously very keen on the job, and would like to know what they are actually looking for from you for these two days.

How (not 'if') you should submit details of your expenses for these two days.

I know you really want the job, but don't let them take advantage of you because of that. These questions are perfectly reasonable of you to ask, and should not affect your chances at all, and I would expect it to be fine to ask, then it will be down to you how happy you are with the answers you are given.

I really mean it when I say if they find it a problem that you want clarification on these things before you continue to work for them for free and put everything on hold, then I would strongly advise you consider walking away.

Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 24/05/2008 20:20

Ok that helps

I did ask on Friday when I should know and she said Tuesday as she wanted me to work with everyone and see what they all thought too.

She just asked for references on Friday (as I said they were available upon request on my CV) However, I have only worked in the States so I hope she relizes she cannot make calls until Monday night because of time differences!

She did appoligize as this is the first time she has not been in sole charge of hiring. So she said she is used to her chat up and not sure what has been discussed or not (wouldn't they talk to one another?)...I have had 'interviews' with 4 other people!!

Ok well I will ask to meet with her fairly quickly if she does not initiate it. Thanks for all the helpful advise!! Really helps to know that I need to stick up for myself and not get walked over!

OP posts:
Original poster
emmabemmasmom · 26/05/2008 20:13

Right ok!!!!

SO...I went in AGAIN today and did a 4 hour shift (which was clarified that I wont be getting paid for)!!!!

Today they have a big event thing in the evening so everyone was all on edge and getting ready to go to some big thing and we had clients in all day long so I was never able to get alone with the 'boss' and I didn't want to discuss anything infront of clients so...no salary talk AGAIN....

AND!!!! Instead of finding out tomorrow she said she won't be able to tell me until FRIDAY because the other person (my enemy lol) will be coming in Wednesday to do what I did.

So I am not to happy As now I won't know until Friday...and they will want me to start Monday...WTF is with these people?????

GRRRRRR....sorry...had to get that all off of my chest.

OP posts:
Bky · 26/05/2008 20:24

My God, just read through this, you are really being messed about aren't you. I can't believe that they won't be telling you til Friday and to then expect you start on Monday. How long has this selection process been going on for, what a faff if you don't get the job and all that time wasted.

What company is this?....just so the rest of us know never to apply for a job with them.

flowerybeanbag · 27/05/2008 09:33

Emma that's pretty horrendous. I have to say I would be withdrawing myself from the process and invoicing them for my expenses at this stage. But I know it's not necessarily that easy as you really want the job.

I would advise you to consider it though, this doesn't strike me as a good company to work for.

nervousal · 27/05/2008 10:20

Sounds really dodgy to me. If they want to see whether you can do the job or not then they should take you ona probationary period - not have you working for free. not sure how their insurance would cover you?

Is this a small company with little experience of recruitment??