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AIBU?

A WWYD - Interview Etiquette

22 replies

GhostsInSnow · 27/08/2013 12:10

DH applied for a job with who we'll call company A. He had close relations whilst he worked for company B with company A and knew most of the relevant department there, in fact, his direct boss at company B has a Daughter in Law at Company A.

He was made redundant from company B 2 years ago and started working for company C
(I appreciate this is complicated Blush)

As I say he applied for a job with A and interviews are I believe next week. Without wishing to be big headed he was a bit surprised not to have heard anything about the job but moved on. Last night he had a phone call from his old, now retired boss at company B. Boss told him his DIL had been round, mentioned the job and mentioned that someone from his old department had submitted 'the best application and CV the department had ever seen'. Boss then asks DH when the interview is.

DH has heard nothing from the company. He's checked all his emails and spam filters and we've had no post. There was only 3 people in the department (department no longer exists), Boss, DH and another lad who DH has called this morning who's confirmed he's not applied for the job.
Boss' DIL couldn't remember the name of the candidate helpfully.

I suggested DH contact company A, say perhaps he's had his email hacked and apologise if anyone has been trying to get in touch. He says no, this is bad form.

What do we do!? DH already has ex boss getting DIL on the case, but should he just bite the bullet and call them?

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Lottiedoubtie · 27/08/2013 12:13

Call them and ask for feedback on application as no interview...

Not presumptuous but gives him an in.

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MidniteScribbler · 27/08/2013 12:14

There's nothing wrong with following up about a job application. A friend of mine actually runs a business and only interviws people who chase up their iitial application. She says it shows the people who are really keen about the job.

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GhostsInSnow · 27/08/2013 12:16

Thanks guys, thats a better way of putting it. I know in the past he's followed up on an interview by requesting feedback but never thought to apply the same to applications. I'll forward him this thread now!

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ViviPru · 27/08/2013 12:16

Gah how frustrating. I'd be similar in your shoes and DH would be giving it all the "no bad form" shtick. To me, the DIL is the only way you're going to get to the bottom of this. You're just going to have to wait and see...

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WilsonFrickett · 27/08/2013 12:16

Just follow up and ask for feedback. Don't mention all the conversations etc. Just keep it totally professional. Something could have not got posted or anything...

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Mumsyblouse · 27/08/2013 12:18

Not bad form to ask if you have an interview/they have any feedback on your application. My husband had a job interview hiding in the spam mail recently.

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GhostsInSnow · 27/08/2013 12:19

It does seem odd. There were only 3 people in that department, one hasn't applied at all and the other retired so either the DiL has completely misunderstood or there has been a communication breakdown somewhere along the line.

Dh currently has an 80 mile daily commute (160 round trip) and this job is only 20 miles away so would be quite life changing for us so I'm very keen not to lose any opportunity.

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ViviPru · 27/08/2013 12:21

Yeah good idea with the feedback request. FIngers crossed for him, OP!

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quesadilla · 27/08/2013 12:23

I would definitely say chase. Not in a "why wasn't I contacted" way, just to make it look like he's following up because he's interested and hasn't heard. It does seem likely that the application has just got lost or something and he doesn't lose anything by appearing keen.

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GhostsInSnow · 27/08/2013 12:29

Given its been a bank holiday I'll let tomorrows post arrive and if there is nothing there and DIL doesn't have any success then he will go down the 'feedback' route.
Will update anyway Grin
Thanks all

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dufflefluffle · 27/08/2013 12:32

Definitely ring! I reluctantly rang a company recently when I hadn't heard back from them (was convinced the email had gotten lost or some such) and although I didn't get the job I got good positive feedback and was felt an awful lot better because I had been proactive about it. DO IT!!

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StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 27/08/2013 13:17

this happened to me, I was gutted not to get an interview or a job I knew I would be excellent for. rang the person involved who had not had my application but invited me for interview anyway. I had a day to prepare a presentation! got the job Smile

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BadLad · 27/08/2013 15:25

A polite, professional telephone enquiry can't possible hurt.

What's the worst that could happen?

Maybe they weren't going to give him the job anyway, in which case the enquiry has done no harm.

Or perhaps they do want to give him the job, but their contacting him somehow got lost. In which case, it would be extremely lucky he contacted them.

The only way contacting them would ever be a bad thing is if were seen to be such bad form by company A that they decided to retract an offer of employment, which is highly unlikely and an absolutely bonkers reason for not employing their first choice candidate.

No brainer. Get him to call them. No need for white lies about e-mails being hacked - just politely ask when they might let you know.

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MsGazelle · 27/08/2013 15:35

It's definitely fine to follow up with a call asking if they've shortlisted yet. I used to field loads when I worked in admin.

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lljkk · 27/08/2013 15:56

update?

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Groovee · 27/08/2013 16:07

Any update?

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GhostsInSnow · 27/08/2013 16:22

No update just yet, closing date was 10 days ago and as I said he wants to give it tomorrows post.

He's gone back through the application and although it was emailed in, it didn't appear that interview invites would be sent that way so looks like it will come via post, in which case thinking about it we haven't had any since thursday last week so I'm expecting a glut of it tomorrow.

He's spoken to ex boss again who's got DIL on the case now as well trying to find out so hopefully I'll have something to tell you by the end of tomorrow.

I guess one small bit of good news to come out of today is that his current employer has just renewed his 2 year contract, so whilst the whole commute isn't ideal at least we are secure for another 2 years :)

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FriskyHenderson · 27/08/2013 16:30

He's got to call!

One of my housemates (B) got an interview by answering the phone to someone phoning another housemate (A) to invite them for an interview for a job they had both applied for. Housemate B took the message and then asked about his application, had a mini interview and then got invited for a proper one. Neither got the job mind, but without making that effort B would not have stood a chance.

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binger · 27/08/2013 16:46

Tell him to call. I applied for a job I desperately wanted and didn't hear a thing. I called their HR only to be told that I was short listed and the interview was in 2 days time. Letter appeared the following week.

I was successful btw but if I hadn't phoned I would have missed out - still here 6 years later.

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EBearhug · 27/08/2013 21:50

I queried one application where they rejected me without even interviewing me, because I knew I was really well qualified for it, so I had expected that much, although normally, I would just think, oh well, and get over the disappointment, so this was out of the ordinary for me. Also this was some years ago, and email was not ubiquitous as it is now.

They said, "You never came to the interview?" "What interview?" I said. They checked their records, and said, "We sent you the letter on...(whatever date.)" I said I'd never received notification. They checked the address, and they had sent it to the wrong address. So I got a late interview, and got in.

But to be honest, I wouldn't normally have questioned it, so I am not sure what made me behave differently this time. Good thing I did though! The worst that can happen is they say, "I'm sorry, candidates who haven't heard from us have been unsuccessful." But it is the end of the holiday season, and the bank holiday, and that has delayed the processing of some things, so it might just be that.

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Turniptwirl · 27/08/2013 22:05

I agree, a polite and professional request for feedback will solve the mystery

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Mmmbacon · 29/08/2013 19:55

Any update?

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