topic Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons in Community Chat

So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

JBKO — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:03:43 GMT

LOL That's what it seemed like! Oh my goodness I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I was told I was to have a 30 minute interview at 9:30. I arrived at 9:20 ( I know not to get there too early) and sat in the waiting area. 9:30 came and nothing. No problem--a minute or 2 is no big deal. I didn't get in until 9:37 and there were no apologies for their tardiness. The man and the woman who interviewed me were so emotionless and stern and serious and that was totally not what I was expecting considering the organization. Back in October I made it to the second round of interviews for the same type of job in another company and they were so lovely all throughout the process. This time, I was almost tempted to to the woman interviewer "you're so pretty, why don't you smile?" lol. This is so out of character of me but I quickly learned I would hate working with these people. They asked broad, abstract questions where I had no choice but to ask 4-5 questions myself just to get some context. It was pretty awful I tell you. And I wasn't even allotted the full 30 minutes--it was over exactly at 10am.

Have you had situations like this? I know an interview is not a party but it isn't a funeral either. I always send a thank you not but not this time around. It would have been full of lies and fabrications because I was not thankful for anything. Well, I am happy they let me know what a miserable place it is to work.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

Kachina624 — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:08:29 GMT

It takes all kinds. Think of it as a learning experience.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

blueroses47 — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:31:38 GMT

That is exactly what my interview was like for my job at a social service agency in 1972. I was 24 at the time, and had been called in for the interview as a result of taking a civil service exam.

I had had some other full time employment with an airline, which required two interviews, and they were kind of tough.

The interview at the social service agency was so bizarre, I walked out thinking "I don't want that job".

As it worked out, I did go to work there, and 26 years later retired at the early age of 50.

Going to work there was one of my wisest life choices, but I didn't think so right after I had that interview.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

Desertdi — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:38:58 GMT

I once had an interview thru frosted bullet-proof glass with a speaker in it. Had no idea whether it was with the govt or the mob. I didn't get the job, either..................

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

MyGirlsMom — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:39:41 GMT

Funny thing, my nephew was interviewing for a higher level position at his job and he had to go through a process with a panel of interviewers. The last one was a woman he had to have lunch with. She barked out questions, barely smiled and tried to trip him up. He went away feeling awful but he got the job.

p.s. he didn't/doesn't have to work with the woman

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

CrazyDaisy — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:50:29 GMT

Every company/person has a different interview style and methodology. Putting your best foot forward every time is important, you don't know what qualities they may have been looking for. The last two jobs I had, I really didn't think I would want to work there for a variety of reasons. The first I was there for 23 years, the second have been there 2 years and already promoted. Attitude is everything.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

Marp — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 00:59:05 GMT

I have experienced similar type interviews both as interviewer and interviewee but only when the goal was to determine adaptability and response to stressful/uncomfortable situations.

OP, you can bet the making you cool your heels waiting to be called in was part of the interview. I hope you weren't fidgety or showing impatience while waiting.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

GenXmuse — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:05:02 GMT

I at first thought Automatons was a company you were interviewing with! Although, by the sound of it, it should be their name! Lol

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

Sweetbay magnolia — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:11:09 GMT

Yes, I have had an experience like that. I do not like ulterior motives that seem to not pertain to the job I would be asked to do.

How nice for the HR people that they have time to play these games.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

JBKO — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:13:23 GMT

I have had many interviews and the interviewers have never been late like this If they have been, it's because they have had to walk from the other side of the building after security let them know I had arrived. This time, I think they were interviewing another gentleman. I can understand if it took longer than anticipated but they should have apologized and given me the full 30 minutes.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

AuntG — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:31:46 GMT

Sounds awful. I'm so glad I've only had one job in three decades.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

Plaid Pants2 — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:40:14 GMT

Some of the best jobs, have the toughest interviews.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

patbz — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:46:28 GMT

The most bizarre interview I ever had was for a possible job with the CIA. The interview was in a garage in Crystal City. Actually, it turned out there was a floor of offices on the top floor of the garage. The man who interviewed me was a Mr. B, who was slight build, gray hair nicely dressed. That wasn't his real name because a year later I had a friend who was also interviewed by CIA by a Mr. B (same name but didn't look at all like my Mr. B). Eventually I was offered a job by CIA but turned it down as I had already accepted another career position with DOD.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

kcladyz — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:49:37 GMT

When I worked for GE that became GE Money now Synchrony Bank I applied for a promotion. I had 5 managers interview me. They all had mean expressions on their faces. It was intimidating. There is one question they asked me I had no clue what they were saying . They repeated it 10 times and still did not get it. I think thats why I did not get the job but it was a blessing in the long run for they moved a great deal of work to India. All the promotional positions outside of entry level went to india and that whole department was laid off.

The company I am with now I applied for a promotion and was asked to interview and I said yes. Then over a month went buy before I was asked to come and interview. I was really insulted. During that month of silence I sent him questions. i was completely ignored. I prettymuch told him NO

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

nrm — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 06:05:28 GMT

My very first interview for a teaching position was fairly similar in that it lasted under ten minutes or so. The principal who was interviewing me was very nice,though. The next day I received a letter saying the position had been filled. Interestingly, the letter was postmarked the day before my interview. I found out later that the school department had already hired from within, but according to law had to announce the vacancy.

Got a teaching position a few days later in the city that I lived and the other job was two hours away.

Things seem to work out for the best.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

NYC Susan — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 06:50:15 GMT

@JBKO wrote:
I have had many interviews and the interviewers have never been late like this If they have been, it's because they have had to walk from the other side of the building after security let them know I had arrived. This time, I think they were interviewing another gentleman. I can understand if it took longer than anticipated but they should have apologized and given me the full 30 minutes.

7 minutes late is not really late. I wouldn't have given that a second thought. And they probably didn't need the full 30 minutes. Again, not a big deal. They're not obligated to give you more time than they feel is necessary.

When you go for an interview, they run the show. That's the way it is. I don't think your interview experience indicates at all what it would be like to work there. I've had very tough interviews by stone-faced people, ended up being offered the position, and found the atmosphere to be much more relaxed, enjoyable, and just fine. The opposite can certainly be true too.

It's best to go with the flow, and not be so rigid. If I were you, I would absolutely send a thank-you note. You never know what kind of opportunities can result from every contact that you make.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

Silver Lining — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 06:55:40 GMT

@nrm wrote:
My very first interview for a teaching position was fairly similar in that it lasted under ten minutes or so. The principal who was interviewing me was very nice,though. The next day I received a letter saying the position had been filled. Interestingly, the letter was postmarked the day before my interview. I found out later that the school department had already hired from within, but according to law had to announce the vacancy.
Got a teaching position a few days later in the city that I lived and the other job was two hours away.
Things seem to work out for the best.

Many times governmental agencies - local, state and federal play those games. They are required to publish the job opening and interview all applicants although they've already made a selection. That happens a lot. Another thing, I have worked for both state and federal agencies that have let a position remain vacant for a year or more because they couldn't get to their chosen person on the employment register.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

Silver Lining — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 07:12:15 GMT

@NYC Susan wrote:
@JBKO wrote:
I have had many interviews and the interviewers have never been late like this If they have been, it's because they have had to walk from the other side of the building after security let them know I had arrived. This time, I think they were interviewing another gentleman. I can understand if it took longer than anticipated but they should have apologized and given me the full 30 minutes.

7 minutes late is not really late. I wouldn't have given that a second thought. And they probably didn't need the full 30 minutes. Again, not a big deal. They're not obligated to give you more time than they feel is necessary.

When you go for an interview, they run the show. That's the way it is. I don't think your interview experience indicates at all what it would be like to work there. I've had very tough interviews by stone-faced people, ended up being offered the position, and found the atmosphere to be much more relaxed, enjoyable, and just fine. The opposite can certainly be true too.

It's best to go with the flow, and not be so rigid. If I were you, I would absolutely send a thank-you note. You never know what kind of opportunities can result from every contact that you make.

I agree with everything you said, Susan. Employers will not waste their time on an appplicant with an unprofessional demeanor or petulant attitude.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

nrm — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 07:13:06 GMT

@Silver Lining When I applied for the teaching position I was fresh out of college and quite naive so I wasn't aware of the politics that goes into a job search. Forty years later I'm so glad that things worked out the way they did.

Re: So I had an Interview Yesterday with Automatons

JBKO — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 09:31:21 GMT

What made you mention the part about "unprofessional demeanor and petulant attitude" Silver Lining?