Short answer: You get the job.
I found this question in a search term on my stats. And the truth is, you really don’t know how you did or if the interview went well until you get the good-news call. Or the not-so-good-news silence and then rejection letter - if you’re lucky enough to get that.
Even if it went well, you still might not get the call-back or the job. The final decision is all about fit and of course depends on the other candidates. Sometimes there are a few great candidate and, even if they loved you, you might not get the job. I’ve interviewed people I really liked, but knew enough about the particular job and personality of the place to know they just weren’t right for it.
I know that doesn’t feel great, but I hope it lets you know that a rejection doesn’t always reflect on you or how you interviewed. It’s like dating. There are great people out there who just aren’t right for you. In some cases, it may even be a blessing!
But then again, usually if the interview goes well you will get that call back. So how can you really tell how you did?
Here are some cues that might at least give you some sense of how the job interview went:
- Are they leaning in toward you with enthusiasm?
- Did they show a good deal of open body language? (In contrast to them being kind of closed down, with arms close to the body and not relaxed.)
- Did you notice that the position of their hands or body in some way matched yours? (This sometimes happens and shows a feeling of being in synch.)
- Were they smiling and nodding as you spoke - even if it was barely perceptible?
- Did the interview go longer than 20 minutes?
- Did they follow up on things you said or just stick to a script? (Some places require the script, so this only helps for places that don’t.)
- Did you ever hear them say things like “when you are working here” or “you’ll see for yourself”?
- Did they ask you about how soon you could start? If so, how was it phrased? If it was just a standard interview question, it would have been quickly delivered. If it’s about real interest, there might be follow-up questions or comments.
- If they asked you whether you had any last questions, did they say it with a smile leaning in toward you with real interest or at least showing open body language?
- Did they tell you you’ll hear from them soon?
- Did you feel a real connection?
The more “yes” answers, the better it went. But it’s not a for-sure negative if the answers were mostly “no”. Different places have different interview styles. And as I already said, there’s also no absolute guarantee even if every answer is a “yes” and you left feeling great.
Now here’s the most important thing…if you are consciously noticing each and every one of these things during the interview, then for goodness sake…stop yourself! You aren’t in the moment if you’re thinking about how it’s going. And it will show. It’s good to be aware enough to try to make adjustments as you go along, but for the most part, just do your best to relax and be yourself. Focus completely on the interviewer’s questions and how open and honest YOU can be. Afterwards, check your own instincts for how you think it went. You’ll probably have a good idea.
But since you can never know what they want or what type of person they want (you’d be amazed at how different employers can be in what they think makes a good match), your best bet is to just breathe a deep sigh of relief after you leave the interview, congratulate yourself on doing the best you could, and then just get on with enjoying your life. You’ve done all you can. (Once you’ve sent the polite thank-you notes, of course.)
If it’s a good fit, they’ll call you. If not, you lucked out. Hopefully the next one will be the one. Or the next. It will happen!
****
New Work Coach Cafe Policy:
Although I had to stop answering individual questions (to preserve my sanity), as always your thoughts and stories are VERY welcome here.
****
Ronnie Ann // Mar 16, 2009 at 11:03 am
Hi Tim!
Thanks for sharing that with us. Of course, there’s no way to know if that’s her standard interview routine or she only says it to people she’s actually interested in. But I’ve got my fingers crossed for you to get the job.
Best of luck! Please let us know.
Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann // Mar 16, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Hi to all my readers!
If you’re waiting to hear back from an interview, I’m so sorry. I know how hard it is.
In the meantime, you might get some comfort and maybe even a smile from my latest post:
I Got the Post-Interview Temporary OCD Blues!
Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
Liz // Mar 18, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Hi!
I have a few questions…
I attended an interview today, and I don’t feel that it went great since I hadn’t researched the company *face palm*. Of course with hind sight I’m absolutely kicking myself. But was it vital that I researched and will it be detrimental to my application that I didn’t :(?
Another thing is one of the guys who were interviewing me said as he showed me out of the building, ‘there were 87 people applied, and you were one of eight who got an interview, although we haven’t scored up yet, if you don’t get the job don’t be tough on yourself as you did well to get this far’ sooo…. basically I didn’t get it? >< Those damn words are echoing in my head now!
Finally, are ‘Thank You’ notes an American thing? Because in England I’ve never heard of doing such a thing…
Thanks!
Ronnie Ann // Mar 18, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Hi Liz!
As you can see at the end of this post, I had to stop answering individual questions to preserve my sanity!
I wish you luck, but agree that you should use this interview to learn from and get out there and really ace the next one.
Not sure about thank you notes elsewhere. Does anyone else know?
Ronnie Ann
Liz // Mar 18, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Okay that’s a shame, thought you were gonna put my mind at rest haha
but yes sanity is important!
Nevertheless thank you for the reply, and good luck with your blog, I’m sure judging by people’s reactions to you, you’re advice will be sorely missed :p.
P.s, just like to say I admire what you have done here, not many people will stick their necks out for complete strangers :).
Ronnie Ann // Mar 20, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Thanks Liz. Hope your mind is at rest by now. You sound like a lovely person and if this job doesn’t come through, please know in your heart that the right one will!
Good luck.
Ronnie Ann
Lisa // Mar 31, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Hi Ronnie Ann!!! I have a question. I had gotten a management position last August……..my first one! YAY!! However, I got fired a week ago. The quick version of what happened is that I had to discipline a nurse who had worked in the dept for like 20 years (she didn’t get written up or anything I just spoke with her). She just got mad and threatened to quit. I then called another manager and asked if I had done the right thing and she said yes. Then I went to the Vice President who said the same thing and said I should tell the doctor who was the dept head just in case she did quit. So I went and told him and he got VERY angry and told me I should have ignored whatever she did because she’d worked there forever. I told him that I wasn’t going to treat her any different than I treated any other employee (and I had 43 employees). He told me that she had worked there for 20 years and I’d been there 7 months so she’d win over me. He then went to my boss and said he refused to work with me and I got fired. So I got fired for doing my job!! So my question is, how do I tell about this in an interview? It’s hard to get around the fact I got fired since I was only there 7 months!! Other doctors from the office called me after this happened (they called on their own) and told me they were very upset that this happened and that they thought I was doing a great job and they were very happy with my performance. They were not asked their opinion on the subject…….nor were any other of my employees…….which also made them upset. They each gave me their phone numbers and said to use them as a reference. So I know I wasn’t doing a bad job when only one out of eleven doctors complained!! Any suggestions how I should go about this in interviews? I didn’t want to lie just in case one of the doctors mentioned it when called as a reference. I did tell one place the story and told them I was able to get even more references from the doctors telling of my job performance, then told them about the positive things I had done in the dept. However, this morning I had a phone interview and told them the basic story, then went on to the references and positive things, but they wouldn’t let up on the story, so I think I ended up bombing the interview because they wouldn’t let me tell them anything good I did!! So now I’m scared that I’m just going to mess up all my interviews and I want to get back into management. I loved my job!!!!! HELP!!
AdvertisingAsh // Mar 31, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Ronnie Ann -
I need you
I wish you were still answering emails. I will try anyways 
I have been in b2b marketing for six years since I graduated college. I was contacted by a HR recruiter at a very reputable supplimental insurance company a little over a month ago. I went through a phone interview with her and then she went on maternity leave. A new recruiter then contacted me and told me that the first recruiter thought I was overqualified for the existing job and they were taking a new strategy of building a whole new marketing team. After that I had a phone interview with two VPs (Marketing and Channel Development) and then after that they flew me to their corporate headquarters to meet with 3 VPs, the EVP of HR and a girl my age that I would be working with. All went well. The EVP of HR sent me a reply to my thank you email and stated “I’m sure Talent Acquisition will be in touch” and the last words from my recruiter were “I’ll be in touch very soon. I am already getting amazing feedback from your interviews this morning.” That was on the 19th. It is now the 31st and I just logged into their job board site. They have removed the job description from the site and so my status is that “I have not applied for any positions.” Sniffle sniffle - what do you think? Is this a lost cause. I am going to call my recruiter tomorrow - I have to, I can’t wait. I am hoping it is a mistake that the job has been taken of the system. Very strange cause they have postings all over job sites that now go to a dead link…
Your feedback would be so appreciated.
Ronnie Ann // Mar 31, 2009 at 7:45 pm
I’m so sorry Lisa and Advertising Ash, but I have to stick to my new policy of not answering individual questions - at least not the way I used to. If I answer all the nice people who write to me, that would include everyone!
Some quick thoughts: Lisa…you seem to be taking the right approach. A place that won’t listen isn’t for you anyway. Come prepared with hard copies of those references and stay positive - you’ll get to the right job. And don’t be shy about asking people who know how good you are for leads if you can.
As for you AA…you may have lucked out. Could be something fishy going on. Or it could be tech problems. Or…you could have the job! Your best bet is calling the recruiter. Hope it’s good news. If not ask why you didn’t get it, stay in touch anyway with execs you met, and use yours frustration to redouble your determination to find the right job for you. Don’t worry…you’ll get there.
Best of luck to you both.
Ronnie Ann
AdvertisingAsh // Apr 2, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Thank you so much Ronnie Ann -
I got a call back. I called the recruiter at 11:30AM Thursday and left a message saying that I just wanted to base because I noticed the job was no longer in their system and that it raised a red flag for me. I noted that I would call her back later in the afternoon and requested that she give me a call in the interim if possible. At 4:07PM I had not heard back so I called her and left a short and sweet message. I thought about not leaving a message but I did say I would so I did want to show my diligence. She called me back at 7:30PM from her cell phone. She had been out of the office for a few days and apologized for her lack of communication. She says I should hear next steps this week and that she will be scheduling yet another round of interviews with me and more VPs. I have a feeling this one will include the CMO too! Yay!!! I will keep you updated. Oh and she said they did have to take the job off their boards because of the number of applicants.
Ronnie Ann // Apr 2, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Thanks for filling us in, AdvertisingAsh. I have my fingers, eyes and legs crossed for you.
And yes…I should have remembered to mention that sometimes employers get so many resumes, they simply unlist the job. Glad you added that so others can learn from your experience. PLEASE keep us posted.
Good luck!!!
Ronnie Ann
JD SPORTS INTERVIEW // Apr 3, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Hey there,
first of all your ‘guide’ is amazing. its helped me alot before my interview (which takes place tommorow).. As im only 16, this is just for a part-time sales assistant.. I just have a few questions:
1. What should i were :S?
- the shop is very casual/sporty but i dont want to go in underdressed. but then again i dont want to go in to much overdressed.
2. What do i need to take for the interview?
- on the phone, she told me not to talk anything but i dont want to come in underprepared.
3. Should i go into my interview early?
- Its scechualed (i dont know how to spell it lol). for 11:30, but i dont want to go in like 10 minutes early, but i dont want to go in with only a few minutes spare.
4. What would the interview for a part time job be like.?
- I get the feeling that this is for a full time job (your guide above), i dont think i would need to prepare a presentation or a resume (which is what?). Would it just be answering/asking questions regarding the job?
Thats all really.. please could you try and try to get back to me by tommorow about 10:30 pleaseeeee ?? it would be grately appreciated.
Thanks
Ronnie Ann // Apr 4, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Hi JD Sports Interview! I wish you much luck. Glad this blog has helped. Just use your common sense, be yourself while showing enthusiasm for the job, and help them see you have a cooperative, responsible nature.
Ronnie Ann
Reminder of New Work Coach Cafe Policy:
Although I had to stop answering individual questions (to preserve my sanity), as always your thoughts and stories are VERY welcome here.
Justin // Apr 30, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Hi Ronnie,
First of all, great info on this blog!
Just like most people I’m feeling some post interview anxiety. I am currently employed and have been working in the specialty foods industry for 2 years out of college. I started in quality management and shifted to an account executive role.
I have been applying to other food industry manufacturers to get into the corporate quality fields, because that is what I have an educational background in.
I got a phone interview with a contract recruiter for a large CPG firm. It went well and she basically scheduled my next interview on the spot. I went on-site and had a panel interview with 4 managers and potential colleagues. 3 days after that the recruiter had contacted me and said that the team was very impressed and thought I would be a good fit…..But the next step is to interview with an HR business partner over the phone (since corporate headquarters is out of state).
The day before the third HR interview, my references were contacted and said they had given great comments about me. So now I’m thinking the 3rd interview is a formality and we can talk salary, benefits, etc.
The interview was 2 days ago and was a grilling hour long session of similar behavioral questions from before. I answered all questions with confidence and similar to the previous. I thought I did well, but she sounded very confidential when speaking to me. HR said they would contact me in a couple days. I asked if I was a finalist, she said all I can tell you is that I have an interview tomorrow.
My question: What is HR’s role so late in the interviewing process? Is it standard to say that there are more candidates even if there isn’t. I’m kinda goin crazy…
Good luck to everyone here in search!
Ronnie Ann // May 1, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Hi Justin!
Thanks for the kind words. As I say at the end of the post, I pretty much had to stop answering individual questions to preserve my sanity, but I certainly don’t want to add extra angst to your own sanity! So here are a few thoughts…
First…congratulations. Obviously you impressed them. Good job.
Odds are there really is at least one other top candidate. Of course, there’s no way for me to know or even guess the relationship or what role this particular HR person is playing. All you could do was give it your very best, which you did. After that, it’s really not interpretable from what we know. Sorry. Wish I had a better crystal ball, but mine seems to be foggy at the moment.
What I can say is that you have a good chance of getting it, especially considering the feedback you’ve gotten. And if you don’t get it, this is a great opportunity to keep your contacts warm - meaning thank everyone, let them know you were really interested and still would love to work there, etc. And stay in touch every few months with the person you connected with the most.
But hopefully, you’ll write soon to let me know you got it after all. Fingers crossed.
Good luck, Justin!
Ronnie Ann
Lauren // May 5, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Hi
I had a job interview with a big hospital. It was several interviews over the course of an afternoon. A week later, they scheduled a follow-up interview with the 2nd in command who had been out of town when I originally interviewed and returned to work two days before they scheduled my foll0w-up. I thought it went well - she didn’t ask very tough questions and most of the stuff she said with the skills required to do the job is - I have heard or I assume you are a good writer, a good researcher, etc. b/c of what others told her or what was on my resume. At the end, I asked some questions and, with regard to several of them, she noted they were great questions.
Afterwards, I met with the recruiter who guided me through all of my interviews to debrief. He told me they were meeting that afternoon and hoped to make a decision that day and he would call me at latest the next day. He also said, “I was surprised at the number of qualified applicants, but you are a notch above the rest. That is all I can say and I will be in touch.” And he squeezed my hand and we parted ways.
I still haven’t heard (it is the next day). Do you think this was a good sign or a brush off? Thanks!
Ronnie Ann // May 5, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Hi Lauren!
Sounds like you did really well. No way to say for sure whether you actually will get the offer, but from my experience that does NOT sound like a brush off.
Sometimes it takes longer than expected to get everyone’s feedback (hospitals are notorious for this), but hopefully you’ll hear something by the end of this week. (If not, a polite e-mail or call to the recruiter is fine.) Hope it’s good news!
Best of luck, Lauren. Fingers crossed for you. Please let us know how it goes.
Ronnie Ann
Upcoming interview // May 10, 2009 at 12:35 am
Dear Ronnie,
I think I am in great shape but like others you always want reassurance……sigh. Here’s my story I have had 2 phone interviews already, 1st with the HR rep 2nd with HR rep and the person who would be my boss. Both went well, I interview pretty well, they emailed me 10 minutes after my 2nd interview asking for a 3rd.
This position is 5 hours away as I am looking to move into the area, the company is putting me up in a Hotel before the interview to check out the area bring my family…etc.
Also telling me to charge meals to the room, before the interview I am going to get a tour afterward, and its going to be a panel interview, with various VP’s regional managers, no big deal.
My question is they are now checking all my educational backgrounds, and wanting to phone some references, long story but I never gave any. I only provided a letter of recommendation from my last boss. I’m not worried about them finding anything everything is great, just wondering if this is a really good sign for me, as I think it is.
Ronnie Ann // May 10, 2009 at 11:40 am
Hi Upcoming Interview!
Congratulations on what sounds like a really exciting opportunity. From what you tell me (although it appears there’s even more to the story), all I can say for sure is that they’re very interested and you have a chance to land this by giving the best interview you can and letting them see who you really are. Mostly, they want to make sure you’re someone they can rely on to do a great job and who they all want to work with on a daily basis.
As for the references, assuming all goes well, they’ll probably ask you for some before you leave or after you get home. Sometimes companies try to get them ahead of time, but if not, they make sure to get some before actually making an offer - or at least they should. The only exception I can think of might be if there are people they know and trust who know you and could act as references - or they are simply very loose about references.
But nowadays that really is an exception, especially for a company that is going to this time and expense to interview you.
At this point, don’t worry about any of that. Just do your best to relax and have a great interview. Maybe this might help a little, although sounds like you’ve been doing really well on your own:
15 Things I Look for When I Interview People
Good luck! And please let us know how it goes.
Ronnie Ann
Upcoming Interview // May 10, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Thanks Ronnie,
Those were my thoughts, I don’t really stress out to much so the interview doesn’t worry me. Just one of those alpha types, confidence not a problem. I was figuring this week they would reference check, then on the day of the interview since my tour is scheduled after, I think they will discuss me directly after the interview while I’m on the tour. Probably difficult to get everyone together, job is just a touch under executive IMHO.
I figure once they discuss while I’m on the tour, if all is well probably get the offer that day. Anyways thanks for reassurance, but even the most laid back and confident of us have doubt until the deal is done lol. Reason I talked about no references is I never applied for the position they actually contacted me through linked in.
Thanks,
Ronnie Ann // May 11, 2009 at 10:27 am
Hi again Upcoming Interview!
Very cool to be contacted because of your social networking. Nice reminder for anyone reading this. And yes…totally get that no matter how much we know or understand or what level job we’re going for, the doubt is still there. It ain’t over until you have that offer in hand.
Good luck closing the deal, UI.
Ronnie Ann
Ean // May 19, 2009 at 9:29 am
Thisis a great site! I had an interview at a university section last Wednesday, it was purely technical, managed to answer the majority of the questions well also wrote a test which Imust have scored alright. The manager mainly said yes and gave thumbs up during the interview. When I asked about common tasks he indicated that I would be responsible for ABC and said would get back to me soon. Still no response……is this a reject.
Ronnie Ann // May 19, 2009 at 10:06 am
Hi Ean!
Thanks for the kind words. I work in technology and can tell you there is no way to know for sure at this point. One week is NOT a lot to wait with no word. There may still be other interviews going on or many other reasons that don’t mean an outright rejection.
In the meantime, hope you’ve sent your thank you notes. And if you don’t hear by next week, it’s ok to call or e-mail (politely) and check in.
Hope you get a nice surprise soon. Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
Ean // May 20, 2009 at 12:28 pm
didnt send a thank you, guess its too late now, its a full week today.
Ronnie Ann // May 20, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Never too late, Ean! Always worth a shot since you have nothing to lose by trying.
You can simply say something like “I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed meeting you and am still very interested in the job. I look forward to hearing from you.” If it turns out to be a “no”, it was probably a “no” anyway. But maybe…just maybe…you might get them to think about you again. As I said, worth trying, But I’ve also hired people who never sent me a thank you note; so it’s NOT a deal breaker - just a nice extra touch to your interview process.
Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
Scott // May 21, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Dear Ronnie Ann,
What an exciting blog. Today I attended teaching fellow position interview today in a UK university. My interview took 2 hours. Althouh I was nervous, I tried to be very positive, motivated and committed to teaching. I have a feeling that I did well, some questions I couldn’t answer very well.
In the end, the interview chairperson told me that I can expect a reply by tomorrow morning. Does this indicate something good or bad? Looking forward to your reply. An awsome blog..much appreciated, especially they way you write back!
Ronnie Ann // May 21, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Hi Scott!
Although I’m trying NOT to answer as often to preserve my own sanity, it seems my clever readers have figured out flattery gets them everywhere!
I have to admit that being told you will hear back so quickly could be a good sign, depending on the tone and body language. But from this distance, all I can say is there’s a good chance they consider you a top candidate. If you weren’t they probably would wait to let you know after the dust settles.
Hoping you’ll get a great reply tomorrow. Please let us know. I love good news.
Oh…and thanks for the kind words.
Ronnie Ann
Upcoming Interview // May 28, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Ronnie,
So this must be pretty unique, so the interview went well the panel liked me, but there was alot of competition for others more senior in the field and applying from their competitors.
So they decided to go with someone else, but the HR rep has already put me in front of the director for another department which is probably a better fit with my degree and background. So sounds like I’m going to be heading back for more interviews only in another department. How odd is that :).
Thanks,
Still waiting.
Ronnie Ann // May 28, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Hi again Upcoming Interview!
Thanks for letting us know. Sorry about the first job, but I like the sound of this other opportunity for which they have basically hand-picked you. A very nice position for you to be in.
And to answer your question…not odd at all. I probably don’t say it enough (note to self: say it enough) but when you interview, you are not only interviewing for the job at hand, but for the one you don’t know about that may be available now or in the future. I’ve had this happen to me and also have recommended candidates who impress me for other jobs. Smart interviewers look for talent beyond the current opening.
I wish you much luck! Please keep us posted. I love a good story!
Ronnie Ann
Derek // Jun 10, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Hi Ronnie Ann,
Not sure if you remember me, but I had come to you for advice, seems like ages ago, for a job I now have. Just thought I’d stop by and say hello.
Things are tough with the economy and all. The job is challenging from a time management standpoint and has taught me a lot. I’m starting to get restless however as there seems to be a lot more politics in this office from what I am used to. Morale is really bad here with the recent cutbacks and merger. I’m pretty much a mind my own business, work hard type of guy. I have close relationships only with my immediate coworkers. By the way, I have the best boss ever, good hearted and considerate. A big difference from the evil tyrant I had previously worked for
You know what I’ve learned though? I’m so not corporate, it’s too much about money and capital management and not enough about self accomplishment, I need to get off my butt and figure out a way to be a little more entrepreneurial. My new years resolution was to have a 2nd source of income by years end.
Anyways I’m blabbering on, hope all is well with you and again, thanks.
Ronnie Ann // Jun 12, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Hi Derek!
I remember you well and am happy that you stopped by. Your words warm my heart “I have the best boss ever, good hearted and considerate. A big difference from the evil tyrant I had previously worked for.” A good boss is a wonderful thing. Yay.
As for corporate politics…yup. They’re a pain. I have worked in non-profits, government, corporations, and even academia and there are politics everywhere. But if you don’t want to be part of it, staying out of it to the best of your ability as you’re doing now is a great plan.
I like you’re idea of finding a second source of income - building toward a new career eventually, I assume. Meanwhile, you’re lucky not to be working for that tyrant anymore!
If possible, you can also look for ways to be more entrepreneurial right where you are. This post might give you some ideas:
Job Morphing: 20 Tips to Help You Promote Yourself
But of course, if you hate the politics and don’t want to move ahead where you are, your best bet is to start to create that path out for yourself for the long run. If it means taking on some part-time volunteer work or going back for some classes to help you make the jump, it’s worth having the patience to invest in yourself and your future that way.
Whatever you decide, Derek, I wish you MUCH luck. please drop by again. I think you’re great.
Ronnie Ann
Mina // Jun 13, 2009 at 9:39 am
Hi Ronnie Ann,
Thanks for this blog, I come here all the time and read posts and get great information.
I have a problem, I went on my interview today for my dream job. I was so excited and for the past week I have been preparing for this interview. But now I feel like I was unwanted.
I arrived 20 min early and went to the interview prepared with resumes and reference list and I dressed professionally and etc . As soon I met the recruiter, I got a bad feeling. She took me to her office and told me to have a seat and she goes off and tells me how she fired the last person for this job because it was not for them. Started saying its stressful and how she is so strict and (all negative things about the job).
The whole time she is talking, I was just looking at her and kinda shocked. Then the other 2 managers came, so then they introduced themselves and then she says, ” Ok lets start the interview”! She acted as if she never told me anything and she was waiting for them to come this whole time.
I got so nervous and at the same-time felt hated by her. The whole time she was looking at me up and down, and giving me fake smiles when I was telling them about myself and answering the other 2 managers questions.
The other two both seemed to like me and I was just focusing on them and trying to ignore her. She was not saying anything, she was listening and looking at me. Then out of no where, she says, ” I am not trying to hire someone that is trying to sit there and look cute and (she started saying some of my skills that I have mentioned, the ones that had nothing to do with the job). She started going on how this needs someone that could work under pressure and that can handle stress. I started to talk about my previous job and told her example’s of things I did and how many people I had to help and work for. I basically told her I am up for the job and I could handle it.
Later in the interview; every questions she asked me, she would repeat her questions over and over again. As if she wanted me to change my answer and the other two manager were looking at her like, ” what?” and she would just laugh and giggle and kept asking. I knew I gave an right answer. One of the questions she asked me was, if a co-worker wants me to pick up his or her kids from school and the co-worker told me they will cover for me, would you do it or what would you do? Obversely, if I am on clock and getting paid hourly, I would not leave and do such a thing. She asked me similar questions and repeated and wanted me to change my answer for some reason. But I gave her all my answer, from the best of my knowledge. I did not change anything.
Then they asked if i had any questions and I asked about a reg. work day in the office? Before anyone could say anything, she says, ” Well if you are hired, then your work day will be like …..”. (Looking at me with her eyes wide open), “again thats only if you are hired”. I think she was so rude. In the end she told me she was going to give me a call in 7 days to let me know because she had one more interview.
I feel so bad because this is my dream job and this “assistant manager” clearly doesn’t like me. What should I do? Should I still write her a thank you note and wait and see what happens. Or should I give up because there is no hope? Do you think I am taking it to seriously and maybe she had to ask those questions? I am so sorry for such long story, but I just wanted you to know exactly what happened! Is it me? Or her? Please give me some kind of advice, I am so confused. Thank you so much for everything you have done for everyone.
Mina // Jun 13, 2009 at 10:01 am
Sorry for the grammar and spelling errors, my computer automatically corrects it and sometimes it doesn’t make sense… I should of proof read before I submitted it, I do apologize again…
Ronnie Ann // Jun 13, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Hi Mina!
I make typos all the time. No need to even think of that here.
While I’ve pretty much stopped giving individual coaching advice on this blog (to protect my sanity), I feel really bad for what you just went through and so let me at least share a few thoughts.
First, what you went through almost sounds like abuse. I would never conduct an interview that way. I’m seething just thinking about it. There’s no need for an interviewer to be rude - even if they’re trying to let you know how tough the job is.
That said, while you write that you feel she didn’t like you, truth is you didn’t like her. Admit it. Job interviews are a two-way street. Are you listening to your own instincts? If she’s going to be your boss or someone you actually have to work with, I’d think twice about this being a dream job. Could be a nightmare!
Even if she’s not going to work with you, the others just sat there and let her go on like this. Or did they try to make you more comfortable? Is this acceptable behavior on the job perhaps?
When I read what you wrote, I also know some people may have reacted differently to the same interview. But if this is how it feels to you, then I’d sure think twice about whether the work environment is one that matches you. It’s all about the fit - not how good something sounds on paper.
All that said…definitely send the thank-you note and see what happens. But in the meantime, go over it in your mind. What role if any would she play in your work life should you get the job? And does what you experienced in the interview represent what it might be like at the job?
Good luck finding a job (whether it’s this one or not) that is right for YOU! You sound lovely and deserve to be rewarded for being nice, not put down. Please let us know what happens, Mina!
Ronnie Ann
Mina // Jun 15, 2009 at 2:57 am
Ronnie Ann,
Thank you so much for the advice. I will give them a thank you letter and see what happens. At the same-time, I will apply at other places. But thank you so much again…I will keep you updated…
Ronnie Ann // Jun 15, 2009 at 11:54 am
Smart to keep applying, Mina. Fingers crossed for you to get a job you really like that treats you with respect!
Ronnie Ann