This is the interview that I referred to in my introductory post. I applied for this post in the middle of a load of application forms I started but didn't finish, and wasn't even sure if the application form had gone through as I never actually got confirmation. The post was for manager of sheltered housing for the elderly.
Getting the interview
The application for this job was an online application where it was then sent directly to the company from the site where the form was filled in with no confirmation of sending. I filled this application in because when I looked at the job spec I thought I could do the job, but not really because I wanted it. I took very little time to complete the application form but did the same as with the previous one though in less detail. I even forgot that I had applied for it and only remembered about a week after the closing date when I was looking through all my paper work of things I had copied out. By that time I hadn't heard anything so was pretty sure that I hadn't got an interview and once again just forgot about it. A couple of days later imagine my surprise when I got a letter inviting me for interview on Friday 1st May.
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Preparing for the interview
The main problem for me that the interview was in a town some miles from where I live, and as my car was out of action I would have to take the bus, and I wasn't really sure I wanted the job (as is probably obvious by now) and if I could be bothered to bus it all that way. Even up to the morning of the interview I wasn't sure if I was even going to go. The interview was at 12.00pm and I woke nice and early after a good night's sleep because I wasn't nervous having pretty much decided I would call in the morning and tell them I couldn't make it. After showering and sitting with a cup of tea I got the feeling that I couldn't bear to sit and do nothing all day as it was a lovely day outside. After a brief conversation with a friend who just happened to be online at the time I decided that I had nothing to lose by going and it would be more practice for me and a nice day out. I then had 40 minutes to get ready before I had to get the bus.
As I wasn't really bothered about this job I thought I would try a new approach and chose a completely different outfit, neat and tidy but much less formal than what I had previously worn, and far more comfortable as I would have to sit on the bus for some time. I briefly scanned the internet website for the company but I have to say that this is the least prepared I have ever been for an interview and I knew that I would pretty much be winging it. I was actually having problems remembering exactly what the job was, and didn't think it would look good to ask if they could tell me about the job because I couldn't remember a damn thing. Anyway I set off for the interview stopping at the shop on the way to buy a sandwich and drink for my day out. After a long bus journey where I listened to my ipod and read a book in between staring out of the window and taking a trip down memory lane, I arrived at venue for the interview.
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The interview
I arrived at the interview about 15 minutes early only to be told that they were running about half an hour late. There was already someone there waiting and we spent a nice half hour chatting before he was called into the interview room. On arrival I was offered tea or coffee or water, the first time this has happened, and as it was a warm day just asked for a glass of water. While I was sitting waiting on my own I read my book and quickly looked over my application form in the vain hope that I would remember a bit more about the job.
I was finally called up to the panel, which consisted of three people sat around a round table. I was invited to sit down, and once again offered water to drink during the interview, this time in a nice glass.
The interview went as well as I would have expected with my complete lack of preparation but I could tell that I wasn't exactly setting them alight, although they were very pleasant I and don't think that I presented myself too badly. I was able to answer most of the questions adequately and left feeling that I might stand a slim chance of getting the job, but not a very good one.
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Conclusion and Feedback
As the interview was on a Friday I didn't hear anything from them until the following Monday. Unsurprisingly I didn't get the job and the feedback was that they were looking for someone with enthusiasm more than experience as the job could be taught to the right person. They felt that I didn't answer the questions very fully and seemed a little reserved. I felt that given how I felt about the whole thing that this was very fair feedback. Out of all the interviews I had had so far this was the nicest and friendliest setting and I was a little sad that I had not made more effort as I think they would have been a good company to work for.
Getting the interview
The application for this job was an online application where it was then sent directly to the company from the site where the form was filled in with no confirmation of sending. I filled this application in because when I looked at the job spec I thought I could do the job, but not really because I wanted it. I took very little time to complete the application form but did the same as with the previous one though in less detail. I even forgot that I had applied for it and only remembered about a week after the closing date when I was looking through all my paper work of things I had copied out. By that time I hadn't heard anything so was pretty sure that I hadn't got an interview and once again just forgot about it. A couple of days later imagine my surprise when I got a letter inviting me for interview on Friday 1st May.
_____________________________________________________________________
Preparing for the interview
The main problem for me that the interview was in a town some miles from where I live, and as my car was out of action I would have to take the bus, and I wasn't really sure I wanted the job (as is probably obvious by now) and if I could be bothered to bus it all that way. Even up to the morning of the interview I wasn't sure if I was even going to go. The interview was at 12.00pm and I woke nice and early after a good night's sleep because I wasn't nervous having pretty much decided I would call in the morning and tell them I couldn't make it. After showering and sitting with a cup of tea I got the feeling that I couldn't bear to sit and do nothing all day as it was a lovely day outside. After a brief conversation with a friend who just happened to be online at the time I decided that I had nothing to lose by going and it would be more practice for me and a nice day out. I then had 40 minutes to get ready before I had to get the bus.
As I wasn't really bothered about this job I thought I would try a new approach and chose a completely different outfit, neat and tidy but much less formal than what I had previously worn, and far more comfortable as I would have to sit on the bus for some time. I briefly scanned the internet website for the company but I have to say that this is the least prepared I have ever been for an interview and I knew that I would pretty much be winging it. I was actually having problems remembering exactly what the job was, and didn't think it would look good to ask if they could tell me about the job because I couldn't remember a damn thing. Anyway I set off for the interview stopping at the shop on the way to buy a sandwich and drink for my day out. After a long bus journey where I listened to my ipod and read a book in between staring out of the window and taking a trip down memory lane, I arrived at venue for the interview.
_____________________________________________________________________
The interview
I arrived at the interview about 15 minutes early only to be told that they were running about half an hour late. There was already someone there waiting and we spent a nice half hour chatting before he was called into the interview room. On arrival I was offered tea or coffee or water, the first time this has happened, and as it was a warm day just asked for a glass of water. While I was sitting waiting on my own I read my book and quickly looked over my application form in the vain hope that I would remember a bit more about the job.
I was finally called up to the panel, which consisted of three people sat around a round table. I was invited to sit down, and once again offered water to drink during the interview, this time in a nice glass.
The interview went as well as I would have expected with my complete lack of preparation but I could tell that I wasn't exactly setting them alight, although they were very pleasant I and don't think that I presented myself too badly. I was able to answer most of the questions adequately and left feeling that I might stand a slim chance of getting the job, but not a very good one.
_____________________________________________________________________
Conclusion and Feedback
As the interview was on a Friday I didn't hear anything from them until the following Monday. Unsurprisingly I didn't get the job and the feedback was that they were looking for someone with enthusiasm more than experience as the job could be taught to the right person. They felt that I didn't answer the questions very fully and seemed a little reserved. I felt that given how I felt about the whole thing that this was very fair feedback. Out of all the interviews I had had so far this was the nicest and friendliest setting and I was a little sad that I had not made more effort as I think they would have been a good company to work for.
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