Author Topic: Phone Interview Etiquette  (Read 1173 times)

DaDancingPsych

Re: Phone Interview Etiquette Updated #19
« Reply #15 on: August 25, 2020, 08:03:04 am »
I actually heard from the guy about 3 days after the phone interview was actually scheduled. He said he had it written down wrong and had it for the day after. Even though he emailed me the information for the interview. The email came 2 day AFTER he “thought “ it was scheduled and he said he understood I was “no longer interested but I should realize this does not reflect on the company but only on him”

Do you believe him?   Seems that the receptionist thinks he does things like this frequently!  But at least he apologized and I find that alone pretty unusual.   I certainly didn't expect you'd be reporting this!

Agreed! This explanation does not really make sense, but it is a step in the right direction. I wonder if someone in the company is coming down on him for not filling the position / losing good candidates / representing the company poorly? That could be a positive sign for the company and maybe (just maybe) the company is working to improve this manager. I would still proceed with great caution and depending on my situation I may still walk, but it is interesting none-the-less.

Is it wrong to strongly suggest that you continue with the process so that we can hear more? Yes? Nevermind.
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Andi_3k

Re: Phone Interview Etiquette
« Reply #16 on: August 25, 2020, 08:39:07 am »
I actually did give them a second chance... I went to n in person interview first thing this morning- interesting to say the least. I was never actually interviewed because I refused to answer the very personal questions on their “COVID-19” questionnaire.
    Let me explain: the interviewer who came out was a totally different person than the one with whom I made the arrangement and greeted me by telling me to shake her hand. In a pandemic- in a state where we are supposed to be social distancing and no physical contact. The questions we fairly invasive and ones I’ve never heard before ( is: where were you born, have you been in any large groups, of so where ? Ect)  and then I was handed a form that asked me to sign off on “ if you get hurt on company property you agree to hold us not responsible “ what are we do in in an interview that I need that?  I felt it very creepy and refused to go on. Sorry (I know the stories would have been great!)
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Codewoman1125

Re: Phone Interview Etiquette
« Reply #17 on: August 25, 2020, 09:35:08 am »
I'm sure the stories would have been epic. But if you're being asked where you were born, I agree, run! Run like the wind!
-- Formerly Codewoman (but I forgot my password, have changed email, etc.)
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Rho

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Re: Phone Interview Etiquette
« Reply #18 on: August 25, 2020, 10:25:54 pm »
where were you born?
My freind who was born in Japan while her father was deployed there as part of the U.S. armed forces could have had fun with that one.
Or my cousin who was home birthed in an aprtment complex.

Any who---good for you  ending the creepy interview.

Aleko

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Re: Phone Interview Etiquette
« Reply #19 on: August 26, 2020, 01:55:53 am »
Second everybody: that is one seriously flaky company. I wouldn’t trust them even to pay your salary.

Was any of that even legal where you are? I’m pretty confident that in the U.K. asking someone at a job interview to state where they were born would count as straight-up racial discrimination (whether they gave you the job or not). And surely a signed statement saying that you won’t hold the company responsible if you get hurt on their premises isn’t worth the paper it’s written on: if a chunk of ceiling falls off and hits you on the head, let alone if they require their employees to engage in some dangerous working practice, you can still sue.

DaDancingPsych

Re: Phone Interview Etiquette
« Reply #20 on: August 26, 2020, 07:33:22 am »
I wanted to give this company the benefit of the doubt. Every company has a bad egg or two. Every person has a bad day or two. But I totally agree with your actions, Andi_3k, I would have walked at this point, too. At best, this is a wacky company who's logic would drive anyone working there bonkers! However, if you ever wanted to be a Brimstone legend, you need to reconsider!!!  :P
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jpcher

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Re: Phone Interview Etiquette
« Reply #21 on: August 26, 2020, 03:17:03 pm »
Where were you born? How about where were your parents born?

When I started working with my company (38+ years ago) I had to apply for a specific type of clearance. I filled out the forms then had a phone interview with one of our security people.

SP: "Where was your mother born?"

Me: "City and country"

SP: "Oh! I flew over and bombed that place during the war!"

Me: crickets. Didn't say anything, but quietly thought "So you're the reason why my mother's family had to leave their home and flee to Austria. Good to know. Thanks."


In my situation it might be the same as yours, OP, it was simply a background check. Nothing racial or discriminating in my thoughts, just looking for facts.

Contrarian

Re: Phone Interview Etiquette
« Reply #22 on: September 11, 2020, 02:05:31 pm »
What place was that? It’s a strange story. People who have had to flee worn torn countries are often grateful for the allied troops that come in to fight for the citizens. I know people who have fled from Lebanon, Iran, Iraq who all appreciate the efforts of allied forces in there to help liberate them.
I’ve never actually heard a story, maybe it’s my age, where this wasn’t the case.
What place was that? I realize you may not want to reply. I would offer the idea that I not reply to your response if it seems stressful. But I can’t stop others from replying.
I’m just so curious what person from what place would say such a thing as if it’s nothing.

BeagleMommy

Re: Phone Interview Etiquette
« Reply #23 on: September 17, 2020, 12:18:03 pm »
I think you dodged a major bullet with this company.

I schedule interviews for my supervisor with prospective students.  She gives me dates and times that she is available during the week.  I contact the applicant and see what time works best for them.  If the times I give don't work I check with my supervisor to see if other arrangements can be made.  If boss has an issue she usually calls the applicant explaining why (or I do it if boss is unable to).

You never leave an applicant hanging.  It reflects badly on the company.
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