1 yr. ago • 95%

Career advice: should I give this interviewer a second chance?

Yesterday I had an interview for a certain position. Last Monday it had been scheduled for one location but on Friday it got moved to another. At the last minute yesterday, apparently it had gotten switched to the original interview location, and I was not notified until I got to that second location and waited a few minutes. I found out because I called him, in front of the building manager, and one of his associates picked up and told me about the mixup and apologized. The building managers from either location did not know of any interviews scheduled by this interviewer. I called the interviewer again and he profusely apologized and said that he would collaborate again soon for another interview date.

If you were me, would you trust him for scheduling another interview? Would you still want the position?

18 comments

Shit happens. I'd let it slide, unless there's something that indicates actual problems.

20
Unless this job is of personal significance for you (meaning it has the ability to advance your career in a significant way) then I would start shopping around again. But that's just me.

13
- It's a step in the right direction for me.
  
  3
  
  Then go for it. It could just be a mistake. It might be a sign they’re disorganized and not as professional as you want.
  
  8
Very much depends. Small company or big company? Random company or one you want to work at? Did the apology feel sincere or did it sound like they don't have their shit together? Do you have the time to spend on a reschedule, or is it going to suck up time for other interviews/activities?

If you have nothing to lose I'd go for it

10
- And most importantly. How damn bad do you need the job?
  
  4
Eh, people mess up sometimes. If the apology seemed sincere and you actually want the job, I would give them another chance. If not, don't.

8
Depends on how interested I am in the position. Personally, I would give them another chance but be looking for more red flags. I would modify my interview questions to be more direct and looking for further evidence of disorganization. Not knowing your industry, a few come to mind.

What is your on time project delivery percentage?

What is the most positive and the most negative feedback you receive from your customers?

What is currently the biggest challenge within this team/ department?

What is one the teams most recent accomplishments?

Every company I've been in has some level of disorganization. While it's frustrating, it's typically not a deal breaker for me. I do tend to ask for additional compensation based on my perceived negatives of the company, assuming I'm not desperate for the job.
6
The apology, which seems genuine, speaks well for the company. I would advise you to reschedule the interview. You might find it an affable place.

6
One one hand maybe they are hiring because the guy is overworked. On the other hand maybe they treat people like crap regularly and this is an early sign. If the job or $ seems good maybe give it one more shot?

6
- I didn't ask about the money yet.
  
  0
  
  Well that's usually covered at the end of the second interview if they want to move forward with you. I'd give it at least that long before you bail unless you see some kind of red flag.
  
  I sometimes like to sleep on it when I need to make a big decision. Often I will wake up knowing what to do.
  
  1
He apologized. That's amazing in the corporate world. This suggests to me that they could merely be disorganized rather than disrespectful. (Indeed hiring you may be a desperate attempt to lower the workload on key people.)

So go to the second interview, but don't go in blind. Pay very careful attention to organizational issues. Pay very careful attention to employee demeanour and treatment. Be ready to ask some pointed questions. Remember that the job interview is two directional: you are interviewing them every bit as much as them interviewing you.

3
- I got the job offer.
  
  3
- Tomorrow.
  
  2
Depends on who the interviewer was? Would they be your boss or is it just with HR?

2
- My boss.
  
  0
  
  That doesn't bode well to me. Seems like it would definitely lead to more issues down the road.
  
  1

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