I showed up at the appointed place and time and they gave me a list of the questions they were going to ask me during the interview. I then got exactly 15 minutes with the questions to formulate answers. Several of them were multi-part questions where the parts were sometimes related and sometimes not. Then I was escorted to a room with a three person interview panel. The same three people interviewed every candidate. After introductions and a couple of disclaimers, they read me the first question. Then I talked. And when I finished talking, they read me the next question. And once again, when I finished talking, they read me the next question and so on. There was absolutely no feedback. No followup questions, no clarifications, no stopping me if they had had enough examples. They said nothing. They just waited for me to finish talking and then they read the next question on the list. While I was talking, they were taking notes. I found it unnerving and unnatural.
When the panel finished with the list of questions, they asked if I had any questions. I asked about the procedures after the interview, how many jobs, how many interviewees, etc. The panel either didn't know the answers or were not allowed to give out the information to any of those questions.
And then I was done.
From talking to coworkers, who have been through the process before, supposedly there is a score sheet where they tally how well you answered the questions. If you left out a part of a question, you would get no points for that. So if you didn't answer the questions exactly, it would be possible to be well qualified but not do well on the tally sheet. After the points are tallied, the panel breaks any ties.
So how did I do? I've had no feedback one way or another, so I have no idea. But I tried. Now onto something else.
What a weird interview. I have a whole
ReplyDeletePinterest board devoted to resumes, cover letters and interview questions. This is all strange to me. I think, though, that if you gave it your best shot, then you got it.
This was to form a hiring list for the next 6 months for this position. What I don't know is where this position is open or how many are open or even if they would be a match for me location wise, etc. However, I do know I want to be ready if one opens up that I'm interested in. That is if they are interested in me.
DeleteHmmm. Many years ago (over 20), I held a supervisory position and lead several interviews. At that time, we were encouraged to have a similar rated question and answer interview, which I did .... but never that rigidly! I asked the same questions of everyone but in a conversational manner (yes, the answers were scored .... but some people's answers didn't match up with any of the "approved" responses), and while I tried to be consistent with who all did the interviewing, again, it wasn't a rigid thing. Personally, that style of interview would be a complete turnoff for me had I been in your place. I felt like I got to know more about the interviewee during the tour of the department. I understand the legal concerns, but I'm not sure it will help the organization get the best candidate. Good for you for taking a risk.
ReplyDeleteConversational would have been much better. I think I probably talked too much, but who knows? Also, not exactly sure of the reasoning on this, but HR does all of the hiring and the department where the opening is has no say on who gets hired there. That has changed in the last couple of years. I only assume that they have figured out what works best from all angles for the employer.
DeleteTaking this risk was really hard for me, so I'm pleased that I did. I'm trying not to become complacent in my "old" age.
Wow that was one odd interview. I am not sure if I wish you good luck getting the job or not!
ReplyDeleteI have talked about getting this position in the past, but there has never been an opening. Now I can at least say that I tried. But if I keep doing what I'm doing, that will be okay with me.
DeleteThat would freak me out. You are brave to do that.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was well prepared for the interview. I went through all of the points in the job description and had specific examples for each point and even what I learned from different experiences. Yet, I have no idea how I did. I was definitely out of my comfort zone and I'm not sure I want to do it again.
DeleteIt sounds like you interviewed for a position with some sort of a public entity. That's exactly how our job interviews were conducted when I worked (for local government). I have played both parts - been interviewed and done the interviewing. The list of questions have to be job related and the process has to be conducted in a prescribed manner, just in case there are law suits. Interviewers are not allowed to say anything about how many positions there are, how many have applied, how long it would take, etc. Qualifying candidates will be placed on a list according to their scores; the list will be valid for a certain period of time (usually 2 years). If any jobs in that category opens up, a certain number of people will be called from the list, starting from the top, and there might be a second round of interviews for the exact job. Good luck with the process! Hope it turns out for the best, whatever the outcome. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are correct in that it was for a county position and rumor has it that the job list is for 6 months. When you were involved with the interviews, was there total silence on the interviewers parts?
DeleteI haven't hand any job interviews for ages. But that was different. If they didn't hire you, its their losss :)
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