I've Got An Interview!!

[MadMen]

Yay! Managed to get an interview for the mental health job I applied for.

Going in for an 'informal chat' on Friday, and have an interview on Monday. Eeekk!

Keep everything crossed for me please :-)

[MadMen]

Informal chat went well. Really well.

Interview, not so great. They changed the date, to Wednesday, so I had planned on doing some swotting up today/tonight whilst the kids weren't here and I could concentrate. They called this morning and asked if I could go in today instead - so I said yes as I didn't want to seem awkward.
Didn't realise the interview would be in front of three people. They each had loads of questions, which they took turn to ask me. I was so nervous, and it really came across.
I got the impression they're looking for someone with a lot more experience than I have. Came away feeling really deflated :(

Thanks for thinking of me though :)

[MadMen]

Apologies, some of that doesn't even make sense.

[tonyav]

Doesn't mean to say that you won't get though, MM.

[albaqwerty]

So they sprang the interview on you?
Don't worry, could be a positive sign.
Wait and see, if they don't phone you back for another interview, don''t fret but I've fingers crossed for you.

You probably handled the interview better than you think :-D

[grasscarp]

It all depends on the other candidates. If you are meant to get it you will. If you dont this will have been an experience to help you with another application, as you will be prepared for the types of question you may get.
Let us know won't you.

[society]

Maddy, you going to teach mental health, how to become mad? lol lol


Fingers and toes crossed for you Maddy. Knock 'em dead!

[MadMen]

Ah, you're all so positive. Thanks :)

I didn't fall apart or anything, but I did struggle. I was just so unprepared. The informal chat was so friendly, and then this was really clinical and uptight (to be expected I know) but it kind of threw me.
As she was showing me out, she said "we'll let everyone know by the end of the week and even if you're not successful, we'll call you and give you some feedback"... which I take to be a massive negative.

Thanks again for the support. I'm going for a walk now. In the rain...

[grasscarp]

I'm going for a walk. I may be some time.
Now where did we here those words before?
MadMen. Come back .......

[tonyav]

we'll call you and give you some feedback"... which I take to be a massive negative.


Don't MM, they will say that to all candidates.

[albaqwerty]

oh, no. Don't take that as a negative.
Had a phone call back once, which didn't go to well, she offered me a job in a different department which suited me better.

[marval]

Fingers crossed for you MadMen

[Bazile]

//I'm going for a walk. I may be some time.
Now where did we here those words before?
MadMen. Come back ....... //

Isn't that what Lord Lucan said

[grasscarp]

I was thinking of Captain Oates
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates

[MadMen]

Received a phone call this afternoon to say, surprise surprise, I did not get the job :(
She said that "whilst I was only just pipped to the post by another candidate", I did not have enough experience for this particular role. She said they have a similar (lower level) role coming up shortly, which she'd be happy to offer me, and said it would give me a bit more experience.

I asked if that was the only reason I didn't get the position - lack of experience, and she said "pretty much". She said there were a couple of answers I gave to questions that she "didn't like". I asked her what these were, and she went off to get her notes.

She said I didn't answer two questions (out of 30) to a satisfactory level. The first being "what is your understanding of the word 'diversity'"? and the second being "what is your understanding of the word 'equality'"?
I said I thought diversity meant 'different things' - like, age, race and/or religion. I understood it to mean you should be respectful and understanding to individual differences. Like, for example, I could be a Christian and a service user could be a Muslim - which I should be respectful of. (realised pretty soon I'd ballsed that one up).

I said I understood 'equality' to mean that everyone is the same or should be given the same opportunities.

She didn't really say much about the 'diversity' answer, but said her "pet hate" was when people said "we are all the same" - which is what I said in the 'equality' question.
She said "I really hate it when people say that because, we are not all the same and shouldn't be treated like we're all the same".

I completely agree with that, and I think I just said it completely wrong.

Anyway, I didn't get it, and that's that :(

Just thought I'd post an update for those who asked. Thanks for the support.

[MadMen]

P.S I can't stay and chat, so don't think I'm being rude if anyone replies and I don't. Thanks.

[tonyav]

Ah well, better luck next time, MM.

[Sparkles62]

Forget the better luck next time,
Did you say yes to the other post?

[chrissa1]

Good Luck.

[DTCwordfan]

Good luck!

Don't speak too fast! (one of the biggest failures of candidates)