Best and worst interviews

My worst interview was for a permanent post in a school where I was on a one-year contract. I had genuinely thought it was a "fair" interview, but just before I went in, a friend let slip that it was a set up to give "my" job to a teaching practice student we had had (and to whom I had given quite a lot of time) She was dynamic, single, no kids, young (therefore cheaper) and clearly flavour of the month although frankly did not have my qualifications in A level German teaching. I stupidly went through the motions instead of withdrawing publicly in front of the interview panel which included a governor who was not "in on it".
I wish to this day I had simply said I was withdrawing as I had evidence that one of the other candidates was lined up for the job, naming her. I would have finished up out of a job, but I like to think they might not have achieved the outcome they planned.
Best interview? One for a job which I subsequently turned down in a lovely school because it was not full time and although they offered me supply hours to make it up to full time, that could not be guaranteed.

Oh s**t, I've just self-combusted!

granny that was brave, it was a reasonable question though, and I will explain why I think so.

If a child is unwell, who usually attends to that child, in most cases, it is the Mother and I believe this is why they asked the question. It is a fact of life.

I would also have given you the job because you stood your ground regardless of what you were going to loose and that was great and showed strength of character.

Could you bottle that please and can I place on order

Love that Maggie.

Many years ago I was moving jobs to be nearer home. A colleague who we all hoped would get my job didn't get it. My 50 something boss gave it to a very glamorous lady. I heard later that they ran away together, leaving two devastated spouses.

Oh Maggie that did make me laugh.
When I first moved to Germany I didn't know the language and often mindlessly answered questions in French.

I'm sure I've told this tale before on GN so apologies if you're reading it for the second time. I applied for a job as a French/English interpreter in Luxemburg while still at college, and was called for interview a year later, after working for several months in Germany. Every question I was asked (in French), I answered fluently (in German). The interviewing panel was baffled and bewildered. I was mortified.

I have had two bad interviews; The first was when I was working in a residential hostel for adults with learning disabilities. I had worked there for 3 years covering maternity posts when a full time permanent post arose. I was taken aside by the manager who 'kindly' told me that although I was short listed (there were two of us) the Principle Officer wanted the other girl. Like a fool I sat in the interview and felt as though I had cotton wool in my mouth. Needless to say the other girl got the job. She ran off 2 months later with another woman to Sweden. Serves them right. I continued working as a temporary member of staff when another post arose. I gave a brilliant interview and was very hopeful that I would get the job. During the interview the manager asked me as very strange question which was "Who would you support if another member of staff had made a complaint against the manager" I answered the best I could but later was told that I didn't get the job because I did not say that I would support the manager (It came to be that another staff member had taken a grievance out against her and had named me along with others as his supporters) - completely untrue --

I left after that and was interviewed at a Day Centre by the same Principle Officer - got the job and stayed there for 15 years.

I remember those interviews with horror and the unfairness of both of them.

The best interview I had was for a job that asked for a SW qualification or experience. I had plenty of the latter, but no (CQSW as it then was) qualification. The pattern of the day was for all the candidates to look around the centre where the job was based; role play and group exercises followed by group discussion; lunch; then individual interviews. The others all turned up with folders and it turned out that I was the only applicant without the relevant qualification.
In the interview I was asked about keeping records; I said that I personally preferred to share what I'd recorded with the client to give them an opportunity to agree/disagree with my view of events, although I knew that the existing policy was to keep such records secret from the clients.
I got the job because of that answer (and my enthusiasm apparently). Shortly after starting work there all records began to be shared with the clients. I can't begin to say how chuffed I was. (Although I did immediately get on the 'qualifications' ladder.)

*of

Oh bum. Didn't think of that. Let's hope you do get the job. My daughter's had two interviews this week and now has to wait till tomorrow afternoon to find out whether she's through to the next stage of one, and till the end if next week to hear about t'other. Tough times.

Too risky, Drgonfly ! If I don't get the job and end up having to stay in the present one (please don't let that happen) there is a limit to the number of times a mole can be removed.

I think that limit is 1.

Oh. Cancellation? Been brought forward?

But I've already told them that I am having it removed in March!

Really, Phoenix, it could do with being a follow up appointment to the one you didn't have had this week.

Next Tuesday, 10am. Haven't decided yet

Maybe that test thingy was part of the interview strategy - to see how you cope under pressure!

That really is fabulous. When is it? What appointment do you have that day elsewhere?!!!! Dentist, gynae, dermatology, I could go on.

So very pleased

Great news x

Well, now I'm

Just been invited to second stage interview!

DD2 went for an interview with a high-up in an ecologically friendly energy company. He settled back in his chair, indicated she should sit opposite him then put his feet up on the desk

She declined the job offer, feeling that casual is fine but that was just rude.

I'm surprised grannyactivist, and well done!
I went for an interview for the civil service in 1990, all prepared to answer questions re childcare, my experience, qualifications etc but none were asked. I was told after I started that they were not allowed to ask questions about childcare arrangements. I was asked one or two very strange questions though.

See "Interview tomorrow" thread.