Recent interview.

Anonymous

September 17,2022 at 7:05PM UTC

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Recent interview.

I had a recent virtual interview. The call caught me off guard but I went ahead and proceeded anyways. The manager seemed very laid back and explained about the role. Now, usually I catch on very quick but I also tend to over think things too. So I’m trying to do better on this. The role didn’t seem match the job description that I applied for. Which I looked back at it the next day. She asked if I had any questions which I did but the answer I got seemed to be about the office drama and how two people didn’t get alone but now do. My question was not relating to the office drama. I wanted to know what issues was effecting the office and how could I solve it. Their answer was we have someone who got offended because another employee left for the day and doesn’t say bye to the gang. i left that alone.

The funny thing they called the next day and told me to tweak my resume by adding some things to it so I can get hired.

I don’t know it take it as good or run far away? Has anyone had this happened before? Please advise…

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SLTSeptember 17,2022 at 7:22PM UTC
They wanted you to tweak the resume?
They called you because they liked it... so I would assume? Plus, the the job isn't what you thought -- another red flag of bait and switch.
I can't put a finger on this, but it's sounds odd.
Maybe others have some advice?
Every office has drama. I do my very best to ignore it. I wonder why they brought that up?
AnonymousSeptember 17,2022 at 9:46PM UTC
I've told people to tweak their applications - they don't always understand that they need to list every job and highlight job duties that have relevance to the posted job description. As long as the "tweaking" is consistent with things you shared during the interview (not lying or exaggerating), she's probably trying to help you get the best salary offer from HR. I see that as a plus.
You asked what the biggest issue facing the office was and she told you. It's up to you if you can cope with some dramatics at work, but she's also telling you that she already has enough petty drama in her life and wants to dial that down a notch. As the new employee, you'll be easier to dismiss if you are also going to throw a tantrum because everyone doesn't play "big, happy family" at work.
Nothing is inherently terrible about the conversation, but it's your call on whether you want to deal with a bit of chaos.
Nj McBride WallaceSeptember 20,2022 at 12:35PM UTC
I appreciate this answer!
I would follow up if I was actually interested in the position. This may be the first time the person is hiring and was just told to "get someone." This doesn't mean the whole thing is terrible and the employees are treated badly.
If there is a way to speak with a current employee - I typically ask to speak to a team member - then you get another view of the place. It's possible, if it is an in-person company/position, you can ask to get a walk through before signing the employment agreement.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 17,2022 at 10:09PM UTC
This situation has glaring red flags all over it. Switcheroo on the position description. Office drama. Wanting you to "tweak" your resume. Manager not answering your question. Potential co-workers who get offended by every perceived slight.
I would run. There are people on this site literally every single day putting up posts that say "I am miserable in this job. There were red flags during the interview process that I ignored"
RUN.
Erica MitchellSeptember 18,2022 at 12:59PM UTC
Run! Plain and simple.
Jennifer FingerSeptember 18,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
I'd run. You shouldn't be involved in "office drama" and being told to "tweak your resume" for a job that isn't the one you applied for sounds like this place is neither functional nor ethical.
Shenelle S. LaPierreSeptember 18,2022 at 3:57PM UTC
Run for the hills!! Office drama and pettiness should not be brought up in the first interview and the fact that you had to tweak your resume is absurd. If you were a fit, they would give you an offer. There are better opportunities out there.
Robert HeslarSeptember 20,2022 at 12:17PM UTC
yes i have had this experience
run away
very unethical
Becky JacobySeptember 20,2022 at 12:27PM UTC
When there is a doubt, there is no doubt. Run, don't walk!
Callie NeumannSeptember 20,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
Run! I've had the same experience and it was not a good experience after taking the role!
Rhonda RoyalSeptember 20,2022 at 12:38PM UTC
OMG! There’s a lot going on in this agency and most of it is ‘negative’. I can’t believe a manager would actually ‘suggest’ that you ‘tweek’ your resume, let alone speak to you about petty office differences. My suggestion is that you take the job but stay no more than 2-3 months, during which time you continue sending out resumes and going to interviews. By the end of the 2-3 month period, you’ll have a ‘much’ better position in a ‘much’ better agency, plus a few $$$ in your pocket. Best of luck to you!
AnonymousSeptember 20,2022 at 12:39PM UTC
Run away.
ValerieSeptember 20,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
Quickly. And don't look back.
Patriciai AllenSeptember 20,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
“When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. ~Maya Angelou
Trust your intuition. You mentioned some great points which are Red Flags for a job.
G C HesseSeptember 20,2022 at 12:47PM UTC
If you don't have a specific time for a Teams Interview then I WOULD NOT have proceeded....very unprofessional on the Company's part.
Tweak your resume? Anytime something like that is suggested...tell them to do it.
Just walk away.
Bonnie Simon PlummerSeptember 20,2022 at 2:23PM UTC
Sounds like a toxic work environment to me and under no circumstances is an organization allowed to tweak an applicants resume. That is grounds for a lawsuit!
GirlBossanova934974September 20,2022 at 12:49PM UTC
The interview you just had has been referred to in the past as a 'realistic job preview' aka telling you a bit about how things really are vs. the shiny polished look which many companies and organizations try to present. Frankly, I am not too overly concerned about the pettiness of some people in the office. As a new employee who is not so petty, you may solve some of the manager's issues. I do get concerned when the pettiness turns into back biting, dishonesty, and self inflating organization destroying ego trips. As someone who has several decades of experience, I am often taken aback these days by some people's unearned idea that they are the cat's meow when they profess some sort of basic proficiency. Most are not even the meow.
Elise PilkingtonSeptember 20,2022 at 1:03PM UTC
This sounds like an inexperienced, disorganized and ineffective interviewer (perhaps a new manager?). Calling out of the blue expecting to do an interview? Going off on a tangent about office drama? These are warning signs but maybe not necessarily deal-breakers. I would ask my questions, in writing, about the actual job and how it reconciles to the job description you responded to. Then make my decision based on the answers to those questions. Obviously they want you, but the question is, do you want them?
AnonymousSeptember 20,2022 at 1:20PM UTC
RUN! Doesn't sound like a job offer at all. May just be going thru motions to see what audience is out there.
AnonymousSeptember 20,2022 at 1:33PM UTC
Run!! Red flags ?
DanielleSeptember 20,2022 at 1:35PM UTC
I think calling and expecting an interview on the spot is a tad disrespectful of your time. However, I find the interviewers candidness refreshing. So many times interviewers pose a company as flawless, without fault if you will. This interviewer was honest and to the point. I think calling you back and asking you to tweak your resume means they really want you and maybe you can turn the culture around. The big question here is, do YOU want the job?
Kristie WhiteSeptember 20,2022 at 1:48PM UTC
Interviewer was laid back? Requested your interview without respecting your schedule or giving you time to prepare? Discussion seemed misaligned between job description and answers? Brought office politics into an initial interview? Asked you to change your resume which could be seen as fraud later? Sloppy. Unprofessional. Poor management. Lazy. Don’t waste your time, this employer is a train wreck.
Afo Ogbeyalu KaluSeptember 20,2022 at 2:09PM UTC
I typically advise my clients to "roll with the punches" in interviews, but always remember to re-direct conversation towards your potential "value-add" to the organization.
You never know if the interviewer is purposefully using negative interviewing techniques to measure how well you "recover" or if their presentation reflects their comfort-level or experience with the interviewing process.
When the interviewer's description of duties is different from those in the job posting, respectfully inquire about the discrepancy, and ask for clarification. When you asked about issues affecting the department, and the interviewer's answer reflected "office drama", it could very well be an issue that impacts the department's productivity in a negative way. That is the cue to discuss your problem-solving and team-building strengths, and follow up with examples of how you've gotten disfunctional work groups to redirect their energy towards meeting targets and goals. Then pivot the conversation to examples of how you've increased productivity, closed deals, managed projects, or introduced initiatives, etc, and how your efforts helped your past and/or current employer grow or solidify it's standing their field of expertise.
Also, it is not unheard of to get feedback on how to enhance one's resume. It doesn't mean that a candidate should lie. It could be that you omitted skills or an expertise you possess from the resume that are/is either crucial to the position, or that other candidates in the running added. It seems that in spite of your discomfort during the interview, the interviewer thought highly of you. You have to decide if that interviewer is a true reflection of the organization, and if you think your career goals would be met there.
AnonymousSeptember 20,2022 at 3:33PM UTC
So, this is definitely a "click-factor" scenario. Like a "speed-date" to see if you think your personalities are a fit. If so, move forward. Clearly, they felt you were a fit if they gave you insights to modify your resume to get hired. Go with your gut.
Crystal HowellSeptember 20,2022 at 5:20PM UTC
Research the company more, online, better business bureau, google lawsuits, yahoo finance. Is it a manager position, to clean house. Office Drama(OD) is everywhere all in how you handle it as a manager and co worker. Hows the pay, benefits, can we get more info. If the resume needs tweaking, as long as it is the truth no worries. Good luck.
Shelby CSeptember 20,2022 at 5:37PM UTC
Trust your gut and know more about them than they know about you. Do your due diligence.
froerden@yahoo.comSeptember 20,2022 at 8:54PM UTC
This workplace sounds like it is highly dysfunctional on several levels. The manager doesn’t know what is really going on and doesn’t know how to fix it. They want you to come in and work in this drama …. AND maybe fix it. The role changed during the interview?? Rewrite your resume??? Oh no! Run ! Good luck on your next interview.
Bernadette M MartinezSeptember 21,2022 at 1:22AM UTC
Run.
Trust your instincts with this. It sounds like a disorganized nightmare. The fact that they didn't schedule an interview with you and called you for one out of the blue is concerning. And rewrite your resume to get hired AFTER an interview? No. Don't go near that place.
Doyin Abike SomoyeSeptember 21,2022 at 1:39AM UTC
I dont think this is a legit company. How can they tell you to tweak your resume in order to get hired. This is a 'no, no' for me.
AyianSeptember 22,2022 at 4:09PM UTC
Office drama brought up by the company during an interview is red, flashing lights, sirens, and shots across the bow. RUN AWAY! Even if everything else is fine and true, you will have to interact on an unprofessional environment that you will ultimately leave due to it being unprofessional. Keep on looking and best of luck!