Need advice ( and interview first impression)
(background >> i haven’t worked since July 2021, currently volunteering while job searching)
hi, I recently had an initial call with hiring manager.
At the end of the call, he mentioned he will invite me as next step to meet the team, several leaders and directors for half a day.
this role is for a research management position
a few things give me pause…
> He spoke about the person leaving the role. Mentioned her by name and stated that he didn’t like the way she oversaw her team.he mentioned words like ‘disconnected’, ‘lack of transparency’, ‘not experiencing pain points of the team’ etc
> He asked me where i was from since i have an accent. This made me uncomfortable… after the interview i realized that it’s an illegal question. EEOC, as you cannot discriminate on national origin etc. Although I didn’t get that feeling from him during the call, more that he was curious and missteped… since he went on to mention people on the team excited that i speak X language and they looking forward to it.
> When i asked what personalities fit best on the team, he responded that there’s ‘strong personalities on the team that don’t like to be didacted to’
( as an aside, who liked to be didacted to. Lol no one that I know)
> he mentioned being recently promoted to his leadership role for only the last 6 months. The role that he is hiring for is out of his expertise area and has no idea what the person does regularly. he used terms like ‘i am laid back’ and ‘as long as the work gets done and the team feels supported, that’s all he needs and will be happy’. He sees himself more as a support person to help or strategize when needed.
i thanked him for his candidness and transparency.
>>>> what are your overall impressions?
i’ve been interviewing with different companies for months and need to start a new role asap. There is no perfect place and I am telling myself to meet the team and trust my gut on whether I proceed after that.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, suggestions and lived experience!
Thank you all for chiming in and sharing your thoughts, experience and pearls of wisdom.
I wanted to give an update!
OP update!
I completed the visit which confirmed that I didn’t want the role.
The team dynamics seemed off and I think there need a lot of trust and psychological safety work with their next manager.
After being unemployed for these months, I didn’t feel it was good fit.
I sent the requisite ‘thank you’ follow-up emails on Friday and today got a generic system email from the company HR that they are moving with another candidate.
I feel good that I went through the process and using that as a learning opportunity.
User deleted comment on 05/24/22 at 11:45PM UTC
Some cautionary flags but at the same time transperancy. I actually rather the person be direct and show their true colors and thoughts then later finding out the truth. When I interviewed for a role they told me the previous person had gotten promoted and that wasn't true. Also, even though he mentioned her name, you could use that to your advantage and find them on LinkedIn and ask them what their experience was at that company, and why they left. I've heard of other people asking the hiring team who the previous person was in the role, connecting with them and then it helping them out in the negotiation process. Lastly, he said the team doesn't like to be dictated to, and you're right don't think anyone does but glad he pointed it out as good managers coach their people they don't dictate to them. I've seen some managers who don't know how to coach and it can be painful. Continue with the process and really get to know the team and see if it's a good vibe / fit.
I empathize with your situation, undergoing a long job search process myself. I agree with the others, lots of red flags. Remind yourself that you have agency and are worthy of the best job for you. With that in mind, you can just continue the interview process for 'practice' so you can just have more experience interviewing.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
the long job search changes you in a way. That’s the best way i can describe it is that you’re in a different mindset.
Appreciate you reminding me of my agency and sticking to positive energy and self-worth.
Good luck with your process as well!
Red flags everywhere! He spoke about the outgoing person in a derogatory manner while not knowing what she does. Employees do misstep when it comes to asking illegal questions but seriously a person in his position should not be making this kind of error. Also, he speaks in buzzwords which I personally do not like.
I would recommend that you still go through the process and then trust your gut as to whether or not you are a fit for this position.
Good Luck!!!
Thank you for your thoughts.
That’s my plan, the interview in-person is Tuesday. I’ll report back on impressions.
OMG red flags everywhere, please keep looking. You don't need to settle. There are other jobs. The right one will come. Up your application submission rates and networking calls.
He sounds like a lunatic, I would keep looking if you can afford to.
OP update!
thanks so much for sharing your pearls of wisdom!
Appreciate all your input and will report back after the visit ( which I am told will last 4.5h)
I agree with Joan. Continue with the process, it will build your interviewing experience and confidence. And when you meet the team you'll get a better sense of this manager.
I agree that there are some caution flags waving here. It is concerning that he would speak so derogatorily about the outgoing person. Good luck! Play it out and do trust your instincts.
Thanks Susan.
i agree that he could have talked about the roles & responsibilities without mentioning her by name.
interesting, I had just read a ‘how to notice red flags during interview’ article a few hours prior to that interview. They had listed 8 scenariow with the one. L