Submitted by chaseut on
in
Forums
Hi,
Any advice would be appreciated on an issue I am having with a potential employer.
They want to schedule a 2nd interview, but it conflicts with my own time schedule. They are being absolutely rigid. I cannot make the time due to commitments.
Afterwork or early morning were unacceptable alternatives.
Advice?
Thanks!
Explain & Evaluate
Here's what I'm thinking, as we are in the middle of a hire right now:
- Did you explain what the conflict was? Obviously, if it is revealing of personal information (health, family status or other protected) I can see your reluctance. But perhaps there is a way to enlighten your interviewer without being overly specific.
- Is this REALLY a conflict? Think about it. If it is a work commitment - such as travel or important meeting - then you should just say that. "I'd love to come for a 2nd interview, but I have committed to my employer to (travel, lead a meeting or other) on that day.
Is it a personal appointment that is in conflict? For instance, in Canada, you almost never break an appointment to see a medical specialist (at the last minute) - you probably already waited 3-6 months to get in!! Having said that, if the job is worth it, I'd still attempt to reschedule the medical appointment as much as my health would allow it.
- Did you find out why they are being rigid? They might want you to meet an executive who is only there for 1 day. Happened to me once. Not going to the interview would have cost me the job. I didn't get it anyway but they told me one other candidate was out for that reason.
When we get our hiring committee together it is for a certain day and time. If you can't make it, well, there are plenty of other worthy candidates. We bent the rules once & got a superstar. So, if your resume makes me think "star", I'll cajole the committee into staying late. If it doesn't, well, apply again the next time we are hiring. I know that sounds really harsh but it is the reality in which I get to hire.
Hi, Thanks for
Hi,
Thanks for replying!
Yes, this is a real conflict, I have an important presentation that day and cannot skip out for 4 hours. I offered to be there the next day, but the person who would be interviewing me is going on vacation.
This is a really unfortunate situation, and a profound loss of opportunity for me. I wrote the VP back and told him how much I deeply regret the situation, but at the same time, I cannot let my own management down particularly during a very crucial period.
I've expressed future availability, but I'm not holding my breath.
Got it
In a way, I'm really glad that you have a professional conflict. Though I am sorry that it spoils this opportunity for you. Best of luck on the search.