Job advice needed please.

[netcat]

yes, let's fight sexism with more sexism. probably doesn't work, but looks great

[ZoSoRose]

If ya hate it after you get it just quit

[dalsh327]

Edit: after reading this, see my post below for extra context. Sorry.

I have been looking for a job for the last 18 months. I specialise in an area that's very specific and there are very few jobs in the field. Today I interviewed for a job doing exactly what I do in my current role but in a better location, for a better salary, with definite options for quick career progression.

Google Maps took me to the wrong place, so I called to apologise and ask if they could wait another 20 minutes for me. They were really cool about it very kindly sent someone round to collect me in their car.

In the car, I asked "how many people does the company employ?" and the chap driving went through a list of people, then said word for word:

"...and there's Joanna who's going on maternity leave soon. I'm not saying Joanna's not lovely, but the lads here like to see a dolly bird".

I got into the interview, they loved my work and agreed that I'd fit into the role really well, and decided they'd offer me a second interview. Something else threw me, though.

I wrote my dissertation on design within British party politics, then formatted it into a designed publication to demonstrate I could typeset extended editorial. The content of the writing was unbiased. I showed the interviewer the piece, which he seemed to like. I knew a question was coming. It wasn't "that's interesting, what were your findings from this investigation?" It was: "where do you lay on the political spectrum?"

I told him that that was a very unusual question to ask in an interview, then said that I won't answer specifically, but said that my views depend on the individuals running on a constituency basis. (Non-specific, but smart enough answer).

So now I'm in a position where my following options could be:

A) Go to the second interview, get offered the job (likely) and not mention it again.

B) Go the second interview, and mention both problems after a job offer. (Giving me ground to negotiate on).

C) Turn down the second interview, you can work with better people than that.

D) Go to the second interview, and get turned down. Never get chance to tell them why I don't want to work for them.

One thing I definitely want to do is discuss both points with the MD. The problem is, the question "is there a culture of institutional sexism here, or is it just that guy?" is going to always be answered with "oh, it's just that guy who's living in the '70s". So I won't find out until I'm employed by them anyway.

What would you do, mygnr? Can interviewes complain about staff before they work there? Thanks for any advice you have.

Job interviews are like poker games, police looking for reasons to search your car, and coffee dates, you only reveal what you need to reveal. Politics, sports and religion are a hornets nest. The only time to get away with being informal is if you got the job through a friend and had met the interviewer informally, like at a bar and already saw them with their guard down.

But you can always do a search on the employees and supervisor working at the company and find their LinkedIn or Facebook page, because they probably had someone look into you by that time.

You always do a follow up interview but don't hang up hope that you'll get the job. I always try to find out how often they're looking for help, high turnover is never good, shakeups can work in your favor because they're looking for new blood, but you have to figure out why. Most of the time it's to cut costs so you might be getting paid much less than your predecessor.

Is there a culture of sexual harassment there or is it just a bunch of guys who talk shit and that's just how the nature of the business is?

[Gracii Guns]

Thank you for your advice. The answers were a mixed bag, so it's good to see that there isn't one obvious route to take. I slept on the different routes and made my decision

I emailed my recruitment consultant today asking that the company doesn't invite me for subsequent interviews. Mostly because of the journey time from their office. But I did mention the "dolly birds" comment, and the question on politics, which I have found out is completely illegal to ask in the UK.

I'm happier with the decision than I thought I would be and aren't regretting it. It wasn't one thing nor another. It was the combination of everything.

The MD is probably quite dim to have asked such an intrusive question. I don't want to work for someone who was so unprofessional. I want to work for someone who inspires me. As it has been mentioned, I'll be spending 8 hours a day there, in a very small team, and I want a job I can see myself staying in for at least 5 years. That wasn't the job I'm wanting.

Once again, thank you everyone for your advice, there's nothing I haven't considered.

[alfierose]

Well done Gracii, I think that was a well thought out decision. I hope you find something that you do love.

[Apollo]

Job interviews are really a two-way street.

They are interviewing you.........but you are also interviewing them. If you don't like what you see during the interview, best to move on.

[username]

Thank you for your advice. The answers were a mixed bag, so it's good to see that there isn't one obvious route to take. I slept on the different routes and made my decision

I emailed my recruitment consultant today asking that the company doesn't invite me for subsequent interviews. Mostly because of the journey time from their office. But I did mention the "dolly birds" comment, and the question on politics, which I have found out is completely illegal to ask in the UK.

I'm happier with the decision than I thought I would be and aren't regretting it. It wasn't one thing nor another. It was the combination of everything.

The MD is probably quite dim to have asked such an intrusive question. I don't want to work for someone who was so unprofessional. I want to work for someone who inspires me. As it has been mentioned, I'll be spending 8 hours a day there, in a very small team, and I want a job I can see myself staying in for at least 5 years. That wasn't the job I'm wanting.

Once again, thank you everyone for your advice, there's nothing I haven't considered.

Well done Grace! Good that you stuck up for yourself like that!

[magisme]

Pretty sure it's illegal to ask about political beliefs here too, which is weird when you think about what politics is at heart, but it is what it is.

[Len Cnut]

Thank you for your advice. The answers were a mixed bag, so it's good to see that there isn't one obvious route to take. I slept on the different routes and made my decision

I emailed my recruitment consultant today asking that the company doesn't invite me for subsequent interviews. Mostly because of the journey time from their office. But I did mention the "dolly birds" comment, and the question on politics, which I have found out is completely illegal to ask in the UK.

I'm happier with the decision than I thought I would be and aren't regretting it. It wasn't one thing nor another. It was the combination of everything.

The MD is probably quite dim to have asked such an intrusive question. I don't want to work for someone who was so unprofessional. I want to work for someone who inspires me. As it has been mentioned, I'll be spending 8 hours a day there, in a very small team, and I want a job I can see myself staying in for at least 5 years. That wasn't the job I'm wanting.

Once again, thank you everyone for your advice, there's nothing I haven't considered.

Y'know what, i fuckin' rate you so much Grace, well played. I know my advice was kinda to the contrary but that was fuckin' slick. At the risk of sucking your metaphorical dick thats borderline inspirational, speaking as someone who tends to give it a bit sometimes i don't know whether I'd have the bottle and sense of my individuality to turn something down like that where I knew I had a job on the other end, i really really rate that Grace, you just become my favorite poster, well done

Edited December 3, 2014 by Lennie Godber

[DieselDaisy]

'Dolly Bird'? Well you know what to do then? Bit of lip; show a bit of leg; man the office kettle.

[Len Cnut]

As phrases go it's pretty Sid James innit? Nobodys says Dolly Bird that ain't something to do with a 'bawdy sex romp' set in a Holiday Camp in England in the 1970s distributed by Rank films

[streak]

Fair play, respect

[MB.]

Hope you let us know soon how today's interview went. Very curious about that.

[Gracii Guns]

Thank you for the support of my decision guys, I really appreciate it.

Len, I chose to be a designer because even though I'd never make much money, I'd be happy and using my arty skills to a commercial end. Most days, I have been very happy. Prioritising money is fruitless, as I'd just spend it anyway! Feeling the love, cheers!

Hope you let us know soon how today's interview went. Very curious about that.

I think it went ok, thanks MB. I'm normally the most reserved person, but when I'm nervous I'll just go motormouth! I'll find out this week if I'm invited to a second round of interviews or not. Was happy with the experience overall and I really hope I get it. Thanks for asking!

[MB.]

Hope you get that job Gracii! When do you hear if you get another interview?

[Gracii Guns]

Hope you get that job Gracii! When do you hear if you get another interview?

Thanks! Tomorrow or Friday.

[SoulMonster]

Edit: after reading this, see my post below for extra context. Sorry.

I have been looking for a job for the last 18 months. I specialise in an area that's very specific and there are very few jobs in the field. Today I interviewed for a job doing exactly what I do in my current role but in a better location, for a better salary, with definite options for quick career progression.

Google Maps took me to the wrong place, so I called to apologise and ask if they could wait another 20 minutes for me. They were really cool about it very kindly sent someone round to collect me in their car.

In the car, I asked "how many people does the company employ?" and the chap driving went through a list of people, then said word for word:

"...and there's Joanna who's going on maternity leave soon. I'm not saying Joanna's not lovely, but the lads here like to see a dolly bird".

I got into the interview, they loved my work and agreed that I'd fit into the role really well, and decided they'd offer me a second interview. Something else threw me, though.

I wrote my dissertation on design within British party politics, then formatted it into a designed publication to demonstrate I could typeset extended editorial. The content of the writing was unbiased. I showed the interviewer the piece, which he seemed to like. I knew a question was coming. It wasn't "that's interesting, what were your findings from this investigation?" It was: "where do you lay on the political spectrum?"

I told him that that was a very unusual question to ask in an interview, then said that I won't answer specifically, but said that my views depend on the individuals running on a constituency basis. (Non-specific, but smart enough answer).

So now I'm in a position where my following options could be:

A) Go to the second interview, get offered the job (likely) and not mention it again.

B) Go the second interview, and mention both problems after a job offer. (Giving me ground to negotiate on).

C) Turn down the second interview, you can work with better people than that.

D) Go to the second interview, and get turned down. Never get chance to tell them why I don't want to work for them.

One thing I definitely want to do is discuss both points with the MD. The problem is, the question "is there a culture of institutional sexism here, or is it just that guy?" is going to always be answered with "oh, it's just that guy who's living in the '70s". So I won't find out until I'm employed by them anyway.

What would you do, mygnr? Can interviewes complain about staff before they work there? Thanks for any advice you have.

You shouldn't turn down an opportunity because of one sexist commentary from an employee. It doesn't have to mean anything about the culture in the company. And an interviewer displaying interest in your political stance isn't that controversial to me, I frankly don't see the problem. So go to the second interview, don't mention it, and good luck!

[Lio]

You shouldn't turn down an opportunity because of one sexist commentary from an employee. It doesn't have to mean anything about the culture in the company. And an interviewer displaying interest in your political stance isn't that controversial to me, I frankly don't see the problem. So go to the second interview, don't mention it, and good luck!

Too late, she told them she didn't want a second interview. I wholeheartedly agree with you, but we're on our own, apparently

[Gracii Guns]

You shouldn't turn down an opportunity because of one sexist commentary from an employee. It doesn't have to mean anything about the culture in the company. And an interviewer displaying interest in your political stance isn't that controversial to me, I frankly don't see the problem. So go to the second interview, don't mention it, and good luck!

Too late, she told them she didn't want a second interview. I wholeheartedly agree with you, but we're on our own, apparently

I'd agree with you, and would probably go back, but having found out that I'd only return home 4 minutes earlier than I do now, (and the whole point of my job search is to have a reduced commute time) the combination of the three reasons presents my current job as still the best offer I have.

[SoulMonster]

You shouldn't turn down an opportunity because of one sexist commentary from an employee. It doesn't have to mean anything about the culture in the company. And an interviewer displaying interest in your political stance isn't that controversial to me, I frankly don't see the problem. So go to the second interview, don't mention it, and good luck!

Too late, she told them she didn't want a second interview. I wholeheartedly agree with you, but we're on our own, apparently

I'd agree with you, and would probably go back, but having found out that I'd only return home 4 minutes earlier than I do now, (and the whole point of my job search is to have a reduced commute time) the combination of the three reasons presents my current job as still the best offer I have.

Decision-making is fascinating. Advice, almost any advice, even advice you disagree with all things considered, can stimulate the productive mental processes that result in understanding what the best choice is. It's like the brain works best, or kicks in, when it encounters some resistance, rather than just go in endless cognitive loops, and such resistance much typically come from the outside. I am happy you arrived at a decision and I trust it was the best one

[Gracii Guns]

Found out today that I won't be getting a second interview after Wednesday's interview. Was sent a copy and pasted 'we've considered your application and go away' response, so have asked for some feedback.

Still glad I ditched the first one, though obviously aren't overly pleased that a place I really wanted to work doesn't want me back.

[alfierose]

That's a shame Gracii. The last interview I did some years back I asked for feedback. I was told they struggled to get enough information from me, I'd come out of the interview thinking I'd been really talkative.

I suck at interviews.

[Lio]

Aww, I'm sorry, Gracii That sucks. I hope they give you feedback and it's actually useful feedback.

LOL Alfie, I'm the same, or probably, worse I'm really, really bad at selling myself. I always mess up. For one of my first applications, I had to do a day of testing first. They called me back on a Sunday to say my results were outstanding and that I'd have a talk with a psychologist, but that was really more of a formality. Went to the talk and never got a job. So that's how bad I am. I didn't even ask for feedback, didn't dare at the time.

[MB.]

Sorry Gracii, that sucks. Hope you find the job, you are looking for soon.

[The Sandman]

Sorry Gracii, that sucks. Hope you find the job, you are looking for soon.