Hi,
(if you've come across my previous posts in the Career Clinic forum, you will know my story already).
I recently came across a vacancy online for a Business Support Assistant for a local care home. Whilst not solely HR, the advert did excite me as it involves lots of HR, some of which I do now in my current role, and some I would love to get involved in.
I missed a call this week and it was from someone regarding the role saying to call back as they would like to interview me. I called back as soon as I could and I was really put off by how unprofessional the person was.
The man I spoke to came across as though he really could not be bothered and said 'we are interviewing on (date) I will check slots but we have lots to interview'. He offered me the allocated time to which I accepted, then he said 'see you then' and went to hang up without evening providing me address details and who to ask for on arrival.
I managed to catch him before he put down the phone and said how I assumed the interview would be at the care home. His reply was 'no it's in the head office' and he said he would text me the address.
This was 3 days ago and I've not recieved a text with any information on the address or who I need to ask for on arrival.
I'm completely put off, as a beginner in HR I find this extremely unprofessional and sloppy, and I don't feel confident on this role anymore.
As they say you don't get a second chance at making a first impression. Recruitment really should be a two way street, why is it always one sided?
I've decided not to chase this as i most certainly know my own worth.. but what would you do?
Hi Kimberley, really sorry to hear about your recent experience, however I'm sorry to say it doesn't surprise me. I also applied for a similar role with a local care home (operated under the banner of a UK-wide brand name) and received equally shoddy treatment. There were two attempts to get to the interview, the first one was aborted since I was invited to attend but not given any advance notice, I think the interview letter arrived the day after when the actual interview was scheduled. After attending the interview, and having waited a few days, contacted the home to ask about the current status, knowing full well I clearly wasn't successful. No response. I then saw the job advertised again so that was a definite sign! When the home finally contacted me they did indeed confirm I was unsuccessful, I think the adminstrator I dealt with was quite embarassed by being caught in the middle and kept apologising for the poor response.
While most care homes are well run I also think some (such as the ones in our examples) face many strains and difficulties which is reflected in the way you and I are treated. Not to say it is acceptable or commonplace but something which seems to go with the culture. I think you did the right thing and the chances are you would only be treated equally badly if you were employed by them. Consider there is a silver lining! Also bear in mind - the way you are treated as a candidate can speak volumes about how the organisation may treat you if you are appointed so if there are bad signs in advance just steer well clear. Good luck with your job search.
Hi Kimberley, really sorry to hear about your recent experience, however I'm sorry to say it doesn't surprise me. I also applied for a similar role with a local care home (operated under the banner of a UK-wide brand name) and received equally shoddy treatment. There were two attempts to get to the interview, the first one was aborted since I was invited to attend but not given any advance notice, I think the interview letter arrived the day after when the actual interview was scheduled. After attending the interview, and having waited a few days, contacted the home to ask about the current status, knowing full well I clearly wasn't successful. No response. I then saw the job advertised again so that was a definite sign! When the home finally contacted me they did indeed confirm I was unsuccessful, I think the adminstrator I dealt with was quite embarassed by being caught in the middle and kept apologising for the poor response.
While most care homes are well run I also think some (such as the ones in our examples) face many strains and difficulties which is reflected in the way you and I are treated. Not to say it is acceptable or commonplace but something which seems to go with the culture. I think you did the right thing and the chances are you would only be treated equally badly if you were employed by them. Consider there is a silver lining! Also bear in mind - the way you are treated as a candidate can speak volumes about how the organisation may treat you if you are appointed so if there are bad signs in advance just steer well clear. Good luck with your job search.
