Applied for the job around 7 weeks ago it was advertised twice with no feedback on status in that time- alarm bells do ring when they make it all so drawn out. They didn't accept Gmail on the applications so that complicated things!
Finally got in touch with 2weeks notice before an interview which seemed a bit too much warning. However despite the fact the job didn't require a degree or any specific beyond standard obligatory education, I was asked to prepare presentation, which is unusual for this level of job.
However, I attended interview and it was quite disappointing. The reception isn't labeled correctly and it was just a receptionist who led me into a task and it involved writing my response to an email and how I would judge a situation.
The hiring manager arrived and was more concerned about setting the room up for the next candidate than engaging with myself.
I was then asked to wait in another busy area surrounded by students waiting and upon arrival in the interview room. The panel was very flat and clearly didn't want to be there. It wasn't a warm welcome and names weren't even volunteered nor a handshake initiated which made the situation awkward and make me feel unwelcomed.
I was thrusted into the presentation without even getting my bag off and the interview began after, the questions were quite vague "why do you want this job?" "How would you make our Instagram exiciting" "when have you dealt with an angry student". The questions felt very basic and the process seemed rushed.
I heard back by telephone which is odd unless its positive news, I was unsuccessful. The conversation was 30 seconds with "You could do the job, it was a competitive field, someone scored higher than you" this kind of feedback isn't actually helpful or constructive and is actually a little insulting to the time and effort candidates make.
There is a real trend in HE that jobs are advertised purely for the sake of it, and internal candidates are already ringmarked for the job. I definitely felt something was not right here, it was too rushed and disengaged panel members and zero effort giving feedback gave me the impression of a lack of care.
The whole process was incredibly drawn out for such a basic role, I was very qualified for that role and had more than the necessary qualifications and experience having previously done that role and had relevant experience. I've had multiple interviews in the past at DMU and had very similar unprofessional experiences.
Applicants beware, don't overdo your preparation here because things aren't always as they seem.