OR Interview face to face

stressedandconfused_2

Woken up again in a stew. I am now panicking about why my OR interview is a) Face to Face and b) scheduled 5 weeks after the BR order (its on the 28th September

Most of you seem to have telephone interviews, and within a couple of weeks of BR order. Someone has mentioned that only complicated cases are face to face. I didnt think mine was particularly complicated _pale__pale__pale__pale_- it was a failed IVA, I dont have a house or any assets, dont run a business, am not self employed etc etc. Is it related to the size of debt?

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MicheH

Aw, I wouldnt worry you know. I think we were going to have a face to face but then our case was handed to another OR office 200 miles away because mine were so busy. Maybe a failed IVA makes the case a little complicated, I don't really know. As for the timing, ours was scheduled nearly 4 weeks ofter BR order. I don't know whether the size of the debt would have anyting to do with it either, some people regard their debt huge but compared to the next person might just be a drop in the ocean.

Sorry I'm not much comfort, just didn't want to read and run x

stressedandconfused_2

Thanks for that - MicheH. The letter says the interview usually takes 2 hours, but to keep the whole day free... looking forward to THAT then... aaaaarrrrrrrgggghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

eklynne

I was told to expect a 2 hour interview, but it was over after about 50 minutes.
Please try not to worry. I know it's hard.

stressedandconfused_2

I was trying to speak to the OR a few days ago and she was busy, so I emailed her and heard nothing but then spoke to the OR clerk who was just lovely and helpful. And now I just had an apologetic email from the OR apologising for the delay in responding herself, and explaining she has been away etc... I hope they continue to be this nice!!

MicheH

Waiting for that interview is a stressful, chrning experience. I was lucky enough to stay at home for it but had to put my cuppa down 5 minutes before the phone rang because I was spilling it with hand shakes.

I'll tell you though that everyone i've spoken to about BR or OR's office and even the OR's examiner were lovely. The very worst part of it is the waiting for it again. Once the interview starts you just get into the stride of it, answer honestly and believe it over it's over in a flash - mine was 1hour 20mins and by no way felt like it.

Honestly, it is uncomfortable, I cried but they are so accomodating, so nice, they get the job done. The reason why it takes so long too you know is they have to write everything down, In reality they talk about your house, your car, (if relevant) what will happen in both cases, when you knew you were in debt. What your debt was for, when you last used the accounts or cards running up to BR and go through your SOA. It is an interogation, of course it is but it doesn't feel like it in my experience, it's more of a conversation just with lots of silences while they're writing.

don't worry too much, easier said than done I know

eklynne

Personally, if I had to do it again, I'd choose a face to face rather than the telephone. My OR was a lovely woman, maybe a few years older than myself and she made me feel totally relaxed and at ease. She sympathised with my situation and because I could see her writing everything down I didn't feel awkward with silences or anything. She shook my hand when I left, smiling and telling me not to worry, that from here on in everything would start to get better for me and my family. She made me feel like she was on my side. I'm sure your experience will be similar.
I do admit that when it was over I sat in the car and bawled like a baby for about half an hour, but I think that was due to the fact I hadn't slept or ate properly for the week beforehand, which seems silly now as there really was nothing to worry about.

peachyprice

It's not just complicated cases that get f-2-f interviews, mine wasn't particularly complicated or an huge amount of debt, but I still has f-2-f, it's just the way some OR offices prefer to work if they can.

As for having to wait 5 weeks, I'm sure that's because they're so busy and have a backlog from the holiday season.

Which OR office are you with?