Informal chat with a company who originally rejected me

SapphireFlames

Here's the situation - about 6 weeks ago I applied for a permanent job (via an agency) and I was invited to interview. I felt that the interview went well, I liked the people and I felt that the job would be ideal for me. During the interview, one of the directors gave me his business card and said I could contact him directly any time with any queries I may have.

A couple of days later, I heard from the agency that I hadn't got the job. The feedback said that although I interviewed well and had good skills for the job in question, the company was looking for someone with more general experience. However, a couple of weeks later I noticed that the job had been re-advertised on the same website where I originally saw it. So I decided to email the director asking whether the job had been filled yet and if I could have another chance to be re-considered. I also summarised my skills and experience that would be useful for the job, to clear up any misunderstandings that may have occurred in the interview. I know this sounds very daring and it's not something I've ever done before, but everyone I spoke to said it was a good idea as you don't get anything without asking.

The director emailed me back thanking me for the info in my email and he said that the job hasn't been filled yet as they don't think they've had enough applicants yet to decide on a successful candidate. He and the second interviewer have offered to meet me again tomorrow for an informal chat. I have accepted this invitation.

Do I stand a reasonably good chance of being offered the job now? I don't see why they would take time out of their schedules to invite me back again if they weren't seriously thinking of offering me the job. Is there anything I could say at this informal chat that would improve my chances of being offered the job?

dmg24

How long is a piece of string?

terra_ferma

It sounds to me like they may not have found what they were looking for, but they think you have the potential to fulfil the role, perhaps with some training.

It's fairly normal, in my experience, that if a manager can't find the 'ideal' candidate, exactly matching the skills they are looking for, they will look at people with the potential to develop into the role.
Normally these are internal candidates (I've seen people flourish in this way). But in your case perhaps you have impressed them with your persistence.

What I would say for certain, is that they would not be wasting their time if they did not think you have the potential!

Proc

Sounds like they don't want to pay agency fees which is preciesly why he gave you his business card in order to make direct contact.

Does the agency that originally introduced you know that you are going back for seconds?

SapphireFlames

Proc wrote: »

Sounds like they don't want to pay agency fees which is preciesly why he gave you his business card in order to make direct contact.

Does the agency that originally introduced you know that you are going back for seconds?

That is what I was suspecting. I'm not sure if the agency knows that I'm going back, but when they told me that I had been rejected I did make it clear that I liked the sound of the company and that I would be happy to be considered for any similar roles in future.

I hope that the company wouldn't try to hire me without letting the agency know, as then the recruitment consultant would lose their commission which does seem underhand. Wouldn't it also put the company at risk of being sued for breach of contract or something like that? I'd also be concerned that it might also cause problems for me in future if I ever sent my CV to the same agency in years to come - it's only a small chance, but they might remember my name (the agent never met me in person) and then they would find out from my CV that I was hired by that company for the same role.

DVardysShadow

My take is that Director probably felt that you were capable, but the other interviewer is less experienced and more cautious. I take it you will work more closely with the other interviewer and also that the Director is the senior person. This suggests to me that the Director does not want to undermine the other manager, but wants to give them another chance to accept you.

As ever, I might be wrong, but you should show your face, without presuming you will get the job. You should also be sensitive to the other interviewer if he is present.

Nessynoo

"Good luck" is all i can say!

DVardysShadow

SapphireFlames wrote: »

That is what I was suspecting. I'm not sure if the agency knows that I'm going back, but when they told me that I had been rejected I did make it clear that I liked the sound of the company and that I would be happy to be considered for any similar roles in future.

I hope that the company wouldn't try to hire me without letting the agency know, as then the recruitment consultant would lose their commission which does seem underhand. Wouldn't it also put the company at risk of being sued for breach of contract or something like that? I'd also be concerned that it might also cause problems for me in future if I ever sent my CV to the same agency in years to come - it's only a small chance, but they might remember my name (the agent never met me in person) and then they would find out from my CV that I was hired by that company for the same role.

Do the employer look like they might pull such a trick? Personally, I would avoid them if this is what they are up to. But there may be other reasons, as I have already posted.

Anihilator

Probably going to stick trainee on your job title and take 5k off a year

SapphireFlames

They all seemed fairly respectable, so I don't think they would be likely to pull such a trick, it was just something that was in the back of my mind. I can imagine less scrupulous employers doing something like that. I may aswell go along and see what happens.

MissRose

It worries me that the recruitment consultant has not met with you, as most agencies worth their salt will insist on meeting with you first to assess your suitability and fit for their clients. This leads me to ask what type of relationship you have with the agency? They should be in contact with other positions or at some point will call to see if you are still available.

The big issue here is that the agency and company that you are looking to work for will have agreed upon terms of business. When the agency find out that you have been employed by said company (and they will) they will legally be entitled to charge the agreed fee.

I think you should certainly go for the second interview but the company (should they make an offer of emplyment) will inevitably have to pay the agency fee. If you value your relationship with the agency and want to maintain it, you absolutely need to be honest with them and tell them you are at 2nd interview or they will choose not to represent you in the future.

Good luck, hope it all works out for you.