Action after interview - explain misunderstandings?

Jazzking

Hiya,

I was fortunate enough to have an interview yesterday and part of the process was a test where I had to create an Excel spreadsheet on budgets.

At the time I thought the question was a bit ambigious but foolishly didn't ask for clarification. In hindsight after the interview I suspect I've got the wrong end of the stick when producing the spreadsheet and although I demonstrated what they asked for technically (linking sheets together and providing a summary page) I believe I summarised the wrong information!:o

I was reading the other day that some people think it#s good practise to write/email a company following an interview to thank them for their time. I don't usually do this but if I were to do it this time would you bring up the fact that I've realised the mistake that I made on the test, or just not mention it at all? Part of me thinks I shouldn't even write to them since I personally find it a bit slimy, trying to stay in their good memories while they are recruiting - what do you guys think?

cazziebo

Yep - I think it's a good move and it always impresses me.

It makes me think the candidate cares enough and is interested in the job. A thank you for the interviewer's time demonstrates courtesy - and we all like to see that in the workplace.

I wouldn't make a big thing about the Excel mistake -- just a sentence explaining you wish you'd sought clarification as with hindsight you think you may have copied the wrong data. You could say something like "I'm so annoyed with myself, I don't usually make careless errors but I am keen on the role and think nerves got the better of me."

Good luck! (and people make worse mistakes at interview and still get the job)

LittleVoice

I wouldn't point out the mistake myself. They are probably more interested in the fact that you can link sheets and produce a summary rather than that you picked up the precise data to take to the summary.

But I would send a simple note of thanks for the interview and confirm your interest in the role.

Savvy_Sue

I remember the first job where I was tested for my skills in Word, which was a bit tricky because I'd barely used it. Had never had to use tables before so failed spectacularly.

However, in the questions bit (which came afterwards) I had a chance to say that although I hadn't used Word very much, I was the kind of person who knew the computer ought to be able to do something, so would find out how to make it do it, rather than be flummoxed by a new system. And I also said that as the table came in an internal memo, if I was pushed for time I'd print it and draw the lines by hand!

And I got the job!

Jazzking

Hi everyone, thanks for your responses.

Well I didn't write an email in the end but I was offered the job!

Thing is, although they were impressed with my interview and my skills and experience, they felt I didn't have the necessary experience of line managing staff (which I haven't - never managed anyone before in my life) and also the higher level budget mangement.

Sooo, they asked if I would be interested in taking on the job with reduced responsibilities but at a lower grade. Thing is it's only one point up (~£600) from where I am at the moment whereas the original job spec was a whole grade (~£8k) I'm obviously appreciative that I've been offered the job, and would be great to have the opportunities to develop where I couldn't in my current job but it's not the salary increase I was looking for....

Anyway, I'm having a chat tomorrow hopefully to discuss the finer points of the job that they're intending to offer me, and see if (a) I can negotiate a couple of extra points up the salary scale and (b) if I can agree a progression plan of things they want to achieve in the next year or so with the possibiliy of going up to the original job spec (and salary!) after that.

To make matters worse (but probably wouldn't change my decision to take the job) the Director of my current dept said to me he felt i was worth more than what they were paying me (prob since he found out I'd applied for this other job) and was in talks with Personnel about seeing about a salary increase!
I wouldn't have the opportunities to develop in the new job though, and despite the fact I've only been there for 18 months, I'm quite looking forward to a change of scenary!

LittleVoice

Jazzking wrote: »

Hi everyone, thanks for your responses.

Well I didn't write an email in the end but I was offered the job!
. . .

and (b) if I can agree a progression plan of things they want to achieve in the next year or so with the possibiliy of going up to the original job spec (and salary!) after that.

. . .

worth more than what they were paying me (prob since he found out I'd applied for this other job) and was in talks with Personnel about seeing about a salary increase!

Excellent news on the job offer.

Right to plan for your advancement - and this is an organisation where you know the opportunities exist.

Yes, your current employer is only reacting, clearly didn't have a plan in hand otherwise could offer you the increase now without going to Personnel.

Seems like you are taking the right approach for your future career.