Job interview from Hell

[LuckyTheDog]

I responded to an ad for "an editor" at a company I happened to know was starting a new magazine. When the company called me the an interview, I asked if the opening was for the new publication and was told yes. But, about 15 minutes into the interview -- after I had blathered on about my enthusiasm for putting my "stamp" on a new pub -- I learned that the job opening was for an existing magazine.

Now, here's the deal: The job that was actually open was appealing as well -- but in other ways. It would have been a chance to do something totally new and broaden my experience. However, I was totally unprepared to make a case for my qualifications and the whole thing turned awkward very fast when the publisher and I realized the misunderstanding. It ended fairly quickly after that.

Ugh. Does that SUCK or what?

[MoseyWalker]

1. yes, that sounds like it sucks, but

it could lead to something else?

At least nobody farted.

[LuckyTheDog]

2. Could be OK

He might keep me in mind when he starts staffing the magazine I THOUGHT I was interviewing for. But who knows. It kind of killed my whole Saturday.

[u4ic]

3. Aw, Lucky

That does suck. :hug:

[LuckyTheDog]

4. Thanks. I'll get over it

But how awkward. It bummed me out all day.

[Floogeldy]

5. Would it have gone better if you had known a lot about the existing one?

Just curious.

[LuckyTheDog]

6. Probably

Clearly, my experience didn't make me a "natural" for the existing job. But the publisher called me in for some reason. Had I realized what the interview was about, I could have come in with a list of ideas for the publication that actually needed a new editor now.

[Floogeldy]

7. This suggestion could hurt you, but . . .

. . . A long time ago I read that one should research the company that owns the business at which you are interviewing for a job. If you had done that, you might have known about the existing publication.

On the flip-side, it could hurt you because the interviewer could easily begin to feel threatened because you know more about the company than he or she does!!!!!!

Double-edged sword but food for thought.

[LuckyTheDog]

10. I knew about the existing magazine...

...but I also knew enough about the company to know about the new one coming. That's why I specifically asked the person who called me whether the job was for the new magazine. But, in any event, my interview was with one of the owners of the company. So, if I get in to see him again, your advice would work. Showing that I knew a lot about his company would probably flatter him.

[HEyHEY]

8. Dude, you should have turned that shit around

Without saying it, get the message across, "What the fuck? DO you even know what you're doing here?"
But you don't come across as a dink in the process.... something that always worked for me and we're in the same field.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LuckyTheDog]

11. I wonder what that message was about

Whatever it was, I am sure I could have handled it.

[mzteris]

13. It was the guy you intereviewed with.....

:rofl:

[mzteris]

12. I'd follow up . . .

Either via phone or letter (preferable).

Apologize for the mix-up. Be up front that you had prepared for other "interview" - and that you feel as if you didn't adequately present yourself for the job for which you were being interviewed!

Quickly outline some of your qualifications for THAT job, throw out a unique idea or two you've been thinking about. Tell him you ARE interested in the job - and why - and ask for another chance to talk about it.