whats going on (very short AP interview)

[joecjoe]

Just typed this post and then lost it…try again…


I had an interview for Asst Clin Psy last week – I didn’t get.

Now, I know this may seem a little like sour grapes but the whole process didn’t sit well with me and so I thought I would try here for some constructive feedback.

104 applicants – the interviewers whittled down to 14 – HR didn’t want that many interviewed but it happened anyway. To me this was a good sign as it seemed they were determined to get the right person for the job.

Following 2 weeks prep’ I presented for interview. It lasted 15mins? Is this normal?
There were 6 or 7 questions asked. 2 covered GBR status and whether I would mind the driving involved with the post. Both these issues were clearly covered on the application form and my answers were simply yes and no respectively. Where was the depth and the testing of my knowledge/experience etc?
The remaining questions were slightly more challenging – experience of working in mental health, strengths and weaknesses, NHS governance etc. – but no curve balls and nothing to allow psychological knowledge to be demonstrated.
I tried to give comprehensive answers without waffling – at no time was I prompted or encouraged to say more.
Following my 15 mins I provided proof of ID and degree as requested at application – I was told - “there’s no need you can be trusted” and then ushered out the door.

Am I over analysing or is there something to be concerned about?

[Rainbow-rano]

This sounds very similar to an experience I had recently! (I also didn't get the job btw).

My interview went exactly the same way. There had been over 250 applicants for the job, they interviewed over 2 days, 15 minute interview, no prompts or encouragement or on the spot feedback. Again, I was asked no questions about applying psychology or anything similar! I left feeling a bit baffled, and like I hadn't been able to sell myself at all (which was also due to my nerves, and the 3 very stern psychologists interviewing me)

I guess I can't really offer you any constructive advice. Have you phoned for feedback? I did ( I had to call to make an appointment to then go back for feedback) - I was told that I gave a very good interview, but there was someone (surprise surprise) with more experience.

[gez1809]

funnily enough I can third this experience, although I did talk for more than 15 minutes. My interview was about 30 minutes in all but I did tend to talk quite a lot (although all relevant! didn't realise I had so much experience!!) But alas there was someone who was more suitable apparently.

Edit: Joecjoe I think we may have been at the same interview? Was it Aberystwyth/Newcastle Emlyn?

[broomhilda]

I had a similar experience at a job I did get, and came out feeling like the interview must have gone badly so was stunned when they called to offer me the position.

Since then, I have been involved in recruiting for a new post, and thinking about it now I wonder if we inadvertently gave candidates the same impression.

We had many applicants and had chosen 10 for interview. We knew from the individuals' CVs and covering letters that they were good academically, and so the priority wasn't trying to test their ability to think about psychological theory on the spot, it was to see that they'd fit in with the team and be good at the day to day duties of the post. In the end we went for the person who came across as friendly and enthusiastic and, most importantly, seemed to have the most realistic ideas about what they'd be doing within our team and what challenges work with our client group might present.

I'm not sure if this helps, and I'm not advocating this type of interview. I'm just speculating as to why interviewers might leave candidates feeling like they haven't had an opportunity to sell themselves... I know it's really frustrating when you put lots of effort into preparation and don't get a chance to show it!

As an aside, I also noted when I was interviewing these candidates that it's really off-putting when candidates seem more interested in how good the post will look on a clinical application form than in the post itself, and that's something I'll be bearing in mind when applying for my next job (if I don't have any success with this year's application!
)

[joecjoe]

thanks for the replies - it's made me feel a lot better about the whole process. Feedback from a prior interview (not psych but clinical) was that my answers were too "wordy". Consequently I was aiming for clarity and accuracy at this last interview but it looks like I should have thrown in the kitchen sink...you live and learn! here's looking ahead to interview offers for postgrad

gez1809 - yes it was N'Castle Emlyn.

[fayefox]

Ahh I'm so glad I saw this! I've been beating myself up... Had a v short "therapy assistant" interview. I could answer all their questions but found I hadn't been able to express anything specifically about my experience or sell myself at all! I wish I'd used their "any questions?" at the end to maybe sell myself more.... oh well live and learn. All good interview experience as they say!