Interviews in a public place

[escapeUK]

I'd forgotten I'd posted about my last experience of interviewing this way.

Another organisation came up again last week, this time for a permie role rather than a contract, asking to interview the same way. This time around I made clear in advance that a public place wouldn't be suitable, and we'll consequently be holding our meeting at their offices instead. It got me thinking about how many organisations work this way, and how candidates feel about it.

Anyway, I hope that NLUK is paying you a good rate for your sub-contracted efforts to ensure that topics are discussed once and once only on CUK, never to be revisited for fresh insights or opinions.

Its interesting that I remember about you posting this way, but you didnt. I wasnt trying to stop you from re-discussing it though, so go right ahead

[SueEllen]

A pub really would be taking the pee, I think. Unless they were looking for a barmaid or wine taster.

Using a pub allows you to have a meeting somewhere after 6pm.

Obviously the pub used has to be chosen with care.

Likewise with coffee shops some are full of mothers and babies while others are much quieter as the mother and baby groups don't like them due to parking etc.

Anyway in the wider area of where I live there are lots of self-employed people/contractors so you get to hear people having business discussions on their phones walking down the street or at train stations.

Interestingly most people know it's not appropriate to have such a discussion on a train so they end their calls once the train pulls in.

[Gentile]

Using a pub allows you to have a meeting somewhere after 6pm.

Obviously the pub used has to be chosen with care.

Likewise with coffee shops some are full of mothers and babies while others are much quieter as the mother and baby groups don't like them due to parking etc.

I'd never entertain meeting anyone for any business reason in a pub. It'd just immediately mark them out as rank amateurs to me.

[Spacecadet]

Sorry, eUK has already snapped up this particular NLUK subcontract.

I was just saving myself from retyping the same reply to the same question

[Durbs]

I'd never entertain meeting anyone for any business reason in a pub. It'd just immediately mark them out as rank amateurs to me.

Same here, I'm used to meeting in hotels with clients to discuss small website projects (as I don't have offices so I'M the dodgy business meeting in public places) but I make it clear I'm a freelancer and what the score is. I normally have them come to my home though where they can sit in the lounge and have a brew whilst being hassled by the cats. Most clients seem to like this as its a nice change from the office environment.

For a full time contract though, I wouldn't accept meeting in this way, would ring alarm bells.

[Gentile]

What are your thoughts on organisations that want to conduct interviews in a public place? ...

I was just saving myself from retyping the same reply to the same question

Ah, I see now where you're making your mistake. Again. As clarified at the time in the preceding thread that you and eUK are referring to, I wasn't actually asking a question or for anyone's opinion on that previous occasion.

You blokes really do see every statement that other people make as an invitation to voice your own opinions though, don't you? As noted last time, you'll be able to tell when I'm asking an actual question (as I am on this occasion) by the simple expedient that when I'm asking a question and/or soliciting opinions I use a question mark at the end of my sentence.

[Gentile]

Same here, I'm used to meeting in hotels with clients to discuss small website projects (as I don't have offices so I'M the dodgy business meeting in public places) but I make it clear I'm a freelancer and what the score is. I normally have them come to my home though where they can sit in the lounge and have a brew whilst being hassled by the cats. Most clients seem to like this as its a nice change from the office environment.

For a full time contract though, I wouldn't accept meeting in this way, would ring alarm bells.

It's a little more understandable that B2B meetings could be conducted this way (although I must say I'm still of the opinion that the first time you meet someone for business, it should be in a location that respects the privacy of the process and that typically should be one or other of your places of business).

For interviews for permie positions in particular, though, I can't for the life of me imagine what employers are thinking when they suggest this approach. It just reeks of a lack of professionalism.

[Spacecadet]

Ah, I see now where you're making your mistake. Again. As clarified at the time in the preceding thread that you and eUK are referring to, I wasn't actually asking a question or for anyone's opinion on that previous occasion.

You blokes really do see every statement that other people make as an invitation to voice your own opinions though, don't you? As noted last time, you'll be able to tell when I'm asking an actual question (as I am on this occasion) by the simple expedient that when I'm asking a question and/or soliciting opinions I use a question mark at the end of my sentence.

TBH I've only got time to skim read your posts. Maybe if I was benched I'd be able to read them thoroughly

[Gentile]

TBH I've only got time to skim read your posts. Maybe if I was benched I'd be able to read them thoroughly

Maybe. BIDI.

[escapeUK]

You blokes really do see every statement that other people make as an invitation to voice your own opinions though, don't you?

Thats right, men talk to solve a problem. Women talk for no reason. Hope that clarifies things.