Interviewing Previous Work Colleague

[PerfectStorm]

If you can actually think of some sensible thing to say that makes him feel better like you found a candidate who has 5 years more experience in X, and therefore was clearly better for the job, then why not. If you didn't select him because he has BO, then probably best say nothing.

Reminds me of having to interview developers...

[ceebeepps]

I learnt the hard way that there is no loyalty with former colleagues. I wouldn't say anything, if asked just politely say that you can't comment or the decision wasn't yours. First time is always the hardest. It gets easier!

[kaiser78]

What you really mean is you want to gloat and let them know it wasnt really you who black balled him \ her!

Why bother? Seriously?

Oh and BTW, you're not the first to have interviewed former (and more senior) former colleagues so dont really know why you bothered with the thread.

No I don't really mean that I want to gloat. It's the first time that I have interviewed a former colleague and so I wanted to see what approach others previously in this situation had taken. Not sure why you bothered responding to this thread ?

[BlasterBates]

If you can actually think of some sensible thing to say that makes him feel better like you found a candidate who has 5 years more experience in X, and therefore was clearly better for the job, then why not. If you didn't select him because he has BO, then probably best say nothing.

[SueEllen]

Unless it was someone you considered a close friend, I'd leave well alone.

If possible always get out of interviewing them.

There are some *(&$ who will use the fact that you were on the interview panel to challenge the decision.

[Avalonia]

I'd leave well alone.

Agreed, No good deed goes unpunished

[BolshieBastard]

I have been carrying out some interviews for roles within our team and interviewed a permie colleague I indirectly worked with in a recent previous role. They were not successful in their application and have now been advised of this formally by the clientco.

I feel like I should drop them a line on linkedin to say bad luck etc, although am wondering if I should leave it at the formal advise from client co ? Thoughts welcome.

What you really mean is you want to gloat and let them know it wasnt really you who black balled him \ her!

Why bother? Seriously?

Oh and BTW, you're not the first to have interviewed former (and more senior) former colleagues so dont really know why you bothered with the thread.

[northernladuk]

^ this. I personally would leave it there, otherwise you might end up in protracted emails asking what he did wrong, why this, why that, etc...

Exactly this. I got interviewed by a few people at the same time, one of which was an ex work colleague from 7 or 8 years ago. He wasn't a mate but I thought this link might work in my favour, bit of a favour for an ex colleague etc

Anyway, didn't get the gig and didn't hear another peep. I was a bit hacked off he didn't contact me and I was sorely tempted to do just as Steely says but on reflection he's an ex work colleague, nothing more, doesn't owe me anything and he isn't going to put his reputation on the line for someone he's never likely to see again. He did the right thing.

So yes, just leave it.

[PerfectStorm]

^ this. I personally would leave it there, otherwise you might end up in protracted emails asking what he did wrong, why this, why that, etc...

This. And these days you are able (at least with perm jobs) to request the evaluation, the assessment, method, why you weren't chosen, what was different about the lucky candidate, etc. (to do with discrimination and what-have-you)... could be walking into a RIGHT pickle. Don't say or do anything that could be used against you/company/client.

[tarbera]

Send them a with sympathy card



Or

Leave well alone

[SteelyDan]

I should leave it at the formal advise from client co ?

^ this. I personally would leave it there, otherwise you might end up in protracted emails asking what he did wrong, why this, why that, etc...

[jmo21]

Unless it was someone you considered a close friend, I'd leave well alone.

[kaiser78]

I have been carrying out some interviews for roles within our team and interviewed a permie colleague I indirectly worked with in a recent previous role. They were not successful in their application and have now been advised of this formally by the clientco.

I feel like I should drop them a line on linkedin to say bad luck etc, although am wondering if I should leave it at the formal advise from client co ? Thoughts welcome.