Reply to: Interview Dilemma

[pzz76077]

I could see the same behaviour trait in him as last time and why I would have been so put out but he did not show it this time - maybe last time was just a bad interview. As per previous suggestions I remembered I am going for a contract role now, in a recession and to not let it get in the way.

Thanks.

Would agree - you don't have to like someone to work with them...

PZZ

[kaiser78]

I could see the same behaviour trait in him as last time and why I would have been so put out but he did not show it this time - maybe last time was just a bad interview. As per previous suggestions I remembered I am going for a contract role now, in a recession and to not let it get in the way.

Thanks.

[pzz76077]

Well, I have managed to get through to second interview during this week - the only candidate out of 5 interviewed and out of 30 CVs reviewed, so happy to have got this far.

If I am offered the role I will take the lower rate (lower than average based on current rates) as the additional skills will enhance my CV and give me wider choice to apply for on next contract. It's not always about the money (is it ??)

How did you fare with they guy you mentioned that you dreaded to meet again in your OP??

PZZ

[kaiser78]

Well, I have managed to get through to second interview during this week - the only candidate out of 5 interviewed and out of 30 CVs reviewed, so happy to have got this far.

If I am offered the role I will take the lower rate (lower than average based on current rates) as the additional skills will enhance my CV and give me wider choice to apply for on next contract. It's not always about the money (is it ??)

[minestrone]

I can work with arseholes, I just ignore them.

It's working on a crap project that I hate.

Wear a Grouch Marx specs, nose and tash get up as well.

[lukemg]

Get the job first, then decide if you want it.
If I only worked with/for people I liked I would be very poor. This is part of the service I am offering, I don't moan, I don't go sick, I don't take much leave, I don't expect training or development, I don't have to leave early to get the kids/wait in for the delivery man. In short I am the lowest maintenance member of the team, I am reliable, get on with everyone and put a decent shift of work in.
This applies regardless of whether I hate everyone I work with. I won't accept personal abuse, verbal or physical but greet most other forms of pressure with a smile and a can-do attitude.
It's called contracting, they pay, I turn up and work, the rest is details.
I can do this knowing there is a defined timescale for the work (I can do 13 weeks in beelzebub's grotto easy) and that I can bail if I need to.
If necessary, I start looking as soon as I arrive and see what it is going to be like but I have only ever bailed once from an agreed contract.

[pzz76077]

I have got an interview this Friday for a 6 month PM contract in C London. Rate is nearly 20% down then my previous role which finished in May, although am not fussed so much about this given the market.

Now, I had an interview for a permie PM role at the same place, with the same interviewer around 4 years ago. He has obviously not remembered me but I distinctly remember the interview and nearly walking out due to his and his bosses arrogance / patronising manner throughout and I also recall feeding back to the agent that there is no way I want to work in that sort of environment with those guys.

My dilemma is - 1) given the state of the market should I go for the role now given it is 6 months, it is a contractor role not permie now, the previous interview may have just been a bad interview

or 2) do I steer clear knowing what the environment will be like and wait for the next lead ( am not desperate to come off the bench) ?

Thanks for any comments

Id go for it, you can always give notice if you dont get on/ get offered another contract in the mean time.

What are the chances of this guy improving in the past 4 years, training courses, a bit more mature etc?? You never know he may well be embarrassed about the way he behaved last time and leave you with the advantage this time round.....

PZZ

[BolshieBastard]

I have got an interview this Friday for a 6 month PM contract in C London. Rate is nearly 20% down then my previous role which finished in May, although am not fussed so much about this given the market.

Now, I had an interview for a permie PM role at the same place, with the same interviewer around 4 years ago. He has obviously not remembered me but I distinctly remember the interview and nearly walking out due to his and his bosses arrogance / patronising manner throughout and I also recall feeding back to the agent that there is no way I want to work in that sort of environment with those guys.

My dilemma is - 1) given the state of the market should I go for the role now given it is 6 months, it is a contractor role not permie now, the previous interview may have just been a bad interview

or 2) do I steer clear knowing what the environment will be like and wait for the next lead ( am not desperate to come off the bench) ?

Thanks for any comments

Im surprised you're asking, its a no brainer. If you found him \ them objectionable 4 years ago, do you really think they'll have got better or worse over time?

Even if you needed the money I'd steer clear. Its only going to end in tears.

[zara_backdog]

Depends how much you need the money? I can put up with Satan if needed...

WHS

[thunderlizard]

Go for it. Working for someone, and having them as a customer for 6 months, are completely different kettles of fish (unless you're worried about whether you'll get paid).

Forewarned is four-armed!

[TykeMerc]

Nothing ventured nothing gained in this situation.

If the guy turns out to be a tosser in this interview you can enjoy yourself telling him to get bent or take the p155 out of him. If he's reasonable you can push the rate and if he's decent then you can get a good gig with no pressure as your expectations are so low to start.

[Amiga500]

I have got an interview this Friday for a 6 month PM contract in C London. Rate is nearly 20% down then my previous role which finished in May, although am not fussed so much about this given the market.

Now, I had an interview for a permie PM role at the same place, with the same interviewer around 4 years ago. He has obviously not remembered me but I distinctly remember the interview and nearly walking out due to his and his bosses arrogance / patronising manner throughout and I also recall feeding back to the agent that there is no way I want to work in that sort of environment with those guys.

My dilemma is - 1) given the state of the market should I go for the role now given it is 6 months, it is a contractor role not permie now, the previous interview may have just been a bad interview

or 2) do I steer clear knowing what the environment will be like and wait for the next lead ( am not desperate to come off the bench) ?

Thanks for any comments

I assume the war chest is healthy from that statement, so I would skip it. They probably need a contractor as they have sacked a load of permies so you will be doing the work of a few PM's.

That being said it wouldn't kill you to attend the interview and see if they are still twunts.

[Flopsy]

Is there are new skill or anything in addition to get out of this contract?

So for example, if it was an opportunity to add some thing really worthwhile to my CV or a company that had some prestige then I would go for it.

Hope that helps and sympathise. In my case I usually find that if someone really annoyed me in an interview then they still do it in "real life" when I am working with them.

If I am getting something good out of it (and in this case it's not the money) then I can grin and bear it for 6 months.

Good luck.

[oracleslave]

I would go and see how it turns out. If it starts heading down the path of the previous interview start faking tourettes or something.

[Darren_Test]

definitely yes..

I am sure he will not remember that incident mainly because he might be used to those type of reactions if he is really a arrogance / patronising man..!!