gap between classing dates and interview.

A question about : gap between classing dates and interview.

There are three jobs I have applied for and the closing date was about the 12th of April for them all. It says in the information pack that the interviews will be in the week starting the 23rd of April. Therefore, given that I have not heard anything now, do I assume that I have not got an interview for any of them?

However, I do think 11 days between closing date and interview is a bit hopefully to expect to write to people about interview, so maybe the interview dates has moved back so I have nothing to worry about.

Best answers:

• It would be perfectly reasonable to ring the HR depts and ask if you have been shortlisted for interview. Then you won't need to worry or speculate.
  Good luck!
• I agree with Annie. However, you are also correct that interview dates do very often get put back.
  In the mean time, keep applying for jobs! (and good luck with the hunt)
• LOL Sue, your employers are obviously more organised than mine! Having a timetable for the shortlisting team to meet is how it's supposed to work, but my experience (both as an employer and as an applicant, ringing to check because I haven't heard anything) is that over 50% of recruitments get delayed!
  (Just for clarification to others, this post is made in genuine amusement and is not a snipe!!! )
  Totally agree about the comment about how hard it is to get the job of your dreams, though. Especially just after graduating, good idea to take whatever you get and build on it. If you can't do what you enjoy, enjoy what you do!
• Since Phil hasn't posted for two days we can assume he hasn't heard anything?
• Sh, don't encourage him, he needs to keep his head down with applications and revision ...
  BTW, nothing I said means you shouldn't phone up and check whether you've been shortlisted or not. If you're polite and friendly, the person dealing with this may remember you if you apply for another job in the same organisation - which if you continue to look at local universities is quite likely. If you go off on a rant about discrimination, they'll remember that too ... but not so favourably. Even though that person may play no formal part in the selection process, they've only got to make one comment in the hearing of someone who DOES play a formal part to slightly prejudice your chances ...
  Just to give an example, we have lots of volunteers. I play no formal part in the recruitment of volunteers, but I often answer the phone. One lady had phoned a few times over the years, and her manner and what she said meant I always recognised her name. Then she applied to be a volunteer. I said to my colleague who deals with this "I can't put my finger on it, but we're going to have problems with this one."
  Now, you might say I turned people against her, but I don't think I did, we really bent over backwards to keep her happy, but we just couldn't do it. She was just one of those awkward people who thought OUR systems should be changed to accommodate HER preferences - and that wasn't about to happen, even though she was sure she knew best because she'd been through some of the experiences of our present clients.
• I have not heard anything but if I am too rubbish for them and they don't want me their loss. In all fairness I had a look about the department on the quiet and I do not think I would have fitted in. It has a huge management structure anyway and I doubt I could shine or have any input or been any use in such a setting.
  I am a person who likes to put my own stamp on things, show I have half a brain, but with such a large management I fear it would be too micro managed for me.
• All the jobs I've applied for within the last year have had an interview date a week after the closing date. They also gave the interview date (or possible range of dates) with the job description details they sent out - the implication being that you should make sure you would be available on that date, otherwise there was no point applying. Where there was a range of dates (think it said "week commencing..." there was a space to indicate unavailability.
• I do not take it personally.
  I knew it was a long shot to get anywhere so it is hardly surpising that they binned my application. I assume because I do not have this magic office expeience that they were unable to see all the good things about me.
• If they wanted office experience and you don't have any, then the outcome is really no surprise. These days experience counts for a lot. If they got a lot of applicants, then they're only going to shortlist the candidates who are closest to what they want.
• It's the luck of the draw; someone's CV may show exactly the same attributes as yours on paper, but they may have experience or the CV may be written in such a way that it stands out. I tend to think the right job turns up at the right time; that's always been my experience. I don't know what you can do about your handwriting; I do view poor handwriting as a real turn-off in a professional environment.
• There really is a whole range of disadvantages to why I got no where. Considering my course has not finished that creates problems for starting dates and I might need time of for my exams and graduation. But I applied now in the hope that I could beat the rush that will happen once 14,000 new graduates enter the job market in this area in about 2 months time.
  I know bad handwriting does you no favours but you have the handwriting you are given and you can not change that.
  It is annoying because I know I can do the job and they clearly just do not see that.
  Not to worry, there is a better job than that one come up that I might apply for. But it is only a 6 month post as it is only in relation to a one off government funding. It is however covered by the two ticks disability scheme so maybe I might have more luck their as they can not do me down for handwriting if I write in the disability box that I do have hand troubles.
• Good luck with this one, Phil.
  Why are you completing application forms in handwriting, unless particularly specified? If your IT skills are good you should be able to complete forms on your computer (even if this means re-creating the form and importing the logo!)
  Honestly, as a shortlister I cannot stress too much that the forms that get the most attention are a) the illegible ones, which DO get pored over but with increasing frustration, and b) the highly legible ones, which are much appreciated and much easier to form a good opinion of!