Strangest interview
Hello everyone, I am seeking your opinion. I was interviewed for a position that I know I am overqualified. However, I decided to give it a try since it was an amazing company actually contacting me about it. From the very beginning I felt something strange from the interviewer who started by asking me what questions did I have for them???? It took me by surprise. As the interview progressed I asked questions as instructed, but their answers were dismissive and never with any details. I had the gut feeling that the person didn't want me to be there at all and that they felt threatened by my management experience and knowledge. It was even more evident when they asked me questions about how to solve specific problems they had. It felt like the person wanted to use my experience for their advantage without hiring me. Even at the end when I asked what were the next steps in the hiring process, their answer was inconclusive. Later, I found out that I might have to actually report to this person. Honestly, I don't expect to hear from them again, but if I do, I have my doubts of working specifically for this person. My gut feeling tells me that they are going to be watching me and giving me half answers and help because they don't want me to be there knowing that I possibly have more education and experience than they do. I know the HR person in the company and after talking to them, they explained that upper management was impressed with my qualifications, wanted to create a position specifically for me and they asked this person to do the first interview. My question is, if they call me to continue with other interviews should I go ahead with the process knowing that my future manager is going to always be trying to sabotage my opportunity? They have worked many years for the company, so I know it would be hard for me to convince upper management of their negative behavior toward me. I know that in life we have to take chances, but after thinking about it, I feel uneasy. It is an amazing company with amazing opportunities for career growth. I knew that I had to start low if given the opportunity. I believe that everyone has humble beginnings and as long as you work hard and ethically you can get ahead anywhere.
Enrique, your attitude / insight is so far off-the-mark that it borders on near lunacy. Number 1, you can't "know" you are "overqualified" Number 2, no manager would bother taking time to speak with anyone unless they thought you were a possible candidate, let alone bother to "sabotage (your) opportunity" All he would have to do was not even offer any sort of opportunity.. I don't know what your specific questions were, so I can't begin to guess what kind of answers were "dismissive" or lacked "detail."
Hey Enrique Your story seams to be similar to mine I was working in a fab shop I knew all about the types of jobs that I was given. I had a nosy supervisor that didn't like me for the reason that I knew too much. Well one day he told me to train two co workers to teach them what I knew and two days later I got payed off after they learned it from me. So be careful about that they might want to hire you by your experience and then they might let you go after you did your part. PS I am over qualified also for the job that I know and it is a very hard decision to make. You might have to really look up into your position but with a superintendent. Get better answers and questions before taking this job and ask them if it will not terminate you later in the future.
Thank you for your comments everyone. As I mentioned, I don't expect to hear from them again, but I am glad that my gut feeling is not lost in regards to this situation and most of you agree with it. Thank you again
Sounds like a perfectly thorough interview to me. Maybe they were just trying to find out if you are as awesome as you SAY you are....
If you don't feel right don't go if they call always go wit what you feel......
It's a huge red flag for what is to come. Since you know for sure you are reporting to that manager, you can already tell it's going to make work even more of challenge and your growth in the company might be filled with roadblock. If you really want to work for this specific company, you might want to consider all aspects.
I would say take the chance but also have other opportunities as to a different employer. I myself dropped 50% in pay just to get work again. It's getting harder to find a job as you age.