Short Interview

Gael23

I had an.interview today which lasted just less than 20 minutes. Is that a good or bad sign? . There was only 1 interviewer as the other person was unable to make it.

murphym7

Depends on what type of role you were applying for really.

Gael23

its a trainee accountant role

sawfish

ryanf1 wrote: »

I had an.interview today which lasted just less than 20 minutes. Is that a good or bad sign? . There was only 1 interviewer as the other person was unable to make it.

Could have been a first round "get to know each other" interview/meeting? ?

Maybe the longer interview will be next (if you make it through)

Gael23

sawfish wrote: »

Could have been a first round "get to know each other" interview/meeting? ?

Maybe the longer interview will be next (if you make it through)

The tone was fairly informal so that may be the case

Nelly1234

ryanf1 wrote: »

The tone was fairly informal so that may be the case

Could be a meet and greet interview like poster said above! They could have second round interviews.

Mr. Loverman

It's normally a bad sign, sorry.

I guess all you can do is just wait and see.

playedalive

I guess it all depends.

I had an interview today for a newsagents that lasted less than five minutes. I didn't even have a chance to sit down and relax before she put questions to me. I am pretty sure I didn't get it. Also the fact she's interviewing all day today probably means more than likely I'll be forgotten. I guess I can't say I didn't try.

murphym7

I was looking after the recruitment for some junior finance roles a while back for a senior finance head. They literally met the candidates for 10 minutes. I was appalled at the lack of respect, but that was their style. This is not common. Actually, come to think of it I think they were giving Accounting Managers 30 minutes a pop. This guy was a bit of a strange fish though. 20 minutes is nota long time, but for a trainee role, maybe you might be OK.

L.Jenkins

I've noticed that in some cases, time is irrelevant. I've often spent in excess of an hour on the phone for an interview and never proceeded to the next round or got the job. So I wouldn't worry about it. If they interviewer likes you and your CV, s/he will call you back for a follow up interview in time.

ongarboy

I think it's quality rather than quantity that matters with interviews. I had an interview before Christmas that lasted only 25 minutes and I did worry that it was too short also but lo and behold, I got the job!!:D

Gael23

ongarboy wrote: »

I think it's quality rather than quantity that matters with interviews. I had an interview before Christmas that lasted only 25 minutes and I did worry that it was too short also but lo and behold, I got the job!!:D

He siad he was impressed by my work experience so I really tried to sell that and he also seemed to think highly of my degree.
It didnt feel as formal as I was expecting it too, but maybe thats the norm for a graduate job.
Its going to be a long week:)

Gone West

For a trainee role, you can't infer much from just the fact that the interview was short.
He could have to fill 20 positions, and have to go through lots of applicants.

But for a more senior job, normally they want to spend half a day with you in total to get a feel for how you are, to see if you would be a good fit for the company.

Gael23

There are 2 jobs. I think they are interviewing 10 or 15 people. At the end he said he would call or email next week. I asked would only successful people be contacted and he said no that everyone would but that I was in the top 10-15% of people so that was good. Not sure what , if anything to take form that.

redout

I had an interview last week, albeit a group interview. The person spent 10mins describing the position and then the next 10mins going around the room asking the 9 of us one question each and that was that! I thought that it was a complete waste of time truth be told. I was expecting some sort of a group task which we would be evaluated on etc.

Mr. Loverman

redout wrote: »

I had an interview last week, albeit a group interview. The person spent 10mins describing the position and then the next 10mins going around the room asking the 9 of us one question each and that was that! I thought that it was a complete waste of time truth be told. I was expecting some sort of a group task which we would be evaluated on etc.

Was it for a sales position?

redout

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Was it for a sales position?

Nope. Security officer position which would involve working as part of a team.

road_high

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

It's normally a bad sign, sorry.

I guess all you can do is just wait and see.

+1. Any short interview I've ever had I didnt get the role.

Ray Palmer

I have gotten jobs on very short interviews. Quickest was 5 minutes on the phone and I had the job. A little different being a contractor but I have being offered perm work from 10 minute interviews.

If you answer all questions clearly and concisely you can wiz through them. I am so used to questions I get asked I often answer them before being asked. It is actually a real good way to take control of an interview and avoid question you don't like. In saying that I would suggest you learn to answer any questions you don't like.

Gael23

Expecting to know today but norhing yet. Dont know to be more or lesd hopeful as the day goes on.

Gael23

I didn't get it.
I knew it in my heart but was hoping that either my CV had sold me or it was only an initial screening interview. I still haven't answered the email because I can't think of anything nice to say.