Terrible interview with DAA

trobbin

Hi all, I am posting this to inform people of an interview I had this week, and I would love some opinions.

I recently went through an interview process for a job in the daa, as an ASU officer. The process started with a group interview, where 10 candidates where all together in one room and each asked a couple of questions. I'm still not sure how they chose between us all, but I was successful.

The next stage was a psychometric test and a personality test, both online. This process was dragged out; between getting the test piece and getting the result, took a full week. The test was very easy, and I was successful.

I then progresses to first round interview. I was told before the interview what competencies I would be graded on, and that I should study about the daa. I already knew these things, but the information was welcomed. I was told at the end of the 45minute interview that I was successful. I was told it was the best interview so far, and some of my answers, where the best she had ever heard. I was also told, that they try to pick even minor faults, but I didn't have any. She said, "I can tell which people get the job, and you will". I was obviously very happy at her vote of confidence, but I'm a worrier, so I didn't let it make me complacent, and I continued to study hard and prepare for me big day.

So I arrived for my interview (10 minutes early) I had done everything one should do, fresh haircut, even got a manicure (first ever) as I know they like well kept nails. I was shinny clean, as always, with a quality suit, basically as one is expected to be.
I was left waiting for 50minutes past the scheduled start time, I was getting very nervous. Nobody came and told me they where running late, and when I was finally called, they didn't even apologise? I entered the room and I was very polite, I had good eye contact when shaking the mans hand, but the woman wouldn't look at me when I shook her hand.

She then started to read through some formality notes, but while doing this her phone kept going off, and she was checking text messages. It was off putting. She continued with the formalities and then explained it was shift work, I of course knew this already. She said, "you'll have to get up at 2am. You won't like that" In a tone that wasn't pleasent. I just replied "I really don't mind shift work" which is honestly the truth. Anyway this lasted for a few minutes, and I was very worried at this stage by her attitude (she still had made no eye contact with me) and the man remained completely silent.

So I should point out I was also told what competencies I would be graded on before this interview, plus questions about the company and why I would like to work there. I wasn't asked anything about the daa, or why I wanted to work there. I wasn't asked on the competencies that had been listed, well I was with 3 questions, but each question was about that experience in a negative situation.

Now I'm a plumber by trade, and I have many education forms. But I want a career change. On 3 occasions during my 13minute interview I was interrupted with the question, "why would a plumber want to be a security guard?" In a very very derogatory tone. And just to note I answered it the first time, when I said "I see plumbing as more casual contracts these days, I'm looking for a secure company that is also growing. I would like the position as I feel very suited to it, giving my suitability" I then tried to list competencies that linked with the job, she again interrupted me and said "yea, yea, I understand you're listing competencies for the job, but why does a plumber what to be a security guard?" It was very agreesive in tone, and I knew I wasn't getting the job. In fairness I had known before that point.

Listen to an example question. "Have you ever worked in a multi cultural environment?" I said "yes" then asked "what differences did you find?" I said "it was no different than working with Irish people" her head lifed and her voice raised "no different, NO!" I said "no" she then said "well what would you do if you worked with someone that couldn't speak Engish?" I said I'm not sure, but if there was much communication involved it would be difficult" she said " yea, but what would you do?" I felt horrible and I just said "I don't know, maybe show some diagrams to each other or something" she "sigh"

I could list every question in detail, but I hope you people can understand the style from my example. My other questions where just negative; time of conflict in work (that's a fair question), dealing with an irate costumer (fair enough), tell me about a bad customer experience (fair question) tell me about a decision you regret (fair enough) tell me about a time you where a leader, not a member of a team, and you where challenged by conflict (again that's ok) ... But they where the only questions I was asked, all negative. Not one thing positive, of course when I answered those questions I tried to put a positive spin on them, but it was a really strange feeling in the room.

Anyway, I didn't get the job. I recieved an email on Friday morning confirming this. There's also still interviews taking place, so they didn't need to see the others, before dismissing me.

I'm very upset at this, but please don't think I'm only upset because I didn't get a job I desperately wanted, I am very upset about how they behaved in the interview. I felt so low and deflated when I left that building. When they told me the interview was over after 13/14minutes, I was shocked as it was supposed to be 45minutes. I said, "really, I had so much prepared about the role and company" I was again answered with a "sigh" from the lady.

So what would people make of that?

thisNthat

I'm sorry to say this but I'd say that job was long gone before you or any of the others were ever seen. They had someone picked out (Probably internally) but needed to go through the motions for protocol and to give the impression of a fair and balanced employer etc etc blah blah

You see it in the public service jobs, they're advertised because they have to publicly advertise even tho on most occasions they already have a candidate for the job, usually internally but have to go through the motions anyway.

I understand it was horrible to go through but you probably dodged a bullet there, Image dealing with them d***heads on a daily basis? F*** that

Keep the head up,

trobbin wrote: »

Hi all, I am posting this to inform people of an interview I had this week, and I would love some opinions.

I recently went through an interview process for a job in the daa, as an ASU officer. The process started with a group interview, where 10 candidates where all together in one room and each asked a couple of questions. I'm still not sure how they chose between us all, but I was successful.

The next stage was a psychometric test and a personality test, both online. This process was dragged out; between getting the test piece and getting the result, took a full week. The test was very easy, and I was successful.

So what would people make of that?

Divisadero

All I can say is try and put it behind you. It really is ridiculous the process you are expected to go through these days for virtually any job and having large numbers of applicants is no excuse. It sounds like you prepared really well and went above and beyond what was required and after all the testing the interviewer behaves like that! What a waste. You can judge whether someone is likely to be a good security guard (and many other roles) on the basis of one interview and a criminal record check. Of course psychometric testing and hr is big business these days. It sounds like their loss.

ABajaninCork

Rude and unprofessional clowns. Clearly, they have delusions of grandeur, and haven't the faintest notion of polite behaviour.

Put it behind you and move on. I'd be thinking I dodged a bullet there - If that's how they treat their candidates, I'd imagine that company to be a nightmare to work for.

InReality

The interviewer sounds really unprofessional. You could see if they have signed up to a code of conduct , most public service jobs HR side should be. You have a good case for an appeal in that the interview was only 15 minutes for example.
Also they should should have taken notes on the examples you gave of each competency. I think you can ask to see them .. So if they didn't do that thats another ground for appeal.

Look up publicjobs.ie and then maybe you could ring them to see if the DAA are signed up to their code of conduct.

I'm sorry you didn't get the job as you clearly wanted it and had done the preparation.

dudara

IIRC, you are entitled to request the notes from your interview.

trobbin

dudara wrote: »

IIRC, you are entitled to request the notes from your interview.

I'm not sure what good it would do, even if I could obtain those notes?

I have sent feedback about the final interview with daa, to the recruitment agency. Their reply said exactly this
"Hi My Name

Your email has deeply troubled me, I was very surprised by your result, as you performed an exceptional interview with myself.

Please bear with me, I need to ask my boss how we will proceed with this.

I'm very sorry for how you were treated (my name) and thank you for bringing this to my attention as I was unaware of this.

I will be in touch soon."

As I said before it's fine not getting the job after the interview, it happens to everybody at different times, but to be treated that way. I'm so disappointed with myself, because I knew I should've stood up and gave it back during the interview, but I really wanted the job and I never really disrespect people anyway. I held back because I thought, maybe this is normal. Maybe all the interviewees are receiving this treatment.

And to think it's a state owned company. The level of professionalism on my interview was atrocious.

LynnGrace

Please don't be looking on it as something you did, or didn't do, that caused this. My reading of it is that you went in well prepared, and very professional in your approach, so I don't think you have anything to regret on your side of things.

Perhaps as others upthread have said, the job was already gone, or that you dodged a bullet, if that sort of behaviour is considered acceptable.
It might be useful to request the notes of the interview, or some type of feedback.
In saying that, be prepared for them trying to justify what they did, by knocking you, in some way.

Overall, try to look at it for what it was, a bad experience, and hopefully your own professional preparation will lead to a better outcome elsewhere.

All the best, OP.

therecklessone

Hi OP,

Was the final interview conducted by DAA staff or by a recruitment firm?

I'll grant you that the experience you've outlined sounds awful, but to me it sounds like a cack-handed attempt to take you outside your comfort zone to see how you would react.

I'm an Arts graduate working in a totally unrelated field, and I was questioned in my final interview in a similar way to your own. I tried to do all the same things you did, highlighting the positives etc etc, but one particular member of the interview board insisted on challenging every single answer I gave.

The impression I got was that if I gave 100 positive answers to one question they would have come back with a 101st.

And I was leaving a part-time position in the DAA (Aer Rianta back then) to apply for the new external job...;)

trobbin

therecklessone wrote: »

Hi OP,

Was the final interview conducted by DAA staff or by a recruitment firm?

I'll grant you that the experience you've outlined sounds awful, but to me it sounds like a cack-handed attempt to take you outside your comfort zone to see how you would react.

I'm an Arts graduate working in a totally unrelated field, and I was questioned in my final interview in a similar way to your own. I tried to do all the same things you did, highlighting the positives etc etc, but one particular member of the interview board insisted on challenging every single answer I gave.

The impression I got was that if I gave 100 positive answers to one question they would have come back with a 101st.

And I was leaving a part-time position in the DAA (Aer Rianta back then) to apply for the new external job...;)

The interview was by daa staff. Apparently a HR representative and the ASU team lead, although google and linked in would argue different. Being honest I am not certain of their positions, but they were 100% daa, and it was in the airport.

They may of introduced a wild tactic, such as that. But, I would've thought a role playing set-up would be more productive. Would that tactic also have been why they were late 50minutes, and never apologised, and also her use of mobile phone? Maybe they were all tactics, but I remained very calm and professional, so surely I would've passed? Unless they wanted an angry reaction.

I understand your thinking on the matter, but I honestly don't think that was the case. I could be wrong.

therecklessone

trobbin wrote: »

They may of introduced a wild tactic, such as that. But, I would've thought a role playing set-up would be more productive. Would that tactic also have been why they were late 50minutes, and never apologised, and also her use of mobile phone? Maybe they were all tactics, but I remained very calm and professional, so surely I would've passed? Unless they wanted an angry reaction.

The delay is unlikely to have been deliberate, but the lack of an apology and the use of the phone suggest a person who is convinced of their own methods and sees nothing wrong with such behaviour as it fits into the overall objective, i.e. to make you uncomfortable and push you beyond where you are comfortable.

I'm guessing the HR person was the female interviewer?

Did the male interviewer say much?

trobbin

therecklessone wrote: »

The delay is unlikely to have been deliberate, but the lack of an apology and the use of the phone suggest a person who is convinced of their own methods and sees nothing wrong with such behaviour as it fits into the overall objective, i.e. to make you uncomfortable and push you beyond where you are comfortable.

I'm guessing the HR person was the female interviewer?

Did the male interviewer say much?

It was impossible for me to know which was which. I'm confused if she was HR or ASU.

No the male interviewer said barely nothing. She done 90+% of the talking on their behalf.

Again even if this were their objective. Why so rude when I was leaving, interview was over, if it had all been an act, just leave on a polite note? Why cut the interview so short? I honestly don't think that was the case, and again if it was. How should I have reacted? Because I remained very focused and calm, for instance, I felt I answered even their strange questions well.

P_Cash

I've had bad interviews though no fault of my own, i remembered in 2006 been interviewed by two people who had 0 communication skills, i was left doing the talking. It was awkward, long silences while they built up the courage to ask another,
Weirdly, i got the job, but turned it down as i didn't like the people representing the company, felt if this was mgt and superv, what's the staff like?. .

Granted, different times, i picked up another job a few months later, and still in it, happy out. They have sense been bought over and all jobs gone.


To finish it.
When you interview for a job, don't forget, they are having a look at you. you want the job, but remember your also interviewing them and the company.

smcgiff

ABajaninCork wrote: »

If that's how they treat their candidates, I'd imagine that company to be a nightmare to work for.

The DAA is a great company to work for. Where possible they will hire internally for the job. They don't need to interview externally for show. The ASU are very much sought after roles.

OP,

Your answer re multiculturalism was very poor, but you probably know that now.

It's easy for the security staff to deal with people that comply, less so with difficult people. Body language is important and you said you were nervous.

trobbin

smcgiff wrote: »

The DAA is a great company to work for. Where possible they will hire internally for the job. They don't need to interview externally for show. The ASU are very much sought after roles.

OP,

Your answer re multiculturalism was very poor, but you probably know that now.

It's easy for the security staff to deal with people that comply, less so with difficult people. Body language is important and you said you were nervous.

I said I was getting nervous while waiting for 50minutes. I wasn't at a visible level of nerves, and I was very prepared.

Well my answer to that question was honest. I didn't find it any different working in multicultural environments before, so what should I have said? Also I do thing working with someone that couldn't speak English would be difficult if much communication were involved, again that's why I said it. I hardly think that's a major mistake, what would you have said?

Stheno

trobbin wrote: »

I said I was getting nervous while waiting for 50minutes. I wasn't at a visible level of nerves, and I was very prepared.

Well my answer to that question was honest. I didn't find it any different working in multicultural environments before, so what should I have said? Also I do thing working with someone that couldn't speak English would be difficult if much communication were involved, again that's why I said it. I hardly think that's a major mistake, what would you have said?

You could Have said you'd try to find a ttranslator?

smcgiff

trobbin wrote: »

I said I was getting nervous while waiting for 50minutes. I wasn't at a visible level of nerves, and I was very prepared.

Well my answer to that question was honest. I didn't find it any different working in multicultural environments before, so what should I have said? Also I do thing working with someone that couldn't speak English would be difficult if much communication were involved, again that's why I said it. I hardly think that's a major mistake, what would you have said?

A more correct answer re multiculturalism is to acknowledge its existence and impact.

I'd point out the importance of females only performing female body searches. I'd have highlighted religious implications and that I would look forward to receiving the required training. This would have shown an understanding that was lacking in your answer.

Also remember this was not the first round interview and so it was going to zone in on pertinent questions such as how you acted in certain awkward situations.

And if you realised you were nervous before hand you probably were nervous in the interview whether you were aware or not. Not that being a little nervous is an issue.

Mena

Stheno wrote: »

You could Have said you'd try to find a ttranslator?

Would be more about understanding and adapting to different cultural norms which would be particularly applicable to the role as described.

OP, based on what you've said here I'm not surprised at the outcome. Between nerves, regarding normal competency based questions as negative, a poor answer to a critical question (multicultural) and some other indicators, based on this I'd politely decline as well.

I'm surprised by the number of folks stating the interview panel etc was unprofessional, seems pretty normal to me for a corporate culture (and this in and of itself may be a big leap to get used to going from a plumbing job to tell the truth, it's a whole different world for good or bad).

At the end of the day knowledge of the company etc is of minor relevance compared to suitability for the role and relatable experience.

And pluming to security is a big switch, I'd press here as well until I got a response I understood or believed.

jackboy

If how you described the interview is true then the interviewer sabotaged your chances. It has nothing to do with how you answered the questions. Some people are nit picking here.

trobbin

smcgiff wrote: »

A more correct answer re multiculturalism is to acknowledge its existence and impact.

I'd point out the importance of females only performing female body searches. I'd have highlighted religious implications and that I would look forward to receiving the required training. This would have shown an understanding that was lacking in your answer.

Also remember this was not the first round interview and so it was going to zone in on pertinent questions such as how you acted in certain awkward situations.

And if you realised you were nervous before hand you probably were nervous in the interview whether you were aware or not. Not that being a little nervous is an issue.

I understand what you're saying and I agree with some points, but the question wasn't worded or even angled in a way that your answer would've suited.

Can I just say, when I was asked about dealing with an irate customer, which was before the multicultural question, I did say, "well I would first listen to the customers complaint as it's important to listen and understand why they may be upset. I would explain back that I understood their worry and I would deal with from then on. I said it's important to understand this as their could be an upset customer over some religious or even disability that isn't visible"
I said much more on that question. But I'm just pointing out, my knowledge and understanding of different needs was evident.

I'm still not saying I nailed the question, but I was being asked these questions in a very hostile way.

I do appreciate the input of others on the matter, however, I feel I need to put the experience behind me and move on, so I won't be posting on the subject further.

Thank you all for replying.

Divisadero

Good idea. You may not have got the job but you didn't 'fail' that interview. The interviewer did. Don't let it put you off applying for other positions (corporate or otherwise) they aren't all that bad!

Best of luck Trobbin.

Seems like a typical old fashioned, traditional, highly political, poisonous, bureaucratic organisation where the interviewers not only have the skills or competencies to perform the basic level required of them but they can't even show up on time in the first place.

You could have answered some questions better but everyone could in hindsight especially coming from some of the know-it-all's on here. Regardless of how you answered, there was basic level of respect missing in the first place from the people interviewing you.

Move on and keep improving.

Jack Sawyer

smcgiff wrote: »

The DAA is a great company to work for. Where possible they will hire internally for the job. They don't need to interview externally for show. The ASU are very much sought after roles.

OP,

Your answer re multiculturalism was very poor, but you probably know that now.

It's easy for the security staff to deal with people that comply, less so with difficult people. Body language is important and you said you were nervous.

For the record I wouldn't have been victim blaming in this scenario - The OP didn't somehow make that woman live her life like an ignorant unprofessional boor by understandably being slightly nervous in an interview and to my mind it seems as though he did very well given that every breath he took was met with disdain, disapproval and bullying "sighs" - Its tough to answer when you're swimming against the tide that obviously and for all we know that woman has already picked her nephew for the role......

OP best of luck, their loss, with your attitude you'll nail a job soon and don't let the *******s get you down

delthedriver

Op, please put this experience behind you. TBH, don't go back to them looking for their notes etc, it won't change a thing.

You are obviously a very bright & intelligent person. Take whatever positives there were in this experience and look positively towards your next job application.

It is not the end of the world, who knows what else is around the corner.

Stay positive & be kind to yourself:)

The Masculinist

smcgiff wrote: »

The DAA is a great company to work for. Where possible they will hire internally for the job. They don't need to interview externally for show. The ASU are very much sought after roles.

OP,

Your answer re multiculturalism was very poor, but you probably know that now.

It's easy for the security staff to deal with people that comply, less so with difficult people. Body language is important and you said you were nervous.

Poppycock. The experience the OP outlined is entirely unprofessional. Keeping a candidate waiting for such a long period, checking your phone and the aggressive tone of the interviewer is entirely uncalled for and unprofessional. I have interviewed many candidates and I would never treat someone like that. There was no need for the interviewer to sigh or shout when the OP gave his answer to the multiculturalism question.

OP, do you intend to apply to the DAA again for a position? If not, I would request the interview notes and make a formal complaint. I don't think it will guarantee results, but it might give the interviewer a bit of a headache and make her think twice again before engaging in such awful behaviour. All the best mate, chin up and keep going :cool:

smcgiff

The Masculinist wrote: »

There was no need for the interviewer to sigh or shout when the OP gave his answer to the multiculturalism question.

The OP never said the interviewer shouted. They raised their voice, as is common when expressing surprise with an answer. Raising your voice and shouting are orders of magnitude different.

Also, as you quoted my post. Can you specifically point out what I said was poppycock and why? Thanks in advance.

The Masculinist

smcgiff wrote: »

The OP never said the interviewer shouted. They raised their voice, as is common when expressing surprise with an answer. Raising your voice and shouting are orders of magnitude different.

Right you are. It still doesn't take away from the unprofessional nature of the interview. The OP should not have been treated in this way.

The Masculinist

Adding a poster to the "ignore list" is another good way of keeping your blood pressure down.

smcgiff

The Masculinist wrote: »

Right you are. It still doesn't take away from the unprofessional nature of the interview. The OP should not have been treated in this way.

If you read back through my posts you'll find I've not defended the interviewer. I have pointed out where I think OP could have done better. He specifically asked my advise and I gave it.

Others may have judged it harsh. I didn't think so.

delthedriver

The DAA interview is over !

What can be done here to help OP prepare for his next interview ?

Can someone supply constructive interview techniques ?

Come on guys and gals , we want the OP to succeed at his next interview

smcgiff

delthedriver wrote: »

The DAA interview is over !

What can be done here to help OP prepare for his next interview ?

Can someone supply constructive interview techniques ?

Come on guys and gals , we want the OP to succeed at his next interview

I'd be happy to answer any more questions the OP has by PM.

Nody

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kerry4sam

trobbin wrote: »

Hi all, I am posting this to inform people of an interview I had this week, and I would love some opinions...

Anyway, I didn't get the job. I recieved an email on Friday morning confirming this. There's also still interviews taking place, so they didn't need to see the others, before dismissing me.

I'm very upset at this, but please don't think I'm only upset because I didn't get a job I desperately wanted, I am very upset about how they behaved in the interview. I felt so low and deflated when I left that building. When they told me the interview was over after 13/14minutes, I was shocked as it was supposed to be 45minutes. I said, "really, I had so much prepared about the role and company" I was again answered with a "sigh" from the lady.

So what would people make of that?

thisNthat wrote: »

I'm sorry to say this but I'd say that job was long gone before you or any of the others were ever seen. They had someone picked out (Probably internally) but needed to go through the motions for protocol and to give the impression of a fair and balanced employer etc etc blah blah

You see it in the public service jobs, they're advertised because they have to publicly advertise even tho on most occasions they already have a candidate for the job, usually internally but have to go through the motions anyway.

I understand it was horrible to go through but you probably dodged a bullet there, Image dealing with them d***heads on a daily basis? F*** that

Keep the head up,

I went for this one interview in the public sector and passed, joined etc etc and it was from passing that I spoke with another girl who was also successful. She asked me was there the OOOO that was on her interview form on mine also and I said nope. A relative of hers who held a very senior position in same organisation had informed her it was for One Of Our Own!

Now others would've been interviewed also more than well prepared & capable & suitable but unsuccessful because of what happens in interviews similar to this here and limited places available.

Sorry to hear that you were unsuccessful on this occasion, in this interview. Sometimes the interviewee would be the only one in the room to not know the outcome before they even enter. Decisions would be made well before-hand in some instances.

You could ask for your interview notes and see what feedback you're provided with. May find something helpful for your next interview

Keep the head up though,
Try & keep Positive,
kerry4sam

Nody

//MOD

Locked on request of OP.

//MOD