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Failing an exam, What to say at an interview

  • 14-06-2012 05:15PM
    #1
    Funkyman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46 ✭


    Hi all,

    I am a final year engineering student who has failed one of his exams and has to resit it in September. I was invited to an interview tomorrow so should I mention it straight away or not say anything until they ask?.


Comments

  • #2
    paddyzk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭paddyzk


    I'd mention it but don't give loads of excuses.Be straight with them.
    But don't make it seem like nothing as well.


  • #3
    chris85
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,502 ✭✭✭chris85


    Would be bad form not to mention it. If they offer you a position they will not be happy with you coming back and telling them then.

    Tell them your determination to pass it and the work you are putting in to ensure it will be passed. No excuses is right as mentioned, will sound poor.


  • #4
    sweeney1971
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 191 ✭✭sweeney1971


    Never volunteer information. I have interviewed lots of people over the years. Just be smart, always accept a coffee if offered and be early for the interview. Polish your shoes!

    I interviewed a young lad once. He said his last job was a 'Counter Technician' he kept skirting around what this was. We nailed him down and it turned out he worked for a 'Chipper' He had the basic qualifications but he was so up front and jolly we gave him the job.


  • #5
    sweeney1971
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 191 ✭✭sweeney1971


    PS Good Luck and I hope it goes well.


  • #6
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,265 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    Is the job dependent on a certain grade? ie a 2.1?


    If you fail a final year exam (in my experience) usually results in only receiving a pass degree.Have you looked into this?


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  • #7
    Kavrocks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,347 ✭✭✭Kavrocks


    sweeney1971 wrote: »
    Never volunteer information. I have interviewed lots of people over the years. Just be smart, always accept a coffee if offered and be early for the interview. Polish your shoes!

    I interviewed a young lad once. He said his last job was a 'Counter Technician' he kept skirting around what this was. We nailed him down and it turned out he worked for a 'Chipper' He had the basic qualifications but he was so up front and jolly we gave him the job.
    Sorry if I'm reading this wrong but are you not contradicting yourself by first saying 'Never volunteer information.' and then 'he was so up front and jolly we gave him the job.'?

    Surely to be upfront you need to volunteer information?


  • #8
    chris85
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,502 ✭✭✭chris85


    godtabh wrote: »
    Is the job dependent on a certain grade? ie a 2.1?


    If you fail a final year exam (in my experience) usually results in only receiving a pass degree.Have you looked into this?

    Yes very common this is. I think some college just use the failed module as zero marks in terms of calculating overall result. Unsure of exact specfics. Luckily never done a repeat.


  • #9
    Dilbert75
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,724 ✭✭✭Dilbert75


    Be honest if you're asked about exam results - if that takes saying "I obviously didn't prepare well enough and I won't let that happen again", then so be it. I probably wouldn't volunteer it unasked - "Hi I'm Fred, pleased to meet you, I've failed an exam" probably wouldn't be well received!


  • #10
    Funkyman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46 ✭Funkyman


    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for all the replies. I completed the interview and it went well and I am awaiting a reply. They never mentioned anything about my degree so I never said anything about the exam. I will though if I asked in a second interview.


  • #11
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,265 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    Funkyman wrote: »
    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for all the replies. I completed the interview and it went well and I am awaiting a reply. They never mentioned anything about my degree so I never said anything about the exam. I will though if I asked in a second interview.

    I'd be more worried about them asking for proof of grade


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  • #12
    Funkyman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46 ✭Funkyman


    I have been told by people at college that you only receive an overall pass degree if you fail the resit of the exam. Otherwise it will only be a pass for that module but depending on your other grades you will receive a 2.2 or 2.1 etc.
    My other grades were at the 2.1 level and higher so im awaiting a regrade of the exam paper and fingers crossed there will be a different result.


  • #13
    tramoreman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭tramoreman


    dont mention it unless asked


  • #14
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,265 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    For your first job as a graduate (even more so now when they have their pick of candidates) you will be asked for your grades ie a job offer would be made on condition of getting a 2.1. I've seen lately that a first is the minimum expected grade


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