Wow, Strange Interview!

[Robinrs]

I had three, yes, THREE, interviews with a company here that I'd love to work for.

During the FOURTH interview I was introduced to the direct boss I'd be working for. She told me she likes the team to work well together so she wanted me to meet them.

I happened to know two of them so that was cool. What blew my mind is the boss introduced me to about 6 people in the office and just LEFT ME THERE!!!

I stood there (in my element, mind you) while about 5 or 6 other people came and introduced themselves to me, it was like a cocktail party!!!

After about a half hour or so, the boss comes back and takes me back to her office.

When I told some people about this they said they would've DIED if that happened to them. I'm an extrovert so I didn't mind but it definitely was a strange way to conduct an interview, though important to see how people interact.

Would you have liked to be in a situation like that????

 

[Serena]

I would be really uncomfortable. Not counting my post count, I am not a talker. I am way too shy for that. I'm not so shy that I would be sitting in the corner like a mouse, and I would do it, but I wouldn't like it.

 

[Rafiki31]

I am also a talker, so it would have been ok! So do you like them??? Do you want to work there? I think it will give YOU a good feel too. I think if you get to this point, then an offer is soon to follow.

 

[Stacerita]

Very strange. I would have chatted everyone up and been "on".

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

It wouldn't bother me. It reminds me a lot of what my college did. Because I skipped high school I had to go to something called a Prospective Student Overnighter. Girls wanting to enter the program were required to stay in the dorm for a night. I hosted several girls myself later on. We would give information to the staff on the girls and that was a very important consideration in whether or not the girls were accepted into the program. This sounds like something similar. No sense in hiring somebody who is a total turn off to the entire team.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Good Luck, hope they make you an offer.

Seems like she was testing the waters to see HOW you'd handle it, as a team player interaction with your co-workers is vital. I would think that if you stood there and was unable to participate in a conversation it would've blown the deal.
So, I'd rather think that the interviewer "planned" that rather than think, she has no idea what the heck she was doing or how to interview and instead threw you into a room with potential co-workers,

OH, and it would have been fine with me too...used to supervise 15 before becoming self employed, so socialization skills in a business arena is fine with me.......

 

[DebbieB]

I think it's a good sign that she introduced you to the team. What kind of job is it? If it involves interacting with others, I think it's a good test.

 

[Allison]

Actually, that doesn't seem strange to me. I met and talked with about 25 people while in the interview process for my current job ranging from all the people who would be working for me to vice-presidents.

I'm sure the people you talked with were asked about their thoughts on you after you had left.

 

[BelleWDW]

It wouldn't bother me. It reminds me a lot of what my college did. Because I skipped high school I had to go to something called a Prospective Student Overnighter. .

How is it that you skipped High school?
Did you go right into college?

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I guess if I really needed to find a job in this economy and a 1/2 hour meet and greet would get it for me, I would do it with a smile!

 

[bumbershoot]

Sounds like they are very interested in you, and they really value the opinions of the other employees.

My brother does hiring for his department at the company he works for, and they do ALL sorts of things during interviews, just to test the employee. Sort of like what Microsoft does, but MORE. And while he hasn't told me that he's had a party like that, I'm sure he would do it. He'll bring in 3 or so other employees to just sit there during an interview...not have any questions, or maybe ONE pointed question, but otherwise they just sit there...just to see how the candidate reacts. He told me that one guy, who was pretty audacious with something he chose to wear, had such confidence that they were just grilling him, and while the guy was talking, he managed to flip off the chair...the guy got back up, sat down, and continued on like nothing had happened. Along with his knowledge and skills, THAT moment got him hired.

All that said, sounds like sorority rush, which gave me nightmares, both times I TRIED to get through it. (my secret shame) I hate interviews.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I have seen that done a few times when DH applies for jobs (though often it is a lunch out with coulleges for him). It was done for me when I applied to the small town library I used to work at and when I left (to move) my replacements last interview was chatting with me and the otehr staff while the head librarian ran the circulation desk for about a half hour. I think it is a really good way to see how everyone will get along.

 

[Green Tea]

Actually, that doesn't seem strange to me. I met and talked with about 25 people while in the interview process for my current job ranging from all the people who would be working for me to vice-presidents.

I'm sure the people you talked with were asked about their thoughts on you after you had left.

I think the same thing. It seems quite typical to me. I don't think you were so much left alone as you were put into an informal group interview.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I think the same thing. It seems quite typical to me. I don't think you were so much left alone as you were put into an informal group interview.

Agree.

 

[BelleWDW]

I happened to know two of them so that was cool. What blew my mind is the boss introduced me to about 6 people in the office and just LEFT ME THERE!!!

I stood there (in my element, mind you) while about 5 or 6 other people came and introduced themselves to me, it was like a cocktail party!!!

After about a half hour or so, the boss comes back and takes me back to her office.

:

I am guessing she will later talk with these people to get their "feel" about you-maybe they will be co workers?

So what type of position is it?

 

[Robinrs]

I am guessing she will later talk with these people to get their "feel" about you-maybe they will be co workers?

So what type of position is it?

I agree, she probably asked them afterwards which I HOPE went over well.

It's a position with a local TV station that just came open because a former co worker of mine retired. It's a rare and coveted position and I'd LOVE to take it.

I posted this because I wanted to get a feel of whether this happens a lot or if this was an isolated thing. I've interviewed for jobs since 1980 and this was the first time I had something like that happen!

I guess it happens more than I knew, which is awesome because I WISH I had done this with people I've hired!

 

[LuvOrlando]

Sounds like a behind the scenes look ant what to expect. I've never heard of it but it sounds like a fantastic way to break the ice and avoid expensive hiring mistakes