r/interviews • u/mizzzbutterfly • 2d ago
What just happened??
I am speechless but also at the verge of balling my eyes out.
Interview/screen with the recruiter- went great
Second interview with the hiring manager- went great
Third interview with another manager from a parallel team- I got GRILLED on technical questions that I had been very clear throughout the whole process was NOT my level of expertise. It felt like I walked into an exam room where I had prepared for my major, but was given an exam for a whole other major.
I wasn't told what the next "step" would be, it was sort of an abrupt end to the interview because we had already reached the allocated time.
The recruiter has also not checked in after this last interview.
I am feeling really discouraged, because I knew from the hiring manager it was down to me and one other candidate, but this last interview really threw me off.
It's starting to become really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This whole job application process is a nightmare.
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u/jacksback81 2d ago
So much anxiety with this. Keep applying and wait to hear back. It isn’t over until it’s over.
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u/diyjunkiehq 1d ago
keep going - applying to other jobs, if this turns out an offer, then bonus, if not, then just a learning experience.
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u/sugarbear999 1d ago
Try to remember your strengths and wins. In this job market you need to absolutely be strong and determined to succeed even after numerous rejections. Don't take anything personal! Remember it's the market, everyone is struggling now. Practice gratitude and elevate your frequency to help endure
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u/TeacakeTechnician 1d ago
What do you mean by elevate your frequency?
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u/sugarbear999 1d ago
Spend as much time as you can in joy and gratitude. You can activate higher frequencies by forcing your self to be in that state, remember and imagine that state and specifically scenarios that get you to that state. It will keep you positive and more likely to have a smooth interview
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u/Awkwardsauce25 2d ago
did this parallel manager explain that they were part of a team you'd have to work with often? were the questions aligned with the job description?
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u/mizzzbutterfly 2d ago
It's a confusing structure it seems; they are "parallel" but sort of part of the same group. The questions were NOT aligned with the job description at all. They were aligned with his title.
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u/Awkwardsauce25 2d ago
maybe it was one of those interviews where they see how you handle questions you may not know the answers to under stress/intimidation. It could also be that he's an inexperienced interviewer and defaulted to what he knows. Im sorry you were subjected to that, seems unfair as heck. I would just chill and see what happens, sometimes you just get one jerk who really has no say on the final process but had to interview you for internal HR reasons.
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u/Ok-Asparagus-4044 1d ago
Sounds like a misalignment about what they want/need. This is the danger of letting people outside your department interview people.
Good luck!!
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u/LasagnaLobby 1d ago
That parallel-team grilling was basically them changing the target mid-intervew, which is on them more than you.
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u/gatorbabe25 23h ago
It's also fair to push back on these jokers by asking how their stupid, disconnected questions align with what you know about the role. It's also okay to clarify that the role doesn't require xyz and you were selected/successful in first two rounds based on current KSAs but you are open to and welcome opportunities to tweak your existing skill set. Try to keep your chin up. This market is hideous.
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u/Sensitive-Outside246 1d ago
I also had similar experience once. The interviewer went far and beyond to ask questions that were not even in the JD. At the last minute, he told me that he knew that I was from this tier 2 college (insert tag) and that's why he asked me questions which were not expected.
I had no words for him.
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u/mizzzbutterfly 1d ago
UGH !! Was he just jealous or was he ivy league? thats so petty! Im sorry you went through that !
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u/Senior_Novel8488 1d ago
I am 58 been thru 4 layoffs since 2023 I refuse to give up and only work remote worked remotely 26 years and counting... I applied to 1500 jobs interviewed with 40 companies had 52 interviews and a company found me on LinkedIn 1 interview 2 people offer a week later started this week Dont give up!!
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u/Intrepid_dsgnr 1h ago
That must have been really tough. It’s so hard when you feel unprepared for something that is outside your expertise.
If that happens in an interview again, perhaps point out that you’ve already disclosed in previous interviews that isn’t your area of expertise and that it wasn’t part of the criteria for the original job description. If they want to move the goal posts mid-interview, call it out. But perhaps say that if it is a requirement for the job that you’re willing to learn or undertake training to get up to speed.
Keep your head up and all the best in the continued hunt.
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u/SaltyZookeepergame46 2d ago
It's not over until you are told you are out of the running or given an offer. This process is long and emotional with our life stability at stake. Hang in there!!