Job Discussion Forums

[neverheardofem]

I was invited to have a telephone interview with BC centre recently. The interview stated that it would be at 8am on the Wednesday of the following week (I received the invitation the Thursday beforehand). I could not do that time due to other commitments and replied immediately asking if the following week would be possible. I've heard nothing since, so I'm assuming they didn't like this request!

It seems a little unfair and unprofessional of them. I've had many telephone and Skype interviews and have always been either given a few options of times to choose from, or asked to suggest some that might be mutually convenient.

Is this normal behaviour from the British Council? Was I the one in the wrong? (I should have rescheduled previous appointments/commitments if I really wanted the job?)

I know that It makes very little difference now for this particular job, but I was just wondering as I am a little confused, and in case I should ever apply again!

[psychedelicacy]

[Hod]

The BC are not so overloaded with quality teachers that they can turn down a candidate who requested another time slot. It sounds like forgetfulness or a lost e-mail. Call them.

[golsa]

I apologize for necromancing an old thread, but thought this would help readers in the future.

I worked for BC until recently.

They're actually quite inflexible in the way they do things, which can be both good and bad. For example, when they first contacted me for a job interview, I had to cancel the interview because I had a class that I couldn't cancel at the assigned interview time. I reapplied and got an interview in the next hiring round (very few places will let you get away with that one!), scored highly, and was given a job.

The thing future readers must understand is that getting anything done at BC doesn't involve one person; it involves calling or emailing three people. I was perfectly happy with this as the organisation is very well managed, the procedures were very clear, and I was treated like a I professional every step along the way.

If BC offers you an interview, please do your best to understand that changing the interview time will be difficult for your interviewer as it would involve hem emailing or calling 3 other people about the change. BC is a bit more inflexible than other organisations in this regard, but it's not personal, nor is it because they're swamped with people better than you; it's simply how they operate.

yea, BC is a bit inflexible, but they they're a wonderful outfit to work for and will treat you very well.

[adaruby]