Interview times and appointments... how much notice?

[jeepgirl, LPN, NP]

I have applied for a community health nurse position. I've been invited to interview twice. However, each time they attempt to schedule they give me very little time and / or flexibility in scheduling the interview.

The first time, I was invited to interview. They called two days before the date of the interview. But, I was to be away on vacation, and I told them that I would be unavailable for it. They were very insistant, and it is a really nice job. They pretty much said that if I was unable to interview on that day, they wouldn't be able to schedule me an interview. Therefore, I was forced to decline the interview.

Well, apparently that person didn't work out. So, the job came back open within a few weeks. They pulled my file, and invited me to another interview. They did it AGAIN. They called on Wednesday afternoon (late) wanting to interview early Friday morning. I was unable to make that date due to an important school engagement. I was very nice to the HR person on the phone, and I actually said to her - "I'm really interested in the position, but I can't do much unless I have at least a few days notice. I can do almost anything with one week of notice." She explained that they set up an interview day and if the person invited to interview was unable to come on the day and at the exact time they specified, there was not much she could do... as the person who did the hiring wanted it done right then. She explained that the person doing hiring had just put it on her desk that afternoon and wanted the interviews done that Friday. So, I politely declined the interview.

Is this normal?

Every other job interview I have had I have had at least 5-7 days notice. This just seems so odd to me... but maybe I am asking for too much. Any input?

[underwatergirl]

I believe it has to deal with observing how flexible a person can be...however I don't think it is very professional for that manager to request an interview with only a day or two notices.

I do believe 72 hours is a responible time for someone to make arrangements, again I am single with no kids so easy for me but for parents I can def. see the problems arising.

I would call or write the person wanting to interview and express you interest in the position and then give a list of days you are available for an interview...I say for the next two weeks and at least 5 days. That shows your flexibility and interest in the position.

Good Luck Hun,

Annette

[OC_An Khe]

No this is not normal. Remember that an interveiw process is a two way street. You are being interveiwed for the job and you are interveiwing the prospective employer. Such little concern for other people's prior commitments and lack of notice tells me a lot about this prospective employer. I would steer far away from them. If they treat prospective employees this way how do you think they treat their regular employees?

[LadyStorm]

No this is not normal. Remember that an interveiw process is a two way street. You are being interveiwed for the job and you are interveiwing the prospective employer. Such little concern for other people's prior commitments and lack of notice tells me a lot about this prospective employer. I would steer far away from them. If they treat prospective employees this way how do you think they treat their regular employees?

I agree with you. What if you were employed full time but looking for a different job. How can you possibly attend an interview with a prospective employer if you are scheduled to work. Do they want you to call in sick? I am sorry but a call from them asking YOU when it would be convient to come in for an interview would be better. No wonder the first person didn't last on the job!!!

[Altra, BSN, RN]

How can you possibly attend an interview with a prospective employer if you are scheduled to work. Do they want you to call in sick? I am sorry but a call from them asking YOU when it would be convient to come in for an interview would be better. No wonder the first person didn't last on the job!!!

I agree -- this doesn't sound promising.

But if you're still really curious about the job, maybe you could call them again with your schedule in hand and say you'd be available for an interview on these certain days over the next few weeks.

If that doesn't work, unfortunately I think you're going to have to write this one off. Presumably the hiring manager would want to interview successful, employed professionals, but is unwilling to make reasonable arrangements. Not a good sign.