Unless you’re the employer, of course. In that case, you can do anything you want, apparently.
I usually post these on Mondays but this is too good to make you wait. So, long story short, I’m back in the job market and I’ve been applying for jobs. This gives me the opportunity to see the goods, bads, and uglies of today’s companies. Hint: it’s mostly bads and uglies… almost exclusively. Here’s something that’s both bad and ugly; it’s my story of the job interview that wasn’t.
A Copywriter is What They Needed
And that’s what I’ve been for the past 25 years. The company deals in affordable and somewhat elegant jewelry that it sells on its own TV channel, but the job didn’t pay well. Oh, who am I kidding? The salary was absolutely dismal but when I need work, I can’t afford to be picky. So, I applied for the position and quickly received this message:
“Hi John Ribner,
“Congratulations! [Company name, which shall remain anonymous] would like to set up a 10 minute video interview with you for the Copywriter job in Metro Detroit.”
Ignoring the fact that they didn’t hyphenate “10-minute,” I chose a day and time for the interview – 11:30 AM, Thursday, August 18, 2022 – and looked forward to speaking with the hiring manager. When I woke up this morning and fired up my computer, I was surprised by this alert:
“The employer canceled the interview. Please contact them with any questions.”
I’m Used to Rejection Letters
They come with being in the job market. But I’ve never been rejected after I’ve applied but not after the prospective employer scheduled an interview. That’s why this particular rejection had me feeling some kind of way. So, I gave them a call this afternoon and asked why the interview was canceled. An HR hack – probably sitting in some dingy cubicle – promised he’d “look into it” and get back to me. True to his word, he did, and this was the company’s official reply:
“We did investigate why the interview was cancelled. We noted that Indeed had automatically invited you to apply to the job. Once we had looked over your resume, it was determined that we would pursue other candidates and there was no reason to have a Zoom interview.”
So, It’s Indeed’s Fault, is It?
While I can look past their misspelling of the word “canceled,” I can’t forgive dishonesty, even a small, face-saving one such as this.
“To whom it may concern,
“I appreciate the quick response on this matter. I also have a suggestion – perhaps your company should take a moment to check applicants’ resumes BEFORE you schedule an interview with them. Granted, I might not be the CEO of a local QVC knockoff, but I know that Indeed doesn’t schedule interviews on behalf of employers.
“Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more workplace policy suggestions.
“Sincerely yours,
“John P. Ribner”
What Can I Say?
Even when I’m unemployed, I’m still willing to help companies improve their performance outcomes.
About Indie Author John P. Ribner
Born in Flint, Michigan. Raised by narcissists. Victim of a drive-by shooting. Writer. Singer/songwriter. Punk rock enthusiast. Martial artist. Social critic. Iconoclast. Author of “Wasted Youth: The Narcissism Recovery of a Punk Rock Kid from Flint.”
