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male
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anonymous
writes: Question about a job interview.A few unsure feelings:I am currently on a gap year working after finishing college a year ago. I am looking into an apprenticeship within construction and noticed a trainee draughtsperson position locally so I applied. I recieved a letter around 8pm regarding an interview, and the interview was in fact the next day - in the morning, and I could not attend as I was working. I phoned up and the manager appologised for the short notice and I re-arranged the interview a week or so later. At the interview I found it to be quite professional and sat down with two interviewers, the managers and some other person who did not introduce himself. During the interview I was told various things about the company and shown drawings. But then the one man [not manager] started going on about a trainee they took on a year or so ago and started saying he was abcent a lot and eventually quit. I found this to be quite negative.And basiacally throughout the interview they were slating this young lad. However they sounded quite keen to sign me and liked the fact i'm less than 5 minutes away and can drive, but this negative attitude to someone they took on made me a bit unsure. They didn't mention other trainees being succesful at all and just mentioned they have taken on trainees before but no mentioned to where they are now.The manager was a nice chap, though I got a strange impression about him and the way he interviewed, it was like he was really really trying to sell the company but in an obvious way, and I felt there was quite a lot of insecurity and past mistakes he was trying to clear up. I dunno it's strange.They have actually invited me to do a days work experience next week to see if I like the place, but I don't know why I keep having these unsure feelings in my head about the place. The company has won countless awards but I don't know if there are secrets within the company and maybe these trainees from the past left or quit because of the company itself.I am young and inexpereinced with interviews and was wondering if anyone can tell me if these negative things are a good thing or a bad thing? And also things I can tell from an interview that will make me think 'no'.Thanks in advance Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (10 April 2008): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThanks for your responses. I will have to see what I think when I go in. But I just was a bit confused with the negative response. It made me think well 'why was this trainee not interested'.
A
female
reader, Tisha-1  +, writes (9 April 2008):
 Your gut is telling you something is off with this company, and is probably worth listening to.
My suggestion would be to specifically request that you spend time with past trainees who are now full employees during your day on the job visit. I think this is a reasonable request, you can tell the manager that you'd like to get some firsthand insight into the trainee-to-employee transitions at the company.
It may be that this 'failed' trainee was such a nightmare that they are being especially careful and conservative, or it may mean that they grind trainees up, chew them well then spit them out! I would be very curious as to how many trainees go on to full time employment with them.
Good luck, and do keep looking for other job opportunities.
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A
male
reader, Banoffee  +, writes (9 April 2008):
 In my experience, both personal and second-hand, negative behaviour of an employer at interview or at the beginning of a new employee's contract is usually followed up by negative behaviour of the employer on the job and is usually associated with some poor management within the organisation. Look at it like this: if it were a positive working environment, what would be the need to express any negativity? And anyway, what's the objective of telling you about a trainee that quit? I think it's barmy! If it grates with you, they're not the kind of guys you want to be working with!
I get the impression your standards are higher than these guys'. Are they the best of the bunch for you? I'd go for a few more interviews elsewhere and be honest with yourself about how good you are, and what you want.
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A
female
reader, girlnextdoor19592003 +, writes (9 April 2008):
 Unfortunatley if something doesnt feel right it ISNT. Trust your gut...in an interview that probably did not last more than an hour they did a few things really wrong...number 1 you have been introduced to EVERYONE and them to you, and then the cardinal sin....talking bably about a past emloyee...that says unheatlhy work environment to me. It is like a first date, anyone can be on perfect behavior for that first date....but they didnt even do that....watch out for this one is my gut feeling to
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (9 April 2008): Perhaps a day at the company would be a good idea - see what they are like - maybe when they take on a trainee they expect too much from them.... expect them to perform as a qualified person [at a lower remuneration]! If you do decide to take the position, make sure they give you a full job description of all your duties, otherwise you might find that being able to drive, you might land up being the delivery service!! Good Luck!!
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