Natwest, passed interview but no job!? wtf.

It was possibly a pre-selected candidate from the start. Apparently, if companies cannot recruit from within the organisation, then in certain instances (I don't know which, sorry) the law has something (don't know exact wording) about that they must open up the vacancy to allow 'free and fair competition.' This can mean staging a dummy recruitment drive where no candidates are selected, but means that the company has fulfilled their obligation to this, as as long as the job is recruited for according to the rules then there is nothing wrong with having someone already in the job and the recruitment process being false.

She could call up and ask why she didn't get the job, but not much else really.

Reply 2

sparkle86

That is really bad. She has been told she's got it and now she hasn't! I'm sure citizens advice could help her. That can't be right to do that, surely.

Karen x

Reply 3

~Kirsty~

its not right, but if nothing was written down the company will probably just deny it.

Reply 4

OP

Thanks everyone. Well I don't think NatWest will be able to deny it. The lady from the bank left a voicemail message congratultaing her so that's evidence. The thing is, have NatWest really done anything legally wrong, and would it be worth the hassle... like what does she stand to gain if she protests or whatever (apart from being blacklisted from natwest's prospective employees list).

Reply 5

~Kirsty~

i think a job's only secure once a contract's been signed, i think. I'm no lawyer, so i don't really know. Its just really mean and nasty!

Reply 6

Fluffy

15

Given that is was 'the job' and not a specific named job, that the market can change rapidly, and the fact that she's on a list awaiting a suitable vacancy, I doubt tyhere is much that could be done.

She could write and voice her dissatisfaction, but she might not want to rock the boat.

Reply 7

mancGrad123

Intelligentsia

Thanks everyone. Well I don't think NatWest will be able to deny it. The lady from the bank left a voicemail message congratultaing her so that's evidence.

I think its unproffesional leaving a voicemail offering a job anyway to be honest, but that is besides the point.

In response to the conspiracy theorists out there; i doubt very much that Natwest would practise those sort of loopholes, even if they did why would they offer her a job? wouldn't it be easier just to reject him/her at interview stage?

The most likely explanation is that it was simply a staffing oversight on Natwest's part.

Dissapointing, but put it down to experience.

Reply 8

OP

Romper

Where about in the country are you talking about?

Liecester

Reply 9

tinkerbellejess

13

Jaffa Gardens

It was possibly a pre-selected candidate from the start. Apparently, if companies cannot recruit from within the organisation, then in certain instances (I don't know which, sorry) the law has something (don't know exact wording) about that they must open up the vacancy to allow 'free and fair competition.' This can mean staging a dummy recruitment drive where no candidates are selected, but means that the company has fulfilled their obligation to this, as as long as the job is recruited for according to the rules then there is nothing wrong with having someone already in the job and the recruitment process being false.

She could call up and ask why she didn't get the job, but not much else really.

But in those circumstances (dummy recruitment drive) they wouldnt hav phoned her up saying she'd passed the interview, telling her someone would get intouch with a training schedule...therefore implying, that she'd got the job. There must be someone she can complain to, as that, as an employee is unfair. It could probably almost class as unfair dismissal, as she'd been as good as offered the job over the phone

Reply 10

Montrose

The company have done nothing illegal, although I do not like the practice. Essentially, telling someone they have passed the interview for employment, and will be given a job when one arises. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common. Companies want the recruitment process sped up so that when they need someone, there is someone right there without having to interview. ASDA were looking at doing it when I left in May. They should at least tell them this at interview.

Reply 11

ChemistBoy

16

Alex Mann

The company have done nothing illegal, although I do not like the practice. Essentially, telling someone they have passed the interview for employment, and will be given a job when one arises. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common. Companies want the recruitment process sped up so that when they need someone, there is someone right there without having to interview. ASDA were looking at doing it when I left in May. They should at least tell them this at interview.

I completely agree and I think it is very unprofessional and shows a lazy ethic in HR, but I can see why companies keep it a secret. Good candidates aren't going to bother going to an interview that has no firm offer of employment at the end of it. My advice to the person concerned is keep applying for jobs so you can have the satisfaction of giving Natwest the fingers when the phone up in a few months time to offer you a position.

Reply 12

Pink Lady

I don't doubt companies practicing unprofessional conduct like the above mentioned one bit (in fact, I posted on dummy recruitment above), but I don't understand the 'gain' from it. I personally would simply move on if rejected from a job and not hang around waiting to be called a few months later, and I'm sure many people would do the same.

For school student-type jobs at ASDA, where there is not so much urgency to find a job, people may be more tempted to wait as they might not have many other options, but for people like the OP's friend, I really don't see them going to work there months later, unless they haven't found another job or had their heart set on that particular place. The OP's friend is lucky that there are lots of other banks, and I hope she has better luck there.

manGrad123:I know of places where a member of HR has admitted they do this, so I wasn't being a 'conspiacy theorist' when I brought up the possibility of this.

Reply 13

Montrose

Jaffa Gardens

I don't doubt companies practicing unprofessional conduct like the above mentioned one bit (in fact, I posted on dummy recruitment above), but I don't understand the 'gain' from it. I personally would simply move on if rejected from a job and not hang around waiting to be called a few months later, and I'm sure many people would do the same.

The gain is they can fill a vacancy as soon as one arises. If they have 20 people on a list, either a) 1 of them will be free or b) they will be offering more money than at least 1 on their list is currently earning.

I still hate the practice though.

Reply 14

Pink Lady

Ah, I see! It is still bad though.

Reply 15

OP

Hmmm.. thanks everyone. Wasn't really aware of this practice of prospective cherry picking under the illusion of a job - I mean they explicitly advertise a vacancy! What I don't understand is why there was the mention of the training schedule and everything. Just an internal communication breakdown within NatWest?

Reply 16

Montrose

Most likely. If they are anything like other companies I have worked for, well....I have never seen a company that is good at internal communication.

Reply 17

OP

lol cheers.

Reply 18

George Agdgdgwngo