Treated unfairly in an interview

[cac1985]

I worked for a company my son works for in 2007. I was 6 months pregnant and was covering someone on maternity leave. Me and my Son worked in the same department doing the same role and worked together exceptionally well. I left a few weeks before my due date and was told i done an amazing job.

 

After the birth of my third child, i made a trip back to my sons work with the baby and was told that i could have the job if it ever became available.

 

The job recently became available and my son applied for me. My interview was almost like a chat and i wasnt asked any questions as the managers who interveiwed me already knew me and said that i done a brilliant job etc.

 

I never got the job in the end and wasnt even advised accordingly. The manager said to my son the lady who got the job had experience of doing some marketing for our products whilst at her last company. When my son asked the lady she said no i havent done any marketing for your company, she continued to say that the company printed a logo of the company on jackets but that was it.

 

The other lady had a proper interveiw, was asked all the questions etc and i wasnt.

 

I feel as though i wasnt given a proper interview and that they have not picked me for a job that they wouldnt have had to train me for (as i had done it before) because i am his mum.

 

Is there any law or any actions i can take? There must be something in place that prevents these type of things or that i can take this issue to?

 

Please help.

[alex2258867]

Hi,

 

Sorry to hear you didn't get the job.

 

I have just spoken with our HR person and she has told me that unfortunately there is nothing you can do. If you had something in writing from them saying that the next vacancy that opened up would be yours, you may have a case.

 

HR have told me that, as difficult as it is to digest, it sounds like they have taken on someone who they believe is better qualified for the role.

 

The 'marketing' comments to your son was probably made to soften the blow of you not getting the job.

 

Probably not what you want to hear, but onwards and upwards.

[cac1985]

Hi Alex,

 

The marketing comment has since been proven inaccurate. The successful candidate has stated that she had just left employment with a major bank and that the only involvement she had work-wise with this company was when she worked for a cleaners several years ago when they my companys logo on their aprons and that she was unaware of this any other “marketing campaign.” The company i worked for is a food company dealing with complaints!

 

Isnt it confidentiality not to discuss someones position with others before you have even been told yourself. I was not given an interview. It was a 15 minute chat. The successful candidate who had no experience within that direct role had over an hour interveiw before i arrived and obviously a decision had already been made prior to my arrival. I am confused as to how they can come to a decision when one candidate had a full interview and I was not!!! Therefore, how could I overcome any interview reservations if I was not given a fair chance to demonstrate my abilities and skills which the other candidate was allowed to demonstrate. My final conclusion is that this has given me an unfair disadvantage although the advantage should have been mine as i had worked in that job.

 

Can you advise?

 

Thanks

[alex2258867]

Hi cac1985,

 

Leave it with me until Monday. I will speak to my HR again, show her your last post and will let you know her thoughts.

 

Personally, I think you have been screwed over, but I will find out as much as I can about the legalities of the situation.

 

Will be in touch ASAP.

 

Keep your chin up

 

Alex

[alex2258867]

Hi cac1985,

 

Ok, I have spoken with my HR again and told them of your plight.

 

If you were definately told that the next time there was an opening, the job was yours then you may have a case. It will be very difficult to prove unless you have it in writing or at least someone who witnessed the conversation.

 

However, you will have to keep in mind that your son does still work for this company and any action that you take may have an affect on his job. Although they can't involve your son in the dispute, they could make his life there very uncomfortable.

 

I have to ask a question that may be difficult for you, but is there any chance that your son in fact does not want you to work with him and the employer just went though the motions to keep you happy? You did ask your son to set up the interview, perhaps he felt pressured to do so?

 

Please forgive me for asking, but you need to be 100% sure your son wanted you to work with him and had no involvement in the outcome of your 'interview'.

 

If you can prove that you were offered the first opening, did not receive a proper interview and your son had no involvement, seek advice.

 

Just please be very carfeful of the affect it may have on your sons career.

 

Cheers and good luck!

[solidstate]

Hiya cac1985,

 

would you really want to work for a company who treats people like that? You say you got an unfair interview - ask yourself how fair would they be if you were working for them and any other problems arose? So maybe is not meant to be or you are better off without being employed by them.

 

The qualities a person holds and their loyalty to a company is no longer considered these days. It is all about how much they can push you to the limits (and get away with it) and how many long hours or overtime you are willing to do. Irrespective if you have to look after family or not. It is coercion that an employee does overtime. Or you are frowned upon for doing only your normal hours of work.