Interview via Email?

[Lexophile]

I've been playing phone tag with a recruiter at a major company I've been trying to get on with and he just sent me an email saying that the hiring manager was slammed with work and here is a list of questions she wants me to answer in order to determine whether I would be a fit for the job. Has anyone ever heard of something like this before? I understand the need for pre-screening, but Why wouldn't he just say that instead of - this person is too busy to talk to you right now?

[outcastspice]

i am hiring a new employee for my department right now, and since that employee's entire job will be conducted via email (no phone contact with customers at any time) i'm doing the entire interview via email. it's unusual in a job where your presentation and poise will be an issue, though.

[ShadesOfGrey]

It doesnt sound like this is a pre-screening process, if it is, then it may be appropriate, but it sounds more like thsi guy wants to conduct the INTERVIEW via email, which makes me wonder how much time this Boss is going to have to instruct you/train you/listen to concerns you may have/be concerned about employee development and advancement. 

Unless this is a VERY fast-paced industry (more than a normal fast-paced industry), or this is a VERY unusually busy time (as in - I just had 12 of 15 staff members quit and they took their employee laptops with them, plus my boss wants a 5 year detailed listing of all the pencils we have purchased on his desk yesterday) I would simply tell the recruiter that you feel that your time would be better spent on opportunities and positions that are truly interested in you.  It is so rare (no matter how busy one thinks one is) that someone doesnt have a 1/2 hour to size up a person (the interviewer isnt even spending time traveling for the interview!).  Ask what the circumstances are that make him this busy, and if you feel this is an exception to the rule for the boss AND you want this particular position badly enough, then do it.  If none of these things apply, set some boundaries - you are worth it!

PS - the recruiter may try to push you into doing it in various ways - dont let him/her.  If s/he is truly interested in placing you in the best situation (which generally they aren't, they are just interested in placing you in the best situation for the next XXX time, until they get their commission).  A good recruiter will recognize that you have standards, and will look for better listings because of this. 

let us know what you decide!

[Adah]

I see this as an opportunity to have a chance to really think about how you want to respond to their questions. Interviews are stressful, in part, because you feel like you're being put on the spot. An email interview removes that.

[Lexophile]

Adah -

I agree with you. I went ahead and answered the questions because I always have been better at communicating in writing than I have in person. I did put a sentence in the response, however, that said I am looking forward to speaking with the director in person.

[dragonflygal]

"PS - the recruiter may try to push you into doing it in various ways - dont let him/her.  If s/he is truly interested in placing you in the best situation (which generally they aren't, they are just interested in placing you in the best situation for the next XXX time, until they get their commission).  A good recruiter will recognize that you have standards, and will look for better listings because of this."

rdge - The role of the recruiter is to source candidates in a way that suits the client, who is the one who is paying for the recruiters time.  While the recruiter should try to meet all of the candidates needs, at the end of the day it is the client paying the bill. If the client wants the screening (or interview) questions done in email, the recruiter can suggest a face to face meeting - but ultimately it is the clients' decision.

[ShadesOfGrey]

dragonflygal - that is a really good point. It's true that the client pays the bill, and so what is most convenient and best for them should win out.  It also stands to reason that what is good for them is a candidate who will stay with them a very long time, so it is also in the recruiters interest to pay attention to the candidates they place too. 

That being said, the way the OP phrased the post led me to believe that the boss was too busy to do a face-to-face interview (not pre-screening, which is the job of the recruiter, IMO) which really makes me wary of working with this guy.  Granted, it could just be a bad time for the manager.  But it would definitely make me wonder about the environment I was going in to.  Of course, this is just my impression, and it could be completely off-base for the OP's situation! 

I guess I was replying from my own poor experiences with recruiters and jobs! It sounds like the OP answered the questions, so

OP-Best of luck to you!

[Lexophile]

Thanks, rdge.

I have mixed feelings about this whole thing. The recruiter has been EXCELLENT about keeping me abreast of my progress as a candidate, but he keeps telling me the director is really busy. I understand people get busy, but my concern is this: the position is a management position and I have limited experience managing people. The director knows this (I said in one of my earlier emails that I have never had a direct report), and is still asking the recruiter to contact me for further information. On the off chance I actually get this job, I am concerned that the learning curve will be kind of steep and this director person won't be around to provide any sort of direction. Further, I have limited confidence that the director even read my emails thoroughly if she's so busy. SHe may be galloping on with this process and completely unaware of my lack of experience. Don't know.

I think I am definitely READY for the challenge, I just doubt the availability of the tools and resources I am going to need to meet it. We'll see what happens. They may not even want to interview me.

[dragonflygal]

Redleo12, have you discussed your concerns about support and leadership advice being available if you were to win the role?