A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I recently finished my last semester of university and will be taking just one more class this summer. After that, I will be officially graduated. I had my first professional interview today with a small company. The company has been around for 20 years and employs just 20 people. The interview however, was not what I had expected. The manager asked me a lot about my ideas/proposals for the company as a business marketing major. I did not have a chance to discuss my experiences/talents or sell myself at all. However, he clearly had very little knowledge of marketing. He also warned me that my job would be very boring - Doing basic computer/assistant tasks while simultaneously thinking of marketing strategies for the company. That was basically all he talked about, and he barely allowed me to talk, just dragged on and on. He also emphasized that his job was like an 8-5 jail (not a good sign). At the end of the interview, he asked me to write him a marketing proposal ("open minded," he said, without boundaries), so that he can see my potential/talent and also my writing ability (since he "knows my school is not a good school"--rude). And to consider a second interview. I found it quite odd to be asked for a proposal without even being hired. My gut feeling told me not to give away my ideas for free. Anyway due to the overall impression I received today, I will not be pursuing this company. However, since I was not offered a position just yet, do I still send a thank you email? My dad, who has been there done that, says the interviewer should reach out to me first. But he definitely seemed more casual than professional, and not completely Americanized in culture if that means anything. Am I still supposed to send a sign of respect? I do have much job experience but no office-setting experience so I would appreciate any advice! Thank you.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (23 May 2014): Thank you everyone! I will send the interviewer a short thank you note. This morning he emailed me asking, "Good morning, I thought the proposal would be sent today?" He did not use proper grammar as with many of his emails. I understand I'm inexperienced and I could be reading too much into things, but I think I will go with my gut feeling with this one as a No. Thank you everyone! I am blessed to have so many respondents. :)
A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (23 May 2014):
 I would, like Aunty BimBim and Tisha said send an email declining to write the plan and a second interview...
and if you did want to submit a plan, how about showing him a school assignment you did... nothing that specifically pertains to his company.
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A
male
reader, RevMick  +, writes (23 May 2014):
 As someone who has been on both sides of the desk I can say that we are only receiving your side of this.
I have personally had interviews where the candidate was excellent on paper and would have got the job based solely on that. Only for said person to turn up with a face that said, "I just woke up, I don't really want this job".
As an employer, you can't banish them instantly from the interview because of their facial expressions or body language. You go through a slightly modified interview.
Did you go into this expecting it to be something it wasn't? Were you open minded when you walked in, had you had a good night's sleep etc?
Write a thanks email as bim and tish said. Move on to the next.
I would say that you will be expected to undertake tasks and tests. I still get simple literacy tests, numeracy tests and PC input when I go for certain interviews. You have to do what you are expected to do without whining about it.
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A
male
reader, Mark1978 +, writes (23 May 2014):
 I would be dubious about giving anything to this firm which they could use without you being paid or accredited. I would be a little wary of offering too much before you a have contract. You don't want to be in a situation where this company has your ideas and strategies which they can use and then does not take up the option of employing you.
Maybe im wrong but reading between the lines it seems maybe the interviewer was trying to get you to feel the need to prove yourself by submitting a great marketing strategy. Hoping the digs at your school and talk about your "potential" rather than achievements would make you offer him a top class submission which he can then use to further the company either without you or with you not getting the recognition. Also his description of the job sounded a bit dubious. "Doing basic computer/assistant tasks while simultaneously thinking of marketing strategies for the company" It is a bit like saying "We want you to run our business but also make the tea and empty the bins." - what they want from you is not the same as what they will offer back.
Clearly this guy is neither professional or respectful. Nothing wrong with an interviewer being a little honest about the negative aspects of the role, within reason, nor is it unacceptable for an interviewer to state a job will be boring or stressful, especially if talking to a motivated, bright young person who may be expecting something more challenging/rewarding. But to say your school was not a good one, not allowing you to talk at length and actually saying the job is like Jail is completely unprofessional and clearly created a bad impression to yourself.
I have had similar interviews myself in that respect and its strange how the interview turns around to be more about you listening to and judging them, rather than being judged or worrying how to answer a question.
He put you off and for that reason I would not consider the job. I would also not concern yourself with thanks or acknowledgements. The interviewer was not respectful to you. You did your bit, now its in their hands. If they contact you with an offer of a contract or second interview you should of course reply saying, basically, thanks but no thanks. Other than that I would leave well alone.
Mark
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A
female
reader, Honeypie + ♥, writes (23 May 2014):
 I would NOT send then a proposal for a marketing strategy either. Not as part of an interview. If you had done it for an assignment during uni, ?I can see it, but as part of a interview? Nope. And with a company that gave you such a negative impression? Double no.
I would write something along the lines of what Aunty Bim Bim and Tisha suggested.
Look at the bright side, by having this semi-unprofessional interview you now know that you do NOT want to work there :)
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A
male
reader, Xearo  +, writes (23 May 2014):
The guy was basically saving you all the sales pitch bull shit that comes with a new job. Most young people, after three or more months usually go "this is not what I expected". But in the real world, businesses need to see the motivation before they assign responsibilities. This usually happens when you'd almost be guaranteed the job. And it is common to have proposals/writing skills test after a 1st interview. Sometimes this "test" counts as an interview. At any rate, you should still be respectful with a follow-up. It always pays to be true to yourself.
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (23 May 2014):
 I'd send an email just to get a record of the whole thing and ensure you have something on file if you ever run into these people again in a future hiring situation.
"Dear Interviewer,
"Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position of XYZ at your company.
"I am writing to let you know that I have I decided not to pursue this position as it doesn't coincide with my career goals.
"With very best wishes to your company, and again, thank you for your consideration."
Sincerely, blah blah blah
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A
female
reader, Aunty BimBim  +, writes (23 May 2014):
 If you have definitely decided not pursue a position with this company, and because you have been requested to send further information before a second interview is granted I would consider sending a short email -- something along the lines of " dear Mr So & so,
I am writing to advise further to my interview held on such and such a date I have decided I will not be forwarding the requested information nor pursuing a second interview with you.
I thank your for giving me an opportunity to discuss my skills and attributes with you and am sure you will find a candidate who is a perfect match for the position
regards
blah blah"
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