If you cast your eyes back to my post dated 14th August you will see that I had the pleasure of applying for the job I am already doing.  Well!  Seems that my skills check - maths, writing a letter etc was great and my application and CV divine (well not quite, but good anyway, despite there amost being some snot and tears during the skills test over a particularly hard question).   So, the tests to see if I was capable of doing the job I have been doing for a few months proved that I could, with bells on.  All was looking well, Pigalina was a little shiny button on a pile of plastic ones screaming pick me, pick meeee! That was until my interview.

I went in, armed with notes as was recommended and, seemingly, looked upon favourably.  (I don't know about you but taking notes to an interview implies you are making most of your answers up and need some prompting).  I had great scenarios worked out about how I am so awesome with clients and go out of my way for them by talking to the IRD on their cellphones or calling the doctor to make appointments for them.  It was going to be a breeze.
When I got in there I poured myself a glass of water so that I looked relaxed and the inevitable dry mouth of fear would not be a problem.  The questions began and I could have fallen to the floor and assumed the fetal position.  None of my scenarios matched the questions, my notes were useless and I flailed around trying to come up with answers.  They asked me one question ("Tell us about a time you had to explain something that the client did not understand") that would have been great with one of my scenarios until they added "With a client that you had never met before." Curses!  One of the interviewing panel knew the scenario that I was going to use and knew that I knew the person.  Damn!  Rather than just lie and say it anyway I floundered before pulling a crappy one out of the air.
Don't even get me started on the diabolical question on Integrity.

So a week later results were announced. I got taken into the little seminar room where the manager told me that Pigalina was to remain a temp.  After that stellar performance?  Outrageous!  Seems that skills tests have nothing to do with it where I work and it all comes down to points scored during the interview.  Yes, interview well and you can get the job even though you may not be able to tell how many beans make 5 and couldn't even write a letter to Santa.  She said that my interview had really let me down and that I took (useless) notes in but didn't refer to them.  Boo-urns!  I had kind of expected it but it still didn't stop me wanting to have a little blub.  I had to sit there and keep a happy face on and then to make it worse the whole office knew something was afoot and I had to walk out all nonchalant and head back to my desk.  Apparently this very predicament has faced others in my office.  Surely it is time to rethink the hiring process?

So I remain temporary until the next round of interviews due to start soon.  I am to be coached by my manager and trainer on interview skills and we will do mock interviews.  How embarrassing!