The strangest interview - AIBU?

I would think this was the formal registration process with the agency, and that if you are shortlisted for the job they will call you for an interview where the job will be? They shouldn't have called it an interview but more of a "registration" with the agency.

No, that's utterly ridiculous. I'd be furious too.

No, that's utterly ridiculous. I'd be furious too.

It's ridiculous. If they had wanted to know what you look like, which shouldn't matter anyway, you could have sent a photo.

I guess they could have been ensuring that it was definitely you who answered the questions, on spec? Cos if I was sent it I'd try harder to answer the question 'right' by asking others and stuff.

Jesus, I hate recruitment consultancies! I'd be writing to them complaining about the procedure and telling them you're not interested in working with them in future.

I've had something similar in the past with a recruitment agency when I enquired about a specific vacancy - was requested to attend an interview at 10am (say), took all my documents and dressed smartly, went into reception 5 minutes early, told the woman I was here for the interview arranged by XYZ, spent the next 15 minutes sitting in the waiting area, eventually just got handed a form by a random woman who didn't introduce herself and told me to hand it in at reception before I leave. And that was it! ? The reception lady said they'd contact me within a few days.

I wrote off an email to complain (and ended up getting a job with another, much more straightforward, agency instead), unfortunately this was a small recruitment firm so I'm not sure the apology they send ended up changing how they worked, I do know they were taken over by a large (national) company shortly after so I hope they've changed since then! You're not in Edinburgh by any chance are you, talking about the same company The one I'm talking about begins with an M

Exactly. At least I would have know what to expect.

And what does my face have to do with the job?! (It was not a modelling postion!)

Glad I am not the only one who thinks it strange....

And surely if they wanted to put a face to name, you'd have met more than the receptionist?

Sorru I realise maybe I did'nt sound too sympathetic! It is ridiculous though and id be fuming too....but if I were you i'd ask if you will have a formal interview later if shortlisted.

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That is pretty poor. I used to work for a recruitment agency & while the 'interview' awasn't conducted for a specific job, we did at least do it face to face & it took 45min-1hour. They should have explained. I'd be pretty cheesed off.

With regard to 'putting a face to a name', they have to check that your fizzog matches that on your passport etc for legal reasons. I can't remember the exact reasons why as since becoming a full time mum, my brain has developed the memory & intelligence of a marshmallow.

Agree with Magnolia - as an ex-recruitment consultant, we had to interview everyone (once they'd filled in a form and completed any appropriate tests). Not to do so was against our quality standards, even the students who came in for summer temp work had to be seen by one of us.

Frankly, I wouldn't set much store by whichever agency this was - how on earth are you supposed to find someone their ideal job if you've never even spoken to them? Grrr....

I had something similar happen to me. Got a phone call inviting me to an interview, lied to my work so I could get time off, got all dress up in my suit. Got there and spent ages filling in a form and they pointed out that I was just being short listed and was it was not really an interview! Like you I left wondering why they referred to it was an interview when I never got to speak to anyone. However I did eventually get an interview thankfully I did not get the job as the company went into liquidation about a month after!

Bloody recruitment agencies are a pain. I have wasted far too much time on them, completing typing tests, maths tests and pointless forms like the one you had to complete.

My tip is to make sure you ask load of questions before you decide if it is worth the effort of going to see them.