What do you think of this?

So DH has been interviewing for this one firm in Frankfurt. They have been in regular contact with lots of questions and he has has two video conferences instead of interviews because of location.

They said two weeks ago they would get back to him the end of that week. The following week DH sent an email asking if they needed more info from him. They asked a few questions about how long he has been working at his place and a few other questions, which DH answered.

So this morning they sent DH an email asking him to call them. They asked for him to call German afternoon time (on a Saturday), which is in the middle of the night here. It is also a cell phone number which is $$$$ (about $10 for 10 minutes). We have a calling card so it won't be horrible, but it will be much more than calling a landline.

The thing is why would they do this? Do you think it will be bad news? And they are making us pay for the bad news? The firm has been very good paying for the video conferences etc.

I just find this strange.

Thanks for reading.

Message edited 7/10/2009 10:34:41 PM.

Re: What do you think of this?

I think it is odd that they want him to call them. in the time it took them to craft the email, they could have easily picked the phone and called him.

Re: What do you think of this?

Yeah, I am scratching my head as well. maybe they didn't call because it was the middle of the night here .

It isn't some dodgy firm either; their reputation is good.

Maybe it is some cultural thing telling people good or bad news over the phone.

Well, I'll know in about 10 hours or so.

Re: What do you think of this?

It does sound weird, but they must know it's the middle of the night where you are. It could be their way of allowing him to call at his convenience, instead of them calling and possibly waking up the entire house.

Good luck!

Re: What do you think of this?

That is very strange...I agree with you that it could be a cultural thing. Hoping for good news!!!

Re: What do you think of this?

Well he chatted with the partner. It was a good chat, but no straight answers. He said that he and another partner agree he would be great for the firm and to wait a bit more. Apparently, they need the approval of a higher up person. They then talked about logistics and how he could do his law bridging course in London for four weeks.

They said they would get back to us this week, yet again . I can't take the waiting, I just want to know.

To me it just sounds like there are ends that need to be tied up before they can give him an offer. Why else would they want to have a chat about work on a Saturday?

Re: What do you think of this?

Honestly, I think it is prob down to your DH and to someone else and they are just taking their time making the decision. It sounds like they like your DH but they are also factoring in moving your DH to the new office and if they are covering those expenses v. hiring someone local. As frustrating as it is, in circumstances like this you just have to go with the flow. Good luck to your DH.

Re: What do you think of this?

he is in law right? I think maybe they are looking into getting him to German "standards" (meaning bar or whatever) - I wonder how often they hire out of country or out of continent KWIM?


the waiting is always torture...I remember DH's interviews when we were coming back to NY - and that was just from CA

Message edited 7/11/2009 12:45:00 PM.

Re: What do you think of this?

I work in recruitment and when I have people to call in other countries, especially in Australia or New Zealand where there is a big difference in the time zones, I do often ask them to contact me at their convenience. Its easier for the candidate in my opinion. Its just easier because they can call me when they are free.

eta...Lisa, saw a hysterial interview with Ralf Hutter last night, I thought of you. Kraftwerk played at the Manchester Velodrome this week with cyclists riding all around them. Awesome, so peeved we missed it. you can google maybe Miranda Sawyer Ralf Hutter on youtube to watch it. It was awesome.

Re: What do you think of this?

Erica- yes, he is in law. Luckily he wouldn't have to do anything for German law as it is a British law firm. He would just have to do something for British law which is close to Australian law.

Racheeeee- I'll have to check out that interview. Shame you couldn't make the show.