Second Interview.

[plasmahal]

Here is a situation I have not come across before but was told by my senior manager that it is common place....

So, I work for company A who is a service supplier for company B.
Company B pays company A to deliver a service how they see fit as long as it's meets customers requirements and SLA's.

Company A needs to replace a technical manger and the first interviews go through as per the norm.

It is then understood that a second interview will take place along with Company B so the customer has some say or influence on who company A then hires.

Is this the norm?

I liken it to me going into a high street shop or somewhere like Tesco's and having a say at who they do or do not hire.

Surely a company providing a service should be trusted to get the best person for job and the customer expects to get the service they require regardless of who's hired.

 

[skyripper]

Surely a company providing a service should be trusted to get the best person for job and the customer expects to get the service they require regardless of who's hired.

Why take the risk, when 1 hour of someones time at the end customer gives some due diligence that "We can work with this guy too" when the customer and you will probably be having way more interaction than you with your actual employer. Its not normal for office admins. Its very normal for managers running huge projects or delivery of a significant service.

 

[dowie]

don't see the issue... if the technical manager is going to be handling their account then they're going to have a say anyway - better for company A that they do it before they hire the person

alternative is that company A hires a technical manager, Company B doesn't like him and says give us someone else

ditto to consultants etc.. though it shouldn't happen frequently it isn't unheard of for a client to not approve of a consultant and request that they be replaced

 

[HangTime]

Dunno about 'the norm' but it certainly happens and makes sense. If you have a major client you are providing services to, and you have a role which involves a lot of engagement with that client, and indeed the customers of that client, then it is understandable that you want to ensure they are happy.

Remember that in some cases the employee of company A may interact with customers of company B. Therefore company B will want to make sure that they are confident in the person who is effectively representing their interests, even if they are not a direct employee.

In fact this scenario is kinda similar to something I experienced lately - I interviewed consultants from a firm we have a partnership with to ascertain if they were suitable to work on my project. I didn't want to just have any random person assigned who might then lose us credibility with our key stakeholders.

 

[MooMoo444]

If it is a tier 1 client then you will definitely want to bend over backwards to try and make them want to stay with your company. Involving them in that way could go a long way to strengthening the relationship.

 

[WYNIR0]

Happens all the time. My 3rd interview for my current role included 30mins to meet the client, as did interviews for several previous roles. If you are going to be managing the service to a client and effectively maintaining the day to day relationship it makes sense that you can stand the sight of each other before you start.