Getting Interviewed in England- and the excuses

(I had written this 4 years ago- at the end of it, I did get a good job. But now I am looking again, and I find the situation to be even worse!!)

Seven years and a little red book later, I count myself as a naturalised citizen of England. Far away from my native India but convinced about the secularity of cosmopolitan modern London.

Except that of late I am wondering…do the silent polite English mean anything they say? I have often heard such rants from my friends and I have been quick to disagree in perhaps too much of solidarity with my adopted nation.

Its my turn now... I confess I am somewhat of a rarity, an Indian woman working in International sales in Telecommunications, married, with a fourteen month toddler.

Company 1- I was asked how I would manage a potentially challenging job with a baby, in fact why was I even working in this line? I preferred the directness, I explained my plans. In the final round, Mr Senior was smooth and very polite.But the feedback-I had been a strong candidate but Mr Senior didnt think I could take the company to those ‘higher levels’ (of men and baby free worlds?)

Company 2, a phone interview with the sales head. Slight concern about a young child, but immediate empathy that he too had a baby and his wife was still on leave. He would work out a face to face interview soon. But then the feedback -they didn’t think I could handle the job requirements, never mind what was said on the call.

Company 3 and I have truly learnt my lesson. So end of the interview I ask upfront, ‘Do you have any issues or concerns?’
‘No, I think you can do the job; you can fit into the company.’

So was I wrong in assuming this was positive? But the feedback comes ‘They liked you, they think you can do the job but they decided to give it a miss.’

Company 4, interview with HR. Background and experience commensurate with their expectations, the only issue expressed is I don’t earn enough!!! Excuse me, that’s the reason I am looking for a new job!

So now I have given up- I know to take nothing at face value and realize all the politeness disguises doubts not expressed. My resume is better than I am for I come complete with a face, accent and an active toddler none of which perhaps fits in the polite, polished world of Mr Corporate.