7 Job Interview questions to ask

 1. What are you going to miss most about this person that left?
2. What is the company culture like, and what do you guys do to actively keep it a positive environment.
3. This is what I learned yesterday. Tell me how you have seen this applied in scenarios with a client.
4. What did the person in this role before me do that was appreciated but not required based on the job description.
5. How can I best suit the needs of my direct counterparts.
6. what is the current state of this department and how are they performing in reference to the bottom line.
7. What's the company's three-year, five-year, and 10-year plan.

Woman reveals her secret to acing job interviews (msn.com)

Job Interview Tips and Tricks.

Okay, so this is a Tips and Tricks post. I am now officially getting a new job, after 5 years in retail! So, with this in mind, I would like to post some interview tricks and tips that I've received from someone I work with (In retail). As well as things I've read on various websites, and even on other interviews.

Sections marked with a red asterisk *: Are purely situational, and won't always happen, they may also depend on the particular job position, as well as the field. I've been asked some questions only when applying for a retail job, and one question was asked because of the personality of the interviewers. So the ones in black, may be more important, and more used. Once again, it just depends on various different things.

Sections marked with a purple diamond ♦: Will be asked about half of the time, but not always.

The thing with interviews is, the interviewer wants to get to know you, but, you have to lie to them and say what they want to hear.. which is ironic because they want to know who you are.

Sections in black ♣:  Are almost always asked.

Tips For Questions

♣ Why are you leaving your current position?

For my current position in retail, it was easy. I just had to tell them that I wanted to leave retail, and get back into the office environment. If you're changing fields, you can just say you want to get into that field.

What I started to do was... I'd tell them I wanted to get out of retail, and into the Private Sector, which sounds really fancy. I may or may not have gotten this idea from an episode of the Golden Girls.
Private Sector, just means a non Government job. A Government job is called the Public Sector.

Another scenario, is to just say, the job is not Challenging enough. This is a good way on doing things, as it's not negative, you're not talking bad about about the company, or anything. As with the previous statement, I may or may not have gotten this idea, from an episode of Queer as Folk...

• I Would like to leave "blank", to get a position in "(an Office, Graphic Design, Retail.. etc..)
• I am looking to leave "blank", to get a job in the Private Sector. Alternatively, if you're interviewing for a Government job, you can say Public Sector instead.
• I'm leaving "blank", because it's not challenging enough. I saw your company, and saw it would give me great new challenges to face.

NEVER: 

• Say you're looking to get into a quieter atmosphere. The employer might say that their job is rather busy, and it will just hurt you in the end.

• Say you're not a people person, this is just a bad idea. Even if it's an office job, they may even say, that you still have to deal with customers/clients. If the topic comes up, tell them that you love working with people!

♦ I see you went to school for "blank", but you got a job in "blank", OR you're applying for this position. Why is that?

I was asked once, why I went to school for Graphic Design, but got a job in retail. This was a heavy hitter, like really, why ask that?!

Dont: 
I used to tell people, that I couldn't get a job in Graphic Design, so I went into retail.

Do: But now, I'll tell people that I decided I realized I wanted to do Graphic Design as a hobby, and tried out retail, because I love working with people. (Which was a lie..). It sounds better.

Then you can state reasons why you want the current position.

For Customer service positions, I told them that I love working with people, but also wanted to get back into the office atmosphere.

♦ What do you know about the company? 

• List 2-3 things about the company before hand, so that you can tell them what you know.
I like to write it down in an order of 1-3

Examples:

1. "Started in 1999"
2. "Law firm company that focuses on schools, and children."
3. "Affiliated with Donations companies, and gives to charities.. "

I'd even go out to ask the interviewer, more about the company.

Alternatively, during the interview, you can mention one of the facts you've collected, and they might make a comment saying that you did your research!

♦ What is your favorite and least favorite thing about your current position? 

This is a question to be careful with! Never say anything bad about your current job such as, "They need more staff", or "The customers are rude", this will just make you look bad.

Favorite Thing: (This you can have fun with), The Managers, the People you work with, Free food in the break room.. etc..

Least Favorite: There's two ways you can do this, either list something silly that can't be controlled, or you can have a more smarter way to answer this question.

• Silly Answer - No Employee bathrooms, Not enough parking, No TV in the break room.. something that isn't a big deal.
• Smarter Answers - The job isn't challenging enough, you might also be able to get away with saying Bad Management, but I would be careful on that one.

* At your current job, who is your favorite manager, and least favorite manager. Why is that? 

THIS IS A TRICK QUESTION!!! DO NOT say you have a least favorite manager! I got hit by this one myself, but I've only ever been asked this once.. I think it's because all of the reviews on Glassdoor for that company, talk about how the managers do favoritism.

Just say, I like all of the managers, but if I had to choose a particular favorite, I would choose so and so. Because "they're sunshine and rainbows", "they bring in a cake every week.. etc.. " .

♦ What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This is an interesting answer, because I've recently learned of a really cool way to answer this question.

Strengths: examples: I'm a go getter, I'm hard working, I love a good challenge, I'm creative, I come in on days off to pick up extra hours, I always stay later if needed. etc...

Weaknesses: This part is tricky, you can either answer with a real weakness, but challenge that weakness with a solution. Use a strength, and make it sound like a weakness, or use a something you love, that is a weakness.

As an example, if you're bad at math like me.. you can say,  "My weakness is math, but in order to combat that, I can use a calculator! "

Alternatively, you can have some fun with this, and turn it around. You can say that your weakness is something that you're good with, but make it sounds like a weakness. "My weakness is, I never say no to coming in on my day off!".

Another type of "Weakness" you can use, is something you adore/unexpected! "My weakness is kittens!".

• My weakness is "Blank", but in order to combat that, I can do/use "blank". 

• "My weakness is, I never say no to come in on my day off!", "I can't stop working, until the challenge is completed!" "My weakness is, I never say no!".

• "Kittens are my weakness!" " Pokemon is my weakness!" "Flowers! They're so pretty to look at!"

♦ Name a time when you had a challenge at work, and what did you do to overcome it? 

This can be an interesting question. If you've never had a job, just come up with either a made up scenario, or use something that happened to you, where you were able to overcome something. This is a personal experience thing, so I cannot add much myself. Just make sure it was a positive experience that happened.

Example below: Feel free to use this yourself, as long as you've worked with customers before. You could even go as far to say that you were at so and so's garage sale, helping out, and helped an unruly customer out with a price.

I personally, like to use this time I had a really rude customer. Her coupon didn't work, and she was being very nasty to me for no reason. I got the supervisor, and she fixed the error, and made the coupon work, and she left the store happy, with a smile on her face! (Which wasn't true, she was an evil bitch from beginning to start, but I changed the end, and so far I've gotten positive results from this answer!)

* Name a time you used team-work.

This is pretty self explanatory, just come up with something that happened to you. These are my examples.

Before I got a job in retail, I told an interviewer, that for a college photography class, a bunch of my college friends and I car-pooled to a park, and took pictures for a class project.

My personal favorite is this one time...

In order to stop a lady, who was switching price tickets in my store... Myself, and two other co-workers, grouped together and watched her from afar, to make sure she didn't do anything fishy.

* How do you get along with ODD/Annoying/Rude people?

"I get along with everyone, I am calm, and supportive of people, even with different ideals."

"I work with everyone the same way, in a positive manner"

"I have a good rapport with everyone!"

* Describe the perfect position.

You can say something like,

•A place that provides professionalism, growth and advancement.
•A place with good people to work with, people who really care about their customers/clients.

Something fun and positive.

* How are you with stress?

Just tell them that "you work harder in stressful situations", " I am calm, collective and enthusiastic!" sometimes things aren't as bad as it seems.

♣ Do you have any questions for me? 

These are questions that the person is going to ask on an interview, and I don't think there is a time where they aren't going to ask you for questions. The following are questions I've gotten from the internet, and I've had really interesting results!

My top three: 

• What's an average day like? - They'll just tell you what happens through a normal day.
• Who would I report to? - Half of the time I've asked, it's usually not the interviewer, or it's them, and another person.
• What is your favorite thing about the company? - This is the part where they say they've been with the company for 100 years, and how much they like it.

Others:

• How long is the training period? Will there be mentors or orientations for the position? (This would be great if you want to know the learning curve of the job)
• What is a current challenge or goal that the company currently faces?
• How long has the company been at this location?
• What is the next step in the process? 

I usually only ask three questions, but I found out about this question recently, and it's also very useful to use.

• What is the competitive scene like? Who am I up against, and what would I have to do, to show that I am the right choice? 

I've only asked this twice so far, but I've gotten very interesting answers! But I can also see how this could come off narcissistic, like you just think you're better than everyone else.

If you've had a history of bad bosses and want to see if this person is just as terrible as the last, you can ask these questions I found on Workplace Stack Exchange. 

Question

• Can you describe a project where someone reporting to you did particularly well on a project? How did you help them be successful?

If the interviewer says something along the lines of "We're still interviewing", it's possible that they're not going to hire you.

Don't use

• What area needs the most help?

I've asked this a few times, and usually people got defensive, and would just say "Well, this position you applied for!". Although one time, someone did actually say something else needed more help, but I decided not to ask this question anymore, since people got weird about it.

* List three Adjectives/Personality traits, that best describe yourself. 

This is from a question I was asked on an interview, and ever since then, I've collected a few words to use on other interviews. At the end of an interview, I will tell them, if I described myself with three adjectives, it would be, blank, blank and blank. Any time I've said this, people usually thought it was interesting that I had said this, one person even wrote it down.

These are the ones I've used currently.

• Ambitious
• Friendly
• Optimistic

Make sure not to use a similar word, that basically means the same thing, as well as words that are the opposite too. You can't say you're energetic, and calm, it clashes too much. Always remember to use positive words.

Some other words I've used are

• Creative
• Enthusiastic
• Positive

Some others I found.

• Adaptable
• Compassionate
• Diligent
• Persistent
• Reliable
• Sincere


Tricks

• A cool trick you can do, is ask the interviewer for a cup of water.. or coffee (Or whatever). When you don't know what to say, you can take a sip, in order to think about what you're going to say! I did this on an interview, where I ended up getting the job.

-Alternatively, you can also mention that you will get back to that question, and need a moment to think, and you can discuss another topic in the mean time. If you haven't given your references/resume/ or Cover Letter, you can give that to them, while you think about the answer.

• You can ask the interviewer, if you are allowed to show off your skills. You can ask them to give you a project to complete, in order to test out your abilities!

• If you forgot anything you were going to say, you can ask for their email and say something like "I forgot to mention on the interview, that "blank".

• In some cases, the interviewer might put you up to the task, and give you an assessment. Make sure you can do the assessment, and if they listed a program, make sure to try the program out, before the interview.

-Alternatively, If you haven't used a program for a long time, just tell them you haven't used it in a while, and need to re-familiarize yourself with it again.

-If by chance you do terribly on an assessment, tell them you're going to practice with it.. It may bring a shed of hope for considering you. Some companies also don't care about how well you know a program, but care about how pleasant someone is!

• Be cautious when applying! - Some companies aren't actually hiring, they either got a good discount on a job site, and have to post an X amount of jobs, in order to get the discount.
So when a company posts a job a million times, they're either doing something fishy, or they're just bad at keeping people.

- They may also do it, to make them look better, more popular.. etc..

• NEVER Say you want to go back to school one day, this means you wouldn't stay with the company, and it would be a red flag.

• If you don't have experience in something, tell them you're always willing to learn, as well as you pick things up quickly.

• If your current job is in a different field as the one you're applying, you can always mention something that you did, that can qualify for the job. Such as, when I was in retail, I answered phones.. which is something you also do in an office, so for office jobs, I could list answering phones.

• Saying you're a jack of all trades, is a good thing.

• If they talk about not liking Drama/Complainers, or something similar, just agree with them. "I agree, there's no room for drama in the work place."

• You can always say something at the end, like.. "If hired, you won't be disappointed..  I am a hardworking, detail oriented individual that always takes the extra mile!" Something like that can add to the interview.

• At the end of the interview, tell them that it was a pleasure to meet them, and that you are excited about the opportunity.

Interview # 47: I love Adventures!

Okay, so I had applied for a job that was the same pay as my current job. I got a call, and at first, I brushed it off. Why would I go for a job that is the same pay rate? Not to mention, it's Tuesday-Saturday! I like my Saturdays! I asked a bunch of people, 2 people said don't go for it, but 5 people said go for it. My one friend said, since I'm so miserable in retail, I might as well try this, because if I have a chance to be happy, I should go for it!

So I call back the lady a day later, and she gets back to me... Usually companies don't get back to me, so I was surprised. She asks me some questions, she tells me that the job is Tuesday-Saturday. I paused for a moment, because I wanted to ask her about this fair I go to every year, that is on a Saturday.. but I didn't, and then she went "You paused once I said Saturday", and I said I was just writing what the hours were down (Which was true, but a good save by me.)
She asks me to come in for an interview, but she requests that she emails me the information.. so since I was at work, and my phone service sucks... I couldn't view it until I got home. I completed all the information at home.. etc.. She sends me an email about an interview on Thursday at 10am! Which is great and all, until I realized I was closing the day before, and wasn't' getting home until 12am.

I somehow got enough sleep, and I get to the place. Now in the email, it says to go past a security booth, and then go to the other side of the building (With car). But I got confused with the instructions, and so I ended up going through the building, and walking through the whole thing, until I found it.

I meet up with the lady, and she tells me that I am going to do a testing assessment. I do the assessment, which was supposed to take 15 minutes, but  I finished it in around 8-10 minutes. It was basically just doing data entry tests, which were rather easy, and kind of fun. I only got one wrong, and on the last one, which bothered me. But other than that, I got a 99% right.

The interviewer, ends up being another lady. She's this nice grandma like lady, and she was telling me about how much she loves data entry, and typing. She was clearly nervous herself, while I'm just normally awkward. She said it was great that I did so well in the assessment.
She went over the job, about how it's Tuesday-Saturday. She had moments where she couldn't think of what else to tell me about the job.
She told me about how she works retail too, at Kmart. I told her that I'm very detail oriented, because at my job, they told me to just throw the merchandise wherever.. she said at Kmart, they want perfection, and that she should get a job at my store. I told her, I could give her a good reference!

She seemed to really like me, she said that I seem like a nice person, and that she believed me when I said I was detail oriented, or I get along with everyone.. etc..

I asked her these questions:

• What's an average day like
• What's your favorite thing about this company?
• What is the competitive scene like? Who am I up against, and what would I have to do, to show I am the right choice?

At once point, I felt like I was interviewing her. lol

I did forget to tell her my three adjectives, that I'm Friendly, Ambitious and Optimistic. But I think she thought that about me.

So, before I did the assessment, the first lady gave me a water bottle, as she asked If I wanted anything.
Now, a cool interview trick is.. to ask for water.... or whatever. Because when you don't know what to say, you take a sip of the drink, and it gives you more time to think about what you're going to say. I did this a few times with the water bottle,

She asked me to describe a time I had to face a challenge. I took a sip of water, and I thought of a time.. where I dealt with this very nasty customer. The customers coupon didn't work, so I got the supervisor to override it. Now, what really happened was... the lady was a bitch from the start, and a bitch to the end.. she was by far, the nastiest person I've ever had to deal with.
However, the lie is, that after we got the "coupon" to work, the lady became very happy, and nice.
So that's my challenge, even though it's half a lie.

At times, I did however come off rather awkward, but the lady seemed a little awkward too, so I don't think it was a  big deal.
Of course, my dumb ass parked in the wrong direction. So I was trying to find the stairs for the way I didn't go through, and the first lady saw me kind of looking around, confused. She showed me the way, I told her I wanted to walk, because I love adventures (I said the same thing twice like an idiot).
I found the way..
But my problem is, if I've never been somewhere, or if I've never done something.. I'll get really confused and just get the directions wrong somehow. (Such as, now that I know where to go, the directions to the building in the email, is rather easy and I understand it now.)

So the interview, I think went very well. We'll just see what happens next!

Edit: As of May/01/2018. I found out that they liked me, and I will be working for this company, starting the 22nd of May.

Interview # 46 : I will make you wait!

Interview 46, was for a Doctors office. This is the second time I went to a doctors office interview, and also the second time they made me wait for at least 20-30 minutes!

So the funny thing is, the gps told me the place was one way.. but it ended up being farther down the road. I got to the place, but I didn't know that there were two different doctor companies in it. So One door said something like "For the doctors office, go <-", so I go to the other door, and I ask for the lady I talked to on the phone. They were like, there is no one here with that name! I was like oh no!!! (In a Joseph Joestar voice)
They told me that maybe I was looking for the other office, which is unrelated to them. I was like thank you. etc..

I get to the right building, and they had me wait for a while.. which I thought was weird.. I was supposed to be there at 12pm, I got there at 11:50. I waited until about 12:23. I got out at around 12:40.

I believe I did good, I remembered everything I was going to say, FOR ONCE... I also made some small talk about how it’s always good when everyone gets along...

She told me a little about the company, after I told her what year the business started.
It looks to me like all you have to do, is remember one or two things about a company, and they figure you did your research, even if you didn't really.

She asked if I had any questions, I told her the ones I always ask. Usually I forget one or two of them, but I remember them without a problem this time.
• What's it like to work here.
• Who would I report to.
• What is your favorite thing about the place. - She told me that she's been there for 15 years, and that she started part time too (This is a part time position I went for) She said that many people advance and get promoted from within.

 After I had asked my three questions I always ask, she asked if I had more questions. I said, what is the competitive scene like, who am I against and how would I prove that I am the right choice...this really got her, she had to think about it. She said that she likes to look at people who don’t have experience, to give them experience, but at the same time she looks at people with experience. She said that she’s interviewing for two more weeks and I asked her to let me know either way, she said her kids are looking for jobs and they tell her how these companies don’t get back to them, and so she definitely will. Since it's part time, I told her I was thinking about going to medical school (which was a lie, but I said I’m thinking about it, not doing it). Although I have thought about going back to school for something art, or tech related. But I can't afford it at this point in time.

Lesson Learned: As long as you know one or two things about the company, they seem to just assume you did your research, and won't ask you a million things on what you know, or don't know about the place.

Interview # 45: Traffic Cone of EVIL!!

So, on my way to this interview... It was the day after a terrible snow storm, and I was going to be there in five minutes.. when I had to dodge this evil traffic cone! It was in the middle of the road, I assume due to the snow storm. I was so distracted about dodging the cone, that I didn't realize I had just passed a red light. I immediately stopped after I was in the clear.. I hope I didn't get a ticket! I took pictures just in case.

The traffic light is shortly after, and on a 40 MPH road!
I got this interview through networking, so this is my first networking interview. As one of the ladies I work with, is friends with a woman who owns a printing company. They're always looking for Graphic Designers.

On the interview, I was actually disappointed in how boring the office looked.. I was surprised that they were graphic designers, since it's just an ugly looking inside, and an ugly company logo. But then again, I'm more about the pizazz!

I had to fill out a form, which took some time, and had some really pointed questions towards people being fired. Like "If you were terminated, why?" "If you left due to mutual agreement with your previous employer, why?" which I didn't understand what that meant, did it mean they understood you were leaving, or what..Some of them were really strange questions.

I was sat down with my co-worker's friend, and her husband. Her friend is very nice, as she had mentioned. I didn't really get to answer many questions, and it was more the husband, who interviewed me. They both kind of just skimmed through my portfolio, and skipped some categories (as I label sections in my portfolio, such as abstract, and drawings... etc.). But at least they were nice, unlike someone from a Previous Graphic Design Interview.
They did give me tips on what I should do for my next interview, which made it sound like they didn't like me at all. But I felt like he was trying not to laugh, or something of the sort. I think they really hated my work, they understood that I didn't have work experience in Graphic Design.. but I really don't think they took it well.
For a moment, the husband asked me some customer service questions out of the blue. I said that you have to put on a smile, and give your best customer service attitude.
They gave me some tips, and then I was on my way.

Normally, I'm ready to answer a million questions, but because it was different this time, and it was mostly about graphic design, I was put off guard. I feel the interview didn't go too well. But this is also why I don't apply for Graphic Design jobs anymore,  I don't have the experience, so no one wants to try me out in the first place!

Interview # 44: GPS can't fool me now!

This company was near the company I went on my 34th interview on. Which is funny because, on my 34th interview, I had to turn around 10 minutes out of my way, to go back 10 minutes and ended up being late.. if the GPS had been correct, I would have been early. So I realized I was getting near that area, and I said, you can't fool me twice! So I was able to enter the building of the place I went on an interview 3 years ago, and was able to turn around to this interview.. which in fact, the buildings were next to each other.

 I got to the building, and realized I went through the employee entrance, so I turned the corner to find a little waiting room. But no one was there! I rang the bell, and no one answered. So I spoke to the lady on the phone, and maybe 5 minutes later, the interviewer came. The interview went well, but it was short, she still covered all the basics. It was about 5-10 minutes. She told me how the company is, she asked about me. I said I went to school for Graphic Design, and decided it wasn't what I was looking for, so I got a temporary office job and then retail. (Which is not true, I still want a graphic design job, but I think I will have to put that on hold for now, since I don't have experience.) She then said, you want to get out of retail to get into an office position (She mentioned she had worked retail as well). I said yes, although I should have said private sector, since it's like a warehouse setting.

 She asked me how I get along with odd people (This isn't a typo, she said ODD not OLD. lmao), I told her I get along with everyone. She also said that everyone is like a family back there, I told her that it's always better when everyone forms a strong bond. She asked if I had questions for her, the third question I forgot and I told her that the question escaped me and I would think about it as I was talking. I had to hand her some papers that I was asked to fill out, and remembered it by then. (I was thinking to myself later, I ask these same questions every time, and I conveniently forget one of them EVERY TIME.)I asked her what it's like to work there, what's her favorite thing about the job, and then the one I forgot was.. who would I report to. But other than that, I think it went well. She said I'd know next week, I told her I would appreciate knowing either way. I think it went okay, except for me agreeing to wanting an office job, and forgetting what I was going to ask her. It was rather short, which concerns me.

 Lesson Learned: Never forget to get there early, you have no idea if the building is going to be trouble to get to. As well as the fact that some places have multiple companies, and could be a bit confusing to find the right company.

Interview # 43: Yak yak yak, why ya talking all the time!?

The title is a reference to the game, Kya: Dark Lineage, which really fits this interview.

As I'm writing this, I already know I didn't get the job, as I asked the lady to send me an email if I got it or not.

 I had applied for a position on a Sunday, and I got an email hours later requesting for an interview. The next day, I got TWO emails in an hour from them, requesting an interview, I was like geez lady, calm down.

 So this is the first time I went on an interview, and forgot my portfolio, with my resume, cover letter.. etc.. I've never forgotten it before! The funny thing is, the last 5 interviews I've been on, the interviewer didn't want to see it, so I was hoping I wouldn't need it. It worked out because she was talking about how people don't like phone calls, and everyone does emails, so I told her I would email my references when I got home. Apparently it was me vs one other person. It was mostly just her talking about the job the whole time.... She went on.... and on... and on... and she even mentioned she talks so much. It was hard to get two words in, because I felt like I was being rude, and interrupting. I just told her that I am on the shy side, but open up and she said that she expects that from everyone, because they don't know each other yet. Then I said three adjectives I would describe myself in. This was the first time, the interviewer didn't write those down.. they always write down my list of three adjectives. She was really nice, I just didn't get to say much.... She asked me salary range, I said around 14, an hour, but it's negotiable. She told me they have vacation days, 401k. She said in a week or two, but I wouldn't start until March because they're updating their systems to Sage, which I later found out was a math program. I am terrible at math, so probably a good thing I didn't get it.

 She told me she wanted to hire a guy, because one of her girls is leaving due to pregnancy, so she wants a guy because they can't get pregnant. I told her I promise I won't get pregnant. Which is rather sexist. Because she basically only hired girls before, which is sexist, and now she only wants a guy, which is also sexist! I don't mind that I didn't get the job because, I felt like the job would have been boring. But the thing is, she did most of the talking, so I don't know what I could have done differently, like other interviews gave me time to comment... but she really didn't.

 Lesson Learned: Sometimes, the interviewer talks too much!

Interview # 42 Planogramming your life!

So I probably got a traffic light ticket, on my way to this job.... So If I don't get it, I should sue! :P jk

 I was interviewed by a girl that was like my age (whom I later found on Linkedin, and maybe they'll add me one day!).

The company was a graphic design company, that creates planograms for stores like Walmart. She asked me why I was leaving, I said I wanted to leave retail, and go to the private sector. (I got the idea from the Golden Girls episode, where they help one of the characters get a job, and they mention the private sector. Which is basically a non government job)
The girl said that, 26,000-30,000 was the salary depending on experience and that there's room to grow. Which in english, is about 14-16 an hour. (I hate when people use what you make in a year, I need to know how much I'm making a week, and a month because my bills are MONTHLY.) For questions, I asked the following.

 • What is it like to work there.
• What is your favorite thing about the position.
• Who would I report to. People get weird with this last question, so now I say, would I report to you, or someone else?

She liked that I had graphic design experience and experience with Zebra systems, which are scan guns, and printers used at my store! She said everyone there is nice and I said it's always good when everyone gets along. I told her to let me know if I get the position either way, she could even email me. I don't think I got the job, since it's been about two weeks. Then I always tell them at the end, if I were to describe myself in three adjectives, it would be creative, energetic and optimistic. At the end I told her that I was shy, but I open up to people once I get to know them. This way if I seemed tense, it would help. I think it went well.

 Lesson Learned: Even if you leave 40 minutes earlier, there could still be many slow pokes on the road, causing you to run a red light and get a ticket for it.

Interview # 41 : I'm doing you a FAVOR Beeeetch

Okay so my 41st interview was in a general area that I've been on other interviews for, so I basically knew how to get there. The only thing is, the GPS made me do a U-turn, and made me wonder if  I could have went a different way.

The place was hidden behind trees, so it could be very easily missed! This company is a wedding favor company, that also makes other things related to bar ware, baby showers, and the like.
The position is called Graphic Data, which entails of placing images in Adobe Illustrator, to print out onto items. So if you want a mug that says "Butts", on them, they are one of the companies that can do that!

I was there 20 minutes early, and went in the building after 10 minutes. I spoke with the man, who took me right away.. I'm so used to waiting 10 minutes, that I'm surprised when the interviewers takes me right away.
I sat down with him, he was a very friendly guy, I was really expecting like a macho man (Don't ask).
He told me about the company, and explained it is a part time position. I told him that it's a great opportunity, so I wanted to pursue it. He was concerned that if I get the job, how I would balance it out with my current job. I told him that my current job, I could just work nights, and then work at this company in the morning.
Everything went well, and then he sent me to the Graphic Design department... *This is where it went down hill.*
I met up with the girl in the Graphic Design department, named C. I was sat down at a chair, and didn't know what I was supposed to do. They wanted to see my experience with Adobe Illustrator.  I haven't used Illustrator since 2011, and I wasn't a big fan of.. I always liked Adobe Photoshop better!
So, It was a series of steps.. make this red, make this centered, make this blue.. etc.. kind of like a short assessment on how well you know the program.
I ended up half-assing most of it, except for make the invisible layer, visible, that I knew how to do.. But I couldn't find the layers, and then clicked on something, and the girl told me not to click on certain things.. and then I realized that the monitor next to it, was actually connected.. and so the layers, were on the other screen. I mentioned to her, that I didn't realize it was on the other screen. The Illustrator I used to use, was nothing like this! She was clearly annoyed at me, and she said I could ask her for help, I told her that I was stubborn. I told her that I like to play around with things, in order to remember how to do things.
She then gave me a sheet of paper, that showed how they do things.
I hope I at-least got brownie points for knowing other things, such as knowing how to change the colors on text.

I was then sent back to the guy, and we went over a few things. He asked me how it went with C, I don't remember what I said. He mentioned that he would call me on the number, on the resume. He asked if I had any questions, I asked him "What's a normal day like", "Who would I report to", "What needs the most help", he wasn't too keen on what needs the most help, and I've noticed people aren't' really responding to that question well, so I have to find something new to use. I told him that if I described myself with three adjectives, I am Outgoing, Positive, and Creative.
I also mentioned that I was going to download a free trial of Adobe Illustrator, so I can play around with it. Hopefully he'll say that to C, and give me a chance. But who knows.. It was a really positive interview, well until the hands on training...

This interview was my worst fear coming true! I'm always afraid that I'll end up looking like an idiot, with a program, because I need time to get used to it. I've also realized that at my current job, there is a list printed out, on how to log into the computer system, to look up prices. All I need to do, is explain to someone in the future, just write down the steps for me, and I'll continue to follow them until I know how to do them by myself!

Lesson Learned: Sometimes the interviewers will look to see how well your experience is with a program, and test you.

Interview # 40: I'd like to mail YOU!

Interview # 40, is very interesting. I was applying fore warehouse/assembly line type of jobs, because why not, I really hate retail, and I'm ready to slap a bitch.
So, I applied for a position that said it was for shipping and packaging, but what I didn't know was... it was actually for a mom and pop shop version of UPS and FedEX. 

So, I get a call from an unknown number at 8pm, and I don't answer it, because I don't know who's calling.
I just got a new phone, and it translates voicemails into text, which I didn't know was a thing.. but shortly realized it was for an interview?! I thought, why would someone call for an interview at 8pm?! I didn't call back, as I didn't know what the job was at the time, and had to look it up... in which they proceeded to text me 20 minutes later, I feel that's a bit of invasion of privacy/personal space. Like ho, I don't know you. But when I read that it was like a UPS kind of place,  I was like, why not?

On the phone, I told the guy that I love working with customers, but wanted a more clerical environment.. since it involves computes, printers, copy machines... etc
We ended up setting up an interview for 6 pm, on Thursday.

The GPS sent me the wrong way, but I ended up finding the place just two minutes before I was supposed to be there, traffic got crazy right around that time.

I get into the store, it's this tiny store that looks, and smells like an auto parts store, which really confused me. I was given a paper to fill out, it asked what schools I went to, what my jobs were, what are my references.. These kinds of papers annoy me, I literally have a resume, a cover letter, and a reference sheet that explains all of this! But no, I have to take 10 minutes to fill these things out, and what annoys me is I do this online with numerous jobs, wasting my time, because I never get contacted after that!!
So I fill out the form, and I start the interview. I told the man that I love challenges, and I'm always telling people, give me a challenge. When he asked why I was leaving my job, I said I was looking for a quieter atmosphere.. in which he responded that it gets crazy there. But little does he understand how crazy my store gets, we could literally have 20 people on line, and 1 cashier... Like this tiny little mom and pop shop is nothing compared to that department store!!
He told me that they don't have benefits, which I told them that I have a health insurance plan on my own, and not by my current company.
When he asked if I had questions, I said "What is it like to work here", and he said that he pretty much just told me, that was a mistake on my part. lol 
Then I asked who I would report to, he said his wife, who was at the counter.
Overall, it was a lame experience. I wasn't feeling the job, mainly due to how ugly it was, and we were obviously on two different playing fields. He did thank me for dressing up however, and I mentioned to him that the GPS sent me the wrong way, he said that happens all the time!

Now I kind of want to apply for UPS, because they're hiring, ans their stores actually look much nicer!

Lesson Learned: Sometimes accidentally applying for a job, can lead to interesting opportunities. While, sometimes it falls flat on it's face. Never be afraid to say, this isn't for me, but also, never be afraid to try something new!

Interview #39: I want you to RELAX!

My 39th interview was for a law firm company, that apparently has been around since 1937. I had played phone tag with them for a few days. Lately I have been calling companies back, and they never get back to me, so I was surprised when they called me back! On my way to the interview, I hit some traffic,the GPS and the directions online, had two different ways to go, and two different destination times. When I got to the building, I was worried I went to the wrong place. But eventually found out that I was at the right place, and I may have actually been there two years ago! I think a staffing agency is also there.
 When I got to the building, I was there maybe two minutes late, and they asked if I found the place okay. I told them what happened. After I got into the interview room, the interviewer told me to relax, and that her and the other lady interviewing me, just wanted to know me.

This was, by far, one of my better interviews.. which is strange, as I never heard anything back! This was back in October, and I was just lazy and didn't finish it (Until now, since I'm about to go on my 41st interview in a few days, and I need to catch up!)
I had never been on an interview, for 40 minutes, this was a new record! I really thought something was going to come from it, but I was aware that I was their first interview, so I must have seemed cool at first, but was blown out of the park by others.
The position was a file clerk, who would also do some reception.

I was interviewed by two ladies, who were both very nice, and down to earth. We discussed various topics, such as what I did at my current job. Which was funny, as one of them said they liked the store, and the other didn't go there, because it was messy, and they just couldn't deal with the mess.
Later I realized, it was probably bad to complain about my current job, as it will look bad.. even though this was a first hand experience by the interviewer.
The one lady kept asking me to relax, and that they just wanted to know me. Which really made me feel better, but at the same time, I'm still shy and uncomfortable around new people!
I showed them some print outs of awards I have from my current company, such as an employee of the month certificate, and getting a "Smile" award for being pleasant on register.. they wanted to hold onto the papers, but I told them I needed them. Mainly because my printer sucks, and it took a year to print out... so making a new one would be obnoxious, but it's not like I got the job anyway, so it would have been a waste of my time, and my printer ink, that stuff is expensive!
Another mistake I made, was saying that I wasn't a people person, that's why I wanted an office job. They told me that I would be a partial receptionist, and still have to deal with people.
But working in retail, and being surrounded by people, and being a receptionist in a law firm, are two very different things,  I would not have had a problem with it!
Next time, I just have to say that I LOVE working with people, and just wanted a clerical environment.
They said they wanted someone who was going to be with the company for a long time. They asked about my Graphic Design background, and wanted to know if I was going to pursue this. In the past, people asked because they liked this skill, but this time (  and for the 37th interview) it was not a skill they needed, they were just concerned I might leave for a graphic design job. I simply told them that I attempted a Graphic Design job, but no one would hire me because I needed experience, so I told them that I wanted to pursue more clerical positions instead. The one lady even made a note about how people want experience, but you can't get experience if no one will hire you.

It was just very interesting how down to earth, and real these ladies were, it was a very pleasant experience.

Lesson Learned: I have to stop complaining about my job to people, I've done this before, they just think I'm going to complain about their company, if I were to work for them.
Which is untrue, retail is just evil!!! I wish they'd understand that at least.

Phone Interview # 7: Good luck. *Hangs Up*

There is a company that I had applied for in August, and I never got back to them because, I could barely tell what the lady was saying on the phone. Three months later, I decided that I'd apply for the same company again. I could tell what her phone number was, and a few other things, but I could not make out her name. I decided that this time, I was going to call her back, and hope I can tell what she's saying!

She told me to hold on, and she'd close her door. After she did that, I could hear her loud and clear, I was shocked. She conducted a phone interview with me, she asked all the questions, what I did in my previous positions, what I was looking for in a job. She asked where I worked, and I told her that I still work there, and that I was on break when I called her. I also said this so she doesn't take a million years to talk to me, and know that I'd have to get back to work soon.
The phone interview was pleasant, until the very last question. She asked me a question that I did not know how to respond to.. The question was something along the lines of "Describe the perfect position", or "How would you describe the perfect position"... I don't remember how it was worded, but I just didn't understand the question. So there was lot's of silence, and me whispering (What do I say, what do I say..) She probably heard me, and thought I was asking someone for help. I figured out, that I would say the perfect position is where I could be in a good environment, with good people.
Not to mention, it was a customer service position, and my perfect position would be a Graphic Design job, so obviously I can't say that. After that, she seemed to get kind of snotty. She told me there are several positions, and she's doing phone interviews to sift through everyone, and she's not the actual hiring manager. I told her that it was a pleasure to talk to her, and she said good luck, and hung up the phone without saying bye, or anything. I found it to be rather rude. Now I know not to apply for that company again, no wonder they had two ads within a span of 2-3 months!

Interview #38: Market your life better witch!

I just wanted a Halloween-y title.

This interview was a pleasant experience, it was for a marketing company, not too far from my current job in retail. They apparently help out solar companies, as well as medical offices. I believe it would be helping out with appointments, when it comes to the medical offices, and trying to get people to switch to environmental friendly lights, for the solar companies.

I was sat down into a room, where there was a big meeting room, that had similar phones/ gadgets to my 36th interview, so while I was waiting, I was reminiscing.

The lady sat down with me, she was more relaxed than most interviewers in the past, (Except the last one, that guy was relaxed too).
The lady asked me to fill out a form, so I was filling it out quickly, because I didn't want to use up all of her time trying to make artistic letters. I fill out the paper, and the lady tells me about the company.  So this is the third time, this year, that I didn't get asked what I knew about the company. All three places were smaller, so maybe that's why... but I'm so used to writing down three facts about a company, that when they automatically tell me about the company, it's like I remembered those things for nothing! But hey, at least I don't have to remember those things afterwards. There are two sides of the company, they either help try to sell customers energy efficient lighting, which they will eventually need, as everyone is using LED lights now. The other side, is, I believe appointment setting for various doctor's offices... so it's two sides of a coin, and she specified that some people might like/do better with one, or the other.
The lady asked me about my Graphic Design degree, I told her that I had gone to school for GD, but there were no jobs for it. She asked me if I wanted to pursue a job in Graphic Design, and I said that if anything, I'd do something on the side. She asked if I wanted to go back to school, I said yes, but a long time from now, once I'm financially stable.
She asked me how my friends would describe me, in three words. I'm glad for my 36th interview, as they asked me to describe myself with three adjectives, so now I'm always prepared! I just told her that I was out-going, creative, and Goal-Oriented.
She asked me about how I won the donation drive at my job, this was because I would always ask for donations, while on register. I explained later, that I didn't get as many donations, once I started working on the floor.. but I still get many, when I have to ring, such as yesterday, I got 25! Which now that I'm thinking about it, was 15, but I did get 28 the other day. I explained to her, that I'm a bit competitive, and I like to get donations.
As she was talking about the positions available, I told her about how I was taking two calls at work, and how I felt so alive being in an office.
She asked me how I deal with customers, I told her that I deal with them, as you would with anyone else, and you smile!

Overall, it was a nice interview. But I did forget to show her these two print outs, that I have of winning a "Smile award", at my job, and getting employee of the month.

She told me that tomorrow was the last day she's having for interviews, so if I got the job, I'll know tomorrow. I told her to let me know if I got it or not, as I like to know where I am at. I told her that I promise, that I don't bite!

Lesson: I chickened out, and did not ask her to give me a task to demonstrate my abilities, or show her the papers. So I think I need to learn how to work on that!

Interview # 37: Cars, Cars, Cars!

So I had applied for literally 20 jobs on Sunday, and I got a call from this company for a customer service position that I had applied for. I set up an interview, and they wanted to see me on Thursday, I told them that was perfect because I'm off on Thursdays.

I didn't actually understand what the company does, and I still don't 100% get it, but they appear to contact car dealerships, to help market their cars, as well as show customers prices for cars.

 My phone was telling me it was going to take 28 minutes to get there, even though I've been on other interviews in the area, where it was only 20-22 minutes.. so I thought that was weird. I left 40 minutes early, and got there in about 20 minutes.. so I had plenty of time to do whatever. When I got there, it was this huge building, and I started to worry I was going to get lost. As when I went on an interview in the past with a similar building complex, I did get lost.. and I didn't know where I was! The inside was very fancy, and I noticed that my college had an office there! Which is super weird since it's closing down completely in a year! Using my amazing map skills, I figured out where the office was located. (Which did take me time because the office I was going to said GL next to it, I figured it meant "Ground level", you can't trick me for too long! )

Now the funny thing is, I was practicing all these lines I was going to say, but the guy never asked them! I always write down three facts about the company, and just like my last interview, the hiring manager was the one telling me about the company. (So I wrote all that down for nothing!), but I did mention that it was to my understanding that they have an office in L.A... so after that, he figured I reviewed the website (I didn't really understand what the company was about, but I digress).
He did most of the talking, I explained that I had went to school for Graphic Design, and that it wasn't going anywhere so I went into retail. Which in reality, I do want a graphic design job, but I still want out of retail, and because I don't have experience, none of the GD jobs want me. He explained that the position wasn't a Graphic Design job, where as other companies have liked me for those skills.
He explained to me that the hours are 11-8, with an hour non paid lunch (Meanwhile, I really want normal 9-5 hours, and I don't like having to stay for non paid time.), as well as working two saturdays a month, I hate working saturdays! I'd prefer to work sundays, they're such a bore! He said that as they hire more people, they might take those hours, and eventually I could have 9-5. I told him I was still interested, even though that was a big turn off. He seemed glad, like other people must have turned it down after that.
He asked me how I deal with negative customers, I said I deal with them as I would anyone else. I told him that I'm a very positive person, and I don't really get angry, or sad. He said that it can get very busy, and I told him about one of the supervisors at work, who once said, once you've worked there, you can handle anything! Which is very true. I think I accidentally got arrogant, and said that this job would probably be a piece of cake. But he seemed to understand what I meant.
When I told him that my main goal was to get into a company that values professionalism and growth, and also so I get out of retail, he said he didn't blame me... it sounded like he wasn't a big retail person himself. I said that I much more prefer talking on the phone, than face to face with random people.
I asked him some questions, and he really had lot's to say about them. I'm so used to having questions to ask the hiring manager, that I remember them really easy. I asked him "What needs the most help", What's your favorite thing about the job/company", and "What is it like to work there".
He seemed to like me, and he even said that as well. He was much more laid back, and normal, over other people who were more prim and proper. But I was still very shy, but atleast opened up at certain parts.
He said that I'll know by the end of next week if I get a second interview with the CEO, I explained to him to just let me know, even if I didn't get the position, just to know where I am.

I'm very on and off about this right now. Like the guy is nice, and the people in the office were nice, although all men.. I get along with women better, we just click. Like it'll be nice to get out of retail, but I don't like the weird hours, but at the same time, the weird hours can allow me to look for something else while I'm there... there were some interesting companies in that building, and there are plenty of interesting companies near there as well.
I'll just have to wait and see, but I'll still be applying for other jobs as well.

Lesson: Sometimes you have to go the path less traveled, get out of your comfort zone, and apply for a job that's a bit different than what you'd normally go for.

Interview #36: We're a no DRAMA-MAMA!

So my 36th interview, took place in the beginning of the new year, 2017! It is for a company that sells medical equipment to veterinarians. I had applied for an Office Assistant position.

This was actually my first interview that I obtained by applying on Zip Recruiter, as I hadn't really used the site before. (I've never gotten an interview using jobr, yet though.)

I was first contacted, and spoke with a woman over the phone. Funny enough, her name was Elizabeth, the same name as someone I work with at my current job. It took me a while to get in contact with her, as the number she left... was an automated voice message saying to choose an extension... she didn't leave an extension! First, I decided to choose the Customer Service line, which went to voicemail.. but it had Elizabeth's voice as the message. Then, I tried the department for "other" calls, and it was Elizabeth's voice again.. I finally chose another line and Elizabeth picked up... which was weird that all of their departments would be the same person! When I talked to her, she asked me a few questions, such as, what my graphic design experience was, and if I was bilingual. (I'm not, but I told her that I knew a few words). I scheduled an interview for Wednesday, (It was Monday).

The company is very close to where I went for my 32nd interview, so I pretty much knew how to get there.. in fact, it was only a road or two down! I still somehow managed to get lost, but in my defense... I was using a GPS the first time, and this time I used my phone's GPS, which actually wanted me to take a longer route, so I did half the route of what I remembered from the first time, and the other half of using the map feature on the phone. I actually did better getting to this area the first time, over the second! Ironically.

I have to say, the company has great, convenient parking! There's 7 parking spaces right in front of the building, and the doors to the offices are like 5 feet away. It totally beats retail parking! (On busy days, you may have to park all the way in Narnia, and this has happened to me plenty of times, and has even made me late before!!!)

When I got to the building, I was 10 minutes early. I tried entering the building, by pushing the door that was locked, and not the one next to it, that was open. I met with Elizabeth, and she had me stay in a room for about 10 minutes. I originally thought that I was being interviewed by her, but she told me I had to wait for the manager. I studied some lines to say while I waited, and eventually the manager came in, who was a girl.. and I was so happy because I'm more comfortable around women than I am with men (Which may be ironic since the only times I've ever been on second interviews, were with male managers). Elizabeth stayed in the room (In the corner), to accompany the manager, but she did not say, or do much.
I greeted the manager, and she started off by telling me about the company. Which was surprising because they always ask ME, what I know about the company... and in fact I had a list of things I was going to tell her, what I know about the company.
Some of the following questions may be out of order....
Her first question for me, was, why did I go to school for Graphic Design, but get a job in retail? I told her about my situation, where I got an associates in Graphic Design, and afterwards the school wouldn't let me advance until I started paying them. Which is how I worked in a mail room, an office and currently retail. I told her, that I got the job in retail to get some kind of money, and I ended up staying with them to help them out, and get my drivers license, as well as a car. She asked me if I remembered any of the Graphic Design skills from school, I told her that of course I knew... as I'm always on my computer doing something. (I do occasionally use my graphic design program, but not as much as I used to, as working retail is very draining for me... I never have motivation to do anything anymore, and because of the weirds hours, I don't have a set routine to do productive things..) She asked If I had any work, I showed her a demo page that I printed up.. and told her about my portfolio, which I haven't had much time to update. (The irony is, if I had a normal 9-5 job, I know I'd have time and motivation to fix these things.). The thing that bothered me was, I applied for an Office Assistant. So I wasn't exactly prepared for them to ask for my work, in fact, I have no idea where my physical portfolio is! I just have my online one currently. But if I had applied for a Graphic Design job, I would have been prepared.. they sucker punched me a bit, so that's also why I wasn't prepared for that.
She asked me if I was bilingual, I said I knew about 20 words in Spanish, and 20 words in Japanese, which her and Elizabeth seemed to find funny. I told her that I was always willing to learn.. and I explained a time where it came in handy. As an example, I told her of the time when I was on register and I asked this lady for her phone number for return purposes. The woman didn't know what I was saying, so I said "telephone" in Spanish, she understood that and told me her number...so I was able to utilize the few words I did know in the real world.
The Manager asked me what I do/did in the positions I've held in the present and the past... I told her, in the office I did things such as filing, faxing, scanning documents and I also put together cover letters and looked for jobs for people, as the company I worked for was a bit of a job agency for the poor.
She asked about my current position, I told her that I was full time home department, but I also help out on register, and anywhere else that they need me. She asked how I felt about answering phones, I told her that I love to answer phones, and I'm always the first to grab the phone at my job.
She asked me to describe myself in 3 adjectives.. now this idiot (Meaning me) does not remember what an adjective is, so I was freaked out because I'm like.. what if I say something that isn't an adjective? My problem is that I didn't want to learn in school, but once I was an adult, that's when I wanted to learn all of these things...
I told her that I was Kind, Energetic, Calm.. and she said that Calm and energetic canceled each other out.. so I chose hardworking.. because honestly, this is what it's all about...I'm just trying to let them know that I want a job.. seriously, some of these questions interviewers ask are insanely unrealistic!
I was told about the job position, the job title would be Office Assistant, but it would be a bit of everything. Office work, Customer Service, Shipping, Inventory, Graphic Design.. etc..
I told her that's just like my job now, I help them where they need help. A jack of all trades.
She told me a bit about the job, she said that they don't like drama and how they are a small company and they aren't looking for drama. I didn't care for this part, as I felt the need to defend myself for something that I am not... I told her that I'm calm and easygoing. I had a tendency to repeat the same phrases a million times in this interview, it wasn't on purpose.. but I was like "what do I say"?!
I was asked about a time where I dealt with a problem customer, I told them of a time last year.. where there was this rude lady.. by accident, I got sassy when I explained this story.. but I was only sassy when playing the customer...I told them of a time where this lady had a coupon that didn't work, and she was rude about it, so I got the supervisor over.. and how her friend magically appeared and she was nice to the friend, but not to us...I rang her up as anyone would, and she was on her way... I didn't go into detail, but there was so much more to that story that I left out.....
She asked how I was with stress, this was one of those cases where I had to lie through my teeth. I told her that I am great with stress, and that I work harder when stressed. This is lie, if I get stressed, I freak out and have mini panic attacks.. in which I am 100% less productive. But seriously, whose going to tell the truth with some of these questions?! If someone wants a job, they're going to make stuff up to get the job!!!
She told me more about the job, and it's people.

When she asked me if I had an questions for her, I asked the following.

* What is your favorite thing about the company?
She answered that work is work for a reason, we're not going to have fun doing spreadsheets.. but her favorite part is the people.
Which I thought was a dumb answer, because you can have fun working! The people part was good though.

* What area could use help? She pretty much said every department could use help... and she mentioned something about eventually hiring a part timer, I don't know if it was when I asked this question, or if she mentioned the part tier at a different time.

* I asked her what a typical day was like, she went in about how everyone has to work together and everyone chips in.. and there's not time for complaining, or something like that. Something she said, made me go in defense mode and I mentioned that I always get along with everyone, even if I don't like them. Such as the guy at work, who complains about everything. He complains about the job, the people, the managers, everything under the sun. I told her that I treat him with respect, and she asked if he liked me, I said yes.. and that the only person he doesn't like is the one manager, because she pushes his buttons.
She made a comment about how there's no room for complaining in the company.. etc..
She seemed to be really sensitive about drama, which was annoying because I felt like I had to defend myself.. it's just like, I get it.. you had a bad apple, but not everyone is like that, just note it once, and move on.
She asked me if I complain about people, I said no, and then she asked If I ever complain and I said no. Obviously this isn't true, but I don't complain often, and when I do.. it's with a friend.

At the end of the interview, she said that she liked that I was punctual.. so I suppose someone else was late.

I told her that I wanted to let her know of one last thing, that if she hired me, she would not be disappointed.. that I am a hardworking, detail oriented individual that always takes the extra mile.

I told her it was a pleasure to meet her.. and as I was leaving, I pushed the locked door, like I did when I was coming in.

At the end of the interview, I felt a bit discouraged. I did like the atmosphere and the people, but the constant bickering about "Drama", "Complaining", and having to lie about complaining or stress, really just turned me off. If I don't get the job, I honestly wouldn't mind that much, because they really didn't pitch their company that well. It's like sure, no one wants drama.. but to just constantly complain about complaining... is...well ANNOYING!!

Lesson Learned: My lesson that I learned consists of two parts.
First: Was that I needed to create a cheat sheet, I need to take a sheet and list three things to ask an employer, along with other things like good answers to questions and the like.
Second: Was, I have no choice but to try and work on my graphic design portfolio, I may not have the time or the motivation to do it.. but it's clear thats a big reason why companies want me.. I can't get a job with weird, outdated or lame artwork.. or even lack of content.

Interview #35: Ordering Made Easy!

The title may or may not be a hint of the companies name..

Back in April, I went on an interview for a place that helps market restaurants. I actually applied for this position without knowing it, because I hadn't applied for anything for a week or two and I got a call from them, so I Was like sure!! I apparently applied for a Customer Service position, which I'm trying not to apply for, because I don't want to deal with customers anymore, but I'm glad I did apply for this place because it was one of my better experiences. The place was near another place I went on an interview, but the GPS sent me a different way. It made me a little nervous because I didn't know where it was taking me, but it ended up being fine and I actually got there 7 minutes early.

I got into the building, and I immediately saw two hot guys working next to each other on desks. One of them asked who I was, they got the interview lady, that I  had spoken with the prior week on the phone. I was sat down in a room, I had to fill out some paperwork and the lady said two other people would be in shortly. I finished the paper work and reread some questions and answers that I could talk to them about and then three of them came in, so it was perfect timing!

They asked me questions about the company, and asked me about many questions that I answered either well, or ok. I usually bounced back if I paused for a minute..not knowing what to say, I got back in with something colorful. They asked me about my current job in a store, and what I do there. I told them that I am on the floor, but asked to ring when needed, they told me that at this place, they're adding more people and that they have many doing more than one task. I said to them that I do that already at my current job, so it would be no problem for me, and that I like being a Jack of all Trades. An interesting thing is, they asked me about graphic design programs, as they saw I have the knowledge, I told them what programs I knew and I feel like I did poor on explaining my skills with them. They asked about a customer experience and how I handled it, I told them about this time in August when I had this nasty customer that had an invalid coupon, I told them that I handled it very calmly and did what was needed to be done. I left the part out where I didn't ask for a phone number, and didn't say have a nice day, but like no one wants a lady that nasty to come back! There was one part where I pulled words out of my butt, because what was I supposed to do? It was just a question about a customer that I didn't have an answer to. However, there was one question they asked about dealing with rude customers on the phone, I told them that I've never actually dealt with rude customers on the phone for some reason. They asked what my interests were, I went on about how I went to college for Graphic Design, and how I worked in a mail room and an office. I told them that I enjoy creativity, drawing, video games and tv. In which I told them that I was currently watching Daredevil, which is about a blind superhero and they all seemed like surprised at that, like the blind superhero concept. There were parts where I would ease up and just say something like that, which I think was good because it made me more like a person and not a robot who was just answering questions! At one point, my throat was clogged, so I said, sorry there's a frog in my throat, it needs to get out! And they all thought that was funny, so brownie points for making them laugh on purpose! They asked me who my least favorite manager at work was, and how do I deal with them. I said that my least favorite is the store manager, who is just cranky all of the time, I said that I just deal with it and do what I have to do. They asked who my favorite was, and I said my favorite is the one on my references; I told them that shes such a good person who will go out of their way to help people.
When I told my aunt about this, she told me that I have to be cautious about manager questions, so I'm not sure if I should have said I have no problem with managers... or if maybe I shouldn't have said my favorite was on the references.

I asked them what it's like to work there, they said it's a very relaxed environment, everyone's like friends and are friends out of work too. I said that was just like my current job as well. I asked them questions on how long the company has been there, I was surprised because they said 10 years and I was under the assumption that it was 3. I asked what their favorite thing about the job was, this was interesting, because they had very intriguing answers. The one lady told us about this job where she was looking up people's resume's and would find interesting jobs that she didn't know existed, like one girl she reviewed had worked for a company where she translated documents into different languages. I explained her that my friend did something similar once, my friend Karina, she got a job in an office where she translated things into or from Spanish. She had to leave because the owner was hitting on her, and told her he'd buy her a car if she slept with him; of course, I didn't tell them that part. I asked at the end of the interview, if there was a second interview, or what happens, she said that they don't do second interviews, they still have some interviews to go and will let me know next week if I got the job or not.
I realize now I shouldn't have said that, because it sounds kind of cocky, I should have asked them what the next step was.

The one lady set me out, and I told her it was a pleasure to meet her and she asked if I had work today, I said that I am off and I had made it that I'm always off every Thursday so I can make plans if I have to, like hang out with friends or something. She thought that was cool, I told her it was great meeting her.

I think the interview went very well, it was definitely one of the better ones I've been on. The managers were very relaxed and I got to talk about them like people, they weren't robots. I thought it went very well, unfortunately they told me they'd get back to me in a week and I never heard from them again, it's been a month and a half so I figure I was not hired.. which is annoying-ly weird, because I pretty much was everything they were looking for... they probably hired someone with more experience or something. It was strange too, because I got this very strong feeling like I got the job, I never had that feeling before.. and then a couple of days after the interview, that feeling went away.. it was strange. It's as if some strange psychic force was trying to tell me something!

I'm going to try and add them on Linkedin and see what happens, mainly because I want more contacts!

Lesson Learned: I don't really have one, I guess the best thing to do is you learn more about what to say every interview.

Interview 34: Why does this look so familiar?

Okay, so my 34th interview took place later in the day after my 33rd one. My earlier interview was at 10am, while my later one was at 4pm... it was in a similar area to my 32nd interview, so I already knew how to get half way there.
 Unfortunately, the navigation system messed me up at the last second... Usually, the GPS will say when you'll be close to it, when it says 0.05 miles ahead, that means get ready to turn... when it says the location is 0.02 miles away, that means you need to turn at the next turn.. but instead, the GPS said I was 0.04 miles away, and then instantaneously says I have arrived at the address...By the time it said this, I had just passed the turn to make and OF COURSE, I could not turn around because it ended up being a very long road of just forest on both sides. I had to drive 10 minutes out of the way, just so I could turn around and go back. By the time I actually got there, I was 10 minutes late, and originally I was going to be 10 minutes early. The fun doesn't end there either, when I got to the building, it was a big square that housed about 27 different companies. So, I walked around the entire building, just to find out that the place I was supposed to go to, was right by where I had parked my car.....

When I finally got into the office, I talked to the receptionist, and told her that my GPS made a mistake, she told me that it actually happens all the time. I was seated in the waiting room; it was really all one big room. The Receptionist was at this little dainty desk thing in the corner next to the doors, and to the left were some couches, a TV and a Table, but going forward were the offices.
As I waited, I had noticed that many of their decorations were not only bhuddist themed, but also many decorations that I have seen being sold at my store! I figured maybe they go to the store I work at all the time!
I waited around 10 minutes, and I was seated. The guy asked me a few questions, the usual stuff like where do I see myself in 5 years.. Am I good with a team and alone.. etc..
While I was on the interview, I realized that I wouldn't have been a very good fit. The job was for a consultant, and I would have been consulting people or something. I didn't think I got the job, and I didn't mind because I knew it wasn't the right place for me.

Lesson Learned: GPS systems aren't always correct and can screw you up! Make sure to leave at an even earlier time than you would have normally!

Interview 33: Are you a useless Potato?

My 33rd interview happened back in January, a week or two after my 32nd interview. I actually had two interviews that day, one in the morning at 9 am and the other at 4pm. I was contacted by a recruiter who will be referred to as "B", who said I was a likely candidate for a Jewelry company that was hiring. The early interview I went on, was for a staffing agency called Express Employment Professionals. I was late by like 15 minutes, but it wasn't a big deal because I knew I'd be filling stuff out for an our, in which being on time isn't a big deal. I was late that day, because I was sick and woke up with an absolutely terrible sore throat! I was like this is going to be great!!! I got to the building, and I took a seat and I was filling out their forms, half I didn't have to do because I had already completed them online. I waited a while and noticed outside of the window, was actually a corporate building for McDonalds! I thought to write down the information, so I could check them out as well, as I love McDonalds! However, I was not able to really find out how to apply for a job for that building, so it never went anywhere. When I was interviewed by the recruiter T, she was very nice and very bubbly. She asked me a few questions about my skills with Graphic Design Programs and what my weaknesses are.. she had asked how I was with being late, and I said I'm rarely late, but when I am, it's by five minutes. I told her about how I tried out Randstad, and how they were as useful as a potato, in which she bursted out laughing. She told me about this position near me, a photography company that would be hiring people for Data Entry, Graphic Design, Customer Service and I think Warehouse. I said that I liked three out of four positions, she put me up for Data Entry to just choose a selection and then on the interview with the company, I could make a decision.. She wanted me to call every week so they know that I am available... this particular position would start in mid March. So I called every week and half of the time, I actually talked to B and not T. By the time March came around, I spoke to B and she told me that the company had decided to do their own thing and hire their own employees, rather than affiliate with Express. She told me that she would look for something for me in the area.. that was the last I heard from them for a while, I didn't bother calling them because I WASTED A MONTH AND A HAlF thinking this people were going to help me..Weeks later, in May T texted me about a position, and I couldn't answer until two days later, I called them up and apparently she was busy so I left a message and never got an answer back.. So, basically, they are also as useless as a potato!

  Lesson Learned: I've really started to give up on Staffing Agencies, that's why I declined to go on an interview for two other companies.. I've given up on them, I really have! They are useless and I go on more interviews by applying for jobs directly anyways! Plus, staffing agencies get a part of the cut anyways, you'd make more money getting a job directly.

Interview #32: 'Bout to Drop the next Big Beat Yo!

My 32nd interview happened the next Thursday, after my 31st interview. Unlike my 31st interview, this was for a full time position in an office. The company is a DJ company that sells DJ equipment to DJ's, and even has a few physical stores.
When I was getting ready for the interview, I found out that I would have to take the expressway.. Which I really didn't want to, and I learned to just take the service road, which really wasn't that bad either, since it was only about 4-5 lights until I got to my destination.

When I got to the place, I was excited because I was thinking I would have to work in the actual store, just behind the scenes, but it was actually the corporate office! (Which is what I wanted)
When I went inside, I was seated and I had to fill out some paperwork. I had noticed that there was a whole booklet of separate application papers, I figured that they either had many people applying.
When I got in for the interview, it went very well. Even though I hadn't been on many interviews for a while, I answered questions very well and they really liked me. They really grilled me too, they asked all sorts of questions that I've been asked separately.. almost like every interview all at once.
They asked questions like...

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years"

I said, I see myself in a company that values professionalism and advancement.

They asked me what my weakness was, I said math, but if needed I would use a calculator.

He asked me a question about my personality, I said that I am shy, but once I get comfortable with everyone, I open up.

The guy asked many questions and I answered them very well, I could tell I did good because he had this stupid grin on his face.

At one point, he asked about my hobbies, I said I enjoyed playing Video games, watching Japanese Animation, Drawing, Photography.
He told me he was doing a side project where he was making a video game with somebody.

The interview went very well and he introduced me to the entire staff! I shook hands with everybody, and learned their names.

The last on the list was to OK a background check, the lady at the front desk said they just wanted to make sure I wasn't wanted in any states or anything.. I was just worried about my credit score, since mine isn't great due to a crazy amount of student loans.

I really enjoyed that interview, and at 5:00pm I got a strange call that came from the same town..since that was the only interview I went on in that area, It must have been them, right? They said I did not get the job, but they'd keep my resume on file.
I was really disappointed because it seemed like a great job, with lot's of fun people!

A few days passed and I actually got a call back from them, they wanted me in for another interview! What.. huh? Confused??? So either the number that called me wasn't them, or they had a change of heart. (Or maybe I wasn't supposed to get that call?)
The funny part was, at first I wanted the job, but then I thought about it and I didn't really want it anymore because I feel that the product they're selling is not very interesting to me.

They wanted me for an interview the next day.. which annoyed me because I need time to get it together, let the thought sink in. Unfortunately, I had closed at my job, so I didn't go to bed until like ... 2 am and I had to be there at about 10 am.. Easy to say, I didn't get lot's of sleep.
I got there really quick, it took me 20 minutes to get there, which was awesome timing!

I got into the building and the guy immediately recognized me through the glass window, and I was seated very quickly, I found out I was only competing with one other person! this marked the second time I've been on a second interview.
This time I met with the interviewer from before, and another person higher in the ranks.
Because I was tired and because I didn't really want the job, I wasn't on my A game, but I was still good. I answered questions, but maybe not as well. There was one time when they asked what I liked most about my current job, and I said the people. They asked what I liked least about the job, I said that there was too much work and not enough people.. which I regret saying and I should have just said that the annoying thing is there are no employee bathrooms (I've since asked a few co-workers and they agree with this statement)
I think I did okay, not as great as the first time. Conveniently, I had a wardrobe malfunction and had to leave the room in haste as I was leaving and didn't get to say to them, that if they hire me, they will not regret their decision.. but I had to fix my wardrobe malfunction.. but I probably looked ridiculous as I was leaving.....
The place seemed great and it clearly had good people, but I knew it wasn't for me. I have no care for their products (They did say they prefer people that have an interest with DJ supplies, which I didn't.). The other thing was, that I knew I'd never want to leave that place once I got it, I really just want a job I will stay at for a while, not forever. I need a fun little job to last me months to a year or two. I just need a better paying job, one with a normal 9-5 schedule, so I can make some more money and get situated with my life goals, it was definitely one of my best interview experiences and it helped me get familiar with the area, as I had never driven to the town before.
I would have loved to work there, if they sold interesting items or if it was a Video Game company.. Then I'd do everything I can to get the job. Right type of setting, but wrong product....It had a great atmosphere.

Lesson Learned: I've said this one already, but sometimes the job isn't right for you. It could be perfect, but it's not exactly what you need in your life right now, you need something different.

Phone Interview/Convo

I had started my new job search in the end of September 2015, I had applied for a job that was up my alley. It was a job in a Mail Company, that was looking for someone to do clerical work and light Graphic Design. This job was perfect for me, and it paid 17 an hour! How could I pass that up?! I worked in a mail room for 4 months,  I worked in an Office for a year and I went to school for graphic design!
I sent my resume, and a minute later I got a call! The guy on the phone told me, he just got my resume and he asked me a few questions. He asked me if I had Microsoft Office experience, he asked me some clerical related questions and he asked if I was good with Excel. I told him I have little Excel experience, but I am a quick learner. He asked what I would be in Excel, a Novice, Medium or Intermediate, I said a Novice. He told me that he would get back to me later about more details....
A day had passed and I was telling some people at work about this job, and two people were so excited for me. The one lady was like, I'm so excited for you, you're going to get this job! I told her, that I probably wasn't, and I'm used to being let down, she told me not to think like that. But what can I say, I went on 20 interviews in a year, back in 2012 and I didn't get a single one of them!
But because she was so happy about it, she got me excited about it and she started to make me think I actually had a chance.... especially since she was telling me about her daughter's boyfriend who she thought worked for the company. (It was a different company.)
The next day, I emailed the company, just to ask what the status was. They emailed me back, saying they were reviewing all of the candidates and that they would let me know the outcome.
I never heard from them again!
But what bothered me is, It was clear I had no chance at getting this job! So why did the guy call me in the first place?! He got my hopes up! Getting someone's hopes up is not cool, and he was just baiting me the whole time! I wish I had remembered the name of the company or something, this way I could complain about it on Glassdoor or Yelp!