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.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Friday, June 3, 2016
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.
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.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
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!
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.
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.
Monday, March 7, 2016
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.
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.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
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!
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!
Interview #31: Trust me, I'm not a Doctor!
My 31st interview was actually a week ago! January 21st, 2016. It was for a Doctor's Office, that I had accidentally applied for. See, what had happened was... the previous week from the interview, I decided that I was going to apply for some jobs! But I didn't notice what I was applying to. I was just randomly applying for jobs, without paying attention for what they were for, my only concern was where the job was located. So, I ended up applying for a job that was for a medical receptionist, that also requested working at two different locations. For starters, I'm not a big fan of driving, so going to two different locations that are 30 minutes apart, is not my thing... But also, I am not a fan of Doctor's office's as they give me the heebie geebies!
So, I went on this interview, not wanting the job and not thinking they would even want me.
However, my friend Donna lives 5 minutes away from the interview site, so I figured I would stop by her house afterwards, making the trip there actually worth something. (Since the interview was 40 minutes away from my house).
I got the to the office and I had to fill out paper work for a little while, there were two girls also filling out paper work and I thought "My competition!". I didn't think they would actually want me, so I was a bit honest with certain questions on the sheets.
I was in the waiting room for an hour and a half, and I had noticed that the receptionists were sometimes rude to the patients! I was like, what the fetch?! I work at a store that has some of the nastiest shoppers you could ever imagine and I've never been mean, nasty or rude to them! I'd love to see these receptionist girls in a store! They'd get fired in a heart beat for being rude! But this also got me fired up, thinking if I get this job, I'll be so nice to the patients that they'll love me!
So, an hour and a half later, I am called in and they apologize for making me wait so long (The office manager had to watch an important video that was apparently, an emergency.)
I was interviewed by the office manager, and the manager for their social media accounts.
They tell me that I was exactly what they were looking for, they were not interested in me being a receptionist, but in fact.. they liked me for my Computer knowledge and Graphic Design skills! I was like... say what now!? I was totally shocked! Here I thought I was just one of the 50 people that applied to be a receptionist and thought my fate would be undecided, and not hired by them.
They wanted me to help them with their facebook account, other social media accounts and even some graphic design!
They asked me a few questions about my skills and background, and I told them that I have a blog and that I have 500 followers on twitter.
They wanted to see my blog and my portfolio, so I gave them my blog link and they told me to send my portfolio link to them via email.. which is weird, because now that I think of it.. I could have told them the link in person.
They wanted me to go on a three hour trial as a receptionist, to see if I like the job or not. I just had to find out when I was free, and I told them I would call them on Friday to see my schedule, when I'm available. They however told me, that the three hour training would be non paid and that if I did take this position, it would be part time. But even though I was looking for Full Time, this was the experience that I really needed!
On Friday, I called them and found out they had already left for the day.... I'm used to people working 9-5, not 8-4.. I called them at 4:30, on my lunch break at work.
I was told by the receptionist to call them on Monday, which would be when the office manager would be back. I called them on Monday 15 times, just to get that dreaded busy tone! At the end of the day, I got an email from the office manager stating she was sorry for not getting back and that she would schedule a meeting soon. I didn't hear anything for two days, and then I got a phone call from another company, about an interview.. so I decided to focus on that company instead, since these guys decided to drop off the face of the earth! I didn't get that job, but when I got home from interview 32, I found out the head Doctor of the Doctor's Office, added me on LinkedIn! Does that mean they are still interested in me? I have no idea! But I want to wait and see if they will reply to me!
Lesson Learned: Sometimes it's good to apply for jobs you wouldn't want to do, because they may be looking for something that you are skilled in! My old supervisor, when I worked in an office once told me, to apply for places that aren't hiring. This is because, some places are looking for talent, but they just haven't looked for anyone yet! This was basically the same thing, they were looking for someone besides a receptionist, but they weren't going out of their way to find someone!
So, I went on this interview, not wanting the job and not thinking they would even want me.
However, my friend Donna lives 5 minutes away from the interview site, so I figured I would stop by her house afterwards, making the trip there actually worth something. (Since the interview was 40 minutes away from my house).
I got the to the office and I had to fill out paper work for a little while, there were two girls also filling out paper work and I thought "My competition!". I didn't think they would actually want me, so I was a bit honest with certain questions on the sheets.
I was in the waiting room for an hour and a half, and I had noticed that the receptionists were sometimes rude to the patients! I was like, what the fetch?! I work at a store that has some of the nastiest shoppers you could ever imagine and I've never been mean, nasty or rude to them! I'd love to see these receptionist girls in a store! They'd get fired in a heart beat for being rude! But this also got me fired up, thinking if I get this job, I'll be so nice to the patients that they'll love me!
So, an hour and a half later, I am called in and they apologize for making me wait so long (The office manager had to watch an important video that was apparently, an emergency.)
I was interviewed by the office manager, and the manager for their social media accounts.
They tell me that I was exactly what they were looking for, they were not interested in me being a receptionist, but in fact.. they liked me for my Computer knowledge and Graphic Design skills! I was like... say what now!? I was totally shocked! Here I thought I was just one of the 50 people that applied to be a receptionist and thought my fate would be undecided, and not hired by them.
They wanted me to help them with their facebook account, other social media accounts and even some graphic design!
They asked me a few questions about my skills and background, and I told them that I have a blog and that I have 500 followers on twitter.
They wanted to see my blog and my portfolio, so I gave them my blog link and they told me to send my portfolio link to them via email.. which is weird, because now that I think of it.. I could have told them the link in person.
They wanted me to go on a three hour trial as a receptionist, to see if I like the job or not. I just had to find out when I was free, and I told them I would call them on Friday to see my schedule, when I'm available. They however told me, that the three hour training would be non paid and that if I did take this position, it would be part time. But even though I was looking for Full Time, this was the experience that I really needed!
On Friday, I called them and found out they had already left for the day.... I'm used to people working 9-5, not 8-4.. I called them at 4:30, on my lunch break at work.
I was told by the receptionist to call them on Monday, which would be when the office manager would be back. I called them on Monday 15 times, just to get that dreaded busy tone! At the end of the day, I got an email from the office manager stating she was sorry for not getting back and that she would schedule a meeting soon. I didn't hear anything for two days, and then I got a phone call from another company, about an interview.. so I decided to focus on that company instead, since these guys decided to drop off the face of the earth! I didn't get that job, but when I got home from interview 32, I found out the head Doctor of the Doctor's Office, added me on LinkedIn! Does that mean they are still interested in me? I have no idea! But I want to wait and see if they will reply to me!
Lesson Learned: Sometimes it's good to apply for jobs you wouldn't want to do, because they may be looking for something that you are skilled in! My old supervisor, when I worked in an office once told me, to apply for places that aren't hiring. This is because, some places are looking for talent, but they just haven't looked for anyone yet! This was basically the same thing, they were looking for someone besides a receptionist, but they weren't going out of their way to find someone!
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