Interview DONE!
Well, I'm glad I did my homework, I was able to use all those bits of research that I did. After feeling tongue-tied and nervous during sections of the interview, having things to say (that were my independent thought, and that showed my interest) really made me feel like I came across as more confident and allowed me to shine a bit (and hopefully separate myself from the rest of the candidate wolf pack).
I was nervous about taking public transit to a new part of the city, and that coupled with my last minute clothing/hair/shoes crisis, made me leave later that I wanted to, so I elected to drive so that I would feel more in control of my commute. (And that I'd be kept busy while driving, and hence distracted from worrying...and I could warm up my 'morning voice' by singing in the car. Glad I drove, barely made it on time. But parking was $25....crap, job searching isn't cheap.
It was a maze finding the right place on their campus, but I did. First thing, they had me meet with the Assistant Vice Chancellor. He mostly just told be about the job, and then asked me for details of the jobs I had listed on my resume. Turns out, he was hiring for FIVE new positions. And it quickly became clear that I wasn't necessarily being considered for the job that I applied for!! I was asked if I would consider part time. Though, I applied for a full-time salaried position. Yeah, I'd consider it a disappointment. However, a part of a job is better than NO job and this would be in my field, so I didn't want them to count me out and shove me out the door if I said that I wouldn't do PT. So, despite my sinking heart, I tried my best not to let my face change too much and stated that I was looking for full-time, however since I liked their school SO much I'd consider part-time. I didn't really like the school especially, but this seemed like a way to keep my options open and decide for myself AFTER the interview if I could really take a part-time job. It became clear by the duties and time committment that they really did need a full-time person, but either politics or employee benefit costs were not allowing them to make this a full-time position.
An hour later, I was on to stage two of the interview. Three other staff members in the department I'd (presumably) be working in came to interview me, en masse. Let me be clear, it was not a group discussion, or 'let's meet the team and see if you can see yourself here'. It was the three of them sitting directly across from me at a long table, DRILLING me with HR 101 questions. Not fun. I gave my practiced answers for what my strengths/weakness/goals/biggest accomplishments were. I was most happy with my answer to "what would you change here?" by responding that I thought it was important to get to know the people and process and there culture first, so that I wouldn't undo what is already working (i.e. throwing out the baby with the bath water) but mentioned some new buzz-worthy trends in the field that I'd learned in school that I'd bring to the plate.
I still think the Asst. Vice Chan. liked me, but I'm wary about this part-time nonsense. Even if it paid well, and I took a second job to make up the hours, I still really need benefits and health insurance.We'll see what happens...
No comments:
Post a Comment