Interview #2
First off, this place is DEE-luxe. Driving up I saw the large glass green-technology building, then parked in the heated garage. For a girl coming from the social services and used to working with donated computers and mis-matched office furniture, this place made my jaw drop. And made me extra jumpy at the thought of executives in suits.
Nervously, I flip my hair to change the part, and decide to put on my glasses to help conceal my facial piercing. Clip-clip-clip go my high heels on the tile.
The first thing they had me do was meet with an HR rep for a half hour to go over the benefits in a round glass room that they referred to as 'The Fishbowl'. This threw me off. Not the room, the benefits talk. I mean, it was great they were educating me about the benefits package and options, but I hadn't even interviewed yet! And there wasn't a phone interview, just an 'are you still interested?' type of conversation via phone. So, I was a bit taken back that they would potentially waste time on someone who they might not see as a top candidate...because at this point all they have is a one page resume from me. But, maybe it's their HR policy to do things this way, who am I to question? This corporate world is new to me.
After the drool-worthy benefit package discussion (during which I tried to remain calm and poker faced), I was lead upstairs. The interview was nearly the complete opposite of my last one. Only one person. And hardly ANY questions ! No crazy 'give me an example of a time you solved a problem', or 'what is your biggest weakness'. Huzzah. It was mostly a time for ME to ask questions, which was fantastic. I admit, I asked some questions that I already knew the answers to, just to keep the conversation going and appear to be actively thinking while I was freaking out on the inside.
However, about 15 minutes into the interview, my interviewer didn't seem to have much else to say. I had the distinct feeling that his mind was mind up already. But I wasn't sure which way! Was he done with me? Did my cover letter and resume really do all my work for me in showing my potential as a employee?? Was this just a obligatory interview of on outside candidate to meet some HR standard when they were really just planning on hiring on inside candidate?
I kept asking questions and trying to get in more face time for another 10 minutes, and then let things wind up and let him close the interview.
Afterwards, I met my mother for lunch. Of course, her immediate question was "How did it go, was it good?" Not sure. My overall impression was thath it was more weird than good, but nothing was bad.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thank you for your consideration #11
Split decison.
Okay, well I've made a decision. Kinda.
Since I have no other offers after 50+ resumes sent - I feel foolish turning this down. With this job I will get in the field, and not have to relocate my husband and I. I called back and accepted the position while making it clear and being honest that I was really looking for a fulltime position however I liked their school and it was a great opportunity to get experience. They have to know that not offering benefits means that their employees won't stay long, right? I made it clear that insurance was a concern for me. Hopefully, they will 'earmark' me for an upgrade in hours or position in the near future.
All hope at a FT job is not lost, though. While hemming and hawing over the offer, I got another callback! I have a job interview for next week! Its actually less hours than the 39 hour PT job I've been talking about, as its only 37.5 hours a week, but thats FT at their company. So, you know what that means....Full benefits, baby!! I'm psyched.
So, my decision is pretty much to extend the decision, by telling them yes. (For now). I hate doing this. I feel dishonest, but I don't want to tell them no and burn that bridge and risk not having anything. But at this point I have to look out for myself and my family and not limit myself to the first offer that I get. And this girl needs some insurance! After all, when it comes down to it, business is business, right? And no one else is looking out for my business.
Update: Through the wonders of Facebook, I found out that a friend of mine has a friend that used to work at the community college (the PT offer place). I emailed her, and upon hearing of my offer, she warned me that their HR processes takes forever. While this is usually bad for most people (if they are unemployed and waiting to start working) this is GREAT for me, as it will buy me more time to apply to more places and hopefully get more offers.
Okay, well I've made a decision. Kinda.
Since I have no other offers after 50+ resumes sent - I feel foolish turning this down. With this job I will get in the field, and not have to relocate my husband and I. I called back and accepted the position while making it clear and being honest that I was really looking for a fulltime position however I liked their school and it was a great opportunity to get experience. They have to know that not offering benefits means that their employees won't stay long, right? I made it clear that insurance was a concern for me. Hopefully, they will 'earmark' me for an upgrade in hours or position in the near future.
All hope at a FT job is not lost, though. While hemming and hawing over the offer, I got another callback! I have a job interview for next week! Its actually less hours than the 39 hour PT job I've been talking about, as its only 37.5 hours a week, but thats FT at their company. So, you know what that means....Full benefits, baby!! I'm psyched.
So, my decision is pretty much to extend the decision, by telling them yes. (For now). I hate doing this. I feel dishonest, but I don't want to tell them no and burn that bridge and risk not having anything. But at this point I have to look out for myself and my family and not limit myself to the first offer that I get. And this girl needs some insurance! After all, when it comes down to it, business is business, right? And no one else is looking out for my business.
Update: Through the wonders of Facebook, I found out that a friend of mine has a friend that used to work at the community college (the PT offer place). I emailed her, and upon hearing of my offer, she warned me that their HR processes takes forever. While this is usually bad for most people (if they are unemployed and waiting to start working) this is GREAT for me, as it will buy me more time to apply to more places and hopefully get more offers.
Monday, March 21, 2011
ECTMSRHOPHM Volume 9
East Coast Transplant in the Midwest Seeks Repatriation to the Homeland; or, Please Hire Me!
This has been an INCREDIBLY exhausting week (will I get my work done in time?!??! Will I have enough time for upcoming interviews???), there’s also been a lot of good.
I had my first phone interview this weekend. I could barely sleep the night before, and essentially made myself sick through worrying the morning of. I took some tummy medicine, thinking “oh no, this will knock me out…I won’t make a good impression…my life is over.”
I’m pretty positive, dont’cha think?
Anyway, I think it went well. More than well…really REALLY good. So good in fact that I got a second interview at ACPA.
This school is very VERY high up on my list…intro res-life, as are the rest of my job prospects, but a school that I KNOW I could be happy at. Great students, great departmental support, great location…*sigh* I’m hoping for the best.
And to top it all off, I have 6 total (including the aforementioned spot) interviews ALREADY scheduled at ACPA. I know I’ll get more!
I’m just…regularly astounded that I’ve been able to get all this squared away. I had help from friends (namely the boyfriend) in fine-tuning my cover letters, as verbal interviews are more my thing, I’ve spent late nights researching the schools that I will interview with, and even later nights losing sleep.
I’m as prepped as can be… And, now what? A week to go before I go through the most challenging interviews of my life…? A week to go before I get a better idea of where I’ll be in 3 months (or, perhaps I’ll be even more nervous…?)…
In short, I’m nervous as hell, and there’s not much I can do about it, save staying confident that I’ve got some great schools wanting to interview me…
In short, a week of worrying and cramming copious amounts of school work before the interviews start is what’s in store for me. AHHH FUN! Erm…not really. *Nervous*
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Thank you for your consideration #10
Mixed emotions.
The good, elated, proud, excited - I was offered a job with the college that I interviewed with last week.
The frustrated, let-down, unsure - It was not the job that I applied for and it's not full-time.
Here's the scoop: I got a call back and was offered the job 'below' the position that I interviewed for. The dude explained that he'd like to have me on board but with the economy and all, there were a ton of applicants okay with lateral moves or down-ward moves just to stay in the field (and basically, I was a new grad looking to move up). So, there were people who interview for the position that I applied for that already have been doing the same job at other schools for years and had a good track record and years of experience doing the exact thing that the job entailed. Whereas, this job would be a step-up for me. He offered me an assistant job to the position that I wanted. It's a bit of a blow to the ego, but any offer is a good offer, right?? Especially one in a department in my field, and that could actually take advantage of my recent graduate training. However, most of the people in this position were typical still in school at the time. And I have my degree, I have work experience, and I'm in my 30s. I feel like I would be struck back down to the level of grad-school kid after working so hard to get my degree and move on and upward.
However, ego aside, there was a bigger issue. The job was 39 hour a week. And they deem 39 hours as part time (!). It's clear that if they are asking for 39 hours, that they really need a full-time person. PT means no benefits. No sick time. No paid holidays. And, no health insurance. No sick time would suck, but no insurance might be a deal breaker. I asked the dude if I could get back to him on Monday with my decision, so I have a few days to scramble and figure out what to do. With 39 hours, it would be hard to work a second PT job (i.e. barista-ing somewhere to get benefits).
In addition to the dash to my ego this seems unfair, and kinda unethical, and just....bogus.
I know it would be good to get my foot in the door and I would learn a lot. And hopefully, be able to prove myself and move into my desired position. IF it became available.
What do I do....Take this as a opportunity or a gamble? If I do, will I feel like I am settling? Will the unsteady paycheck and lack of health insurance cause undue stress on my marriage? But, my job is soon coming to an end and some work is always better than no work. help.
Decisions, decisions.
The good, elated, proud, excited - I was offered a job with the college that I interviewed with last week.
The frustrated, let-down, unsure - It was not the job that I applied for and it's not full-time.
Here's the scoop: I got a call back and was offered the job 'below' the position that I interviewed for. The dude explained that he'd like to have me on board but with the economy and all, there were a ton of applicants okay with lateral moves or down-ward moves just to stay in the field (and basically, I was a new grad looking to move up). So, there were people who interview for the position that I applied for that already have been doing the same job at other schools for years and had a good track record and years of experience doing the exact thing that the job entailed. Whereas, this job would be a step-up for me. He offered me an assistant job to the position that I wanted. It's a bit of a blow to the ego, but any offer is a good offer, right?? Especially one in a department in my field, and that could actually take advantage of my recent graduate training. However, most of the people in this position were typical still in school at the time. And I have my degree, I have work experience, and I'm in my 30s. I feel like I would be struck back down to the level of grad-school kid after working so hard to get my degree and move on and upward.
However, ego aside, there was a bigger issue. The job was 39 hour a week. And they deem 39 hours as part time (!). It's clear that if they are asking for 39 hours, that they really need a full-time person. PT means no benefits. No sick time. No paid holidays. And, no health insurance. No sick time would suck, but no insurance might be a deal breaker. I asked the dude if I could get back to him on Monday with my decision, so I have a few days to scramble and figure out what to do. With 39 hours, it would be hard to work a second PT job (i.e. barista-ing somewhere to get benefits).
In addition to the dash to my ego this seems unfair, and kinda unethical, and just....bogus.
I know it would be good to get my foot in the door and I would learn a lot. And hopefully, be able to prove myself and move into my desired position. IF it became available.
What do I do....Take this as a opportunity or a gamble? If I do, will I feel like I am settling? Will the unsteady paycheck and lack of health insurance cause undue stress on my marriage? But, my job is soon coming to an end and some work is always better than no work. help.
Decisions, decisions.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
ECTMSRHOPHM Volume 8
East Coast Transplant in the Midwest Seeks Repatriation to the Homeland; or, Please Hire Me!
So, I’m definitely becoming partial to schools with working online applications. It’s 2011, folks, put your stuff online already! Not "fax this over," not "please print out and sign," and NOT "please retype everything in your References page into this odd little online thing." NO NO NO! *grumbles*
I’ve got 4 interviews lined up-3 at ACPA and 1 phone interview. Definitely excited about this, feeling good, etc etc… Still anxious about those that I haven’t heard from, but I’m happy with what I’ve got thus far. Here’s to hoping for more! Out of 13 (and most were recent), I think I’ve got good odds thus far…
On that note…thirteen? Could I really have chosen a more unlucky number to begin my job search? Really, Epix??!!? Eh, I like to play with fate…and fire. Let’s hope it doesn’t bite me in the butt later on, shall we?
Sleeping is still difficult, but that’s to be expected…
I’m going to rattle off the websites I’ve been using for job searching. They are as follows:
NASPA’s Career website
ACPA’s Career website
Chronicle of Higher Education
Studentaffairs.com
Higheredjobs.com
Indeed.com
Diverseeducation.com
And others for odds and ends.
The above have really been working for me, and I’ve found a lot of great job openings just from using those 7. Any others that folks would like to recommend?
The other major thing happening as of late is the dynamic change/shift that I have seen happen amongst colleagues and friends in the midst of the job hunt. I will say, upfront, that I am fortunate to be one of few going into Res Life/Housing, and almost unique in the area I’m looking for. Therefore, when people see jobs, they automatically send them to me to help me out without an ounce of envy or worry.
I’m not stealing jobs from them, nor are they from me.
It’s a great feeling.
I see so many others putting on fake plastered-on smiles to say that “no, of course not, why would I be unhappy that you’re also applying for the same job…? Share my research? Oh, sure, what are friends for…?” The icy glare that follows could easily freeze over most countries that lie along the equator.
Yeah, I’m happy to be away from all that.
Speaking of cold…really, Midwest, really?!?!? STOP SNOWING! It’s mid-March, this is not okay! It’s definitely become a challenge to wear dress clothing and dress shoes and do my best not to slip on my butt everywhere I go. I’m interviewing soon, and I have to make sure that butt fits into my suit. Thus, less padding when I fall.
Sad day indeed.
-Epix.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Thank you for your consideration #9
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...
Sunday, March 6, 2011
ECTMSRHOPHM Volume 7
East Coast Transplant in the Midwest Seeks Repatriation to the Homeland; or, Please Hire Me!
So, updates for everyone.
I’ve now applied to FIVE jobs-app’s are in, complete, and waiting.
I’ve now heard back from one of them thus far, and have an interview scheduled at ACPA. Ahh, it's just weeks away!!!
I feel so excited about it. This school could be a really great fit, and I know that I would be very happy there.
Now, just to continue the waiting game. I have ELEVEN more app’s almost done, and am planning on getting FIVE to TEN completed this week. It’s all a rush. It’s hard to keep track of everything, and difficult to keep my head screwed on enough to get through each day without freaking out about what the future may hold.
I realize that the next two months will be a constant stream of stress. I have trouble sleeping, as I can’t stop anticipating what’s in store, and I know that my eating habits have been less than stellar.
Thus, I decided to do something about it. I joined Weight Watchers.
I was shocked at this, as I could always manage my weight well enough before with portion control and calorie counting, but there’s too much going on right now to really keep everything straight. It’s been really useful, as I hadn’t realized just how bad my snacking was becoming, and Interview Season is coming up… (I’ll stop there so as to not look like I’m getting paid by Weight Watchers).
A colleague in Student Affairs told me that it doesn’t matter what you look like at interviews, because in Student Affairs we only care about “what’s inside.”
K.
Well, I’m not going to argue for or against that point, but I will offer the viewpoint that my suit jacket needs to close regardless of how nice my insides look. So, healthy eating it is!
I’m also working on a new system of applying where I keep my information search under 15 minutes a school, thereby maximizing the time I have to write cover letters, netting me more opportunities at different schools. I’m rationalizing that I’ll do more research with a school AFTER I hear back from them. I think it will be a better use of time, amongst other things.
Does anyone have a similar system? What say you, fellow grads/those who remember their first job search?
Stay tuned for next time when I discuss how vicious GA’s can turn when jobs are on the line! *cue dramatic music*
Lovingly (but actually not hungry!),
-Epix
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Thank you for your consideration #8
An unexpected morning.
I am not a morning person. People close to me know not to have important conversations with me in the AM, or at least not to expect me to remember it, or expect a (sensical) reply.
Earlier this week, I was unusually awake and motivated at 8am. I was out of pet food and needed to run to the local fruit and veggie market for my bunnies' breakfast before running to campus to start my day. As I pulled into the parking lot, my cell phone rang. I hastily pulled into a spot and answered my phone. It was an admin assistant for a head honcho at the local community college. "Was I still interested in the position? YES!" ..."see you on Friday." It was an interview for a job that would take advantage of my new degree and training! Holla.
It was in the higher education field, but was a little different sort of environnment that I anticipated working in being a community college. (But to follow up on my last blog, I'm searching far and wide!). The location was not totally ideal, but the job description and duties were intriguing (as far as most job descriptions usually go).
Now, to do my research and prep for the interview. In addition to looking over their mission statement and the department's objectives, in a news article I found out that they were launching a new intiative to revamp and rebrand the school. I took notes on the step they had outlined (yes, i'm a dork, and a bit of an eager-beaver sometimes). As a googled this to find more, I found a youtube video of the school's new chancelor talking about this plan. And for my final touch, I even have a personal story up my sleeve (in case they ask me why I want to work there). It just so happens that my husband took a few classes there about 10 years ago, and he still talks about his math teacher. Granted, he talks about him because we saw him on a local cable access dancing show....but I think I'll leave that part out. I'm uncomfortable with being a total kiss-up, but I think that making a personal connection is one of those things that can bring you from candidate to potential hire. I'll let you know how it works out. Wish me luck!
I am not a morning person. People close to me know not to have important conversations with me in the AM, or at least not to expect me to remember it, or expect a (sensical) reply.
Earlier this week, I was unusually awake and motivated at 8am. I was out of pet food and needed to run to the local fruit and veggie market for my bunnies' breakfast before running to campus to start my day. As I pulled into the parking lot, my cell phone rang. I hastily pulled into a spot and answered my phone. It was an admin assistant for a head honcho at the local community college. "Was I still interested in the position? YES!" ..."see you on Friday." It was an interview for a job that would take advantage of my new degree and training! Holla.
It was in the higher education field, but was a little different sort of environnment that I anticipated working in being a community college. (But to follow up on my last blog, I'm searching far and wide!). The location was not totally ideal, but the job description and duties were intriguing (as far as most job descriptions usually go).
Now, to do my research and prep for the interview. In addition to looking over their mission statement and the department's objectives, in a news article I found out that they were launching a new intiative to revamp and rebrand the school. I took notes on the step they had outlined (yes, i'm a dork, and a bit of an eager-beaver sometimes). As a googled this to find more, I found a youtube video of the school's new chancelor talking about this plan. And for my final touch, I even have a personal story up my sleeve (in case they ask me why I want to work there). It just so happens that my husband took a few classes there about 10 years ago, and he still talks about his math teacher. Granted, he talks about him because we saw him on a local cable access dancing show....but I think I'll leave that part out. I'm uncomfortable with being a total kiss-up, but I think that making a personal connection is one of those things that can bring you from candidate to potential hire. I'll let you know how it works out. Wish me luck!
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