The end of the interview

Does it seem to anyone else that usually the last conversation topic covered in a interview is that they have other people to interview? This is annoying. Just say I wanna think about it. I had one guy talk to me on the phone for an hour asking when I was available and such. He even went as far as to tell me that I pretty much had the job, I just had to meet the GM. Then when I went in to meet the GM they suddenly had other interviews. Do they really have other interviews, or do they just wanna beat around the bush?

Annoying, isn't it? Larger companys ususally pull this crap. Smaller ones don't.
From my experience, I have found that this means you are not what they are looking for. Or, maybe we can find someone better.
Another annoying statement is "you'll be hearing again from us", and you never do.
I've given up trying guess if my interview went well or not. All interviews are a pain in the butt.

Been There Done That in Stamford, Connecticut said: Annoying, isn't it? Larger companys ususally pull this crap. Smaller ones don't.
From my experience, I have found that this means you are not what they are looking for. Or, maybe we can find someone better.
Another annoying statement is "you'll be hearing again from us", and you never do.
I've given up trying guess if my interview went well or not. All interviews are a pain in the butt.

I couldn't agree more !!! I have been at previous jobs a long time, so I don't have a lot of experience with interviews. I have many years experience in office work but find that if you can do 99 out of 100 things and have common sense and maturity, but if you cannot excel in the 100th item, you're out of luck.
This whole process is awful.. Any words of encouragement???

it doesnt seem like a job offer but trying to sell a subscription to videoes

LaurenRyan in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Does it seem to anyone else that usually the last conversation topic covered in a interview is that they have other people to interview?

I have been on many interviews during my life and I can tell you that I have NEVER been called back after hearing the dreaded words, "we have others to interview." On ALL the jobs I was actually hired for, the interviewer either offered the job at that moment or immediately scheduled me for any additional interviews that were necessary to get the position even if they were not to happen that very day.

Here is the truth about that... A person who interviews people is either the hiring manager and can make a decision or is at least capable of determining if you are worth talking to further and can schedule further meetings. If they give you anything about having additional people to talk to or have to consult with other people before offering you the position, you are not going to be hired.

In fact, I challenge anyone reading this to pose a legitimate reason why there need be any delay in making the decision except where the company is going to go through a false EEO charade. Even in the case of a job that requires a government security clearance, the person is hired with the caveat that they will be terminated if any background checks fall through, etc.

The reasoning behind this is that you obviously were a viable candidate or you wouldn't have gotten the interview in the first place, so if they don't want to hire you or progress further in the hiring procedure, it means that they have found something about you they don't like. Remember, it takes a lot of time to interview people. If it is HR you are talking to, then they are experts in deciding whether you are a strong candidate or not. If it is a hiring manager, they want to hire someone and not waste anymore time.

This is just a shout out to "Senior Citizen" - Thank you so much for all of your insights on these posts. Everything you've been writing, that I've been reading, sound true and legit. Thank you for being so informative! Keep posting - I love your replies. Some are down-right hilarious....

Unite Us in Venice, Florida said: This is just a shout out to "Senior Citizen" - Thank you so much for all of your insights on these posts. Everything you've been writing, that I've been reading, sound true and legit. Thank you for being so informative! Keep posting - I love your replies. Some are down-right hilarious....

You are most kind. I too find some of your comments intriguing and humourous. I particularly liked when you said you slept with a cricifix to ward off the evils of unemployment or was that a defense against Sears itself? :)

No, actually that wasn't a joke...I was really scared last night after reading that particular post. It disturbed me what that female from Washington, DC stated. I was upset by that all night. Anyway, keep up the wonderful work and insight you're giving. I'm reading it and I love it!

Unite Us in Venice, Florida said: No, actually that wasn't a joke...I was really scared last night after reading that particular post. It disturbed me what that female from Washington, DC stated. I was upset by that all night. Anyway, keep up the wonderful work and insight you're giving. I'm reading it and I love it!

Sorry you were frightened. That person's writing would frighten any sane person. Wanna be a co-leader of a group that helps people in such situations? Write an e-mail to your own self at gmail.com.

We moved to LV from NY. People in this town are nice.Two faced but nice. Interviewers and job agencies creep me out. These people are not professional. Instead of having the balls to say we can't help you,they play you along. Really what sort of gutless human being does that?

LaurenRyan in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Does it seem to anyone else that usually the last conversation topic covered in a interview is that they have other people to interview? This is annoying. Just say I wanna think about it. I had one guy talk to me on the phone for an hour asking when I was available and such. He even went as far as to tell me that I pretty much had the job, I just had to meet the GM. Then when I went in to meet the GM they suddenly had other interviews. Do they really have other interviews, or do they just wanna beat around the bush?

I never believe anyone that says that I'm a good candidate. They want perfection.

Yes it is pathetic actually. I went on an interview at Selective Insurance and was there for close to 3 hours!... they had me meet mgt. AND upper mgt. and one mgr. reassured me that he would be contacting me within a week as to my interview status and he sounded very positive. Ok, I'm not new to interviewing and could take the fact that I may not/wasn't going to be selected... I called and left a message for the recruiter, emailed the mgr and recruiter as a follow-up when 2-3 wks went by and I heard NOTHING. Why can't these companies just have the decency to write a 5 second email saying something like "we're still looking at other candidates if we should select you we will contact you" or "we've selected another," and return a response. Matters worse was when I saw the job opening again 2 months later on their website - so it was never filled (they only had 1 position opening)- plus they were asking for a needle in a haystack...also tells me that they probably were prospecting for the demographics in my county. Wouldn't even entertain a job there due to their poor handling of "the demographic" they are looking to build their staff with... Ethics training might be in order.

LaurenRyan in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Does it seem to anyone else that usually the last conversation topic covered in a interview is that they have other people to interview? This is annoying. Just say I wanna think about it. I had one guy talk to me on the phone for an hour asking when I was available and such. He even went as far as to tell me that I pretty much had the job, I just had to meet the GM. Then when I went in to meet the GM they suddenly had other interviews. Do they really have other interviews, or do they just wanna beat around the bush?

They don't want to COMMIT yet.....

Senior Citizen in Atlanta, Georgia said: I have been on many interviews during my life and I can tell you that I have NEVER been called back after hearing the dreaded words, "we have others to interview." On ALL the jobs I was actually hired for, the interviewer either offered the job at that moment or immediately scheduled me for any additional interviews that were necessary to get the position even if they were not to happen that very day.

Here is the truth about that... A person who interviews people is either the hiring manager and can make a decision or is at least capable of determining if you are worth talking to further and can schedule further meetings. If they give you anything about having additional people to talk to or have to consult with other people before offering you the position, you are not going to be hired.

In fact, I challenge anyone reading this to pose a legitimate reason why there need be any delay in making the decision except where the company is going to go through a false EEO charade. Even in the case of a job that requires a government security clearance, the person is hired with the caveat that they will be terminated if any background checks fall through, etc.

The reasoning behind this is that you obviously were a viable candidate or you wouldn't have gotten the interview in the first place, so if they don't want to hire you or progress further in the hiring procedure, it means that they have found something about you they don't like. Remember, it takes a lot of time to interview people. If it is HR you are talking to, then they are experts in deciding whether you are a strong candidate or not. If it is a hiring manager, they want to hire someone and not waste anymore time.

I feel that people are hired because they LIKE YOU ; not necessarily because of your skills only. Skills are important but they are looking for someone who will FIT IN and BE PLEASANT.

LaurenRyan in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Does it seem to anyone else that usually the last conversation topic covered in a interview is that they have other people to interview? This is annoying. Just say I wanna think about it. I had one guy talk to me on the phone for an hour asking when I was available and such. He even went as far as to tell me that I pretty much had the job, I just had to meet the GM. Then when I went in to meet the GM they suddenly had other interviews. Do they really have other interviews, or do they just wanna beat around the bush?

I have had the same happen to me. What is the answer?????

I have had lot of interviews last ears in ultrasound field,I,m RDMS certific. and I,m agree- IF they really need immideatly someone- it going fast and easy-they make decicion in one day or next, if they tell- wait a weeks and they will talk to every single person in RADIOLOGY department- forgeret-they dont like you for defferent reason-age, race, looks, jelosy-some of them promise you hiring -dont listen and dont take personaly-they only human, most of the time they dont know what they have to hired for-confuse,better no hired nobody- less problem personaly for them.YES, I,m agree unprofecional HR and manager can make huge demage in yours comfidency-try again.IT worted.AND they dont deserved you.GOOD luck

LaurenRyan in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Does it seem to anyone else that usually the last conversation topic covered in a interview is that they have other people to interview? This is annoying. Just say I wanna think about it. I had one guy talk to me on the phone for an hour asking when I was available and such. He even went as far as to tell me that I pretty much had the job, I just had to meet the GM. Then when I went in to meet the GM they suddenly had other interviews. Do they really have other interviews, or do they just wanna beat around the bush?

YES , they do, means, they dont hiring you at most case

Even though I spent practically an hour on this one interview, it became apparent that what they were asking for was something other than the title of the job advertised. They were throwing in another job that they were flippant about. All I had to do was ask if they had a traffic department. The answer was no. That meant that the traffic duties would fall to this position. And that meant computer skills and programs that I didn't have practice in. The interviewer was also hard to read. Very little facial expression. This was self protection on their part. They really didn't have to contribute anything to the interview in the way of personality. Why would a person want to work there, when the interviewer is so vacant of a simple human skill? They had to know that what they were calling the job was not the job. Kind of sly I thought. Anyway, at the end of the interview I knew it wouldn't go anywhere because of the way my resume was folded in a cockeyed fashioned. What this person lacked in facial expression came right out through their hands. My resume would end up in the garbage pail. I also did not hear from the recruiter for several days. I should have heard sooner. So, you live and learn. I'll try to take what I've learned to the next interview. Hopefully, I'll do better. It's good to remember, though, that the interviewers aren't always as sharp as they might think. Be prepared for the unexpected. If someone folds your resume into a trapezoid, it's
over. And just know that it's hardly fancy footwork on their part. Whatever there was about the interviewer that has been botoxed has got to come out on some leftover working muscle. And it isn't their brain. So keep yours sharp.

I actually had a job, sent out a resume to another company for a management position, got called in for an interview; it went well but I was immediately thrown into a "group" interview with the employees that I would be managing, (which I had not been prepared for at all), and was very uncomfortable with the demeaning tone of their questions...took up 3 hrs of my time; was then called by HR and offered the position with a much higher salary that my (at that time) current employer, I accepted the position, turned in my 2 weeks notice, worked out my notice and was scheduled to start July 8 (I had given myself a couple weeks between jobs) but before my start date I was called and told that while I definitely had the job, there were a few more people who wanted to interview me. I went in for several more hours of interviews, thinking it would be worth it for the new pay scale, etc. but was then called and told "so sorry, but the last interviewer (who apparently was the most important) had decided I did not have enough experience, so they took back the offer. I had already left my other job and now did not have insurance, etc.

Is this even legal?

I knew of someone who went through a similiar situation, which actually took months to transpire. She was made a promise of employment (a verbal promise is even a binding agreement) and resigned from her current position. Weeks went by before she was to start, it was then the company decided to rescind the offer. She did take legal action- because she was left with an unreasonable circumstance - no paycheck and no benefits until she could find something else. I believe the action was to recoup the money she would've been paid had the company kept their promise of employment and basically for the "undue hardship" it caused her during this gap of time. Any which way it is an awful practice that companies make of not looking at all the considerations when recruiting someone. It is a shame that people go through this...

I am currently going through this right now and I'm unsure what the end result will be until tomorrow. The story was that I was interviewed twice for this company here in Calgary. Everything went well. The day after the last interview the HR manager called me and said that I "got the job" and that I would be getting a job offer via E-mail within the next few days. I've been waiting almost 3 weeks now and I've called to follow up about 3 times not to be annoying. And everytime I spoke to the HR manager they kept on repeating over and over that they were still waiting for the "proper paperwork" to be completed from their head office in Ontario. But the last time I spoke with the HR manager they said that they were again still awaiting paperwork and that they would call me on Monday and "let me know what's going to happen".

I want to know what I can do legally if this ends up going the other way? I have turned down a few more other possible jobs due to having full confidence in this position. I also don't have much money right now and I anticipated that I would have been working with this company already and didn't bother looking for immediate work else where.

LaurenRyan in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Does it seem to anyone else that usually the last conversation topic covered in a interview is that they have other people to interview? This is annoying. Just say I wanna think about it. I had one guy talk to me on the phone for an hour asking when I was available and such. He even went as far as to tell me that I pretty much had the job, I just had to meet the GM. Then when I went in to meet the GM they suddenly had other interviews. Do they really have other interviews, or do they just wanna beat around the bush?

If they REALLY have other canidates to interview, then just waste my time for 30 minutes...NOT 1 hour. They are not asking me questions for that hour! Yesterday I had a job interview and I heard all about her relatives, etc. At the end of the interview I heard the following; I have a couple of other people to interview, and maybe (yes, the word maybe) we will call you. She told me that they "will keep my resume on file for 1 year, because you never know...people quit...blah, blah,blah". She can throw my resume in the trash, because I would never work for an organization that had such a lame person hiring for them!

J.M. in Wharton, New Jersey said: Yes it is pathetic actually. I went on an interview at Selective Insurance and was there for close to 3 hours!... they had me meet mgt. AND upper mgt. and one mgr. reassured me that he would be contacting me within a week as to my interview status and he sounded very positive. Ok, I'm not new to interviewing and could take the fact that I may not/wasn't going to be selected... I called and left a message for the recruiter, emailed the mgr and recruiter as a follow-up when 2-3 wks went by and I heard NOTHING. Why can't these companies just have the decency to write a 5 second email saying something like "we're still looking at other candidates if we should select you we will contact you" or "we've selected another," and return a response. Matters worse was when I saw the job opening again 2 months later on their website - so it was never filled (they only had 1 position opening)- plus they were asking for a needle in a haystack...also tells me that they probably were prospecting for the demographics in my county. Wouldn't even entertain a job there due to their poor handling of "the demographic" they are looking to build their staff with... Ethics training might be in order.

What type of Job were you applying for at Selective?

It is frustrating when they dangle the job in front of you and you didn't get it. Maybe they are not really skilled in that area (I would hate it) and still don't know how to tell someone effectively they aren't in the running. Maybe they are afraid of anger or someone being controversial.
I went to a nursing home and they told me I'd have to go through 3 interviews for a secretarial job and then meet with the director and his secretary when if got down to 2 people ("if" I was one of them)Geez... They "hinted" at 45, I was a bit "old", asked my childrens ages (another no-no) and said, how "young" their children were. I wouldn't consider myself a beauty queen, but not ugly, and I was a bit taken back when a younger interviewer said, "you realize you will be the first fact someone sees when they come through the door...we have to be careful"...Okay, let's go get a face lift! : ) (only kidding)

I had an interview back, in june, took a background check and everything, never heard from the company again. call and left messages to the director, i know my background check was clean, what happen to the so call proffessional,

LaurenRyan in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Does it seem to anyone else that usually the last conversation topic covered in a interview is that they have other people to interview? This is annoying. Just say I wanna think about it. I had one guy talk to me on the phone for an hour asking when I was available and such. He even went as far as to tell me that I pretty much had the job, I just had to meet the GM. Then when I went in to meet the GM they suddenly had other interviews. Do they really have other interviews, or do they just wanna beat around the bush?

They are most likely giving you the brush-off politely.
This is a standard ploy by interviewers... just like when you are selling to a customer....any form of "I'll think about it" is a brush-off. You're not hired unless they run into trouble or their other preferred picks decline the job or don't work out.

ANY time someone says this be more assertive w/out being pushy. Suggestions:
1. Go to the Library or even better the book store. Read some good sales books. Hey bookstores will let you sit down & read w/out buying the book... if you need this method due to cash flow. You're looking for the basic 1st level sales. Copy the phrases like a parrot repeating them in your own tone & adding your specific situation - Of course.

2. I have tons of books & books on tape/CD/DVD on interviews & sales (from my prior working in Outside Sales).

This one is good & very, very, very simple for sales:
"Sales Scripts That Sell" by Teri Gamble & Michael Gamble.

For interviews:
This is the best I've found period.
"60 seconds & You're hired!" by Robin Ryan.
This one tells you exact situations & what to say for difficult backgrounds or pretty much any situation.

Best of Postive Job Finding,
SringfieldNow@yahoo.com

This company makes huge promises. Avoid them like the plague! It's all hype. Oh, they tell you that "that" person is unhappy because they didn't do their part in the job search. Not true. The proof of repeated violations of ethics is well documented on the Better Business Bureau site of Orlando, Florida. Many are unresolved disputes.

Career Services, Orlando, Florida is NOT a member of the Better Business Bureau.

I have spoken to the top people in the company. No true attempt to resolve was made. They don't care.

In addition, When I reported them to the Better Business Bureau for help in the resolution they sent a stock type non-sense letter to the BBB that had no bearing on the complaints I lodged.

Career Services, Orlando, FL then refused to communicate any further with myself or the BBB. It's been 6+++ months since the last response. The fact that Career Services will not communicate or resolve w/ the BBB.... in other words .... after they were reported should send up a RED FLAG for you!

If I do ever get a resolved situation I will post that accordingly.

Watch Out List

What are the best approaches and statements for the over 40, been employed continuously for 25+ years, Degree in Business to get past the fact that they want 20-early 30 yr olds ?... although they don't say this.

I am seeking a career transition to utilize my existing skills. My current path as Strategic Regional Manager & similar positions now requires a avg. travel by plane of 75%. The increase in required travel on similar positions has occured gradually since 2000. Pre-2000 there were more people for the same states covered thus 20% or so plane travel was common. Now they've consolidated several jobs into one job w/ 75% plane travel a norm.
This no longer works for me.

Does anyone know of GRANTS for education or such to re-train into a different field (other than technical software, equipment, wired & wireless?

I have interest in many fields. I know which ones that I have no interest in. Just looking for a long term solution to employment. I need an industry that I can be highly successful in for many years to come & that will be great for those of us over 40.

Yes, age descrimination is alive and well.... not to mention an obvious age/gender descrimination.

You wouldn't belive the comments that are made in business & in interviews that make this clear.... smile through it if it's not workth the battle.

Managers started asking me about my pregnacy plans when I was about 27. I had my first child post-40! That's a decade & 1/2 of blatent Steering (and battle) for work options & promotions based on them wondering when I'll be getting pregnant.
Mostly men but some women are just as bad.

The Pick your battles.... Win the War theory!

Senior Citizen in Atlanta, Georgia said: I have been on many interviews during my life and I can tell you that I have NEVER been called back after hearing the dreaded words, "we have others to interview." On ALL the jobs I was actually hired for, the interviewer either offered the job at that moment or immediately scheduled me for any additional interviews that were necessary to get the position even if they were not to happen that very day.

Here is the truth about that... A person who interviews people is either the hiring manager and can make a decision or is at least capable of determining if you are worth talking to further and can schedule further meetings. If they give you anything about having additional people to talk to or have to consult with other people before offering you the position, you are not going to be hired.

In fact, I challenge anyone reading this to pose a legitimate reason why there need be any delay in making the decision except where the company is going to go through a false EEO charade. Even in the case of a job that requires a government security clearance, the person is hired with the caveat that they will be terminated if any background checks fall through, etc.

The reasoning behind this is that you obviously were a viable candidate or you wouldn't have gotten the interview in the first place, so if they don't want to hire you or progress further in the hiring procedure, it means that they have found something about you they don't like. Remember, it takes a lot of time to interview people. If it is HR you are talking to, then they are experts in deciding whether you are a strong candidate or not. If it is a hiring manager, they want to hire someone and not waste anymore time.

100% true to my experience also.

Sterling Personnel, Beltline, Carrollton, TX pulled this illegal to the max garbage when I worked there 1 1/2 weeks.
Huge descrimination against anyone NOT Hispanic.
Huge Illegal person placement center.

I am not Hispanic, African-American or Asian...
I was hired to be in sales. That means to bring in new corporate accounts who needed line workers to office personnel. The female employees in this office doing interviews were 100% hispanic. They had me "learn" by doing various in office task prior to being able to go into the field & do the job I was hired to do.

I copied SS cards & filled out I-9's. Come to find out LATER I was shown that the (looked real to me) SS card was a fake. They showed me how to tell. This wasn't a problem for these 3 young ladies... they simply channeled them to their secret "Spanish" file. "Spanish" file 100% meant Illegal... not even a green card.

I discovered this file AFTER I filed the 'Interview' paperwork into the regular file. They were angry as now the Spanish file Illegals were hard to re-locate. It turned out they were ONLY placing Illegals as far as I could tell. Placements were primarily in the Carrollton, TX manufacturing companies.

2 situations that UPSET me very, very much:
1. A well groomed young Black African-American who'd just received his HS diploma in South Carolina. He was told there was more opportunity here. He Needed, truely needed, a job on the bus line... above his current dish washer to get by job. He was willing to do ANY job. All the Mfg. jobs paid $1.00 or more per hour than he was currently earning. All were on the bus line. These Hispanic ladies completely gave him no thought & filed him away. He was a citizen. He had a HS proof of graduation. He was an excellent canidate for ANY company. No job placement was even considered for him.

2. Two newly Legal US citizen husband/wife, worked for the citizenship, Asian couple needed work. Same situation as above.

P.S. Remember: Descrimination against one person type encourages the same to/on others!

Also, if the people are working but not holding a legal Green Card or Citizenship.... they are not paying taxes at the individual person level or at the company level.

Illegals are allowed to have their children attend 100% of public schools & 100% of the hospitals FREE for the birth of multiple children and health care. Most Charities also provide services to illegals.... regardless of the country they are from.

During Katrina the illegals actually received services in Texas prior to Citizens!

Career Service, Orlando, FL

and

Sterling Personnel, Carrollton, TX

and

iBAHN

Pull these company names in a search on this forum. I've previouly post details on each.

Don't believe the generalizations you've read, above. Being told there are other candidates to interview is neither a good or a bad sign. Each situation is different.

I attended an interview where I was told they had other candidates to interview. I recall being rushed in to the office for that interview, which I took for a good sign. I wasn't hired for *that* job but was hired for another job in that firm a couple of weeks later. I've interviewed for jobs where nothing was said about "other candidates to interview" and wasn't called back.

The comment, above, that you should assume you were rejected if you weren't offered the job on the spot is narrow-minded and stupid. Don't give up if you're not offered the job on the spot or are not immediately scheduled for further interviews. You could have been the first candidate interviewed and maybe they do have others scheduled - especially in jobs, like aviation, where many, many candidates are interviewed for only few positions. I've been offered jobs or second interviews a few days or several days after interviewing. Sometimes they have other things to do, have scheduling hassles and cannot work you in just now, or simply need time to make up their minds.

You can always ask how many candidates are being interviewed at the end of your interview when you ask what the next step will be.

Continued next post....

Continued....

Just because they say they have more candidates to interview doesn't automatically mean you're sunk. Send them your thank-you notes and go about your usual post-interview protocols. The time to give up is if you don't hear from them within a reasonable period, e.g. five to ten working days. And, don't make followup calls if you hear nothing. Hiring managers have other matters on their minds besides your candidacy. You'll demean yourself and probably annoy them. Annoying them is the last thing you want to do if you're asking for a job. You're a professional, aren't you? Act that way.

Once again, each situation is different and there are dangers in generalizations.

Been There Done That in Stamford, Connecticut: "Another annoying statement is 'you'll be hearing again from us, ' and you never do."

That's right. Several months ago I interviewed for a job in a law firm. This was for a professional position. At the end of the interview the interviewer asked for my e-mail address. She said she would send me an online Microsoft Office test (?). She also said she would call me toward the end of the next week. She never sent me the online test, nor did she call me, nor did she extend the professional courtesy of sending me a rejection letter. This was a prestigious firm and I expected better. Bigger and more important doesn't always connote better.

Mo in East Poland, Maine: "I have many years experience in office work but find that if you can do 99 out of 100 things and have common sense and maturity, but if you cannot excel in the 100th item, you're out of luck...."

My experience is employers now want people who can walk in and do the entire job without needing orientation and training. They don't want you bring you up to speed on the 100th item. They don't want common sense and maturity. Common sense and maturity scares them.

Common sense and maturity usually means you're older, which means you're going to suffer age discrimination. Employers like younger people because they (1) may be cheaper and (2) are believed to be "pliable," i.e. less questioning and more apt to suffer manipulation and abuse. Younger employers may feel threatened by older candidates. They believe the candidates will take their jobs when all they want is *a* job. They also feel that older candidates automatically want more money strictly because they're older.

It's all a bunch of malarkey.

I had an interview with a hiring mangager for a receptionist position and now I have to meet with the CEO of the company...any suggestions? I'm older 45 and have maturity and a good work ethic, but not the young, 20-something, so many end up having.

Senior Citizen in Earleton, Florida said: You are most kind. I too find some of your comments intriguing and humourous. I particularly liked when you said you slept with a cricifix to ward off the evils of unemployment or was that a defense against Sears itself? :)

I have a rosary affixed to my bed headboard and I have been jobhunting without a job for 6 years without a job. Hmmmm... So many words of wisdom that has passed down through the last 2000 years on how the masses are to act and think. Then employers have their own set of rules(The rich man). Hmmm, who's kidding whom?

Pam in Elmhurst, Illinois said: I never believe anyone that says that I'm a good candidate. They want perfection.

Actually, I think they want "God." ;-)

I am SAYING the rosary...granted the employer can do what he or she wants, but it can't help but have stronger powers looking out for you. : )

J.M. in Wharton, New Jersey said: Yes it is pathetic actually. I went on an interview at Selective Insurance and was there for close to 3 hours!... they had me meet mgt. AND upper mgt. and one mgr. reassured me that he would be contacting me within a week as to my interview status and he sounded very positive. Ok, I'm not new to interviewing and could take the fact that I may not/wasn't going to be selected... I called and left a message for the recruiter, emailed the mgr and recruiter as a follow-up when 2-3 wks went by and I heard NOTHING. Why can't these companies just have the decency to write a 5 second email saying something like "we're still looking at other candidates if we should select you we will contact you" or "we've selected another," and return a response. Matters worse was when I saw the job opening again 2 months later on their website - so it was never filled (they only had 1 position opening)- plus they were asking for a needle in a haystack...also tells me that they probably were prospecting for the demographics in my county. Wouldn't even entertain a job there due to their poor handling of "the demographic" they are looking to build their staff with... Ethics training might be in order.

I've experienced this too, I'm an Electrical Engineer. I think, from what I have read on the department of labor web page, is that companies make money by hiring certain demographics. Not too long ago some lawfirm in Pittsburgh had seminars on how to pass over qualified Americans and hire visa/foreign workers and get away with it. I think someone, somehow, taped part of the seminar and posted in on youtube. And some state governor in Wyoming or somewhere talked about it.

Bob in Littleton, Colorado said: I feel that people are hired because they LIKE YOU ; not necessarily because of your skills only. Skills are important but they are looking for someone who will FIT IN and BE PLEASANT.

Exactly, Thank you. And what better person fits this bill? Ssomeone they already know and trust. A relative or personal friend.

Jo in Falconer, New York said: If they REALLY have other canidates to interview, then just waste my time for 30 minutes...NOT 1 hour. They are not asking me questions for that hour! Yesterday I had a job interview and I heard all about her relatives, etc. At the end of the interview I heard the following; I have a couple of other people to interview, and maybe (yes, the word maybe) we will call you. She told me that they "will keep my resume on file for 1 year, because you never know...people quit...blah, blah,blah". She can throw my resume in the trash, because I would never work for an organization that had such a lame person hiring for them!

Sounds to me like she is a slacker and used you to waste time and get out of real work. Sorry to hear this crap happened. I've been used like this too.

Deb: "I had an interview with a hiring mangager for a receptionist position and now I have to meet with the CEO of the company...any suggestions? I'm older, 45, and have maturity and a good work ethic, but not the young, 20-something, so many end up having."

Be prepared to give examples of your accomplishments. Use the so-called behavior-based S-A-R model, which so many interviewers now use. In other words, be a storyteller. Describe the Situation you faced, the Action you took and the Results you achieved.

Sell your strengths, but don't go overboard. The hiring manager may decide you are overqualified, which, of course, is another way of saying you're too old. The same goes for your maturity. Soft-sell it.

You could ask what he feels are the qualities of a good receptionist. Then reply by matching your abilities to each of those qualities.

Above all, just be yourself. Don't let the person's position intimidate you.

Hope that helps a little. Good luck with your interview. Let me know how it went.

Deb: "I was a bit taken back when a younger interviewer said, 'you realize you will be the first fact someone sees when they come through the door...we have to be careful'...."

What an immature, callow and insensitive remark. Too bad Nicky Taylor, Cindy Crawford or Cheryl Tiegs didn't apply.

Can you imagine working for these people?

I would have told them to blow it out their a$$ and left.

You must come up with a detailed benefit list for yourself BEFORE you show up. Try a T - chart w/ pros & cons / benefits of you. Take it with you descretely as a note reminder.
How many benefits of hiring you can you come up with?
How many of those benefits can you say are YOU & a VALUE of being over 45. My 1st thought is that you'll show up! Another is that due to the School of Hard Knocks you understand the value in working for a company like theirs... then name why you'd like to work for them.

I wish you well.
God gives us brains and the abilitiy to be creative.
I believe God expects us to use the good brains he gave us.

Calling to higher powers is wonderful.... but it MUST be followed up with ACTIONs by you.

Ask GOD for Wisdom to Know what ACTION to take NOW.

I am pertetually trying to find the next level higher solution. Frequently it works forward. Even when it does not work out it will be like Edison inventing the light bulb ... you will then know THAT isn't the best method to reaching your Goals... so you'll move to the next step.

Good Positive Energy to You in Frisco, Texas said: I wish you well.
God gives us brains and the abilitiy to be creative.
I believe God expects us to use the good brains he gave us.

Calling to higher powers is wonderful.... but it MUST be followed up with ACTIONs by you.

Ask GOD for Wisdom to Know what ACTION to take NOW.

I am pertetually trying to find the next level higher solution. Frequently it works forward. Even when it does not work out it will be like Edison inventing the light bulb ... you will then know THAT isn't the best method to reaching your Goals... so you'll move to the next step.

If you locate this on YouTube I would like to see it.

Thanks for the tips.....I do wish I told that interviewer who asked about my children's ages and commented on my appearance (I did look nice!) in a back-hand way, how lame she was and bordering on illegal. Just wish I didn't waste my time.
I don't understand the CEO interview, you'd think he would be too busy for these lower entry postions, but it's nice he wants to know who they are hiring. The woman who interviewed me before him was my age and that helped, but she wasn't a receptionist. My only "fault" is I don't know their scheduling system, they have another one than I used before, but I can learn.(not rocket science) Someone else who's office used the same one, might have an advantage there, but hopefully I can sell myself in other areas. Thanks again.