The end of the interview

Anne in Littleton, Colorado said:

I feel like a sap if she comes back from leave, gets comfortable, uses me for a smooth transition, and then poof -- that's it. Not sure what to do except ask her pointedly when she returns what are her plans for the position.

______________________________________________________________

At the very least, you should be able to get a good reference. When I took a leave from the legal field to work temp while raising my children, I took a number of positions as "fill in" for someone on leave. One of them did turn into somewhat of a part time job. They wanted to be able to call me when the person returned from leave on an "as needed basis." I just said that I needed at least 25 hours per week or an average of 2 weeks per month to make a commitment like that. They opted for the 25 hours per week. It worked out very well for almost a year and a half until that entire department folded and there were massive layoffs. This was for Bank of America in the Trust and Pension division. It was really a fun assignment.

Why don't you write to them and ask them about their intentions? It's harder to ignore a written inquiry than verbal requests.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Or EEOC action. Excellent analysis by that attorney. Perhaps that hiring manager's intent really was to tell you about the company's family events. You never really know what they're thinking or their hidden agendas behind their questions.

The long and short of it is HR and hiring managers must be schooled not to ask questions in that form. In your case, Anne, if that hiring manager was trying to get at your availability, he simply could have asked you if you have any commitments that would preclude you from working a normal day.

You should order the book I recommended, Anne. You'll enjoy it. You seem to be interested in legal things.

Ha-ha, well my husband is constantly talking about legal issues in the news, etc. -- he's not an attorney but everyone thinks he should have been! ha-ha.....

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Continued....

Six months later, against my better judgment, I answered a blind Craigslist ad. It turned out the ad was by a headhunter who was recruiting for the same job at this law firm! I explained to the headhunter I had applied at that firm and never heard anything. This moronic headhunter suggested that I call that firm to follow-up! SIX MONTHS after I had first interviewed! The headhunter kept pushing me to come in to interview, but I wasn't interested.

"I will send a thank you tommorow, they seem to like email. I still (old fashioned of me maybe) to think it is nice."

Absolutely. But, if I may suggest, type up (word process) your letter and snail-mail it. I'm old school. Even if they like it, e-mail is still impersonal. Only my two cents, but a nicely word-processed letter on nice paper, signed by you and mailed in a nice envelope just looks better.

However, if you send something snail mail, they don't get it for two or three days. Meanwhile,an e-mail thank you gets there the same day.

Earlier someone posted posing a question when an interviewer says "I have more people to interview." by asking why they felt they needed to interview more people.

How about a thank you letter that says something to the effect of "Thank you so much for affording me the opportunity to learn about your company. I feel my background and qualifications can help you in achieving your goals. I'm sure you'd like to express your gratitude to me by extending a job offer."

Dear Deborah James,

With a sense of humor like that, I'd hire you in a second.
Keep the faith, 'cause your ship's coming in.

Some guy told me his niece was sick and tired of being rejected and looking for work that on the next interview she got with a business she just came right in, looked the woman in the face, shook her hand and said, "You needn't interview anyone else. This is my job." She cracked up the interviewer. And she got the job.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: You may not have read what I wrote, above, about e-mail v. snail mail. Local U.S. Mail is punctual. Your letter will likely arrive the next day, and that's fine. Don't forget, that was the norm before there was e-mail. Moreover, from the date of your letter and postmark, which should be the date of your interview, the inteviewer(s) will see you wrote and mailed your letter that day.

I stand by my advice.

Lots of things used to be the norm.

It used to be the norm to sit around and listen to the radio for evening entertainment- before TV
It used to be the norm to wear a dress shirt and tie on a flight.
It used to be the norm to have an operator complete your call for you.
It used to be the norm to have manual doors and windows in your car.

I can go on and on, but times changes, and so do norms.

If you are still sticking to an old norm- what does it potentially say about you in the face of a new employer. Will you be slow to adapt to change? or their policies?

Just some food for thought.

I like the idea of "snail mail" thank you notes or cards because most people will send their thank you's via email, and a snail mail note or card would stand out.

Deborah James in Alameda, California said: I like the idea of "snail mail" thank you notes or cards because most people will send their thank you's via email, and a snail mail note or card would stand out.

Standing out is good -yes.

But you do not want to stand out for the wrong reason. If the protocal is for an e-mail, and you sen snail mail, yes you have stood out, but what will the comments be?

Also, and I know displaced says it takes one day- but if your interview is late in the day- it could be 2 business days before the thank you note is recieved. If 3 people are interviewed, and send e-mails, and your snail mailed note shows up a day later - is it too late?

I think it can stand out in a positive, but there is also the other side of the coin which needs to be looked at.

Once again- just food for thought.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Continued from above....

With all that said, obviously you must follow instructions the company gives you about further contact. E.g., use (and take your chances with) e-mail if the interviewer so instructs. I'm not advocating acting contrary to instructions. But absent such instructions, I'd opt for mailed letters.

More food for thought.

You're wrong about mailed letters versus emailed thank you notes. But keep doing what you're doing. It's obviously working well for you.

Email is the accepted way to do business today. Getting a job is business. I would much rather receive an email from a Physician I just interviewed rather than a "letter." This is the way it's done now.

But please do not take my advice - keep doing it the old fashioned way . . .

"We are not discussing entertainment, airline dress, phones or cars. We are discussing post-interview etiquette and you are again missing the point. "

With all due respect- you missed the point. Things change- you need to adapt.

Would you rather i used only business examples? okay

It used to be the norm for you to dicate a letter to a secretary
It used to be the norm to wear a three piece suit
It used to be the norm for only men to hold all the top positionas at the company
It used to be the norm to hold all meetings face to face.

I could list more.. but I think this should show the point.

ONCE AGAIN- TIMES CHANGE. You need to show an abilitiy to adapt.

There's a lot of Direct Mail advertising going on, and businesses trip over themselves to get the business. Paper mail isn't obsolete. And it keeps many postal workers in jobs. It is government run. It probably won't ever go away, because people still need things to be delivered. Although I agree that things are changing and there has to be a willingness to adapt. Nothing wrong with that. Can't work in a vacuum. You do whatever works. If you're judged negatively for it, then that's the chance you take. Sometimes it works out just fine. I think you'll find that your eyes do all the talking anyway.

you know what I find is funny..

every post on your side of this arguement has a tick mark for being helpful...

every post with the opposing view has a tick mark for negative.

Very nice.... very mature

I've sent both thank you letters by letter carrier and by email.

However, I do prefer the postal office way due to the fact that it will make a person stand out above the competition. Everyone does email today and that will not make you stand out since everyone else is doing it.

Also, interviewers are usually bombarded with company email all week long so he/she will read it quickly and delete it just as quickly to keep his mailbox clean. A letter will probably stay on the interviewers desk for a week or so, or maybe even until the position is filled. Whatever works for that person I guess.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: BTW, Bosco, I am aware you are a "recruiter." I've run into a few recruiters who are wrong about a lot of things.

Yes, and I've run into many unemployed/displaced candidates who are wrong about a lot of things as well.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Hey, whatever you think. Can you not discuss the issue?

I guess you're someone else on this board who cannot accept it when others find his comments not helpful.

1. I have been discussing the issue

2. I didn't say that it was just my comments

3. If it wasn't you- why did you feel the need to comment on it?

When I first clicked onto this forum it was about individuals being told at the interview that there were other candidates to interview and then nothing. It caught my eye as I have had the same experiences and began to feel that I wasn't alone. Somehow it seems that this has gotten out of hand with the displaced legal professional in CO trying to dominate and others challenging her/him and she/he can't take it. Where did this get off from the issue of how to react/respond in these instances to what seems like a personal vendetta going on? I have to agree that this is 2008 and things aren't the way they used to be, but there is still the matter of learned proper etiquett. It would seem that the CO displaced person is trying so hard to prove his/her point that there is no longer a sense of professionalism credibility. If Bosco is a recruiter, certainly Bosco could contribute something as to the "we have other candidates to interview" issue and how a recruiter would handle it. CO is to be admired for ettiquett but even
etiquett has changed, maybe not as we would like it to, but it has changed and we have to be flexible to catch up with those changes. Even in my Profession, failure to adapt to change is writing one's resignation or ticket to retirement. (I had at least one classmate retire due to advances in the field and know of others who made career changes.) CO, are you a controller or an abuser? You are certainly manifesting both!

Now, any professional input into how to respond to the issue of "more candidates
to interview?"

Now it's getting exciting.

Fizzy in Laurel, Maryland said:

Now, any professional input into how to respond to the issue of "more candidates
to interview?"

Fizzy,

I think if you read through the pages- this part has been discussed a lot.

My general conclusions- if the first this comes up at the end of the interview- then you have done something wrong.

Standard interview questions include how many openings their are, and how many people are being interviewed for those openings.

I also agree with Displaced on asking about next steps, follow up etc.

(We disagree on making follow up phone calls, but that's a completely different discussion.)

I come from a sales background, and the old saying is - on every appointment someone is being sold.

Don't let your interviewer "sell" you.

I don't doubt that the original topic has been exhausted unless Bosco or an
interviewer could shed some light. I can always opt out but the point I was trying to make was that everybody is knocking heads with displaced from CO and maybe it's time to change the subject. I have a brother in law that used to "know it all" and finally learned to keep his mouth shut. No matter what anyone says, CO seems to have a come-uppance. Why does everyone take the bait and keep feeding it to him?

What about other topics that might relate? CO, have you thought of a career change? Or are you holding out for that one great opportunity or are you retired with too much time on your hands? Maybe you could start a legal advice service.

I don't know if I can shed any light on the original topic of this forum. Let's face it: recruiters and their skill and/or level of professionalism vary just about as much the candidates coming through the door. I've come across some very poor recruiters who will say things like 'we have more interviews' just so they don't have to give the interviewee any negative feedback. I don't think it is because they are bad people. I think most of us can agree that it is not easy to give someone bad news. I'm not excusing it but I can understand it.

I do feel that it is necessary to give applicants feedback whether good or bad. People need to know so they can move on or adjust whatever needs to be fixed. For example, if a Physician is not board certified in a specific field or if they don't have the years of Geriatric experience we are looking for I'll tell them. Most of the time they understand. There are some reasons that an applicant fails an interview which I will not divulge to them. One example is if someone is just not an outgoing, energetic person. Although I am recruiting Physicians they still need to have that strong customer service energy. If they don't show me this in the interview, they probably don't possess it. Myself and other recruiters I know just don't feel that we should be pointing out people's character flaws. Even when I reject someone, I try to have them leave the experience feeling at least a little positive.

In some cases, I will not reject them then and there but will follow-up with a phone call. No Displaced, I have never rejected someone via email. I also will not leave a rejection on a voice mail (I know some recruiters who will though and that is sad).

I guess I would say that if you are interviewing a lot for positions that you are very qualified for and are consistently hearing that "we have more interviews to do" then it may be a personality issue.

Thank you Displaced. I liked your story about the email rejection (funny in a sad way). I guess you were better off not being hired by a legal firm whose employees don't care enough to call much less hit the 'spell check' button.

Appreciate your comments too, Bosco. My experience with recruiters isn't the best. But I get the impression they are out there for the buck too.

Please don't be too harsh to judge a book by it's cover. I'd much rather have that physician who doesn't come across so strong who just might have great bedside manners than one I had one time who made the comment in my room that he was smarter than his boss. He might have been a chief resident but no bedside manner. In fact, the closest he got to me was the computer on the opposite wall. Can't imagine how he turned out but don't want to know either.

I've worked with some wonderful humble physicians and I've worked with those so called strong personalities who had no
patient or bedside skills.

And, I agree, it would be nice to have feedback whether good or bad. I think that in all the interviews I've been on, I got feedback from one and it was, they didn't think I had enough experience...
they have no idea. Interviews can be stressful. I did give them some helpful information, if they used it.

Presently I am considering several options. CO, I have no idea how difficult it is in the paralegal realm so
I apologize if you thought my comments
harsh....I'll say no more for fear of
coming across negative....which may be part of my problem.

So here is a question. During the interview is it best to just answer the qestions or offer more than asked? i.e. there are times I've offered why I was wanting to get back in the work force after retiring but I wanted to be honest about it.

Guy, Bosco, CO, and Fizzy,
I thought you all had great posts. Good points and an airing of issues. Fizzy, you asked about just answering the questions or offering more. You're really dealing with human nature here. I've been advised in the past to just answer the questions. But, you know, when I got to the interview, the energy and the personalities were a surprise, so I went with instinct. I said a little more and by doing that I shared myself with them. It broke a lot of ice. One thing I did to prepare was that I asked myself what I thought my best quality was about the profession I'm in. I kept it to myself until there was a natural opening to express it. As long as I knew that I felt prepared. The other thing was what I thought I knew about the thrust of the business I'm in must do and consequently my job. Seems they liked that, because it involved protecting the integrity of the brands I've worked on. If they get a sense that you know what you're talking about, they love that. It puts everyone on the same page.
I've been to seminars that give pointers. But I swear, it doesn't always come out like they say. You're on your own in that interview. Maybe it's better to think "A lot of guts, a lot of glory." It's not so much about offering more as offering a heartfelt conviction that exudes confidence. And then you needn't go on and on. Hope you find something soon.

Thanks, Michelle. Good insight and advice.

It is literally SHOCKING to me how many job advertisements I see posted that are literally rife with misspellings. Yet I can't find a decent job??!?!? It boggles and baffles the mind, and really ticks me off, too.

To the person who mentioned the Amtrak job: I had two major jobs "pull out" on me recently due to financial restructuring. The thing is, both were THE main jobs I had my eye on. One was for Lockheed Martin, and one was the city. Go figure..

CO, you're absolutely right about not rambling. I've had to learn how to forgive myself. As regards ads for jobs, please.
What a turnoff those can be. They don't leave much room for creativity. Sometimes they are so specific about what they want that they are not open to anyone coming in on a learning curve.
They eliminate you by throwing in so many roadblocks. Nobody has all those qualifications. They're not going to find them. Everyone is unique and they don't seem to leave an opening for uniqueness. I'm wondering if there's a dream job out there.

Displaced replied:

"During the interview is it best to just answer the questions or offer more than asked?"

I'll give you a couple of tips that lawyers use when prepping clients for depositions and I've used when setting them up for independent medical exams.

1) Answer only what is asked and never volunteer information.
2) Give short but complete answers.

E.g., if they ask for your name, just give it. Don't add anything. They are asking a specific question and want a specific answer. They'll ask followup questions if they want to know anything further.

Don't volunteer information. If you volunteer information you may say things they have no need nor right to know. Even worse, volunteering information may give them ideas about questions you'd rather not answer. If you volunteer information you may paint yourself into a corner with no way out.

Give short but complete answers. Answer the question but don't ramble. You could lose their attention. Get to the point, but don't be abrupt. I like to think of it in terms of twenty to thirty second sound bytes.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your efforts.

YES YES YES - Displaced is absolutely correct (for once-heh heh). Just kidding Displaced.

But really: when asked a question PLEASE just answer the question and try to do it in a clear, concise manner.

I've seen many applicants answer a question and then if there is a pause, feel they need to fill in the gap and offer additional information. Please don't do it. Many times this additional 'offering' will make it look like you are rambling and in some cases go completely against what you just said.

Just answer the question and then put the pressure back on the interiewer.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: And don't forget about the old "silent treatment" trick. After you answer a questions some interviewers go silent for a time. They impose silence to impose stress. They see if you start talking, fidget, etc. Don't fall for it. Just sit there calmly and wait for the interviewer to make the next move.

Absolutely! You are correct. We want to see if you will be confident and stand by your answer. Especially in the field of medicine, Doctors need to make the right call the first time.

Bosco in Orlando, Florida said: Absolutely! You are correct. We want to see if you will be confident and stand by your answer. Especially in the field of medicine, Doctors need to make the right call the first time.

But this should be true of any profession, not just healthcare. Most employers (I hope) are looking for someone who they do not have to micro-manage. Unless you worked for my last employer who took micromanaging to a new level!

Bosco in Orlando, Florida said: But this should be true of any profession, not just healthcare. Most employers (I hope) are looking for someone who they do not have to micro-manage. Unless you worked for my last employer who took micromanaging to a new level!

_________________________________________________________________________________

That's almost the norm in the legal profession, especially among neophyte attorneys.

Thanks CO.

Already this forum seems to be taking a different turn and that is good.

Are any of those listings on CareerBuilder worth pursuing?

Her's my latest. I got a call from an HR person last Tues., I think, telling me that she had received my resume and was forwarding it and hoped to call me by the end of the week to set up an interview. No call. Today I got a snail mail telling me that the position had been filled but they would keep my resume on file.....another old trick.

I just signed on to e-mail a few minutes ago and there was an e-mail from another source where I had sent my resume. Again, the position had been filled but asked if I might be open to 2 different places in PA. Immediately I called back and said that the only thing keeping me here was a home and also mentioned that I was returning to near Pitts. this weekend for a family reumion and would be happy to stay over an extra day or two for an interview if that were possible. Said that I would call in the morning. Appropriate?

Fizzy in Laurel, Maryland said: Thanks CO.

Already this forum seems to be taking a different turn and that is good.

Are any of those listings on CareerBuilder worth pursuing?

Her's my latest. I got a call from an HR person last Tues., I think, telling me that she had received my resume and was forwarding it and hoped to call me by the end of the week to set up an interview. No call. Today I got a snail mail telling me that the position had been filled but they would keep my resume on file.....another old trick.

I just signed on to e-mail a few minutes ago and there was an e-mail from another source where I had sent my resume. Again, the position had been filled but asked if I might be open to 2 different places in PA. Immediately I called back and said that the only thing keeping me here was a home and also mentioned that I was returning to near Pitts. this weekend for a family reumion and would be happy to stay over an extra day or two for an interview if that were possible. Said that I would call in the morning. Appropriate?

Yes, very appropriate and shows flexibility which is great. It comes down to this: getting a job is a numbers game, pure and simple. In recruiting, we used to say that you have to fill out 50 applications to get 10 interviews to get 1 or 2 offers. Those numbers are obviously an example but demonstrate the point. Just keep your head up, smile and something will come your way . . .

Hey M in Hampton,

What are you looking for? Are you able to relocate? Do you have a college degree and management experience?

FYI or anyone else - if you are willing to relocate (less expensive than Hampton) and have a degree and management experience, there may be a possiblity with General Mills in
Federalsburg, MD. You have to go on General Mills website and
apply as they don't direct hire, use one agency. They are short of supervisors - one new one maybe starting Mon. My son went there last Labor Day after retiring from the military. He just finished up his degree within two weeks of starting. Being a retiree he didn't need healt/dental benefits so dickered for more money.

That General Mills is where they make bread crums (4 kinds) for Kraft Stove Top Dressing. They start with 2000lb. dough balls and I think they get 634 loaves of bread. After baking, they go through a 48 hr. staling process, then crumbed, then shipped to
Dover, DE to Kraft. Unfortunately the laborers are unioned, the only GM unioned plant, I think, and some of the supervisors need to be replaced too, but still short.

He has learned a lot about food processing and so have I. Quite interesting, to say the least.

Oh, the average length of stay is about 18 -24 mos. They are
apparently great about promoting and relocating their good employees. If you have a house and can't sell it before relocating, they buy it from you.

His main complaints have been from the short staff, necessitating
most weekends. But here is another tidbit. When Kraft is shut down, like after the holidays, this plant shuts down. Supervisors may have to go in to check on things and Sun. is when they start up again, but it hasn't been too bad for him.

Just thought I'd put it out there. You aren't that awfully far from Hampton but too far to commute if you got a job. He got a nice home in DE. The whole area housing can be cheaper. That includes rental homes and apts. Well, I'm in DC are

I just wish that I could find 50 decent positions that I am interested in. Maybe, only one or two jobs a month that I see get me excited enough for me to send out my resume. But I do understand your point that it is a numbers game-the more you send out, the more responses your likely to get.

If your unemployed you should send out alot of resumes however, even to positions that your not interested in, because the longer your out of work the more HR thinks that there is something wrong with you.

Its like a game, a game most don't know how to play well.

Thanks Bosco,

Isn't it amazing how we can let that moment of silence get to us in so many situations. But the idea of putting the pressure back on the interviewer is brilliant!

Hey, I'm taking my e-mails as they come and just found another who had received my resume. Didn't have anything but referred me
to another site in Baltimore. There must be some good HR/recruiters out there!

Yes, Dean, but it gets discouraging to go on many interviews and nothing happen. I am to the end of my present new e-mails and got yet another. I was asked to submit my resume if interested in a position. Once received, the individual said he put it on another's desk and if interested, I would hear. I haven't heard yet but just got an e-mail that that person or another is back in town and he forwarded my resume to her for her consideration. I immediately e-mailed my thanks and appreciation.

If anything should come of this, it is a position way beyond my expectations so I am having to brush up on the subject and tell myself that I can do it. I can do it but it's one of those situtations if you don't use it, you lose it. My research tells me I'm way behind. On the other hand, this involves research to learn more about the problems.

Do any of you job seekers check out usajobs.gov? There are lots of opportunities, including for paralegals and maybe right in your area. Unfortunately, they can yell help but it takes months to get results sometimes unless you notice that it is a direct hire. If anyone needs help navigating through their lingo, let me know. If you go there and find jobs and have previous federal experience, look under status candidates, otherwise look for Public; however, you can open a place on the status listings and find that most jobs are open to any US citizen.

There is also cpol.army.mil where a lot of jobs are posted for various military/civilian jobs.

The discouraging thing is that each branch wants their own resume builder used. Even on usajobs.gov you can build your resume (very comprehensive) and then VA wants something else plus different forms, different departments want their own, etc. Getting a government job should entail one common application/resume and a quicker process. Some take up to a year. There are tons of openings across the country for borders, passports, airport security

To me, all of these jobsites are basically the same - Crummy! There isn't one that stands out.

I mostly use Monster, Careerbuilder, a local jobsite called RegionalHelpWanted.com, and Indeed. I don't think that Indeed's jobsite is better than any of the other ones that some jobseeker's brag about.

I also go to the Fortune 500 internet site and go thru the company's career centers.

I've had zero luck with government jobs and nonprofit - I don't even look at them anymore.

As far as agencies and recruiters.....don't get me started.

Good Luck everyone!

dean suraci in Cornwall, New York said: To me, all of these jobsites are basically the same - Crummy! There isn't one that stands out.

I mostly use Monster, Careerbuilder, a local jobsite called RegionalHelpWanted.com, and Indeed. I don't think that Indeed's jobsite is better than any of the other ones that some jobseeker's brag about.

I also go to the Fortune 500 internet site and go thru the company's career centers.

I've had zero luck with government jobs and nonprofit - I don't even look at them anymore.

As far as agencies and recruiters.....don't get me started.

Good Luck everyone!

_______________________________________________________________________________

I agree. I've had the best luck with Craigslist. The other boards seem to have tons of ads from headhunters.

I find that much of the language is repeated over and over again. Ads are pulled then reappear a few months later. If you keep fishing you can see what companies are having trouble keeping people. So they put out the same old ad. Same with recruiters.

I did find a job of course. But I think it's probably a good idea to keep informed only because anything can happen at any time. May be it helps a person to not feel as though they are always starting from scratch. At least you get a feel for what's out there and to be abreast of any subtle changes in postings or terminology. I sure hope everyone gets a job situation soon. Thanks everyone for sharing. All comments are informative to somebody out there.

Anne in Denver, Colorado said: For your information, I have had two job offers in the past week. One is too far to drive to, the other I have time to think about.

In other words, your "advice" is not the kind of advice I am seeking.

You have no idea how I "come across" on an interview. I do listen politely, but if someone is going off on a tangent, I will ask a question which gets it back on track. Not everyone is a good interviewer or has good interviewing skills.

Some employers prefer assertive employees; others prefer more submissive employeees. Your advice always tends toward someone looking to play in a support or administrative role. Not everyone on this board is looking for that kind of position.

I am saying this in all honesty and not trying to argue, but you really do not know it all.

End of discussion. By your postings, I'm sure you will insist on having the last word though so I'm fully expecting you to post again.... perhaps your personality is why you haven't received any job offers. Again, I am trying to be helpful to you as it seems you are looking for a job but have resigned yourself to the fact that you are "displaced." In other words, giving up.

You said that Perfectly! You took the words right out of my mouth.

I had intended to add some notes but have been busy putting out more interviews. The referral to another board in Baltimore resulted in a free consultation with some firm in FL who would love to redo my resume, market me, etc. to the tune of $1900. Easy when I have no job and no funds! But the person I talked to did give me some good advice. The resume should reflect what I can do for them, not what I have done. That's a new twist to me. Also, she said that I should get my resume on the desk of any potential employer. Of all the jobs posted on these various boards, they only represent about 8% of the jobs available or, getting one's resume out may fit a position that someone is contemplating creating.

Have to tell you about a recent interview. I had a phone interview last Mon. for a position opening soon. The HR person mentioned that they were having a job fair the next day and could I make it. I agreed and got an appointment for an interview. The late arriving e-mail confirmed the appointment and mentioned that the site only had valet parking - $11. Great! I arrived about 15 minutes early and for once wasn't asked to fill out their particular application. Talked with another person waiting to interview for a different positon within the same organization. Well, my interview was with the executive director. First of all, she was 45 min. to an hour late. When she walked in she appeared to have a slight limp or handicap which was no problem, but why would such an individual wear shoes that were a wedged bottom with strings/straps that wound half way up her leg and tied. Seems to me that is asking for trouble. She also looked like her flimsy clothes came out of Goodwill's throw aways, a blue blouse and a polyester skirt. That wasn't so bad until she stood and her cell phone, attached at the waist, pullled her skirt down and showed her bare skin. Yes, she was a bit of a stringy blond too. Certainly not my expectations of an "executive director."

Anyway, this executive director barely skimmed my resume and in the midst of the interview mentioned that this position required... I assured her that my resume showed where I had that and additional appropriate certifications. Not the most impressive experience.

Then thurs. I got a call and I could barely hear the caller but decided I knew what it was about. I agreed to an interview on Fri. and she gave me the address. I asked a question which I thought she answered inappropriately, not knowing that my question was inapropriate. I got the directions from Mapquest and proceeded to get ready. Imagine how I felt when I got there and it wasn't the job I thought I had applied for but another I had applied for about a month ago. I didn't get to talk to the caller but did explain to the interviewer that if I seemed confused, I had not heard right and thought it was another position I had applied for.

The interview went well and I might hear back within the next couple days. We'll see.

Fizzy in Laurel, Maryland said:

The interview went well and I might hear back within the next couple days. We'll see.

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Good luck to you.

I dont agree with the hypothesis stated here. Consider the simple situation when the hiring manager or HR has called for 3 guys for interview, he will surely want to know all 3 and then make a decision.

Deborah James in Alameda, California said: I had a telephone interview last week, and have a physical interview tomorrow. I've been reading these posts to try not to come across as "desperate." I was on a temporary assignment that ended last Monday, following being let go from my permanent job.

I haven't been sitting around waiting long, but do want to find the right job. I work in the legal field and there are some pretty crazy jobs out there.

The position I held for nearly a year had been left by 2 previous admins because of all the craziness. Since I left 4 months ago, they've been through a series of "temps."

I can relate to this very well. I hope you are employed now. I was wondering how you explain the termination of this type of situation; and then what kind of field are you now working in.

There are different opinions about what to say about former and current employers. I prefer being honest. When you are in a place where people consistently miss deadlines, refuse to familiarize themselves with the rules, ignore reminders, etc. it is only going to lead to the situation that I described.

I mention things like that in interviews. I'm not negative about it, just very matter of fact.

Deborah James in Alameda, California said: There are different opinions about what to say about former and current employers. I prefer being honest. When you are in a place where people consistently miss deadlines, refuse to familiarize themselves with the rules, ignore reminders, etc. it is only going to lead to the situation that I described.

I mention things like that in interviews. I'm not negative about it, just very matter of fact.

I actually would appreciate honestly from the candidate if I was the Hiring Mgr. However, I believe most HR types don't like the negativity.

honestly = honesty

That's why I said I try to not be negative about it. If someone ignores constant email reminders, glosses over things being brought up in calendar meetings, and then starts a mad rush a coule of hours before something is due - that's the truth. It's not negativity on my part, just the facts.