Another moan

[Browneyes]

I'm sorry but I'm going to have to have a bit of a moan. |soapbox|

Interviews for jobs these days remind me of school exams where you had to provide a portfolio of work and then sit a test or give a presentation...Gathering information, making copies of certificates/passport etc and providing a photo, completing reams of paperwork, swotting till your brain goes dead, making sure you've had breakfast even though you really don't want anything to eat, giving information and answering standard questions to ten foot tall 'examiners' you've never met before, sitting a timed test and then wondering whether you've said/written gobbledegook particularly as one of the 'examiners' seems to have stopped smiling halfway through. Then, of course, you're out the door before you know it and into the repetitive world of "How did it go then?" when all you really want to do is either get a phone call that afternoon offering you the job or pretend it never happened. It's impossible to tell how it's gone - unless of course you're psychic or have useful contacts.

I remember an interview back in the late 70s. A small engineering company, the boss shook my hand, asked me if I'd done this or that, looked at references I'd brought with me, showed me around the place and then said "The job's yours if you want it - please say yes."

[Barnzzz]

Ooh I agree! In the 70s I went for an interview and they said 'you can start on Monday', so I did.

My last interview was about 4 years ago. It involved a written timed test (easy), then a role play (problems with giggling) and then an interview where I was supposed to tell them why I was the perfect person for the job (excruciating, plus further inane giggling). I went home traumatised!
Sue

[Browneyes]

Sue. :D Trouble is once you start giggling it's hard to stop isn't it.

I prepared replies to "Tell us about yourself", "What are your strengths and weaknesses" and "Give us an example of...". First one was ok, they didn't ask the second one and I ended up talking about having to deal with a couple who were upset about a dead goldfish in the third which had no relevance to the job applied for but having already given half a dozen examples of different situations it was the only thing that kept popping into my mind! Some very serious nodding went on during that one - I would have preferred at least one raised eyebrow.

[Carmy]

Ugh, that brought back some horrible memories. Glad I will never have to go through that again.

The last time I went for a job interview, there were 400 other applicants. Of those who graduated in my year, only three of us found work. But things have switched around. Employers just can't get staff these days (not in this city) and you can basically name your own price and terms. I occasionally glance at the job ads in the newspaper and applaud the problems they're having. Serves 'em right!

[v.wells]

My son was laid off 4+months ago and each interview he goes to they express concern that he might return to old company when they start back up. I've told him in the future, to tell them that is unlikely to happen. But the employers here want young dudes (not 30 something) that will likely not show up for work, do a lousy job and leave for greener pastures at the first opportunity. He tries selling them on his experience and dependability but nothing yet has been offered.

His time will come and he will find work. We do not want to move to Calgary!

[MaryFrances]

Sorry to hear about your son, v.wells. I hope that something really good turns up for him soon.

[Browneyes]

Although I didn't get the job I received a very nice phone call from one of the interviewers today giving good positive feedback but explaining that they had received 70 applications and the person they had chosen had very specific up to date experience. It's unusual to receive a call back, usually a letter arrives a week later so I was very grateful she had rung.

[Thomasin]

It sounds as if you were high up the list, Browneyes, which is encouraging, and how nice to hear personally from the interviewer. Best of luck for next time.

Thomasin