Need Some Advice From Friends

I work part time right now doing "floater" secretarial work in a local office, meaning I do whatever is necessary in the office to help out the main secretary. Despite keeping my fingers crossed for over two years, I've come to the realization that this part-time job is never going to turn into full time for me, so I have been sending out resumes for the past six months or so. I've had several interviews, but for some reason or another I never seem to get the job. I am starting to wonder if I smell funny. No kidding-- this is really starting to get to me.

What could I be doing or saying wrong?

I have an interview next Wednesday for a secretarial/bookkeeping position at the local high school, and I am sick to my stomach over it. I so ~desperately~ want to get this job, but I am really afraid to have hope. I have been disappointed so many times.

Does anyone have any ideas about the kinds of things I could do or say that would really WOW an employer? If you are an employer, what kinds of things would an interviewee say that would impress you and make you think they are the best candidate for the job?

Please help.... any suggestions appreciated. If I don't get this job, I am giving up... :-(

Here are some questions I answered about myself at interviews that you can think about ...

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

What do you think is your best quality?

If given many different tasks at one time, all needing to be done as quickly as possible, which one would you do first?

Think about these, and formulate your own answers them. I think if you get answers from us, and give "good textbook" answers, they'll see through it. Don't try to be someone you're not. If you put on a show, and they hire you based on who they think you are rather than who you really are, both you and the employer will end up miserable....

HTH,
Jennifer

I always look for people who exude confidence in themselves, not "stuck on themselves", but assuring that they can "rise to the occasion". I find that a person with good self esteem and confidence in their ability are generally a great asset to any organization. Don't pretend to know all the answers, be honest and forthright.
Good luck, and do give some serious thought to Jennifer's questions they are "right on the money".

This message was edited Wednesday, Oct 23rd 3:18 PM

When I interviewed candidates, one of the most important things I looked for was self-confidence. (NOT the bragging, breaking-their-arm-to-pat-themselves-on-the-back kind) but just a quiet self-assurance, and someone who could look me in the eye and give a genuine smile. (And that can be hard to muster when you're nervous!)

Make sure you leave yourself an extra 5-10 minutes or more to arrive on time without being or looking rushed. If it's a large office building, slip into a restroom to compose yourself, and familiarize yourself with where you're going.

Don't be afraid of silence or a lull during an interview. It can be unnerving, but it's better to remain quiet than to rush to fill the silence with chatter. When you're asked a question, take a few seconds to mentally compose your answer. You're less likely to stumble through your answer, or fill in with a lot of "umms" or "uh's" as you go, or get off-track.

Speak slowly and clearly - don't rush through your words. Again, this is hard to do, but if you practice (with someone else, or in front of a mirror), you'll become good at it.

Sum up your answer in a few succinct sentences.

Be prepared - know about the company you're interviewing with, and why you want to work for them. Ask questions that display you've done your homework.

Other things to do: Think objectively about why you haven't been able to expand to a full-time role at your current employer. Is it because there hasn't been any turnover or growth to allow your position to change? If so, don't sweat it. If they've hired others around you, you have to be honest with yourself as to why that is.

And have a positive answer to that question for the interview, becasue it's likely to come up. If it's because of office politics or other negative reasons, make sure you frame it tactfully and as positively as possible. Being negative about your past or present employer is a big warning flag to an interviewer.

If you've already done all these things, try going on a mock interview with someone you trust - a friend or perhaps a career counselor at your unemployment service. Somewhere where you can get some direct, constructive feedback and a job isn't on the line.

And/or follow up with the past interviewers, and ask them if they can share feedback on why someone else was hired, and what you can do to improve your interviewing skills. Asked nicely, you will probably get someone to spend a few minutes giving you feedback. Be sure to follow up with a thank-you note if/when you do, even if the feedback isn't what you wanted to hear (it might be what you need to hear.)

And it could just be a tight job market, so don't beat yourself up if no one offers you anything to "hang your hat on" in feedback. The right opportunity will present itself, if you persevere :)

Hi, IndaShade. I certainly understand how intimidating it can be to go through the employment interview process. I have a few general thoughts about your question.

First, when telling a potential employer about yourself, I think it is important to focus on the things you know you do well, and that you know you understand, so that you can legitimately reflect confidence about those things; this will also help you to be more relaxed during the interview. You won't feel as self-conscious if you highlight the things you know you are good at, and be specific. Sit down and make a list of what those things are.

Focus on your established skills, but also indicate that you are willing to learn new things, to train in related areas, and to be open to fresh ideas and points of view about how to apply your job skills. Indicate that you are someone who will take the initiative in improving and expanding upon your existing abilities.

Above all, be yourself. Be confident about the things you do well, and indicate a willingness to learn skills that you don't already have, so that you can add them to your fund of experience.

Best wishes on your interview, IndaShade!

IndaShade, wow, what great advice! I am not in the corporate world, but it might be a good idea to find out how others dress where you wish to work, and go into that interview dressed as if you work there already... I have managed hair salons, and it amazes me that people stop in for jobs dressed for the gym, or with their children, or hair in a ponytail, or with a girlfriend... all giving the impression it is just a second thought... Needless to say gum chewing is out, as is smoking... One woman came in with a cigarette DANGLING from her lip, drinking from a can of BEER; she also poked me in the chest!!! So, my advice is to simply look like you belong there, so the interviewer can "see" you working there. BEST OF LUCK!!! John

Inda, what they all said goes double for me. But schools are very difficult to get into full time right off the bat. Our schools hire part time or substitutes (yes office too) on a day to day basis. Jenn's question on "give multiple tasks, what would you do first" is one I always use.

Be yourself, definitely over dress and by that I mean a business suit. I'm in the business world and I've interviewed people for various positions. I can tell simply by the way a person talks and "carries themselves" as to if I want to hire or not. Ask the employer questions about the position available. It shows that you have honest interest. Tell the employer you are very interested in the job. Be sure and do the "follow up call" a day or two later. Again, it shows interest.

Don't give up! There's a position out there for you.

You guys are the best. You have given me a treasure trove of advice. I'm going to reread this thread next Wednesday morning for inspiration.

I didn't mention that I have an Associate degree in Accounting/Business Administration. I never actually got to work in that field though, because I got pregnant with my twin girls in 1987. That effectively ended my "career" before it ever got off the ground (although I would not trade my years at home with my three girls for ANYTHING).

They dress rather classy at the school, which isn't a problem. We are very laid back at the office where I work now (jeans and sweaters), but we do have to dress up when customers come to visit. So I do have all the necessary apparel for an interview. I just feel like such a FRAUD when I dress that way because I'm a no-nonsense gardenin' girl--much more comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans!

Keep your fingers crossed for me. I am due to have some good fortune one of these days. I will let you know how things go.



This message was edited Wednesday, Oct 23rd 5:54 PM

I can't add to all the good advise already posted, but I just wanted to say good luck to you!

wanted to wish you lots of luck you already have some great advice.
"go get em sherry"

Good luck IndaShade. What great advice. The unemployment office here has some great booklets focused on resumes and interviews - very helpful. I found it very useful to write down the things you have accomplished - at work and at home. Just because you don't get paid for something doesn't mean it isn't an asset when it comes to getting a job. I can't remember what they are but there is a list of "action" words to use. I also think it's very important to say that you're unfamiliar with something - say a certain software. But of course you have no doubt you can learn it. Don't forget to smile.

IndaShade, you have provided a valuable clue about how you ought to dress for the interview, by saying that you feel like a fraud when you dress up. You need to be as comfortable and relaxed as you can during any job interview, so that you can be yourself and honestly project confidence. Since people tend to dress well at the high school where you're interviewing, I think it would be a good idea for you to choose something simple but elegant, an outfit that you don't feel "fouffy" or overdressed in, but which makes you feel pulled-together and well groomed. A nice tailored suit or dress with a colorful scarf and attractive shoes and handbag might work well, for example.

You worked hard for that Associate degree in Accounting and Business, so that is one of the primary assets you can be confident about. You do not need to apologize -- or seem to be apologizing -- to the interviewer for having started a family right after college. The point is, you earned the degree, you're well trained, so let that be one of the main entries on your list of things to be confident about.

When it comes time for the interview, self-confidence plus preparation will allow you to be fluid and adaptable in the interview setting. And don't be afraid to show your sense of humor at appropriate moments.

Can't wait to hear how things go!

This message was edited Wednesday, Oct 23rd 6:52 PM

One thing I did when interviewing for a large catalog call center was bring in some pages I'd printed of their webpage. I put them in a plastic report cover so they looked nice. I also brought my own portfolio showing custom forms and graphics I'd designed for previous jobs.

I told them I was really impressed with the product line and had been reading a little about the company's history; had questions ready, pertinent to what I'd read online. The lady who first interviewed me liked the webpage printouts' presentation so much, she took the binder to others in the office and showed them. She said I'd done my homework and showed creativity and originality. I was hired. :)

Make yourself stand out - in a good way! It works! Oh -- and send hand-written thank-you notes to every person you've spoken to. That also shows you're not only interested, but courteous.

I have been on both sides of the interview table and have to say that for me it was pretty much the same regardless which side of the desk I was on. I always asked questions about the job, work environment, possibilities for promotions and answered their questions easily. With one exception I always got the job offer! Just remember that you are a person of value and that they will be lucky if you decide from the interview that they are a worthy employer for you! If possible do take along a letter of reference from your current employer. This will let them know you are looking for fulltime work and give them the opportunity to either offer you a full time job or show that they appreciate you enough to give you a glowing letter of reccomendation.

Hi IndaShade, be positive and show em that smile! fingers crossed here :)

Inda shade, what great advice...
I think you ought to consider going on a mock interview that you could set up with the unemployment department, rather than with a friend, I think that a friend would not be able to be objective.
Otherwise, confidence in yourself and abilities, hold your head up, smile, wear approprirate attire, and everything else that has been said.

good luck

I think you're gonna land this one Inda......best wishes!!

"eyes"

Inda,
just go in knowing you are the right person for the job, practice the interview on your own in front of a mirror, I call it shadow boxing. My wife thought I had gone crackers the first time she heard me arguing with a mirror, but I was up against a real smart guy the next day, and I beat him in the argument, since I had practiced it the night before, and all aspects were still in my head.

Be positive and friendly, not nervous, that'll knock you out..... Shadow box!!! .... I do it all the time now, and sometimes I lose even to myself ;-)

Here are a few words of warning, which you don't want in your resume´ though, and it's just a wee bit of fun to take your nervousness away :-)

"My intensity and focus are at inordinately high levels, and my ability to complete projects on time is unspeakable."

"Education: Curses in liberal arts, curses in computer science, curses in accounting."

"Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store."

"Personal: Married, 1992 Chevrolet."

"I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse."

"I am a rabid typist."

"Created a new market for pigs by processing, advertising and selling a gourmet pig mail order service on the side."

"Exposure to German for two years, but many words are not appropriate for business."

"Proven ability to track down and correct erors."

"Personal interests: Donating blood. 15 gallons so far."

"I have become completely paranoid, trusting completely nothing and absolutely no one."

"References: None, I've left a path of destruction behind me."

"Strengths: Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining composer."

"Don't take the comments of my former employer too seriously, they were unappreciative beggars and slave drivers."

"My goal is to be a meteorologist. But since I possess no training in meteroology, I suppose I should try stock brokerage."

"I procrastinate, especially when the task is unpleasant."

"I am loyal to my employer at all costs ..Please feel free to respond to my resume on my office voicemail."

"Qualifications: No education or experience."

"Disposed of $2.5 billion in assets."

"Accomplishments: Oversight of entire department."

"Extensive background in accounting. I can also stand on my head!"

Cover letter: "Thank you for your consideration. Hope to hear from you shorty!"

Good luck, go get the job

Wintermoor

Inda, I can't think of anything to add to the above advice, but I know you will give it your best shot. Keep a grin (actually, pleasant smile) on your face, and you will make the best impression. That is what I have been told by so many people who hired me: they loved the way I always looked so cheerful and un-grumpy (very unusual for computer specialists in those days: most of them looked [I didn't say they WERE] mad at the world).

Let us know how the interview went. And if this one didn't go well, don't give up: keep hanging in there. The right job will turn up for you.

Thought of another thing that works for me: go after a job that 'no way' do you want. Takes all the pressure off, and you can actually have fun with it- good practice. Only problem will be that you'll definitely get the position!

One more thought: have you made it well known to the place where you are working now that you would in fact be interested in full time work?

Best wishes, John

John, that happened to me once *chortle* I applied for 3 jobs; the first response was the company I didn't really want, so I had the worst time trying to put them off until I heard from my preferred company (I got offers from all 3, by the way), so I didn't get a "black mark" by turning the less-attractive one down ;D

But that is good advice. It really does ease stress to go in knowing that you really don't want the job, anyway. And that gives the best impression (un-stressed, that is, not lack of interest)

Hope you get the job ,so good luck

and one thing that has stuck in mind mind,while reading all the how to dress suggestions ,is some thing I heard

dress for the job you aspire to...not the job you have or are trying for

doesent mean much coming from a truck driver,and like alot of people,I am uncomfortable dressed up,but think of the job you REALLY want,and dress how you would be expected to for THAT job.

Good luck,and WOW them!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you tomorrow, IndaShade!

Thinking of you on the eve of your interview. Good luck and knock em dead....

Good Luck today!!!

I just wanted to leave a message so you weren't all hanging after you all went out of your way to be so kind and give such good advice. I won't be able to spend any time on the internet tonight because my husband has "homework" to do for a class that he's taking and he needs the computer.

.......things didn't go too well today. I've been fighting tears since four o'clock this afternoon, and I am NOT a crier. I'll try to get on and post a better explanation tomorrow morning.

So sorry things didn't go as well as hoped for today, IndaShade. Someone on one of the posts said that if you didn't get the job, it would simply mean that the interview today was only a rehearsal or "dry run" for the job you are intended to get in the future, and I agree. If the person who interviewed you was rude, abrasive, or in any way uncongenial to you -- thus bringing about tears -- consider that you are fortunate not to have gotten that position. Will pray for you to be comforted about the whole situation.

((IndaShade))

Keep your chin up, you're destined for good things. :)

My interview was at a local school, and the superintendant, the office manager and the assistant office manager interviewed me. The superintendant was male, the other two were women.

Right off the bat the superintendant seemed to think it would be a huge "problem" for me to be working in the office of the school that my three daughters attended, although there are many women who work there who have children in the school. He was speculating out loud about whether or not I would be able to keep proprietary and sensitive information to myself. Does he not think I have to keep certain things to myself at the place that I work now?

And here's the biggie--the point at which I lost it. Actually, this is an excellent topic for discussion, and I am very interested in what the rest of you have to say on this subject.

He asked me, " Okay, you are the new kid on the block, and you see another secretary who is filching stamps or dipping into petty cash to buy lunch, etc. What are you going to do?"

Well, that's stealing and stealing is wrong. In a perfect world, I would be able to turn her in to someone higher up, and she would be fired and there would be no retribution towards me for turning her in.

But we don't live in a perfect world, and any of you who have ever worked in a office knows what kind of a climate evolves when you have a bunch of women working together. At their best, they are like chickens with a pecking order. At their worst, they are like circling sharks looking for blood. As the "New Kid on the Block" am I going to turn in a veteran secretary for stealing? Realistically, ABSOLUTELY NOT. Not if I want to continue to work in a peaceful atmosphere and not have the rest of the secretaries refer to me as Ms. Benedict Arnold, I'm not.

So I said, "First I would find out if this was accepted office protocol or not. If not, I would probably go to the person that I knew the best after my short time on the job, and ask her if she was aware that this person was doing this. I would not be confrontational about it until I was sure what the story was, but I would want to make someone who had been there for awhile aware of it."

To which he replied: "So in order to keep your life a nice, comfortable place, you would pawn this off on someone else?"

Well, at that point I knew I was in the soup, and I just started babbling. My face must have been beet red, and it felt like the room was about 100 degrees. He hammered at this point for about 20 minutes or more, which in retrospect had absolutely nothing to do with my secretarial or accounting skills. I'm not sure what I could or should have said differently, but I'm pretty sure I didn't make a favorable impression.

So I'm sure I won't be getting called back. I thought about it long and hard all night lastnight and even if I do get called, I'm not sure that this is the kind of place that I would want to work.

If I worked at a business and saw someone stealing; I wouldn't hesitate one bit. I would immediately turn them into the highest authority and have them take care of the situation. I don't see how stealing would be accepted in any business work place.

Morally, that's probably what you SHOULD do.

But now you've gotten a well-liked, 25 year veteran fired from her job and you've only been at your job for three or four weeks. You have now been branded a "troublemaker" by the other ladies in the office.

Pretty soon important things start disappearing off of your desk. Crucial files are mysteriously deleted from your computer. Files that do manage to stay on your computer are sabotaged. You get wind of some horrible rumors being circulated about you. The room goes quiet when you enter, and you find that no one will talk to you anymore or share vital information that you need to do your job, or may even be giving you incorrect information. You have become the office pariah. You may even be getting some hang-up phone calls at home, and someone has sent your husband an anonymous note that you are having an affair at the office. (Don't laugh-- I know a woman who had the last two things happen to her at her former place of employment.)

The bad news is: the job pays well, and you don't think you can find another job like this- at least not right away. You are stuck. You slowly turn into a jumpy, nervous, paranoid wreck.

Was it worth it?

I still don't have all the answers, and because this is a purely hypothetical situation, I don't really know what I would do. I think most people (including me) want to do the right thing, but I am certain that this is not a black and white scenario. This whole issue is very, very gray, and I would have to give it quite a bit of thought before I turned a colleague in for something.

You sound a bit paranoid inda - chill. Other jobs will come along. I must agree that day one or day 101 I would let a supervisor know what was going on. Believe me I work in an office with several women and they do have "pecking order" - but you know what I always tell myself -
"My job is not my life" - I have a life at home and work is just 8 hours a day. I don't have to like everyone or have them like me (just doesn't matter) - I demand respect and cooperation and the job needs to be done. Theft of any nature (no matter how minute) is still theft. It is up to management to deal with these matters when brought to our attention and, if there is dissention toward the person bringing the matter to lite, then that also must be dealt with. Harrassment has no place in today's work force either which is what you are describing when you refer to files suddenly disappearing or people talking behind your back.
Hang in there, things will get better.

There is theft in the workplace, plain and simple. I've had cash stolen from me and Praise God my boss replaced the cash from his own pocket. We all knew who took it but didn't have any proof at all. I've seen employees stealing and yes, I have reported them. And I would again and again. And Inda, I do know how you feel...been there. But I'm the one that has to look at myself in the mirror every morning and I just couldn't handle knowing I knew something of that nature and did nothing. I have to face Christ one day and I certainly don't want that hanging over my head if you know what I mean.

Apparently this interviewer has had a situation similar to what he asked you since it was such a strong subject. Perhaps this position wouldn't be for you.

You are so right sledder. I am not sure that was such an appropriate question for an initial interview. If they have those issues they should be investigating them, not inquiring how new employees would handle such a situation.

I'm with you Inda. I know stealing is stealing but I'd have to be put in the situation to know what I'd do. Sure - if someone was stealing cash out of their co-workers purses... I'd turn them in in a heartbeat. If a long time vet was stealing a couple of stamps out of the mailroom to mail her bills - I'd probably look the other way. Maybe I'd say something to her - but I don't think I'd make a big isssue out of it. Especially if I was a newbie.

My husband, who has to handle customers on a daily basis and has become quite good at knowing what to say, told me I should have said "I just KNOW that you would never hire anyone who would do anything like that, so that would NEVER be an issue here!" LOL! I just don't think as quick as he does!

It occurs to me that each individual's personality type plays a major role in how they would handle a situation like that. There really is no right or wrong answer here. Someone who was a little more aggressive might charge in and report the person and to heck with any of the consequences.

I tend to be of a more cautious nature, and I would want to observe office dynamics for awhile before I would ever consider turning someone in for anything. Sometimes what you see isn't always what is really going on, and I have jumped the gun a couple of times and made assumptions about a situation, and ended up with egg on my face. So while I tend to move a little slower, I think I am better informed about an issue when I finally DO make a decision to act.

Being a consumate "people watcher", it is really interesting to see all of your different thoughts about this question. Thanks! :-)

That superintendant sounds like an A-1 jerk, and he sounds like he already had his mind made up before you even walked in the door. That's a shame.

IndaShade, it sounds to me as if that high school might NOT be a place you want to work. The superintendant clearly had a chip on his shoulder and a private agenda; the fact that he posed such a loaded hypothetical question/scenario to you says to me that the high school actually has such problems and is not a pleasant, cooperative environment. He also insulted you, by implying that you would not be discreet on the job.

Ironically, you might well be offered the job, precisely because you were honest in your responses; you will then be in the curious position of having to think long and hard about whether you want to accept the job, after all. It sounds to me as if you handled yourself very well in a rough and loaded situation, and for that you deserve just as many congratulations as if they had offered you the position on the spot.

Inda, reading between the lines here, I think he was trying to find out if you considered petty theft to be stealing. I imagine the correct answer is always YES. Whether this is the course you would actually take in the event of seeing someone pilfer a stamp is another story, one which needs a more realistic decision.


I think your answer was GREAT, and the jerk needs to realize that "delegating" is not the same as "pawning off". And unless you were given immediate authority to fire people, how ELSE could you handle it?

Good experience though for your next interview. Might I suggest following this one up as if you really wanted the job? Make the most of this opportunity, even if it IS the last place you'd want to work!!

John

I wonder if this was a trick question to test your honesty and accounting skills. I would have stated that if I suspected theft I would report it to my immediate supervisor, and would have added that usually petty cash has to be reconciled with valid receipts on a monthly or weekly basis depending on their office policies and procedures. Also, in order to control petty cash shortages everyone should not be able to access it. I know it's alot easier for me to post this since I wasn't the one at the job interview. I hope you find a great job with a great working environment very soon.