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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TexasChic on November 1, 2008, at 18:59:52
I got an email from a new place asking me to meet for an interview on Monday. This was for a design job I had applied for in July. As I usually do, I looked up the business and the guy who sent the email (the president of the company) on the internet. I came across some major complaints from former employees, calling them slave drivers and saying the turnover was unreal. The more I read the more it sounded like my old job, salaried with endless hours, mismanaged jobs causing them to be difficult to get done on time, verbal abuse, etc. It even said, especially if you get an offer for a design job, run in the other direction as fast as you can!
Of course I realized this could just be disgruntled employees, but it certainly touched a nerve! The one positive thing is this was when I was still asking for quite a bit more money! So of course I will go, check it out, and try to keep an open mind, but I'll definitely be on alert!
I got another email asking for an interview next week, which I responded to but haven't heard back from yet, but its about $14,000 less a year then the one I was just talking about. Which means it would be pretty tough making out financially, but would be better than nothing. The work would be more like the last job I had - which is not my specialty but I am capable of. Why do they have to go from one extreme to the other like that?
As for the other job I interviewed for recently, I can't remember if I already said this, but I talked to the guy from the art dept yesterday, and he was very frustrated saying he didn't know if they were ever going to make a choice and hire someone to help him. I actually kind of felt bad for the guy. I was like, well, let me know if they ever decide anything. So although that could still be a possibility, its certainly nothing to pin my hopes on. This particular job would be in the middle of the pay range of the other two I talked about, closer to the lower end.
So that's what's going on. At least something is going on rather than nothing like it has been. Wish me luck!
-T
Posted by Kath on November 1, 2008, at 20:31:06
In reply to Interview Monday, but... weirdness, posted by TexasChic on November 1, 2008, at 18:59:52
Thx for the update TC.
I was wondering & was going to post to ask you.
Hmmmm. I guess I'm sorta evil, but I might take the slave-driving job for the money while I still looked for something else - & just have the attitude of "hey, this is temporary...I don't give a darn about them therefore will not get stressed....if they fire me, at least I've made some good money in the mean time"
:-)hugs to you, luv, Kath
Posted by TexasChic on November 1, 2008, at 21:41:12
In reply to Re: Interview Monday, but... weirdness » TexasChic, posted by Kath on November 1, 2008, at 20:31:06
I was sort of thinking along those lines, I guess I'm evil too! Of course, I haven't actually been OFFERED the job yet. They may take one look at me and laugh for all I know! Fortunately, with the money I have set aside (actually its not set aside, I used it to pay up all my bills for the next couple of months) I feel like I can kind of sit back and check them out and decide if they are good enough for ME! That ought make me appear less desperate. Maybe I won't even SHAKE! So we'll see how it goes.
The guy I'll interview with is very formal and curt by email, which is the type of personality that intimidates me. But I'm going to try to use this as a chance to practice being more assertive - i.e. connecting with my inner bitch. I was raised to be meek and mild and put everybody else above myself, but by imagining some of the strong women I've known, even my last boss who was totally psycho, maybe I can at least try on that persona. And by that I mean, being someone who says, "So what does this do for me? Is this good enough for me? Because I have too much to offer to be treated as less than I deserve". I'll give it a shot anyway.-T
Posted by Bobby on November 1, 2008, at 23:19:42
In reply to Re: Interview Monday, but... weirdness » Kath, posted by TexasChic on November 1, 2008, at 21:41:12
Maybe you should shake things up and ask *him* for references from past employees---if nothing else but to see his reaction. If you like doing research---there's usually some good career/job interview advice at www.johntesh.com
at least it sounds like good advice over the radio. Good luck.
Posted by caraher on November 2, 2008, at 7:11:55
In reply to Re: Interview Monday, but... weirdness » Kath, posted by TexasChic on November 1, 2008, at 21:41:12
> I was sort of thinking along those lines, I guess I'm evil too!
It's funny how prospective employees still feel a moral obligation to be loyal to employers when very few employers show any loyalty to their employees anymore! I don't think that approach is "evil" at all!
Think of it this was: if you do accept the "slave driver's" job and find that really, it's not so bad, you'll just stay. That's giving them a chance. And that's what any employer does with you - if you work out for them, they retain you, and if not, they let you go. Is that evil on their part? (Well, *sometimes* it might be... but that's simply the way the world works; why should you feel guilty about it?)
Posted by Phillipa on November 2, 2008, at 12:29:11
In reply to Re: Interview Monday, but... weirdness, posted by caraher on November 2, 2008, at 7:11:55
Very true and at least you guys are working. Love Phillipa
Posted by TexasChic on November 2, 2008, at 19:00:22
In reply to Re: Interview Monday, but... weirdness » caraher, posted by Phillipa on November 2, 2008, at 12:29:11
Last night after I wrote my last post I spilled a glass of wine on my keyboard! AGAIN! So I went to get a new one just now, and an Apple keyboard was $50! I didn't remember it being so much the last couple of times I had to replace it for the SAME REASON! But what made things worse was the cable I needed to make my printer work was $35! So I ended up getting a PC keyboard for $35 plus the cable (I need the printer to print out a resume for the interview tomorrow). I would have spent the extra for the apple keyboard - this one feels so freaking weird, but I am getting to the end of my money since I paid all my bills up through December. So anyway, I just had to rant about that, sorry.
As for being evil, I was actually using the term humorously. The truth is I'm trying very hard to let go of that mentality and demand the respect I deserve. I like the suggestion of asking him for references, I just might do that!
So now I will go back to setting up my printer. Thanks for the feedback everyone, and wish me luck tomorrow! Luck that I'll be strong and not made to feel as if I'm having to prove myself. I'm so tired of feeling that way when I know I'm over qualified for a position and the interviewee is just too stupid and arrogant to know it.
-T
Posted by Phillipa on November 3, 2008, at 18:08:05
In reply to Thank you all for your responses!, posted by TexasChic on November 2, 2008, at 19:00:22
Best of luck T. Will think of you. Love Phillipa
Posted by TexasChic on November 3, 2008, at 19:49:36
In reply to Re: Thank you all for your responses! » TexasChic, posted by Phillipa on November 3, 2008, at 18:08:05
It was a brief interview, about 15 minutes, but he said after they've narrowed down the applicants they would be having second interviews this week or next. I felt like I was able to say the right things (he wrote down a lot of what I said), and as he walked me out he said he really liked my work. The place was very nice and the work was exactly what I'm best at. I did wimp out a bit when he went over my salary expectations and said I would take a bit less than what I had been asking (but it was high and I didn't want to knock myself out of the running by asking too much). It was a gut feeling that I just went with.
But the even better news is when I got home, I had a request for an interview tomorrow at yet another place! I've applied at this place several times and had about given up on them. I don't know if they are a placement agency or what, because they are always advertising for design jobs. So I'm going to start investigating them right now.
I also got another email asking for more info from me from yet ANOTHER place! This one is a placement agency and every time they ask me for more info, I provide it and then never hear back from them. But hey, I seem to be on a winning streak here, so I'll definitely give it a shot. We'll see how it goes!
-T
Posted by Larry Hoover on November 3, 2008, at 21:27:03
In reply to Interview actually went quite well, posted by TexasChic on November 3, 2008, at 19:49:36
Glad to hear you're in demand. I have faith that things are going to work out just fine.
Lar
Posted by TexasChic on November 3, 2008, at 21:58:29
In reply to Re: Interview actually went quite well » TexasChic, posted by Larry Hoover on November 3, 2008, at 21:27:03
Posted by TexasChic on November 4, 2008, at 10:30:41
In reply to Thanks LarBear! (nm), posted by TexasChic on November 3, 2008, at 21:58:29
Good grief! My planets must be aligned or something! The one today is very close by, and although I haven't found out much about the company, what I have found out seems very promising. As for tomorrow, its the one that I thought was the low paying one doing the press work, but turns out its for a designer position as well!
The interview I went to yesterday and the one last week were both closer to my family, the one today is literally down the street, and the one tomorrow is in a close by suburb. Although I have considered moving closer to my family, it would be much less of a hassle if I could stay put! So I don't know what to wish for!
I'm kind of tripping at the moment, but I've got to settle down and start pulling together my notes for my interview in 3 hours (it was supposed to be later in the day, but they asked if I could move it up a few hours). I have to write down everybody's names and positions, as well as info about the company, because I know my mind will go blank. Its very impressive to be able to call the interviewers by name and drop a few detail about the company to show you've done your research. With my nerves, I believe those types of things really help with my overall impression. Then, most importantly, I have to go over what the job entails and go through my background and figure out what I need to stress in order to present myself as the most viable candidate. Then I have to do it all over again for the interview tomorrow! And again if I get a second interview with the place from yesterday! Okay self, calm down, today we will concentrate on today. Time to get busy.
Wish me luck!!!!!!
-T
Posted by Partlycloudy on November 4, 2008, at 12:36:56
In reply to Interview today, another tomorrow!!!, posted by TexasChic on November 4, 2008, at 10:30:41
I don't think I would attribute all these interviews to the alignment of the planets, TC. How about - you're qualified? How about - employers see the potential in you and want some of that?
Now's the time for YOU to be the choosy one and hand pick the employer that will be the best match for your temperament, your talents, and your financial requirements. I'd say that that the people lining up to talk to you is ample evidence that you've got some luxury in being able to pick and choose exactly what fits TC best.
Oh, and everything DOES happen for a reason. Absolutely everything.
pc
Posted by TexasChic on November 4, 2008, at 14:32:58
In reply to Re: Interview today, another tomorrow!!! » TexasChic, posted by Partlycloudy on November 4, 2008, at 12:36:56
Thanks for always backing me PC! I guess it just seems strange that I can go for some long and hear NOTHING and then all of a sudden I hear from everyone at once!
-T
Posted by TexasChic on November 4, 2008, at 14:45:00
In reply to Re: Interview today, another tomorrow!!! » TexasChic, posted by Partlycloudy on November 4, 2008, at 12:36:56
I really hope I get this one! Its 5 minutes away and on the same property as the local community college. The job would be almost strictly Photoshop, which is my forte. The two things I have the most experience in and am the best at are magazine layout and design, and extensive Photoshop work. Photoshop is definitely my favorite. I could work in Photoshop 10 hours straight and not even known the time had gone by. Its absorbing and challenging and fun. The only bad part was in spite of my extensive talk about what I have done and can do in Photoshop, she still said she was concerned I didn't have enough Photoshop experience. I was like WHAT??? (in my head). I mean, if I'm confident of one thing, its my Photoshop work. Then I realized what the problem was is I just don't have enough representation of my skill level in my portfolio. So I asked if I could work on some things and send them to her and she said sure. So that will be what I will be working on tonight! That and getting ready for the interview at the other place tomorrow. I won't forget about it just because I fell in love with this place. It could be just as good, or even better. But today was the first place I've ever been to that said we want a Photoshop Guru and we don't even care what else you know. Its a dream job!
-T
Posted by Kath on November 5, 2008, at 10:19:48
In reply to Re: Interview Monday, but... weirdness, posted by caraher on November 2, 2008, at 7:11:55
THANKS for that!! You're right. That's precisely what employers do, so why souldn't it work both ways!!!
:-)))) Thanks for the "hey! one doesn't need to be subservient in attitude" boost.
hugs, Kath
> > I was sort of thinking along those lines, I guess I'm evil too!
>
> It's funny how prospective employees still feel a moral obligation to be loyal to employers when very few employers show any loyalty to their employees anymore! I don't think that approach is "evil" at all!
>
> Think of it this was: if you do accept the "slave driver's" job and find that really, it's not so bad, you'll just stay. That's giving them a chance. And that's what any employer does with you - if you work out for them, they retain you, and if not, they let you go. Is that evil on their part? (Well, *sometimes* it might be... but that's simply the way the world works; why should you feel guilty about it?)
Posted by Kath on November 5, 2008, at 10:28:30
In reply to Freaking fantastic job!, posted by TexasChic on November 4, 2008, at 14:45:00
This one sounds amazing.
I liked what you said:
>I could work in Photoshop 10 hours straight and not even known the time had gone by. Its absorbing and challenging and fun.
...and wonder if you've indicated that to the person you spoke with. Your excitement comes shining through as you write about Photoshop! If you be sure & mention that passion, I'm sure your genuine feelings will shine forth.
This one sounds like a perfect fit.
I am so glad you're getting all these interviews!!! Are you finding you're feeling any less nervous, now that you're having a chance to do so many?
SO excited for you! luv, Kath
PS - I use 'evil' in a joking around also.
xoxo K
Posted by TexasChic on November 5, 2008, at 18:39:06
In reply to Re: Freaking fantastic job! » TexasChic, posted by Kath on November 5, 2008, at 10:28:30
I believe all this practice is definitely helping me out! I felt like a freaking superstar at this interview! And I don't use terms like that lightly to describe myself. I used all my strong-confident-person body language, maintained eye contact, and only stuttered a couple of times (but covered well). This guy just kept saying over and over that I have incredible talent! I think I'm learning to better present my work and describe the detail that went into it. I've actually developed a sort of spiel that even includes humorous anecdotes in certain places. Its like a performance! This guy just kept saying, "Wow! This is really amazing!" It certainly was a boost to my ego! He also said I had obviously done a lot of research on the company, so my reading up on the place and having a few rehearsed lines ready certainly paid off! (i.e. "So I take it this part of the company is dedicated to the consumer, where as the other half is geared towards the wholesaler" or, "Oh yes, I remember reading about that product, it has the unique ingredients that prevent blah blah blah").
Its a decent job like the other three I've recently interviewed for seemed to be. Its a small design team, but a big well known company with a lot of growth potential (for the company as well as the job). I have to say, if I was offered more than one of these jobs, I'd have trouble deciding!
So that's why I told Nicki in her post that I have so much positive energy inside me that I am directing it all towards her and her baby. I don't know if that sort of thing really works, but it sure doesn't hurt!
-T
Posted by Kath on November 5, 2008, at 18:48:24
In reply to Another fabulous interview!!!, posted by TexasChic on November 5, 2008, at 18:39:06
How wonderful.
Jeez - imagine if you get multiple offers!!!
Also, if one offers you a job & you don't yet know if the others are going to...I suppose in that case, you could contact the others, tell them you have been offered a job, but want to let them know before you accept it, etc etc.
Do you actually know which order you rate them in??
I'm so happy for you & proud of you too. Sounds like you are doing SO well TC.
xoxo Kath
Posted by TexasChic on November 5, 2008, at 19:10:00
In reply to You Go Girl!!! » TexasChic, posted by Kath on November 5, 2008, at 18:48:24
Thanks so much! I'm feeling much more confident! Working on stuff at home to supplement my portfolio is helping too. It not only beefs up my portfolio, but it gives me a chance for the outlet I'm not getting because I'm not working.
I did this picture that I thought was really cool, its this blond haired blue eyed girl, and with no additional pictures, I made her into an Asian chic. Then I took a picture of a group of people holding mugs, and changed it into them holding beer bottles (this was an example the lady yesterday told me would be a task there). So I showed them to the guy today first, and he raved about them. So now I'm ready to send them to her (the one who wasn't sure I had enough Photoshop experience).
Woohoo!
-T
Posted by Kath on November 5, 2008, at 19:19:33
In reply to Re: You Go Girl!!! » Kath, posted by TexasChic on November 5, 2008, at 19:10:00
Oh TC - I am SO excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:-))))))))) Kath
This is the end of the thread.
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