It Could Mean a New Job

What a coup for you to go this far in the interview process! Con gratulations! My prayers and good, positive thoughts are with you. Good luck!

Good luck. Remain positive! :)

Wishing you great outcomes on all of your interviews :)

Good luck...

Best wishes, Mishele - you'll end up with a good job, I just know it! :D

Good luck. I feel you will get a job soon.
Praying for you.

Keeping the fingers crossed for you!

michele you have many qualifications and you are
very intelligent.i'm sure people be happy to hire you.

Good Luck Mishele! My fingers are crossed -my eyes too! You're in my prayers..KAren

Thanks everyone :-) The employment agency set up two interviews for me tomorrow morning. One I am kind of iffy about because I don't know the company that well so I don't know what the pay scale would be like. I've done a little research on them but wasn't able to find a whole lot. The other is with a well-known company so I know the pay would be compatible. The good thing is they are both close to home. And I did receive a call back about the other company with the long hiring process. I will call her back in the morning since it was after hours when I got home.

Good Luck Mishele :D

Good luck Mishele! :) Love ya!

Mishele, it definitely sounds like something is going to come through for you. You're right, once you get through the first interview and they call you back for another one, that usually means you're in. You may have to pick one, by the looks of things! Good luck.

I just wanted to give an update on things. I have second interview with the one company tomorrow morning. I have a friend who is dealing with a career counselor and he sent me some information and some good questions to ask during the interview tomorrow. There might be a third interview by the sounds of it. I'm going to be doing some studying this afternoon. The first interview on Friday went really well. I think he was almost ready to offer me the job then but he had to talk to his bosses. I had other interviews to do but I let him know that I was interested in the position. I don't want to close any doors yet. I was in the interview for an hour and a half and time just flew by. We really hit it off. The second interview was okay but it's not temp to hire so I don't know how long the job assignment would last. I don't think that one is looking too good because I want a full-time position that is going to last. Thanks for all the well-wishes!

We do interview practice where I work with alot of our clients.
The toughest question for people to answer is:
drum roll
drum roll
drum roll

Tell me about yourself?

People are stopped right in there steps with this question. They often start out with personal information which is a real big no no. We encourage them to be a speaking resume at this point and highlight their professional qualifications such as computer skills, industry knowledge, etc.

The second question people often get stumped on is:

Why should I hire you?
Another good opportunity to shine, doing the research on the company is a good idea. You can tell them how you would be a wonderful addition to their company and how you are a team player that does what ever it takes to get the job done.

Even if you don't get the job, the interview itself it good practice for the next.

One more thing,
Mishele, make sure you send an appropriate thank you card or note. Often times, 2 or 3 days after the interview is over employers will sit down and weed through the qualified applicants. A thank you card or a thank you note, shows your intrest in the job and the gratitude for the opportunity to interview. So in the pile, you stand out.

Make sure you spell the names write, if you don't know call the receptionist at the company. We always advise to get business cards at the interview, so you have the appropriate information for follow up.

The note or card can simply say:
Dear: *****

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for interviewing me for the ****** position in your company. I was impressed by ******** and would invite the opportunity to be a part of the team at ***company name**.

Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Hope you get the job that you really want. Goodluck

I wonder why would you ask someone to "tell me about yourself" instead of rewording that question to ask what you really want. It seems to me like you set people up to answer incorrectly. I am not looking for a job, but I'm not sure I would want to work somewhere where trick quesitons and thank you cards carry a lot of weight.

fedup,

Thanks for the tips. I was wondering about sending a thank you card. I think it's a good idea too. Now, when it's my turn to ask questions, is it okay to have them written down or should I have them memorized? Can I also write down the answers? I've been given different feedback on this one too.

Once again I see a guest post was deleted because some moderator abused their "power". And don't say nothing was deleted the post was here this morning and now its gone. It was not personal, just did not agree with something that was posted. You guys practice the "freedom of speech for some but not for all" and that is wrong. Why don't you reinstate the no guest posting rule? That is far less offensive.

My opinion is that if the company is reputable, then taking notes shouldn't be a problem. If the company is not on the up and up, then they may very well hold it against you. Should that be the case, there is a good chance you wouldn't want to end up working there anyway, even though you may need the job. I would opine that note taking combined with questions at the ready would have you come across as quite the organized applicant.

I agree with sending thank you notes. I have always sent a note saying that I thank them for taking the time to talk with me and how much I am interested in working for their company. I had a business teacher many years ago that told me how much of an impression this makes and sometimes a company will hire someone that will go that little extra mile (meaning to take the time out to say thank you for their time). Hope it works out for you!

Guest, I'm sorry, but you are wrong...Nothing was deleted.

Because of verbal attacks by guests in the past, all guest postings have to be approved by a moderator. I just read your post and approved it, and now it's here. I know this is inconvenient, but something that has to be done. Why don't you consider registering?

Mishelle,
I would say it is fine to take notes at the interview, you will want to make sure that you jot down information that you will want to ask about later. You can also take a few questions jotted down with you, I wouldn't make it many, don't pull a reverse interview on them, LOL. Just pertinent information that you will need.

People often have a hard time figuring out what to ask, my partner at work does an interview work shop and he always says, when they say "do you have any questions for us" (if you really want the job, ask for it!)
So you may ask, "When do I start?" It is a good tension breaker also, but they may just answer and surprise you.

Don't forget to get the contact information or business cards of those who interview you. There are pages and pages of internet sites out there on questions, interview do's and don'ts, I have something in draft. I will post it one day. Just needs alot more work right now.

When we talk employers about posting positions with us, we ask what they are looking for? Of course they want qualified applicants, but many of them will respond with "someone that will show up everyday and do the job", it is amazing how many times we get this answer. JUST SHOW UP, that seems easy enough, you would be surprised how many people don't get this part of the job. We have retention programs for those who are receiving benefits, alot of it is generational, poor kids just don't have good role models, we figure, got to break the vicious circle somewhere. We put alot of time and effort into these individuals. It is worth it to get some more people into the workforce so they can help me pay on this ridiculous tax base that pennsylvania has. I work with felony offenders in one of my programs, now there is a group that gives me a challenge. It usually does work out for the best. We never know what situation is going to walk through the door, so we have to be prepared for just about anything, LOL. We try our best!

One important question to ask is "What is the next step in the interview process?" And definately send them a thank you note - if you have been seen by more than one person each should get a note. I usually have them ready to drop in the mail when I walk out of the interview, so that they receive it within two days. That always keeps you fresh in their minds and I do hand written notes - it gives the employer an idea of your knowlege of writing style.

Sounds like you are getting some really good advice and support Mishelle. When is your interview?

To answer the guests comment, the trick questions you refer to are part of the filtering process. Many people already know to dress professionally, make eye contact, etc... but a company wants a person who is both creative and professional. It's a matter of giving an applicant some rope. If they hang themselves with it, they likely wouldn't have been a good fit anyway. I'm sure at some point in your life, you've worked with someone who had no business working with you...quite probably a case of HR/management not doing a good enough job.

Update :-) Thanks everyone for the good advice. I did ask "What's the next step in the interview process" The answer! A tentative job offer!!!!!!!! I have to complete a drug screening and background check but everything should be fine there. The only think I'm kind of worried about is if they require a credit check. Ugh, my credit took a hit when I was in the debt settlement process and it will take some time to clean that up. I will be more than willing to explain it to them if it comes down to that. The interview went really well, was very informal. I think this could be a great opportunity! And I memorized some questions to ask and did jot down a few notes :-)

Great, let us know what happens, we will all cross our fingers for you and hope you get it. Stay positive.

Wonderful Mishele. Yes, let us know how things turn out.

Yes, when it comes to the credit check and employment, be upfront with them. I know of several instances where it really was the difference between hiring or going with another applicant.

Edit: Duhh...Forgot to say congratulations :)

Yea Mishele!! I'll keep yopu in my prayers. Hope everything goes well :D ..KAren

Thanks everyone. I was rereading my online application and it states background check, such as criminal, references, etc. I think I should be fine :-) Oh, I also forgot to mention that I spoke to the employment agency regarding the one job interview from Friday that went really well. She said she got very good feedback and it's a strong possibilty than an offer will be made there.

I also forgot to mention this company has great benefits, including tuition reimbursement. Since I don't have a degree, I could get into entry-level managment down the road. I would need a degree to go higher into the company but they truly encourage that. That is so rare around this area. Plus, I would be making about $5000 more a year to start. After certain certification, my income would go up again. I just called to get a copy of my high school transcripts. I would like to start out with an Associate's Degree :-)

I am very happy to hear that!

YAY Mishele! I'm very happy that the job situation is clearing up!

That is really cool about the tuition reimbursement, I'm glad you are going to take advantage of that. Smart little chicky there. You are going to do great and when you need encouragement come on back, we will be here. When you get rich, remember your friends, lmao. No really, you sound like you have a real good attitude and all should go well.

Well, I did find out they have to do a credit check as part of the back ground check. I was upfront and honest about things. I don't know how much good it will do because it has to go by certain guidelines. It's been a really crappy day.

Someone else having a crappy day....I think there must be something in the air!

Mishele, I will sure keep my fingers crossed that things turn out ok for you. Hope your day does get better.

Mishele, when I started working here, they did a credit check on me, I was told during the interview by the hr person that they did credit checks. I told her at that time that my credit was horrible, and she said that most people do have rotten credit, so I should not worry about it. She explained that it was more of a validation of who I was. I told her that I had been out of work for 2 years so thus the credit in the toilet (not in those words). She said that it was just part of the whole picture. I hope that this is the case for you also.

It goes by NASD guidelines I think. They said if there is a read flag they turn it over to their compliance department. I told them why my credit is in the toilet now after rebuilding after a bankruptcy a few years ago. At least I was up front and honest. I know my other background check stuff will be fine and I go for a drug screening tomorrow. I've decided not to worry about it. I've driven myself crazy enough for a few days :-)

Mishele I think that you have a job! You know - when you are up front with companies and you have just what they want. Some have a tendency to over look certain things (not drugs or felonies) if you are a match for their needs.

Well I don't think I have to worry about the drug screen or regular background check. It's not like I don't have good things on my credit report either. We'll see what they say. I think they are starting the process today since I signed the paperwork this morning. I talked to the employment agency yesterday regarding the other job I interviewed with last Friday. They are coming up with an offer from what I understand. So I'm sure something will work out one way or the other. :-) Thanks for your support, Irish. It really helps 8)

Signing papers!! YAY! Let's see - if they pay twice a monthe then they would offer by tomorrow, so that you could start by Thursday. See - I have it all planned for you!

Well it's still a conditional or tentative offer at this point. I spoke to the rep from the employment agency and she hasn't heard back from the guy who interviewed me since yesterday. She said in the last e-mail she got yesterday, he was pretty keen on making an offer. In fact he stated that he would get back to her by the end of day (yesterday). She doesn't know why she hasn't heard back from him yet. Now I am really getting paranoid....... Yikes! LOL!

Mishele, I sure wish you the best of luck. Missed you. KYSIDE38

Thanks kyside, I've missed you too :-) I'm glad to hear things are turning around for your son. Keep us posted on his progress.

Hang in there Mishele! If this is the job God wants for you-not even a credit check can ruin it!! You are in my prayers..KAren :D

You are right about that, Karen :-) I've turned it over and it's out of my hands now.

Mishele - keep us posted - we're all pulling for you! :D