XpressOutLoud

Ok, so here is the scoop. I’ve had two interviews with two different companies and wanted to share what I it was like. To begin, expect the unexpected… and I don’t mean to frighten you, but these two situations were completely different, not bad or scary just different.

For both companies I got a phone call from an HR rep that asked if I had applied for the position. Then they both asked what my salary requirements are, so not to waste any ones time. I was within both their ranges and they both scheduled interviews. Here is where the “different” between them begin.

For the first company, I first had a phone interview. I actually liked this interview and the reason is that I cheated… no, not really I was just prepared. And I should tell you that I was nervous as hell because I was scheduled to talk to three people on a conference call. But I decided to take advantage of the situation and so I made flash cards for the interview and placed them in front of me on a table.

And what did they say? Each had a title and important things to remember; my previous employments for example or prepared answers about what my weaknesses are and what I consider to be my strengths. And last but not least, I had one with questions I had about the position and the company. I didn’t use them all, but I felt reassured with them in front of me. And it worked I guess, because the next day the HR rep called back and I was asked to come in for another interview.

This phone interview, needless to say, prepared me for the second one. I had more confidence because I had already talked to them and we had discussed a couple of points on the phone. So, I felt ready and like the Brady Bunch, I put on my Sunday’s best because I wanted to make a good first impression and I felt relaxed and comfortable and positive that I was having a good interview.

The conclusion to this story though, is still on hold for they said that they would get back to me in a couple of weeks.

Now for the second company; this one was completely different. I had an HR rep call me to schedule a meeting but was asked to bring my resume and to consider being there about an hour because “each candidate has to go through some light testing,” she called it.

This was a bit nerve wrecking because it has been a long time since I took a test but, here is how it went. As soon as I arrived I was asked to sign-in and wait. The sign-in sheet had big black letters across the top that said “APPLICANTS” this immediately puts you on your toes.

The dynamics is therefore, completely different. You look around and smile knowing that the people sitting around you are your competition and that in itself is stressful (why I don’t know). Then we were all called in to a conference room and were given two tests. One with fifty questions to be answered in twelve minutes and one that they said was specific to the position each was applying for.

So, now I found out that not everyone there was applying for the same position I was, still instinctively, I felt like a school girl again and wanted to cover my paper so no one could copy my answers. I know it’s silly but I got over it and acted my age and just concentrated on answering.

After finishing the first test it was taken away and each got to finish the second one. My eyes scanned the table as discreetly as possible and yes, the tests were different. SO now it was up to me to answer as best as possible and hope that whatever I wrote down might make enough of an impression to be called back.

Tests were finished and again we were asked to sit and wait for the interview. Eventually I was called in for the interview that consisted of a quick hello and introduction.

-“Hi, hope you didn’t wait too long, my name is X.”

-“No, not at all, I’m Z.” We shake hands and smile.

Then questions about the resume I just handed her were asked.

-“So what was the most challenging thing you did in your previous job?” “What do you consider your weaknesses?” “How fast can you start working?” “Do you have any questions for me?” But her face said please don’t ask and leave as soon a possible.

-“Just one, is this a new position? Because I saw that you are interested in manual development and I wanted to know if I would be starting from scratch.” Then a nice calm smile and I get my answer and she jots something down on my resume.

We stand and shake hands again and she says that they will contact me in two to three weeks.

Dreaded time frames I HATE THEM! So I’ll have another update in two to three weeks. And good luck to all on the hunt for a job, let me know what your experience was like if you can.

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