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Interview Tomorrow . . .

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Ann2011
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29 Oct 2013, 8:44 am

Thelibrarian wrote:
Ann, it's a matter of being able to sell one's self. I got my current job for two reasons: First, they were desperate to fill the position. Second, I persuaded them that I could solve certain pressing problems without spending money the library didn't have. Then, I proceeded to do just what I promised.

This employer wasn't desperate at all - these jobs are coveted.

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My recommendation would be the next time you go in for a job interview, to do some real research, find out what the pressing problems are, and be willing to talk about your solutions. As Temple Grandin likes to say, since we can't sell ourselves, we can only sell what we can do.

Well, one thing for sure, if I get another interview with them for a different position, I will know what to expect. And I can come up with a few ridiculous talent-showing anecdotes about myself beforehand.
I noticed during the interview that they seemed to be looking for specific answers, almost as if some sort of code was being spoken. Very strange phenomenon.



Thelibrarian
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29 Oct 2013, 8:53 am

Ann2011 wrote:
Thelibrarian wrote:
Ann, it's a matter of being able to sell one's self. I got my current job for two reasons: First, they were desperate to fill the position. Second, I persuaded them that I could solve certain pressing problems without spending money the library didn't have. Then, I proceeded to do just what I promised.

This employer wasn't desperate at all - these jobs are coveted.

Quote:
My recommendation would be the next time you go in for a job interview, to do some real research, find out what the pressing problems are, and be willing to talk about your solutions. As Temple Grandin likes to say, since we can't sell ourselves, we can only sell what we can do.

Well, one thing for sure, if I get another interview with them for a different position, I will know what to expect. And I can come up with a few ridiculous talent-showing anecdotes about myself beforehand.
I noticed during the interview that they seemed to be looking for specific answers, almost as if some sort of code was being spoken. Very strange phenomenon.


Ann, all I can speak of is my own case. Being a real conservative librarian--that rarest of all birds--I was simply able to look at things differently, and to offer solutions liberal librarians could not dream of. Of course, your situation would be different since you likely wouldn't be applying for a management position.



Ann2011
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29 Oct 2013, 9:02 am

Thelibrarian wrote:
Being a real conservative librarian--that rarest of all birds--I was simply able to look at things differently, and to offer solutions liberal librarians could not dream of. Of course, your situation would be different since you likely wouldn't be applying for a management position.


Yes, it is unlikely that I will be applying for any management positions. :lol:



Thelibrarian
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29 Oct 2013, 9:54 am

Ann2011 wrote:
Thelibrarian wrote:
Being a real conservative librarian--that rarest of all birds--I was simply able to look at things differently, and to offer solutions liberal librarians could not dream of. Of course, your situation would be different since you likely wouldn't be applying for a management position.


Yes, it is unlikely that I will be applying for any management positions. :lol:


Ann, my recommendation would be to find out what will work for you. Even the worst situations usually have something that can be made to work for our benefit.



managertina
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29 Oct 2013, 11:17 pm

Ann, it is about, as thelibrarian says, finding what works for you. In terms of jobs and in terms of interview styles.

Now that this interview has been done, you can expect similar questions to be asked in future for similar jobs. You have possibly done this, but it is good to think of a few good situations in your past work you were a part of, and adapt them to show how you were a good thinker or economical or whatever they want to know.

Personally, I had to do between fifty and sixty interviews in three years to get my job. A lot of practice, both in front of friends/family or solo in front of a mirror or webcams. And I never wanted management though I am more of a supervisor now,



GiantHockeyFan
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30 Oct 2013, 7:18 am

Well, I deal with the Postal Service daily as part of my job and I have determined that in order to get a job with them you have to
* Not be able to speak/understand English well
* Be incredibly slow and unreliable
* Not able to understand basics of your job
* Be a racial minority or female, preferably both

Literally everyone new locally within the past 5 years fits that description. The only intelligent, hard working postal employees I know are all lifers and have been there 20+ years. Of course it begs the question why you would want a smooth talker doing a postal route: these jobs are practically designed for introverts and the socially awkward!