Friday, June 27, 2008

The Job Interview

So I went to my first job interview in quite a few years the other day. “Don’t ever let them see you sweat” was the quote that came to mind.

What do I wear to an interview for a “Job Site Manager” Position? After two hours of mixing and matching I ended up with Jeans, A nice white top and a casual black jacket, which ended up being warm when you are nervous and it’s almost 90 degrees outside.

I started off for the two hour drive ahead of me for the interview. Half way there I had to stop to fill the gas tank and take a potty break. This old bladder doesn’t get too far away from home without a break. The fact that I drank a pot of coffee, doubled with nerves, doesn’t help either.

Here are a few of the questions from the interview: My response is directly after the question. What I wanted to say is in bold print.

Why are you the best person for the job? With my past experience in the construction industry, my determination and my management skills I believe I can prove that I am the best person your company is looking for.
OK dumb ass, you haven’t even told me what the job really is or what the pay or benefits are so why do you assume that I really even want the job?

On a scale from 1 to 100% how would you rank your communication skills? 95% because I feel that everyone has room for improvement.
(The follow up question was the clincher)
Where could you improve on your 5%? (or something like that) Being more open to employees suggestions.
Do husbands count in this interview because then I would have to change my answer and I think my percentage would go down. Can I rank his communication skills in this interview and tell you where he can improve?

Why did you quit your last job? I wanted to persue my own Contractors License and build homes on my own.
Did I have a choice? My ex boss was running the business into the ground, he was making bad business decisions, his communication skills sucked, his divorce was getting in the way of his business and there wasn’t enough money in the check book to pay me anymore.

Who has been a mentor in your life? My ex boss helped me to learn the Home Building Business.
My daddy!! Go and read my blog buddy.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully with your company.
Moving to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, which reminds me...Can I have the winters off?.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have worked for the same company for 31 years. The last job interview I had was about ten years ago. It was an internal job which was a promotion. More money, more responsibility. The interviewer asked me a couple of questions regarding the position. Then we talked for about 45 minutes about totally unrelated personal stuff. We really hit it off and more than anything that is probably why I got the job over all of the other candidates.

Steve Cotton said...

Job interview tales. Mine was 19 years ago. All the usual questions. Then came what I call the Terrible Twins. "What are your greatest strengths?" I cannot recall my answer. Blah blah blah something. Then "What is your greatest weakness?" I hate the question and the usual tactic of making a strength sound like a weakness. Things like "I work too hard." Instead, I was honest: "I'm arrogant." Shocked pause. Followup: "Well, what do you intend to do about it?" Response: "Nothing. I told you I'm arrogant." Got the job.

Islaholic Trixie said...

I like your interview tale Steve. I, as well, had that question. I think I told him my greatest weakness is being a women in the construction trade because I feel I have to prove myself more than a man in the business. Did I answer that one wrong? I should have looked up the 20 most faq's in interviews before I went.
Jackie...I did find out that the guy who interviewed me had been to Isla Mujeres. That made for good conversation.

Theresa in Mèrida said...

I am just picking myself up off the floor after reading Steve's comment. That's priceless. My last real job interview was about 10 years ago and I was the first person that she had ever interviewed,while I have literally interviewed hundreds of people, it was interesting.
regards,
Theresa

Babs said...

Steve's comment made me laugh out loud! I haven't interviewed for a job since 1979 - it was dubbed a "stress interview" and I reversed the strategy midway through by telling them I had changedmy mind and didn't want the job based on their interviewing techniques. I got the job! Then in 83 I started my own construction and design firm and had the time of my life for 20 years. The GREAT thing for a woman in the construction business is many underestimate you and you can just slide in, get the job and prove them wrong! THAT was my attitude anyway. GREAT memories!