I interviewed with a company that lists CARING and FUN as two of their 5 core values.
After spending two hours learning "About the Company" and about how wonderful the company is, this is what happened in the interview I completely bombed. I really, really bombed.
First, I haven't interviewed for a job for almost 20 years. However, I studied for two weeks reading and memorizing details about the company and The Lists of Possible interview questions so I would feel prepared. I spoke with friends that work for this company.
The interview was NOT fun at all. I am left wondering if this is a normal interview, or was I blown off because of my age. Btw, this was a simple work-at-home customer service job.
Oh, we were told at the beginning of the 2 hour presentation not to drink even water because we would have drug test. So no water for 2 hours before interview. My mouth was dry. I got the "There are others more qualified" email this AM.
Is this how interviews go for you? Anyone? I am feeling like the biggest failure and could use some feedback. Thanks. I want to stop this "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" thing in my head.
After the presentation we were told to shuffle our chairs to a computer for a typing test. I was ready to start the test when my name was called out to be interviewed.
I started to feel nervous. I suck at interviews even though, in my youth, I always got the job I interviewed for.
Anyway, I followed Cathy to a small room.
We sat down, settled in and Cathy asked me the first question.
Do you have any questions?
I was flummoxed and choked back my snark "What's your sign?"
I was unprepared for this to be the FIRST question. Is this normal?
Anyway, of course I had a thousand questions. I had just sat through 2 hours of video, power point, and a very upbeat recruiter's presentation. I was feeling really excited about the job. However, out of concern for Cathy's time I said no, I felt my questions would be answered during training.
Next Cathy said "You're here for full-time, right?"
Um, no. I had applied very specifically for part-time.
She said I would start with the March 7th class that lasts 8 weeks. Would I prefer the 7AM - 3PM class or the 4PM - Midnight class.
Folks, March and April are the blizzard months for Utah. It's like living in a Snow Globe for a couple of months. So I asked what the policy for classes is if there is a blizzard.
She said, we really can't miss any classes. So much for the SAFETY Value touted by this company.
I chose the 4PM-Midnight because I'd rather drive in a daylight blizzard than a 5AM blizzard.
Then Cathy's demeanor changed. She went from a Blue personality (caring) type to completely White (for those of you who have read the Color personality types). If you haven't, the White personality is like having lunch with a statue. No feedback.
Then Cathy said:
Ok, I'm not going to look at you while you answer the following questions. I will be doing a lot of writing.
Is this normal? If so, things have really changed. Interviews used to be personable.
I don't know why, but I could feel my anxiety rise.
Next questions:
1. Are you proficient with Microsoft Outlook.
I said yes.
2. Tell about a time when you had a difficult customer service issue.
I was prepared for this so I told my story.
3. What is the most difficult product you have ever had to sell?
I reiterated "Most difficult product I've sold, is that the question? It was.
I was applying for a simple customer service job not a sales rep position.
NO WHERE, on any of the lists of questions I had found on line did I see this question.
I was completely unprepared. I felt my blood pressure go through the roof, my eyes started burning, I began to feel my armpits moisten.
So here's the true story I quickly retrieved from my 30 Years Ago File Drawer:
I went to work one day in Brookline, Massachusetts and the company's door was locked. This is before cell phones. I called my co-workers and learned the principals had literally left town. As I was walking from the train to my apartment, I passed an Electrolux vacuum store that had a Now Hiring sign.
I had sold Avon and Fuller Brush in High School, so I figured I could probably qualify. I didn't have a cushion to fall back on.
Electrolux vacuum cleaners were the most difficult product I have sold.
That was my answer. I could feel the effort of my brain trying to quickly sift through the decades and I chose the wrong file draw. I should have said Word Processing equipment which I sold in downtown Boston for 3 years. $10,000 typewriters. That was the perception at the time. We were breaking ground. The first real competitor for IBM.
4. Tell about a time it was difficult to sell. How did you over come the difficulty.
Well, I was selling $600 vacuum cleaners door-to-door, near Boston, in the middle of the winter. There was nothing not difficult.
5. Tell me a specific incident?
There were NO specific incidents that I could remember. Except the one time a nice lady took compassion on this 20+ girl trying to sell $600 vacuum cleaners in a blizzard (I think I had icicles hanging from my chin) and invited me in for cocoa. I never forgot that sweet woman. And I sold her a vacuum.
By this time I was totally defeated. I am very intuitive. I could feel the interviewer thinking "What an ass this one is."
I felt like a complete fool and knew I had BOMBED.
Keep in mind I was self-employed from 1980 - 1991. I had a customer service job from 1991-1994 with a huge corporation. I HAD NOT been a sales rep since the early to mid 1970s. I raised kids and cared for my mom until she died a few years ago.
I received NO warmth from the interviewer as we walked out the door.
And that was the end of the interview. I totally, totally bombed.
Off to the typing test. I was shaking by now. But I got a 62 on my typing test.
I went from there to the drug test. My first drug test in my life. I did it wrong. I guess I watched too much CSI or whatever. I thought you just had to swipe your inner cheek.
I was given what looked like a foam short, stubby flag and told to put it between my molars and cheek. I did so and took it out. WRONG. You are supposed to hold it there for 3 minutes.
So I suggested we just do it again on the other side of my mouth. WHY GO THROUGH ALL THAT if I had bombed the interview. I passed the drug test.
Meanwhile, I got to visit with another recruiter and idly chit chat about "Are you ready for Christmas, etc" with a foam flag in my mouth and a blue stick protruding out of it. It was awkward.
I just don't get it.
All that Caring & Fun Company talk was total BS from what I experienced.
THE SILVER LINING TO THE STORY:
I am truly fortunate. I know that. I haven't had to work for years.
I have been fighting for people who are suffering from foreclosures and unemployment for years because I am compassionate and loathe injustice.
However, NOW I HAVE EMPATHY.
When I got home my stomach hurt. It felt like I had been punched in the gut, literally.
I GOT TO EXPERIENCE first hand the horrible pain of WONDERING and all that goes along with that. The Coulda Shoulda Woulda loop played over and over again until, finally, I was taken over by sleep.
This morning I GOT TO EXPERIENCE the REJECTION. "Thanks. No thanks. Others are more qualified."
Are businesses forgetting that these are REAL people with feelings, etc., that are lined up and hoping for work? I sure hope not.
I am so sorry for the pain and suffering people are experiencing. My dollup is nothing compared to so many, but it was enough for me to know
THIS IS ALL REALLY STRESSFUL and NOT HEALTHY for individuals or our country.
Peace to all. Let's MAKE 2012 a better year.