Potentially good news re job interveiw

[Anglewannabe]

Hi Everyone,

This is an update to the thread I posted about an interview screening question I had

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=969686

Well, that was almost 2 weeks ago. I came home to a voice message saying they want to schedule an interview ! Horray !

I left a voice mail stating that it would be best to email me but I would try to call during my break at work.

So, I now I need to prep for my interview. Any tips or pointers would be appreciated such as ‘what hiring managers hear all the time and they are sick of hearing’ etc

Thanks

Angie

 

[tawny]

Praying to St. Joseph for you to secure employment.

 

[pianistclare]

Don’t oversell yourself. They also don’t like to hear desperation in your voice.
Be prepared to answer

1. What are your particular strengths?
2. What scenarios do you find frustrating, professionally (be careful here)
3. Why did you want to leave your present position?

Smile, but don’t come off as their new best friend.
Listen attentively and ask questions.

Good luck! How exciting!

 

[Anglewannabe]

1. What are your particular strengths?

I am going at using Excel to automate routine tasks to allow for more time for analysis

1. What scenarios do you find frustrating, professionally (be careful here)

I like to think in my head and when I say something I have carefully considered my answer. I have learned that some people like to think out loud and as they are doing it they change their opinion. I have had to learn to be patient and give them time to come up with their final answer

1. Why did you want to leave your present position?

I work in an awesome environment. Unfortunately, if I want to grow my career, I would have to relocate. I am hoping to work for an organization that promotes from within.

So how did I do ?

Smile, but don’t come off as their new best friend.
Listen attentively and ask questions.

Good luck! How exciting!

 

[pianistclare]

i am going at using excel to automate routine tasks to allow for more time for analysis

**I think they’re going to assume you know basic applications. They will look for personal strengths, like: Organization skills, drilling down to most important things first, not leaving things to the last minute, keeping co-workers informed/in the loop for developments that may impact their processes, things like that. **

i like to think in my head and when i say something i have carefully considered my answer. I have learned that some people like to think out loud and as they are doing it they change their opinion. I have had to learn to be patient and give them time to come up with their final answer

**Say whatever you want about yourself and your methods, but don’t compare yourself to others. That’s a red flag. Office politics are brutal (as you know) and if you sound like the type that is quick to make comparisons, they’ll think you are one of those “I don’t make mistakes persons”. Reword it to say *“I thoroughly consider before I act, weighing all the options, and I give others a chance to put their best efforts forward without pressure”. ***

i work in an awesome environment. Unfortunately, if i want to grow my career, i would have to relocate. I am hoping to work for an organization that promotes from within.

**that sounds good. **

so how did i do ?

Smile, but don’t come off as their new best friend.
Listen attentively and ask questions.

Good luck! How exciting!

 

[Anglewannabe]

OK, since I did not do well on the first 2 questions ,how about these answer

1. What are your particular strengths?

I like to improve efficiencies, after a quarter end finishes, I like to do a quick review of which tasks took the most time and suggest ways to perform them more quickly such as writing an Excel macro or logging solutions to common problems. Or organizing task in a manner that similar ones get done together

1. What scenarios do you find frustrating, professionally (be careful here)

In my current position, there are a lot of routine tasks that are time consuming and we don’t always know ahead of time what they will be. During a time crunch when we have to meet the deadline is not the time to stop and try to write and Excel macro. How I handle it is if there is a simple macro I can write in 5 - 10 minutes that will automate 1 little aspect, I will do it. This at least reduces the time required to meet the deadline and can then be used as a starting point to more fully automate the task.

For example, one quarter we had to look up information by filtering through 5 different worksheet for each account. Constantly clicking on filters was wearing. I wrote a macro where once the account number was entered, it would then filter on all 5 worksheets. This was easier to work with. And after quarter end, I had time to build on the macro and also make it copy and paste the data into

 

[pianistclare]

OK, since I did not do well on the first 2 questions ,how about these answer

I like to improve efficiencies, after a quarter end finishes, I like to do a quick review of which tasks took the most time and suggest ways to perform them more quickly such as writing an Excel macro or logging solutions to common problems. Or organizing task in a manner that similar ones get done together

In my current position, there are a lot of routine tasks that are time consuming and we don’t always know ahead of time what they will be. During a time crunch when we have to meet the deadline is not the time to stop and try to write and Excel macro. How I handle it is if there is a simple macro I can write in 5 - 10 minutes that will automate 1 little aspect, I will do it. This at least reduces the time required to meet the deadline and can then be used as a starting point to more fully automate the task.

For example, one quarter we had to look up information by filtering through 5 different worksheet for each account. Constantly clicking on filters was wearing. I wrote a macro where once the account number was entered, it would then filter on all 5 worksheets. This was easier to work with. And after quarter end, I had time to build on the macro and also make it copy and paste the data into

Much better, although don’t go into detail about it. Mention your facility with Macros, YES.
But don’t bother to state every step in the process. They know this, and it makes it sound like you only know one way to do things. You can use it of an EXAMPLE of your analytical prowess, efficiency, and methods for increasing productivity. Another good skill!
YAY!

 

[Anglewannabe]

1. What scenarios do you find frustrating, professionally (be careful here)

Ok, I want to come up with another answer to this since I feel like the only thing I am selling is my ability to write macros and it is getting humiliating. How does this sound

In one of my previous roles, I needed to wait for my (name removed by moderator)ut files from a different department before I could start my work. Very often I would not receive them until after my deadline. I would do as much prep work as I could so that when I finally did receive my files my tasks would be completed as soon as possible. Also, when the next person would call to know why my work was late, I would apologize and explain the files were late. As soon as I received my files, I would send my client a quick email to let them know the files were in and let them know when they could receive my reports.

 

[pianistclare]

Ok, I want to come up with another answer to this since I feel like the only thing I am selling is my ability to write macros and it is getting humiliating. How does this sound

In one of my previous roles, I needed to wait for my (name removed by moderator)ut files from a different department before I could start my work. Very often I would not receive them until after my deadline. I would do as much prep work as I could so that when I finally did receive my files my tasks would be completed as soon as possible. Also, when the next person would call to know why my work was late, I would apologize and explain the files were late. As soon as I received my files, I would send my client a quick email to let them know the files were in and let them know when they could receive my reports.

You know, you sound a like a great problem solver.
But read back over your replies to the scenarios.
They all boil down to the same thing:
*“My co-workers seldom do things right, and I often had to save the day for those doofus people”. *
You’re likely an amazing asset to a company, but you make yourself sound difficult. There’s no reason to mention you felt the need apologize for your work. EVER. Even if it’s true that others dropped the ball.
Talk yourself up but never talk others down.
I’m not saying this to hurt your feelings…I’m just pretending to be the person interviewing. You unintentionally tip your hand in a direction that makes people go “huh?”

From your past threads, I get that you were very frustrated in your previous/current job. But it’s showing here. Let it go. This is your chance to start new, with people that won’t work against you, or question you, or misunderstand you, and frankly don’t know much about you and your work ethic at all…IF…and IF you come in the door eager to learn, be flexible, and give them the benefit of the doubt. Don’t let your last imperfect position poison your chance for a fresh start.

 

[Anglewannabe]

I’m not saying this to hurt your feelings…I’m just pretending to be the person interviewing. You unintentionally tip your hand in a direction that makes people go “huh?”

I KNOW you are trying to help me and I am trying VERY hard to change years worth of bad habits in less than a week and that is a BIG challenge

So, can you please give me an example of a good answer to ‘What kind of situations do you find frustrating ?’ I obviously need help on that one

 

[pianistclare]

I KNOW you are trying to help me and I am trying VERY hard to change years worth of bad habits in less than a week and that is a BIG challenge

So, can you please give me an example of a good answer to ‘What kind of situations do you find frustrating ?’ I obviously need help on that one

Ok, an example:
The things that frustrate me most are…

1. not having the proper tools available to get my work done efficiently, like updated software, internet outages, broken copiers, printers, etc.) Basic office materials in proper working order.
2. not having access to management for problem solving strategies and direction
3. having to wait for extended periods for feedback. Sometimes if I have inadvertently gotten off track, it’s awful to realize it days later because no one would step in an say “hey…let’s re-group before we make extra work for ourselves”.

The first says that you expect the company to be up-to-date. You can’t get your work done with a dixie cup and a string. ( a real pet peeve of my own)

The second says you expect to interact with your boss in a positive way, not just when things go south.

The third says that you expect positive feedback, so that you can be the MOST productive and not have to do the same task over and over until someone finally says “uh…we changed our mind”.

 

[Anglewannabe]

I appreciate your feed back, however, I will just explain why I am nervous using your answers

1. not having the proper tools available to get my work done efficiently, like updated software, internet outages, broken copiers, printers, etc.) Basic office materials in proper working order.

Where I work currently, some files are too big for Excel. I asked if I could get Microsoft access. I was told that the higher ups felt it was too expensive. In the mid 90’s I was expected to use a typewriter and was laughed at when asked for a word processor. I was made to feel like I expected the company to pay for things like I was a spoiled child who though my parents had a money tree.

I would tweak that to 'There is one software I used that takes forever to go to a different screen and half the time crashes. I constantly have to debate whether to wait or end the task. Usually while waiting, I will check emails and respond. Sometimes by then the screen I need is up, other times I need to end task.

1. not having access to management for problem solving strategies and direction

I am petrified this will make me look like I can not work independently. I would prefer to say that I like to give my manager frequent updates on what I am doing so they can be aware of how my time is spent. Sometimes however, a part of my responsibilities consist of find answer for myself. At times, I am not sure of which department can help me and it is always a relief when I finally hit the right place.

1. having to wait for extended periods for feedback. Sometimes if I have inadvertently gotten off track, it’s awful to realize it days later because no one would step in an say “hey…let’s re-group before we make extra work for ourselves”.

This one I like but I would have to tweak it to make it my own so I can remember to say it positively. How does this sound:

'Having to wait for feedback. Sometimes I will do something not realizing how much value it is bringing. If I knew at the time, I would try to do it more often to make thing go smoother

 

[pianistclare]

I appreciate your feed back, however, I will just explain why I am nervous using your answers

Where I work currently, some files are too big for Excel. I asked if I could get Microsoft access. I was told that the higher ups felt it was too expensive. In the mid 90’s I was expected to use a typewriter and was laughed at when asked for a word processor. I was made to feel like I expected the company to pay for things like I was a spoiled child who though my parents had a money tree.

I would tweak that to 'There is one software I used that takes forever to go to a different screen and half the time crashes. I constantly have to debate whether to wait or end the task. Usually while waiting, I will check emails and respond. Sometimes by then the screen I need is up, other times I need to end task.

**OK, but don’t say that outright. They don’t care about the previous employers problems. **

I am petrified this will make me look like I can not work independently. I would prefer to say that I like to give my manager frequent updates on what I am doing so they can be aware of how my time is spent. Sometimes however, a part of my responsibilities consist of find answer for myself. At times, I am not sure of which department can help me and it is always a relief when I finally hit the right place.

You answered your own question. giving frequent updates sounds exactly like you need constant praise. trust me, they KNOW how you spend you time. It’s their job to know. If you are unsure of a department, the boss or his assistant is the place to go.

This one I like but I would have to tweak it to make it my own so I can remember to say it positively. How does this sound:

'Having to wait for feedback. Sometimes I will do something not realizing how much value it is bringing. If I knew at the time, I would try to do it more often to make thing go smoother

**Don’t say you don’t know how your work is going. Of course it’s going well. Waiting for feedback is good, but the next sentence makes it sounds like you expect kudos and praise. You can say it without tooting your own horn. "I’d like to have some responses from the team in regard to productivity. **