I think I’m going to have to start looking for a real job soon, because I’ve officially hit rock-bottom with my semi-employment: I just spent 10 minutes with my DVR memorizing the Max Power Theme from the Simpsons (warning: mp3 file). I need something more productive to do with myself then playing 90 minutes of poker a day.
I’ve been thinking about this question, and I think it’s so broad that you’re unlikely to get a complete answer, or possibly an honest one, or none at all.
The interviewer may not be comfortable telling you all their reservations, because they might even touch on areas that they really shouldn’t be giving much weight. Like your accent, or where you were born, that they don’t like the clothes you wore that day. Actually they moght not even be able to properly articulate what seems “wrong” with you. And as noted upthread, there may be nothing that looks unsuitable, but when compared to another candidate looks less suitable.
So I think you need to focus your question more sharply on job qualifications or requirements. “Are there any areas in which you are concerned that I don’t have a suffient background?”, or “Are there any particular tasks that I would need to do that I haven’t given you sufficient evidence (or confidence) I could do them?”
That’s probably too wordy – but something along those lines.
There is no better way to spend spare time than memorzing Simpsons lines. I swear to you they come in useful every single day, if not to quote aloud, then at least to explain human behavior.
I’ve been thinking about Mangetout’s last three posts in this thread:
And I’m starting to see a common theme. It seems to me that there is a certain lack of self confidence with regards to the interview. A person could have all of the confidence in the world but if they walk away from an interview thinking something’s lacking then it’s possible that during the interview they were also thinking something could be lacking. This could come across to the interviewer as a lack of confidence and an unassuredness that would be quite undesirable.
Confidence has nothing to do with whether or not you think you can do the job, it’s all about if you think you can get the job or not. Think about Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can. Heck, just think about Frank Abagnale Jr.. himself. He pulled off being an airline pilot, a college professor, a doctor and a lawyer. He was one of the most successful con-men of all time.
How did he do it? By not realizing that he couldn’t.
I feel that there are very few, if any, jobs that any of us could not do. Most jobs just come down to a few technical details anyway. Could I be a lawyer? Sure, but I would have to have some paperwork (degrees, pass the bar, etc.) and study a little about courtroom procedure so I don’t look like a total ass. The rest is research into past cases where precedent lends weight to the current case and effectively presenting that information to the judge/jury in an argument for my client. Could I be a systems analyst? Of course, I just need whatever documentation an employer requires (if any) and a working knowledge of the industry pertaining to the job. It’s all there: accounting, medicine, politics, management, everything boils down to a few job specific technical details and the rest is the same drudgery common to all other jobs (work ethic, time management, organization and communication). I guess what I’m trying to say is there is no reason not to reach for a higher job because it’s really nothing you can’t do anyway, other than a few specifics most of us are qualified just because we have done all of this for our entire working life.
That said, there is no reason to ever approach an interview with any thoughts but that you already have the job and it’s one you have been doing for years. The interview is just a formality to go through between the call-back and your first day. I’m not saying be arrogant and cocky, just confident and professional. Try to come across to the interviewer that you realize they will someday be working for you and you intend to be their best boss ever. Don’t be condecending and don’t sweat the small stuff. If the interviewer forgets to ask a question or cover some point you feel important to the job then tactfully remind them of that point and answer your own question for them. The interviewer is only human after all, they put their pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us. If the interviewer still has questions or doubts at the end of the interview and you have presented yourself with the air of impeccable integrety and confidence then don’t worry, they’ll either call you back to clear things up or take care of it sometime during your first week.
I apologize if this post has been too long or a bit preachy or too forward, I meant no offense. I wish nothing but the best for all of you and I’m sure you will find nothing but the best out there on your journeys. Hopefully some of this will help a little bit.
Good luck to you all,
Nate
Those are supposed to be secrets, Nate.
“Nothing is forbidden, everything is permissable.” - Hassan bin Sabbah
“Reality is what you can get away with.” - Robert Anton Wilson
“Who do you want to be today?” - Oingo Boingo.
Thank you for the good wishes, Nate. May they fall back on you threefold.
-K
*Now *my boss is saying there *may *be work for me after all and *maybe *we won’t be laying me off on Friday. But he doesn’t want to get my hopes up. 
I guess it is good to pay the bills, but I was kind of looking forward to ending this.
Well, I probably won’t get a second interview for the job I’ve been called about. I got an email saying I was still in the pool of candidates being considered, but not in the pool that gets the in-person interviews. I suppose if the first group craps out, they’ll call in another, and another.
It reminds me of when Charlie Sheen asked, “Why me?” in Hot Shots, the answer was “Because you’re the best that’s left.”
OTOH, I got the civil service score for the job I really want, and I passed. That means they have to at least talk to me – before crushing me at will at a later date.
My latest contract is ending soon, and I found out today that they’re not renewing it. I was working for a bank, so it’s not entirely shocking, but still depressing 
Anyone know of anybody who’s looking for a Unix/Linux admin around Pittsburgh?
Anyone looking for an experienced computer guy in the Luton area? I can commute to London too.
I dunno how it is for linux admins, but I’m getting a lot of hits for development around Pitt, so the market there may not be too bad. I have a resume on Monster.
A headhunter just called me for a job pretty near me (about the same damn drive as I have been doing.) It is in my price range and I think my background is not a bad fit.
She didn’t seem to have the technical background to understand what I told her, so I’m hoping that she’ll pass my resume to someone who does.
sigh I wish I had headhunters calling me.
Applied for a part-time/temp thing yesterday that I think I could kick all kinds of ass at – they asked for a “what would you do with this project” proposal rather than a cover letter, and I spent a huge chunk of yesterday working on that, and submitted that and my resume and writing samples last night. I’m not even entirely sure I want this thing (I’m looking for full-time/permanent), but am sitting by the phone anyway.
Another week, another dozen or so resumes sent out. One small bit of good news, one of my college buddies managed to give my resume to one of his bosses who’s recruiting for the same sort of position he already has. I’m about as qualified for that as he was, and he got the job, so there’s that. Plus, with some nudging from him, I can probably at least manage to score a phone interview.
It’s not my ideal job, but easily something I’m willing to do for a couple years and maybe move on to something a little better in the company.
Got back from an afternoon at the dentist and was a bit miffed not to have any messages on the machine – but got an email from the guy just now asking if I could do a phone interview tomorrow afternoon. Keep your fingers crossed.
Good luck.
I’ve spent a week with nothing - no suitable jobs coming up, no replies from previous contacts, nothing.
Then today I get two phone calls for two interviews next week.
Phew.
Good luck, twickster, maggenpye and bouv. Well really all of us.
I pulled my resumes from Monster per Khadaji’s suggestion and reposted them Tuesday. The next day I got a couple of hits from headhunters for the same job. It’s got a nasty commute but the job is completely in my field. At this point, there’s really nothing to get excited about and hey, I’m in the middle of painting every room in our apartment so I’m staying physically busy. But at least it’s something 
I mentioned up thread that one of my irons is really starting to heat up. It is pretty hot right now!
I was laid off two and a half years ago. The director of that group and I (along with others) have been talking about starting a business almost since the day after the lay off. (Not really, but it has been close to two years.)
They are in the UK, I’m here. It has been a slow process, but on Monday the 8th I am flying to the UK to meet the rest of my potential business partners. I think we may finally get this off the ground!
However, since - as a banker friend always says - it ain’t money until its in the bank, I am still contacting other potential employers.
And a boss from that same group from two years ago has some consulting he wants me to do. I quoted a huge rate, but he seemed good with it. His new fiscal year starts in November, so he won’t have money until then.
Cool, Khadaji, sounds like you’ve got a delightful array of options.
Had the phone interview Friday, thought I did okay but was afraid I might have come on a little strong – I asked a slew of questions about how he was planning to staff the project, would there be an intern available for some of the time-consuming and tedious research that would be necessary, etc. Overall I felt like I didn’t “click” with the guy, who said he’d call Tues. or Weds. if he’d want an in-person interview – he emailed Monday night (a holiday) and I went in yesterday. Think I did pretty well. At the very end, I used the question discussed upthread – “are there any gaps or doubts about me that would give you pause?” – and he said “well, ‘doubt’ is too strong, but I’m a little concerned that your writing style wouldn’t be what we’re looking for…” and we talked about that for another few minutes, so that was a good question to ask.
Also, when we were talking staffing and logistics, he indicated that he’d definitely assign an intern to the project, and gave me credit for suggesting the idea, so that’s gotta be good.
This isn’t the answer to all my problems, it being a short-term/part-time thing, but it seems like a fun and worthwhile project and it would be good for my morale, if nothing else. He’s got two more people to talk to, and will decide Friday or Monday, with the intention of getting started next week. Wish me luck!
Well, as predicted I did get a call from the company my friend works for asking to set up a phone interview. Now I guess it’s time to rely on my own skills and marketability, and not just my friend vouching for me.
Sounds like some irons are heating up for others as well. **Twickster **- that sounds like it has a lot of promise! Good luck!
Good luck to you to bouv.