I put in for 2 open positions at work today. One is a lateral move (meaning, no raise) in the same department, under the same supervisor I have now. I think I have a good shot at that one.
Other one is a promotion, raise, transfer to a new department under a new supervisor. My friend who interviewed for the position yesterday (no, I’m not stealing it from her, there are 2 positions open) says the supervisor, who is conducting the interviews, is very by-the-book and has no sense of humor. I would like the position very much, but this worries me…plus I’m not too sure of my chances on that one. I just know I’m going to screw up in the interview by either answering in a way that makes sense but is not advocated by company policy or offend him by saying something funny. And do I even want to work under someone like that? I’d like the postion, as I said above (I’d be training new employees), but can I work under someone who has no sense of humor?
If the interview starts to go bad just haul out a copy of the guy thread or the psychic orgasms thread and tell him this is the class of people you’re used to hanging out with. They’ll probably make you president of the company.
This is a tough one, Kat. One way to look at it; if you go into the interview as yourself, sense of humor intact, and DON’T get the position then what are you out? You gave it a try, and were spared working with someone you’re just not simpatico with.
If you DO get it, then maybe there are hidden depths there and you can co-exist better than you thought.
It’s a close call though. There’s a lot to be said for choosing quality of work life over all.
That was the wishy-washiest excuse for advice you’ll ever get, but I wish you the best, whatever you decide.
And keep this in mind, too… Bosses aren’t necessarily the same way towards each employee they have. He might treat you differently than he does other people in the group, because of your sense of humor.
I’m a perfect example of this. The woman I replaced in my current job, quit because the owner was constantly yelling at her and she was literally terrified of him. He tried that with me once. He’s never done it again. We have a great rapport and I often have him laughing, something that would never have happened with the woman before me.
So just because one person thinks the guy in this other department has no sense of humor, doesn’t mean he won’t have one with you. I say go for it and be yourself in the interview. Knock his socks off, I know you can!
Kat konfessed:
“My friend who interviewed for the position yesterday (no, I’m not stealing it from her, there are 2 positions open) says the supervisor, who is conducting the interviews, is very by-the-book and has no sense of humor.”
Uh-oh! No more SDMB during work time for YOU, missy!! :eek:
We have a great rapport and I often have him laughing, something that would never have happened with the woman before me.