Job Interviewing - Do's and Don'ts

[axeman90210]

Yeah, I'm in a similar boat, finally think I'm at a breaking point with my job. Love the hours and the work/life balance, but I'm tired of getting the periodic emails from GlassDoor showing the salary range for someone with my education and experience and seeing myself way at the ass end of the spectrum. Basically planning on seeing how my year end comp discussion goes early next year but getting a sense so far that it's not going to go well enough to keep me from looking elsewhere.

Haven't you been getting brushed off about promotion/comp stuff for a couple of years now? 

Pretty much. Been getting just enough not to push me out the door, while still being short of what's appropriate/fair.

[jingle.boy]

@lordxizor, I think there'a another way you might be able to play this.  Do you ever get calls from recruiters, or do you have any recruiter contacts?  Some of them have specific positions they are trying to get filled (and therefore get commission), but there are some that will take the attributes you're looking for, and see what they can find to match.  That way, you can be getting a better read on what is available, without having to switch into "actively looking" mode, and you might get a better outcome.

Yeah, I should reach out to the couple of recruiters I've spoken with over the years. I did list myself as seeking a new position on Linkedin, which means a bunch should be reaching out. Most of them are in the boat of having a particular position they want me to consider, which is rarely anything close to what I want, I just matched some keyword search. But occasionally a good one comes around that seems to genuinely want to find the right position for you. That's how I got my current job.

Don't hold your breath.  I've been listed as that for a few years.... never had a single recruiter reach out to me on LinkedIn.

[ReaperKK]

I think it depends on the skill set listed. I get contacted by recruiters all the time but it's primarily shitty level 1 help desk gigs

[lordxizor]

@lordxizor, I think there'a another way you might be able to play this.  Do you ever get calls from recruiters, or do you have any recruiter contacts?  Some of them have specific positions they are trying to get filled (and therefore get commission), but there are some that will take the attributes you're looking for, and see what they can find to match.  That way, you can be getting a better read on what is available, without having to switch into "actively looking" mode, and you might get a better outcome.

Yeah, I should reach out to the couple of recruiters I've spoken with over the years. I did list myself as seeking a new position on Linkedin, which means a bunch should be reaching out. Most of them are in the boat of having a particular position they want me to consider, which is rarely anything close to what I want, I just matched some keyword search. But occasionally a good one comes around that seems to genuinely want to find the right position for you. That's how I got my current job.

Don't hold your breath.  I've been listed as that for a few years.... never had a single recruiter reach out to me on LinkedIn.

I've done it before and gotten a bunch of inquiries. The vast majority of the sort that makes me wonder if they even read my job experience at all, but a few decent ones. I did get one through there already, but it was a contract gig, which I'm not interested in.

[cramx3]

@lordxizor, I think there'a another way you might be able to play this.  Do you ever get calls from recruiters, or do you have any recruiter contacts?  Some of them have specific positions they are trying to get filled (and therefore get commission), but there are some that will take the attributes you're looking for, and see what they can find to match.  That way, you can be getting a better read on what is available, without having to switch into "actively looking" mode, and you might get a better outcome.

Yeah, I should reach out to the couple of recruiters I've spoken with over the years. I did list myself as seeking a new position on Linkedin, which means a bunch should be reaching out. Most of them are in the boat of having a particular position they want me to consider, which is rarely anything close to what I want, I just matched some keyword search. But occasionally a good one comes around that seems to genuinely want to find the right position for you. That's how I got my current job.

Don't hold your breath.  I've been listed as that for a few years.... never had a single recruiter reach out to me on LinkedIn.

My linkedin hasn't been updated in 6 years or so, still shows my old company and old info and yet... I always get recruiter emails.  I don't read them, I know those jobs couldn't be for me if they are basing it off old info, but I'm surprised that if you listed yourself as seeking a new job that you woulnd't get the tons of recruiter emails.  Maybe it's because I'm near NYC?  Or maybe it's just because of the job.

[JayOctavarium]

Alright boys and girls. Interview in an a hour. Funny... I've interviewed  dozens and dozens of people for entry level positions (which is essentially what I'm interviewing for but completely different field), yet in actually really nervous going into this. Even with an inside scoop (my best friend works there. His sister in law just left the company- on good terms which opened up the spot that I'm gunning for, my best friend's wife worked there in college... The owner is close with his wife's family), I feel like I may fuck it up somehow. I know to be genuine and not try to hard / put on a front. I also know that I'd be pretty damn good at this job. Gotta stay cool and not get cocky.

[Chino]

Whatever you do, don't mentioned anything about the shit you have to put up with at your current job. Keep those thoughts and feelings limited to DTF.

[JayOctavarium]

All they know (from what my buddy told them when he got me the interview) is that the account we were working at (he was there too and went straight to this job) shut down, I was given an offer to continue on with the company in a different capacity, and it's not what I was originally promised.  Probably too much already but it is what it is.

[millahh]

All they know (from what my buddy told them when he got me the interview) is that the account we were working at (he was there too and went straight to this job) shut down, I was given an offer to continue on with the company in a different capacity, and it's not what I was originally promised.  Probably too much already but it is what it is.

I'm sure that's fine...you are already so connected to this place you're interviewing that there's no way you could come in as a truly blank slate.  They know what they know, it gives a little context, and that's fine/enough.

[JayOctavarium]

Sitting in reception area.. Got here 15 min early. Met the manager already. Just waiting.

[Adami]

Sitting in reception area.. Got here 15 min early. Met the manager already. Just waiting.

Take lots of "bro" selfies. They'll love it.

[Stadler]

Sitting in reception area.. Got here 15 min early. Met the manager already. Just waiting.

Take lots of "bro" selfies. They'll love it.

Ask the receptionist if she can walk out from behind the desk so you can see her legs.  She'll like the compliment. 

[Adami]

Also (and I know the interview is over by now) ask the receptionist where the bathroom is, and then tell her that you need to take a dump. They will appreciate your articulation and specificity.

[Stadler]

Ask for the wifi password, and tell them Pornhub is running a special on their premier service.  They will admire your tech savviness, and your awareness of current events. 

[JayOctavarium]

Hahaha. Was given an offer. They seemed to really like me.

[axeman90210]

Congrats!

[Stadler]

In all seriousness, congratulations, and good luck to you.

[Chino]

Nice job dude!

[Adami]

I knew the announced dump thing would work.

[lordxizor]

I'm seriously looking for a new job for the first time in 7+ years. Had a few phone interviews and have two in person interviews next week. It's been so long, I'm a bit nervous about it. They both sound like decent opportunities, but the details would need to be right in order for me to consider offers. But I'm optimistic that the right thing is out there for me. Only been really trying for about 2 weeks and I'm getting lots of interest, so that's really promising.

[lordxizor]

I wasn't offered the job that I was feeling the most positive about. Kinda bummed. I have a second one that I've got a fourth (!) interview with today. I think it's very likely I'll get an offer soon, but I'm not super excited about the company.

[cramx3]

Sucks about the first one, but good luck with this one

[Nick]

So I work in a field in which the main position is VERY difficult to find good pools of people for your main position. There are just so many licensed funeral directors in the state, only so many of those don't work for family businesses, only so many of those are looking for a new job, and only so many of those are quality people. So I can have a job opening for 2-3 months, and literally only receive 3-4 applications.

With all that said, I have one candidate who I would have otherwise probably hired after his first time in, but he volunteered during the interview process all his various health ailments over the years. While I appreciate his honesty, I couldn't help but hear what he was saying and process this as "well, it looks like this guy will be prone to regular prolonged absences from work over the next few years". I realize that's probably not great on me as a person, but it's what I was thinking from the logistical end.

I'm circling back to the guy now and interviewing him again on Friday, as frankly I've come around to just wanting a quality person in at this point and am tired of being short-staffed, but it would have been beneficial for him had he not offered up that information he did not need to and that I wouldn't ask him about. So that's one direct example of advice from me.

---

On a more general front, personally I wish candidates would come in ready to ask more questions. Asking about our operations or the job details helps us both get a better understanding of where we are, and makes the interview process a bit more personable and a little less like a one way grilling. It also shows genuine interest in the position and knowing what you're potentially signing up for.

[Adami]

So I work in a field in which the main position is VERY difficult to find good pools of people for your main position. There are just so many licensed funeral directors in the state, only so many of those don't work for family businesses, only so many of those are looking for a new job, and only so many of those are quality people. So I can have a job opening for 2-3 months, and literally only receive 3-4 applications.

With all that said, I have one candidate who I would have otherwise probably hired after his first time in, but he volunteered during the interview process all his various health ailments over the years. While I appreciate his honesty, I couldn't help but hear what he was saying and process this as "well, it looks like this guy will be prone to regular prolonged absences from work over the next few years". I realize that's probably not great on me as a person, but it's what I was thinking from the logistical end.

I'm circling back to the guy now and interviewing him again on Friday, as frankly I've come around to just wanting a quality person in at this point and am tired of being short-staffed, but it would have been beneficial for him had he not offered up that information he did not need to and that I wouldn't ask him about. So that's one direct example of advice from me.

Well, think of it this way. If you hire him, you're not just getting an employee, you're also getting a future customer.

[lordxizor]

So I was all but offered this other job I've been interviewing for during my 4th call with them this afternoon. They seem to really like me a lot and an official offer should come before the end of the week. problem is that I'm not really feeling it. I feel bad, but unless they completely blow me away with a crazy offer I'm probably going to turn it down. I wish I could articulate why, but it just doesn't feel right for me right now.

[lordxizor]

Got an offer today, which unfortunately is right in the sweet spot of not low enough to immediately dismiss, but also not high enough to immediately accept. I'm still waiting on the fine details of the benefits they offer. To the negotiations we go I guess. I really don't want to lose 2 weeks of PTO, but I'm not sure how negotiable that is.

[Orbert]

At my previous job, I was talking with a co-worker about how our benefits were pretty good, but the standard two weeks of vacation seemed a little weak, especially compared to how many companies are now offering three weeks to start.  My co-worker shared that that was one of his negotiating points.  He'd pushed for a third week of vacation, told them that everything else was good, but he really wanted that third week or he was gonna take something else.  They gave it to him.  I was impressed, and also kinda bummed.  I had a few years on this guy, and he had more vacation days per year than me.

This was like 15 years ago, but I've never forgotten it.  If they want you, it certainly doesn't hurt to see how badly they want you, and what they're willing to give.

[Stadler]

Don't at all disagree with Orbert here, but this is where education/knowledge comes into play.  Companies value different things in different ways; have options for what you want, without being so obstinate that you're ultimately asking for blood.   Maybe $5,000 more a year is a dealbreaker for them, but a week's vacation is not.  Or perhaps they will honor your seniority at another company (I had a company honor my GE time when calculating longevity benefits like vacation and what not).   

[Chino]

Got an offer today, which unfortunately is right in the sweet spot of not low enough to immediately dismiss, but also not high enough to immediately accept. I'm still waiting on the fine details of the benefits they offer. To the negotiations we go I guess. I really don't want to lose 2 weeks of PTO, but I'm not sure how negotiable that is.

Time off is way easier to negotiate than salary. Tell them you're accustomed to four and are willing to meet in the middle.

[lordxizor]

Got an offer today, which unfortunately is right in the sweet spot of not low enough to immediately dismiss, but also not high enough to immediately accept. I'm still waiting on the fine details of the benefits they offer. To the negotiations we go I guess. I really don't want to lose 2 weeks of PTO, but I'm not sure how negotiable that is.

Time off is way easier to negotiate than salary. Tell them you're accustomed to four and are willing to meet in the middle.

I've heard that some companies don't negotiate PTO time by policy, so we'll see how this one goes.

They're offering me an 8% raise while reducing my PTO by two weeks and this is a job I am far more likely to have to put in some extra hours than my current job. I basically want at least 10k more and 2 more weeks of PTO. I guess all I can do is ask. I'm also not super sold on the company in general.

[cramx3]

Got an offer today, which unfortunately is right in the sweet spot of not low enough to immediately dismiss, but also not high enough to immediately accept. I'm still waiting on the fine details of the benefits they offer. To the negotiations we go I guess. I really don't want to lose 2 weeks of PTO, but I'm not sure how negotiable that is.

Time off is way easier to negotiate than salary. Tell them you're accustomed to four and are willing to meet in the middle.

I've heard that some companies don't negotiate PTO time by policy, so we'll see how this one goes.

They're offering me an 8% raise while reducing my PTO by two weeks and this is a job I am far more likely to have to put in some extra hours than my current job. I basically want at least 10k more and 2 more weeks of PTO. I guess all I can do is ask. I'm also not super sold on the company in general.

What about career trajectory?  Shouldn't that play a role besides just pay and PTO?  If you think you've got better prospects for your future at that job, it might weigh more than the extra 2% or more than the 2 more PTO weeks.

When I took my current job, I actually took a cut in my salary in return for better benefits but also a much better career trajectory as I had kind of maxed out on what I could learn at my old job.  I'm actually kind of in the same spot now 6 years later.  I make more than I did before and have lots of PTO, but not learning much anymore and if I could get a job that ups my career game, I could take a little less in other areas.

[lordxizor]

Career trajectory is certainly important, but I'm not willing to take a net loss to go there at this point. The job market is good and I should be able to find something better if this one doesn't pan out. The 2 weeks PTO is massively important to me as well.

I should also point out that I'm about 3 months away from getting an 18% bonus, so that's a huge factor as well. I'd be foregoing that by leaving, so it really has to be the ideal situation.

[cramx3]

Hard to walk away when you see an imminent pay day.  I should be getting my bonus on Friday and it's a big reason why I haven't pursued a lot of my thoughts about wanting to leave.  I have another bonus due in August which just makes it hard to walk away.  That bonus is a retention bonus too so it's all just about me staying.  However, that will be my last retention bonus...

[lordxizor]

Crunched the numbers on the benefits and the higher medical and dental insurance premiums, lower HSA contribution, higher insurance deductibles, and lower 401k match make their offer seem about $5000 less than it looks compared to my current job. So that sucks. I'm supposed to give them the number that I would accept in the morning. I'm still really on the fence about it. Part of me thinks that's a sign I should just pass, but another part of me thinks I'm just feeling nervous about making a change.

[Anguyen92]

My position at work is about to be expendable soon after my company has been acquitted.  I'm contemplating whether to look for other jobs this month or until like they inform me that my position is going to be terminated in like 30 days months from now.

Probably will have to look for a new position now, but after being here for like three years on my first job ever and done good enough work, I don't know if I'm ready to leave yet although I do feel like I've made it as far as I can go and probably want to see what else is out there to give me a better fulfillment on everything.