Interview advice I picked up yesterday - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

CeeCee · 06-12-2008, 11:37 AM

First- What a great category! What a terrific idea! Thanks John, you take such good care of us!

Well, coincidentally I went to a professional women's meeting yesterday. I work for one of the largest insurers in the country. One of the speakers was a woman who "filters" applicants for internal job postings in my company. She said there are a couple basic things that people do on a regular basis that still amaze her, even after all the years of interviews she has conducted.

1- Don't chew gum. She said you would be amazed by how many people do this.

2- Turn OFF the cell phone. You can stand to be out of touch for the duration of the interview. If a close family member is in the hospital, and it is critical that you be available, tell the interviewer right up front.

3- Regarding resumes: Keep it simple, and save the calligraphy for wedding invitations. If they are reading 100+ applications and resumes, they will blow off a resume because it is too difficult to read.

4- Yup, a firm handshake is still preferred, man or woman. Also, look the interviewer in the eye and don't slouch in your chair!

Basic things, but very important!

Nyn · 06-12-2008, 12:00 PM

Thanks for the info! I'm going through the process of trying to find a new job now, so this kind of information is what I'm looking for. I don't do any of those things, so that is reassuring

Josephine · 06-12-2008, 12:13 PM

To anyone who's job seeking, I'm one of those slam dunk interviewees. If I can get in the building, I can get the job, even if I'm not qualified. My secret is simple.

1) Dress the part.
2) Be confident even if you don't feel it.
3) Don't say anything negative about yourself or your previous employers.
4) Memorize the "Bible" - Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions by Martin John Yate

Jeanie · 06-13-2008, 02:09 PM

I thought I would put this up for people going out to interview. It could come in handy. I get a HR letter every week....not because I want it but it's my job.

“You should see my references.” — A prospective employee brought her children along. Think that’s bad? One candidate even brought his mom along for moral support.
“Where’s the lunchroom?” – One candidate requested that the interviewer move it along because his stomach was grumbling with hunger while another whipped out a sandwich and began chowing down mid-interview.
“Is your dress code casual?” — A prospective employee showed up barefoot. Another wore her Jackie-O-inspired sunglasses throughout the entire interview.
“I’m really into compliance.” — One candidate inquired about the specific locations of the building’s security cameras. At least he asked — another didn’t bother and outright stole from the interviewer’s office.
“No drinking on the job?” — A candidate brought a bottle of wine to his interview and offered the interviewer a glass of burgundy to ease the mood.
“I sweat when I’m nervous.” — One hygiene-conscious person stopped to sniff his armpits prior to entering the interview room, in plain sight of his prospective employer. (We’re thinking the welcome handshake never took place.)
“I’m ‘indisposed’ at the moment.” — A job offer wasn’t the only thing that went down the tubes: A candidate interviewing by phone didn’t hesitate to flush the toilet.
“Excuse me while I take this.” — There’s only one move worse than answering a cell phone during the interview: This applicant asked the Finance manager to take a hike from her own office while he took the private call.
“I’m not afraid to toot my own horn.” — To make himself memorable to his interviewers, one candidate burst into song — the national anthem, in fact. (At least he picked the right country.)
“My car’s in the shop.” — At the interview’s close, one prospective employee asked his interviewer for a ride home.
What irks interviewers the most? According to the survey, dressing inappropriately, bashing previous employers and appearing disinterested are the most common mistakes a candidate can make.

Ruca · 06-17-2008, 02:14 AM

Quote:

According to the survey, dressing inappropriately, bashing previous employers and appearing disinterested are the most common mistakes a candidate can make.

So I was thinking of that the other day while I myself was "indisposed"

What is a more favorable response to "why did you leave your last employer?"

I *want* to say, "because he was a total cock-job that suggested that I name my child after a venereal disease..."

Although that is not appropriate when I do say, "The position, although challenging didnt evolve as I had hoped." or something sunshine and rainbows like that.

However I get stymied when they ask me to elaborate. There is no way to sugar coat why its not a good fit. I am not going to take a job just cause its a job. ive been really unhappy since leaving GEICO and want to find something I can be happier with.

Open to suggestions!

Quote:

To anyone who's job seeking, I'm one of those slam dunk interviewees. If I can get in the building, I can get the job, even if I'm not qualified. My secret is simple.

Thats me too! but I am pursuing opportunities slightly outside of my "education level" and although I am confident that I can nail one of those jobs I have to work harder to get that chance since I dont have the degree. I guess I am burned out on selling myself.

Phoenixfire · 06-17-2008, 08:28 AM

Hey everyone, this thread highlights another great benefit of WLS. I found out firsthand when returning to the workforce that weight discrimination is obvious. I don't know about every position, but in the professional fields like law (field I'm in) it's like you're given credit for being a thinner person. Weight discrimination has been a hot topic and has been called "the last discrimination" or something like that.

I learned it particularly when moving to the new law firm I'm at, and the compensation was higher due to how I LOOKED. It's a touchy subject, but I've seen it now that I know what it's like on the other side. I never thought of it pre-op, but thought it would be interesting to pass on here at TT.

Anyone else noticed this? Studies show that there is a correlation to weight and employment. Another key is fashion and the confidence (mentioned as a tool by an earlier poster) gained from weight loss.

Something to think about.

frantastic_one · 06-17-2008, 02:53 PM

Please tell me that people are not that stupid on job interviews or are they just checking the box for unemployment benefits?

offstringgirl · 07-27-2008, 11:21 PM

I just sent in my resume for an office assistant job. It will by my very first job, and this info was very helpful to me. My only concerns now are the weight factor...what if they don't like me because I'm fat? and the dressing up thing...I don't know what to wear.

I don't have dress clothes so I'll have to buy something I guess.

jillybean720 · 07-28-2008, 07:33 AM

Good luck, Laura! Don't even THINK about your weight being an issue. The more you worry about it, the less confident you will feel and act during the interview. Walk in there as if you're a supermodel--don't let your worries about your appearance cloud their perception of you as an intelligent person!

As for clothing, I always suggest a suit. I buy my pieces separately at Lane Bryant since I need a bigger top than I do pants. And I make sure not to get a fully lined jacket--nothing like sweating throughout the entire interview!

I've been very successful in my career so far, all while being over 250 pounds. In 4.5 years, I have gone from Marketing Assistant, to Technical Editor/Writer, to Proposal Writer, to Proposal Coordinator, to Proposal Manager--each position with a new company. I graduated from college in December 2003 and now make almost 3 times as much as I did at my first job.

I'm a bit of a "slam dunk interviewee" as well, though it wasn't always so. I have, at time, allowed interviewers to intimidate me. Not anymore, though! From 250-325 pounds, I've ALWAYS beena hard worker, very mature for my age, extremely responsible, etc...weight has not been an issue for me in this regard.

Aviator · 12-10-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offstringgirl

I just sent in my resume for an office assistant job. It will by my very first job, and this info was very helpful to me. My only concerns now are the weight factor...what if they don't like me because I'm fat? and the dressing up thing...I don't know what to wear.

I don't have dress clothes so I'll have to buy something I guess.

Buy the dress clothes. As good as you can afford. First impressions are important. You need to look sharp, and it can mean thousands of $$ in your pocket over time.

The first thing I will tell you is to be confident and in control. A confident and controlled demeanor completely cancels being fat. I know. Im fat. Im a CEO. I've sold over $100MM in "stuff" over the last 8 years. (I have a $100MM pen - contracts executed.)

The night before, close your eyes, visualize the interview. Visualize success. Anticiapate questions by going through your resume one position at a time. Always be prepared for, "What is your greatest weakness?" What will you do in this job in the first 90 days? Why should I hire you over xxxx? Be ready with those answers and deliver like you KNOW they will hire you.

It is sure fire. Dont worry about being fat. It is not an obstacle.
Poise and confidence wins.

Break a leg...

I know this is six months old but it is for the beneifit of others. I hope Laura got the job.