I have an interview today for a new job with higher pay. Please pray for me that it goes well and I get a second interview. I tend to stutter when I am nervous. I could use all the extra help I can get. Thanks so much.
Katie

<small>[ March 18, 2005, 11:48 AM: Message edited by: KMEJ ]</small>

Wishing you the very best of luck. I'm sure you'll be fine. TT

Thanks for the vote of confidance. I sure hope you are right!!!

Good luck! Just try to be as relaxed as possible and be yourself and I'm sure you'll do great.

Miker

Thanks Miker- I will sure try!

I know this sounds a bit crude, but any time I have to give an executive presentation (even after all these years of presentations, I get stage-fright), I always think to myself ... these people go to the bathroom, just like I do. It calms down tremendously. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Take a deep breath, go in with the confidence that there's nobody that could possibly be better for the job than you, and then at the end, look your interviewer in the eye and say "I'm very interested in this position. I know I'm up for the task. I just need you to give me the chance to prove it." Then ask for the job.

Good luck,

Whisper

Hope this helps ...

1. Before the Interview

a. Prepare for possible technical and professional questions:
i. Where/When did you use the applicable technical/professional skills?
ii. How did you use the applicable technical/professional skills? (i.e. specific projects, results, etc.)
iii. What do you want to do?
iv. What are your technical/professional strengths/weaknesses?
v. In what role can you be most productive today?
vi. What are your career goals?

b. In order to show interest, prepare some questions to ask the interviewer

c. Dress for success:
i. Men: dark, conservative suit, white shirt, conservative tie, clean shoes
ii. Women: dark, conservative suit, white blouse (if appropriate), clean shoes

d. Take a notebook

2. During the Interview

a. Give a firm handshake

b. Lean forward to listen

c. Make eye contact at least 50% of the time

d. Ask pertinent, intelligent questions

e. Take notes!

f. Whatever you do, do NOT inflate your experience! If you do not have experience in a particular area, let them know and indicate how you would overcome that weakness. (For example, “I’ve not had in-depth experience with XYZ; however, I’m a quick learner and am excited to work with that technology.”)

g. Regardless of immediate interest, act like this is the perfect job that you’ve always wanted. (You can decide to turn it down later.)

3. After the Interview

a. Regardless of your interest, ask for the job! Some examples:
i. “If you would give me the chance to prove it, I know I’m the right candidate for the job”
ii. “This is exactly what I’m looking for. When can I start?”

~ Whisper

Thanks to all who said a prayer or gave me advice. The interview went well and I made it to the second interview- however the amount of money that the interviewer said they would start me at was less then I was told- so I do not think it I will be able to accept the job even if it is offered. It is more then I am making now at my one job, but it is also a lot more hours, and not more then I make at the two. I really like the family oriented business, and the hours are good, and the benifets are good too- however I would be worse off financially. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> Granted the lady that I talked to today does not decide the salery, however it was about 8,000 less then I could accept.
I talked with H about it and he thinks it would be a mistake to take the job for what they are offering, however said it was completely up to me and he would support what ever I felt was best for me. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> That was a big surprise coming from him.

Now I have to think. Any suggestions?

Congrats on getting to 2nd interview! Keep this in mind ... the compensation and benefits of every job is negotiable!!! (This is what I do professionally, so I know.) Here's what I suggest: go to the 2nd interview. Wow the heck out of the hiring manager. Ask for what you're looking for salary & benefits-wise and tell them you're worth it. I mean, literally TELL THEM YOU'RE WORTH IT. You just never know what they come up with. I don't know how many times I've interviewed someone I liked so much that I'd either up'ed the salary/benefits or gave them a different job because I thought they would be an asset to my organization.

Best of luck,

Whisper

Whisper-
I went in to the interview and did what you suggested- I would have not thought to bring a notebook- thanks for that. What other tips do you have. The thing is I have never done the job I am interviewing for. At least not officially. I am interviewing to be a resturant manager. I have worked in the field consistantly for 11 years, and LOVE IT that is why I work part time at TGI Fridays even with my full time job because I am lost with out it. They keep saying I would be entry level and they start entry level managers in the mid to upper 20's <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> I make more then that now, why take a step backwards with more hours? Any suggestions? The lady also said that I "look young"- I am 26- yes I look 20 at best, but I know resturants like the back of my hand- I live it and love it, and that is what I want to do- why does my apperience play a roll? Any other guidance or suggestions I would really appriceate it! Thanks much.

First of all, you've got to convince yourself that you are the best person for the job. Otherwise, you'll not be able to convince anyone else. My age and my looks have always been a hinderance too. (Note: I still get carded at 31.) But, I was out to prove the world that age makes no difference, and you know what? At 26, I became the youngest branch manager EVER in a company of 85 international offices! And, I've NEVER managed a branch before either.

So, let's focus on your very positive attributes ... You love an industry that is very challenging. You must be great with difficult customers and people (another toughy). You must be a hard worker to be in the restaurant business (and able to stick with it) for 11 yrs! To me, you've got much more to offer than an "entry-level" manager. THAT is what I would tell them!

And, I think what got me the job was what I said at the end, which is exactly what I told you in my 1st email: "I'm very interested in this position. I know I'm up for the task. I just need you to give me the chance to prove it." ~ Silence

Oh, when it comes to salary negotiation ... that's a mark of a good manager. You've got to force yourself to do it. Tell them what you need. Let them know you're worth it, and (as my 1st sales manager would tell you) then shut the hell up! Meaning, let there be an uncomfortable silence. Let them cave and fill the dead space. You stick to your guns. Besides, what do you have to lose? You've got a job that pays more.

Hope this helps,

Whisper

It does thank you very much.

Also I have not given them my resume as of yet- as she wanted me to e-mail it to her and she said she would give me the address today (which she did) however we did a over-view of my experience. I want to rewrite it to make it professional and impressive- any tips on that one?

On resumes ... Use bullet points versus paragraphs. And, disclose your accomplishments, not just what you've done. Meaning:

Wrong: I was a senior server responsible for 10 tables.

Right: As a senior server, effectively serviced 10 tables simultaneously with 100% customer satisfaction.

Wrong: I resolved customer issues.

Right: Adept at diffusing customer complaints and resolving escalating issues in a quick and unobtrusive manner.

Also, nobody cares about your hobbies. Include experience that will enhance your ability to get the job. Focus everything on the job qualifications.

~ W

Whisper- can I e-mail you my resume- and you could look it over, would you mind?

^^^bump^^^ Whisper you out there? Any one else good with resumes?

Send your resume to whisper28@excite.com. I'll take it look. Let me know when you need it back by.

Whisper

Thanks Whisper, you have mail!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by whisper28:
<strong> Oh, when it comes to salary negotiation ... that's a mark of a good manager. You've got to force yourself to do it. Tell them what you need. Let them know you're worth it, and (as my 1st sales manager would tell you) then shut the hell up! Meaning, let there be an uncomfortable silence. Let them cave and fill the dead space. You stick to your guns. Besides, what do you have to lose? You've got a job that pays more.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Good job on getting the 2nd interview.

Whisper is giving you good advice. Tell them you are very interested in the job and know you would be great at it BUT the level of pay is less than what you can accept. You could even tell them you are making more than that right now just so they know you aren't bluffing.

Then leave it with them. If they are truly interested they'll counter with a higher offer. As Whisper says you've got nothing to lose.

This is speaking primarily from the interviewer perspective rather than the interviewee. I haven't been on a job interview since I was a teenager but have interviewed a lot of people myself.

Cheers,

Miker

<small>[ March 17, 2005, 09:56 AM: Message edited by: Miker ]</small>

KMEJ,

Also..be sure to investigate the potential for salary increase. Entry level is not a brick wall. Particularly as [correct me if I'm wrong] you have no degree..only experience as a server?

So managing would be a step up. If the potential is there I would at least give it some serious consideration.

When my mother finished her graduate degree in her field, she took an entry level job at a factory..she made less than the folks on the floor who had a HS diploma at best in several cases...but fast foreward 20+ years..and the floor workers still earn approximately the same amount..while she is well into the six figures.

All things must be considered.

Not suggesting you fail to negotiate..not saying don't keep an eye out for a better prospect..just saying that comparing your earning working two jobs as an unskilled laborer..with an entry level management position..well, it isn't ever really likely to be equal or better.

Noodle

Thanks both Miker and Noodle! I appreciate your feedback- I truely do. I was asked yesterday what amount I was looking to earn in this posistion and told the lady that I would get back to her on that, that is when she told me what an entry level gets hired at.

On Paper yes I suppose I would be entry level, as I have never been given the title of Manager. I have been the shift leader, and written schedules, as well as many other Manager duties. I have worked hand in hand with many GM's and KM's over the last 10 years. I have been offered Management interviews in the past, but have always turned them down because I wanted to help my H suceed.

Is there any thing I can say or do besides what Whisper has already graceously shared to help me stand out? I know I can do this job and excell in it, as well as be a great accet to the company, now I just need to show that to them and get the chance.

Thanks