Report Back On My Interview Yesterday

[chilover]

Well, I promised that I would report back on my interview that I went on yesterday for an Executive Assistant position that I applied for.



BACKGROUND:

The job paid 20% more than what I'm making now

I would be working for the President/CEO, Board of Directors and Vice Presidents (so I would be very busy YEAH!)

I would be working in the banking/financial field



HOW THE INTERVIEW WENT:

Well, let me just start off by saying that I kind of had an inkling that the location of this business was in a "less than desireable area" of the city, but I didn't know HOW bad it was! I mean, I'm driving through a residential area, and there are abandoned/burned out homes and cars, and what was the real kicker is I saw a party store on the corner called "Safe Haven" YIKES!!!! The location of this business was a cross between "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" and a war zone!



Not only that, I found out that I would need to attend on the average, three evening board/committee meetings a month that could last anywhere from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Which I can deal with. But, can you imagine going out to my car at 9:00 pm at night in THAT neighborhood!?  



Now, bear in mind that I want to continue my education and get my Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. I'm not going to be taking classes at the insane pace that I've been doing in order to get my Associate's Degree (I NEED that piece of paper to make my resume float to the top of the pile), but how can I pursue evening classes when there are on the average, 3 evening meetings per month at any given day of the month? I told them that up front, but they still called me in for the interview, and I was curious what the job had to offer. I won't give up pursuing my degree for ANY job.



But, I felt that the interview went VERY well, and answered all of his questions very completely and concisely as possible, thanks to everyone's advice.  What a great coaching team I have in all of you!



What was really interesting is I interviewed him, and asked questions like, "what qualities and characteristics define who the ideal Executive Assistant is for you?" He was totally thown off base, when in an interview, he expected to be the interviewer, not the other way around. I asked other questions relating to the job as well, but I don't want to bore anyone to death with details....he also said that at the second round of interviews (the semi-final stage of his selection) that he would be doing computer software/typing proficiency tests, and a writing test. I told him that this wasn't a problem for me to do (my husband and I write articles for magazines and newspapers) I asked if he want a writing sample prepared in advance for the 2nd interview, or did he want the writing sample done right there at the office by being given a few ideas and sentences and turning out a memo that completely and accurately defines what he's trying to say? He said to me, "Wow, I never thought of that! You're right, that would be better if I had the applicants do the memo at that time instead of in advance."  That made me feel kinda good.



SALARY ISSUES:

I asked if the position is an hourly or salary position (since I would be working 45-50 hours per week) and they said they "weren't sure."  Huh? You want an average of 5-10 hours of overtime a week, and you aren't sure if you will pay me overtime? I-don't-think-so! Right now, I work 37.5 hours per week and get paid for 40.



WORKING HOURS:

Because of the out-of-the-ordinary requests for admin support due to board meetings and such, the "normal" working time would be 8:30 - 5:30 pm, but could vary, depending upon whether there is a board meeting in the morning at 7:30 am, or a meeting in the evening which could run as late as 8:30 pm.



Well, with all the above being said, I've come to this conclusion about the job: PASS! The hours are crazy (I DO want a life outside of work, work is NOT my life), the location of the business is a threat to my personal safety, and if I were to work these crazy hours, I expect to be monetarily compensated for my time, or increase my annual salary to reflect that expected overtime. The job paid $38,000/year, not enough in my book, given my experience (2 jobs in 15 years) and educational background. Don't you guys agree, or am I being greedy?



However, I really did like the President/CEO, I felt confident in the way he spoke and carried himself, and felt that our personalities would have worked out well professionally, and the office that I would have worked in was really nice (all mahogany). But personality and office ambiance isn't enough to lure me to this job.



I also wanted to add, thanks for the advice about bringing a copy of my grades/transcripts and letters of recommendation that I received in the past. It really made a HUGE difference in my credibility as a candidate for the position, and plan on doing this in future interviews.



Thanks everyone again so much for your wonderful, professional and smart advice! You'll be hearing from me again for your input as I go on other interview journeys!



Have a Blessed Day!















 

[phoenix55]

Congratulations on your successful interview!!!



I have to tell you, the one thing that struck me out of all this is that this guy actually pointed out YOU were right--and during the interview.  Methinks he'd be a great boss to work for.



As to location--I work in a bad location and there are measure you can take to insure (didn't we have a post on that word?  Am I using it correctly?) your safety.  No place is safe.  These days you have to be on guard ALL the time.  



I would advise you to think hard on this one.  I don't know what the salaries are like in your area, but $38,000 in this area is a lot of money for an EA.  Also, reading in between the lines, this guy sounds like he'd make his EA a partner, not just someone to throw work at.



You're right--your education is important and you shouldn't let anything get in the way.  However, there are also ways you can work around that.  It wouldn't be easy, but I've seen people in your potential situation do it.



Then again, I'm a government worker with only a short stint in "private industry" and that was not-for-profit, so all of my input could be crap.



Good luck!!!  You sound like someone with her head on straight who knows exactly what she wants.  This would be a tough one for me.



Karen

[ozbound]

Good for you! Both for having a good interview and for knowing what you want and making the right decision for you. Have faith, something better will come along.  I just had a long talk with my SO last night--he's been looking for work for quite a while and just got an offer from a photography place that he really likes, but he's going to school nights and they want him to work nights--after school?? I hated to dampen his spirits but I pointed out to him that would really wreck havoc on his sleep schedule, which could definitely affect his schoolwork--not to mention we'd hardly ever see each other if we were that lucky--yes, you gotta make some sacrifices when you have to work & go to school but yes, as you said, you also have to have a life!

And beyond salary you have to consider the "costs" of a job--in your case, your safety & security, and your overtime would really start to bite into that salary...



Goodonya, and good luck as your search continues!

[fireproof]

Wow, tough position to be in.  If only you could take a peek 2 years into the future to see how things would turn out (If I ever got three wishes, I would wish for this ability).



That being impossible, you gotta go with your instincts.  No regrets.



But for what it's worth, if you go to that second interview by all means bring up your concerns and see what they say.  You are absolutely right to worry, and if asking questions loses you the position, then you didn't want it anyway. Really.

[jadegrniiz]

Congrats on the successful interview. I'm really glad our suggestions were helpful, and gave you the added confidence you needed to pull it off. It sounds to me like that CEO would be a great guy to work for, and the good chemistry between you guys is a really positive sign.



My thoughts on the neighborhood: Looks can be deceiving. One thing I've found working in "the ghetto" is that when you work there, you become part of the "family" and aren't really as much of a threat to the gang on the corner as you think you are. Flash back a memory to the staff that works there...  they all do it, everyday. And, they appear to be safe.... am I right?



As for the hours vs pay. I have no idea where you live...  but in west/central Florida... that's a KICK BUTT starting pay. My mother (who, as I mentioned before does that type of work) is making that after 3 yrs now with her company, and is the most she's ever made in her career. She works hours almost identical to the ones you mentioned, and I have yet to see it ever really interfere with her life.



As for the hours vs your schooling.... that might be workable. You said you spoke to them about your desire to return to school, so they are aware of it. You should ask for specifics on the meetings you will be required to attend. For instance, board meetings generally fall on "the second Tuesday of each month", as do most of her meetings. It gives her ample opportunity to calendar her life, without fear of overworking herself.



The nice thing about financial institutions is the holidays and vacation time. But, they are also notorious for expensive medical insurance and low pay increases. Just things to weigh out and measure.



I wish you the best of luck!

Lori

[chilover]

Thanks for everyone's feedback and viewpoints! Your great advice has me more confused than ever!



Just to let everyone know, the job is located in SE Michigan, and yes I do agree that $38,000 is a good starting salary. But as far as the location goes, the crime statistics in that area are the highest in the city, (my brother in law is a police officer, and gave me the statistics) and this is what has me concerned for my safety. No amount of money is worth it when the odds are increased 20x that I can be assaulted/robbed/car jacked. Yes, it can happen anywhere, I agree, but why put yourself in a position knowing you are 20x more likely to be a crime statistic? Doesn't make sense to me.



This is not the only job in the world with this kind of pay and benefits, there will be others, and when the time is right to change jobs and accept another position, I'll know it right away. Unfortunately, I don't have that "feeling" with this job, and I'm in no great hurry right now (knock on wood) to leave my present position.



Have a great day!











 

[adassistant]

And you're right, you've got to be careful (I'm assuming the firm was downtown?)  I work in Troy, but our client is downtown.  I know of a recruiter if you're interested.  A couple of years ago they contacted me, I interviewed and almost accepted a job, in which they found for me very quickly, but I turned it down and have been very happy with my decision ever since.  I plan on retiring with this company.   Good luck with your decision!  

[chilover]

Sure, I'd like to find out the name of your recruiter! Hopefully it isn't one that I'm already working with. Email me privately at s_lees@hotmail.com, and we'll discuss! Thanks!

[adassistant]

I emailed you.



Good luck!

[chris68]

chilover,



Just a thought for you...if you really like the place you WANT to work for but are concerned about the location, I'm sure if you talked with someone they can make arrangements to make sure you don't walk to your car alone, especially at nite.



I know we used to do this in the city and it was very helpful especially after business hours.  In most cases, in "bad" areas you don't have a problem until after 5:00, after that I'm sure you could probably ask Management about making sure you are accompanied to your car at nite.  I would hate to think that you would give up a great job and possibly an excellent learning experience just because it's in a "bad" location.



As for the overtime, again, sometimes Management can do amazing things like letting you take classes during the day for a semester or two, especially if you are staying at work so late.  Accomodations can always be made, especially if they call you back again and would like to talk to you further or even hire you.  Just might be some questions to ask and think about before talking with them again.



Overtime,,,,I would LOVE to have overtime, extra cash you betcha, if you are salaried you would not get the overtime.  Sounds to me like you are not in too much of a hurry to move to a new position and can afford to be choosy of what you take.



Good luck and let us know what you find.