A couple questions about job searching

[W_HAMILTON]

I've technically never been in the "job search" field before, so I have a couple of questions...

(1) Is it ok to apply at more than one place? There are two jobs I am interested in, and I want to apply for both in case I get turned down by one, however, what happens if both want me? Isn't it considered unprofessional to turn down one job you just applied for?

(2) What about job interviews? Anything tips I should know? Usually in the past, I've gotten work thru my family, so I sort of knew everyone already. This will be my first experience going off on my own, and doing a job interview with people I've never met before. I'm the nervous type anyway, so this worries me a bit.

Thanks for any help guys.

[Patiod]

1. Not unprofessional if you do it in a professional manner

It's both happy and a little painful to get more than one job offer at the same time ("what if I don't make the right choice?"), but as long as you don't jerk people around, it's the way business is done. I've been in the situation, and you can simply tell a company which is pressuring you to make a decision that you're very interested in them, but also considering another offer. Unlike sleeping around, having other employers interested in you can actually make you look more appealing. Just always keep in mind that you may be applying again in a few years to whatever company you turn down, so keep those bridges in good repair -- lots of thank-you notes and prompt follow-up emails.

As for the interview - get one of the many books on the market that list questions you're likely to be asked, and be prepared. The toughest question is "what pay do you expect?", since it's sometimes tough to know if a particular number is going to look too high ("we can't afford them") or too low ("wow! That's all we have to pay them?")

Also, sit down and write out a list of key questions to ask the interviewer: What do you expect from the person hired for this position? What constitutes your criteria for success in this position? What are the duties? What is an average day like? How much travel is involved? What's the structure -- who would I be reporting to? Bring it with you, and take notes if necessary - you don't need to work without a script (and it makes you look thoughtful, organized and prepared). Also, if you're shy and you can get the interviewer to do most of the talking - that's a plus for you (works better with those not in HR who aren't all that used to interviewing candidates)

Good luck!

[kay1864]

2. Very good points! And...

To handle the "what pay do you expect" question, do your research first. Then you can reply, "Well, the market range for this position is $X to Y. Where does this job fit in that range?"

Also, do NOT let them force you into naming a single number. If pressed you can continue "I would consider an offer in the $A to B range. What did you have in mind?", which is still within X to Y above, but is a smaller range.

When talking about pay, it's Very Important that you end your reply with a question. And then wait patiently for their answer.

[W_HAMILTON]

4. Thanks for the advice everyone

And that brings up something else...

Is it ok to discuss things like pay and benefit at your job interview? As I said, I've never really had a "real" job interview before. I'm in my mid-20's, and since I've known the people I have worked with before, I always took it as more of a friendly thing, rather than business. Even though I know it's necessary at some point, I thought it might seem like I'm coming off too strong if I ask about pay and benefits during the first job interview.

I do want to know about the pay, and the type of hours, and of course the benefits...so these are things that they would expect me to ask about, right? As I said, I didn't want to ask about that sort of stuff, then come off as greedy or something and have them reject me. I just wasn't sure if that was all something you ask about in the job interview, or something you wait and discuss if they accept you.

[Patiod]

10. You HAVE to ask about that stuff!

Again, make a list of questions and bring it with you. Start with questions about the job (mentioned in an earlier post -> responsibilities, travel, typical day, who do you report to, criteria for success) and end up with the pay and benefits questions -->type of health insurance (some health insurances are notoriously bad - ask around in your area), vacation policy, 401K/pension/profit sharing, where you'll be working (if applicable - cubical, office with door, etc)

As for hours, ask "what hours do people typically work?" Everywhere I've worked has had "stated hours" of 8:30 or 9:00 to 5:00, but actual hours vary widely, even in the same industry! Where I work now, it's deserted at 5:01 -- other places, if you weren't still there at 6:30, you were considered a slacker. "Do people frequently work past 6:00 or over the weekend?" might get you there as well.



(can you tell I've interviewed a lot over my career?)

[Cygnusx2112]

3. May I also suggest...

Preparing some intelligent questions for the company you're interviewing for.

Do NOT think the interview is a one way street. Ask your prospective employer questions too. Ask to see where you might be working, and who you might be working with. You can find out A LOT here...like if you're going to be working in a closet in the basement.

I'd really recommend getting a book about the interview process - or read as much as you can find on the net. Its like a waltz and when done unprofessionally, you'll do yourself discredit and can come off looking like a clown (I know...I've interviewed clowns) :) .

But, when you know what you're doing, where the boundaries lie and what is expected of you, you can make quite an impression.

Don't simply react. Remember its a dialog... :)

And GOOD LUCK!!!

[W_HAMILTON]

5. You've done interviews before?

If so, I have some more specific questions. I am pretty shy, at least when it comes to new situations (and doing my first job interview with people I've never met before would certainly qualify as that). Should I be honest about that sort of stuff, or would you look down upon it? Both of these jobs are where you have to deal with people everyday, so I wouldn't want them to think I was incapable of doing that. I was in the same line of work for years, and was fine with it. The difference is, I get sort of anxious and nervous with new situations, and with new people. If I admitted as much, would you think the person would use it against me, or would they be more understanding and see it as me being honest?

And as I said in the other post, is it ok to discuss things like pay and benefits when you go in for a job interview? Or do you look down upon that?

[Cygnusx2112]

9. I wouldn't look down on it, but I wonder what's gained by

making it more obvious than it might already be. Don't self-depreciate yourself. Confidence is much better. You said you worked for family? Maybe go to an ex-boss and ask them to interview you...

Try roleplaying with a friend who has gone on interviews (maybe someone in their 40-50's?), just so you can get down what is good to say, and what you might want to avoid. Do not demean yourself, or make yourself look bad. Try to turn the "What would you like to improve about yourself" into a positive.

Also, an employer wants to know what you're going to do for them. KNOW what the job entails, and let them know what you bring to the table with your past experience. Be prepared to talk about successes you've had in other jobs.

The more you say and practice, the less nervous you will come off.

Re: pay and benefits, no..an employer wouldn't look down on it. Its all just a matter of tact. How, and when and in what manner its brought up into the conversation is key.

You need to get a good idea of what the job pays, because you don't want to be expecting $50K and its paying $29K. Similarly, you don't want to say "I'll take $30K" when the job pays $35 to $39K. Like I mentioned before, its a dance :).

Please, if you have any more questions, I'll keep checking back in this thread and we'll all try to help you.

Reading up on the process is helpful. I refresh myself whenever I have to go on an interview.

[underpants]

6. VERY good advice-it is a two way street

research the company and ask them about themselves people LOVE talking about themselves.

[Nickster]

8. Check out their website and read up about their mission and customers.

Prepare questions or make a pointed comment about how interesting their field is referring to the details that you researched.

[datasuspect]

7. maintain indirect eye contact

occasionally drift to direct eye contact when making a point, but focus on their nose or chin primarily. consistency here is key.