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So today I went for an interview for a job that I REALLY want in the field I've been looking to get a job in for a while now. It's with a company that provides consulting to financial services companies. The position is basically responsible for collecting, analyzing and processing voluminous amounts of data and files from the firm's clients in order for the consultant team to perform data analytics. This involves a number of different tools including Excel and database work with legal database software. Was super nervous all morning but then once I got there I calmed down a bit since I knew you have to be confident for a job interview. I've had a fair share of interviews by now (am 4 years out of college and this would be my 3rd job) so I think I've improved quite a bit and corrected my earlier mistakes (mainly nervous body language and not advocating for myself to the fullest extent - i.e. holding back a bit due to lack of confidence). I spent last night after work preparing for several different common questions and the questions I would ask etc. I've also learned by now that even if you don't get asked the questions you prepared for, the process of thinking about your experience and how to communicate it, specific examples of different situations and your strengths etc, will definitely help you to answer the questions you do get asked. So, I went into the interview feeling reasonably prepared.
So, at 11:30 I left my work and drove from Baltimore to DC for the 1:00 interview (yes I would be commuting from Baltimore to DC for this job, at least until my lease is up). It turned out to be the type of interview where they don't ask particularly probing or challenging questions for the purpose of making it a really in-depth and "sizing up" interview. This was the type where they already really like the experience on your resume and basically just want to meet you and explain the job to you. This was also how I got my first job and it's my favorite kind of interview because it's easy lol.
I immediately connected well on a personal level with the interviewer (who would be my supervisor); we just have similar personalities I feel. He even remarked several times throughout the interview that my experience was perfect for the job, he had a good feeling about me, and "you're just the kind of bright eyed person I'm looking for". They even had requested a standardized test score as part of the application, and it turns out this guy is an LSAT instructor and really liked my LSAT score. So it was just a great scenario where the stars aligned with my interviewer, which is great because job interviews are a crapshoot to a large extent I feel.
I then met with the guy who is the supervisor of the first interviewer. He was a pretty laid back guy and went into some more specifics about the job, and asked what questions I had etc. Not sure if I made quite as good of an impression on this guy, but I got the feeling (or hope) the guy who would be my supervisor is the main decision maker here.
So, they said I'd hear back on their decision within a week or two. I think I will be quite disappointed if I don't get it given what the interviewer's compliments and how great the job is. The starting salary is actually relatively low for this field (but certainly enough money for me), but there's tremendous growth and learning potential. The interviewer said that after a year of training in this position, my "value to the marketplace would double". This is a very high responsibility and "hands dirty" position. So yeah....super anxious to hear the decision!!
  
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Best of luck. Relieve some anxiety by playing starcraft 
(yes I really read it all in a minute)
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17070 Posts
Good luck! Interviews are always scary (although I actually liked (doesn't meant I did well LOL) every job interview I did).
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United States24785 Posts
My experience is you should take interviewers saying things like "this is going well" or "you are what we are looking for" with a grain of salt. Not that it means you won't get a job, just that it doesn't mean you are a shoe in either.
The fact that the other guy said your "value to the marketplace would double" seems strange... either there is stuff about the job that isn't that appealing or he's trying to think of something to positive to say despite the fact that for whatever reason he isn't seriously considering you.... hopefully I'm wrong lol
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On August 23 2012 13:33 micronesia wrote:
My experience is you should take interviewers saying things like "this is going well" or "you are what we are looking for" with a grain of salt. Not that it means you won't get a job, just that it doesn't mean you are a shoe in either.
The fact that the other guy said your "value to the marketplace would double" seems strange... either there is stuff about the job that isn't that appealing or he's trying to think of something to positive to say despite the fact that for whatever reason he isn't seriously considering you.... hopefully I'm wrong lol
Yes it certainly isn't a shoe-in as they are obviously interviewing other candidates. As for that quote it was just him explaining how good of a learning and growth opportunity it is. It's the process of starting from a clean slate in an entry level position. He basically was thoroughly explaining and "advertising" the position which certainly is part of the purpose of any interview.
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On the other spectrum, if they give you problems and you feel like you're stumped, don't take it as a sign that you're screwed. It may not happen as much as, say, tech companies (i.e. you're asked incredibly difficult questions which they don't expect to solve, in order to gauge how you think and how you approach problems), but don't get too hung up if you feel like you're not owning. Though of course you have experience, so just good luck! :D
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This feeling when you know you answered all questions right in the exam but you still worried about the outcome. The job is yours man, good luck!
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TLADT24920 Posts
Sounds like you did a great job. Just try to relax, no point in worrying about the results now. Good luck!
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On August 23 2012 13:37 Doodsmack wrote:Show nested quote +On August 23 2012 13:33 micronesia wrote:
My experience is you should take interviewers saying things like "this is going well" or "you are what we are looking for" with a grain of salt. Not that it means you won't get a job, just that it doesn't mean you are a shoe in either.
The fact that the other guy said your "value to the marketplace would double" seems strange... either there is stuff about the job that isn't that appealing or he's trying to think of something to positive to say despite the fact that for whatever reason he isn't seriously considering you.... hopefully I'm wrong lol Yes it certainly isn't a shoe-in as they are obviously interviewing other candidates. As for that quote it was just him explaining how good of a learning and growth opportunity it is. It's the process of starting from a clean slate in an entry level position. He basically was thoroughly explaining and "advertising" the position which certainly is part of the purpose of any interview.
Good luck! Oh, and this was your 1337 post
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From my experience. Every time I thought I did bad, I got the job and every time I thought I did well, I got rejected. xD
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Well, haven't heard back now after 2 weeks and some follow-ups. Today I searched online to see if they re-listed it or anything, and I found a similar posting from two days ago where they're now looking for 3-5 years of specific experience (before it was an entry-level career change type of thing). So I think the lesson to be learned here is that you really never know what will come of an interview. In this case, my best guess is that they just re-evaluated what type of personnel they need. It's a very competitive job market out there :/.
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Don't give up yet. Even if you don't get it you can thank God that you won't be running the I-495 guantlet 5x a week.
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Today I actually got a response email saying they are still interviewing and haven't selected anyone yet. But then she also said "I'll keep your resume for other opportunities as well, follow up with me in a week." Seems like mixed messages, almost a hint that I'm not likely to get it, but at the same time if I've been ruled out why wouldn't she just tell me? If they're still interviewing they must have gotten a TON of applications.
I think the lesson here is that the only words that matter out of an HR person's mouth are "we'd like to offer you the job." It's really best to detach yourself emotionally after an interview, but that's tough when it's a dream job AND your current job is one you hate.
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Well they called me back for a second interview, which was today. I met with 3 other people who I would work with and things seemed to go well. Before I met with those three, the guy who interviewed me last time said "everything's going to be fine, they just want to know that you're likeable". Soooo that has to be a good sign lol. Still might have to wait 2-3 weeks to hear...fingers crossed!
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TLADT24920 Posts
Nice, sounds good so far, gl.
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On September 20 2012 07:06 Doodsmack wrote:
Well they called me back for a second interview, which was today. I met with 3 other people who I would work with and things seemed to go well. Before I met with those three, the guy who interviewed me last time said "everything's going to be fine, they just want to know that you're likeable". Soooo that has to be a good sign lol. Still might have to wait 2-3 weeks to hear...fingers crossed!
Sigh I am going to hate when I have to do this after college. Interviews suck and well be so stressful T_T. Good luck to you! Sounds like you are going to get it.
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On August 23 2012 13:33 micronesia wrote:
My experience is you should take interviewers saying things like "this is going well" or "you are what we are looking for" with a grain of salt. Not that it means you won't get a job, just that it doesn't mean you are a shoe in either.
The fact that the other guy said your "value to the marketplace would double" seems strange... either there is stuff about the job that isn't that appealing or he's trying to think of something to positive to say despite the fact that for whatever reason he isn't seriously considering you.... hopefully I'm wrong lol
LOL... that's actually pretty true. I'm a supervisor at my job. Sometimes my subordinate starts conversations with me and I will usually say "That's great" or "that's really nice", but my brain is thinking: "This person is boring me... please go away unless you have something useful to say."
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EPT
