The first organization I mentioned getting an interview with said I made it to the final top 3, but they went with someone with many years more experience. Although now they've had another very related job come open, so I may have a shot there.

The second company I mentioned doing an interview with (over the phone) have now asked me to come for an in person interview tomorrow with the COO/co-owner. I've got my fingers cross about this one, because its in RTP so I wouldn't have to move or even have a bad commute really if I get it.

I'm starting to get my hopes up that I'll make a smooth transition from grad school to employment without any downtime in between. I was honestly expecting at least a 3 month delay just because of the job market situation, and because that is about what I had between undergrad and full time employment. But this time I started the job search 6 months before graduating instead of about 1 month like I did after undergrad so I think that's helping.

4/24/2011 4:41:00 PM

Quote :

"said I made it to the final top 3"

yeah i heard that before, only i knew some of the other people applying, apparently like 5 of us made the top 3

4/24/2011 11:40:00 PM

Joining the ranks of everyone in this thread. The hunt begins!

4/25/2011 8:28:30 AM

Today's interview went really well. But there is yet another level. I think that makes it 4 levels.

First, picking my resume out of those who applied.

Second, they selected me for a phone interview with the HR manager.

Third, being picked for an in person interview by the co-owner/COO (this is the interview that happened today).

Fourth, is an interview that includes the other owner/CEO, and a few of the vice presidents.

Only after that will there be a hiring decision made. I feel like I'm doing well and getting close though. I had a really positive conversation with the HR manager and COO, especially with the COO, I feel that I really connected with her, and I got the official tour of the place.

[Edited on April 25, 2011 at 1:15 PM. Reason : .]

4/25/2011 1:14:32 PM

that the typical interview process for the professional jobs ive seen

4/26/2011 8:29:22 AM

Quote :

"Joining the ranks of everyone in this thread. The hunt begins continues!"

4/27/2011 11:04:03 AM

Just scheduled yet another interview for another organization for next week.

4/28/2011 3:47:11 PM

Ok have an interview tomorrow. I am making two reference list. one with and without current supervisors.

I'd like to give only the one without current supervisors. It will still have 2 close colleagues who I work with.

I already scanned and submitted my past two performance review to the company.

What is the best way to go about saying I'd really not like you to contact my present supervisor until I am in the final round or being hired....

I am currently employed and in a contract till aug which i will break. but my current work does not know this and expecting for me to stay till the end.

Sorry if the above was all scattered. At the office right now.

4/28/2011 4:41:45 PM

^ "May we contact your present employer?"

"No."



honestly your current supervisors should not be on the list if you're concerned about that

4/28/2011 5:39:40 PM

that's why I am creating two.

How do people react when you tell them no. I don't want them to think I am hiding something.

4/28/2011 6:06:55 PM

Mine had a yes/no checkbox next to the question so I simply checked no, but listed several references from my current company which they could contact.

4/28/2011 7:16:48 PM

I've only been in this situation once, but the HR people for my current employer fully understood why I didn't want them contacting anyone from my (at the time current) previous job. I was lucky in that our Electrical Engineering department head had recently left the company, so I could use him. Other than that, I just listed someone from State and the president of my local service group. I think they usually just want to check on your work ethic, personality, character, things like that instead of technical proficiency and the like. I was offered right after they had a 5 minute conversation with one of my references and confirmed that I didn't eat people.

4/29/2011 11:05:39 AM

Quote :

"How do people react when you tell them no. I don't want them to think I am hiding something."

trust me, it's not odd that people leave their jobs and don't want their current employer to know



just handle your reasoning tactfully in the interview and it'll be fine

4/29/2011 11:14:57 AM

I think most hiring people realize that a good portion of applicants are currently working elsewhere and would not want their current boss to know they are looking for another job. They may not hire you and dont wanna get you fired from your current job as well in the process.

4/29/2011 11:16:46 AM

Interview went really really well...but don't want to get the hopes up.

He did say he was concerned about me and being alone for the most part. just b/c the other staff travel. I didn't want to say well that's perfect b/c i am so overwhelmed with client issues. so what should I say....

Second, ok for the phone interview I sent a very nice lovely follow up thank you e-mail.
for this one should I 1. send a nice hand written one (by snail mail) . 2. send another thank you e-mail to both of the people I interviewed with. 3. Overkill.....

Help. and thanks. xoxo

4/29/2011 6:48:14 PM

^Congrats on the interview going well! Gl!

And a hand written card never hurts, it shows some effort and thought went into it, rather than just piling on to a busy person's already full e-mail inbox.

[Edited on April 29, 2011 at 6:54 PM. Reason : .]

4/29/2011 6:53:41 PM

I applied for a job yesterday. Today I get an email from them saying, "FYI, you're over qualified and we can't pay you enough." At least they told me rather than never hearing from them

4/29/2011 7:04:05 PM

ok and what should it say the last e-mail said this:

I want to quickly thank you for conducting a phone interview with me yesterday for the _____ position at __________ to speak with you and learning more about the position and ____ programs.

The phone interview only invigorated my passion for the position and interest in working for you, _, and the rest of the ___. I believe my education and professional experiences, _____ fit nicely with the job requirements, and I'm certain I could make a substantial contribution to the ___ if hired.

To strengthen my application I have attached my past two employee reviews conducted by my direct supervisor. I will preface the reviews in stating that my supervisor has is not one to give any straight top marks to anyone, but the reviews can still attest to my accomplishments. I would also be more than happy to provide current work references if selected in the final rounds for candidacy.

I would like to reiterate my strong interest in the position and working for the causes of _____. You provide the kind of opportunity that I have been seeking for. I would love to have the opportunity to get to meet you in person and discuss my application in more detail. Please feel free to call me at the telephone number listed below if I can provide you with any additional information.

Again, thank you so much for the phone interview and have a Blessed rest of Holy week and a Happy Easter.

I do not want to over kill it here basically.

4/29/2011 7:10:36 PM

Seems like over kill for a thank you note

4/29/2011 7:50:43 PM

Seems like over kill for a thank you note

4/29/2011 7:58:12 PM

^^^ I'm guessing you are twenty bajillion percent sure they are Christian

4/29/2011 8:43:46 PM

Screams desperate, and a little crazy. You need to at least pretend like you aren't sitting by the phone 24-7 waiting for a callback. This probably varies greatly by field so if you feel comfortable with it, it is probably fine.

4/29/2011 9:44:22 PM

Well I followed the templates so ya I also wanted to give them my last two reviews because i didn't want to give my supervisor as a reference since I still work there.

4/29/2011 10:24:27 PM

I've never given a current supervisor as a reference and it hasn't stopped companies from offering me jobs. They understand that they probably wouldn't be contacting your current supervisor.

I suggest holding off on sending the reviews until after an in person interview. That way when they're calling to check references they have all that stuff right there so they can make one overall comparison/review.

PS - I also have never thanked someone for a phone interview. But always after an in person interview. Again it hasn't prevented me from getting offers.

Good luck!

4/29/2011 11:07:21 PM

Quote :

"have a Blessed rest of Holy week and a Happy Easter. "

WTF

4/30/2011 1:31:59 AM

Quote :

"Again, thank you so much for the phone interview and have a Blessed rest of Holy week and a Happy Easter."

DO NOT PUT THIS IN YOUR THANK YOU NOTE


ARE YOU INSANE

4/30/2011 2:06:07 PM

^oh gosh wow - did you at least enjoy your holy week?

[Edited on April 30, 2011 at 2:12 PM. Reason : ]

4/30/2011 2:11:39 PM

you do NOT say things like that in today's workplace. Nothing wrong with having that belief, but if you're trying to get a job you absolutely DO NOT say anything that could be remotely construed as preachy. You have no idea what religion - if any - that person is a part of, and the risk of offense is not even remotely worth it.

4/30/2011 2:38:26 PM

Glad I'm not the only one that was a bit by that. If it's a job at a church or something it totally makes sense, but a secular institution it could work against you.

4/30/2011 3:05:55 PM

you got an in-person interview after that email?



[Edited on April 30, 2011 at 7:11 PM. Reason : ]

4/30/2011 7:11:09 PM

So how do you people get these job interviews to begin with?

Is it word of mouth or are there job postings for your current field or... what?

5/1/2011 2:54:14 PM

then again, if her potential employer is trying to increases the diversity in the workplace...?

5/1/2011 3:07:34 PM

I would reject that thank you note shit on grounds of willy nilly capitalization

5/1/2011 3:15:52 PM

I agree with everybody else on the thank you note. Just keep it short and to the point. Just keep the religious stuff out.

5/1/2011 6:42:12 PM

I need to get a job in a tech field....I don't want to go back to retail again.

5/3/2011 1:13:27 AM

Interview Tuesday. Pretty nervous about it. There is a position open and friends passed my resume along. This may be my only chance for a while to get a real job. Hopefully I'll have good news to report.

5/3/2011 4:29:46 PM

ahaha. love the comments position is for a specific religious organization. that is all i will say for now...


waiting is killing me. have not send out thank you yet...thinking of it still. if i do i send it tomorrow...

5/3/2011 4:46:28 PM

given that you referenced holy week, im going to say it's catholic. in which case, no, to 'happy easter'. should have said 'I hope you had a holy easter' or something. i believe thats the correct celebratory term

5/3/2011 5:25:54 PM

we say Happy not Holy Easter.

and draft of what I would send:

Dear ______________&_______________

I just wanted to quickly take a moment to say how lovely it was meeting the both of you and learning more about the position with your organization.
Your enthusiasm for your work and the mission of the organization really confirms why I was drawn to apply in the first place.

Dunno how to close......

-Crystal

[Edited on May 3, 2011 at 5:41 PM. Reason : sweet and simple while still showing effort.. ]

5/3/2011 5:38:28 PM

yes, im sure communications from the holy see, are all "happy easter guise", formality and informatlity are two different things.

5/3/2011 6:13:24 PM

Should've been like, "I hope my resume has risen... to the top of your list."

5/3/2011 6:16:37 PM

^ and haha.....Ok.................JUST GOT this E-mail...

Dear Crystal,

Thank you for coming in last week for an interview. As a next step in the process I would like you to meet my colleagues in a short telephone interview,_______ and _______. Our other colleague, ______ is out of the country so unfortunately it won’t be possible to include him at this time.



I have asked _______ to call you to set up a convenient time for you both.



Thank you again. It was a pleasure to meet you.

-Person

OK so during the last interview at the end they told me exactly what the last steps were for getting hired if they chose you...This was one of them as well as references and some paper work... but i don't know what this means. They also said they were finishing up interviews this week and I was expecting to hear something like thurs/friday or mid next week...thoughts!? hyped but scared.


Also these colleagues are not based in San Diego so this is why we are doing a phone interview. My in person interview was with the Regional Director so the top guy for the west.

[Edited on May 3, 2011 at 6:50 PM. Reason : f]

5/3/2011 6:25:25 PM

dont get too high off of it. they may have two people narrowed down and may be looking for another opinion on two balanced candidates. or, it may just be a formality... "this is my pick, any objections?"

i think you're playing it well.

5/3/2011 7:30:03 PM

ya the way I see it I made at least top 2. so that's good....

5/3/2011 10:50:56 PM

ok need some input well I have that followup mini interview today...I just got an e-mail from my current boss saying he'd like to talk today or tomorrow about options for after my contract...either way i feel like i am going to be put in an awkward situation. I wanted to have this type of meeting post everything.

[Edited on May 5, 2011 at 1:24 PM. Reason : (this who potential of breaking my contract with 3 months left is killing me)]

5/5/2011 1:22:43 PM

What input do you need? Do you like your current job? Just go for the best possible job/pay. What's so difficult about that? You don't even know if you have the second job yet.

5/5/2011 1:29:44 PM

no more like do i tell my current boss i have started looking for work, i fell like if i don't and something does work out that still awkward. basically in awkward situations i try to avoid and run away from problems.

5/5/2011 1:36:36 PM

I wouldn't say anything unless you want to stay with your current company and leverage for a settled job and/or increase in pay.

If you do say something, make sure it's along the lines of, "I know my contract will be up soon, so I have been looking for other employment. But I do enjoy working here, so I would like to hear what you have in mind for future opportunities here."

5/5/2011 1:39:35 PM

Did another interview this morning and it went well so I expect I'll be getting the second interview with them in about a week or so. Got a final exam this evening as well (that I should be studying for now). Big day.

5/5/2011 1:46:48 PM

This^^, especially the second part

5/5/2011 2:52:49 PM