Yet another job interview-- What not to say--

[AspenMama]

So, the university is still stringing me along. But, I've got another job interview coming up on Thursday with a Denver nonprofit. It has some connection to the Catholic church, but I'm hoping it is a minor one!
They help provide housing for low income folks.

Anyway, I don't want to flounder when they ask me my reasons for leaving my current job. I always worry that they will translate things in a negative way.

Real reasons for leaving:
1) Not enough money. Possible translation: I won't be satisfied with any salary.
2) Long commute. Possible Translation: I'm not organized enough to get up on time.
3) Overbearing boss. Possible Translation: I don't work well with others.
4) There's no room at my current position for advancement. Possible Translation: I'll never be satisfied with my position, or I'll be looking at your job in a month.

Things I typically say:

1) I'm very interested in the services you provide and would love to work for a well known organization like yours. So, when I saw the job opportunity, I applied.

2) I had many creative ideas but lacked the resources to implement them. Of course, I'll have to be prepared with many creative ideas...

Any pointers, anyone? Or other tough questions I should be thinking about?

[Goliath]

I know someone (we'll call him...Bill (not his real name)) who, in the 60's, applied at the Math department of a small college in Texas. Much of the interview went fine, until the part where Bill was being interviewed by the department chairman, who was a short, fat, Boss Hog kinda guy.

So, a few questions into this part of the interview, the chair pauses, looks at Bill sternly and says "You aren't of the Jewish persuasion, are ya, boy?--Not that there's anything wrong with that! Oh no. It's just that the department has a Baptist ice cream social on Sundays, and...well..someone of the Jewish persuasion probably wouldn't fit in."

:D

[AspenMama]

:eek: Oh my!

Well, I hope they don't ask me outright if I'm a Xian, 'cause I'd have to say no way, or if I have "xian values". urgh.

[seebs]

Long commute is reasonable. Everyone knows a long commute isn't just a matter of "getting up on time"; it's a huge amount of time lost to both you and your employer. I would avoid the "resources to implement them" thing, because that sounds like "I'll eat twice my salary in other expenses".

Good luck!

[godfry n. glad]

Long commute is reasonable. Everyone knows a long commute isn't just a matter of "getting up on time"; it's a huge amount of time lost to both you and your employer. I would avoid the "resources to implement them" thing, because that sounds like "I'll eat twice my salary in other expenses".

Good luck!

I agree with seebs, here. Wanting to reduce one's commute time also shows that you'd prefer to spend more time with family, when not at work, rather than on the roads.

I also think you can minimize the worries about more pay and advancement. Most folks, when changing jobs while still working a job are trying to improve pay, improve hours, improve working conditions or expand future opportunities.

I'd stray away from the "bad boss" and make it a bit more "generic" if you actually intend to use it. More of "personality differences" and/or "i'm not the best fit for their current management style".

I'd think that inadequate pay for your needs, a long commute and a desire to expand one's future opportunities would all be acceptable. Remember, many of those who interview you have been in your place before, too.

Good luck...and I've still got my toes crossed for UD.

godfry

[AspenMama]

Thanks-- I'll keep that in mind. I overthink things too much at times.

BTY-- The University of Denver is DU. :D

[godfry n. glad]

BTY-- The University of Denver is DU. :D

NO...really? Is that because it's Denver University or they're just acronymically dyslexic? 'Cause otherwise, it's UDderly incomprehensible.

Also... Any sizeable employer who actually asks about your religious affiliation during a job interview is violating the EEOA. If asked questions like the one Goliath's friend was, a job prospect would have the option to sue.
So, the religious question should not come up...if it does, it's illegal (and, yes, there are some circumstances where the religious question would be appropriate...such as hiring a priest). I guess I'd say, if they ask it, you don't want to be there.

godfry

[Petra]

I have nothing to add to the great advice others have given you, AspenMama - I'm just in to wish you well in the interview. I hope you get it the job - best of luck to you!

[AspenMama]

Thanks much!

My son helped me pick out an interview suit on Sunday. We had a great day-- I bought him lunch and he was so patient while I tried on clothes. He picked out some things for me to try and even told the sales girl exactly what we had already on hold in back. :D

We stopped at a Starbucks and he had some strawberry cream drink and we discussed his long time love, Vivian. He said it was love at first sight. (He's 9-- they met at age 3). And, he explained that puppy love is what you have when you are too young to marry. :D

[freemonkey]

1) I'm very interested in the services you provide and would love to work for a well known organization like yours. So, when I saw the job opportunity, I applied.

I love this one. And I agree with what others have pointed out. I don't think anyone can't sympathize with a long commute, so don't be afraid to use it. I also think people are naturally drawn to positive people who want to improve their lives, so I wouldn't shy away from letting them know you're looking to advance your career and make a better living (to better care for your family). Another good one is about challenges, people seem to like people who are up for a challenge.

Good luck with the interview, I hope you get the job. :cheer:

[AspenMama]

It's today!!!

[Godless Dave]

Good luck!

[Petra]

Good luck!

Indeed!


Calm, cool, and collected. Positive and determined. You'll get it, I'm sure. :yup:


Break a leg, AspenMama!

[livius drusus]

:crossed: :crossed:

[Goliath]

:crossed: :crossed:

[viscousmemories]

Good luck, AM. :yup:

[AspenMama]

Wow. I feel like it went really well. The woman knew a lot of the same folks I did in the nonprofit biz here and I felt comfortable with her. I floundered a bit on the question, "What do you need to improve about yourself?" I ended up saying that I'd like to take more continuing education courses and to learn the fundraising software program.

It's on the 10th floor of a nice downtown office building with a Peaberry's coffee shop on the first level. :D

Even happier news: there were no religious questions and no bloody Jesus's on a Cross in the lobby. :eek:

She said she'd call me tomorrow or Monday at the latest for the second round. There's only 6 of us being interviewed this first round. Not bad odds. I meet and exceed all of their job requirements. I was especially motivated after getting yelled at first thing this morning by our Deputy Director for having asked her a question in front of volunteers-and not a bizzare question. She's one of these folks that when you try to explain yourself, she talks over you and you're reduced to nodding your head okay just to get through it....

[viscousmemories]

Excellent news, Aspen. Congratulations. :yup:

[Dingfod]

Good deal. Sounds like a better place to be working.

[livius drusus]

I really hope you get this job, Aspen. It sounds like a much more pleasant and productive environment for you. :)

[AspenMama]

Thanks!

[Godless Dave]

"What do you need to improve about yourself?"

"I need to learn how to give better answers to stupid questions."

[godfry n. glad]

"What do you need to improve about yourself?"

"I need to learn how to give better answers to stupid questions."


:roflmao:

Ain't that the truth?

godfry

[Corwin]

"What do you need to improve about yourself?"

"I need to learn how to give better answers to stupid questions."

Gack I hate this one too. I just had an interview on wednesday and a variant on this one had me agonizing over the answer.

[AspenMama]

:D

Ring phone Ring! :cellphon:

[AspenMama]

A call back.

Interview #2 on Tuesday morning, 10:30 a.m. Rocky Mountain Time. :D

What are some second interview questions???

[godfry n. glad]

A call back.

Interview #2 on Tuesday morning, 10:30 a.m. Rocky Mountain Time. :D

What are some second interview questions???

Yeeeeeee-HAAAAA! Congrats!

Uh... second interview?... Gee, I dunno. I've never had a second interview. Either I was hired on the strength of my only interview, or I got a mimeographed/photocopied form letter in the mail stating that some other, "more qualified", applicant had been hired.

Could it be, "Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the following:...?"

Watch out for the "Would you please file this in that bottom drawer?" :wink:

godfry

[godfry n. glad]

Hey.... If you're really lucky, you'll get two job offers the same day and you can pick and choose. :crossed:

godfry

[JoeP]

Second interview! Yay!

Second interview questions can pretty much be anything they didn't get to ask the first time round. In disorganised cases (like me, ahem, when I've had to be the interviewer), second interviews are just like first interviews but with different people who didn't trust the first interviewer.

Otherwise, it's a chance for you to ask more in-depth questions about the job (both for your own information and to show how right you are for it!), and for them to size you up compared to other candidates. If they ask odd-seeming questions it doesn't necessarily mean they're worried about that topic in you, they could be trying to differentiate you from someone else. SInce you don't know who else they're seeing all you can do is be true to yourself.

They may want to hear more about your experience, but I don't think you need to say anything more about why you want to leave your current job - focus on the new job and how interested in it you are!

Oh, and good luck!

[AspenMama]

Well that last one didn't offer me a position. I got an email rejection-- pretty standard rejection other than the form of email over a hard copy-- they found a candidate that better met their needs--

Funny thing is, I saw the same organization with a new job description up just a few days later. Same job, new required skills. I had thought to write to say I was still interested, but I was a bit turned off at that point.

Last Friday I had yet another interview with another nonprofit. A bit better pay and still in the 'hood. But a very nice bunch of folks. I'm waiting to hear if I make round two on this one. It is an agency that serves troubled teens-- teaches them how to run a business and keeps them in school.

[godfry n. glad]

Hmmm....

That last one wasn't the university, was it? Didja ever hear back from them? The holiday season has come and gone, 'less they're focused on MLKJr Day.

Keep pluggin'. Check back with the earlier ones, particularly in other jobs that might be available at potential employers which impressed you (i.e., the university). The university I work for is huge (approx. 10,000 employees on three campuses), so there are lots of variety of jobs, although most of them tend to be research or health care oriented. Also, check other institutions of higher learning and/or educational programs....Waldorf Schools and Montessori programs.

Damn. I'm glad I'm not looking for a job.

I'm even more glad I'm not in a job that motivates me to look for an alternative.

Best,

godfry n. glad

[AspenMama]

I haven't received any replies from my intereviews at the university. The last one that rejected me was with a nonprofit that helps provide housing for low income folks. I'll keep plugging. I'm tired of bosses who like to yell at me. Wish I could just quit. But, I've got two little 'sponsibilities.

[AspenMama]

Well, I'm down to me and one other candidate for this second round at the teen agency....

I'm having a really bad day here at work. I hope this is it.

[livius drusus]

I'm keeping my digits crossed even tighter than before, Aspen. :crossed: :crossed:

[AspenMama]

Thanks much! All your well-wishes really do help.

[wildernesse]

Hope things go well!

[AspenMama]

Here's the bizarre thing-- twice in a row now--with two different companies-- I've made second rounds of interviews only to be rejected and see them post new job descriptions for the same position a few days later. I don't know if it's me-- I make decent first impressions and then suck at second interviews or there's something wrong with my references-- or the rest of the world is crazed!! :glare:

Well on to the next thing. I've applied for a job with the Colorado ACLU.
http://www.aclu-co.org/

And there's a ton more I need to just get out there. If anyone is interested in a Colorado nonprofit job, here's a great site: http://www.canpo.org/resources_jobs.cfm

On another note-- I'm feeling particularly sorry for myself. I've had a bad head cold all week and don't have time to coddle myself with two small kids to take care of... and that uses up my poor me allowance for the week...

I've decided to join a local Toastmasters club to improve my public speaking skills. I've been thinking of a new career/consulting business combining curriculum writing with in house corporate training. I could make up-- I mean research, write and create a presentation on "tolerance" or some other new thing and offer my services for a fee. Seems like a fairly easy and inexpensive start up business to try.

[beyelzu]

Here's the bizarre thing-- twice in a row now--with two different companies-- I've made second rounds of interviews only to be rejected and see them post new job descriptions for the same position a few days later. I don't know if it's me-- I make decent first impressions and then suck at second interviews or there's something wrong with my references-- or the rest of the world is crazed!! :glare:

Well on to the next thing. I've applied for a job with the Colorado ACLU.
http://www.aclu-co.org/

And there's a ton more I need to just get out there. If anyone is interested in a Colorado nonprofit job, here's a great site: http://www.canpo.org/resources_jobs.cfm

On another note-- I'm feeling particularly sorry for myself. I've had a bad head cold all week and don't have time to coddle myself with two small kids to take care of... and that uses up my poor me allowance for the week...

I've decided to join a local Toastmasters club to improve my public speaking skills. I've been thinking of a new career/consulting business combining curriculum writing with in house corporate training. I could make up-- I mean research, write and create a presentation on "tolerance" or some other new thing and offer my services for a fee. Seems like a fairly easy and inexpensive start up business to try.
you might want to call around to the places you have worked before as if you were someone else checking references and see what they say. If you have bullshit cunt bosses who like to yell for no fucking reason they may not be above giving you a bad reference.

good luck btw.

sorry I wasnt around to give you support previously.

[godfry n. glad]

:glare:

It shouldn't be "poor me" for you, but for them. They've passed over a true gem and they don't know their ass from a hole in the ground.

I'm not the person to talk to about entrepeneurial efforts; I suck at it.

godfry

[AspenMama]

you might want to call around to the places you have worked before as if you were someone else checking references and see what they say. If you have bullshit cunt bosses who like to yell for no fucking reason they may not be above giving you a bad reference.

good luck btw.

sorry I wasnt around to give you support previously.

I'll have a friend call my references-- they'd all know my voice. That's a good idea. Er at least a couple that I'm iffy about anyway. I had to fight one former boss for benefits they owed me. He deducted money from my check to put in my retirement account-- the money never made it.

[AspenMama]

:glare:

It shouldn't be "poor me" for you, but for them. They've passed over a true gem and they don't know their ass from a hole in the ground.


You're so sweet! ;) Thanks.

[AspenMama]

:nail: :curlers: Here we go again. Tomorrow I'm interviewing with the American Lung Association. Time to really "put on the dog". Half this job is doing presentations so I'm thinking they want pretty as much as anything. I felt like smacking my boyfriend for suggesting I wear more make-up. I usually keep it pretty minimal. But maybe he's right this one time.

[pescifish]

This time for sure! :2thumbsup:

[Crumb]

Kick ass, AspenMama.

[Petra]

Yeah! :yes!: Show 'em who's boss, Aspen Mama. Very best of luck to you! :crossed:

[godfry n. glad]

Kick ass, AspenMama.

:kickingass:

As in "kick some sense into 'em". You go girl!

[Dingfod]

Kick the boyfriend's ass and wow the interviewers sans excess makeup, not necessarily in that order.

[godfry n. glad]

Kick the boyfriend's ass and wow the interviewers sans excess makeup, not necessarily in that order.

Actually, I'm with warn on this. I think very lightly but tastefully done is best. Look fresh and honest. Be as much of who you are as you can under the stress. Smart, not tart.

Best o'luck to you.

godfry n. glad

[livius drusus]

Eyes or lips, not both. I vote lips since public speaking is a big part of the job. Congratulations, Aspen, and good luck. :crossed:

[AspenMama]

Thanks all! Now I've got to pick my suit. A tasteful black suit with jacket and pants, or a black skirt paired with a crepe like fabric and colorful top? I'll do my makeup like normal with maybe a bit of extra lip. :flirt:

The kiddos stayed at my ex's last night and I had a French manicure and watched TV and did whatever I felt like. So I'm all relaxed today. Yes I am...

I'll report back later....

[LadyShea]

I wear my black pants suit with a colorful top, so combine those..

RE: Changing the job description after you've interviewed

I have seen this happen as well. It seems they interview people, then realize their original job description didn't fit what they actually needed and/or the person they really want or need is too expensive.


It is also possible they are just stupid. When I was still my husband's secretary, the CEO had hired this pencil pushin' middle management type (who was also his drinking buddy) to be VP and help set up procedures and such since we were a start up. Pencil pushing middle managers do not know how to create and implement procedures and such, they only know how to follow them. So, when it was decided we would open our own customer service department, he advertised for technical type people (because the system baffled him. We were a voicemail company and he came in asking me and Frankie if we could get voicemail on our phones :giggle: ). Anyhoo, he hired the totally wrong people to be on the phones with customers. He bought crap computers (cuz he didn't ask Frankie for advice), and he didn't have a CLUE how to actually create the depratment.

Needless to say I ended up taking over the project from the moron.

[AspenMama]

Well it was interesting. I wore the black suit and a smooth white tank. I couldn't wear the colorful top because the suit isn't exactly black-- it has a subtle stripe throughout and some stitching-- solid colors look best with it. Regarding the makeup-- I put too much on and hated it. I ended up rubbing some of it off because I like my freckles after all. :)

The guy who interviewed me talked mostly about himself and the job he planned to do. He asked me just one question, "What can you tell me that is not on your resume?" I found out that the CEO and several staff were recently canned so there's a new crew. I also found out that they are in debt and the salary would still suck for me. But the good things are that it is much closer to home-- it would cut my commute time by about 2/3 and I believe this guy does indeed know his job and could raise enough money to get this organization out of debt. Also, there's some potential for me to gain experience in a different area of fundraising that would be beneficial to me if I stay in this field. Finally, if I get an offer I can get the hell away from my current boss.

Sigh, LadyShea-- I hate working with incompetent nuts. Last Tuesday culminated over a year and a half of planning in a special event that lasted until midnight. I spent the evening putting out fires between our volunteers and our idiotic management. But other than that it was successful and I will get no credit for it. The next day I was expected to show up at my usual time.

[godfry n. glad]

Well it was interesting. I wore the black suit and a smooth white tank. I couldn't wear the colorful top because the suit isn't exactly black-- it has a subtle stripe throughout and some stitching-- solid colors look best with it. Regarding the makeup-- I put too much on and hated it. I ended up rubbing some of it off because I like my freckles after all. :)

:mememe: Yes!

The guy who interviewed me talked mostly about himself and the job he planned to do. He asked me just one question, "What can you tell me that is not on your resume?" I found out that the CEO and several staff were recently canned so there's a new crew. I also found out that they are in debt and the salary would still suck for me. But the good things are that it is much closer to home-- it would cut my commute time by about 2/3 and I believe this guy does indeed know his job and could raise enough money to get this organization out of debt. Also, there's some potential for me to gain experience in a different area of fundraising that would be beneficial to me if I stay in this field. Finally, if I get an offer I can get the hell away from my current boss.

Hmmm... Could be good, could be bad. The bad side I'd expect is that nobody is willing to take responsibility and it gets tossed around, resulting in conflicting directives and the "too many chiefs and not enough braves" syndrome. If it's good clear and incisive leadership, then it might be worth it to get in right after the shakeup and help rebuild. Lots of "ifs".

Sigh, LadyShea-- I hate working with incompetent nuts. Last Tuesday culminated over a year and a half of planning in a special event that lasted until midnight. I spent the evening putting out fires between our volunteers and our idiotic management. But other than that it was successful and I will get no credit for it. The next day I was expected to show up at my usual time.

Welcome to the world of private non-profits. Visionaries abound. But take my word, I've done the sole propriator, the worker-owned coop, the small local private non-profit, the struggling new small business...they all have their problems with leadership styles. The worst I heard of (other than the Post Office, that is) was a small art glass company at which my wife worked. It was owned by an unmarried couple who cohabited. He was a sweetheart and the original founder, she we called the "Red Queen", as her favorite phrase tended to be the economic equivalent of "Off with their head!" She fired at least one employee (out of a pool of about 60) every pay period. Weird. I still have a stash of art glass and a bead making setup in the basement. Glass and flammable gas.... Let's get dangerous!

The trick is finding a place where your immediate superior is sane and capable of remaining that way because he/she seems to enjoy dealing with the other morons at/above her/his authority level.

With that...I hope the best for you, so I hope you find one.

godfry

[livius drusus]

Hmm... I wonder if it means anything that the interviewer didn't actually interview you but mainly spoke about the company. My first reaction is that they want you and need to justify the shit salary so you won't run out the door. :chin:

I really hope this works out for you, Aspen. Still keeping my :crossed:.

[AspenMama]

I was sort of hoping the same thing Liv. But, they are interviewing 6 people. He talked about some strategic planning they are having on Friday and how he had hoped to have someone in place by then to participate. I jumped in with "make me an offer today, I'll be here on Friday" because they are looking for assertive. He laughed.

godfry-- yeah there's really no way to tell about management until I'm in the thick of things. Actions count louder....etc....

[AspenMama]

I've got an interview today at 10am with a mental health organization. Low pay but incredible benefits including an on-site health club.
http://www.aumhc.org/benefits.htm

I received a handwritten rejection note from the American Lung Association. I impressed him a great deal and he wants to "bounce some other opportunities off of me". If I'm so impressive, why not just give me the job I applied for? Oh well-- it wasn't that great an opportunity anyway.

[livius drusus]

Wow. Those are jaw-droppingly good bennies. Good luck, Aspen. :crossed:

[godfry n. glad]

You go girl! :flex:

[Crumb]

:cheer: Go, AM, Go! :cheer:

[Petra]

Best of Luck, Aspen Mama!

Third time lucky - you're in with a grin, and my fingers are crossed for you, Bella. :yup:


:crossed:

[AspenMama]

Well, it went all right. On the way out, he asked me if I'd be available within the next few days for a second interview.

But, in a way, I hope they don't offer me the job. The salary tops out below what I need to make, and it is not exactly the kind of job I want. If they offer me the position I worry that I'll put myself in the same situation I was just in, albeit better benefits.

[AspenMama]

Ah it's becoming a trend. They posted a new job description at the nonprofit website where I look for jobs.

Sigh. But I had an excellent phone interview this week with Washington Mutual for a brand new position they are creating.

[AspenMama]

Okay-- two more interviews next week. A live one with Washington Mutual and another one with a rape crisis center for a grantwriter position.

[Gurdur]

:crossed: :crossed: :crossed: :crossed: :crossed: :crossed:

[Dingfod]

Good luck, AspenMama.

[godfry n. glad]

:vibes:

[viscousmemories]

Good luck, AM. :)

[livius drusus]

:clover:, Aspen. Incidentally, I think it's really impressive that you get so many interviews. It says a lot about the quality your resume and all the hard work you've put into the hunt.

[AspenMama]

Thanks! They're both next Wednesday-- I'll let you guys know how it goes down--

This is sort of turning into my live journal for job hunting...

Thanks Liv-- that's a positive way of thinking about things. I've been applying to a ton of jobs-- about 15 so far this week.

I haven't received any unemployment checks yet but I am eligible-- I've done all the paperwork and must wait it out now. Thank goodness I just got a huge tax refund to cover a couple of months here.

[AspenMama]

Post interview report: They both went well. I'm qualified for both and I feel that they both liked me well enough. No weird questions.

The first interview may come close to my desired salary with benefits and bonuses, has room for advancement and is closer to home.

The second job is a low salary with no retirement benefits and sucky health insurance that I'd have to deduct 200+ from my monthly salary for. :(

So, we'll see.

Bizzare twist-- my former boss called to ask if I'd come to talk to him about comptuers. He thinks, wrongly, that I'm some sort of expert. I said yes simply because I need a semi-decent reference from him right now. Weird.

[viscousmemories]

Glad to hear they went well. Hopefully you'll get the first :crossed:, but the second would be better than nothing until another opportunity comes up, eh?

[Petra]

I so hope the perfect job comes up for you soon, AM. Fingers and toes are crossed for you.

Best of luck!


(And yeah, your old boss calling is well strange - hope he's not up to something dodgy, like exploiting your situation for his...er..."personal" gain, if you know what I mean).


Stay strong, Bella! Something wonderful will come through for you soon. :yup:

[Godless Dave]

Bizzare twist-- my former boss called to ask if I'd come to talk to him about comptuers. He thinks, wrongly, that I'm some sort of expert. I said yes simply because I need a semi-decent reference from him right now. Weird.

Since you're not a computer expert, I think the ethical thing to do is charge him no more than $50/hour for computer-related consulting. Two hour minimum.

[livius drusus]

That first job sounds ideal, Aspen. I really hope you snag it. Meanwhile, when you meet with your ex-boss, just babble somberly using techy sounding buzz words. He'll be profoundly grateful for your input.

[AspenMama]

Glad to hear they went well. Hopefully you'll get the first :crossed:, but the second would be better than nothing until another opportunity comes up, eh?
Actually I don't think it would-- sigh. I think I would turn it down and keep my fingers crossed or at least tell them up front that I need to make a certain amount, and want to work from home 2 days a week. :D

(And yeah, your old boss calling is well strange - hope he's not up to something dodgy, like exploiting your situation for his...er..."personal" gain, if you know what I mean).
I don't really trust him. It is very strange.

Since you're not a computer expert, I think the ethical thing to do is charge him no more than $50/hour for computer-related consulting. Two hour minimum.
You are a smart man!! Thanks!!1 :yup:

That first job sounds ideal, Aspen. I really hope you snag it. Meanwhile, when you meet with your ex-boss, just babble somberly using techy sounding buzz words. He'll be profoundly grateful for your input.
That's a good plan. He certainly would not know the difference. All I know is how to work MSWord, Excel, Powerpoint-- emails, internet research-- how to figure out a couple of things here and there. As far as programming, I know zilch. He's an older conservative guy who is not with the times.


And again-- thanks all so much for your helpful words!

[AspenMama]

Wow. My old boss offered me my old job back. Said he made a mistake and after having gone through my former office, he realized that I had indeed been working due to the number of folders and well, work that he found done there. Sigh. Same boss, same salary, same commute.

I talked to my interviewer from interview #1 this afternoon and mentioned I had another offer on the table.

[viscousmemories]

Wow, what an asshole. I hope you get the other job, AspenMama :1thumbup:, but if not at least the old one is better than nothing?

[livius drusus]

I'm stunned. Why did he feed you that computer question line? Why not just ask you up front? And what the fuck made him think you'd be inclined to return after finding out in this manner that he canned you because he thought you weren't working? What a total nimrod. :bull:

[godfry n. glad]

If he wears a tie, it's probably to keep the foreskin from covering his face.

[AspenMama]

:D Godfry you are funny---


He did have a computer question-- he didn't know how to file an online report to a foundation. Took two seconds to walk to my old office, grab the file and the relevant information.

The thought of going back there makes me feel ill. I don't want to accept it. But I detest having to rely on my family to help with the bills.

[freemonkey]

I say raise an eyebrow at your old boss that says "you're not serious, are you?" and tell him you'll need a week or more to decide. If he's not a total ass, maybe he'll come up with some more money or a telecommute option for you, or something better than you had.

[godfry n. glad]

I say raise an eyebrow at your old boss that says "you're not serious, are you?" and tell him you'll need a week or more to decide. If he's not a total ass, maybe he'll come up with some more money or a telecommute option for you, or something better than you had.

Hmmm... I'd say that if you really need it and are not totally squigged out about him, then tell him that you'd consider returning IF you were paid all the back pay you were denied because you were laid off (pointing out that he has as much as admitted that it was a "wrongful termination") and that you be provided a pay raise sufficient to support your family and any future problems with your work performance be discussed with you and you be given the opportunity respond to spurious claims or rectify the situation.

Don't go back to being abused. Go back with your head held high and keep looking for other situations.

[freemonkey]

Woo! Right on, godfry!

[viscousmemories]

Don't go back to being abused. Go back with your head held high and keep looking for other situations.
I dunno. In this job market I'd say go back to being abused with your head held high, and keep looking for other situations while you're collecting a paycheck. :)

[beyelzu]

:D Godfry you are funny---


He did have a computer question-- he didn't know how to file an online report to a foundation. Took two seconds to walk to my old office, grab the file and the relevant information.

The thought of going back there makes me feel ill. I don't want to accept it. But I detest having to rely on my family to help with the bills.
yeah, but if the cocksucker asked you back he realizes the need and/or the extra expense and inconvenience of getting someone to replace you.

shoot for some concessions like others have mentioned, at the very least go for more pay.

[Godless Dave]

Hold out for one of these other jobs, at least for another week.

If nothing else you could temp while you look for a job in your field. Except that job hunting while working full time sucks.

[TomJoe]

Bizzare twist-- my former boss called to ask if I'd come to talk to him about comptuers. He thinks, wrongly, that I'm some sort of expert. I said yes simply because I need a semi-decent reference from him right now. Weird.

Next time he does this ... charge him a consultation fee.

[Sauron]

Post interview report: They both went well. I'm qualified for both and I feel that they both liked me well enough. No weird questions.

The first interview may come close to my desired salary with benefits and bonuses, has room for advancement and is closer to home.

The second job is a low salary with no retirement benefits and sucky health insurance that I'd have to deduct 200+ from my monthly salary for. :(

So, we'll see.

Bizzare twist-- my former boss called to ask if I'd come to talk to him about comptuers. He thinks, wrongly, that I'm some sort of expert. I said yes simply because I need a semi-decent reference from him right now. Weird.

Just FYI - I worked for Washington Mutual for about 1 1/2 years after first getting out of the Navy. They're an OK company.

[Dingfod]

Bizzare twist-- my former boss called to ask if I'd come to talk to him about comptuers. He thinks, wrongly, that I'm some sort of expert. I said yes simply because I need a semi-decent reference from him right now. Weird.

Next time he does this ... charge him a consultation fee.That's what I should've done to my former employers. They called me to find out how to do something, where something was, or how to fix the spreadsheet I built, for years afterward. Good old Warren always helps. Sap.

[AspenMama]

Okay well-- I received the offer from the job I wanted. But the salary sucks. However, all the benefits and the location will help make up for that. There's room for advancement too.

I called my old boss and told him I had another offer. He said "Okay, thanks for getting back to me." I said, "Thanks for offering me another opportunity." And that was that. No negotiating. Nothing.

I took the other job. I start a week from Monday. I'm happy about everything except the low salary. I've decided however to do some piece work for local non-profits since I won't have any exclusivity agreements now. Back to work we go, HI HO.

[livius drusus]

Yay! You're employed! Even with the low salary it's clearly a much, much better deal for you. Do you think piece work will make up the difference for now or will it just be a useful supplement?

Meanwhile, :cincin:.

[AspenMama]

Yay! You're employed! Even with the low salary it's clearly a much, much better deal for you. Do you think piece work will make up the difference for now or will it just be a useful supplement?
That could be a goal of mine! But I don't know if I could do enough to make up for everything.

Meanwhile, :cincin:.

:friday: :barrel: :coconut: Tonight I'm meeting with some local infidels-- I'll have another reason to celebarate then!

[freemonkey]

Great news, I'm glad its working out for you and you didn't have to go back to work for that dick.

When you say piecework, do you mean freelance writing of proposals?

Have you considered freelancing grant proposal writing in the arts, or other fields, for that matter? Is each substantially different from each other and specialized?

I'm thinking that maybe you could make better money building a business for yourself.

[Petra]

:victory: :cheer:

I'm so happy something concrete has come to you, AM! Hopefully, you'll be able to negotiate a better salary in 6 months time. :D


I'm pleased you didn't have to go back to your old boss, either - what a wanker!


:winner: :cincin:

[viscousmemories]

I think it's awesome that you don't have to go back to work for that asshole, AM.

Congrats!! :) :bundance:

[godfry n. glad]

Yay! You're employed! Even with the low salary it's clearly a much, much better deal for you. Do you think piece work will make up the difference for now or will it just be a useful supplement?
That could be a goal of mine! But I don't know if I could do enough to make up for everything.

Meanwhile, :cincin:.

:friday: :barrel: :coconut: Tonight I'm meeting with some local infidels-- I'll have another reason to celebarate then!

Eat, drink and be merry, for soon you go back to work.

Keep your bait in the water and your eye on the pole. Bigger fish may nibble.

[AspenMama]

When you say piecework, do you mean freelance writing of proposals?
Yes. Researching, writing and compiling the correct materials to submit to foundations.

Have you considered freelancing grant proposal writing in the arts, or other fields, for that matter? Is each substantially different from each other and specialized?
I've been writing for community based agencies which provide local services like vision care and childcare. But I doubt the other fields are much different.

I'm thinking that maybe you could make better money building a business for yourself.
I could try. The problem is, many grassroots nonprofits who may be interested in piece work do not want to pay a grantwriter until after the money comes in-- that's not acceptable to me. There's a lot of work that goes into every grant that is submitted-- whether or not the foundation actually funds the agency. And, it is considered unethical by my professional association to accept percentage payments, (a percent of the funded grant that is).

[AspenMama]

Eat, drink and be merry, for soon you go back to work.

Oh I did.... oh my aching head and tummy.

[pescifish]

Next time drinks lots of water before you go to sleep... ;)

[wildernesse]

Congrats, AspenMama! (Belatedly!)