my_interview

[korygrandy]

I had an interview today with a reputable company doing fairly similar work to what I do now. I had read in this company's press release that they were opening up a huge technology center in another state. The group I would be working with as well as the software developers is all currently staffed at the corporate office here. I'm wondering if I should have brought this up in the interview that I recognize there is some reorginization going on and how it may affect the jobs at corporate.

After interviewing, there wasn't really a doubt in my mind this group would be around for a while as they have full intentions of hiring 2 more folks with similar experience to me and this is an expanding department.

Is this something I should be concerned about? I just want other people's opions. I didn't feel it was an appropriate question and therefore didn't ask.

On a second subject I liked the gal that would be my manager. We have similar career growth experiences and it was obvious she was really excited about where her software testin group was going. I think the job would be a great fit for the company and myself and hope to see an offer letter.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: my_interview

I'd think that if there was any immediate plans to have that job moved outstate or eliminated, that they'd have notified you during the interview.
Hiring new employees is expensive, and it'd be in their best interests to be totally transparent on things like that. Of course, that assumes the company is keeping their employees informed of those type of plans.

I also don't think it's an unreasonable question to ask in an interview.
If someone asked me that it'd tell me I had someone who was capable of thinking and looking forward- good qualities. It also shows you are aware of the company and their press releases- shows interest in a prospective employer. Another good quality in a job applicant.

Sounds like you may be in the IT world, and there are a lot of companies, including mine, outsourcing development and other work to India. Not at all a red flag to be curious about he long term vision for your position, department, and company.

 

[roscoe]

Re: my_interview

It may be around for a while, or may be gone next quarter.
Partnering, outsourcing, buyouts, new ceo's, all happen down the road whenever fate will have them.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: my_interview

You always want that first face to face interview to go well. To really make a good impression when the interviewer is a woman is when she extends her hand as males do for a handshake . ........snap your heels together and bow at the waist and take her hand..Then bend as to kiss her hand but instead a little quick flickering lick to several of her fingers.........Now that's the way to make an impression.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: my_interview

thefairlaneman: I've never extended a greeting this way and if I did, I would not be "being myself". It may make a first impression, but I'm not sure it would be a positive one.

roscoe: You make a good point. I think this is another reason why I shouldn't be worried about it.

Now I send a thank you and wait for an offer letter. I will give my current employer a chance to match but my guess is they will not be able to meet the same salary expectations.

It's always a bit scary switching jobs, and especially in a fragile economy like we have today but I'm confident this would be a positive move for me.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: my_interview

Just funnin. One thing you should do is rehearse talking in detail about some topics that may appear in the interview. Then with the confidence of knowing your material you can concentrate on being relaxed and candid which is important.

 

[bandit86]

Re: my_interview

if you want to do something and seriously consider it, dont ever be afraid to do it. If you dont do it you will have nothing but regrets. Could have, should have.

Life is about learning and improving. If everyone was afraid of taking a chance the world would still be flat.

I changed jobs left right and center in my choosen career. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes not. One of my friends early when I started said "the grass is not greaner on the other side so you might as well make the most money doing what you do".

I'm 34 and thinking about changing careers entirely. I'm good at what I do, I cold do it the rest of my life but I could be better or worse at somethign else, I wont know untill I tried it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: my_interview

One thing that I learned the hard way, is to be ready for questions like, "What is your goal (or are your goals) of working at PHI?" That one had me STUMPED. I mean, besides making money, what the hell is your goal? I came up with some stuff in case I was asked again, generic stuff that could be used at any job.

That might have cost me the interview, I mean I really bombed that question.

 

[stic88]

Re: my_interview

one of the best questions to ask in an interview is "when do i start". this may sound a little cocky but i have asked that question a couple of times and have been told that it is what got me the job. the job i have now there were more qualified applicants but that question showed the interviewer that i was serious about taking on the venture.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: my_interview

I told her outright I was excited about the oppurtunity and am interested in the position. I've been in a few interviews lately so I know what to expect and this was a very informal interview. Plus we were discussing something I love to do so it's easy to talk about it.

 

[korygrandy]

UPDATE: my_interview

UPDATE: my_interview

Well I was called back for a second interview so I will take that as a good sign. I'm hoping to learn a little bit more about what I would be doing for them beyond what I've already heard and the initial job description.

This is supposed to be a 2hour interview with some sr members of the team. I will play it by ear and if it feels appropriate to ask about the new office opening out of state...I will ask.


I'm not too sure what to expect this time. Wish me luck!

 

[aspeck]

Re: my_interview

Good luck!

 

[stic88]

Re: my_interview

a friend of mine went to his fourth interview for a position at the same co. he works for. he walked in and didnt even sit down. he just told them either give me the position or not. the next day they called him into the office and told him to clean out his truck. he got the job

 

[emoney]

Re: my_interview

A couple of things here; a)whatever your gut is telling you about the move thing is usually right.

b)never lose sight of the fact that those that are interviewing you are no more
comfortable at the process than the person being interviewed. This 2nd
meeting you have coming up especially. These folks you've said are more than
likely SR team members so "interviewing" is not necessarily their strength.
So, knowing that, be as honest and candid as you can. Sometimes we go to
such great lengths of impressing, that we mask our true selves and I can assure
you, the people in front of you can probably tell. If that's the case, then they're
left wondering what the "real you" is all about. Now, that doesn't mean to
start farting and burping as soon as you sit down, but know that these people
are no different than you are and are just trying to find the right person for
their team than is capable and willing to do a good job. Good luck!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: my_interview

Most people don't think this way, but a job search is a two way street. You are interviewing them as well and the agreement to take on a job is a two way committment.

It is very appropriate to discuss company viability during this process. I work in IT and do my fair share of interviwing candidates. I really do not care for candidates that I can tell are working hard at giving me the answeres they think I want to hear. It is not uncommon for applicants to do whatever it is to get the offer and then to decide if it right for them. To me that is backwards as the candidate needs the interview opportunity to get a feel for the fit for them not just the other way around.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: my_interview

rogerwa what you say makes perfect sense and that was my approach. I don't have to leave my current job, but I wanted to get the information I needed to see if it would be worth it for me to leave one good job for a better job. I was able to get the questions answered that I had and now have a clear picture of what I would be responsible for.

These guys were asking me "stereotypical" questions like how do I handle criticism, what are my weaknesses, have I worked on multiple projects at the same time, etc etc. I tried to paint a clear picture of what I currenty am responsible for and my current skills that may or may not relate to this position.

It's up to them to determine if they think I am a good candidate, and it's up to me to decide if this is a good oppurtunity for myself. Like you said a two way street.

I think the second interview went well and I hope to hear back soon!

On a side-note I met my competition which was awkward. It wasn't the intent but either the interviewee was early or the person scheduled 2 interviews at the same time. I could tell the interviewee was caught off-guard by it.