Update on Job Situation

[jinksd1]

I don't know if anyone remembers me posting months back about my position as an administrative assistant being eliminated and me having to take a job as a restaurant server in the meantime.  The jobs in my line of work have been scarce and very difficult to get for a long while, but I finally managed to land one this week.  I'll be the front desk receptionist at a dental office, and I will also probably be doing a little chairside assisting at times.  It's only part-time, but it gets my foot back in the door.  I was afraid I'd be out of my field for much longer and then have an even harder time finding a job.  I'm going to keep my server job for now and just work less hours at it while also working this new job.

One of my tasks on my first day of work was to call all of the other people who interviewed for the job and tell them they didn't get it (very weird!).  Yes, the doctor handed me their applications, resumes, cover letters, and his notes to himself about each applicant, including a letter "grade" he assigned to each (A+, A-, etc.).  There were about 8-9 of them.  I glanced over each quickly while making the calls, without being obvious about it.  Every applicant had some version of an A for a "grade", so I know it was a close thing that I got this job.  Additionally, some of them had many more years in the field and frankly looked to be more qualified.  Some of them asked for pay that was a little higher than mine, but most were close to my stated range and others put "negotiable".  A few had notes that pointed to possible reasons he didn't choose them (one "talks fast...will finish your sentence for you", another moved every four years with her military husband, etc.).  Others had no clear indication as to why they didn't get the job, and like I said, they all had an A+, A, or A-.  I assume since I got the job that I probably had an A+, but I wasn't the only one.  Anyway, I have to admit that I'm pretty thrilled to have had such a rare glimpse into my real competition.  And of course, I'm pretty proud of beating them all.

The job looks to be right up my alley, though of course it's too early to tell a lot so far.  I was already catching on to their dental software in the first hour or so.  There's a lot of room for improving processes and organization, once I get settled in. 

A big bonus for me is that I get to wear scrubs, or as I like to think of them, work jammies! I already bought three sets.

[Shooby]

Congrats! It is interesting to take glimpse and see how you came across on the interview. So, bank that info and learn from it and if you have to go out again, you have some good tips on what interviewers look for.
As for the grading process and comments, it also gives YOU a glimpse into how your employer's mind works. And, I don't know if this type of grading is typical or not, but it would point that he has a process as well. And, it seems he is looking for someone efficient, organize and very professional which is you. And, "talks fast, finishes sentences" would indicate he does not like to be interrupted. Or the "military husband/moving", to me indicates I would tend to keep my private life very private not ever give any whiff of looking for another job or to move.

[raeoflyte]

Congrats!

Sent from my ADR6410LVW using proboards

[jinksd1]

Rukh, nothing really happened.  I went in and he had me fill out a standard job application, and it asked for desired wage.  I wanted $10/hr., but I chickened out and put $9-11 as a range.  I wanted the job more than I wanted a certain wage, because I really need more experience in the field to move forward.  He never brought it up at all, but on my first day, he told me he was paying me $10.  So it all worked out perfectly, but my worry about the conversation was for nothing!

[jinksd1]

I agree with your points, Shooby.  It does tell me some things about him, too.  His notes and "grades" were the most interesting parts to me.  I wish I could have studied them more, but I didn't want to be caught and thought a snoop.  Although, surely he knew I'd be curious when he handed it to me. 

[Jake 48]

[justme]

Jan 25, 2014 19:26:33 GMT -5 jinksd1 said:

Rukh, nothing really happened.  I went in and he had me fill out a standard job application, and it asked for desired wage.  I wanted $10/hr., but I chickened out and put $9-11 as a range.  I wanted the job more than I wanted a certain wage, because I really need more experience in the field to move forward.  He never brought it up at all, but on my first day, he told me he was paying me $10.  So it all worked out perfectly, but my worry about the conversation was for nothing!

Glad it worked out! That's like when I started my current job, and first one out of school. I was going to ask for more because I had an MBA and one year internship experience and the position was straight entry, no experience required beyond a BS degree. When my now boss offered me the job he had already upped the salary 12.5% because of my MBA. So I just said ok, it was around what I would ask for (though, looking back I'm not sure I would have asked for a specific number - I needed out of my parents house after 9mths of no school/job and I was going to accept either way cuz I could have survived on the smaller number!)