The Job Hunt Thread

[Lizard Queen]

Jan 26, 2016 9:09:13 GMT -5 milee said:

Jan 26, 2016 9:08:17 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

Oh yeah. There was a story about that recently on npr. Let me see if I can find it...

Let me guess - you can't type because you're laughing too hard, right?

No, it's been several weeks, at least, but I remember the story and even told my DH about it. (Ex-psych major here--I dig this kind of stuff.) There was a book involved, I believe. Maybe it'd be easier to find that.

[TheHaitian]

Jan 26, 2016 8:58:54 GMT -5 geenamercile said:

Ummm how long was it suppose to take you, that you got there that early.  3 hours? Yea and just chill for a bit and relax. 

It is supposed to take me 45 minutes but have you ever been on the Mass Pike during rush hour?

1 hour trip (actually did in 55 minutes last night) to UMASS Boston or Boston Logan takes me a little over 2 hours during rush hour.

So I wanted to make sure I would be on time and left about 2 hours early in case of accidents / rush hour traffic etc.

[TheHaitian]

Jan 26, 2016 9:03:18 GMT -5 milee said:

Jan 26, 2016 8:58:48 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Thank you, going to watch it now again and I shared it with my wife!

OK, don't laugh too hard but...

I read a study about how assuming certain "power" poses can have a measurable effect on how confident you are.  It started as a joke, but my sailing crew and I have been standing in the "Superman" type pose - chest forward, posture tall, hands on hips - for a few minutes before heading out to the race course. OK, you can laugh now, we do. Anyway, we've been kicking some serious ass lately so the pose doesn't hurt.

You've got time, practice some power poses. But maybe in the bathroom in case someone from the company you're about to interview with happens to be in Starbucks with you.

Lol I did laugh but I get it

[Lizard Queen]

I found a couple things, but couldn't find the more recent story I heard on NPR:


www.amazon.com/Presence-Bringing-Boldest-Biggest-Challenges/dp/0316256579/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453818014&sr=8-1&keywords=power+poses


www.npr.org/2013/12/13/248198314/does-body-language-shape-who-you-are

If nothing else, it'll help you relax. 

[TheHaitian]

9:30... Ok to go in?

[Pants]

That study couldn't be replicated. Not that it can't make you feel good, but the hormonal effects they claimed didn't occur. That said, having good posture and confidence never hurt anyone!!

[Pants]

Jan 26, 2016 9:31:45 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

9:30... Ok to go in?

Nope. 10 min prior.

[taz157]

What time is the interview? If 10, then I would say go in at 9:45.

[milee]

Jan 26, 2016 9:31:45 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

9:30... Ok to go in?

No idea because I don't know when your interview is. Don't show up more than 10 minutes early.

[Abby Normal]

Jan 25, 2016 18:08:41 GMT -5 milee said:

Jan 25, 2016 14:36:43 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

Me-  The owners here have been trying to sell for the last 18 months, with no luck.  They've decided to liquidate and we are expected to stop operations mid February.  No one knows by myself, the CEO, and the owners.  Really hard because they just don't want to run it anymore.  Good company, good reputation, making money and just coming into our busy season- and they are liquidating.

Wow, that is weird. Did they not get any offers at all or what? It's very odd to have a profitable company and have no buyers. What's the scoop?

There are a lot of companies that do what we do, but they aren't big enough to buy us. Had 2 big companies that were interstellar but didn't have enough capital. I suspect that one of them will come in and by the site and equipment for a song. But that might be a while.

[milee]

Jan 26, 2016 9:33:00 GMT -5 Pants said:

That study couldn't be replicated. Not that it can't make you feel good, but the hormonal effects they claimed didn't occur. That said, having good posture and confidence never hurt anyone!!

  I think with my sailing crew, it's more of a funny bonding thing. Helps us redirect focus from being anxious and builds teamwork.

[Lizard Queen]

Jan 26, 2016 9:33:00 GMT -5 Pants said:

That study couldn't be replicated. Not that it can't make you feel good, but the hormonal effects they claimed didn't occur. That said, having good posture and confidence never hurt anyone!!

Yeah, don't remember about any claims on hormonal effects.  Didn't read the book or anything, but the 2 poses they described in the story I heard would open up your chest and put your shoulders back, which helps you to breathe better, have better balance, and look better.  There is also a bit of a relationship I noticed to yoga poses--back bends being invigorating.

[Lizard Queen]

Jan 26, 2016 9:36:17 GMT -5 milee said:

Jan 26, 2016 9:33:00 GMT -5 Pants said:

That study couldn't be replicated. Not that it can't make you feel good, but the hormonal effects they claimed didn't occur. That said, having good posture and confidence never hurt anyone!!

  I think with my sailing crew, it's more of a funny bonding thing. Helps us redirect focus from being anxious and builds teamwork.

Never underestimate the power of a little silliness! 

[garion2003]

Here's another link to more about Ann Cuddy and her work:

hbswk.hbs.edu/item/power-posing-fake-it-until-you-make-it

[andi9899]

I have an interview today and tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

[Abby Normal]

Jan 26, 2016 10:27:12 GMT -5 @tbird said:

Jan 25, 2016 19:28:21 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

No chance at all.  Been looking for about 18 months.  But there is only a handful of companies that would even have the capital to buy it. I was hoping to win powerball, but no luck there.

So they are selling off the inventory to Evil Corp and will be closing the doors. But it will have a long tail end, while we close everything out.  It's feasible that I'd have a job all the way through 2016- perhaps longer-just because of my position. 

I do have a sick sense of satisfaction that they have failed to listen to me on the implications of doing things this way.  It's going to cost the owners way more than they think it will.  Especially in taxes.  CEO and I were laughing about it last week. CEO told me the owners think I (and the others they need) will stay out of loyalty.  Ummm- no.  

any chance o you and the CEO and maybe a few others working out a contract sale with the owner?

If you have all the key people to run the business, and it is profitable as is, is might be something worthwhile to look into.

Since you were considering it with the powerball - 

If I had won powerball jackpot, I totally would have bought the company.  But I don't have 50 million just lying around, and even with CEO I don't think anyone is going to loan us that. We did look at an employee owned option, but still couldn't make it work.  

[Abby Normal]

Good luck Carl and Andi!

[ArchietheDragon]

Jan 26, 2016 11:22:16 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

Jan 26, 2016 10:27:12 GMT -5 @tbird said:

any chance o you and the CEO and maybe a few others working out a contract sale with the owner?

If you have all the key people to run the business, and it is profitable as is, is might be something worthwhile to look into.

Since you were considering it with the powerball - 

If I had won powerball jackpot, I totally would have bought the company.  But I don't have 50 million just lying around, and even with CEO I don't think anyone is going to loan us that. We did look at an employee owned option, but still couldn't make it work.  

That sucks.   As with many family owned businesses, the value is with the owner, not necessarily the business.  Most owners overvalue the worth of their business and most buyers realize that once the previous owners are out of the picture the business turns to shit. 

[Abby Normal]

Jan 26, 2016 11:25:56 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Jan 26, 2016 11:22:16 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

If I had won powerball jackpot, I totally would have bought the company.  But I don't have 50 million just lying around, and even with CEO I don't think anyone is going to loan us that. We did look at an employee owned option, but still couldn't make it work.  

That sucks.   As with many family owned businesses, the value is with the owner, not necessarily the business.  Most owners overvalue the worth of their business and most buyers realize that once the previous owners are out of the picture the business turns to shit. 

Actually- we've done well DESPITE the owners- not because of them.  Would have closed a long time ago had we not hired our CEO when we did. 

[ArchietheDragon]

Jan 26, 2016 11:31:01 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

Jan 26, 2016 11:25:56 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

That sucks.   As with many family owned businesses, the value is with the owner, not necessarily the business.  Most owners overvalue the worth of their business and most buyers realize that once the previous owners are out of the picture the business turns to shit. 

Actually- we've done well DESPITE the owners- not because of them.  Would have closed a long time ago had we not hired our CEO when we did. 

Unfortunately the facts don't bear that out. 

[Jaguar]

Good Luck to everyone doing job interviews.

[TheHaitian]

Interviewed went ok I think. It lasted 45 minutes...

They will not make a decision till next week and will let me know then. They had 4 external candidates and some internal candidates.

A few questions I stumbled on:
- would their VP of merchandising remember me?
----> I wanted to answer : HOW the fuck am I supposed to know? He was the merchandising GOD to me while I was a simple assistant co-manager; he had a more lasting effect on me than I probably had on him.
----> instead I said: I would hope so and I believe he should. I indirectly worked for him and also met him again a couple years ago.

So who knows? When they ask the guy next week he might say: I don't remember this fool!

Second: how much money would I need to jump ship!
----> again guys, this is what I make... What can you offer? It is the total overall package, not just that 1 number!
-----> I was polite and re-iterate that I tried to come up with a # but I couldn't because I have to take into consideration health care costs (really important to us), 401k match, stock options, bonus/performance incentive.

Last they tried to get information from me if my former company is for sale or not , if that was the reason I was looking to jump ship and I really did not care for that. I just stayed mum and smiled.

Besides that it was just another typical interview. Fingers crossed and praying!

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jan 26, 2016 8:57:50 GMT -5 moneymaven said:

You'll be great, Carl!

yep, you will.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jan 26, 2016 9:16:06 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

Jan 26, 2016 9:09:13 GMT -5 milee said:

Let me guess - you can't type because you're laughing too hard, right?

No, it's been several weeks, at least, but I remember the story and even told my DH about it. (Ex-psych major here--I dig this kind of stuff.) There was a book involved, I believe. Maybe it'd be easier to find that.

someone, Slate maybe?, ran a piece debunking that whole pose thing recently.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Last they tried to get information from me if my former company is for sale or not , if that was the reason I was looking to jump ship and I really did not care for that. I just stayed mum and smiled.

That might be the right answer.   DH has a ton of paperwork in his orientation file about what he can/cannot talk about regarding his employer.  Maybe they wanted to see if you would spill company information on a dime.

Who knows.

I hate interviewing b/c of random ass questions like that.  What am I supposed to say?  Is this a test to see how well I handle awkward conversations?

[ArchietheDragon]

Jan 26, 2016 11:44:51 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Interviewed went ok I think. It lasted 45 minutes...

They will not make a decision till next week and will let me know then. They had 4 external candidates and some internal candidates.

A few questions I stumbled on:
- would their VP of merchandising remember me?
----> I wanted to answer : HOW the fuck am I supposed to know? He was the merchandising GOD to me while I was a simple assistant co-manager; he had a more lasting effect on me than I probably had on him.
----> instead I said: I would hope so and I believe he should. I indirectly worked for him and also met him again a couple years ago.

So who knows? When they ask the guy next week he might say: I don't remember this fool!

IMHO the question is a way for them to ask about your accomplishments, without asking you "tell us about your accomplishments."


I think the answers should be something more like, "Of course he would remember me.  I was key to doing, this, this, this which directly affected the VP of merchandising. blah, blah, blah, I am great, blah, blah, blah."

They don't actually care if the you think the VP remembers you.   


They don't want to hear, "I am not sure.  I was just a no body who didn't do anything great which no one would have noticed anyway"

In an interview, take every opportunity and every question as a chance to tell all the great things you did and will do.   

(for next time, just in case)

[Wisconsin Beth]

Good luck andi!

[Abby Normal]

Jan 26, 2016 11:32:48 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Jan 26, 2016 11:31:01 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

Actually- we've done well DESPITE the owners- not because of them.  Would have closed a long time ago had we not hired our CEO when we did. 

Unfortunately the facts don't bear that out. 

It would if you knew the owners and the industry.  

[Lizard Queen]

Jan 26, 2016 11:47:49 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Jan 26, 2016 9:16:06 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

No, it's been several weeks, at least, but I remember the story and even told my DH about it. (Ex-psych major here--I dig this kind of stuff.) There was a book involved, I believe. Maybe it'd be easier to find that.

someone, Slate maybe?, ran a piece debunking that whole pose thing recently.

Eh, my whole take away was better posture = good.  If you've ever had an amazing yoga class, you might understand. I once had a 2 or 3 hr one that left me completely refreshed and energized.   I've never had that experience since.  Unfortunately, most yoga teachers just aren't that good.

[TheHaitian]

Jan 26, 2016 11:50:22 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Jan 26, 2016 11:44:51 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Interviewed went ok I think. It lasted 45 minutes...

They will not make a decision till next week and will let me know then. They had 4 external candidates and some internal candidates.

A few questions I stumbled on:
- would their VP of merchandising remember me?
----> I wanted to answer : HOW the fuck am I supposed to know? He was the merchandising GOD to me while I was a simple assistant co-manager; he had a more lasting effect on me than I probably had on him.
----> instead I said: I would hope so and I believe he should. I indirectly worked for him and also met him again a couple years ago.

So who knows? When they ask the guy next week he might say: I don't remember this fool!

IMHO the question is a way for them to ask about your accomplishments, without asking you "tell us about your accomplishments."


I think the answers should be something more like, "Of course he would remember me.  I was key to doing, this, this, this which directly affected the VP of merchandising. blah, blah, blah, I am great, blah, blah, blah."

They don't actually care if the you think the VP remembers you.   


They don't want to hear, "I am not sure.  I was just a no body who didn't do anything great which no one would have noticed anyway"

In an interview, take every opportunity and every question as a chance to tell all the great things you did and will do.   

(for next time, just in case)

The reason I did not go that way was I was concerned that there is a chance they will actually ask the guy if he knows me.

So cannot sell myself on how the guy would remember me when he might not. Hey X, we are trying to decide to hire this guy and he said he knows you. Any input?

While the decision ultimately is up to the DM and VP of operations, they might ask the guy for his input since he used to be a CEO before that.

But yeah I see your point! I just did not want to say how awesome I was only to be made a liar when the guy goes: no memory of him at all.

Heck I have met the chairman of my company more than 20 times, and every time he meets me it is like the first time he is meeting me all over again. So I was thinking of that when I answered....

*fingers crossed that did not jeopardize my chances*