LOL. When you said "Thank you NOTE" in your other post I was picturing a Thank you-type e-card or something like that LOL. I think it is fine that you send a follow up thank-you email. And just to reassure you more, I knew I had off today from work all last week but just out of routine, told a hospital on Friday that I would do the discharge for a client today. The SWer there actually reminded me that today was a holiday, so people do make that mistake out of the routine of work.

Don't expect that people will call back when they say they will.

I was sitting on pins and needles when I was trying to get an admin position somewhere. They told me they needed to make the decision asap and would contact me by the next day... a week passed. Turns out I interviewed during the busiest time of year. I didn't get the job but I was waiting for them to contact me so I could either a) give my two weeks or b) start looking for something else. (I had my heart set on the job btw.)

If the interviewer seemed friendly, drop a line following up. Kind of like a follow up of a follow up. If you were one of the few people interviewing they SHOULD give you a letter or something saying yeah or nah.

I ALWAYS recommend not giving up looking elsewhere. The economy sucks right now and the job market is flooded so even if you are thinking "Hey, I got the job", you may not. I think this is a good rule of thumb even if you are really happy where you are. I am comfortable, and tolerating my job right now, but know it's not forever, so when I see something that looks like it may be a good opportunity, I send my resume anyways. Plus, my boss always tells me stories about how someone will be a horrible interview, that he would never offer a job to, or if not that extreme, 'just not a good match' and one of the questions he asks is "What would you say if you got offered this position" and 9/10 they always say "Yes", with extreme confidence that this is the place they are going to be at forever now. He also told me that he is required to interview a certain amount of potential employees each month to satisfy the powers that be even though he knows that they are not the "right match" for our team. It sucks, I know. I just wish that people were more honest with me about how hard it is to find a job. I still feel that our current college system doesn't prepare new grads for the realities out there when it comes to finding work........

Never stop looking, period. If a better offer comes along you should seriously consider taking it. Most of the companies out here today would do the same to you if something better came along. You have to watch out for you....

Wise words. I actually had a program director from another program in our agency speak to me the other day. She said that she already had interviewed someone and was planning to offer her the position but if I would consider coming over (based on a random recommendation from my former supervisor who she ran into that day) the offer to me was good as done. I had to say no though because the salary was too low. But until you get that call, and in many cases, something in writing, the deal is never sealed. Again, best of luck to everyone who is trying to find a good job.

Ha ha, no. Sorry, I wasn't even thinking it would come across that way. It was a VERY busy weekend for them this weekend. She had asked me to come in sooner, but unfortunately she called right as I was about to head out the door to 2 12-hour work shifts and couldn't come down until Friday. The office was an absolute MESS. I felt REALLY good when I left... She kept saying things like, "your computer and office will be in there" and stuff like that, which I've never had happen in an interview before. Plus, she said out of 70 applicants they only interviewed a few, and they were about to hire someone when they saw my resume' come across and she said she HAD to interview me before they made a decision. It could all be smoke blowing you-know-where, but like my dad said, "Second out of 70 is not a bad place to be." Anyway, I have two more 12-hour shifts the next couple of days, so it'll at least keep my mind off of it if they don't call. I'm a HORRIBLE interviewer... I have everything pictured in my mind perfectly that I want to say, and then I just clam up and get nervous. I always want to just say, "Listen, I know I'm not a good interviewer but I'll kick some serious butt if you just give me this position."

Well, just got the call and I didn't get the job. Somebody shoot me now...

So, apparently the problem is not my resume', it's my interview. I give up!

If I were you I would ask every interviewer for feedback and try and find out what it is you are doing wrong.

-Rudey

well if you know that you don't interview well then that's quite obviously what you're doing wrong and what you really need to work on

I'm sorry to hear that. While I feel everyone can always stand to improve on their interview skills, that may not be it totally. While it may be slightly different in other fields, I've been around my business long enough to know that in most instances, Directors have in mind exactly who they want to fill certain positions. This could be best for both parties involved in the long run. It takes time, I know, but I am sure the right fit for you will come along soon. My boss has interviewed people he thought were super but knew down the road for whatever reason THEY wouldn't be happy at the position they were interviewing for. It could be a blessing in disguise. Good luck as you continue with your job search!!!

As someone on the other side of the table (I am the one doing the interviewing now!), I am learning that hiring is an extremely subjective process. The person's qualifications get them in the door, and their personality and how well they fit in with the culture of the place and their prospective boss are what sells them-- and gets them the job.

If you are not strong at interviewing, take a look at the Rush forum. A lot of the potential questions to ask and answer at a recruitment event are eerily similiar to what you will hear in a job interview. So practice some questions you might be asked and how you might answer. Also, read Ron Fry's 101 Best Interview Questions. Great book.

Being nervous is ok-- it is ok to admit to being nervous-- but you need to project confidence and friendliness. Ask the interviewer about themselves and how they came to work at XYZ. Find a common bond.

I know a lot of times when I am reviewing resumes, I'll see someone I have a common link with and I'll call them in for an interview based on that--- I know if they followed a similiar career track, were in a GLO, did similiar community service, etc., as me, we would probably work well together because we shared some commonalities.

Case in point: I interviewed a young man recently-- great resume and recommendations. He came for his interiview well-dressed, work samples, etc. But he was very meek and quiet. And he seemed incredibly nervous. He mumbled his answers to my questions and didn't have any questions for me about the job.

I was looking for someone outgoing and bubbly-- he might be well-qualified, but ultimately wouldn't be happy at our place because the people who work here are fairly extroverted (not all, but everyone is very sociable and outgoing to a good exent) and the guy just didn't come off as someone who would fit with the company culture or my department. I am sure he will be successful at another firm, but I wouldn't be doing my company or him any favors by selecting the wrong match.

It helps when you are looking for a job to write up a list of your ideal working conditions-- location, the type of work, benefits, salary, the people, the attributes you want in a boss or co-workers, etc.

Remember, when you are invited to an interview, it is very important that you interview them, too! Yes, they may hire you and pay you a salary, but you don't just want a job post-college-- you want a career with people and a place you enjoy coming to!

adpiucf ---- kudos!!! that was an AWESOME post!!!

The blind leading the blind is a beautiful thing.

-Rudey

Isn't it, though?

yeah, until stairs are involved, you sick, sick bastard.