job-hunting 2.1 or, what I learned from this interview

April 26th, 2007

My interview today was with a company located 40 miles away from my parents’ house. Thankfully I left two hours early—my Mapquest directions were wrong, and once I exited the expressway I couldn’t reenter without going totally out of my way for a while. When I called the company, they couldn’t even help me. Miraculously I arrived only 10 minutes late. (Lesson #1: Double-check directions beforehand and always leave a big time cushion)

Then the next problem: my e-mail said “enter through the north entrance.” Do most people just know navigational stuff like that? I parked in visitor parking and went to the closest door; there, fifteen suited businessmen gathered together, touring the facility (?) with a guide. Simultaneously, flower deliverymen moved in and out of the building, bearing vases holding the longest, most beautiful roses I have ever seen—they brought in at least 20 bouquets. I still don’t know why.

I went back to my car and called the office: was there a tour going on? am I at the right place? Yes, she told me. Come back and push past the men. (Lesson #2: Always bring the business’s phone number along.)

I came back in, introducing myself to the secretary, and waited in the lobby. Another fifteen minutes later, a second secretary took me to a completely unadorned office where a young, suited man sat with my resume. He asked me to “describe myself” and warned he’d ask “funny questions.” (Was this the weirdest day or what?) When it was his turn to describe the company and position, nothing was as I thought it would be: the job was different, the company style was different, and I knew I didn’t want to work there. (Lesson #3: You just never know what to expect with interviews.)

He never asked if I were still interested though, only promised he’d talk to his supervisor, as he ushered me out of the room, through the halls of roses, into the lobby. He said the hours are 8:30-5:30, and he swears he usually lets them go by 6. “I’m not a micromanager,” he said.

In order for me to consider the position, if it were offered, I’d have to relocate. The pay scale probably wouldn’t accomodate that, so this is an easy decision: no.

I don’t really know if I’ll be offered the job, though: the interviewer was concerned about my five weeks left of classes, realizing I’d have to leave early twice a week.