Another 5 Member Interview...but a different outcome :)

[rebel100]

I GOT THE JOB !!!

You guys may recall my post a few weeks ago about the interesting panel interview with spectators. Im so glad I had that experience!

I went for another interview (different job) a couple weeks ago and I was notified yesterday that I am the new Safety and Protective Services Management Coordinator for the hospital that formerly ran the EMS agency I worked for. I get to manage the Hospital call center, the Haz-Mat team, and the hospitals courier system. Good times!!!

I spent part of the day with my new boss and thought I would share some insights that he shared with me regarding my selection. I hope it might help any of you in future interview processes.

First of all the board that interviewed me was impressed that I had gone back to complete my BS while working full time. They felt it showed initiative and determination. What we are all trying to achieve here at IC is worthwhile and can make a difference.

I also took the time to change out of my medic uniform into the uniform of business (coat and a tie). My partner and I had just worked a full code and I was drenched in sweat but I explained it away by detailing that and demonstrating respect for the process by showing up dressed for the interview. Apparently many folks in the hospital will show up in scrubs or their uniform to an interview...they don't really seem to like this and mentioned that it makes candidates appear "lazy".

I also brought in copies of my resume on resume paper in an envelope, and a few relevent certifications including a copy of my FEMA Professional Development Cert. I opened the interview with a quick detail of my work experience and told them about the relevence of each certification. I'm told it "wowed" the interview panel. They said that I gave a great "presentation" of myself...pretty cool

I also prepared myself by reading and re-reading the job description. This is a hospital job so I used google to look up relevent info. It was mentioned by the board that I seemed like the only one really prepared for the particular job. Others had a great deal more managerial experience, one held an MBA, 2 had been hospital employees longer...but I had a superior interview.

The night before the interview I thumbed through my organizational leadership textbook along with my human resource management text. I was able to recall specific terms like "legitimate formal authority, span of control, and unity of command" I think it made for more intelligent response to questions, especially from the HR Manager who sat on the panel.

Preparation, practice, and determination will win the day. If your out there struggling to find a job, or gain a promotion hang in there. Interview as much as possible even though it's a little intimidating. Prep, prep again, and keep swinging....you will get there!

I also followed up the interview with a thank you e-mail to each member.

Good luck everyone!

Reb,

[FinancialWorld]

Wow!! I'm so happy for you. What a tremendous opportunity. It seems like you really did your prep work, and knew what you were getting into.

BTW Sorry for the dumb question, but, what is "resume paper"?

[rebel100]

BWT Sorry for the dumb question, but, what is "resume paper"?

Sorry, just meant a good, color, resume paper. Anything but plain white paper! Something that has texture to it and is of heavy weight. My envelopes mathced it too. I am also carefull to make sure the water marks are aligned with the text. Resume paper has a front and back as well as a top and bottom...I once knew a manager that checked for such things and rated applicants accordingly...he felt that if they were too stupid or too lazy to do it right he would just pick someone else for the job....I think he was a bit anal, but I learned to do it right just in case.

[P00057870]

Congratulations! Believe it or not the good old thank you letter is so often overlooked today that many HR representatives have commented to me as an instructor that that is a "must", when I ask what to tell my students.

Great job!

By the way "resume paper" means a good quality bond that you can buy at any office supply store, including the big chains. It is of a higher quality, heavier weight, and is a much more attractive paper - not just the typical computer printer paper.

Good idea to share your experiences and suggestions for everyone - thanks!

By the way, HR reps have told us to inform our students to stick with plain paper (neutral, white, or off white). Don't get into pink or crazy colors, don't put perfume on it, and keep it simple and professional - this is for office jobs and management positions.

I am told that if you are in the arts, their resumes sometimes become more like an art portfolio with photos of themselves, special artwork in their resume, and other graphics. That can work against us in the general business world.

Hope that helps.

[burbuja0512]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I am 100% confident that they picked the right person for the job. All your hard work this year has paid off and YOU DESERVE it!!!!


Can't wait to hear how it goes. Make sure to keep us posted And don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile.. lots of new connections to be had!!

[skyfall123]

Awesome post!!! Congrats

[marianne202]

Congrats! I can totally agree that what we do here is worthwhile and it works. 3 yrs ago I came here after losing my job because of no degree. 1 month later I had my associates degree, 9 months later my first BS degree, then came my BSHS. At my 3 yr point I will have completed my MHA. In that same time frame I got a new job, was promoted to lead instructor and a few weeks ago I was promoted to program coordinator for two programs of study. So it has truly improved my job status, just like it did for you. At 45 I never thought I could go back to school, let alone go this far. Hopefully, stories like ours will inspire new members to reach for their stars! I wish you the best of luck, but I doubt you will need it. Keep us posted on your future successes!

[FinancialWorld]

Congrats! I can totally agree that what we do here is worthwhile and it works. 3 yrs ago I came here after losing my job because of no degree. 1 month later I had my associates degree, 9 months later my first BS degree, then came my BSHS. At my 3 yr point I will have completed my MHA. In that same time frame I got a new job, was promoted to lead instructor and a few weeks ago I was promoted to program coordinator for two programs of study. So it has truly improved my job status, just like it did for you. At 45 I never thought I could go back to school, let alone go this far. Hopefully, stories like ours will inspire new members to reach for their stars! I wish you the best of luck, but I doubt you will need it. Keep us posted on your future successes!

Wow, I didn't know that about you. That is awesome. It inspired my, and I've just finished my degree hilarious . (Note to self: get that stink-en MBA done )

[CLEP101]

This is great news. Congratulations on landing the job, sounds like you will have your hands full of responsibility. But I'm sure you will handle it with no problems.
Congrats again,

[LaterBloomer]

Congratulations on getting the job and for interviewing so well. Thanks for the solid advice on applying and interviewing, too. I'm tempted to do another post to congratulate you on surviving a FIVE member interview panel, but I'll refrain. I can't even imagine how hard itmust have been to impress all of them.