So I currently work in the Distribution Center at a medium sized company. There is an opening for a receptionist/HR assistant. Starting pay is a little less than what I am making now, plus there isn't any overtime.
I seriously really really want this job though. Unfortunately I don't have any experience being a receptionist and there are quite a handful of people going for the job.
I can type 80 plus words a minute, know how to use a computer and all of that other stuff. Plus I do have a lot of experience with running a Girl Scout Troop (the amount of paperwork involved in that is tremendous!) and the thousands of dollars a year I deal with for them (I'd also be in charge of petty cash). I've also servied on various committees both inside of work and outside of work. I have directed State Hockey Tournaments, currently am the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President for my daughter's school. I am young and pretty Hey- when you're going to be representing the company I'm sorry to say but they don't want anyone who doesn't fit the part looks wise. I know it's horrible (discrimination) but it's something that's going to work to my advantage right now and I need to play up every single little thing. Going from driving forklift to a receptionist/HR assistant would be awesome in my opinion. I do really want to get into the office and have been waiting for this position to open for a couple of years now (have been with my company for 4.5 years).
So this is what I've done so far. Talked to everyone in the company I could possibly think of who could put in a good word for me
I also went shopping last night. I picked up a nice plain black skirt, some nice flat shoes and a sweater with one of those pretty scarves around the neck. It's a nice conservative, feminine work appropriate outfit (have to dress the part, right?).
I dyed my hair this morning! Talk about truly wanting to look the part. Not a big change at all, but something better than my "dull" natural hair lol. I also picked up some makeup. Not something I normaly wear, but anything to make me look a little better.
So I really need to focus on the interview (which quite honestly is putting knots in my stomach). What kind of questions should I be prepared for? I'm going to google search now, but it's been a LONG time since I've interview for anything. Any help would truly be appreciated!
Whew, sorry for the long post!
Thanks in advance.
Denelle
____________________ "Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either, just fuck off and leave me alone. "
I was going through Monster.com's interview tips, and a commonly asked question is what kind of car do you drive? wtf kind of question is that for an interview?
Do you really think the type of car I drive has a big influence on who I am?
What does having a Focus say about me?
I'm probably just rambling here and no one's probably going to reply.. but that's okay. lol
edit: and what kind of animal would I be if I were an animal?
omg I am going to suck so bad at this interview!
Last edited on Sat Apr 23rd, 2005 04:53 pm by 03 white zx3
____________________ "Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either, just fuck off and leave me alone. "
Go to the library or on-line & find out what you can about the company. Who's the president, where's the headquarters, how many employees do they have, how long have they been in business, how are they doing financially, etc., etc. One of the 1st questins they are likely to ask is, "What do you know about the XYX co.?" If you can recite some stuff, you'll be getting off on the right foot. They'll be impressed that you did your homework.
They'll also ask you why you want this job. Prepare a good ans for that. "I've heard good things about your company, this is a job that I've always wanted to do, because I'm really a people person, I'm very organized, I enjoy meeting people, I enjoy a challenge, blah, blah."
When you're writing or talking about your skills and experience, don't say, "I was responsible for..." Instead, tell them what you did. "When I worked for the Girl Scouts, I organized the financial......, I streamlined the paperwork by......
Look professional. You're already doing that. A receptionist is the 1st thing a visitor, client, sales person sees of that company. First impressions are HUGHLY important. As a receptionist, you ARE the company. You have to look and act the part.
Remember, the interviewer WANTS to hire you. It'll make his/her job a helluva a lot easier if he can find a quality person to fill the job right away. There are 2 main things you need to do.
1. Distinguish yourself in a positive way from your competitors.
2. Don't give him a reason NOT to hire you.
Good luck. Get a good night's sleep, and do some relaxing, deep-breathing exercises before the interview. You'll do great!
____________________ If you can't read this, you're illiterate.
I already work for this company
for 4.5 years. I was planning on saying how much I have enjoyed working for the company because I share their beliefs (mission statement etc) and have always been actively involved in quite a few of their safety committees (even leading one) being a safety coordinator for the Dist. Ctr etc.
And thanks for telling me about the not saying responsible thing, I definetly would have. Now I'll have to think of other ways.
And thanks for the other tips. I am going to write down all of my answers today so that I can actualy know what to say tomorow.
Plus I'm going to play hockey tonight take out some of my aggression/fears that I have.
I AM getting this job.
____________________ "Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either, just fuck off and leave me alone. "
The last "unqualified newbie" that I hired got the job for one single comment.
" I've been talking with Richard quite a bit about the job description and his experiences and he offered to help me out on the specific areas that I'm going to be on a learning curve with".
Richard was the person that the candidate was going to replace. The fact that the candidate had done his homework and gone to the effort of tracking down the person who had held the job that was being sought after was the clincher. Turned out to be the right decision.
Good luck.
____________________
A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams...John Barrymore
I'm SO glad I didn't read this before hockey practice!
omg I think I seriously bruised my hand though and it hurts to type.
I'm still getting this job though.
____________________ "Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either, just fuck off and leave me alone. "
Well, I have to say that it went very well. I should have a second interview tomorow or the next day (will be a no notice given interview! they're just going to pull me off of the floor to have it) and I should find out Wednesday or Thursday already.
She was very impressed that I "dressed the part"
And
she was also a formal Girl Scout Leader. Talk about "Brownie" Points there! lol
thanks for all of the words of widsom and encouragement!
____________________ "Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either, just fuck off and leave me alone. "
DENIED!
I guess she gave the job to a friend of hers.
____________________ "Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either, just fuck off and leave me alone. "
Sorry the outcome wasn't as you'd like... are you gonna look other places?
eh, my job isn't really that bad I just don't know how stable it is. We're going on our 5th distribution manager in 5 years, and they always bring major changes. I'm assuming my job hours will be one of those major changes (since there are only 2 of us that work 9-5 and it isn't "utilizing our equipment properly".
There is a 6-2 job open in the same department, I think I will probably sign for that.
____________________ "Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either, just fuck off and leave me alone. "
Hey- when you're going to be representing the company I'm sorry to say but they don't want anyone who doesn't fit the part looks wise. I know it's horrible (discrimination) but it's something that's going to work to my advantage right now and I need to play up every single little thing. Going from driving forklift to a receptionist/HR assistant would be awesome in my opinion. I do really want to get into the office and have been waiting for this position to open for a couple of years now (have been with my company for 4.5 years).
Talk about truly wanting to look the part. Not a big change at all, but something better than my "dull" natural hair lol. I also picked up some makeup. Not something I normaly wear, but anything to make me look a little better.
