I f'd up the phone interview for a mail clerk position!!! Argh!

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

I've got a degree in economics and have worked in finance for more than 15 years. But that ended when the world economy collapsed. Have had temp and PT work here and there, but no perm employment since Dec 31, 2007.

At first I was going for a horizontal move, but that was unfruitful. Then I went to a trade school and got a degree in HVAC. Had 6 or 7 really good interviews, thought I would be offered a position each time, but nothing. And those interviews ended in June. Haven't had one since.

So I've lowered the bar again. Looking for work as a cashier, a driver, and most recently, a mail clerk. I actually got a call for the mail clerk position today! Woo hoo! But I f'd up the phone interview.

The job description made the position sound like I'd be sorting freaking mail! So the HR gal asks me what about this job interests you. So I says, "Well, from the job description, this looks like a fast paced job that will keep me up and active. I've worked behind a desk for years now and I'm looking for something different." (Fuck, I don't care, I just want a goddamn job!)

She says, "Oh, well this is a desk job."

I mean, how was I supposed to know they were hiring a mail clerk for a desk job? Certainly not from the job description.

:mad:

[gateley]

1. Oh man, I'm so sorry. I agree, "mail clerk" doesn't sound like a desk job. If it

HADN'T been a desk job, you would have aced it though -- good response! :headbang:

[Newest Reality]

2. Sounds like they threw you a trick quesiton or something.

Sorry to hear that. I can't be quick enough with the reframe, myself these days. They usually come to me after the fact. Like:

"Oh, I see. Well, then I can put my energy behind that desk to some use for your company. That will be different." Maybe after asking what the desk job entails and jumping on its differences from what you have done.

Hindsight, ey?

[phasma ex machina]

3. Been there, done that. Less is more when making a sales pitch. nt

[notadmblnd]

4. Apartment complexes are always looking for certified hvac people

A friend of mine who is certified is the maintenance manager of 1200+ unit complex. He practically works around the clock. In the summer its air conditioning in the winter it's heat.

Aside from that. I worked in IT for 28 years. Now I clean houses.

[Brickbat]

5. I had an interview with a state-level caucus for an editing and communications position -- NOT PR,

and NOT a position that would have meant a lot of face time with the public. It was a group interview, and the very first question they asked me was, "Well, before we get into anything, why don't you just describe your understanding of how a bill becomes law."

I have a general understanding of how a bill becomes law, thanks to Schoolhouse Rock. But that doesn't sound very impressive in an interview. That question really pissed me off -- I have a general understanding, but the important thing is I know how to find the specific knowledge I might need in that position. The question really threw me in a way I don't usually get in interviews, and the rest of our time together was pretty much a waste.

Here's hoping another chance comes along to you soon.

[Hello_Kitty]

6. Why the fuck would anyone be "interested" in a fucking mail clerk job?

Jesus Christ these employers really lord it over job seekers. Fuck them. I'm never applying for another job if I can help it. It's contract work only for me.

[whathehell]

7. Oh, I'm sorry to hear that...

I messed up on a phone interview once, and blew the job too.

Something I wondered on reading your post: Do the people you are now sending your resume know about your education and "previous life" in Finance?

If they do, I'm thinking they may see you as "overqualified"...If that is the case, you could possibly "eliminate" that background somehow.

Good luck to you.

:hi:

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

8. Thanks for the responses. They help.

I'm also waiting to hear about another position. It's a glorified auditor position that just involves making sure kids are passing out ad flyers and not throwing them away.

I spoke with the guy on the phone and he explains that, on average, there's 2 weeks of work per month; kind of seasonal work. :eyes: Then he asked me a question that I don't think(?) he's allowed to ask. He asked me how old I was. I'm pretty old. I wonder if that's why I haven't heard back from him. Well, this was just Tuesday, but I can't help but think that my age will be held against me.

Sorry, but after all this time, I can't help it.

[whathehell]

13. I don't know how old you are, WhaTHell, but that age discrimination is real, and it really sucks.

I also live in Chicago and have experienced it myself.

I hope this isn't the case for you and that you hear from someone soon.

[EFerrari]

9. If it makes you feel any better, I don't know anyone

who hasn't done something like that in at least one job interview. Don't let it get you down.

[handmade34]

10. shucks.... sorry about the f**k up

I hate interviews... I hope I never have another one... I have screwed up plenty and just hate them. At my age they should be waived

:crazy:

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

11. I know. Trying to figure out what HR people want to hear...

...and what will turn them off :banghead:

I must have 50 different resumes!

[elehhhhna]

12. look into becoming a building maint. engineer for a management company

that handles large office buildings...if you live near a city. Houston, for example, needs them and their local association will even pay for certification classes.

And phone interviews bite hard -- I know, I'm a headhunter.

[LiberalAndProud]

14. If ever I interiew again, I'll cut out the bullshit.

What do I expect from the job? Full time employment and a steady paycheck. That's ther reason I'd apply for the job and that's the reason I'd give them.