June 2009 Weddings
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Ahhh! Job-related
I've been with my very small company for almost five years now. Even though it's a cushy job (read: I go to work in sweats and can Nest all day), I make peanuts and don't get annual raises, not to mention my career advancement is dead-end.
So I applied for a job two weeks ago with a decently-sized company. The job description was a damn near perfect match for my skills and background.
I just got an email asking me to interview. I'm all freaked out! I haven't interviewed in five years, and I don't own anything suit-like! I'm convinced I'll be a babbling idiot in an interview. Halp!
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
Re: Ahhh! Job-related
That's awesome! You shouldn't need a suit. A nice skirt and button down shirt (or something similar) should do just fine. But no flip flops!
Good luck! When will the interview be?
My Bio (wedding pics added 7/6)
My 101
Congrats on the interview! You're going to rock it.
::I got a feeling (ooooohooooooh) that tonights gonna be a good night::
I survived the RoLex wedding and all I got was this lousy husband.
One&Only Palmilla - Los Cabos, Mexico
Thanks.
Leigha, you know me too well. I only own flip flops! And some ballet flats. This girl does not do heels. And I'm assuming pantyhose are approps for this kind of thing?
I think I can swing a skirt and button-down. I'm assuming something like a suit-ish pencil skirt? I'm fashion dumb when it comes to workplace attire apparently. I've spent the past five years in loungewear and jersey dresses.
As far as when, looks like June 18.
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
My Bio (wedding pics added 7/6)
My 101
Congrats!
I know all of the interviewers at my work stress Situation/Behavior/Outcome responses. What was the situation? What did you do about it? What was the outcome? They also recommend having 5 or 6 key accomplishments that you can speak to really well, preferably ones that show multiple skills.
Oooohhh, outfit planning? (Clearly the most important part of the interview process).
Before my brain short circuted and I decided it was a good idea to return to the penniless life of a graduate student, I was in a supervisory position at my old job. Here are some things I noticed when I was on "the other side" of the interview table:
-- People who underdressed stood out as much as those who overdressed. In both cases, it signaled a lack of knowledge about the enviornment they were walking into. Think about your current job (where you wear sweats and flip flops): how would it look if someone walked in to interview for your job in a suit? Would it seem a bit awkward? Still, overdressed is preferable to underdressed.
-- Being comfortable in what you're wearing is almost as important in being comfortable in what you're saying. Clothes make you confident (you know this) but moreso than that, if you're wearing a new item that fits awkwardly or isn't normal for you, it may encourage you to fidget or distract you.
-- Find YOUR version of a power outfit. This is not a basic black suit for everyone (though it seems to be the silly standard). Knowing you and your blog, I'm thinking something like this:
(Only $40 at Macys - by Style and Company)
Ha, yep, sadly I think I can just "wing" the interview answers as long as I have the right outfit. As long as wearing a power dress is an option, I can do this! I love that dress, but it's not in a store around me, and stupid shipping is $10! I have a conservative wool-knit houndstooth dress (as seen in an April blog), but it would need altered.
Thanks! I was scared I'd have to borrow an ill-fitting suit or try to buy one. I'm MUCH more at home in dresses!
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
What kind of company is it? If its an old, traditional company - I would still go the suit route. At least that's what would be expected at the places that I've worked. If its a more modern company/position you can definitely do the dress, pencil skirt/blouse, etc. Make sure you where closed-toed shoes and subtle jewelry/makeup and keep your hair off your face.
As for the questions, I second the behavioral interviewing. That's what has been the focus every job interview I've been through. Do your research on the company so you talk about current events, come up with questions, etc.
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YAY Mames! So excited for you!
I know that our fave, Tarjay has a GREAT black pencil skirt from Mossimo that is super flattering, I would pair that with a conservative shirt and cardi or a button down top like PPs mentioned.
I also used to interview a lot, we asked questions like
"What's your biggest strength/weakness"
"What was the most stressful work-related incident you had to deal with and how did you deal with it"
"If we were to ask you to do _____, how would you go about doing it"
Stuff like that.
I am sure you will be great!!
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
That is awesome!
Sending positive interview dust your way!
ETA - After the interview, I would send a thank you e-mail/letter/card, just as a courtesy for their time.
Ugh. FML. I've NEVER been able to think of an answer to these questions. I still can't. I'm doomed.
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12
From one PA girl to another, I would wear pantyhose. They will make you look more professional.
Also, be ready for the "what is your biggest weakness" question. And DON'T have a fake asnwer such as, "I'm a perfectionist", that's a BS answer and they know it. Say something real and then talk about how you are taking steps to improve it. I use this one "I tend to talk too fast, so I have been recording myself doing presentations and watching them back. I try to make an effort when speaking to slow down".
Yayy!! Soo excited for you!! I'm in a similar situation to you and really need to get my res & portfolio out there.
At the interview, compliment the office/space. Tell them you want the job! And always send a hand-written thank you note after the interview!
My Bio (wedding pics added 7/6)
My 101
keb, I like that answer. I'm sick of the "I work too hard blah blah blah" spiel. I have a lot to do in preparation between thinking of answers, finding an outfit, and putting together a portfolio. Stressful!
Thanks, everyone! You're all so helpful.
Lucy Elizabeth 10.27.12