Wednesday 19 June 2013

That Time I... Demanded A Job


Well, sort of demanded a job.

Let me paint the scene for you: I just finished school. I applied to a couple jobs and I immediately got an interview at an agency for one. Boom. Did the interview with the agency. Aced some aptitude tests. Passed the agency interview. Then I was sent off to an interview with the actual company. It was my first "real" interview. In a boardroom. With two other people. Was I intimidated? Not at all. 

I passed that interview and was invited to a third. Third and final interview.

This was the mother of all interviews. This is the interview that would make or break it for me.

I walked into my third interview confident. I was back in the same boardroom I had interviewed in before. This time, I was interviewing with four employees that ran the office, including the President and CEO of the company.

Small chit-chat. More questions. Lots of smiles. "They like me," I thought to myself. "I've got this." As the interview went on, I felt relaxed. I felt like I belonged there.

Then came the question of all questions.

The CEO looked at me and said, "Do you have any questions for us?"

I looked him dead in the eye and said it.

"Yes. When do I start?"

Silence. Everyone exchanges awkward glances.

"Shit," I think myself.

Then I hear it.

A chuckle. Followed by another chuckle.

Then the CEO is standing up, stretching out his hand for me to shake and telling me it was great to meet me.

I say my goodbye's and thank you's and head off to the hotel; the job I was working at at the time.

"Did I just screw that up?" I can't help but wonder.

Now I'm in the hotel change room, putting my uniform on, feeling pretty stupid.

"What the hell was I thinking?"

I'm putting my shirt on when I hear my phone ring. It's the job agency! I answer. I can barely hear the hiring woman tell me what my salary is over her saying, "They'd like to offer you the job."

I'm thrilled. I'm on top of the world!

I got the job!

Before I start my shift at the hotel, I find my boss and tell her I'm quitting.

What I did was bold. Really bold. What I later learned was that they liked how bold I was. The CEO was impressed by me and I stood out against the other candidates.

Would I do it again? It depends. 

My advice to others is to know your audience. Not all employers will appreciate a question like that. If you feel comfortable with those that are interviewing you, there's a chance that question may go over well. However, this is not to say I recommend it. So, if you do try to be that bold in an interview and you don't get the job, don't blame me.

Instead, go meet Emily and read her That Time I! She's seriously awesome!

P.S. That interview was for the job that I have now (and have been at for two years); I'm an administrative assistant for a private investment firm. I'd say I'm pretty damn lucky.

17 comments:

  1. wow love this! and love that it worked out even more :) and seriously, that is a perfect question (hate when they ask that question!)
    -- jackie @ jade and oak

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  2. Wow, that is really impressive!! I don't think I'd ever be able to say that since I get really nervous in interviews. That's awesome! :)

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  3. This is so awesome. I would totally not have the cohones to pull that one off!

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  4. Nice! I interview so horribly. I'd probably just look down and mumble "no questions bye!" Good job girl :)

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  5. Hell yeah! Nice job. =) Way to not be a pansy. I know I couldn't pull that question off!

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  6. That is so awesome! congrats on getting the job :)

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  7. You go girl!! Congrats on the new job!

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  8. Now if I can just get an interview, I'm using your line!

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  9. That's so awesome. I don't think I would ever have the balls to do that but it's something to keep in mind.
    ~Christine

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  10. Woohoo! Congrats! Being bold pays off, and I am so excited for you!

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  11. This is incredible! I am not ballsy enough at all to even think about saying that! Haha I'm really impressed! xx

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  12. I'd hire you! Bold and a sense of humor. And you write a blog. All the good things!

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  13. You are seriously the best, Alex! Way to be awesome. :)

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  14. You are such a badass Alex! Brave stuff right there. I find that being confident (or even faking it) works wonders in how others perceive you. Good for you demanding that job! :)

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  15. Good job for being bold girl! and congrats on your new job! :)

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  16. AWESOME, ALEX!!! congratulations! i'm so happy for you! i love your personality and confidence!!! xoxox

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