Weird Job Interview: What Do You Think Of This?

[fretbuzzard]

Originally Posted by getbent

the only ageism I hear in this account is yours.

Bingo.

"I'm thinking of calling the lady owner tomorrow and addressing my concerns about this kid. I've been selling advertising since he was in grade school, I have a proven track record of success, and don't feel I deserved his attitude."

Is it possible that this kid might be your direct supervisor in this job? In any case, if you were doing the hiring, would you want to bring on someone who disregards the opinion of a coworker because of their age?

-Signed, Some damned kid (aka fretbuzzard)...

[dutchgoff]

Originally Posted by getbent

the only ageism I hear in this account is yours.

You have been selling for years, right? So, it makes sense that what you are selling probably has a good deal of cold calling and closing people who are busy, uninterested and distracted... their question to you was "how well can you gain the attention and close that kind of customer?"

Your own answer is---> you aren't interested in that... you are interested in being well liked and everyone being friends and showing and even more, receiving respect.

If I were them, I'd probably pass on you because you aren't watching the ball that I want watched... which is engaging and matching up to the customer that they see you dealing with--> the 30 something guy is that customer... how well are your skills and interests attuned to him? From your own account, not very...

I'm not trying to be mean, just direct. You sound like some of my friends who are 'willing' to take a job rather than aggressively pursuing it... I have always wanted people who wanted to be there, who want to be better, who want to close, who want to 'match up' and who want to succeed and build something...

If you were to call back, if it were me, I'd find something that the young man said and ask that I get to meet with him again to address those questions or statements because you woke up in the middle of the night and realized you knew how you could answer that question and move the business forward....

In an interview, the goal is to move from selling yourself to the company to getting the company to sell itself to you.

Where are you on that continuum?

+1 My thoughts almost exactly. ( a lot better communicated) My only addition would be if you feel this un-nerved before being hired maybe it is best to let this one pass.

[elicross]

It does seem possible that it might've been a test. Perhaps this potential employer thinks a salesman shouldn't settle for not knowing who a new person is and shouldn't be contented to leave things at "he doesn't seem to be interested." Maybe they were looking for a candidate outgoing enough to actively engage this guy, find out what he does at the company, and get his attention -- despite the fact that he's a 32-year-old "kid."

[purpletele]

Originally Posted by getbent

the only ageism I hear in this account is yours.

You have been selling for years, right? So, it makes sense that what you are selling probably has a good deal of cold calling and closing people who are busy, uninterested and distracted... their question to you was "how well can you gain the attention and close that kind of customer?"

Your own answer is---> you aren't interested in that... you are interested in being well liked and everyone being friends and showing and even more, receiving respect.

If I were them, I'd probably pass on you because you aren't watching the ball that I want watched... which is engaging and matching up to the customer that they see you dealing with--> the 30 something guy is that customer... how well are your skills and interests attuned to him? From your own account, not very...

I'm not trying to be mean, just direct. You sound like some of my friends who are 'willing' to take a job rather than aggressively pursuing it... I have always wanted people who wanted to be there, who want to be better, who want to close, who want to 'match up' and who want to succeed and build something...

If you were to call back, if it were me, I'd find something that the young man said and ask that I get to meet with him again to address those questions or statements because you woke up in the middle of the night and realized you knew how you could answer that question and move the business forward....

In an interview, the goal is to move from selling yourself to the company to getting the company to sell itself to you.

Where are you on that continuum?

This is what I was thinking too, but couldn't find it in words. I was afraid it would sound offensive, but Getbent said it right.

[' burn 08]

There were many a time at my old sales gig when I interviewing a prospective hire and would have someone along with me because they were observing me to learn how to conduct interviews. And many of them might have behaved exactly as this guy because they really didn't know what to do, because I was was the one driving the interview.

[sjwieczorkow]

I am somewhat of a bodybuilder in that I wouldn't have taken his condescending tone for longer than what it takes me to bust out 3 good squat thrusts. Condescending is Condescending.

Don't do it.

[63dot]

Originally Posted by elicross

Could it be you were interviewing to replace this younger guy; he was brought in to help interview his replacement; and he doesn't particularly want to be replaced?

Just a possible explanation for his lack of engagement in the process.

+1

That is a strong possibility and a great observation.

I have been the unfortunate new guy coming in to replace the outgoing boss or manager and whatever their strategy, it's usually hard for them to put on a happy face.

While some may think the young "kid" was put in there as some sort of test, it's not really standard HR process in any way I can think of. If they did put the young gentleman in as a test and he is acting, then that organization is playing games with you and it's best not to get involved. It is a major red flag which shows that the organization has little regard for what is right, and at least shows they don't care about productivity.

An HR interview should be to see what the applicant is all about, and to see if they also show an interest in the organization and ask pertinent questions. After dozens of cold calls and interviews, that last thing a taxed HR person wants to do is talk all the time. I let the people, whether they are applicants or potential employers, do the talking.

Also another red flag is if the HR person talks but doesn't let you put in a word edgewise. This shows a lack of confidence in that HR person (who shouldn't be there) and probably in the organization, too.

In the end, HR is not rocket science and even in this recession, you shouldn't have to settle for an organization who resorts to unprofessional behavior and game playing.

[studio1087]

Originally Posted by ' burn 08

There were many a time at my old sales gig when I interviewing a prospective hire and would have someone along with me because they were observing me to learn how to conduct interviews. And many of them might have behaved exactly as this guy because they really didn't know what to do, because I was was the one driving the interview.

That was my take on this Bob.

Getbent and some of the other may be right on......or they could be over thinking this.

You had a good vibe with the main interviewer.

You should follow up with her in a positive way.

The 30-something guy is an unknown. We don't know what we don't know. It is very odd that the lady did not identify him or his title. I think it's professional courtesy to explain who is in the room.

I'll tell you about the interview culture where I work. Our President will start the interview process or I will start the process (I'm second in hierarchy here). After that we have a sales guy, CSR, receptionist (any office person) spend 10 minutes each with a buyer, a CSR, an accounting person, a production manager, a line supervisor from the factory. We place the candidate with several people in the organization who all make comments to the President and to me.

Some of the CSR's or buyers are not skilled at interviewing. Sometimes the candidate has to carry the bulk of the conversation. My boss and I have the final say so in hiring but we listen to the team. I'm sure that some of the 10 minute interviews are painful for the candidate because the "interviewer" doesn’t really know what to ask but I firmly believe that inviting other employees into the process is important. We work in a team environment. We include people in our culture.

The 30-ish guy sitting in the interview may have been nervous as hell. He may have been freaking out. Not everyone is an outgoing sales guy.

If you got a good vibe from the lady and the general culture then follow up with the lady and be positive.

It sounds like you didn't even get a business card from the man (that's weird) therefore you can't contact him but send a nice email if you can.

I'm being long winded. This may not be as strange as it seems. It may be the company policy for a manager to bring a CSR or a graphics person or a buyer into the interview just to listen or make general observations. In the future I would shake hands with the person and ask what it is that they do and tell them you're happy to meet them. You can smile and ask.

Good luck with the whole thing.

[cosmiccowboy]

Originally Posted by DrumBob

I have no doubts this guy has a legitimate function at the company, and I was told ahead of time that he was going to be there. I was never told what his position was, and I'm 100% certain he is not the owner's son.

With that said, this is a two day a week ad sales job at best, calling on retail businesses locally. The product costs the customer $69.99 a month and they sell 6 and 12 month contracts, grossing $419.94 or $839.88 total per year. My commission would be 30% or about $126 and $252 respectively. That's really not much based on a yearly deal. The company also builds websites. I'd make more in that area. In my other job, I can sell a full page ad and make a $240 commission on each one.

Based on these numbers and the negative feeling I got in the interview, I think I'm going to pass and look elsewhere.

+1, I always go with my gut. If you picked up on a bad vibe ... don't deny that discernment. Bail ...

IMO

[Colo Springs E]

Originally Posted by DrumBob

What do you think about this? How would you react?

You know nothing about this "kid." Someone in their 30s is not a kid by the way--they're old enough to die in combat, legally drink beer, be tried as an adult, etc.

To be honest, what it sounds like is that you've got a chip the size of Rhode Island on your shoulder about your age.

See if they make you an offer. If you like it, accept the job. If they don't make you an offer, they must not have felt you were the best qualified candidate for the job. Move on.

[dsutton24]

I was that squirrelly guy once. I was interviewing a fellow one time that probably would have been a good hire, but I had a major migrane and just couldn't focus on anything. The impression I probably made on that poor guy probably scarred him for life.

I wouldn't worry about it. If they make an offer, you can always ask about Squirrell Man at that time. Chances are that there are stranger times and people in your future anyway.

[Bones]

they were probably just sizing you up for a threesome, no big deal.

[Arbiter]

I'm usually that second guy. I don't say anything, I'm usually not introduced. I'm there as a witness to make sure nothing untoward is said, promised, or done. I am asked for my impressions afterwards. It's amazing what the person who's asking the questions misses about a person's behavior and reactions, so I think having another observer there is a good idea.

[OtherTom]

I would just show up for work Monday morning.

[DrumBob]

Originally Posted by Colo Springs E

To be honest, what it sounds like is that you've got a chip the size of Rhode Island on your shoulder about your age.

Sorry, you're wrong. No, I don't, not in this case, but I have experienced age discrimination before. I hope it doesn't happen to you, but it is a fact of life for people over 50 in many cases.

And the offer was made. They're waiting for a reply in terms of what I want for a weekly draw and expenses.

I realized today that if I sell more than one location, the cost to the customer doubles. If they take a third, the cost triples, so I can make more $$ than I thought. I'm seriously considering it, but I have more questions, so I'm going to email the owner tomorrow, ask the questions, and see what she says.

[BiggerJohn]

the woman was the BIG boss. This kid may have been your immediate supervisor. else, he would be one of your peers and it was a test to see if the two of you could get along.

Based on your remarks, I'd say keep looking for a job.

[elicross]

Originally Posted by DrumBob

And the offer was made. They're waiting for a reply in terms of what I want for a weekly draw and expenses.

You should take the job, just to find out what the deal was with that interview. You owe it to us to tell us if any of our theories was right!

[Westerly Sunn]

I have been on 1 interview in which; at one point, I was being interviewed at a conference table by about 12 or so people; however...

The main interviewer explained what was happening at the outset and all those people introduced themselves to me...

just sayin...

btw... I agree that calling and expressing any disagreement with the way the interview was conducted would be a bad idea if one truly wanted the job. Otherwise; have at 'em!

Good manners. consideration and respect should still be a part of all interpersonal endeavours... public and private, despite the current tendency of institutions including businesses towards becoming draconian entities.

[Davecam48]

More than likely her son who can do no wrong, so being critical may go either way. Mum's do tend to favour their kids even when they know they are just A-holes!

[Nick JD]

I would have introduced myself to him, but that's just me.