topic Re: I'm back from my interview... in Community Chat

I'm back from my interview...

Laura14 — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:10:24 GMT

As Laura's world turns...

The pharmacy actually gives the managers a script of questions to read off of. It's juvenile stuff that, if it's your first foray into job adulthood, you'd sweat through. As a midlife adult, child please, came to mind quite a bit.

I feel like I nailed it as I got a couple oohs and ahhs when the manager and assistant manager asked me to name examples about going out of my way for a customer or how you resolve a conflict. Yep, it's called professionalism in spades, peeps, along with mad customer service skills.

To be honest, I know they deal with kids usually and I am way overqualified in terms of service skills. I was shocked there wasn't more about are you competent as a tech? Education, training? Can I see your licenses? Nothing. They just want bodies to help. Didn't even mention my certification. In fact they are going to put me through training that sounded a lot like my certification paperwork. Been there, paid for it, already have it.

I'm kind of shocked the other applications haven't resulted in calls if they are this desperate. This location is also kind of far and not really where I want to be. I went only because this is where my coworker's wife called in to recommend me because she knew the new store manager. I wanted to appreciate her gesture so I took the interview and the fact that I was rapidly becoming unemployed.

So here's your question of the day because I can't do a thread without it.

Actually found out this morning that I may be getting an offer letter from the new ownership after all where I currently work to stay on in some capacity. Maybe. That's Thursday drama. Stay tuned.

If I get an offer from the new owners, then I'm kind of thinking here. Do I....

Say yes to limited availability at this pharmacy to get a foot in and a future career in place or no since I still have a job and can wait and see if any of the other apps come through that are closer to where I'd like to be and possibly full time?

I've talked myself in and out of both answers. What say you?

Re: I'm back from my interview...

bluehost — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:19:07 GMT

Always in a better position to have a job when looking for a new one. Good luck.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

CelticCrafter — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:20:44 GMT

Do you trust the new owners not turn around in a few weeks or months time to decide you are no longer useful?

Re: I'm back from my interview...

Kachina624 — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:25:15 GMT

If you do get an offer from the new owners, you assumed there would be a salary cut. This part-time might supplement your income as well as give you some experience. If you have the stamina to work two jobs, it might be worth considering.

Don't for get to send the person who interviewed you a "thanks for the interview" note. You could briefly summarize your qualifications and mention your certification and training there.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

Meowingkitty — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:28:45 GMT

I would wonder if they want me to stay just to train other then toss me to the curb. I guess it depends on what my benefits are going to be at the new place vs the old place. Word to the wise. Get everything in writing.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

chrystaltree — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:40:08 GMT

I can only say what I would be doing in this situation. I wouldn't jump right into a job just for the sake of having job. Especially a job that I found as underwhelming as you found the one you interviewed for. Note that you didn't say a single good or positive thing about that job. They didn't recognize or seem to care about your education or certification. Honestly, I would hold out for better. As for the new ownership, all you can do is wait for the offer to be made. It's possible that they will offer you the same or a similar position to your former one. The salary might even be the same or you might to be able to negotiate for more.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:35:40 GMT

Im thinking since you even ask the question and reading between the lines about the pharmacy job you are really not that enthusiastic about it. IMO it would be better to not take the job initially than to quit in a few weeks or months since its not your cup of tea.

The company that bought out your company, in your previous job, if they do hire you will probably expect your expertize for less pay and benefits.

Both of these sounds like a no win situation to me.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

DianeJ2 — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:37:33 GMT

Hopefully, you will find out more about what the new owners intent is job wise, before you have to give an answer to the new place. I think that's a great idea to mention in a thank you note that you have completed certification. Do you want to go through retraining? Are they offering a good wage vs commuting time? In any event, nice start to the week @Laura14 with having 2 possibilities to ponder 😊

Re: I'm back from my interview...

Porcelain — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:37:47 GMT

I would look at them all as possibilities. And I would sit back and concentrate on how I wanted my working life to be, how I would want to feel at work each day. Then I'd do what really resonated with that feeling. And nothing else.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

beckyb1012 — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:40:05 GMT

The offer from the new owner would definitely be worth exploring. Yet, the timing of it all may not be good for you. My only advice is do not "settle." You have way too much education, experience and skill to just accept a so so position. I know we all have to pay bills but if you need to wait a bit and are able then please do so. Keep us posted.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

Travone — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:42:59 GMT

@Laura14I've been in a similiar position. I HATED where I was working and I was determined to be out of there by year end. I interviewed for two jobs that I thought I would like. I was offered the first job, but I really wanted the second. The second job was not going to make a decision for another month. I took the first job. When the second job called me for a second interview I went on my lunch hour. They offered me the job and I accepted. I told my boss and he was stunned but he understood. I had never left a job that quickly before. We left on very good terms. Fast forward 5 years later....I'm still loving the job I have.

I guess the moral of my story is that you have to do what is right for you. People understand. Make sure you give notice if you do leave a job though.

Good Luck to you....I hope it all works out.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

RedTop — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:47:28 GMT

Keep your head up, eyes focused on moving forward!

Re: I'm back from my interview...

gidgetgh — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:23:07 GMT

A few months ago, you'd mentioned possibly moving to a new state. Maybe this is the opening you need to do that, if that's still in your thought process.

You didn't speak too highly of the new owners and how they're handling things a week or two ago.

It is a tough decision certainly. I thought you were going to be out of a job as of tomorrow. And you were ready to walk out a few weeks ago because of how they treated your co-worker.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

Cakers3 — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:55:21 GMT

@Laura14 Your resume must have your certification/license on it already, so I'm not surprised they didn't get into it with you.

Many interviews are scripted for a reason; mostly the reason being fair to all applicants.

Also if you have to have training again should you take this job-it's paid training and, again, something that is equal across the board.

Being offered a position with the new owners of your current company is tricky-I agree they may want your experience (20 years?) and then show you the door. You did say that you received walking papers already.

It's a roll of the dice; how comfortable are you staying on when you have been given walking papers once already.

How comfortable were you at this interview? Are they just looking for a warm body to fill an open position or do you believe your qualifications are viewed as an asset for future growth?

Sometimes a company is actually interviewing for the future and not so much the current positions. In other words, you start in this position but they may have a future position in mind which will grow from this starting point. And you might be that person.

I cannot tell you what to do and honestly I don't envy you!

Whatever your call, make it based on pros/cons.

I believe everyone knows their answers; it's clearing away the cobwebs to see the whole picture.

Since you haven't received the letter yet from your new owners, you still have some time here-and you may end up with no letter, too.

I wish you all the best.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

deepwaterdotter — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 19:01:17 GMT

Did the pharmacy make an actual job offer at the end of today's interview?

Re: I'm back from my interview...

cowboy sam — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 19:03:07 GMT

@Laura14

hmm another thought Laura....do you think that maybe this other company might think you might be over qualified by not asking about your qualifacations-certificates,etc ?

Just my rambling thoughts but what do i know?? I don't!

Re: I'm back from my interview...

grandma r — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 19:11:34 GMT

@Laura14 First of all, I wish you the best in your job search.

As for the people who took over at your previous job, do you trust them, can they be taken at their word??? Trust your gut. Have they realized that they need someone who knows what they're doing? Did they realize they made a mistake by letting you go??? Or, are they reaching out to get someone to help get them up and running, with no intention of long term employment.

Surprising that they didn't ask for your credentials today. Is the manager as professional in their job as you are???

Trust yourself and protect yourself from anyone who may just wish to pick your brain and then take your work as their own.

Good luck.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

bikerbabe — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 19:35:28 GMT

If I could interject my experience interviewing for hospital nursing positions:

I am not surprised they did not focus on your education, certification etc. It is already on your resume. If you get the job, you’ll be expected to produce degrees, licenses etc at that time.

I had a similar experience in my registered nurse interviews. The majority of questions are geared toward how you handle customers/patients, how you will get along with other members of the team, are you a team player or a troublemaker, and how do you handle stress. I did have specific patient scenario questions but the aim was more toward patient safety and how I would reach out for help. Hospitals often have new grad training programs like going back to school again. It sounds like your pharm tech is similar. I was hired as a cardiac nurse but spent 8 weeks in classes relearning some of the same things from nursing school but often with a twist on their perspective. I didn’t step foot on a unit with a preceptor until finishing their training program.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

tobes — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 20:09:43 GMT

Say yes to the first offer who ever gets there first. See what happens with the second offer. You may have some leverage here. You may have a choice that is the best for you.

Re: I'm back from my interview...

lovescats — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:09:29 GMT

I wish you all the best in finding a new job. Right now it sounds like you'll be working for the new owners and another part time job. I really hope you find something great.