20 replies to this topic

[VibrantEcho]

It's for a support position in the administrative office of a neighboring school district. The highlights:

- it's a group interview (3-4 interviewees per group)
- they give you all the questions that will be asked, in advance (at the door)
- the instructions actually remind you not to repeat someone else's answer on your turn.

They actually emailed out the first interview question today so that we can come prepared (emphasis as written!):

"Describe your background and work experience, and specifically how your background qualifies you for this position. The interview has not reviewed your resume/application. Please keep your response to three minutes, you will be timed."

I feel like I'm on a game show.

[beli]

Group interview? I'd pass.. but thats just me. I'm nervous enough one-one. Only time I've had group interviews when there were two or three people that did the interview, not the other way around.

[giraffy]

Group interview? I'd pass.. but thats just me. I'm nervous enough one-one. Only time I've had group interviews when there were two or three people that did the interview, not the other way around.

Apparently, you can afford to be more discriminating than others.

VE, that sounds ridiculous. Timing? Hilarious. Good luck

[blackberry74]

That actually sounds fabulous...it appeals to my super competitive nature. I'd hope to go last on every question so I can be sure to one-up everybody else right in their faces.

[VibrantEcho]

The job itself is kind of whatever, but the hours are to die for. Out by 3 p.m during the school year, and half days during the summer? Yes please!

Do you think I should say that in my interview?

[Sniper762]

I double dare to smack an imaginary button then answer in the form of question.

[5ofus]

I double dare to smack an imaginary button then answer in the form of question.

I triple dog dare you.

[Bad Doctor Frost]

Dare you to infinity. Bonus points if you bring along the buzzer from Taboo and buzz people after 3 minutes.

[5ofus]

$100 for video.

[mdw2006]

Good Luck VE!

We want updates!

[butterflywings]

How did it go? What were the other interviewees like? Were they really competitive?

[Labyrinthine]

I actually like group interviews for the specific reason that I can show why I am better not only to those interviewing me but to those I am competing against.

All of my interviews have been group panel selections (more than one interviewer and more than one interviewee) at my current company. We like those, I guess.

[VibrantEcho]

First, I looooved getting the interview questions in advance. That's genius.

Second, I guess I did okay because I HAVE A SECOND INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY!!!

[mdw2006]

First, I looooved getting the interview questions in advance. That's genius.

Second, I guess I did okay because I HAVE A SECOND INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY!!!

[beli]

First, I looooved getting the interview questions in advance. That's genius.

Second, I guess I did okay because I HAVE A SECOND INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY!!!

Good luck!

[gottaluvya]

First, I looooved getting the interview questions in advance. That's genius.

Second, I guess I did okay because I HAVE A SECOND INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY!!!

awesome! good luck!

[VibrantEcho]

I got an email with the first two interview questions for tomorrow. Holy ish. The first one is kind of vague and generic, but the second one....

"Scenario: You return from lunch break to find the following 4 messages in your voicemail (insert detailed messages here, all "urgent" in nature). In addition, you are the only staff in the office, you are working on a project that requires intense focus and concentration, and an angry parent walks in just as your phone rings. How would you address each of these issues?"



I can only imagine what the subsequent 6 or 8 questions are going to be like.

Edited by VibrantEcho, 23 February 2012 - 07:31 PM.

[Krish]

I got an email with the first two interview questions for tomorrow. Holy ish. The first one is kind of vague and generic, but the second one....

"Scenario: You return from lunch break to find the following 4 messages in your voicemail (insert detailed messages here, all "urgent" in nature). In addition, you are the only staff in the office, you are working on a project that requires intense focus and concentration, and an angry parent walks in just as your phone rings. How would you address each of these issues?"



I can only imagine what the subsequent 6 or 8 questions are going to be like.

I would address the angry parent first, and then deal with the phone messages. Once done, I will get back to the project that needs focus. When dealing with the angry parent, if I get a call, I will let the voice mail pick it up. This is not to agitate the angry parent.

[VibrantEcho]

Update (of sorts): I had to call and cancel this morning after waking up in the middle of the night violently ill.

I'm going to email and ask about possibly rescheduling for Monday, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

[beli]

Update (of sorts): I had to call and cancel this morning after waking up in the middle of the night violently ill.

I'm going to email and ask about possibly rescheduling for Monday, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Hope your feeling better... as far as the 2nd scenario, I'd do the same thing Krish said.. deal with te angry parent first, let the phone call go to vm etc.

[VibrantEcho]

Definitely out of the running on this one, BUT there's a similar job (actually sounds more interesting, and slightly better paying since it doesn't go to part time in the summer) that I can still get my name in for, as soon as I can get to a real computer. So there's that.

ETA: not to mention the four other resumes I sent out this weekend (after I stopped being dead).

Edited by VibrantEcho, 27 February 2012 - 12:38 PM.