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How did you get your last role?
The last time you got a new job, how did you get it? Or, if you prefer, what is the story you want to tell about getting a job that you think will be most helpful for this community?
I interviewed, then didn't hear back for a while and thought nothing of it. There were a lot of people interviewing-and Halle Berry's body-double interviewed after me with all of the confidence in the world, so I really didn't think it would be offered to me.
About 6 weeks later, they called for a second interview and since I hadn't found work yet, but had one other offer, I went. The City Administrator had been away during my initial interview, so he wanted to meet me in person. I was offered the job on the spot by him and the Mayor. We negotiated salary (don't go first--lesson learned), and I went before City Council and was approved unanimously (I am in an appointed position).
My first day on the job, the City Administrator told me I wasn't their first choice, but #1 wanted too much money and he "got a great deal on me". It's been seriously two years of hell--but not just for me. I've found that I've fought for the rights of others-specifically women-while I've been on staff. I've raised the wages, grown the department and hired more staff.
My time/tolerance is just about done, and I am looking for something where there is more balance, respect and general goodness.
Thanks for sharing, especially that you didn't now how much to ask for! For others who might find themselves in this position - you want to research online ahead of time how much the value of the role is through sites like glassdoor, but also make sure to use payscale! If it's a government role, you can actually see how much people in that role make- as it's public record. Keep in mind that many organizations will not disqualify people if they ask for too much right off the bat, only if they can't come to an agreement. That is to say- don't let this scare you off from going first- in most cases it is to your benefit to go first if you can find a benchmark for how much the role pays.
Sometimes when someone is looking for am "great deal" it is a red flag that they don't want to pay market value and therefore don't value the role.
Thank you so much for sharing!!
I so enjoyed my actual job that I just lost 2 days ago. My work environment, however, was horrific as the associate I worked most closely with couldn't stand me from day one.... and SHE was responsible for training me. I swallowed my pride daily and wished she would catch on that I was there to do the very best I could by her. But if I ever made a mistake she took it to the boss. If ever I caught her mistakes I just corrected them. So the boss, not realizing all I did just listened to her backbiting and let me go saying he absolutely thought I was a great employee and wished he could clone me BUT... they were "going in a different direction." I will not let this bring me down! Any businesses out there in Tucker, GA within about 5 miles of Northlake Mall needing an administrative assistant (been a manager, rather be a great indian) please speak out of them and I will run my resume right over! Thanks for reading; I feel better.
Mine was actually a walk in feel out the place and see if they were hiring.
Biggest thing for me was the brave and professional manner I needed to make sure I was a good fit.
It was a great fit!
Hi Crystal, this is great. Can you add more detail? You went to the business and then you realized that they were hiring? Did you have a chance to meet someone on that first visit?
Yes, actually it in October of 2018 and I was angling for just holiday help. Which morphed into just staying on. I really needed local work history in a sales position (I’m not from the state I live in). The person I actually met was the main manager who then walked me through the process, I did have to take a preliminary screening (sales compatibility or such) that scores you on how well you would resolve issues, work with others, and sales personality. If I remember correctly my interview got rescheduled 3 different times because of meetings.
And then it was never clearly defined that I had the job until we discussed pay and tax paperwork.
Thanks for sharing!
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