Filed under: Blog | Tags: copy editing, editing, interview, real estate, summer, Web, writing
Amanda Hoffstrom
On the day of my first post-college interview, Mother Nature decided to make it the hottest day in Madison with a high of 94. So, I spent the morning trying to pick an outfit that looked professional but wouldn’t cause heat exhaustion. Something about the job description told me I could be business casual instead of business professional.
I think getting dressed is one of the hardest things about preparing for an interview. I absolutely did not want to look like a slob, and I know I didn’t. But when you’re interviewing for a part-time summer job, it’s hard to convince yourself to opt for the business suit.
To prepare, I also tried to think of possible questions my interviewer would ask me, considering what I would say my greatest strength and weakness are, and how to answer the all important, “where do you see yourself in five years?” With the current state of the media world, I think that one is the most difficult for me to answer.
It turns out my interview actually wasn’t a traditional interview at all. Instead, I spent five minutes hearing about the Web site I would work on if hired and the next 20 minutes filling out a job application, listing past employers and writing answers to many of the questions I had practiced. The final page was a short copy-editing test that I think I nailed. I was only verbally asked where I was from and whether I was looking for a short- or long-term position. It was a relatively relaxed atmosphere, and I can see myself writing and editing for the real estate Web site, if not after August, definitely for the summer.
As I was driving home, I heard the voice of my former adviser and job-search class teacher saying a simple Thank You note after an interview can make or break your chances of being hired. I wrote and put one in the mail as soon as I got home.
My potential new boss told me he has one other candidate to interview on Thursday and expects to make the hiring decision by the end of the day Friday. He said the position is very flexible and could coordinate around another part-time or full-time position. So, whether or not I get this one, I will still be on the lookout for a permanent job.
Filed under: Blog | Tags: application, interview, job, Madison, online, real estate, summer, Web site
Amanda Hoffstrom
As I mentioned in my last post, I saw a part-time writer and editor position open at a real estate company in Madison that I was thinking of applying to. After sending in my application materials on Sunday, I got a call to schedule an interview!
It took me a minute to remember what the position was since I’ve been applying to other positions, both full-time and part-time, and placing calls to sources for an article I’m writing about smoking bans. My mind was a bit distracted when I answered the phone, and hopefully, the time it took me to remember won’t cost me the job.
Once I realized who was talking to, I got really excited and scheduled the interview for the first available time slot: Tuesday at 1 p.m. I will use it as my time to shine, selling my skills and talent.
The company is “seeking someone who can give 15 to 20 hours per week (check), for at least 10 weeks (check, though I think my lease ends before that, but I’m sure something could be worked out). Very flexible on hours worked (Great, so am I!) Organization is creating a real estate-related Web site with an emphasis on the Dane County Area. It is not imperative that the person have a strong understanding of real estate (cool) … This person needs excellent grammar skills and comfort with editing (check). Employee will be working with text for multiple Web pages … skills in Web coding or programming not necessary, as writing and editing are primary” (awesome, writing and editing are my primary passions).
I’m not sure how many candidates I’m competing against for the position, but the job sounds ideal for my wish to stay in Madison for the summer, write, edit and make some money in the process. It will also give me a chance to get out of my apartment on a regular basis, something I desperately feel I need to do for my sanity.
Yes, my goal still is to find a more permanent, full-time job after August, but the job posting indicates there is a possibility that the person hired could eventually become part of the Web site staff. I really hope the interview goes well and I can write a post announcing my hire next week.
Help Wanted: From graduation to gainful employment 