h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thanks for keeping us posted.. I am sure I was not the only one who thought of you today.. Did you get any "good vibes"?

I remember in a job interview in 1974 feeling somewhat disconcerted that I had not been asked if there was anything I would like to ask, since I believe that all human interaction should go two ways- and if it is one way traffic from the start that can be quite and ominous sign. Fortunately, when they asked me if I did have something to ask, I did. For the Headteacher was retiring and would not be the Head I would be working under. So, as the new Head was on the interview panel, I pointed out that the school might be entering on a new era and asked her straight out whether she expected to make the school significantly different. I don't think I suffered by it. She was a fairly plainspeaking Yorkshirewoman.

Good luck for monday.. Your news will have to wait as far as I am concerned.. I will be away and off line for three weeks.

Cass

2nd interview you've already crossed the hurdle of being sufficiently interesting to them to warrant a closer look, chances are you are on a short list so seal the deal!

This time round rather than wanting to know if you can do the job (take as read you can otherwise you'd not be in a 2nd round) now is about company ethos and culture will you be a good fit in the team? It may well be more informal and chatty, you mifht well get a tour and meet people if so be super polite. Also a chance for you to ask more about the role and what you'll be expected to do.

Afterwards consider sending them a brief letter/ email reflecting reiterating any strong points that came up in discussion and thanking them for the experience and thanking any body by name. Then its out of your hands so try and relax.

The first round of interviews, for both jobs, was with recruitment agencies. So I don't really have a direct line to the companies.
At the interview, the interviewee(?) talked a bit about how many at the company had degrees in unrelated fields. Really renews your faith in academic education.
Sadly both companies would cost about as much as my rent to pendle back and forth from. That's a big investment right now, and I'm not sure how I could get the money for that.

Xanatic

Well traditionally in the UK the idea was that firms wanted people who had managed to complete undergraduate studies- especially in subjects that were seen as really testing both brain and character..

As I perhaps did not say in my previous "common sense" anecdote apparently all the candidates were very well-qualified academically in their chosen fields and specialisms, so the fact that they were making these kind of comments indicates that- while the paper qualifications get you to interview- they were/are looking for people who can deal with more than academia.

As I have suggested before, to my mind the time that you spent broadening your mind etc travelling in Asia is the kind of asset that may interest firms in this global age. Firms are often all about getting on with lots of people that you just have to get on with.

Though I joined this thread too late to read the whole thing I think my eyes caught a remark that you had no real hobbies.

I know that as a Sixth Form Tutor getting students ready to consider university etc that was a point that often had to be broached. I vividly remember one 16 year old girl who was very lively and popular who stated in a tutorial assuredly that she had "lots of interests". I asked her to talk to me about her interests for two minutes. She dried up after less than one. So I said that it looked like she was indeed curious about a lot of things, but actually was never interested in actually learning much about them.

This is what happened to our son who got as far as interview for a place at Oxford on the basis of his entry papers. He had produced some interesting ideas that he was invited to expand upon and elaborate. But it was native wit and what he had absorbed in growing up, not the result of any real scholarship. For English lit they wanted him to be able to show some familiarity with authors and critics.

As for the rental situation, you have stated previously that your accommodation requirements are modest, and someone even suggested last week going back to stay with your parents. But it seems to me that recruitment agencies are in the business of trying to successfully deliver to firms the kind of staff that the firms want, and may have some ideas to suggest based on recent experience.

"Faint heart never won fair lady" etc

Good Luck

As I have said I am off in a few hours.. I look forward to progressive developments by the time I get back on line.

Cass

So, I got a job. Sadly it's the one that pays about £500 pounds less per month than the other one. I'm not even sure I'll make a profit on this job. I can't afford to buy a monthly card for pendling, so will have to find other ways. It could well be I'll have to quit in a week because I ran out of money for pendling. We shall see. I start tommorow.

Good luck!

Shame about the cash deficit.

Wonders what to do about that. When I came off benefits into this job I got a cheque from the state for £100 which about covered the cost of the petrol to get here.

However I've had a lot of help from family - can't recommend that enough - but beyond that I'm not sure what to recommend.

Well here it seems there's a bunch of stuff that needs to be covered to get help with pendling. Also I have no time to meet with anyone, as I start so soon. My parents have already helped me, but they don't have much themselves. Going by bus will help a bit, though that could mean going there 4 hours early when I have the late shift.

Good luck, how far is it?

(What is pendling?)

Could you pendle to the late shift but bus to the early ones?

Is it too far to cycle?

What is it doing?

Assuming you're living in rented digs, Xanatic, would a move be appropriate? At least it would reduce commuting - you could spend the extra time looking for a better job.

I was lucky there. I was starting a regular 9-5 postion and it's 20 minuts drive from my front door on national speed limit roads. Oh speaking of which got to go...

Moving wouldn't help. The money for commuting(pendling) is still less than a months rent would be. I can take a bus across the bridge, instead of the train and save some money that way. The problem is it would still cost too much. Due to the few busses, it would also mean spending about 4 hours in either direction, though that can be managed.
I applied to my Swedish bank for a modest loan, they turned me down. I guess I might need to try with one of those horrid 3000% interest loans.

I did arrange a meeting with someone from the government, about possible financial support. I had to reschedule the meeting though, due to the job interview. Now I have to reschedule due to the job. I might not be able to meet them at all.

To save a bit of money, I also rode without a ticket today. Saved me about £4. Though of course the £75 fine I got for doing it put a dent in that.

Avoud avoid avoid those high rate loans. Used to deal with debt cases in the citizens advice. Those things and the debt collection agencies are all best avoided.

Similarly risky behaviour like not buying tickets may not be cost effective in the long run if you get fined and or prosecuted. I comprehend with condoning but we need to think about better solutions / sources of advice than these.

Xan; I stayed in a job I hated for years because I couldn't afford to take a lower paid job I'd like - as a result I'm 58 and still doing a job I hate - albeit one that pulls in a fair screw. Against that I had a heart attack at 45. I happen to be in a job I'm ggod at, but which I dislike.

I advised my kids to find something they enjoyed, and take that pleasure rather than money. Strangely 2 of them are now teachers.

Whaddya know, the second company came back to me and wants to hire me. Luckily the one I've started can be quit with a day's notice. So now it's going to be better money, a cantina and hopefully a slightly shorter commute time. Though of course also a more difficult job.

That's good news - hope it goes well.

It was our collective minds rooting for you that swayed them. That and the fact that you very probably deserve the job.

No, TC is wrong. It was ME who arranged that for you, Xan. You may thank me by making some payments to *my* banking account...

... no, wait. In fact, I blame 2legs!

Congratulations on the better job, and good luck pendling (I knew what you meant by that )

Y.

Oh excellent news!! :D