On Tuesday afternoon I had my first interview. It was actually for two positions that I applied for thru AmeriCorps, both with the Kansas City office of Habitat for Humanity. I got to meet with the two people who are looking for assistants and the Executive Director and I think it went really well. There were several questions that kind of threw me off guard (about my personal life, previous AmeriCorps experience and thoughts on the separation of church and state) but I think I handled it all pretty well and I felt really good about it. Now I just have to wait to hear back from them....
Today I have another interview for a different AmeriCorps position at a local community college that is trying to start up a service learning program. It sounds like it could be very interesting as well and since I've already done one of these, I'm not feeling quite as keyed up as I was on Tuesday. Still, it probably would have helped if I had remembered to bring the specific directions on where I'm supposed to go to meet the supervisor. :) I know how to get to campus and the right building to go to, but after that I'm going to have to wing it. Wish me luck!
4 comments:
Weeellllll- how did it go? I've been pullin for you :)
what were your answers? truth, fudge, or lie?
Unit, I make it a point not to lie and I don't ever want to be in the closet at a job ever again - I did it for almost 5 years when I was working 911 and it was horrible. It takes a ton of energy and just sucks the life out of you. I just hadn't really thought about how I was going to handle those questions (and technically I don't think it's legal for them to ask some of those questions, but what am I able to do about that?) so i just said the truth. She asked if I was married, noticing my ring but that I had marked single on my application (can't blame her for picking up on inconsistencies), and I told her I had a partner. As soon as she asked if my partner was here in KC too and I said, "yes she works at Children's Mercy," it was all good. She just LOVES Children's Mercy (most people around here do) and they had just had a work day of people from the hospital. It's better to be up front about things, but it's also very nerve wracking, especially when dealing with faith-based organizations because you don't know which way it's going to go.
You are correct, it is illegal for them to ask you those questions. Whenever they come up I answer truthfully, but it always makes me question as to their motives for asking and, probably more important to me- what would they be like as a co-worke or manager? I can't imagine anyone in management not knowing the off-limits stuff, so if they choose to risk it in something like a job interview-what does that say about how they handle other situations? I don't suffer fools well, and to bring that up on an interview is usually, at least in my view, at the least, foolish. My experience has also been that this is more rampant in smaller organizations than large corporations- just an observation. If I could give any advice- make sure it is a fit for you as well. Know what you are going sacrifice personally and professionally if anything. It's your chance to interview the company, the people and the culture as well.
I do so hope you get the job you want with a dream team to work with- keeping my fingers crossed.
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