Have interview...but leaving country for vacation

[Red Rock]

To all wise TEers:

I was wondering what advise you all would have concerning me and my situation. I have an interview with the City for a lab Tech job tomarrow. This is wll be a great job if I can land it.

What can I do to prepare myself for the interview other than being myself during the interview? I have not been employed for over a year now.

How do I deal with the family vacation out of the country? Do I tell them where I am going when asked? I will not intentionally bring it up. I think its better to be truthful than not. Someone has told me to tell them I am going to visit my Dad. The problem is it is more than that.

I think that is it for now.

Thank you Red Rock

[bmccasland]

Red Rock -
You need to explain to a certain extent why you've been out of work for a year. But with the current economy, that shouldn't be too difficult, so long as you weren't fired, or walked out in a snit. I don't mean to be cheeky, but if you were laid off, then that's pretty much all the explaination you need. Not sure if you're single or married but if married - and husband or SO has a job, then the reason you stayed put is that he had a job. If you're single, and stayed put - to me you could have done a job search in other parts of the country.

As for vacation.... What you're saying is that you could start work, but then would need time off sometime in the near future because you already have the trip planned, and the tickets purchased? That in itself is enough of an explanation, adding that you want to visit family is just a bit more. However, if it's a lie about visiting family, don't do that. But you don't need to give them the full trip details.

Stay professional - your work experience, what you're bringing to them. Why do you want to work for them? Why should they hire you?

GOOD LUCK!!!! ;)

[sarahspins]

You can simply state you have another obligation during the time you will be gone on vacation and leave it at that.. there's not really any reason to give them more information.. where you are going or why really isn't any of their concern.

[Red Rock]

Just so you all know, I have been sort of employed through our landscape business that DH and I have been running.

This vacation would take place before I would start work too.


Red Rock

[ginny]

I agree: less is more. I don't really want to know about the personal life of an employee or a prospective employee. As for the lab tech position (I'm a scientist, so maybe i can help). You know that science dress is often different from professional dressy. As a woman in science, sensible dress pants or even a dress suit are fine. I would recommend wearing sensible shoes - they may take you on a tour of the lab and a) you want to be comfy walking a fair bit and b) you don't want to have strappy heels on in a lab. Also, you have to strike that 'science dressy' balance. Don't dress like you are interviewing at a law firm. But, don't dress like I do for work every day: jeans / button down shirt. I have been in depts where I have heard other scientists laughing at an interviewee for dressing too much like the business world. Remember the 5 is enough rule: watch = 1, earrings =2, ring on your finger = 1, glasses =1 all of those = 5 pieces of jewelry. I think this rings especially true in science. You are also applying for a position with the city - I'm guessing there aren't too many labbies there; so you will have to address a broader audience than if you were applying in academia or a pham company. Here's what I would wear: dress pants, button down blouse, bring an appropriate jacket and coat/hat/gloves as necessary. I would wear closed toe shoes that are still fairly dressy - maybe black ballet type flats. I would keep my hair and make up simple and remember to ... SMILE! Be positive! Your CV obviously shines because you got the interview. Keep that in mind: they like you enough to interview you; now you need to gel with them. You don't have to dazzle them with your scientific prowess, but make sure you know what they are up to so you can ask appropriate questions.

Good luck! You will be golden :)

[Red Rock]

Thank you [B]ginny[B]. I had never heard of the 5 rule before. I actually had to get a second wedding ring because I was affraid of destroying it in labs and places like that where I have worked.

As far as clothes go, I was going to wear some dark blue/navy pants from LL Bean, a cream colored mock turtleneck, a green sweater w 2" collar that also folds down (also from Bean), and mt Dansko shoes that I live in. They are nice dark blacks and browns. My ears are pierced and I usually just wear studs. Nothing fancy by any means.

Also, I had not though of bringing a lab jacket either. I guess I will go dig one up to bring.

Actually I think that I have had a bit of the "interview jitters/ fear" since I have not been employed by someone else for so long. So I appreciate everyones positve comments. Those are things I need to remember. Put on my mirror so I can refresh my memory kind of thing.

Thank you,
Red Rock

[ginny]

oh, I didn't mean to bring a lab coat - I live in Wyoming, I meant a coat! I also mentione maybe a blazer type jacket... don't bring your lab coat. I too live in my Danskos :) I find it tough to ride my bike in my Danskos, though, but I think they are the best lab shoes ever! Your attire sounds just perfect. You are going to rock it!

[Red Rock]

Well I did dig up my lab coats and took it with me. I didn't need it. I answered all of the questions and asked a few more to make sure it would work and as I left I told them that I could do the job. They have other people to interview next week. As I left the HR person said, I will talk to you later. A bit of a freudian slip but was nice to hear. Cross fingers and hope, pray that I will get the job.

Thank you for all of your help.
Red Rock

[ginny]

good good. That sounds promising. Now for the sucky part: waiting to hear. I'm glad to hear it went well.

[tribogota]

crossing my fingers, good luck! and if you go on vacation before you start to work it is good for them, means you won't be going again (in theory) until next year.