Log in

View Full Version : Can I get some help with finding the right word?



GLC1968
04-19-2011, 08:36 AM
I'm putting the finishing touches on a presentation for an interview I have this afternoon (yay!). I'm having a brain fart.

I need a word or short phrase that eloquently and succinctly says:

does not add additional work
or
does not create bureaucracy


Any ideas?

Biciclista
04-19-2011, 08:39 AM
does not increase work load?
does not cause complications?

spokewench
04-19-2011, 08:42 AM
efficiently accomplishes tasks

Kimmyt
04-19-2011, 08:54 AM
streamlined

SheFly
04-19-2011, 09:07 AM
Context? It's hard to provide a word or phrase without the associated context.

Let me know how it goes! Anxious to hear.

SheFly

GLC1968
04-19-2011, 09:36 AM
Basically, I'm looking for a way to say that this new program that I am proposing (training within existing departments) won't create excess workload for the training department.

I am essentially including a 'nod' to the engineering managers who will balk at the idea of adding more work to staff that is already short handed. I want them to understand that I get this and that I will work with them should I get hired.

(one of the previous candidates apparently gave the impression they they would railroad the program down their throats and as an internal candidate, I want them to know that I certainly don't want to do that!).

I'm feeling good about this. Nervous, but good.

Oh, and thanks for the suggestions so far! They are certainly helping me get my brain working again this morning. I've already used 'streamlined' as another descriptor, but that's close!

goldfinch
04-19-2011, 10:24 AM
Just say it? The new program will not increase workload. The new program will not increase administrative burdens. Instead, it will . . .

SheFly
04-19-2011, 11:00 AM
Use the word "collaborate" or "collaboration" - the program will be designed as a collaborative effort with the engineering teams, taking their workload into consideration...

Good luck! I know you will nail this. And when you get the job, I am happy to share other inputs with you!

SheFly

GLC1968
04-19-2011, 11:41 AM
goldfinch - I actually did end up just saying it at one point in the presentation, thanks!

Shefly - collaboration - good word. I'll definitely use it.

You know, I seriously cannot think of a single reason why they wouldn't hire me for this position. I mean, there may be more experienced candidates out there, but I can almost guarantee that there is NO ONE with my background and certainly no one with my existing knowledge of the company (since I'm the only internal applicant).

The more people I tell about this position, the more times I hear "OMG, was this job created for you? It's perfect!!".

Now, to not let all that go to my head and deliver effectively for the next 4 hours is my current challenge. ;)

azfiddle
04-19-2011, 11:53 AM
dovetails neatly with existing programs

OakLeaf
04-19-2011, 12:21 PM
Good luck!

emily_in_nc
04-19-2011, 06:20 PM
GLC -- did you decide against trying to go to vet school? I must be a little behind; I remember reading your thread about that. Is this possible new position just an interim move, or are you hoping that it will cure your career angst?

As one who has suffered a lot of career angst over the years, I could certainly understand either way! :D

Good luck! Sounds like you're a shoo-in. :p

Trek420
04-19-2011, 08:30 PM
Basically, I'm looking for a way to say that this new program that I am proposing (training within existing departments) won't create excess workload for the training department.

You write "You know all those programs that are supposed to do more, better and faster than the old program but they are actually slower, do even less than the old one and with more errors that need to be reworked?

This will NOT be that program. :D"

GLC1968
04-20-2011, 07:45 AM
Thanks guys! The interview went well. I'd say that I effectively 'nailed it'. I have one more interview today with the recruiting team, but I met all the same people yesterday (they attended my presentation).

They have one more external candidate to interview later this week, but I seriously cannot imagine what they would have to offer that would knock me out of the running. We'll see. The HR people yesterday were talking to me as if the position were already mine at the end of the day. They were raving about my presentation, too. We talked about transitioning from my current position, what would be my first priorities, etc. I'll know officially early next week.

Emily - Vet school is still on my radar, but this is to hold me over. When this job popped up on our system, I just HAD to apply. It's as if it was written for me! Maybe I'll love it so much that I'll want to build a career here and let the vet school idea dissipate...but at this point, it's still in the works.

jobob
04-20-2011, 07:49 AM
Late to the party ...

How exciting for you, GLC! Wishing you the best.

GLC1968
04-20-2011, 02:53 PM
Thanks, Jobob!

The last interview also went very well. Now I wait... :)

Triskeliongirl
04-20-2011, 05:03 PM
Glad to hear! Here is hoping for the best!!! Keep us posted.

SheFly
04-21-2011, 04:53 AM
I knew you would nail it! Keeping fingers crossed for you.

SheFly

GLC1968
04-21-2011, 08:19 AM
Shefly - you were a huge help! If I get the job, dinner (or beer :p) is on me when I come to New England.

SheFly
04-21-2011, 10:30 AM
Shefly - you were a huge help! If I get the job, dinner (or beer :p) is on me when I come to New England.

Now I'll make sure to keep fingers crossed ;). Don't worry about it - you have what it takes on your own - i just pointed you in a direction.

SheFly

SheFly
05-03-2011, 04:54 AM
GLC - any news?????

SheFly

malkin
05-03-2011, 03:56 PM
Thanks, Jobob!

The last interview also went very well. Now I wait... :)

Waiting can be the hardest part!

GLC1968
05-03-2011, 04:09 PM
Ugh, no...not yet! I'm going insane!!

I had to do one more interview last week with a woman who was here for a conference (normally she is at our Tx facility). I found out then that there are now just two of us in the running. Myself and one external candidate with just about identical qualifications as me. When I sent my thankyou to the Tx woman, she told me that I had her vote, so we'll see.

The person who would be my boss and the VP of HR had a meeting about it all yesterday afternoon. But still no word.

Frankly, I'm losing faith that I'm going to get it. I feel like the longer it takes, the less likely it'll be me. I guess I figure if they wanted me, they'd tell me immediately.

I am not known for my patience. AT ALL. :rolleyes:

GLC1968
05-03-2011, 04:22 PM
OMG - as soon as I hit 'submit' on my above post, I got a meeting request from the woman who would be my boss (if I get the job). The meeting is tomorrow for 30 min and it's titled "College Program Manager position check-in". WTF does THAT mean?

When you apply for an internal job, is the offer process different or are they yanking my chain? I'm so confused!!! I really wish that I didn't want this job so badly - this would be a lot easier to take if I still actually liked my current job!

I don't think I'll sleep much tonight. :(

emily_in_nc
05-03-2011, 06:51 PM
OMG - as soon as I hit 'submit' on my above post, I got a meeting request from the woman who would be my boss (if I get the job). The meeting is tomorrow for 30 min and it's titled "College Program Manager position check-in". WTF does THAT mean?

When you apply for an internal job, is the offer process different or are they yanking my chain? I'm so confused!!! I really wish that I didn't want this job so badly - this would be a lot easier to take if I still actually liked my current job!

I don't think I'll sleep much tonight. :(

I don't know the answer, but that sounds very promising! Keep us posted!!!

GLC1968
05-03-2011, 09:00 PM
I still don't know the answer, but I'm pretty sure I didn't get the job. If I did, I'm sure they'd just call and offer. This meeting makes me think that they need to let me down gently since they can't exactly send me a reject letter in the mail. They were talking to me as if I already had the job during the interview, but now they are going to have to eat their words. Sucks.

I'm really, really bummed.

SheFly
05-04-2011, 04:06 AM
Keep the faith. Internal offers often don't work the same as external offers. Even my last external offer was made verbally over the phone vs. getting a letter/email directly.

Keep all my fingers and toes crossed for you! Do let us know what happens.

Positive vibes, positive vibes...

SheFly

Mr. Bloom
05-04-2011, 04:30 AM
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! I'm with Emily...I see some encouragement in the invitation...on the other hand, I'm not close to the situation.

Catrin
05-04-2011, 04:46 AM
I still don't know the answer, but I'm pretty sure I didn't get the job. If I did, I'm sure they'd just call and offer. This meeting makes me think that they need to let me down gently since they can't exactly send me a reject letter in the mail. They were talking to me as if I already had the job during the interview, but now they are going to have to eat their words. Sucks.

I'm really, really bummed.

Like others have said, they just may have a different process for internal offers. Regardless, good luck and hang in there regardless of what happens. Sometimes there are twists and turns that have unforeseen good consequences :)

Blueberry
05-04-2011, 04:47 AM
Ohhh.....I'm crossing my fingers for you too. The less you try to read into it the better - as you can't know until you get there:)

Triskeliongirl
05-04-2011, 05:40 AM
Whatever happens, please do let us know. I personally would take the meeting invitation as encouraging. But whatever happens, hang in there!!

GLC1968
05-04-2011, 08:52 AM
I got it! :D:D:D:D:D

Holy cow, it's been a rough 15 hours or so! But yes, they agreed that if it was bad news, they'd have to schedule a meeting as well (since I'm an internal candidate). BUT, it was good news!

I cannot tell you how incredibly happy I am. Doors are opening. The birds are singing. The sun is shining (it really is!).

Thanks for all the help and support you guys! And SheFly, I definitely owe you dinner next time I'm in New England! :)

Veronica
05-04-2011, 08:56 AM
Wooooohooooooo!!!!!

Gotta say, I was a little afraid to read your post in case it was bad news.


Veronica

redrhodie
05-04-2011, 09:05 AM
Yay! Congratulations! :D

SheFly
05-04-2011, 09:08 AM
YAY! YIPPEE! CONGRATS!

I am here doing the happy dance for you (where IS that happy dance emoticon????). I KNEW you could do it! Overjoyed at the news.

As you transition into the new role, if there are questions or resources I can help with, just let me know - I have lots of good stuff on the topic ;).

Happy to help - no dinner required ;)

Congrats!

SheFly

Veronica
05-04-2011, 09:10 AM
Oh no, GLC has to take you out for lobster rolls. :D

Veronica

Blueberry
05-04-2011, 09:11 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Keep us posted on the transition - how exciting!!

indysteel
05-04-2011, 09:12 AM
That's awesome! Congrats!!!!! :D:D:D

Best wishes in your new position. I'm sure you'll do great; it sounds like a good fit for your experience and education.

SheFly
05-04-2011, 09:13 AM
Oh no, GLC has to take you out for lobster rolls. :D

Veronica

Only if you're coming too :D

SheFly

Veronica
05-04-2011, 09:16 AM
No time for a trip to Maine this summer. But we're thinking about touring Nova Scotia next summer.

Veronica

GLC1968
05-04-2011, 10:03 AM
Thanks all. I'm so relieved that it's not even funny. :eek:

And I'm so excited, too!

Triskeliongirl
05-04-2011, 10:19 AM
Big Congrats! I really did think it was good news!!!

Crankin
05-04-2011, 10:40 AM
Congratulations!!!!
When are you coming to MA?

GLC1968
05-04-2011, 10:45 AM
Crankin - I'm not sure. We have a design center there and of course, lots of colleges at which to recruit, so it'll definitely be on my plan at some point.

I went to HS there as well (and college in Maine), so I'm looking forward to coming back 'home' as part of this new job. :)

azfiddle
05-04-2011, 10:51 AM
Hurray, hurray, hurray!

LOVE the happy ending:)

SheFly
05-04-2011, 11:04 AM
Crankin - I'm not sure. We have a design center there and of course, lots of colleges at which to recruit, so it'll definitely be on my plan at some point.

I went to HS there as well (and college in Maine), so I'm looking forward to coming back 'home' as part of this new job. :)

Oh - I thought you were kidding about coming to MA! Do let us know when you have plans (and FWIW, I work at HBS...).

SheFly

Crankin
05-04-2011, 11:48 AM
Yep, GLC I remember the discussion about you going to the HS that never closes in the snow.

emily_in_nc
05-04-2011, 06:32 PM
Yay! Congratulations!!! I just knew you'd get it. :p

Mr. Bloom
05-05-2011, 04:02 AM
A sincere congrats! Savor the feeling!:D

jobob
05-07-2011, 03:14 AM
Yay! :D