• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

I think I blew an interview- advice?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Two questions/comments:

1) Is Lexis Nexis a fork of Dragon Wagon?

2) Why are you so hard on yourself? Forever is a long time and this is just one interview. The benefit of failing an interview is that you are wiser and can apply your new-found knowledge to increase your chances for the next one.

You're mom still loves you right?
 
twinturbo2 said:
Thanks.

Let's focus on the questions for a bit, specifically the database one. Would you consider search engines like Google a database? A price-checking mechanism on the cash register? My parents seem convinced they do.
Click to expand...
Depends on the context but a database to me is something I can write SQL on like an Oracle database...
 
.GqueB. said:
Unlikely.

Pardon my ignorance but what's a job coach and what were they doing at the interview with you? I've never heard of that.
Click to expand...

I've seen it happen once before, when I was interviewed for my current job. Needless to say, that guy did not get a position. Nothing screams, "I have no confidence or ability to express myself", like bringing someone to hold your hand through a job interview.

So my advice to the OP would be, move on, keep applying for jobs and next interview, apply the lessons you've learnt from this interview and leave your coach at her office.
 
kirblar said:
Apparently parents dragging themselves along to interviews is a thing nowadays.
Click to expand...

I would legit stop an interview where someone came into the actual interview with a parent. I'd also admonish the parent on their way out my door.

This job coach thing is nearly as bad. Don't bring someone else to your interview; this is something you have to do yourself.
 
mcfrank said:
I have personally hired 3 full time and 3 part time employees in the last year, I have sat on the hiring committees for interviews with many other employees, if a candidate came in with a job coach I would immediately disqualify them and end the interview. Are you paying this person? If so you should demand a refund because as a job coach they should know better.
Click to expand...

Same here, I do the interviewing for my team of developers. If anyone came in and brought their parents let alone a...job coach I would ask why, mainly because that is alien as shit. Then I would tell them we only hire people that can do the job themselves, not have to have someone walk them through the job. Have a nice day.
 
Luigiv said:
I've seen it happen once before, when I was interviewed for my current job. Needless to say, that guy did not get a position. Nothing screams, "I have no confidence or ability to express myself", like bringing someone to hold your hand through a job interview.

So my advice to the OP would be, move on, keep applying for jobs and next interview, apply the lessons you've learnt from this interview and leave your coach at her office.
Click to expand...

"Job coaches" aren't that new a thing - they offer consulting/assistance for stuff like resume reviews, cover letter writing, interview prep, practice interviews, etc. I've never seen one actually in a real interview observing their client, but am not too surprised some do it. Wouldn't be surprised if some companies refused such a setup either, even if they were only there to strictly observe and not participate.
 
How old are you OP? Is this really the only job you have applied to recently? And putting all your eggs into one basket is crazy sauce. You only work 3 days a week, the other 4 days you should be applying to a shit load of jobs.
 
XiaNaphryz said:
"Job coaches" aren't that new a thing - they offer consulting/assistance for stuff like resume reviews, cover letter writing, interview prep, practice interviews, etc. I've never seen one actually in a real interview observing their client, but am not too surprised some do it. Wouldn't be surprised if some companies refused such a setup either.
Click to expand...

I can't fathom why an employer would allow a job coach to attend an interview with a client. I also can't fathom why a job coach would wreck a client's chance at employment by sitting in on an interview.
 
twinturbo2 said:
Thanks.

Let's focus on the questions for a bit, specifically the database one. Would you consider search engines like Google a database? A price-checking mechanism on the cash register? My parents seem convinced they do.



I don't know if I was the first, last, or somewhere in between, I'm going to have to look into that and see what the case was. I was told that they would have a decision within a week or so, maybe I was in the middle?

I just know that the process was slow goings- I applied on December 24th, had a pre-test just last week, and had the interview last Monday.
Click to expand...

Google is a search engine and doesn't qualify to be stated with confidence as a database. Best not to use google as a database example to anyone no matter how much you can spin it. Don't quite understand what you mean by a price checking mechanism for a cash register in relation to google or as a statement by itself. In fact, it seem like an incomplete question so please elaborate.

Honestly, you really should focus on going after a new job and only concentrate your mind on this one if you get positive feedback for a progressive next step with the company you had an interview with. Don't let your disappointed mother continue to serve you as a distraction unless she is going to be constructive with her criticisms. If you know she will never be constructive then don't tell her any details about your interviews as she will only hurt you without realising, and you really don't need that.
 
MC Safety said:
I can't fathom why an employer would allow a job coach to attend an interview with a client.
Click to expand...

It's highly unlikely, but I can see it with some conditions, i.e. they sign the same NDA/waivers, can only observe, not able to be seated in a way that they can pass information, etc.

I also can't fathom why a job coach would wreck a client's chance at employment by sitting in on an interview.
Click to expand...

I can see why the unscrupulous ones would - they get to keep working with their client and get paid while telling them what to improve, glossing over the fact that their presence may have cost them the spot!
 
foxtrot3d said:
Yes, Google is a database. You need to understand that a lot of the questions just sound technical but in reality they are asking you really simple basic questions. Are you familiar with any databases simply means do you know how to use the internet. So all you have to say is yes, and also include things like LexisNexis.
Click to expand...

I really blew that question, did I?
 
hipbabboom said:
Two questions/comments:

1) Is Lexis Nexis a fork of Dragon Wagon?

2) Why are you so hard on yourself? Forever is a long time and this is just one interview. The benefit of failing an interview is that you are wiser and can apply your new-found knowledge to increase your chances for the next one.

You're mom still loves you right?
Click to expand...

1. No, it's where people can look up news articles, transcripts and legal cases.

2. Like I mentioned earlier, I was really thinking that this could be my ticket to full-time work. Put all the eggs in the basket, now this.

And my mom still loves me. I think.
 
foxtrot3d said:
Yes, Google is a database. You need to understand that a lot of the questions just sound technical but in reality they are asking you really simple basic questions. Are you familiar with any databases simply means do you know how to use the internet. So all you have to say is yes, and also include things like LexisNexis.
Click to expand...

Google would not be the right answer. I think they want something where you access and input data like Microsoft Access.
 
Was this coach some how connected to this position like a recruiter or at least friendly with your interviewer or something?

Honestly, either way using connections to get a job, or worse, having someone in the room during a interview is a HUGEEEEEE mistake. Probably below bringing parents because it shows that instead of not taking responsibility/being taught it, you'd rather pay someone to guide you through it. By all means get advice but leave the coach at the door.
 
twinturbo2 said:
This was my best shot at getting full time work, and I blew it. Is there anything I can do or say at this point in time, or am I screwed? I have a job coach who was with me at the interview, and she's going to try to rescue this, but am I just going to be a part-timer forever?
Click to expand...

OP,

I hope you realize there's more jobs out there. This isn't the only option you have - so don't feel bad about blowing it. The fact that the job coach was there should be a great resource to you, so you can find out what you did wrong, and what you should have said. Has she provided any feedback? How old are you if I may ask?

Also, I don't think having her try to clarify or fix things up for you will do you any good. You need to learn from this and take that knowledge to your next interview. Don't have others fix your screw ups.
 
twinturbo2 said:
I have a job coach who was with me at the interview
Click to expand...

You should absolutely never, and I mean never, have someone with you during an interview.

No, I don't think it matters if someone is on good terms with the staff there. This is still an absolutely terrible idea. You have already lost the job the second they see you walk in with another person.
 
The interviewer was almost definitely talking about something like excel or access, not lexisnexis, lol, especially considering what job you were applying to.
 
The Driver said:
Was this coach some how connected to this position like a recruiter or at least friendly with your interviewer or something?

Honestly, either way using connections to get a job, or worse, having someone in the room during a interview is a HUGEEEEEE mistake. Probably below bringing parents because it shows that instead of not taking responsibility/being taught it, you'd rather pay someone to guide you through it. By all means get advice but leave the coach at the door.
Click to expand...

Wat? how is using who you know, to get an interview is a bad idea? Isnt that what linkedin is?
 
Vandiger said:
A job coach, never heard of this till now.
Click to expand...

turns out its really easy to scam millenials out of money

e: Also FUCKING NO Lexis Nexis and Google aren't databases

They are asking you if you have ever done data entry for a data entry job. Have you done data entry?

ee: to clarify they are asking if you have been on the input side of a database
not on the user side. Which like everyone has
 
twinturbo2 said:
Let's focus on the questions for a bit, specifically the database one. Would you consider search engines like Google a database? A price-checking mechanism on the cash register? My parents seem convinced they do.
Click to expand...
If I'm asking you - for a job - "Have you used any databases before?" Unless you programmed Google yourself, then no, Google is not a database. Lexis Nexis and a price-checking mechanism are marginal, you're really just the end user there. Which brings up a good question, why did they want to know your experience with databases? If they just want to know if you're going to competent with their CRM/ERP system, those would probably be good to mention. If they want you to write an SQL query, they don't count.

This might be a bit advanced for the level of interviewing you're doing, but this would've been a great question to turn back on the interviewer to get more information about the job from them and show that you're actively listening and engaged: "Have you used any databases before?" "Of course I've used databases before, but to make sure I'm really answering your question, what type of database usage are you asking about?'

Also, is there something else going on with your parents you haven't told us? They should be your support section, not beating you down and giving you bad advice.
 
krpiper said:
Wat? how is using who you know, to get an interview is a bad idea? Isnt that what linkedin is?
Click to expand...

Meant more like it being a family member or a friend with the interviewer sitting in with him and pulling strings to get him the job which it sounds like if this lady is able to make calls to "rescue" the interview. Sounds a bit too close to nepotism to me or at the very least having someone fight your battles for you. OP seems to be dodging all the questions about her so I'm just speculating.
 
So does the "job coach" sit next to you during the interview like a lawyer?

I literally can't even comprehend this in my brain.
 
Reading OPs other job thread from May of 2013, it seems he always focuses on one job as THE job.

twinturbo2 said:
Well, I called and left a message around 11 this morning. It's almost 5 in the afternoon and I haven't heard back.

I was banking on getting this job to solve some money woes and save up for a move. Now what? It's frustrating having four interviews at the same place and coming up with nothing.
Click to expand...

You really need to just keep applying and applying.
 
Squirrel Killer said:
If I'm asking you - for a job - "Have you used any databases before?" Unless you programmed Google yourself, then no, Google is not a database. Lexis Nexis and a price-checking mechanism are marginal, you're really just the end user there. Which brings up a good question, why did they want to know your experience with databases? If they just want to know if you're going to competent with their CRM/ERP system, those would probably be good to mention. If they want you to write an SQL query, they don't count.

This might be a bit advanced for the level of interviewing you're doing, but this would've been a great question to turn back on the interviewer to get more information about the job from them and show that you're actively listening and engaged: "Have you used any databases before?" "Of course I've used databases before, but to make sure I'm really answering your question, what type of database usage are you asking about?'

Also, is there something else going on with your parents you haven't told us? They should be your support section, not beating you down and giving you bad advice.
Click to expand...

There you go. Please answer these questions together and in relation to mine, OP. Provide us with clear answer so we can help you constructively.
 
Whatever database they use will be internal. Just say you used database before, and you are fast learner with computer
 
The only legit reason I can think to bring a third party with you in a job interview is if you are disabled and they are there as an advocate. Like if you were on disability for anxiety and the job coach was helping you find work. If you aren't in this situation, leave her at home. That you think this is a normal thing when it is really weird shows that you have a lot to learn about interviews. You will probably have to go on several interviews before you get good at them. No matter how much you practice with friends/family/coach, the stakes are much higher in an actual interview. You will get nervous and sweaty and make mistakes until you get good at it. You gotta just learn to grin and bear it, and the only way to do that is experience.

On your next day off, send your resume to a dozen more places. Don't expect to hear back from Walgreens. That way, if you do, it's a nice surprise. And if you don't, it's not a soul-crushing letdown.
 
OP, maybe you should take an interview skills workshop. When I was looking for work many months ago through a career center, I took an interview skills workshop and learned a lot. I had an interview just the other week, and it went very well, I got the job, start next Monday). I really think I can attribute some of my success, to that workshop. I have no real interview experience, it was my first real one. It would definitely be a constructive use of your time. Even little things, like not wearing too much cologne--which unfortunately fucked another poster in this thread--were explained.
 
First of all, I would never hire someone who brings another person with them to an interview. I don't care if it's your job coach, your life coach, your basketball coach, or your conjoined twin. Automatic disqualification.

Second of all, if they asked you about databases, and you've never used a database before, then the question did what it was supposed to do. That wasn't the right job for you because you didn't have the skill they were looking for. Instead of being upset you missed out on the job, spend a few hours learning Access or Great Plains. There's plenty of tools out there that teach you how to use, or even build databases, and learning those skills will help you get a job that pays way more than the one you missed out on. Lynda.com is a great place to start.
 
Why are you more worried about what your mother thinks of you than getting rid of the clearly defunct, superfluous job coach? Are they the same person?
 
Clipjoint said:
First of all, I would never hire someone who brings another person with them to an interview. I don't care if it's your job coach, your life coach, your basketball coach, or your conjoined twin. Automatic disqualification.

Second of all, if they asked you about databases, and you've never used a database before, then the question did what it was supposed to do. That wasn't the right job for you because you didn't have the skill they were looking for. Instead of being upset you missed out on the job, spend a few hours learning Access or Great Plains. There's plenty of tools out there that teach you how to use, or even build databases, and learning those skills will help you get a job that pays way more than the one you missed out on. Lynda.com is a great place to start.
Click to expand...

... it sounds harsh but OP, I'm very sorry but that IS the truth. Although I don't know why you brought a coach to the interview but unless the company you interviewer expected that coach to be in the meeting, I'm afraid having this person does go against you. Who idea was it to have a coach in your interview and why was this suggested? Be honest.

Personally, never waste your money on a job coach or any kind of coach, you don't need them. Also, if the coach was very useful then I think you wouldn't have bothered to make this thread, right? THink about it, if s/he was useful then you would have been more confident about your learning from that coach which would have prevented you from making a thread here on GAF. Also, if you are after a database type of job but you don't have any database skills then it is best for you NOT go for any database type roles until you are clear what they are, and actually learn a database or two.

Take people's stupid advice, research about the company you are going for and try to understand what the company is looking for via the job description better before attending the interview. Lastly, never feel afraid to ask good questions to learn more about the company and the realities of the role you are applying for during the interview. When you receive the answers to those questions, try to have a discussion about those question topics so you can have further understanding, and to demonstrate that you are assertive, confident, and keen about the company and so on. After all, remember that you should be interviewing them as they are interviewing you.
 
I can sort of relate because when I was 20 I was interviewing for admin assistant jobs myself and never got a callback because I had no experience.

What I did eventually was just go to a temp agency.. Kelly Services. They had me take some test on their computer, basic typing speed and I think some excel questions and ms word stuff. It was easy, I had barely any knowledge of those apps but they said I got a high score. They placed me in a stock brokerage doing data entry and filing, etc. I worked my way out of that and had more of the skills I needed if I wanted to tackle admin assistant job interviews again.

I ended up not going that clerical route in my career, but it helped.
 
Trojan X said:
Lastly, never feel afraid to ask good questions to learn more about the company and the realities of the role you are applying for during the interview. When you receive the answers to those questions, try to have a discussion about those question topics so you can have further understanding, and to demonstrate that you are assertive, confident, and keen about the company and so on. After all, remember that you should be interviewing them as they are interviewing you.
Click to expand...

True, and even if you are afraid to ask them questions, I have never been on an interview that didn't wrap up with them asking "Do you have any questions for me?" PROTIP: If you say "no", you just wasted everyone's time. You definitely won't get the job. Always have at least 3 questions ready to ask them.
 
Ingrate said:
True, and even if you are afraid to ask them questions, I have never been on an interview that didn't wrap up with them asking "Do you have any questions for me?" PROTIP: If you say "no", you just wasted everyone's time. You definitely won't get the job. Always have at least 3 questions ready to ask them.
Click to expand...

And if you meet with multiple people, have a variety of alternate questions relevant to their position/title/area of expertise in proper relation/context to the position you're applying to. Which is why its important to try and get a list of names and titles of who you'll be talking to before the interview so you can get better prepared. When interviewing with more than one person, they will almost always compare notes afterwards and that's another way to potentially make an impression. Even if its a small one, every little bit counts.
 
OP, please confirm that you now recognize that having a job coach at your interviews is a bad idea and that you won't do that again in the future. There are a number of people in the thread trying to get that point across to you but you seem to be dodging it. This is for your own good.
 
Vilam said:
OP, please confirm that you now recognize that having a job coach at your interviews is a bad idea and that you won't do that again in the future. There are a number of people in the thread trying to get that point across to you but you seem to be dodging it. This is for your own good.
Click to expand...
He seems to be stuck on his answers for some reason.
 
daviyoung said:
Why are you more worried about what your mother thinks of you
Click to expand...

anthonyperkinspsycho.gif
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

I want to place an ad in neogaf?
10
520
Mr Reasonable replied
I felt a transformation
24
298
calico replied
I am dead inside
2
67
672
gundalf replied
I think my girlfriend is cheating on me , should i just break up with her ?
2 3 4 5 6
270
4K
ConkerTheSquirrel. replied
  • Locked
I think my dog might be gay
20
1K
T8SC replied
Top Bottom