How can I "big myself up"?

imported_Phil

Diamond Member
Feb 10, 2001
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Attentive folks may remember that the company I work for is showing signs of going under rapidly (laying off staff, "shortages" of parts, problems paying bills (the phone were cut off for two days).

I've been looking and looking without so much as a nibble for a week or two, and I think I've found something at another company, one of our larger clients.

I also have a friend working there who I used to work with, who has apparently been laying the groundwork for me, as the job's very similar to the one I currently hold.

I have to call and speak to one of the Directors tomorrow morning, and I was wondering if anybody had any sensible tips on how to make myself sound like they should employ me?

Obviously, I'll concentrate on the skills I have that are applicable to the job, but is there anything specific I can say that'll help matters along? I have to leave my current job, no question.

Thanks in advance :)

[Edit] Update: Called the guy, after an extremely brief chat, he'd like to see me tonight after work hours. Here comes the hard part :eek:

[Edit2] Update: Urgh, not working for them. I'd rather eat my own liver with a rusty spoon.
 

chrisms

Diamond Member
Mar 9, 2003
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Sorry I have no advice.. but if for me, I am golden on the phone. It is just so easy to BS your way through and sound like a big shot. As opposed to them seeing my 630 lb ass walk in the door and smell my chronic body odor and long black hair and thick glasses.
 

Pciber

Senior member
Feb 17, 2004
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Originally posted by: chrisms
Sorry I have no advice.. but if for me, I am golden on the phone. It is just so easy to BS your way through and sound like a big shot. As opposed to them seeing my 630 lb ass walk in the door and smell my chronic body odor and long black hair and thick glasses.


your ass weighs 630 lbs?! jesus christ, how much does the rest of your body weigh?
 

imported_Phil

Diamond Member
Feb 10, 2001
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Originally posted by: chrisms
Sorry I have no advice.. but if for me, I am golden on the phone. It is just so easy to BS your way through and sound like a big shot. As opposed to them seeing my 630 lb ass walk in the door and smell my chronic body odor and long black hair and thick glasses.

Can you give any examples of stuff you say that they'll lap up? I'm pretty good in person, have a very strong customer service background which goes from dealing with 'tards at a UK computer superstore chain (similar to Best Buy I guess) and taking the abuse and flak that comes with that job, to actually going out in the field (I cover a large part of the UK on my own) to businesses and being "terribly apologetic" ;) when equipment fails and it has to be repaired.

So far, I've managed to fix all but one of the jobs that I've been out on, and I do an average of 10 jobs per week, for the last nine months. According to my current boss, the customers love me, and I'm really, REALLY hoping that this is what's going to carry me through into a better job at this new place.
 

DaTT

Garage Moderator
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Feb 13, 2003
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Wear your atta-boy knee pads. You'll thank me later. ;)
 

effee

Golden Member
Sep 4, 2004
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dont worry about it too much even if u think you screw it up, i had a interview with lufthansa, went home and thought i screwed it up, a few hours later got a call asking when i could start :)
 

imported_Phil

Diamond Member
Feb 10, 2001
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Originally posted by: effee
dont worry about it too much even if u think you screw it up, i had a interview with lufthansa, went home and thought i screwed it up, a few hours later got a call asking when i could start :)

Thanks :) - it's not so much the interview side of things that's concerning me, more the concern that I'd be joining a company that can offer more than my current company. Looking at their website, things don't look fantastic...:frown:

I just hope they're better than my current employer, is all.
 

Safeway

Lifer
Jun 22, 2004
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Good luck ...

During interview, say that you are a good team player (that you work well with other staff members) and that you like what you do. That's important.
 

AbsolutDealage

Platinum Member
Dec 20, 2002
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At the end of the interview, be sure to say that you want the job. Afterwards, send a follow up note/email.
 

dug777

Lifer
Oct 13, 2004
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I'd suggest a bj if you have a willing SO...actually i wouldn't, they leave me content and sleepy ;)

Good luck anyway :)
 

Jzero

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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I've been looking and looking without so much as a nibble for a week or two, and I think I've found something at another company, one of our larger clients.
Be careful about going to work for a client...if you signed a non-compete agreement, you could find yourself both unemployed and in court.
 

Britboy

Senior member
Jul 25, 2001
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Didn't this guy who's been laying the ground work give you any pointers on what this guy is looking for in an employee? He wants you to make him look good and make his life easier so answer questions with that in mind.

Try to be confident, believe that they would be lucky to get you, not that you hope to God you will land it and not be unemployed in 2 weeks. Even if you don't like the job you will still have a paycheck while you search for something else.

Turn negative situations into ones that show you in a positive light. Come up with weaknesses that are really strengths, such as 'I got frustrated when colleagues didn't take proper care of the customer', crap like that.

People like people who are like them. So if he's very serious and all-business, be the same way. If he jokes around, try and put a bit of humor in there.

Learn as much as you can about the company (sounds like you've got this part down) and be prepared to say where you want to be in 5 years, what your strengths are and all that usual bollocks.

Hope this helps. good luck
 

imported_Phil

Diamond Member
Feb 10, 2001
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That's some good advice, thanks folks :thumbsup:

Apparently (according to my guy in the company) the Director really likes me, I wouldn't mind betting that I'll be offered the job. However, the place is a sh!t-hole; run-down, tiny, never been cleaned.
Urgh.

Bad, bad impressions. I'll keep looking, I think. :(