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Dear Leslie,
I recently participated in an interview with an airline for a flight attendant position. I agreed to participate at my own expense, since the company did not provide transportation or cover expenses.
I drove from my home to the interview location, 800 miles each way. My expenses totaled $566: gas $287; hotels $196; meals $33; and car preparation, $50.
To make a short story shorter... no interview!
I introduced myself to the company representative I spoke with on the phone and tried to give her my resume and credentials. She refused my material, stating this was not the company’s process.
Next, I was directed to a room where about 70 candidates were instructed to get up front and recite: (1) the last four digits of our social security number, (2) our name (3) our reason for choosing company. That’s it.
Next, we were instructed to wait to find out which candidates were selected to move onto the next step. Those who were not selected were told to try again in six months. I was not selected (they took about 10 out of 70 people).
For the record, before I arrived and agreed to pay for travel expenses, the personnel person I spoke with said there would be an interview.
The next day after my experience, I wrote a complaint to the Human Resources Director and sent copies to the CEO, COO, and VP Inflight Manager. The HR Director wrote back stating it was an Open House and “sorry.” That’s it.
Next, I emailed the CEO and COO directly, explaining how unfair and unprofessional this situation was and requested a full refund of $ 578. I never got a reply. What can I do?
Dear Reader,
Yours is a cautionary tale, expensive, but filled with lessons.
Lesson #1: It’s important to ask questions and take detailed notes before making such a big investment in time and money to attend a job interview. How many people will H.R. interview for how many spots? What is the hiring process? If the first step is a “screening interview,” a brief encounter designed to weed out candidates, would they consider screening you over the phone or using videoconferencing equipment? All your questions may not be answered, but that in itself may give you a clue as to whether the trip is worthwhile.
Lesson #2: Reviewing your presentation can give you some clues for future success. Was your clothing appropriate? What was your tone with the screener? How did you answer the one substantive question that was asked: Why this company? All of these items will play a part in future interviews. Is there anything you can improve? If you are not certain, share the details of your performance with a successful friend or a career coach for some honest feedback.
Lesson #3: Try a little creativity. If you are absolutely certain the person you talked with said your trip would result in an interview, try a more positive, persistent approach. Send a copy of the letter you received from the HR person to the CEO with a new cover letter detailing your most constructive suggestions for improving the hiring process, which would include a clearer communication with potential applicants and better ways of identifying creative, highly motivated team players like yourself.
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