From: bwood@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov (William Wood)
Subject: Re: Interview situation: what happened?
Summary: 6 months later, I find out the real reason for not getting the job
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 18:14:00 GMT

In article <1993Jan6.202220.26154@netcom.com>, vilain@netcom.com (Michael Vilain) writes...
>I went on an interview about 6 months ago for a company whose
>products I knew about (I'd used the competitor's products because
>I could get internal support thru local experts and newsgroups).
>I met with the recruiter prior to the interview and felt she had 
>really done her homework on this opportunity and that I fit the
>skills profile the company was looking for.
> 
>During the interview, as I answered questions about my skills
>and experience (they were looking for a technical support person)
>and asked questions about the current product set and futures,
>I became clear that I could do this job and would really like it.
> 
>I left the interview with feedback that I was a strong candidate
>for the position and that there weren't that many they'd seen
>who fit so strong technically.  I called the recruiter
>immediately and discussed the interview and said I really wanted
>this job.
> 
>I got a call at home an hour later fromt the recruiter who had
>just spoken with the hiring manager.  Apprently, their feeling
>was that I wasn't "sales oriented" enough.  I put it in my
>little bag as a story of "you never know why" there isn't a fit
>(either in dating or in a job interview).
> 
>Yesterday, I got a call from another recruiter who mentioned a
>similar position and I asked if it was this company.  Surprize!
>It was.  Either they're still looking or the hire left/was
>promoted/whatever.  After talking about my experience, the
>recruiter asked if I'd wore a suit to the interview.  I had not,
>rather I wore a sport coat and matching slacks, blue shirt and
>quiet tie (I hate the current trend in loud ties).  I even
>shined my shoes.  Apprently this was it.  The recruiter has had
>lots of luck with placing people at this company when they ware
>suits, but even had an interview rejected on the spot who came
>in wearing a sport coat.
> 
>In retrospect, I'm rather glad I didn't get this job.  Any company
>who's culture can't tolerate differences such as appearence really
>wouldn't know what to do with me.  I don't have the patience to
>conform to some else's requirements on how I should dress or be.
>I have the industry experienced they were looking for and needed
>but didn't fit the culture.  Oh, well.  Good luck to them.
>-- 
>"Fantasy is the art of not being so picky" -- Armistead Maupin
>"Brevity is the soul of lingerie" -- Dorothy Parker

<*>
     Wow!  What a story!  It's a damn shame you didn't get that
particular position.  I could see 'their' position if you had
entered the interview process with slacks and a flannel shirt,
or jeans and a dress shirt!  But, you came to the interview in
a presentable (and by the tone of your experience, very committed
to adapt and excell).  

   I always kinda wonder if many jobs don't already have someone
in mind, and are just going through the LEGAL obligation to inter-
view (or in street terms.. "just outright waste someone else's
time and sincerely)!

   Many times, I've seen ads for jobs with the craziest requirements
for the position.  It's not enough to state that they want a 
technical specialist (in your case), but then to add-on sales ex-
perience gets 'old' REAL QUICK!

   I was unemploed for nearly nine months (after DOD cutbacks). I
have fifteen years of Senior-level Operations (supervisory) ex-
perience on VAX computer systems, both at NASA and at The U of MD.
I was astonished at all of those (what I call) 'strings' that were
attached to many-such job postings for Senior VAX Computer Operators.

   I could only surmize that each of these places had their own
"butt-buddy" in line for all of these jobs, especially when they
tack-on SPECIFIC (and sometimes unheard-of) 'programming' skills,
needed, or SALES experience.  One job wanted additional experience
using a specific kind of receptionist phone system which, by the
way, was also required in the job of Senior VAX Computer Operator!
Give it a rest people!  Who the hell are you trying to fool?

   It's a damn shame that not only can you NOT count on a career to
take you to retirement, but in spite of providing excellent service
and dedication, they can (legally) dismiss you at their whim.

   WHAT HAPPENED TO "REAL" QUALITY CIRCLES ??
   WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SPIRIT BEHIND F.D.R.'S "NEW DEAL" ???

   Now, can I get a real-good flamming from one of those dedicated
and job-secured personnel know-it-alls, with all of their corporate
justifications for treating modern-day employees like SHIT?