Interviews day 2:
Got a great start today, arrived feeling PUMPED. This is a vendor for training to several large corporations in my area. Very important start in my desired training field. And one I located on my own (more later.)

Got there 30 minutes early, chatted up the receptionist. Very nice young lady. Woo'ed her with a visit to our Pomeranian web-site (islandpomeranians.com). Got some great information from her (more later on what I used THAT for).

The interview was a blast. Had a new HR interviewer guy and the HR director interview me. They threw some tough questions. One was " You have done ALOT of presentations. Can you describe one that did not go according to plan?". Wow. I was almost speechless. I covered for a little time by quipping "As presenters yourselves, you know that no presentation ever goes 100% acording to plan. Here is an example of my worst disaster ever and how I recovered....." It appeared to floor em. Trust me, this is a DOOZY! Presenters not showing, facility problems, last minute changes, and more.

Then they asked "Given an inflexible lesson plan (and you cannot add in content or change format), that may not be up to par, how would you engage the audience? Answer: inflection, movement, and gestures.

They asked me if I had any questions. During the interview, they mentioned that they were seeking avenues for growing their safety delivery curriculum. Well, since that is my bread and butter, I started thinking. When it got to my turn, I turned to the HR director (also a safety professional), and asked "Have you considered the maritime safety industry? Our port just hired 3 safety managers and two hygneists. They must have a large amount of training to be delivered. I also have a solid background in maritime safety." (man, was I glad I saw those ads the other day on monster.com!). She looked at the new guy, looked at me, and started scribbling like mad for the rest of the interview.

Weird thing is, I APPLIED for a classroom set-up position (it was the only one I felt qualified for). The HR department read my resume, and put me down for screeing for three more positions. It appears that I qualified initially for all four! I still ahve to do some phone interviews for technical accuracy of industrial skills, but will know next week which of the 4 they will offer me (if any).

Tip (from a couple of sources): Always seem involved and interested in the business. If you can identify a need and provide it before or during the interview, you can differentiate yourself from all other candidates. I have been applying this at every job I apply for. So far, I have yet to receive a rejection from any of them. BUT neither do I have a job offer just yet.

After the interview, my headhunter (who did not help me with THIS job) called with a follow-up on another company he was courting for me. They wanted me to take a sales assessment test, and he was giving me sales advice. (Again, I applied and interviewed for a position as health and safety manager, and wound up being offered inside sales! For major industrial tools. *head spins*).

I actually get along really well with my headhunter. I knew that he exists on 100% commision, and is always looking for new companies to partner with. I told him all the facts of the company I interviewed with, and suggested he contact them. He did, and got a contract with them!!! Man does he like ME right now.

I also studied this sales assessment test, and man was it a doozy. He (a graduate from IBM Sales academy) had never heard of it. After taking it, I e-mailed a synopsis to him so he can prep other candidates. Double smooze!!!!

I love it... you're dazzling them!

WOOT: JOB OFFER!!!!!!!!

Starts Jan 9, gotta do some paperwork, and some other stuphs. VERY equitable pay after 90 days. First 90 is trianing wages (livable, but tight).

This is the company that interviewed me for 5 positions lol. Yesterday I phone conferenced with a panel of three on 5 different positions (and different disciplines) ALL at the same time. Talk about head spinning. From rivet gun technique to soldering technique to electronic theory to adult education theory, to scenarios.

But I appear to have done well, as they offered me a choice of positions.

I have another job consideration, but that is still pending further interviews with other candidates. He did ask me to info him if I had a job offer before he decided. Should I let him know? What tone should I use? Here is what I have so far. Any inputs?

Dear XYZ Senior VP,
In regards to your request for updates, I have been extended an offer to start with a company on 7 January. I have 3 weeks for consideration. Employment with XYZ is my primary objective, however, as it fits my personal and professional objectives better than any company I have interviewed with.

Regardless of outcome, it was a true pleasure interviewing and meeting you.

congrats and sounds good!

Nice work- congrats Baldguy

Thanks guys *breathes sigh of relief*. Now to find a temp job to build a nest egg for that training period.

Congrats to ya Baldguy

I sent the second company the notification letter. The VP called me back three minutes after I sent it. He advised I continue negotiating with this company, as I did not have the amount of specific shpyard experience he needed.

BUT he said that if I needed a reference, based on the presentation I did for him (see previous posts), he would gladly help out. Said I had the traits he wanted, just not the experience.

Congrats Baldguy! And good to see you sent the letter, and he replied back. Class stuff all the way around.

Had great advice. I had no idea / experience in the civilian sector.