I am not a professional

Nirvana · 11-24-2013, 07:20 PM

I have always worked on our farm and the other business that I owned and managed. We have reduced the number of cattle we have so chores are less. The last time I applied for a job I was 18 years old. I guess I am bored but would like the extra money a part time job would offer. I made a resume which basically shows I am unskilled labor with an education. I have no work history other than self employment and I occasionally cut material at home for a clothing designer.

I started applying for jobs when I would be on the phone with my friend who was desperately looking for work. I was trying to be supportive and help her look at the online jobs available. We both applied to a small candy factory that is a very close knit group. They called me for an interview 2 months later. I have to say I was very surprised but how hard can it be to work in a candy factory? Who wouldn't want to work in a small candy factory? I have an interview tomorrow.

QUESTION: What should I take to the interview besides myself?

fargon · 11-24-2013, 07:37 PM

My best wishes.

Clodfobble · 11-24-2013, 08:09 PM

Wear nice clothes and a smile. That ought to do it.

gvidas · 11-24-2013, 08:45 PM

Three brief anecdotes from your time being self-employed, each one clearly and concisely demonstrating one of the following: leadership, problem solving, self-directed time management, responsibility, etc.

If it's purely a manual-labor type gig, focus on self direction, time management, problem solving, and responsibility.

glatt · 11-24-2013, 09:01 PM

Good luck Nirvana!

(Your "how hard can it be?" reminds me of the Lucy episode where she's working in the chocolate factory and can't keep up with the assembly line. Classic.)

Nirvana · 11-24-2013, 09:18 PM

Thanks its production line

The Lucy Show was the first thing I thought of, they make licorice, which is good , chocolate would make me fat.

Dagney · 11-24-2013, 09:21 PM

I always take an extra copy of my resume with me - to reference with the interviewer - who may not have a print copy.

Good luck!

monster · 11-24-2013, 09:49 PM

Good luck

gvidas' advice seems sound. Also make sure you know their product line. Plus you say it's a tight knit group so make sure you know the hierarchy to the best of your ability. I was/am in a similar situation and recently had a temp job and these were the things that came up at my interview.

Out of curiosity, did your friend get a call too?

Nirvana · 11-24-2013, 10:11 PM

Thanks Monster my friend got a call from a different place and has interviewed there. [yay] This happened the same day so it was all good.
My husband's favorite candy is made by this place. They have a factory here and in Oregon. I may be able to know the hierarchy if and after they hire me.
Taking an extra resume is a good idea I have one in my purse.

Nirvana · 11-24-2013, 10:17 PM

I should have said the person that called told me they plan something for 10 of us that are coming in and then there are one on one interviews. I remember years ago just going in filling out an application and then you were hired. [back when I trudged to school in mountains of snow

]

Nirvana · 11-24-2013, 10:26 PM

I kind of wonder if the 10 people interview is to get maybe drug testing out of the way. Not that I care nothing stronger than ibuprofen going on here. That is another new adventure I am told by the experienced when a complete stranger stays with you while you pee in a cup. I always wondered how much they get paid to wait for people to pee , I probably don't want that job

Clodfobble · 11-25-2013, 06:56 AM

I've been at a place that did group interviews, usually it's just ice-breaker games, or go around the room introducing yourself and telling a favorite candy story, that kind of thing. They want to see how you function in a group, whether you're friendly or standoffish, obnoxious to others or too goofy to get work done when it's needed.

All the places I've been at outsourced their pee-testing to a third party, meaning they sent you offsite to a lab. I guess they might bring a lab person to the factory for a sufficiently large employer, but for just ten people I'd imagine it wouldn't be worth it. Maybe if they test the entire workforce at the same time, though.

monster · 11-25-2013, 07:31 AM

For that job and my swim coach gig, I just had to tell them I was happy to take drug test, they never made me. But I doubt it would be at your interview -outsourced to a lab like CF says.

Pete Zicato · 11-25-2013, 07:38 AM

Don't just answer their questions. Ask questions of your own - about the job and about the company.

lumberjim · 11-25-2013, 09:37 AM

Just enjoy a lollipop during the interview.

11-24-2013, 07:20 PM	#1
Nirvana Back in 10 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3,684	I am not a professional I have always worked on our farm and the other business that I owned and managed. We have reduced the number of cattle we have so chores are less. The last time I applied for a job I was 18 years old. I guess I am bored but would like the extra money a part time job would offer. I made a resume which basically shows I am unskilled labor with an education. I have no work history other than self employment and I occasionally cut material at home for a clothing designer. I started applying for jobs when I would be on the phone with my friend who was desperately looking for work. I was trying to be supportive and help her look at the online jobs available. We both applied to a small candy factory that is a very close knit group. They called me for an interview 2 months later. I have to say I was very surprised but how hard can it be to work in a candy factory? Who wouldn't want to work in a small candy factory? I have an interview tomorrow. QUESTION: What should I take to the interview besides myself? __________________ Speaking simply... do not confuse this with having a simple mind.

11-24-2013, 07:37 PM	#2
fargon Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 8,924	My best wishes. __________________ Annoy the ones that ignore you!!! I live a blessed life I Love my Country, I Fear the Government!!! Heavily medicated for the good of mankind.

11-24-2013, 08:09 PM	#3
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	Wear nice clothes and a smile. That ought to do it. __________________ My book My other book My spirit animal

11-24-2013, 09:18 PM	#6
Nirvana Back in 10 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3,684	Thanks its production line The Lucy Show was the first thing I thought of, they make licorice, which is good , chocolate would make me fat. __________________ Speaking simply... do not confuse this with having a simple mind.

11-24-2013, 09:21 PM	#7
Dagney The Prodigal Brat Returneth Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Cackalacky Posts: 1,107	I always take an extra copy of my resume with me - to reference with the interviewer - who may not have a print copy. Good luck! __________________ The Constitution gives every American the right to make a total fool out of himself. But that doesn't mean you need to.

11-24-2013, 08:45 PM	#4
gvidas Hoodoo Guru Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 286	Three brief anecdotes from your time being self-employed, each one clearly and concisely demonstrating one of the following: leadership, problem solving, self-directed time management, responsibility, etc. If it's purely a manual-labor type gig, focus on self direction, time management, problem solving, and responsibility.

11-24-2013, 09:01 PM	#5
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	Good luck Nirvana! (Your "how hard can it be?" reminds me of the Lucy episode where she's working in the chocolate factory and can't keep up with the assembly line. Classic.)

11-24-2013, 09:49 PM	#8
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	Good luck gvidas' advice seems sound. Also make sure you know their product line. Plus you say it's a tight knit group so make sure you know the hierarchy to the best of your ability. I was/am in a similar situation and recently had a temp job and these were the things that came up at my interview. Out of curiosity, did your friend get a call too? __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

11-24-2013, 10:11 PM	#9
Nirvana Back in 10 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3,684	Thanks Monster my friend got a call from a different place and has interviewed there. [yay] This happened the same day so it was all good. My husband's favorite candy is made by this place. They have a factory here and in Oregon. I may be able to know the hierarchy if and after they hire me. Taking an extra resume is a good idea I have one in my purse. __________________ Speaking simply... do not confuse this with having a simple mind.

11-24-2013, 10:17 PM	#10
Nirvana Back in 10 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3,684	I should have said the person that called told me they plan something for 10 of us that are coming in and then there are one on one interviews. I remember years ago just going in filling out an application and then you were hired. [back when I trudged to school in mountains of snow ] __________________ Speaking simply... do not confuse this with having a simple mind.

11-24-2013, 10:26 PM	#11
Nirvana Back in 10 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3,684	I kind of wonder if the 10 people interview is to get maybe drug testing out of the way. Not that I care nothing stronger than ibuprofen going on here. That is another new adventure I am told by the experienced when a complete stranger stays with you while you pee in a cup. I always wondered how much they get paid to wait for people to pee , I probably don't want that job __________________ Speaking simply... do not confuse this with having a simple mind.

11-25-2013, 06:56 AM	#12
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	I've been at a place that did group interviews, usually it's just ice-breaker games, or go around the room introducing yourself and telling a favorite candy story, that kind of thing. They want to see how you function in a group, whether you're friendly or standoffish, obnoxious to others or too goofy to get work done when it's needed. All the places I've been at outsourced their pee-testing to a third party, meaning they sent you offsite to a lab. I guess they might bring a lab person to the factory for a sufficiently large employer, but for just ten people I'd imagine it wouldn't be worth it. Maybe if they test the entire workforce at the same time, though. __________________ My book My other book My spirit animal

11-25-2013, 07:31 AM	#13
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	For that job and my swim coach gig, I just had to tell them I was happy to take drug test, they never made me. But I doubt it would be at your interview -outsourced to a lab like CF says. __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

11-25-2013, 07:38 AM	#14
Pete Zicato Turns out my CRS is a symptom of TMB. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 2,916	Don't just answer their questions. Ask questions of your own - about the job and about the company. __________________ Talk nerdy to me.

11-25-2013, 09:37 AM	#15
lumberjim I can hear my ears Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 25,571	Just enjoy a lollipop during the interview. __________________ This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality Embrace this moment, remember We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion ~MJKeenan

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