Interview #2

This morning I had an interview for the role of Senior Administrative Assistant with Hampshire County Council. I was interviewed by two women and they asked some of the typical interview questions, but nothing too intense. I was also asked to do a phone test - a first for me. Thankfully the interviewers left the room during the test so I wouldn't feel like I was putting on a performance. The phone rang and a woman somewhere else in the office acted as if she were calling with a request. I had to ask questions and write information onto a form - pretty basic "fill-in-the-blanks" compared to the lengthy memos I used to write when interviewing clients over the phone at the law office, but it's a government job so the tests are standard for all applicants. A phone test is definitely more fun than a typing test.

I prefer this job to the role in Reading. Both positions have similar pay rates and the tasks seem quite similar as well (customer service and administration), but this job provides support to people in the community and that's appealing to me. The job in Basingstoke involves answering phones and organizing delivery or pick-up of special equipment to seniors, people with special needs, or people receiving end-of-life care in their homes. Both jobs involve working with a team to answer phones, do data-entry, and handle basic admin, but I'd much rather help people in the community than whiny executives who want an upgraded laptop.

I came away from the interview feeling confident that I'm well-suited to the role, but I won't find out whether or not I got the job until Friday or even next Monday or Tuesday. The company where I was interviewed last week has held their position for me until today, but they're not willing to hold the job any longer than the end of the day today. I called one of the interviewers from this morning to find out if there were any red flags raised or if she can offer me any indication of what my chances are for getting the job. Each interview is rated on a points basis and the candidate with the highest points is awarded the job. There are four roles to fill and they're interviewing at least sixteen candidates over the next three days. She's unable to give me any indication of where I might end up in the list of candidates.

As tempting as it is to pull a stunt like on a reality show and say, "Tune in tomorrow to find out whether I accepted the job in Reading," I'm not going to do that. I emailed the recruitment agency consultant and told her I'm going to hold out for this job in Basingstoke and I understand that the job in Reading will be given to somebody else. I know this may seem like a crazy move, but I'm comfortable with this decision.

If I'm turned down for the role in Basingstoke then that will be my final answer and I'll be heading home. If I'm offered the position then I'll be staying on. I have a feeling this week is going to go by really slowly.