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I had an interview (I think) with a small company (about 17 ppl) yesterday. I got the interview because my neighbor works there and I happened to ask if they were looking for an administrative assistant.
So, it turns out it's more for a Marketing Specialist. I'm actually ok with that as I would like to get out of the AA field. THe owner was very personable and we chatted for about two hours. She didn't ask me much about my skills so I had to interject myself into the conversation to get us back on track.
I asked about the hours and she said she didn't know if it was going to be part time or full time... then I asked when she was wanting to hire someone for the position... she didn't know that... then I asked what the pay range would be... she didn't know that either
It's a "new" position and I told her I would love to tackle it and create a solid position with my skills.
I think it would be a great change for me (probably not as much money as I am used to) but I am willing to take lower pay to change my career.
She told me to send her my references which I did...
Has anyone ever had an experience where the interviewer didn't know what they wanted?
In your case it sounds like your neighborly connections prompted the company to schedule an interview before they were really ready to start the hiring process, thus making this more of an informational meeting than an actual interview. But regardless of what precipitated the interview, it isn't uncommon for an employer to not have a clear idea of what they want, or to change their mind during the process.
In fact, I would say an employer who has an open mind and a vague idea is better. Some employers merely choose candidates with a checklist. Years experience? Check. Degree? Check. Certifications? Check. But they don't look at the total package. They don't look at how the applicant's goals mesh with the company's goals. They don't look at the personality and whether or not it is compatible with the personalities already working there. And they don't look five or ten years down the road at whether that person will still be the right fit then.
Other companies are more looking for the 'right fit'--someone who seems like they have potential for growth with the company, with the flexibility to adapt as the company's needs change, that fits the company culture and personality. For example a person may be a better hire because they have demonstrated the ability to learn quickly and mesh well with their line manager, even though they have a few years less experience than the company thought they wanted. Likewise a person have more experience than the company wants to pay for but if everything else is right, it may be worth it to pay a little extra to get that person, rather than save a few bucks and hire someone who doesn't gel with their coworkers or the job, and will leave in a few years.
I had this happen back in April with a small mail order home decorations company that was looking for (what I thought considering the posting) an in-house web developer and IT person.
When I was called for the interview I was told that I was going to be doing "some" of that but also answering phones and packing boxes and, "whatever other things we might need done." Towards the end of the interview, he then told me "actually... I think it's going to be more customer service than IT-related, when I think about it." WTH??
He was very nice, and I was offered the job, but ended up turning it down due to the pay being less than what I made freelancing at the time. Still...very odd experience!
I think some of these employers want to have a position that they can "change" to suit their needs, after the person is hired. They want to see what they can get away with. I seriously do not believe that they "don't know what they want." Like everything it's a game.
I would pull out the job description on their website or the one from the ad and bring that up. I would confirm that they are looking for what they advertised. If during the course of the interview the employer is "murky" or "weird" or "unsure" and not describing the job I initially applied for, then it's deceptive advertising. It's misrepresentation. In that case they just wasted my time and money as well as theirs. This would lead to me to question how effective the company is at allocating their funds and using their resources. I would wonder how they manage people and give out instructions, if they handle a simple interview.
Correction: "I would wonder how they manage people and give out instructions, if they can't handle a simple interview by being articulate and organized.
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