My eldest daughters job interview

[melster122]

Tracey,

That all sounds very good. I will keep my fingers crossed. I am glad she came out smiling and seems to have enjoyed the experience.

Let us know as soon as you do. LOTS AND LOTS OF LUCK

[Crebain]

One interviewing tip I would like to add, in case your daughter doesn't already do this; ask questions and TAKE NOTES. If the company has a website, read it over very well beforehand, and think of a couple questions to ask. Jot the answers down on a legal pad.

I have been on both sides of a ton of interviews, this works like a champ. Hope this helps.

[Vankarhi]

Will tell her that good advice, Crebain, for future reference. Still have not heard back from the beauty shop. Probably early days yet!!

[Vankarhi]

That is a very nice thing to say Blake. I am not sure of your age, but I can vaguely remember you are pretty young (I am old enough to be your mum. LOL). I started this thread to get heaps of vibes out to my daughter, which I think was achieved, but in the process probably spoke too much about her and my past. I spoke to her before her job interview and told her about the well wishes and offers of support and ideas of what to say/do/wear etc and she was very appreciative, as was I. I spoke to her this morning and she explained to me that "they" wanted her to meet the "big" boss this weekend and then do 2 days trial, probably next week. I assume there are others that have been interviewed that have been told the same thing, so we will just have to wait and see. It does sound like she is on the short list tho. Fingers crossed.

[SweetPea]

Hi!

My 2cents...

I'm 24, dropped out of school, live at home, and is unemployed.

I havent done ANYTHING for a year but laid in bed, newly purchased for my comfort, watching tv and using a lap top that is wirelessly connected to my cable modem.

Yet my parents paid/pays for everything, including my brand new car (2004 Accord) that I don't even drive. They used to pay for my tuition/rent/food etc too. (And they're far from being "well off."

I get anything and everything I want.

From the outside looking in, people may say I'm a spoiled rotten/lazy/etc child/woman.

I usually let people say what they want.

However, I say and agree w/ those that said you don't know what's going on unless youre in that person's shoes.

For instance, I'll just quickly reiterate what I've been through the last few months alone.

I went into cardiac arrest, diagnosed with a severe case of Grave's disease, a heart murmer, hypertension, Raynaud's disease, SLE aka Lupus, rise in liver activitiy, damaged kidneys, arthritis, depression, lost 2/3 of my hair, my once perfect skin is now damaged by a bad case of a lupus flare and a cellulitus infection, etc etc. (Yes this list goes on...not to mention I have a number of other chronic illnesses.)

On top of that, my boyfriend of more than 4 years broke up with me, my best friend got deployed to Iraq, my other best friend is getting married, etc.

But yet...when I am forced to go out to some function, I swallow my medications like a good girl, I don my wigs, put on my smile, look like there is nothing wrong with me, and grit my teeth when people call me a sloth.

The point of all this?

Sometimes I feel guilty for being my parent's wooden cross, sometimes I get upset when others pass judgement for the things they don't know, sometimes I feel that life is unfair.

Sometimes I feel as though I am being a sloth since there are those that are "worse" off than me that is able to do wonders with their life.

However, "you'll never know unless you're in their shoes..."

I wish your daughter the best of luck!

[Crebain]

You play with the cards you're dealt, neh? If you can look in the mirror, and honestly say you're doing the best you can, and everything you can, then you have absolutely no reason to feel guilty.

I prefaced my earlier comments by saying they wouldn't apply to someone who is disabled. My point was that sometimes young people need room in order to grow, and attention that is intended as kindness can actually stifle personal development.

[smallonion]

Hi Tracey,
A few comments. You say, "His family are all but one addicted to some form of drugs, so I would prefer Kara not to take any unnecessary drugs if possible.." Please know that antidepressant medication is NOT addictive and is *nowhere near*the same thing as street drugs, or even painkillers that people get addicted to. If you daughter is depressed, medication for a short time could turn her whole life around. You do not need to be suicidally depressed to take anti-depressants. Anti depressants do not SOLVE your problems, but help to give you the motivation and clarity of thought to start to solve your problems. I have known so many people who have improved their lives SO much after taking anti-depressants to cure low level to moderate depression. It really is debilitating and could be the reason why your daughter is stuck in a rut. I urge you to re-examine your prejudices against drug treatment. Medical "drugs" are not the same as street "drugs".

Also, my professional background might be helpful to your daughter. I am 'Client Advisor" in an organization that helps unemployed and underemployed people get back to work. I am also an "E2E" (Entry to Employment) Trainer. This means that I teach young adults about building their resumes, teach them about interview skills, etc. One of the most important parts of my job is confidence building. So many young adults lack self confidence, and it sounds like your daughter may as well. Your daughter is welcome to PM me anytime and I would be happy to give her any general advice about interviewing andresume building. It's my job! Two of my best pieces of advice:

AT the end of an interview, when you are asked,"Do you have any quesitons?" always have some! If you can't think of any, here are a few good ones.

- Why are you hiring? Did someone leave or are you expanding?
- Can you tell me what a typical day at work might be like?
- What was your path to your current position?

My other bit of advice is about common interview questions, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "Have you done any work like this before?"

The tough part is about weaknesses. My advice is to take something (not so serious) that you USED TO have trouble with, and turn it around and explain how you are improving it. For example, "I used to have trouble with my self esteem, but since I have had so much experience working with the public, I have improved it very much"

Second, if you are asked, "Have you done work like this before?" Don't say NO even if it's the truth. I'm not saying to lie, but think of a skill you have acquired in a previous job and then explain how it will be useful in this job. For example, "Well, I haven't done work like this, but because of my extensive customer service experience at MacDonald's, I'm used to working with people and working under pressure."

I hope this helps and would be happy to help further.

Michele

[Vankarhi]

Michelle, I answered your pm, but will say here, that I have considered her going to the doctor and doing as they prescribe, just as long as they are aware there is a family history of drug/substance abuse/addiction on her bio fathers side. I really cannot tell her what to do, ultimately the final decision is hers, I can only advise her.

Thanks again for your kind advice and I will give Kara your private address so she can message you if she needs to.

Thanks again.

Oh by the way for others that may be reading this thread, she still has not heard from the beauty shop, so I am guessing that means she probably did not succeed. We will just keep on trying.

[TooLover]

Originally Posted by Vankarhi

Oh by the way for others that may be reading this thread, she still has not heard from the beauty shop, so I am guessing that means she probably did not succeed. We will just keep on trying.

Fingers are still crossed......... just because she did not get the job doesn't mean "she did not succeed". They hired someone else, plain and simple. Keep your chin up!

[Vankarhi]

That is true Laurie. Fingers crossed and still trying. Chin up and all that stuff.