UPDATE: I have an interview Monday!!! What do I need to bring with me?

[CharmedOne]

Thanks everyone! The interview went well. I rehearsed all weekend since I'm still a bit rusty. I think I asked tougher questions than what was asked of me! The company is interviewing all week. I should expect a decision at the end of the week.

I just sent off my thank you letters. I just read that only 5% of interviewees follow up with one. How crazy is that statistic? As a former interviewer, I always appreciated applicants that took the time to write me a thank you note.



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I'm so nervous! It has been ages since I went on an interview. My last one was in January 2001. I was laid off at the end of last year. I've been freelancing for my friend ever since then. I love what I do, but unfortunately finances are getting really tight.

I know what I should wear, but what do I bring in addition to copies of my resume? A tote? A leather portolio/folder with a writing pad? I'm interviewing at a PR firm.

Wish me luck!

Caroline

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[BaileyBea]

Oh PR... dress very trendy... These PR people are all about image especially at PR firms. Trendy yet conservative.

Humm.. I was recently at a fundraiser and all the people I met were in PR or they owned their own business. They all carried very small purses, pointy shoes, and had wrap dresses with cool designs. Lot's of sparkly jewelery. I remember because I felt like such a frumpy SAHM after I left the party.

3 resumes just in case you get interviewed by a team of folks. A leather portfolio/folder would be a nice touch too!

Good luck! You'll do fabulous!

Nancy

[CharmedOne]

Thanks Nancy!

I hear you about feeling frumpy. The dress code (if there was one!) at my previous job was way too casual for my taste. I'm interviewing with the CEO. Yikes!!! It's a tech PR firm too, and I am very aware of the dress code as I've dealt with these firms as a journalist for the past 6 years.

I replied to your update on Luci. How is she sleeping tonight? Give her a great big kiss for me. :)

Caroline

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[BaileyBea]

I so love Marketing.. that's what I do too. But before I read your email tonight I was thinking about how my wardrobe became so out of style. I used to wear such chic clothes and funky glasses. Oh and pointy shoes.

Now I wear Gap, sneakers, and t-shirts. I am bfing so my bbs are just too big to fit in any of my old clothes. I have long curly hair that now looks like a Texas Tumbleweed. It's just a hoot to think I was once much cooler. Oh well.... How many people can say they bf'd? ;-)

Luci is asleep on the bed (co-sleeper) with DH. Yeah! She just choked up a little bit, but I cleared it out and she's back asleep. I'll give her a big kiss! ;-) Thanks so much for asking. We'll see how it goes tonight.

Good luck on your interview and tell us how it goes.

[dhano923]

I have been in HR off and on for a few years, and I always like to see people who bring in a nice professional briefcase or tote, and I don't mean canvas! (Yes, I've seen it before.) Another nice touch is a portfolio -- put several copies of your resume on one side, along with your references, and then a legal pad on the other side. Make sure you bring 2 pens -- I always found it annoying when the interviewee either didn't bring a pen or didn't bring a working pen. If you don't have a portfolio, put your resumes in a manila folder so they don't get bent, add a legal pad and the pens to your tote and that works just as well.

And my biggest peeve as an interviewer -- make sure you cell phone is off! There's nothing worse than being in the middle of an interview and having their phone ring. Turn it off, put it on vibrate, or leave it in the car.

[CharmedOne]

Heehee, I was never really in style to begin with anyway. Oh Gap is so comfy. I do miss being able to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes. I've lost all the baby weight and then some, but my old work clothes don't quite quite in the chest anymore. :) Now I have an excuse to buy cool new clothes!

It sounds like Luci's getting much, much better! Rest up mama!

Caroline

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[CharmedOne]

Thanks for the great tips!

Caroline

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[sdoyle]

I agree with PP. I actually am in a position now where I interview and hire A LOT. It is always impressive when someone arrives with extra resumes, a pen that works, and a legal pad to take notes. It makes them seem like they are really interested in learning about the position.

Remember, you are interviewing them as well so come with a list of well thought out questions. It makes you look like you have really researched and have interest in the position and didn't just "show up" for a visit.

Finally, make sure you get a business card from everyone you interview with in case you have questions and send a note thanking them for their time. E-mailed ones are OK I think. In fact, I prefer them since they come quickly. You want to make sure it gets there before the decision is made. You would be amazed how many people don't do this anymore. It really is a nice touch and gets your name in there one last time!!

Good Luck and try to relax- YOU'LL DO GREAT!! Let us know how it goes....

Stacy

[kimbe]

Money! A good friend reminded me to take some cash with me to my very first interview --- just in case I would have to pay for my own lunch or something! Weeeeellllll, the woman I interviewed with and I went down for lunch and she said "I'd pay for yours, but I don't even think I have enough to pay for my own." Thank goodness I had a $20 in my pocket.

Best of luck on your interview -- you'll do great!

[dhano923]

Also good to have cash on hand if the place you interview at has a parking structure that you pay to park in.

[denna]

I dont have much to offer in way of advice Caroline, but I wanted to say Good Luck!!!

Denna

[farleygirl]

I was in PR pre-baby :)

Usually carried a fancy leather tote/briefcase. Big enough to store my laptop and folders, etc. I was always big on the leather portfolio with the writing pad and a nice pen. Always good to look professional when taking notes.

I agree on the multiple resumes -- also multiple copies of writing samples. I'm sure that's obvious, but I remember interviewing people who didn't bring them ... And it's nice to have a variety of different samples: press releases, published articles, speeches or talking points, etc. Do you have a "book" with press clippings and summary of electronics media mentions you've scored for previous clients? If so, definitely good to bring that.

Good luck!

[mommy111]

Guess its too late for advice but I just did what you're doing now earlier this year and all the advice from the fabulous ladies here (from dressing to what to say) really really helped. I eventually got the first job that I interviewed for.
You'll do great! Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

[denna]

Hey Caroline-

Thanks for the update, Im glad the interview went well. Ill keep my fingers crossed for you :)!

[CharmedOne]

One of my old bosses gave me a glowing review! I told him many times would totally go work for him again if he ever decided to open shop in LA. :)

It's an entry level position. I'm taking a HUGE pay cut from what I've made in the past, but I think it's worth it. I have an excellent opportunity to move up quickly. I've been freelancing this year for my friend, so in the end, it's actually more money than what I'm currently earning. It's so hard to get into PR as a journalist. In order to get an account execute level job, you need to have agency experience. I have the know how, but not the agency background. It's a Catch-22!

Woohoo! I start in two weeks. I will continue to freelance for my friend as long as I can, or at least help him initiate contact for what he needs.

Caroline

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http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif 16 months

[candybomiller]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[newnana]

Congratulations!!!! I didn't have a chance to respond to your previous post, plus you got some great advice and I didn't have anything worthwhile to add.

But I was pulling for you and am so excited for you!!!
Michelle

[mommy111]

Congratulations! The BBB new mom good job karma strikes again!

[CharmedOne]

It sure did! Thanks again everyone for the good vibes.

Caroline

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http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif 16 months

[farleygirl]

Yeah, congrats! That's great news that you got the job you wanted. And there's always room for advancement as you said, so it's hardest to just get the foot in the door.

I sometimes miss my old job at an agency. But only sometimes ;)

[Wife_and_mommy]

Congratulations. :)




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[ribbit1019]

Congratulations!

Christy
My Waterbabies
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[denna]

Yay Caroline! Im so happy for you! Congrats and good luck w/ this new position, hopefully you will 'move up' quickly! :)

[CiderLogan]

Congrats!!!!

Jenny
Julia, 8/03
Clara, 5/06

[cmdunn1972]

Congrats, Caroline!

Hopefully, you'll kick butt at your new job so they give you a raise and promotion soon. :)

[TaChapm]

Congratulations! What wonderful news!

Tara
Mommy to Jackson 11-10-02
Tyler 6-9-05
& Baby Jaci 8-10-06


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[elephantmeg]

Congrats!