I called my friend Josh, who works at Unilver (where I recently interviewed, see below). He spoke with the guys I interviewed with and got some information for me!
Here are the players:
- Josh, my friend and employee
- Michael, potential future boss
- Blake = Thug #1 from previous post
Josh calls Blake for business talk. Blake asks Josh if I said anything about the interview. Josh replies, "I got one word from him [me]: Grueling." Blake laughs and says, "Yeah, I really put him through the grinder! I wanted to see how he handled pressure situations and how he handled really tough questions not typically asked during interviews. But he did really well, kept his composure, and answered well. I've recommended he come back for a 2nd interview."
So, the guy that I've been mad at for 2 days now (mainly for his audacity for asking some of the questions he asked), was really only playing the bad cop role. Apparently, Michael didn't know this was going to happen, and was a bit confused when Blake chimed in during the interview with such a tough demeanor. Michael was also impressed.
It looks like I'll probably be getting a call back for a second interview...I just hope by that time I'm over my pre-disposed annoyance with Blake! :)
Until next time....
0 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on September 29, 2004 at 7:29 PM.
Here are the players:
- Josh, my friend and employee
- Michael, potential future boss
- Blake = Thug #1 from previous post
Josh calls Blake for business talk. Blake asks Josh if I said anything about the interview. Josh replies, "I got one word from him [me]: Grueling." Blake laughs and says, "Yeah, I really put him through the grinder! I wanted to see how he handled pressure situations and how he handled really tough questions not typically asked during interviews. But he did really well, kept his composure, and answered well. I've recommended he come back for a 2nd interview."
So, the guy that I've been mad at for 2 days now (mainly for his audacity for asking some of the questions he asked), was really only playing the bad cop role. Apparently, Michael didn't know this was going to happen, and was a bit confused when Blake chimed in during the interview with such a tough demeanor. Michael was also impressed.
It looks like I'll probably be getting a call back for a second interview...I just hope by that time I'm over my pre-disposed annoyance with Blake! :)
Until next time....
I had my interview this morning...and here's how it went:
I met the guy I would work for and went into the conference room. I sat down and he sat across from me. I'm all prepared for the interview.
In comes Thug #1 and sits down to my left.
The 3 of us begin the interview as most interviews begin.
"Why are you applying?"
"What makes you think you can do this job?"
"This is what you'd be doing..."
In comes Thug #2 and sits across from me.
Thug #1 begins asking why I hadn't applied for an anlyst position at my current company. I explained that we had extremely low turnover and had not had an open position for a year and a half. He frowned and said,
"I find that extremely hard to believe. We are growing like crazy and assume your comany is
too. So how is it that no positions opened?"
I look at him a bit strangely and respond,
"We grew proactively, not reactively to our growing business; therefore we were already
staffed when the business started growing."
He frowned again and repeated his statement: "I find that hard to believe."
Now would be a good time to mention that this guy, Thug #1 was kind of short, with a very small head. He was wearing a polo shirt with all 3 buttons undone. To top off this classy style, an enigma of black, curly chest hair protruded from the gaping shirt. I could barely take my eyes off of it. It was mezmorizing...
In chimes Thug #2, who was much more polite but also extremely poignant in his questioning.
"Let's say you have this scenario: [explanation of scenario]. What would you look for to explain
what is happening?"
This was a great question and had prepared for a question of that nature. I gave my answer and got a pleasant response: "That's really great analysis for being on-the-fly and not having any analyst history!"
I smiled and thanked Thug #2.
All the while, the guy I thought I would be interviewing with is merely sitting there watching my every move. I swear, it was like a Soprano was sitting across me with his "strong arms" grilling me. I was waiting for the tommy guns, baseball bats, and cement mixer to come out of the walls!
Thug #1 (the "I have mastered the art of bullying by using my chest hair as a weapon" guy) says this:
"So, you're looking to expand your skill set into analyst work. You know, once a person has
those skills, they are highly marketable in this area. And you're jumping ship at Nestle after
3 years to 'expand'. Why should we believe that you'll be a long-term employee after 2 years
of our training and experience and not jump ship and go after more money?"
I reply,
"Honestly, that's the risk any employer takes, especially around here in the supplier world.
When one person leaves a company, like dominoes, people filter into open positions at other
companies for a pay increase to do the same job. I have worked 3+ years at Nestle and am
still enjoying my job; however I see no opportunity for advancement with this company and
would like to work long-term for a similar company, namely you."
Thug #2 chimes in, moving in a different direction: (alternating comments him/me)
"Do you watch the stock market?"
"Just the Dow Jones, and on a top-line basis to see the economic trend"
"Did you look up Unilver's stock information before you came here?"
"No, Unilever is a European-based company and isn't sold on the U.S. market. I don't check
those markets"
"Do you know what products we sell?"
"I went to your website, but it did not provide much detail, mainly topline & foreign brands."
"So you don't know much about our company?"
"Honestly, I do not. I know it is a CPG company similar to Nestle, but that we don't compete
on many fronts, mainly Ice Cream and Nutrition products."
"Ok. So you don't know much about our company."
"No, not really."
Last tidbit of conversation with Thug #1:
"Are you committed to the job? Meaning, are you willing to put in the hours it requires?"
"What kind of hours are we talking about?"
"6:30 AM to 5:30 PM"
I pause and think on how to reply...truth or sell-out?....I reply, "On a regular basis?"
"Yes"
"No, I am not committed to those hours, and I'll explain myself here. I have seen $50 million
businesses run effectively and grown effectively with a normal 7:30 to 5:30 schedule. Unless
there is pressing matters or presentations to prepare for, I see no need to arrive at work at
6:30 AM. Not saying that I wouldn't, but on a regular basis, I see no need. To me, if you're
having to work that long every day, you're not being effective with your time, or your not
utilizing technology enough to save time. Nestle has some of the best analysts you'll ever find
and rarely are they there before 7:30 or after 6:00 PM. They have analysis down to an art
because they utilize more than Excel and canned reports from Retail Link. They dig deep into
the numbers and details, and do it fast due to technology which I helped them build. So to
summarize, no...I am not committed to those hours on a regular basis. I know that's not the
'correct' answer, but I assure you, I can do the same job in less time with better analysis."
"That's a pretty cocky answer for not knowing our products, buyers, and situation!"
"Yes it is, but I also understand that most people here don't use Microsoft Access, and my
degree is in database design, implementation and utilization. That's my secret weapon."
"That was a really interesting conversation."
So, the interview continues for a full hour, and I'm dehydrated from sweating so much. My eyes are blurry and watery from staring ceaselessly at Thug #1's chest hair, and my head is spinning because I answered in not very politically-correct sentences.
So I'll hear back from them within the next 2 weeks with a "thanks but no thanks" or a "come in for a second interview". Should be interesting to see what they do....
1 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on September 28, 2004 at 8:40 PM.
I met the guy I would work for and went into the conference room. I sat down and he sat across from me. I'm all prepared for the interview.
In comes Thug #1 and sits down to my left.
The 3 of us begin the interview as most interviews begin.
"Why are you applying?"
"What makes you think you can do this job?"
"This is what you'd be doing..."
In comes Thug #2 and sits across from me.
Thug #1 begins asking why I hadn't applied for an anlyst position at my current company. I explained that we had extremely low turnover and had not had an open position for a year and a half. He frowned and said,
"I find that extremely hard to believe. We are growing like crazy and assume your comany is
too. So how is it that no positions opened?"
I look at him a bit strangely and respond,
"We grew proactively, not reactively to our growing business; therefore we were already
staffed when the business started growing."
He frowned again and repeated his statement: "I find that hard to believe."
Now would be a good time to mention that this guy, Thug #1 was kind of short, with a very small head. He was wearing a polo shirt with all 3 buttons undone. To top off this classy style, an enigma of black, curly chest hair protruded from the gaping shirt. I could barely take my eyes off of it. It was mezmorizing...
In chimes Thug #2, who was much more polite but also extremely poignant in his questioning.
"Let's say you have this scenario: [explanation of scenario]. What would you look for to explain
what is happening?"
This was a great question and had prepared for a question of that nature. I gave my answer and got a pleasant response: "That's really great analysis for being on-the-fly and not having any analyst history!"
I smiled and thanked Thug #2.
All the while, the guy I thought I would be interviewing with is merely sitting there watching my every move. I swear, it was like a Soprano was sitting across me with his "strong arms" grilling me. I was waiting for the tommy guns, baseball bats, and cement mixer to come out of the walls!
Thug #1 (the "I have mastered the art of bullying by using my chest hair as a weapon" guy) says this:
"So, you're looking to expand your skill set into analyst work. You know, once a person has
those skills, they are highly marketable in this area. And you're jumping ship at Nestle after
3 years to 'expand'. Why should we believe that you'll be a long-term employee after 2 years
of our training and experience and not jump ship and go after more money?"
I reply,
"Honestly, that's the risk any employer takes, especially around here in the supplier world.
When one person leaves a company, like dominoes, people filter into open positions at other
companies for a pay increase to do the same job. I have worked 3+ years at Nestle and am
still enjoying my job; however I see no opportunity for advancement with this company and
would like to work long-term for a similar company, namely you."
Thug #2 chimes in, moving in a different direction: (alternating comments him/me)
"Do you watch the stock market?"
"Just the Dow Jones, and on a top-line basis to see the economic trend"
"Did you look up Unilver's stock information before you came here?"
"No, Unilever is a European-based company and isn't sold on the U.S. market. I don't check
those markets"
"Do you know what products we sell?"
"I went to your website, but it did not provide much detail, mainly topline & foreign brands."
"So you don't know much about our company?"
"Honestly, I do not. I know it is a CPG company similar to Nestle, but that we don't compete
on many fronts, mainly Ice Cream and Nutrition products."
"Ok. So you don't know much about our company."
"No, not really."
Last tidbit of conversation with Thug #1:
"Are you committed to the job? Meaning, are you willing to put in the hours it requires?"
"What kind of hours are we talking about?"
"6:30 AM to 5:30 PM"
I pause and think on how to reply...truth or sell-out?....I reply, "On a regular basis?"
"Yes"
"No, I am not committed to those hours, and I'll explain myself here. I have seen $50 million
businesses run effectively and grown effectively with a normal 7:30 to 5:30 schedule. Unless
there is pressing matters or presentations to prepare for, I see no need to arrive at work at
6:30 AM. Not saying that I wouldn't, but on a regular basis, I see no need. To me, if you're
having to work that long every day, you're not being effective with your time, or your not
utilizing technology enough to save time. Nestle has some of the best analysts you'll ever find
and rarely are they there before 7:30 or after 6:00 PM. They have analysis down to an art
because they utilize more than Excel and canned reports from Retail Link. They dig deep into
the numbers and details, and do it fast due to technology which I helped them build. So to
summarize, no...I am not committed to those hours on a regular basis. I know that's not the
'correct' answer, but I assure you, I can do the same job in less time with better analysis."
"That's a pretty cocky answer for not knowing our products, buyers, and situation!"
"Yes it is, but I also understand that most people here don't use Microsoft Access, and my
degree is in database design, implementation and utilization. That's my secret weapon."
"That was a really interesting conversation."
So, the interview continues for a full hour, and I'm dehydrated from sweating so much. My eyes are blurry and watery from staring ceaselessly at Thug #1's chest hair, and my head is spinning because I answered in not very politically-correct sentences.
So I'll hear back from them within the next 2 weeks with a "thanks but no thanks" or a "come in for a second interview". Should be interesting to see what they do....
Wow! So I was bored at work yesterday (there were only like 5 people in the office), so I checked out Monster.com and put together a "profile". I applied for about 10 different jobs just for kicks and giggles. I received 3 phone calls and 5 emails today telling me about job opportunities in the area. Of course, 90% of those were calls/emails for insurance sales or telemarketer jobs. But I did get a call for a position I really am interested in.
I have a few friends that work for Unilever in Rogers. They informed me that a Business Analyst position opened up and asked me if he could hand in my resume. I gave it to him to turn in. I also saw on Monster that Unilever had 2 other promising jobs posted, so I applied for them also! (overkill doesn't hurt sometimes) I received a call from Unilver today and set up an interview for next Tuesday at 9:00 AM! I'm pretty darn excited about the job and the opportunity to "mature" in my career. I haven't actually done hands-on business analysis as it pertains to Wal*Mart, but I've worked very closely with that job function for the past 3 years. Also, with my technological background and history of creating "analysis tools" for other analysts, I believe I can be a great benefit to them! (I just hope I can convince them of that!)
The other promising thing about this is that my two friends that work there now did not have any analyst history / training whatsoever, so the fact I've at least been around the job for 3 years could help a bit.
I'll give a follow up after Tuesday!
3 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on September 23, 2004 at 6:22 PM.
I have a few friends that work for Unilever in Rogers. They informed me that a Business Analyst position opened up and asked me if he could hand in my resume. I gave it to him to turn in. I also saw on Monster that Unilever had 2 other promising jobs posted, so I applied for them also! (overkill doesn't hurt sometimes) I received a call from Unilver today and set up an interview for next Tuesday at 9:00 AM! I'm pretty darn excited about the job and the opportunity to "mature" in my career. I haven't actually done hands-on business analysis as it pertains to Wal*Mart, but I've worked very closely with that job function for the past 3 years. Also, with my technological background and history of creating "analysis tools" for other analysts, I believe I can be a great benefit to them! (I just hope I can convince them of that!)
The other promising thing about this is that my two friends that work there now did not have any analyst history / training whatsoever, so the fact I've at least been around the job for 3 years could help a bit.
I'll give a follow up after Tuesday!
Ok, so I've been asked to spead at Fellowship Student Ministries this coming Sunday. They're beginning a series based on the Great Commandment: Love God with your Head, Heart, & Hands. I'm talking about loving God with your Head. The jist of of the talk is about knowing what you believe and why you believe it, and how knowing doctrine and what God is like gives God glory and shows Him love. It should be interesting...we'll see how it goes.
I'm pretty stinking nervous, though. I usually have no problem with the "spotlight". But there are going to be like 300 kids there (over 2 services), and that's pretty freaky to me. I'm such a pacer when I'm nervous, too. I don't think there will be enough room for me to get my full pace on. I wonder if I can rope off a "pacing" section for me to use...
And I'm already sweating just thinking about talking! I need to remember not to wear a shirt that shows the massive pitting that'll be going on. Of course, they're used to seeing MurDog's profuse pitting, so that makes me feel better.
I'll give a follow up critique of the talk later.
0 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on September 21, 2004 at 2:37 PM.
I'm pretty stinking nervous, though. I usually have no problem with the "spotlight". But there are going to be like 300 kids there (over 2 services), and that's pretty freaky to me. I'm such a pacer when I'm nervous, too. I don't think there will be enough room for me to get my full pace on. I wonder if I can rope off a "pacing" section for me to use...
And I'm already sweating just thinking about talking! I need to remember not to wear a shirt that shows the massive pitting that'll be going on. Of course, they're used to seeing MurDog's profuse pitting, so that makes me feel better.
I'll give a follow up critique of the talk later.
So I'm driving through the beautiful Johnson downtown area (all of 0.2 miles) in the middle of a good warm summer's day. I look at the houses lining the street and see an AMAZING sight! It's one of those moments I wish I had a camera ready for any moment. But since I didn't, I'll have to leave words where images should be.
I look to my right and behold a 9 or 10 year old girl whose slightly overweight (the nicest way I could think to say it). She's wearing a tight pink tank top and matching tight pink shorts that are extremely short. She's laying in a big, black innertube thing in the middle of her yard (no, not pool...just in the middle of her yard). As she's sitting in this tube in the middle of her yard, she's bucking back and forth as though she's riding a bull! There wasn't a soul around.
This is obviously something that would need to be seen rather than explained. A picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case, maybe a good 1,500 words.
1 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on September 04, 2004 at 2:07 PM.
I look to my right and behold a 9 or 10 year old girl whose slightly overweight (the nicest way I could think to say it). She's wearing a tight pink tank top and matching tight pink shorts that are extremely short. She's laying in a big, black innertube thing in the middle of her yard (no, not pool...just in the middle of her yard). As she's sitting in this tube in the middle of her yard, she's bucking back and forth as though she's riding a bull! There wasn't a soul around.
This is obviously something that would need to be seen rather than explained. A picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case, maybe a good 1,500 words.
