I have a telephone interview today -UPDATE!

[SetzKitten]

for a job that I'm far from qualified for. I've been unemployed for 6 months since moving to SC and have applied for everything under the sun. I took a shot at this job (senior network administrator) because it's a 1/2 mile from home. I never thought they would call me. I only meet 1 of the 5 requirements that were listed in the ad and it's evident on my resume. I don't know how to answer the questions about the other 4 requirements. I don't want to say "Sorry, I'm not familiar with that" or "No, I've never done project management or implemented multi-system configurations, etc." How do you interview for a job you know is way out of your league? I want to be excited, but right now I'm just sick.


UPDATE: I got called for a second interview. I can't believe it. Thanks for all of the good wishes and a special thank you to Laurajean1014 for the wonderful advice. It worked like a charm!!

 

[Laurajean1014]

Setz - Congratulations on your phone call. Try to drink some Chamomeile tea before your interview. It will relax you w/o any drug affect.

You will do fine. Not everything on their "wish list" is necessarily what they are looking for. I do have to admit that employers have become quite ridiculous in their requirements (you have to be able to sit nicely on this pin tip!!)., but the job market is relaxing and it is becoming more of a candidates market, especially in your area.

With all said, think about the 4 of 5 that you feel you are not qualified in.........was there some project that you worked on that was similar? For instance, I do not have a black belt in Six Sigma, however, I have experience in these processes, and have worked with other black belts to achieve the same effect. Therefore, I mention this in my interviews, so the employer understands that I am a qualified Six Sigma, but not certified Six Sigma. The employer may have worded things difficultly or vaguely enough that must do not understand what they mean (Why they do this is a mystery to all)! But read between the "metrics" and the "synergies" to find what you feel they really want.

Write on paper, all the projects that you have worked on and the POSITIVE outcome of the projects. Everyone loves numbers, so quantify it. If you made significant improvements - try to put it in a number. The _______ project concluded with a 125% efficiency rate from the prior year. This was established by _______. We used _______ to track efficacy and blah blah blah.

If you look at it from that perspective, you will do very well. Remember: don't say more than what they ask..... at this round they are weeding out, not weeding in. All you want is to get to the next level. Once offered the job, then accept/decline. Take one step at a time.

Most of the time, candidates talk themselves out of the position in the interview process. If they ask a question that you are uncomfortable with (like, do your kids play soccer? - answer them with a question, "do you like soccer?") It's the quickest way to get out of an uncomfortable question and regain control of the interview.

Don't be subjected to any distractions...............

Lastly: Desperation is the Worlds worst cologne!

You will do fine. Good luck and post us the outcome of today's phone call.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Good wishes, SK, hoping it goes well for you.

 

[monkeyboy]

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Best of luck!!! P and PD to you!