Not exactly sure what happened in this phone call.... (2024)

So I've been looking for part-time jobs, and when I sent one e-mail today, I got a phone call about an hour or two later. <BR><BR>The phone call was totally unexpected, and was a little awkward to say the least. <BR><BR>Basically she called asking me what my short-term to long-term plans were. I told her that I was looking for a part-time job for the next 3 months, and then something a little more permanent in winter time (mid-November, to be more specific). <BR><BR>She then went on to say that that's what she's looking for, as she currently doesn't know exactly where her company is headed as well. It's a very small start-up, which started in April with 7 people and has grown to about 14. She expects her company to grow to about 20 people by winter. <BR><BR>To that I simply said "sounds great", but I didn't know what else to say. She then asked me if I was looking for something permanent in the "entertainment industry" and I quickly replied "I don't know... everything is up in the air right now". There wasn't much of a reply to that except that she knew she wanted someone who would hold a job for a couple of months and said it was good to talk to me, thanked me for my time, and said goodbye. <BR><BR>I'm really confused at what just happened. It seemed like I was a good match for her time-wise, but did the fact that I told her "everything is up in the air" turn her away? And I take it at this point, she's no longer interested? Or is there a chance she'll call me back to set up an interview? <BR><BR>How do I prepare for this type of phone in the near future? I was a little taken aback, so a little nervous... I wasn't really sure what to say, and just answered her as honestly as I could.

Some more information would help. Where did you find the ad listing? What's the name of the company? What do they do?<BR><BR>My gut reaction is that it's some sort of door-to-door sales company or something. They always pull that "Our company has doubled in size and profits are up 300% this year!" crap.

They do seem to be ambiguous about what they do (a bad sign, I know). I found the post on craigslist (another bad sign), and the description is as follows:<BR><BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Ilial, Inc. is a Los Angeles based Internet startup backed by blue chip Northern and Southern California Venture Capitalists. We have developed technologies that will redefine the $20B online advertising industry. After several years of stealth development, the company is poised to launch its service. Ilial is seeking outstanding individuals, who are passionate about their work and excited about building a great business, to join its fast growing team. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> <BR><BR>Not exactly sure why she mentioned the entertainment industry, either. Maybe it was in reference to my resume, because that's where some of my past work experience comes from. <BR><BR>Even if this company is one of those door-to-door sales companies, how should I handle phone calls from other employers in the near future?

A couple of things to ask about so you don't sound quite so slack-jawed:<BR><LI>What exactly are the responsibilities of this position? Most job listings are somewhat vague, but you may be able to get a better idea from this line of conversation.<BR><LI>Where is their office located? (for e.g. commute concerns)

Based on their ad I can almost guarantee you that they are looking for cold-calling sales people of one sort or another.<BR><BR>Just be up front and direct with them and if they don't give adequate answers thank them for their time and move on. You have every right to know what they do, what the position you're applying for is, how much it pays, etc. If they're vague on the phone it's just a sneaky way to get you to come in for a group interview or something.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">We have developed technologies that will redefine the $20B online advertising industry. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR><BR>Yeeahhhhh..... I'd be wary.

If they are looking to launch a "redefining product" they will actually want committed and passionate employees, which is not something it sounds like you are about your part time job, from the way you relate the conversation.<BR><BR>You weren't a match, everyone wins. You wouldn't have enjoyed the work and you weren't what they were looking for, keep looking and good luck !

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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Emkorial:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">We have developed technologies that will redefine the $20B online advertising industry. </div>
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<br><br><br>Yeeahhhhh..... I'd be wary. </div>
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<br><br>Hey, now... I'm doing the same thing. Hmm... I guess that company has it covered, so maybe I should just give up. -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --

lol Mr. Smith. There are a few new startups around who claim to have technology that will redefine some industry. Hey maybe they will, maybe they won't but in todays world, you are only as good as your last product or service.<BR><BR> In my experience, most startups aren't looking for somebody who just wants to work part time for a couple of months. Small startups usually require a lot of time and energy, especially when they are in "stealth" mode and want to change the world.<BR><BR> So either this was some telemarketing position or another position where they were looking for somebody who wanted something more long term.<BR><BR> It seems you weren't what they were looking for and they weren't what you were looking for. Move on.