Interview

Gooooooooooooood Vibes!!!!!!!!!!!

SOOOO happy for you!!!!  When will you find out definitely for sure?  We need to know so we can all celebrate!

She said I would have to negotiate the pay issue with Mary. I mean, even if they wanted to discount the rent more or do something creative like that, I can live with that, but what I'm being quoted now is insulting. Especially when I've been on 2 interviews, the first one was almost 3 hours long, the second was 1.5 hours and now I'm meeting with her again tomorrow! And then Tuesday!!!!!!! AND I've been over to the property twice viewing potential apartments for myself. I've never had to interview this much - for way better jobs!!! I need to work, there is no question, but if I don't negotiate this correctly up front and I can't pay my bills, then I'm screwed!! AND working my ass off!!

I'm told there are no other candidates, that she wants ME and I do believe that, but this is ridiculous!!!! I really like her - we get along great, but I'm beginning to wonder about her experience, based on all of this and some things she's shared with me. I don't think she's ever managed a staff or hired people before and it's scaring me a little........... Needless to say, my stress level is off the charts again..... UGH!! Meanwhile I"m still sending out resumes and praying a LOT....

Thanks for keeping me i your thoughts guys - I really hope this works out!!

Yep, I'd be stressed about how this is going too, but try to stay calm about it until you speak to the Regional Mgr. I know it stinks to have gone thru all this to find out that it won't be enough to pay your bills, but hopefully they'll feel like they've invested a lot of time too and will be willing to negotiate with you. I'm not a patient person anyway, but going thru this kind of thing pushes me over the edge. I remember when I was job hunting and feeling desperate and I'd go to an interview and they'd say "we'll be making a decision in about 2 weeks". I wanted to scream "2 weeks???" I need to know tomorrow.

Wow, that is very strange.  I've never heard of someone quoting a salary at one rate, then changing it during the interview process.  I assume Mary is the regional manager?  I would definitely bring it up with her...but...you should wait until they officially offer you the position.  At least that's what I've heard is the proper etiquette.  Just politely tell her that you were initially told that the salary was A, then was told it was lowered to B.  Then ask her if B is negotiable.  If she says it's impossible, then inquire about the possibilty of a larger discount on rent to offset the lower salary.  It could be that they originally thought they could pay the salary originally quoted, but then decided it didn't fit into their budget.  They should expect you to negotiate it anyway.  Maybe they'll meet you in the middle, or make another compromise like the lower rent.  Still sending good luck vibes to you!!

Oh my!  I have been thinking about you.....  my prayer has been that you will find a situation that will put peace back in your heart and life.  Whether it is this job or not, peaceful life is what I hope you find.

That's just plain maddening!!  Hope you can keep cool and negotiate a salary you can survive on. 

Since interviewing in November there have been some changes, based on occupancy, which is low - as are most places right now. Originally they were going to fire the existing leasing agent and assistant manager due to lack of performance and attitude issues, but they kept both of them thru the holidays, which I anticipated. The assistant manager lives on site and she's older, they both are, so I knew nothing would happen during the holidays. Apparently, when they changed it to 6 working days per week (until occupancy is up to 96%, which difficult in these times) the leasing agent gave her notice (*That* problem solved). I was hoping for the assistant manager position, but my gut tells me she won't be there much longer so there is potential room for advancement. BTW, the assistant manager works M-F 40 hours straight. Usually the weekends are rotated between the leasing agent and assistant manager - not with this company. :(

I just received an email from the manager saying that she doesn't need me to fill out another application (good idea)..... I think maybe she's coming to her senses and realizes that she might scare me off if she keeps having me jump through hoops. It's overkill - really! I am so overqualified for this position, any of them really and she knows it. I did reassure her that I'm looking for a career and a company to grow with and I will also reassure the regional on Tuesday.

I do have some things to consider before Tuesday's meeting in terms of negotiating. It's not my favorite thing to do and I could use some additional pointers if any of you have any. I know they could probably hire someone for the $$ they are offering, however, I highly doubt it would be someone with the experience that I have. I just don't want to shoot myself in the foot. I've done it in the past and then try to play catch up down the road. It's not fun!! I need this job and a roof over my head, but if I'm a pushover now, they will expect it later. I mean, if they seriously want me to accept the position *and* stick around, they must know they will have to compensate me accordingly. If it comes down to it though, I would probably settle, take the job and keep looking. The crappy thing is that I would have to move again. AARRGGHH!! Thank goodness I'm downsizing my stuff!!!

Still needing good vibes and I know you guys are sending them, thank you!!!!! :)

Sunshinegirl

I know they could probably hire someone for the $$ they are offering, however, I highly doubt it would be someone with the experience that I have.

Perhaps stating something as simple as that would make the point. I don't know anything about this type of position, but maybe you could think of some serious and costly issues that can crop up when unqualified people do the job. You don't want to make them feel defensive, but you still need to sell yourself as the best money can buy and why you're worth it.

cakana

Perhaps stating something as simple as that would make the point. I don't know anything about this type of position, but maybe you could think of some serious and costly issues that can crop up when unqualified people do the job. You don't want to make them feel defensive, but you still need to sell yourself as the best money can buy and why you're worth it.

Agreed!

I'm sure you've already done some of this, since your interviews were sooo long, but remind them of the things you brought to the companies you previously worked for...how you saved them money, etc.  That way they know you are not only worth the better salary, but that in the long run it's worth paying you more because having you there will save them money in other areas.  But don't start right off saying that...I'd simply inquire about the difference in the two quoted salaries, and offer a reasonable alternative, and let the negotiating begin.  Maybe even google "salary negotiation strategies" or something like that.

TheDogHouseBCMPD

 I have been just waiting to hear news like this for you.  Everything crossed and all the good vibes I can handle.  And its so good that you got your daughter and her roomate thing figured out.  One less bit of stress.  Knock em dead!

Ditto that.  As others have said, just remember you deserve this!  (Aren't I late to the party, oops.  Well wishes and good vibes still headed your way.)

In the initial 3 hour interview, the manager was very forthright about some of the issues she was dealing with regarding her current employees (let me also state that the manager has only been with the company for 90 days and had only been there for a month at the time of my initial interview). Anyway, she stated that the two female employees refused to wear hosiery and "it is company policy to wear it." Now, let me say that this is Florida and it's very hot most of the year. I have never worn hosiery, *most* people don't, except in the winter months when it's cold out - like now, or I'll wear socks and dress boots. I cannot stand wearing hose and I do have some nice cropped pants that are worn with nice sandal-type heals, which I also usually wear with my dress slacks. This type of position is typically business casual.... all of my positions here have been. You're in and out showing property and comfort is key - while being professional.

I'm meeting with the manager, again, tomorrow so we can discuss anything else that might be new so that "there are no surprises" when I meet with the regional on Tuesday. I don't know if I should bring this up with the manager tomorrow, or with the regional on Tuesday or wait until I get the job and then go down that road??????? I know this might seem trivial to some people, but I sweat when it's hot, my feet mainly, but I've had botox in my underarms for that reason. I have since found something that works for that, but not my feet. So, it is an issue for me. I would die if I had to wear nylons in the summer!!!!!! Not to mention that I would have to replace almost half my wardrobe since it would look absolutely foolish to wear hose with the sandals and pants I have. Ya just don't wear hose with sandals, ever..... Yuck!!!! I don't wear hose with skirts. (It is, however, the only time I will wear underwear!)

At any rate, I'm thinking I should just wait because I don't know that I want to open *that* can of worms right now - I want this job!!! The manager really likes me and we get along great, as I mentioned, so I'm hoping that once I'm hired and working with her she will be cool about it. The only thing is, if she lets me get away with it, she will have to do the same with the other woman.

So, any thoughts on this?? Man, I'm worn out with all this interviewing and back and forth stuff. I hope I can get some sleep tonight. BTW, if this all goes in my direction there *will* be a reason to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!! We can all raise a glass together!!!!! :)

We have our fingers and paws crossed for you!

There is one apartment in particular that I fell in love with - upstairs, southwest view (for light), oversees the entire lake w/fountain, lots of trees, etc. it just felt like the right one. I was told it needed too much work within the timeframe it would be needed, however, if I may be able to move my move-in date back a little bit and perhaps they could get the work done. This would be in lieu of a monetary consideration...... after a certain point. I do need to get the hourly rate up by at least a dollar or two for starters. I don't think it's unreasonable. Especially with my experience and skill set. Oy, time to get some sleep. Thanx!

Your ears had to be burning -- Megan and I were just driving back from Reddick asking each other if we'd determined how it was going for you!!  I'm gonna just keep up prayer and good thots that it all just works out *right* for you!!!  *hugs*