Sooo ... what do you think?

[CurlyIam]

Hi, everyone

 

I just had an interview for an internship - marketing assistant. Long one - 1h30. In 2 parts: the HR girl accompanying 2 brand managers . That made three people asking me questions about everything - if I ever tell anyone about my work experience I'm gonna puke, LOL.

 

So here's my issue: I have some experience in service marketing - and this position is for a product manager assistant. Let's say that I did work with numbers before, but I was more at ease with an AC Nielsen market study - on consumer behaviour, while they're working with GFK surveys - market sales, competitior sales, etc. Anyway, the brand manager was talking about a few projects she never had time to start on her own, a brand extension sort to say...

And I think I've got an idea about how that should be done.

 

They said they'd call me sometime next week and if things went well, their boss will see the last three final picks. The HR girl, on her way out acted very delighted with my performance, but I know that's never a sign, really. Anyway, I feel I'm gonna be there next week again.

 

So... what do you think, should I at least gather the data for her idea project on my own? Prospect the market a bit, do the maths... Just to show that I do have initiative and that I'm at ease with the whole - "product" idea... Is it too much? Too risking? It's a great position and I'd be learning LOTS. Plus the pay is ... neat. So what do you think?

 

Am I overdoing it?

[lindya]

I'd do the research, I'd tell her I'd done the research and I'd let her how I'd gone about that research. I wouldn't, however, pass on the actual findings to her until the employment contract was in my firm little grasp. Quid pro quo.

[Craig]

If you didn't get the job wouldn't this preparation, in essence, add to your experience? You may not use what you prepare and create for this job but it may help you in other ways for jobs in the future.

 

If it isn't going to create hardships for you then go for it.

[CurlyIam]

The thing is I know I'm good for the job. I've got the skills, I have the motivation and hey, they're the ones lucky to have me. Really!!! So I don't want to came across as desperate. Do you think I come across as desperate if I do this?

[alphamale]

Originally posted by CurlyIam

So... what do you think, should I at least gather the data for her idea project on my own? Prospect the market a bit, do the maths... Just to show that I do have initiative and that I'm at ease with the whole - "product" idea... Is it too much? Too risking?

I guess you could do the research C.I.A. then in next interview just say that you have some "ideas" on how it should be done but don't tell them about all the upfront work you did. that would come off as two desperate. then....if they ask for details on your "ideas" then just give them a very quick overview or synposis without getting into too much detail. I think that will be fine.

[RoxStar]

Couple of questions for you...

 

1 - exactly how did they leave it with you when you left - exact words? ie - they said they would get back to you either way? they said they hoped to see YOU next week? or just vague about the top three getting a second interview?

 

2 - what was their body language like?

 

3 - in that 1.5 hours how many people did you meet with? all three at one time or was it 30 minutes each person?

 

4 - who is the decision maker? HR or Marketing? next interview is with Marketing Decision Maker?

 

5 - did they talk about the money with you?

 

6 - did they give you an indication as to how soon they want the position filled? Ask you what your availabilty to start was?

 

Personally I would show some initiative but not go for it all the way in terms of this project. If you get this job would this project be yours? You may step on toes if its someone elses project. Also if it would be your project I would gather the prelim info and mention it casually in an interview. You dont want to seem over eager - trust me.

 

I have been a Recruiter for 8 years and its easy to over do it. PM me if you want.

[CurlyIam]

exactly how did they leave it with you when you left - exact words? ie - they said they would get back to you either way? they said they hoped to see YOU next week? or just vague about the top three getting a second interview?

 

So: I had like 45 min with one brand manager assistant and the HR girl and another 45 minutes with the same HR girl and the brand manager (big one) for like another 45 minutes. I was exhausted at the end, trust me. The brand manager is a killer, I tell you that.

 

OK. I asked them the exact skills that they were looking for in the trainee they want. Then I asked them in how much time they can come back with an answer. And then the BM asked me where else I have applied. I said like a 1/4 of the company names - I was pretty drained, but mentioned stuff I was interested in doing - like a pricing analysis, quatitative market study. And she said, oh, that's great, don't worry, we want a pricing analysis too, haha. They both walked me to the elevator and the HR girl walked me down. She started explaining how the big marketing boss is back next week and how she'll want to see the final candidated. We talked a bit about the job - like international country analysis, etc and she kept telling me what a big oportunity this is for one's career. And at the end, she said "see you real soon"!

 

 

she didn't confirm me like - well, you'll be seeing our boss etc etc...

 

what was their body language like?

 

Oh, I had the HR girl and the assistant. The brand manager... hum... I don't know. She was opened, didn't cross her arms, came with her upper body near the table at the end... but she did say that she would like someone with a bit of experience in product marketing, not that that would be the the final criteria.

 

The assitant brand manager was very closed and distant at first and we ended up having a few laughs in the end.

 

who is the decision maker? HR or Marketing? next interview is with Marketing Decision Maker?

 

I don't know. Probably the marketing. Yup, doesn't look that great... I don't know.

 

did they talk about the money with you?

 

Yes, after the first part of the meeting, the HR girl told me everyting about it. Explained me about the cafeteria. Now that I think og it, she only said that she wanted me to meet the brand manager... a looong 45 minutes meeting, I give you that. Maybe it was shorter, but we talked strategy, we talked, marketing, we talked my experience again, we talked future projects - this one I'm reffering to is just an idea she thinks about, but she hasn't got the time to do it herself, she said that probably the trainee would have to do it, if the trainee wants to. Personally, I think it's a great idea of a project.

 

did they give you an indication as to how soon they want the position filled? Ask you what your availabilty to start was?

 

Yes to both. They asked me in how much time I wanted an answer - I said in 2 weeks tops and asked me when I want to start, I said immediately, given that school is over. I said I like to feel like contributing to something.

 

If you get this job would this project be yours?

 

Most definately. I was thinking of doing that... to prove that even if I've never done product marketing, I can make up in intiative and open mindedness to what I lack in experience. Oh, I don't know, Rox, I had already had 2 phone interviews with them... I'll PM you, most certainly.

 

Thanks a lot.

[Debster]

Did you send your Thank You for the interview letter/email/card yet?

If not, then I would send anyone who has interviewed you a letter/email/card thanking them for their time, re-asserting why you think you are the best candidate (but not too-pushy), and then to the appropriate person add that you've been thinking about the projects you wanted to launch and I have some ideas. If you have the time, I'd love to chat with you.

 

Good luck.

[RoxStar]

I totally agree with Debster - send your thank yous asap. Express your interest in the position again etc.

 

It sounds positive based on what your last post said. They talked to you about $$ and potential Start Date that is a sign of interest. The lenght of time you were with them is also positive.

 

When you were answering their questions did you use examples of real work experiences and give detail answers? How long is this internship? What else do you know about the other candidates? How many people are they interviewing?

[CurlyIam]

I was thinking about the thank you note. But they don't do that really in France. I'll write them one regardless tomorrow.

 

Yes , they did talk length of time - 6 months plus. I can renew it to a whome year. I don't know if it's an year directly or not.

 

They said they had like 10, 15 candidates and that they were narrowing it down to 3 people top to let the marketing manager decide. I know absolutely NOTHING about the other candidates.

 

When you were answering their questions did you use examples of real work experiences and give detail answers?

 

Oh, I have!!! Believe me, I have! I've used lots of examples and then they asked me some more. God, the only thing they didn't ask me was how many times I go to the bathroom, lol!

 

 

I'm not as positive as your, girls, because the Brand manager... she was litererily twisting every word I was saying . Can't blame her, really. I mean you had to have really tough nerves not to demotivate yourself. And at the end, all I wanted to do was sleep a loooong time. They were switching back and forth, French and English, creative skills, analytical skills, strategic marketing, figures and analysis again. My head was spinning.

 

I don't know. I've made a blunder. HUGE one - that I know of. So we were talking marketing products and she said that they were doing global marketing all over the world. I can't say what product we're talking about, only that it's a luxury good one. And she was asking about cultural diferences between countries... Anyway, I said that it's impossible to have the whole range of products sell exactly the same in all countries. I'm sooo STUPID, I actually said the world "impossible". I should have said "well, I need to see how you promote that", or "I need to look at the markets"... I mean, even she said that some people like golden plates and diamonds, and other consider those tacky. Try and sell that in England . I mean Spain and Italy - helllo, baby, it may work big time... I said that given that I haven't seen the brand's values and main characteristics, I may be wrong, but well, my personal belief is in the "Think global, act local" type of strategy. She said "well, Dior can do global marketing'', but then admitted they were NOT Dior. Riiight!

 

I tell you, if they call me back, it means that they're really something.

 

why can't I just say "yes" to everything and keep my opinions for myself? I do that. I need to learn to SHUT the heck up !

 

Thank you so much, girls! I promise to keep you posted. I think I'll do the research during the week end and probably send an executive summary to the brand manager on Monday.

 

So..; I'll send the thank you note to all three of them, right?

 

That was at the beggining of the second interview...