Interpret this email (job related)

[rubytue]

I'm going to paraphrase a bit so it's not google-able...

We want to set up an informal phone interview to make sure we are all on the same page about this position. If you are still interested after that we can discuss further interviews.

I have one translation, my work buddy has another. Curious what MM says.

Eta: since you aren't in my head and don't know everything *blush* It's a gov't job, lateral in grade, but totally different skill set and position. I've been trying to get into the agency for awhile, mostly bc it's close to home. But I'm mostly using my transferable skills to qualify rather than the technical work I do. And it's the first time I've "qualified" despite trying to a year.

[LoveTrains]

An informal phone conversation to make sure you are all on the same page before bringing you in for an in-person interview.

What am I missing?

[everafter07]

Sounds like they're interested, but want to make sure the job is what you're expecting. That your experience is higher level than the duties, and they don't want you to get bored and quit.

[dexteroni]

Have you interviewed with multiple people? To me it sounds like either they have differing interpretations of what *you* think the position is like, or they realized they've sent conflicting messages and want to clarify. Although, the "if you are still interested after that" could mean there's something shitty about the position that they haven't yet told you.

[rubytue]

Mar 30, 2015 20:19:31 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

An informal phone conversation to make sure you are all on the same page before bringing you in for an in-person interview.

What am I missing?

Lol yeah, good point. Not nearly enough up there since, you know, you aren't in my head. Sorry.

I guess is it a "what they heck are you doing applying for this position when you are not what we are looking for?!" (My interpretation) vs "overqualified" (my friend's take)

[LoveTrains]

Could be either. Hard to say.

[dexteroni]

Mar 30, 2015 20:22:47 GMT -5 rubytue said:

I guess is it a "what they heck are you doing applying for this position when you are not what we are looking for?!" (My interpretation) vs "overqualified" (my friend's take)

They wouldn't bother having you back if it was your interpretation. Your friend's interpretation is more likely; they want to make sure you know this is beneath your current skill level and are ok with that. But I would say it also means you're a strong candidate, possibly the top choice. If they had a lot of other candidates at the appropriate level that they liked as much, they would just skip over you.

[rubytue]

I added a bit more up there. Sorry. And it still might not be enough to make a call. In which case, you can just ignore my question and just be excited that I have a phone interview on Friday

[rubytue]

carrotsmakemefat - wanna give me another fed take?

[dexteroni]

Oh - I completely misread and thought you had already interviewed. Since you haven't even spoken with them yet, I have no idea what it means. But I do know they wouldn't have called you if they didn't think you would be a good fit. Good luck! And update us afterward, of course.

[v]

I would guess they think you're overqualified or will expect much more pay than they can offer, but they want to talk to you just in case they're reading you wrong.

That's what's happened when I've gotten similar messages.

[rubytue]

Mar 30, 2015 20:44:37 GMT -5 v said:

I would guess they think you're overqualified or will expect much more pay than they can offer, but they want to talk to you just in case they're reading you wrong.

That's what's happened when I've gotten similar messages.

Well, the one thing I can say is they won't have to pay me more. Joy of federal jobs, they know exactly what they have to pay me and I know exactly what I will get going in. Especially as a lateral - there is no option for pay negotiation

[rubytue]

Mar 30, 2015 20:46:37 GMT -5 carrotsmakemefat said:

Also, I've never heard of this for a fed job. But good luck! I imagine there has to be a level of equalness and they wouldn't single you out.

Right? Maybe that's why I'm so trying to read everything I can into it. Lol. Why would they say this?! Or maybe, they just need to weed the cert down from 15 to 5? (There were multiple certs, I only made one of 4). But what made it be phrased like that?!

[vanillacourage]

Be ready for them to ask you about the salary range you are expecting. 

[Deleted]

I would assume there are just not clear on your career goals and how they match or don't this position from what you submitted. They job description may not explain job very well so they may wish to clarify.

Usually when I say this to candidates, it is because they are overqualified or experienced in a totally different area. But salary would be unclear in my case and obviously not here.

[ssmjlm]

Mar 30, 2015 22:22:33 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Be ready for them to ask you about the salary range you are expecting. 

Doesn't work that way for the feds.  Pay scale is set.


rubytue the only time I've heard of a phone call about interest was for entry level here (career interns) when they've gotten down the list and want to see if they haven't already found employment.

Either way, I say, go for it, and tell them how awesome you are!

[rubytue]

I will definitely update! It's scheduled for Friday.

[rubytue]

So I promised an update to carrotsmakemefat (and others).

Totally, 100%, face value. Absolutely nothing to read between the lines about. Was totally him talking about what the position would be (and some of the known challenges). He more or less cut me off when I tried to relate anything I said to my resume/experience/etc. That was for the real interview.

The catch was it would be a person who is leading change and trying to spearhead a cultural shift. And you can guess how well that would go over in the govt lol So, it was meant as a chance to say "oh hellz no. I don't want to be that person everyone hates, with no power but has to get buy in."

I did not say that lol I go in for real on Monday. :-)

[rosebud]

Good luck!!

[july]

Good luck. As a fed, I was going to say exactly what it turned out to be. My agency interviews are terribly formal. I am hiring for a unique position and I am looking for specific skills. Sort of what you described. I don't want someone who is going to hate it.

I have also seen an informal interview with external candidates where the hiring manager is not confident that our formal interview process really allows a good assessment.

[rubytue]

Apr 5, 2015 21:28:18 GMT -5 july said:

Good luck. As a fed, I was going to say exactly what it turned out to be. My agency interviews are terribly formal. I am hiring for a unique position and I am looking for specific skills. Sort of what you described. I don't want someone who is going to hate it.

I have also seen an informal interview with external candidates where the hiring manager is not confident that our formal interview process really allows a good assessment.

Am I interviewing with you tomorrow? Do you judge me for posting about it?

[july]

Apr 5, 2015 22:03:19 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Apr 5, 2015 21:28:18 GMT -5 july said:

Good luck. As a fed, I was going to say exactly what it turned out to be. My agency interviews are terribly formal. I am hiring for a unique position and I am looking for specific skills. Sort of what you described. I don't want someone who is going to hate it.

I have also seen an informal interview with external candidates where the hiring manager is not confident that our formal interview process really allows a good assessment.

Am I interviewing with you tomorrow? Do you judge me for posting about it?

Haha. No.

[orangeblossom]

Good luck!

[Deleted]

Good luck!

[rubytue]

Apr 5, 2015 22:55:23 GMT -5 july said:

Apr 5, 2015 22:03:19 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Am I interviewing with you tomorrow? Do you judge me for posting about it?

Haha. No.

To which question?! Your other response to me had be paranoid lol

Thanks all! It's late this afternoon. So all day to second guess myself.

[july]

I am not interviewing anyone today or have an interviews planned this week.