Career Path > Resume & Interview
POSS and interview in same day?
GoneFission:
I apologize if this has been covered, but a search uncovered little in the way of relevant info.
Last week I got an email from a local utility requesting that I call them to schedule POSS testing and an interview for an NLO position. I was immediately confused for a few reasons.
First, in my past experience, a phone interview is the first step in the selection process. The first contact I received in this case was to schedule the POSS and interview.
Second, in my limited understanding of the hiring process for ops (gleaned from lurking here), POSS testing comes first, and interviews only after you pass. This combined schedule seems to go against the norm, though I'm assuming it is for practicality's sake (I said "local" utility, but I'm about 3 hours away and will be overnighting at their expense).
Obviously I'm planning to pass the POSS (have been working through ASVAB practice tests), but in the event I don't, will I be escorted out? Or will I be allowed to continue on to the scheduled interview?
Any insight would be appreciated!
JustinHEMI05:
Any chance you can call the person you spoke with back, and ask? The reason I say that is, that I have seen it done both ways. I have seen the test and interview separate, and I have seen the test and interview on the same day, assuming you pass. In the second case, yes, if the candidate didn't pass the test, they were thanked and sent on their way. No point in interviewing if the first prerequisite is to pass the POSS test. So, based on my experience, I would assume that if you don't pass, the road ends there. The only way to be sure is to speak with the utility, probably the person that contacted you to schedule the test/interview.
Good luck and keep us posted!
GoneFission:
Thanks for the advice - I do have the number of the HR rep I spoke with. No harm in asking I suppose.
Now, just gotta pass that test...
JustinHEMI05:
I am sure you'll be fine. Have you interviewed for a job like this before? They are going to use the STAR interview method. Here is a link to get you started, but basically, have some personal anecdotes ready that describe situations that you led a team, failed at something, challenged your boss, etc.
http://web.mit.edu/career/www/guide/star.html
GoneFission:
Thanks for the link - hadn't seen that before.
Actually my last interview was for an RCT position and they utilized the STAR method. My feedback was very positive from the interview, though I was selected as runner-up. I got the ol' "he had more experience than you" response.
Sadly I feel more prepared for the interview than the POSS, but I think that has something to do with my 1 week of notice and the 80% failure rate statistic. Trying to balance POSS studying and interview preparation but running out of time!
I'll post updates as they come..
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