NukeWorker Forum
Career Path => Resume & Interview => Topic started by: GoneFission on Mar 07, 2010, 12:02
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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!
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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!
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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...
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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
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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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Cool beans.
I am sure you have found this forum by now, but in case you haven't, there is a section with all kinds of stuff about the POSS.
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/board,250.0.html
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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!
When I interviewed at Millstone, I did a formal interview and was invited to take the POSS the following week. After taking the POSS I got a tour of the plant and an informal interview with the Ops Manager. I received the POSS results in a couple of days and received an offer several weeks later.
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Fermi did the POSS test in the morning and graded it as the sections were completed. By afternoon everyone who didn't make the cut were given tickets home, the rest were scheduled for interviews starting the next day.
Mike
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Mine wasn't POSS (was Tech), but I tested in the morning, and interviewed that afternoon. Had an offer in a couple of weeks. But that was also about a decade ago....
Good luck, get plenty of rest beforehand - that will be your most important final prep.
:)
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One utility I went and tested for had one group test first and while they were testing the remainder were intreviewing and then flip flopped later.That Utility was Luminant.Hope this helps ;you only have to remember Nuclear is different;some utilities take that to the extreme.
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I appreciate everyone's input, every little bit of information helps!
I'll be driving down a day ahead so I can rest and be fresh when I go in. It's easy to forget how important resting is when you get yourself worked up studying for tests and preparing for interviews. Actually, I think this is one piece of advice that is grossly understated in the POSS/MASS forum.
One way or the other (offer extended or experience gained) it will all be worth it. Thursday is the day and I'll post back with updates. ;)
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good luck
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Fermi did the POSS test in the morning and graded it as the sections were completed. By afternoon everyone who didn't make the cut were given tickets home, the rest were scheduled for interviews starting the next day.
Mike
Mike, was this the Holiday Inn on Dixie days? Probably a few beers included.
LM
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When we interviewed we stayed at the Ponchartrain. When Edison put me up after I started with them it was Holiday Inn on Dixie. They still had that Timmy's place in it. Yes beer was included!
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Well I promised updates, and I'm here to make good on those promises.
I had my first POSS experience yesterday and luckily I passed. For the most part I credit this forum for my success - I feel certain I would have been unprepared without the resources here. My test was just the POSS (no MASS) and included the "long" math section. In hopes that my experience can benefit others, I will post yet another "reflection on the POSS" separately. On one hand I hate to clutter up the forum, but on the other I know that I read every thread available at least twice looking for advice. If it is seen as unnecessary, I invite a moderator to remove it.
After my POSS (it was graded within 15 minutes) I had 3 hours to prepare for my interview. The interview was at the plant (about 45 minutes away) so I left with plenty of extra time to make the trip. This turned out to be an excellent choice as the directions provided by HR neglected to tell me how to get through the security gate, where to park, how to get to the correct building, etc. It felt wrong somehow to wander around a nuclear facility looking for a nondescript building to meet "some guy" so I called HR to figure out what to do. Unfortunately this wasn't very helpful and I did end up wandering around alone until I found the building with 3 minutes to spare. Seeing guards with machine guns made the experience surreal.
The interview itself went smoothly I believe. I was expecting more STAR-based questions and a very intense atmosphere, but it was very laid-back and amicable. Instead of a 4 or 5-member panel the interview was conducted by the hiring manager alone yielding a very personal feel. I received great information about the position, plant, staff, company, etc. as well as decent feedback for my answers throughout the interview. We went for 1 hour and 45 minutes of the scheduled 2 hours, but given it was one-on-one I felt OK with this.
The hiring manager left me with his business card and told me decisions would be made quickly - a week and a half at most. The start date for the class is only 5 weeks away and I think this utility has been conducting interviews since October for this position.
Thanks again to everyone, those who responded to my thread and PMs, and those who have posted in other interview/POSS threads. This website is an excellent resource and I only hope I can give something back to others looking for advice and information someday. For those seeking POSS or interview advice feel free to PM me - I may not have the experience of BZ or JustinHEMI, but I am willing to help as best I can.
Edit: My reflection on the POSS is here - http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,23375.0.html
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Congratulations and good luck!
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Congrats and good luck.
The POSS post was outstanding
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Sorry to revive an old thread, but I promised updates and came to deliver them.
I received the coveted phone call this afternoon and have accepted an NLO position with the company I tested and interviewed with. I am very surprised by how quick things are moving now - I am to report for my physical next week and my starting date is only two weeks away. Considering I have to relocate in the meantime, I am reeling just a bit.
But no complaints here. 8)
Thank you again to all of those who have coached me and supported me along the way. I'm sure I'll have a million questions once I start, but at least I know where to turn.
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Congratulations!!! Welcome to the club! 8)