Need your Input on This Potential Job Opportunity!

[anonymouslyadd]

I received an email today from my professor with knowledge of a job opening. The nature of the job seems to be within my skill set, and it's something I've wanted for a while.

My professor forwarded me the email from the contact, describing what the position required, the boss' personality, etc.

I was alarmed at this statement about the boss:

She's pretty tough so please recommend strong workers and strong writers (they will get a lot of one-on-one direction from her).

I don't think I'll do well with a boss like this. From this short description, she's a micro-manager and probably highly critical. Many people in the writing biz naturally are. I don't think I would be a good match. I have the writing skills and talents for the job. I don't think I couldn't handle working for someone like that though.

Alas, I still wonder if I should entertain this and try to get an interview. At any rate, I'm starting my own business and feel like that's where I want to go.

What are you thoughts regarding the boss and my assessment of her? Am I right, wrong, or neither? Please provide a non-critical honest assessment.

[crystal8080]

Tough doesn't necessarily mean she's mean. In my opinion there are bosses and there are leaders. Hearing a lot of one-on-one direction could be good if she's a leader.

I guess you could ask what 'tough' means? It could mean how she approaches problems or it could mean results.

[Sandy4957]

Anon, honey, that would probably describe me, too. One-on-one attention is good if it's quality feedback.

I wouldn't be cowed by that. Interview and see what's what. If she's a beeyotch, it won't be the end of the world. You can always turn it down and you can always leave if you don't like it.

[anonymouslyadd]

Originally Posted by crystal8080

Tough doesn't necessarily mean she's mean. In my opinion there are bosses and there are leaders. Hearing a lot of one-on-one direction could be good if she's a leader.

That's true. The fact that she provides one on one attention is little appealing. I think that means she's exact about her expectations. Some of the worst qualities in a boss are ones, who communicate poorly. I can't stand not knowing what someone is looking for. It's like shooting at a bulls eye in a black hole.

I guess you could ask what 'tough' means? It could mean how she approaches problems or it could mean results.

The professor I'm speaking to about this was "tough." She was a very challenging grader and expected a lot from her students. I handled her pretty well, though.

[anonymouslyadd]

Originally Posted by Sandy4957

Anon, honey, that would probably describe me, too. One-on-one attention is good if it's quality feedback.

You've provided an alternative viewpoint, and that's a positive example. I wish more employers/bosses gave one-on-one attention to their employees.

I wouldn't be cowed by that. Interview and see what's what. If she's a beeyotch, it won't be the end of the world. You can always turn it down and you can always leave if you don't like it.

Do you think I would really find out if she was a "beeyotch" in an interview? Maybe.

I don't want to go through the hiring process again, and then have to leave. Plus, I have my business in the planning process. I have one client in two publications this week. If it were six months ago, I would have probably jumped all over the opportunity.

I guess there are many ways to describe a tough boss, who works one-on-one. I may have to interview with her just to see.

[crystal8080]

You have determined that you need good communication in a working relationship. You may not figure out if she's a b**** in an interview, but you will figure out how well she communicates. And how she reacts when you ask for clarification. Those are two things you can find out in an interview.

[sarek]

It never hurts to just go and do the interview. You may not be able to learn all that you need to know about this boss but at least you will have a better picture whether you want to do this.

[anonymouslyadd]

I don't know. Maybe I'll say I'm interested.

I just did some research on my potential boss, and her work is cutting edge. I think she's probably considered a leader in her field.

I guess there's a reason why she sets the bar very high.

[Drewbacca]

You know, an interview is a two way street. It's as much about interviewing a potential boss as it is about a potential boss interviewing you. If you meet the qualifications and think that it's a good job, apply. You'll be in a better position to say that YOU don't think you are a good fit after meeting with them. It certainly can't hurt to do the foot work, ask some questions, and see where things settle. Don't over think it based on very limited information.

[anonymouslyadd]

Originally Posted by Drewbacca

You know, an interview is a two way street. It's as much about interviewing a potential boss as it is about a potential boss interviewing you. If you meet the qualifications and think that it's a good job, apply. You'll be in a better position to say that YOU don't think you are a good fit after meeting with them. It certainly can't hurt to do the foot work, ask some questions, and see where things settle. Don't over think it based on very limited information.

But, I'm starting my own business. Why is that not coming across as relevant to this discussion?

If I'm starting my own business, then why go?

[Drewbacca]

I did miss the comment about starting your own business, but still, I don't see why the two are mutually exclusive since you didn't specifically frame the question as this or that. Keep in mind what group of people you are talking to here, we aren't exactly know for our listening skills!
I can only speak for myself, but I need questions to be very specific or I'll completely miss the point.

[crystal8080]

Sorry. I thought you were starting your own business as in it was a goal for the future, not here in the present.

[anonymouslyadd]

Originally Posted by crystal8080

Sorry. I thought you were starting your own business as in it was a goal for the future, not here in the present.

I wish I had been more clear. I am in the process of starting my own business. I have been in contact with web designers and lawyers.

I'm not even sure why I started this thread. I was unsure about whether the position was something I should entertain, I think.

[Drewbacca]

Originally Posted by anonymouslyadd

I'm not even sure why I started this thread. I was unsure about whether the position was something I should entertain, I think.

I'm not sure why I went to the refrigerator, but I ended up here...


Best of luck with whatever you choose.

[anonymouslyadd]

I emailed my professor back and told her to put me in touch with the guy. I hate making decisions.