The Harlequin interview went o.k. It was only about 45 mins long (compared to 2 hour legacy meetings I've had) with 2 interviewers. I think that I made a good impression, but not a KILLER one.

I think one of the biggest shortcomings of my interview is that i am male. Yes, it sounds very sexist, but the culture there is very feminine w/very very few men in the office. It would like if you switched the gender of parliament (heh, that would do some good!). Also, someone w/the same kind of experience but a deep passion for trashy romance novels (i.e. has a "blaze" or "desires" library on her bookshelf) has an edge on me.

I did my best to try and spin it to a competitive advantage in being male. I told them that it would be a fresh change to have a male who is interested in what they want. Rather than having just a "women for women" structure, having an open environment where everyone can celebrate women and femininity.

...worth a shot eh? :)

I spoke with the recruiter the following day, and I totally should have shut my big mouth. We spoke about the interview, and I gave her my general thoughts, but also said how I was regretful for not knowing the Silhouette line as in depth as I should have been. I had a good basic idea of their entire product line (e.g. harlequin, mira, red dress and silhouette) but not too in depth for each. Anyway, at the end she said that she knows of at least one more person who is interviewing tomorrow.

OH CRAP!

To me, this means that she's probably got someone else lined up for the 2nd interview, and will probably tell her what i said! eeeediot robb! fool!!

Of course, I don't know this for sure, but from her position, she gets her commissions based on anyone they hire from their company. She doesn't give a damn if it's me or Betty Sue, as long as it's through her. Arugh. Luckily i didn't tell her exactly WHAT questions the interviewers caused me to say that...which is this: To determine which sub-brands within Silhouette match to which general women by age demographics, basing it on what the books they showed me. It was tough, and that's why i wish i studied more of the specific Silhouette line (the one that the candidate would be working for) for the interview.

Live and learn eh? May be she didn't say anything, may be she did. What's done is done. I should be hearing from then early next week... arugh.

Take care,

RE

"My stupid mouth has gotten in trouble again..." -j.mayer