Interview Approach Advice Needed

[Anonymous]

I’m interviewing for an entry-level admin position that holds very little appeal. However, the environment is one where I would like to advance career-wise. What’s the best way to approach this interview:

-Show great enthusiasm for opening (which would be false)
-Stress my desire for career advancement within the org

TIA for thoughts, advice.

[Anonymous]

I stressed my desire for career advancement during the interview and am stuck at a low level boring position where I have a ton of time to spend on websites like this.

They told me exactly what I wanted to hear while I was there so I would take the job bc I was overqualified and in a pinch. But at least they know I am not happy and continue to throw tons of perks / bonuses my way to keep me here (as I apply for other jobs).

Either way, keep your eyes open and stay aggressive once you get in - if you dont NEED to take the job, dont do it if you think it will get you stuck at a lower level than you are qualified for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stressed my desire for career advancement during the interview and am stuck at a low level boring position where I have a ton of time to spend on websites like this.

They told me exactly what I wanted to hear while I was there so I would take the job bc I was overqualified and in a pinch. But at least they know I am not happy and continue to throw tons of perks / bonuses my way to keep me here (as I apply for other jobs).

Either way, keep your eyes open and stay aggressive once you get in - if you dont NEED to take the job, dont do it if you think it will get you stuck at a lower level than you are qualified for.

Thanks for your response. The thing is the position is comparable to what I'm doing now..admin support. These are positions infamous for stagnation. My current job is not in an area that interests me, so the upper-level positions do not appeal. The prospective job offers an area of interest...their website shows mid-level positions that would hold appeal. But, there's no guarantee that I will be allowed the opportunity if I'm in admin support.

Just wondering if I'll kill all chances of an offer if during the whole interview I'm focusing on the fact that my interests are beyond the actual job that they are looking to fill.

Doesn't help that I'm aiming for a raise at my current job and the prospective one pays what I'm making now....so a potential salary downgrade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I stressed my desire for career advancement during the interview and am stuck at a low level boring position where I have a ton of time to spend on websites like this.

They told me exactly what I wanted to hear while I was there so I would take the job bc I was overqualified and in a pinch. But at least they know I am not happy and continue to throw tons of perks / bonuses my way to keep me here (as I apply for other jobs).

Either way, keep your eyes open and stay aggressive once you get in - if you dont NEED to take the job, dont do it if you think it will get you stuck at a lower level than you are qualified for.

Thanks for your response. The thing is the position is comparable to what I'm doing now..admin support. These are positions infamous for stagnation. My current job is not in an area that interests me, so the upper-level positions do not appeal. The prospective job offers an area of interest...their website shows mid-level positions that would hold appeal. But, there's no guarantee that I will be allowed the opportunity if I'm in admin support.

Just wondering if I'll kill all chances of an offer if during the whole interview I'm focusing on the fact that my interests are beyond the actual job that they are looking to fill.

Doesn't help that I'm aiming for a raise at my current job and the prospective one pays what I'm making now....so a potential salary downgrade.

Sounds like you should make a switch even if its a potential downgrade. I would ask about career advancement ("does the company promote to X positions internally or externally" or ask the hiring manager if the company supports people in career advancement activities) before stressing that it is your desire - try to judge my their response first.

How much experience do you have at your current position? What kind of experience or how many years would you need to advance to a higher-level position. If there is a chance of that at your current company, even if you don't like the focus, it might be best to advance in your current company THEN find your dream job some where else in a more interesting field.

[Anonymous]

I started in my field in a part time admin role and I always say that I didn't mind taking minutes or making copies as long as the meetings or documents were interesting. I went from answering phones part time to a full time program coordinator role in about two years.

From an employer's perspective I'd rather hire an admin level person with more interest in my company's field because I know they will work harder, take more initiative and be more motivated.

I'd emphasize:
1) that the lateral move will allow you to 'hit the ground running', make training easier on your supervisor and allow you to provide better support more quickly (all benefits to the new employer)

2) any areas that are new/different, even if it's just the new industry/field; emphasize your interest in learning/developing in those areas

3) you are genuinely interested in the company as a long term employer (not necessarily that you want the mid-level jobs, since you don't want to come off as too aggressive/ambitious), but that you really value the work of the company, see potential for career growth, that you're willing to put in the effort in this position in order to make the transition.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I wonder if during your interview, when you get asked to describe yourself, you could say vague things like,

"well, I am an intellectually curious person" "I think it is important to set goals in all areas of life so that you have a yardstick to measure yourself by" ... stuff like that so that they know you are an interesting person who doesn't want to be stuck in a certain position your whole professional lfe.

[Anonymous]

I'm a hiring manager. In the interview, be enthusiastic about the position. In the job, show them you have the ability and willingness to do more.