Triple A...Job Interview 2/17/2006

Ok, as most of you know, I had surgery last November and am feeling well enough to get back to work, as staying home is really getting on my nerves and I'm ready to go postal.

I have a job interview tomorrow at AAA in Long Island and I really, really, really, did I say really want this job. Its as a Auto Travel Coordinator, for those people who love to take those "are we there" road trips. Most of the time I do well on interviews until they get to the part where they ask if I have any questions. Most of the time I say no, usually the HR person does a great job at explaining what the job entails and giving me all the information that I need, so I never tend to ask questions.

But I feel there should be questions I should ask, if nothing esle to at least sound very interested in the job and articulate...lol. Can someone give me ideas on what to ask? I would sure appreciate it.

The only two I have are: what is the atmosphere like to work in the NYC office and will I be able to transferr to a department where I can be a full fledge travel agent which is what I want to do eventually.

But I feel like I should have more questions. Any comments, thanks.

Paris

I dont have any answers for you as far as what questions to ask, that would depend on if they left anything out. I just wanted to wish you well and hope it all turns out for you! I will send good thoughts your way tomorrow. Remember to hold your head up and reach for the stars. If you have questions you will ask them you are a very smart lady, I know from reading your posts.



Best of luck,
Wendy

Ok, as most of you know, I had surgery last November and am feeling well enough to get back to work, as staying home is really getting on my nerves and I'm ready to go postal.

I have a job interview tomorrow at AAA in Long Island and I really, really, really, did I say really want this job. Its as a Auto Travel Coordinator, for those people who love to take those "are we there" road trips. Most of the time I do well on interviews until they get to the part where they ask if I have any questions. Most of the time I say no, usually the HR person does a great job at explaining what the job entails and giving me all the information that I need, so I never tend to ask questions.

But I feel there should be questions I should ask, if nothing esle to at least sound very interested in the job and articulate...lol. Can someone give me ideas on what to ask? I would sure appreciate it.

The only two I have are: what is the atmosphere like to work in the NYC office and will I be able to transferr to a department where I can be a full fledge travel agent which is what I want to do eventually.

But I feel like I should have more questions. Any comments, thanks.

Paris

How long are the coffee breaks??? How much notice do I have to give for my first week of vacation? Good examples of what NOT to ask! :p

Seriously, You want to make it clear that you are interested in the position that you're applying for. Questions about training: how long is the training, what type - on the job, classes, etc., when does the company expect me to be working on my own, are good. If you can't think of anything to ask, tell the interviewer, "I'm really interested in the Auto Travel Coordinator postion, but you've done such a good job of explaining it that I can't think of anything else to ask, but I do have some other questions. What are the opportunities for advancement? Someday, I'd like to move into a (I'm not sure how to say "full fledged" - is that what they call it? If you're not sure, find out before the interview) travel agent postion." (Opportunities. Advancement. Position. - all buzzwords.)

"I'm open to re-locating" is another thing companies like to hear and you could use it to lead into the NYC office question but I would use a word other than "atmosphere" - it seems a bit too casual, just my opinion. I'm not sure what you're asking, but maybe you could begin with "Can you tell me what opportunities may become available in the NYC office?"
________________________

I think that you've picked two good questions, IRParis, and the answers to them may bring up more questions.

It sounds like an excellent opporunity! Good luck!

When I interview applicants, I do try to give as thorough an overview as possible. But in case I leave anything out, I have a checklist I go by of some of the important things to remember. Based upon that, here are a few sample questions you may consider asking:


What are my opportunities here for career growth?
What are the key attributes you are looking for in an employee?
How long will the training last and how will it be provided?
Is there a probationary period? (where I work, if someone's performance is up turning out well, we have the right to term employment in the 1st 90 days without advance notice)
Is there a dress code policy?
What are the hours?
Do you have an attendance policy?
What type of benefits do you offer?


By the way, am glad you are feeling better. :)

For all your answers.

Whiterose, again thanks. At least this will give me an insight as to what the interviewer is thinking on.

Chatterbox, thanks for the relocation question. AAA has so many offices all over the US...At some point I would like to take the opportunity to transfer myself to another office someplace esle at some point and take my salary w/me. I've always wanted to move to Florida, although my other family members are leaning towards Atlanta.

The job IS in NYC, but I have to do training at AAA's headquarters which is Long Island, sorry I didn't make that very clear. If I get hired training begins on Feb 27 for 6-8 weeks...I'm just hoping its paid training.

Well, wish me luck...commuting to LI isn't going to be easy but its a short term process to bigger things and at least its aganist traffic either way so the trains won't be too crowded. I've gotta be nuts... but I use to commute from PA to NY for work years ago, although of cause I was younger then (thank goodness, no weekends)... ;) :D

Paris

I ussually ask them what a typical day would be like doing the job. I found once they've explained that, they've really had enough of the questions bit themselves, and want to move on :D