https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:42:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/interview-tips-how-much-should-i-share#post-2162737 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 17:08:33 +0000 catomd00 2162737@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would not be honest about your main reason. I also do not disclose info about my marital status or children in interviews. I don't even wear my rings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/interview-tips-how-much-should-i-share#post-2162683 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 16:11:37 +0000 mauxie 2162683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunny: Thx! I think I may lead with the new opportunity/experience and pepper in that DH is an employee, if the conversation points to it. </p> <p>I always feel conflicted about sharing whether or not I have kids! I think it def plays into the hiring decision if they're factoring in potential maternity leave, sick days, family insurance, etc.. even though they're not technically supposed to. </p> <p>To note, I did have to list DH's name since they ask on the standard application if I have any immediate family working there. Not sure if they investigated it any further though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/interview-tips-how-much-should-i-share#post-2162475 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:53:39 +0000 sunny 2162475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally I would not share that information. If I were in your position I'd share the reason for the move as just investigating a new opportunity for growth or frame it as getting experience in a different type of company. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/interview-tips-how-much-should-i-share#post-2162383 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:10:33 +0000 mauxie 2162383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@megjay18: Yes, my gut is to be forthcoming and let them know. Thx for confirming :) and I'll be sure not to mention FB (I did do a quick search but couldn't find him LOL :P) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/interview-tips-how-much-should-i-share#post-2162257 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:31:13 +0000 megjay18 2162257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i think honesty is always the best policy. you like the company and it's a great move for you and your family. I would also make sure to stress that you're very interested the position as well though, so you don't minimize that aspect of it.</p> <p>as far as mentioning what you found on linkedin - I would definitely bring it up. I don't think it's stalker-y, I think it shows that you did your research. Both on the company and who you're talking to. Maybe dont' go to facebook and be like "how was the vacation you took last week?" but anything on linkedin is fair game, as far as I'm concerned. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/interview-tips-how-much-should-i-share#post-2162217 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:17:32 +0000 mauxie 2162217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have an interview coming up for with an organization I'm familiar with.. It's a large organization and my husband currently work there (different dept/line of work). My kids also attend their affiliated child care center. </p> <p>The position I'll be interviewing for is a pretty lateral move, very similar to my job now. I've applied to a few other jobs but for the most part am sticking to the same line of work/job functions. </p> <p>My current organization is about the same in size and level of prestige so really I am looking to move due to location/convenience. I'm not in a rush to leave as I'm very satisfied/comfortable with my current job. Finding the right fit for me is most impt. My current boss has been excellent to work with and a strong supporter of me having work/home life balance. </p> <p>Anyways, my question is-- how much should I share with the interviewer when it comes to the reason for making the move?</p> <p>Should I share that I'm interested and vested in their community given that family is there, or leave them out of it? </p> <p>Also, I looked up my interviewers LinkedIn profile and found that he used to work for my current org as well. Should I acknowledge that and try to ask him about how the two compare, or is that too stalkerazzi? </p> <p>Any advice is appreciated. Interviews are not my forte!</p> <p>Thanks :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054404 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:22:51 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2054404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>exactly what @catomd00: said! my experience has always been phone interviews no longer than 20 minutes to pretty much verify you are who you say you are in your resume, and that your qualifications match what they're looking for. it's usually another layer to vet out candidates before bringing someone in to meet with your potential managers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054371 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:08:11 +0000 catomd00 2054371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They're generally short in my experience. Basically ask why you're looking, why you're interested in the job and a few questions about your experience. The goal is to quickly weed out people who aren't a good match and shorten the candidate list to those who are worth bringing in for an interview. Who it's with makes a difference in what happens and how long it is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054349 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:55:47 +0000 danda 2054349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have my resume and potential answers to questions (mostly if I suspect behavioral interview questions) in front of me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054316 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:34:52 +0000 MediaNaranja 2054316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not a mom nor am I a recruiter, but I did a bazillion phone interviews last year while job hunting. I'll cosign @T.H.O.U.: -Have the job description in front of you, some information about the company, a notebook and pen, etc. If I knew who would be interviewing me, I'd look them up on LinkedIn as well. You basically want all the tools that can help you readily available. </p> <p>Make sure you have a quiet space --if your LO is home with you see if you can find a babysitter to take him/her on an outing. I don't have kids, but I remember one phone interview I had where my dog would not stop barking and it was a HUGE distraction--try to avoid those!</p> <p>And even though it's a phone interview, it helped me be more confident if I was dressed nicely (not like a suit or anything, but definitely not pajamas or sweats) and sitting at a table or desk. </p> <p>Finally, make sure you have good phone reception! Nothing is worse than having a call cut out during an interview.</p> <p>Good luck! You've got this!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054310 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:31:51 +0000 Corduroy 2054310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I treat it like a real interview. I block my calendar, shower and dress (somewhat) professionally. </p> <p>My mom always said the interviewer can hear your smile on the phone so have a mirror with you to remind you to smile. I tried it once and got the job but I did feel silly.</p> <p>A lot of phone interviews are conducted with HR. Try to find out what function will be conducting the interview. Your goal is to say whatever they want to hear to get the real interview. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054308 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:31:35 +0000 PawPrints 2054308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's not all that different from an in-person interview, with the only big thing being that you can have notes in front of you (and/or you can pace madly around the room like I do). Make sure you won't have any interruptions at home during that time, perhaps kick everybody out of the house if you need to. Have tons of stuff written down, anecdotes from your professional experience you can pull forth to respond to various questions, like examples of times that you did well in a crisis, times you demonstrated leadership, times you worked well with a team, etc. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054304 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:29:10 +0000 LibbyLou 2054304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats on the interview! </p> <p>My secret to phone interviewing is to watch yourself! I usually take mine in the front seat of my car, visor down. It reminds me to smile, sit up straight, make committal noises like "yes" "mmhmm".<br /> Agree to having paper and notes. I do one page of my cheat sheet- names, company info, information from their website. Also, let points I want to get across- such as why I would be a good fit, what I can bring, etc. Write your questions you have for them down. You should ask 3-4.<br /> Make sure you ask what next steps are and if anything they heard in your convo would hold them back from recommending you to next step. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054290 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:22:05 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2054290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have as much as you can printed out in front of you. The job description, their names, etc. In that way a phone interview is easier because you can "cheat" with notes! </p> <p>Also have a pen available so as they ask a question you can jot it down. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-tell-me-about-phone-interviews#post-2054284 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:18:30 +0000 Cchoi4 2054284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all,<br /> I am getting ready for my very first phone interview for a position at a very promising company. Its been a while since I worked (4 years-ish) and I am so ready to get back into it. It's been an even LONGER period since i've had to interview anywhere. They didn't have too many phone interviews when I was applying to my last full time position.</p> <p>Anyway, I was wondering if any moms out there who have either been in the same position as me or are on the other side, as recruiters, could give me some helpful tips on how to prepare for this?</p> <p>I've been reading up on typical phone interview questions but would welcome any other advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1781420 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 11:21:46 +0000 irene 1781420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Thanks for all these questions! </p> <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: Wow... really, do they ask that? That's kinda invasive and personal (how old is your bf and what does he do).</p> <p>For the last candidate, I did ask if she was religious (while we are atheists and it really doesn't affect my decision on employment, I had this perception that religious people has a bigger chance to be more honest, haha, so in a way I'd feel better). DH told me afterwards that I should not ask that because if someone didn't get hired they may sue us for prejudice based on religion. So I shall not ask that again. Oops. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780681 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:40:24 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1780681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: the few families that did ask me about my friends/boyfriend would just ask if I had a boyfriend, if so, how long had we been together, how old is he, what does he do? &amp; then there was once or twice when I was flat out asked if I partied a lot. I think it's good to specify that no one should come over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780643 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:16:59 +0000 looch 1780643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would want to know how she'd handle it if my son cried when we left and also if he couldn't calm down. I would ask if they'd be amenable to coming by the house a few times when I am home and just playing with my son, to see how he does...would they basically be okay with working up to leaving them alone together or does it have to be a cut the cord kind of situation.</p> <p>I'd also want to know how they'd handle meals, or the bedtime routine, if they'd be comfortable playing out in the yard, that kind of thing. I'd also ask (since we have cameras all over the place) if they'd be okay with us being able to see her while we're not there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780632 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:13:37 +0000 irene 1780632@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: Thanks ! Yes it is a great question except I don't even know what is the right answer! haha! Good point about asking about the friends/boyfriend. How do you even ask that question though? Would it be better to just say we'd like you to be the only person at our house, and please do not invite guests over?</p> <p>We did meet one candidate last weekend. While she is sweet and I think she will be just fine when most of the work was just sitting at our house while LO is asleep, she is just not very warm to LO. She did talk to him but she wouldn't actually go engage with him and play with him. LO is shy himself though. But still there wasn't a lot of "breaking the ice" on her part. Or am I reading into it too much? I mean she is still on my to call list but just curious to know your thoughts!</p> <p>Any other suggestions everyone? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780371 Thu, 24 Jul 2014 22:29:32 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1780371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The emergency phone call suggestion is great! I personally wouldn't ask this but I had a few families ask me about my friends &amp; whether or not I had a boyfriend....I'm assuming in case I thought it would be cool to sneak someone over (which I NEVER did.)<br /> Personally, I would ask for a reference or two but I honestly think that the question your friend suggested, maybe asking about any CPR/emergency training they've had &amp; just seeing how they interact with LO should be enough. I got two nanny jobs from care.com &amp; they were both great. I hope you find a few sitters that you love! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780334 Thu, 24 Jul 2014 21:52:36 +0000 irene 1780334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We haven't been on a date night in forever, and we have absolutely no family around. Finally, I posted an ad on care.com and am going to meet with a few babysitting candidates this weekend. It will be half an hour @ each candidate because I am trying to fit 4 in after LO wakes up from his nap!</p> <p>I just wanted to observe their interaction with LO, and mostly to see if they are normal looking and what their personality is like. What else should I ask? I am not hiring a nanny so it should be much more relaxed. Besides, I really want many of them on my phone so I have many back up options (especially for short notice and/or valentine's day!). I do want to come up with a "ranking" though so I have my most favorite to the least.</p> <p>A friend suggested to ask how do they determine when to call the parents, so we know how do they make an emergency judgement call. </p> <p>Do you hire a babysitter occasionally? What would you ask? What is important to you? Any other advices? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-interviews#post-1387958 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 13:40:54 +0000 Mrs. Twine 1387958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>:( I hate the stress associated with that stuff for everyone involved. In your shoes, I think I would dress respectably, but try to be myself and see if I (and my child and spouse) mesh with the school and staff. You might want to see what other parents in your area do/have done. I know that some places my relaxed ideal is a total fantasy.</p> <p>Good luck, and I hope you find a lovely preschool program for your son. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-interviews#post-1387937 Thu, 30 Jan 2014 13:34:12 +0000 Cchoi4 1387937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is turning 3 in April so we are looking into options for this coming fall's preschool programs.</p> <p>We have a "Parent interview" coming up next week at a Montessori school in our city. I admit, I'm a little nervous! As far as I know, I do not need to bring anything except myself and husband.</p> <p>However, I'd like to be as prepared as possible. Should I dress up? Should I brush up on my interview skills (whatever that means in this situation)? OR should I just be myself and answer the questions I am asked and mutually get to know the director?</p> <p>Have you ever gone on a parent interview? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-ask-pediatrician#post-1031872 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 14:48:04 +0000 regberadaisy 1031872@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: nope, you don't. There are some topics that I feel pretty adamant about so it was important to us to find a ped that had the same opinions as us. Or the whole practice in general. ;) And it was important to us for LO to see the same doctor as much as possible for history so we needed to jive with that person. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-ask-pediatrician#post-1031858 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 14:42:56 +0000 lamariniere 1031858@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will probably be I the minority to say we didn't really research peds. We met with one in the hospital practice where my ob/gyn was located and I thought she was fine. After DS was born we were assigned a different one, and I liked her more than the first one. Since it was a hospital practice there were always a few doctors and nurses around who could be consulted if our regular doctor was out, and they had a 24 hour phone number to be able to reach them after hours. Our ped ended up being very laid back and had the same views as us on vaccinations (standard schedule), breastfeeding, and didn't push any sort of sleep training theory. Our insurance was also accepted by this practice, which is probably an obvious thing to consider. </p> <p>We were very fortunate that DS never had any major health issues the first year, so we only saw the doctor for regular visits. And frankly, the regular visits are like 10min long. I'm not convinced that spending a lot of time finding that one totally fantastic amazing pediatrician would have been worth worrying about. (And now I'm sure I sound like a terrible parent). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-ask-pediatrician#post-1031799 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 14:23:19 +0000 looch 1031799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me the pediatrician wasn't as important as the practice as a whole. I wanted access to someone on the day when my child was sick, so it was important to me to have multiple pediatricians, a portal where I could email the docs, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-ask-pediatrician#post-1031792 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 14:20:51 +0000 regberadaisy 1031792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@abbylyn:<br /> after work hours and weekend hours<br /> do they have same day sick appointments<br /> would the pediatrician (or ped on call) visit at the hospital after delivery<br /> What is their opinion on vaccinations?<br /> Ask to meet with a pediatrician on staff rather than just a nurse!<br /> ETA: is there someone on call 24/7? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-ask-pediatrician#post-1031749 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 14:03:06 +0000 abbylyn 1031749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're starting to interview possible pediatricians for LO, and we have our first one on Thursday. Help! What questions should I be asking? How can I be sure I'm comfortable taking LO there? </p>