Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Interview @ Drive-In, I GOT THE JOB!!!

This is topic Interview @ Drive-In, I GOT THE JOB!!! in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 11-29-2004, 11:13 PM:

Ok, this is going to be my girst official interview in a while. I know what I am wearing, but as far as the job goes, any advice? He asked me on the phone if I would have any trouble lifting film and if I had experience building and tearing down film and I answered yes and that I'd have no problem lifting and moving film as I have done it many times before.

I have seen the equipment they use to project and they have what I used at Carmike. Speco LP270's, Century SA Projectors(No need to learn a new thread pattern), and the only difference is the Strong Lamphouses.

I heard they are also looking for an assistant manager, so any tips on trying to grab that position would help. I am a little nervous as most people are before interviews.

Any ideas on questions I should ask him? Aside from the obvious, hours and pay questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Richard

Posted by Barry Martin (Member # 1376) on 11-29-2004, 11:24 PM:

How did this position become vacant is always a good one I used. Based on how they answer and what their answer is it can tell you a lot about what to expect.

Posted by Justin West (Member # 920) on 11-30-2004, 12:34 AM:

Well, PizzaBoy, first of all, good luck to you in this endeavor! I would say to emphasize your familiarity with the equipment they use...and tie that in with your attention to detail and service to the customer...and use your food-service experience to reinforce your commitment to run the concessions in a manner that draws patrons to it, that causes the customers to remember that your theatre offers quality and memorable products at the snack bar (that's if you go for the "assistant manager's" position). [Wink]

Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 11-30-2004, 01:16 AM:

Wear that xenon bulb-changing outfit with the face shield, gloves, & jacket to the interview.

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 11-30-2004, 08:45 AM:

I have a straightjacket you can borrow. [Smile]

=TMP=

Posted by Jeremy Fuentes (Member # 2135) on 11-30-2004, 09:17 AM:

Damn Richard, now youre asking us for tips? I'm sorry but youre getting stiffed once again. Just kidding, good luck buddy. [thumbsup]

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 11-30-2004, 09:58 AM:

Tell them you're an avid reader of F-T, especially the Sex in the Theatre threads, and armed with your night vision video camera you will open up new revenue streams for them.

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 11-30-2004, 01:11 PM:

talk yourself up, ask questions, and don't allow for any periods of silence. Also, wear your lucky thong....I got most of my jobs that way

Posted by Kyle McEachern (Member # 2250) on 11-30-2004, 01:34 PM:

quote: Richard Greco
Aside from the obvious, hours and pay questions.

Be sure you don't jump on that "pay" question too early or too eagerly. It's way more important that you make sure they understand that you're there for the film, not necessarily the paycheck. Talk about how much you like film, working with film, working with the projectors, dealing with customer issues in a professional manner that causes them to leave the theatre with a smile even if they had a complaint during their stay, things of that nature - asking "so what will I be getting paid?" can be a big turn-off in an interview...try to go as long as you can without asking that question, and if the interviewer mentions it then fine, otherwise get to the end of the interview and do a "Oh, yeah, almost forgot. Just out of curiosity, what's the pay rate?"

Make sure to smile a lot, take a lot of interest in questions, don't just give one-word answers, talk up your experience, think of a good story you can tell from a past theatre where you did something you think stands out as an example of you as a good worker/good projectionist, as a way of showing that you're more than just someone who thinks movies are cool and likes popcorn.

If you want to reference the pizza delivery job, then perhaps mention it as "something that had to be done to pay the bills while you tried to find another position within the film industry, since that's where your interest truly lies"...back again to the concept of convincing them that you're not doing it for the paycheck, but because you really want to be there, working there, working with film, working with customers, etc.

Just my $0.02.

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 11-30-2004, 10:05 PM:

Thanks for all the tips so far. I figure that I'll trim my goatee nice and short. I am wearing a pair of comfortable fitting cargo khakis, a blue button-up short sleeve shirt, and a pair of black boots.

I can actually clean up nice if I want to. Kyle's tips are really going to help. I'd appreciate some more before I leave at 1:15pm tomorrow. I figure I'll get to the theatre about 15 mins before my appointment. Should I act psyched? I'd think I should be controlled, looking him in the eye and answering the questions with as little "UH's" as possible.

I'll check this forum again in the morning.

Thanks
Richard

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 11-30-2004, 10:37 PM:

quote: Kyle McEachern
"Oh, yeah, almost forgot. Just out of curiosity, what's the pay rate?"

That's code for "screw me any way you want to with the pay...I'll work for peanuts just because I am so desperate to have this job".

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-01-2004, 01:35 AM:

Most job applications have a spot for you to fill in "Wages expected." Don't put "minimum" in there, whatever you do. Put something that's reasonable, but shows you value your time.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 12-01-2004, 02:44 AM:

People actually fill in the "expected salary" box? Why? Does it serve any purpose other than giving the employer a reason to reject the applicant?

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 12-01-2004, 08:13 AM:

In salary negotiations, he who mentions money first loses. If an application form asks for a dollar figure, just put "to be discussed" or "scale." In Richard's case he already has the interview, so no problem. But a "wrong" answer to this kind of question usually results in no invitation to interview.

Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 12-01-2004, 02:12 PM:

After the interview is over, and if you like the idea of working there, ask for the job!

"I appreciate your taking the time to talk with me. I really like this theatre and the way you run it. May I please have the job?"

Most employers always say something like, "We always take time to consider our applicants, we'll get back to you." Don't settle for that, ask for the job. The worst they can say is, "no" and most employers will be impress by your initiative in asking for the job. Also, it never counts against an employee to ask for the job. If I were vacillating between two candidates, the one the asked for the job might be seen as more assertive or enthusiastic.

Since I wrote this after your interview, you can accomplish all the above with a follow-up phone call.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-01-2004, 04:30 PM:

quote:
Most employers always say something like, "We always take time to consider our applicants, we'll get back to you." Don't settle for that, ask for the job.

If that happened to me I would assume the applicant was an arrogant non-listener. Better to say, "OK...thanks for your time, I'll look forward to hearing from you" and offer a handshake.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-01-2004, 06:04 PM:

quote: Ian Price
"...May I please have the job?"

I agree Mike. Richard, DO NOT say the above quote! It sounds like you're "begging".

If someone I was interviewing "begged" for a job, I would put them in the file 13 and consider them a desperate loser that would take ANY job... even a "job" outside a K-Mart selling pencils!

Be positive and assertive without being arrogant, threatening, or appearing as a negative person. Tell them about your experience and qualifications and biz/customer philosophy. Tell them how YOU can help them improve and meet their goals whether it be the bottom line, customer satisfaction, or whatever. LISTEN to the interviewer and tailor your responses to what they say their corporate AND PERSONAL goals are.

No matter how tempted, DO NOT bad-mouth any former employers. Be honest! And if they want to know why you left prior job...tell them in a positive way that you and they did not agree on corporate goals while at the same time providing the best possible customer service.

Also, make sure you "interview" THEM to make sure YOU want to work there!

Oh, and don't forget the "Thank you for your time and I'm looking forward to hearing from you" when you leave. ALWAYS give a firm handshake and SMILE when you meet and when you leave.

AND don't forget the "Thank You for your time and looking forward to hearing from you" follow-up letter.

Never EVER "ask" for the job... Better to tell them WHY YOU are the right person for it!

Good Luck!

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-01-2004, 06:59 PM:

quote: Philliam Hill
DO NOT bad-mouth any former employers. Be honest!

But what if being honest REQUIRES badmouthing a former employer? When asked why I left a video editing job earlier this year, I am always honest and I say it's because the guy was often delinquent with his paychecks and many times those paychecks even bounced!

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 12-01-2004, 08:00 PM:

But what if being honest REQUIRES badmouthing a former employer?

That's even better when you were self-employed! [Big Grin]

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 12-01-2004, 08:44 PM:

I agree with that. Don't say nasty things about former employers or coworkers. But there's almost always a way to phrase it IF you are asked.

You can say, "I moved on because..." Or, if you were fired, "I was asked to move on because..."

It's a lot better than saying, "I quit...", or, "I was canned like a boat load of tuna." [Wink]

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-01-2004, 09:52 PM:

You avoided my question, Randy. Just for that I will badmouth you during my next interview, whenever that may be, no matter what kind of job it's for.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-01-2004, 09:53 PM:

quote: Hot Joe! ...NOT Coffee!
...the guy was often delinquent with his paychecks and many times those paychecks even bounced!

I don't think that's being negative or demeaning... just the facts man!

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-01-2004, 10:04 PM:

Rather than create another topic about this thing. Great News!!

I was offered an Assistant Manager position @ 8.00/hr!!

I will be in charge by myself on Tues & Wed nights and will be with MY boss on Thurs-Sat nights, Sun & Mon I have off. I will be mainly responsible for running the two booths, and supervising the consession and box office. Considering that I have no prior management experience, this will be tough for me at the start, but I am ready for the challenge.

I also will be building and tearing down movies!!!!Yaay!!!!, Since they use the EXACT same equipment up to the splicer, I won't have an issue. The only things that are different is a Strong lamphouse and RCA soundhead that I shouldn't have an issue learning.

So, I got the job!!!!

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-01-2004, 10:29 PM:

Congrats Richard...but did you ASK for the job, or not? Also, did you badmouth a former employer? Enquiring minds want to know.

Posted by Richard Greco (Member # 2032) on 12-01-2004, 10:40 PM:

He offered it to me. He said that he was looking for an assistant manager and I said "great". Then the interview went down and I was given a tour of the facility and told my general duties,etc.

He told me to think of all my great managers and that I should be like them and I said, "I definately won't be like the manager from the other theatre, she was a little rough"

That's really all I said. He seemed excited to hire me on. He said he is working 7 days right now and I can help him out alot.

He did warn me though that if I want to see a movie I should see it somewhere else, because I'd end up being hounded by people and having to work.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 12-02-2004, 01:30 AM:

quote: Joe Redifer

You avoided my question, Randy.

I did NOT.

quote: Randy Stankey

You can say, "I moved on because..."

That part after the three dots means that you're supposed to say something about your former employer not paying you your wages due on time.

e.g.: "I moved on because my former employer was too often delinquent in depositing money to his payroll account."

Any business man worth his salt will know that means your paychecks bounced when you tried to cash them. BUT... you said it in a diplomatic way that didn't sound like you were bad-mouthing your former boss.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 12-02-2004, 01:46 AM:

Did you promise your new boss to take him to "Mons Venus" if he gave you the job?

quote: Richard Greco
He did warn me though that if I want to see a movie I should see it somewhere else, because I'd end up being hounded by people and having to work.

This will provide you with the necessary camouflage to enjoy an evening of undisturbed entertainment on your days off.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 12-02-2004, 07:27 PM:

Yay! Now go to this thread!