What's one lesson you learned the hard way at work — but are now grateful for?
When I was getting my first jobs as a teenager, my mom (who's never worked outside the house) said you need to do exactly as the boss says. I had to find out the hard way that if the boss wanted a machine, he would have bought a machine. He hired me because he wanted someone who could fix problems without bothering him about every little thing, and point out when he's is making a mistake.
If your career had a soundtrack, what would be the title of the song right now?
Carouselambra
In-agodda-da-vita cuz it seems like the song and career will never end. 71 and still looking,
Do you prefer job interviews in-person, virtual, or phone—and why?
In person...WHY?? BECAUSE IM OLDER AND THEY MAY JUDGE ME ON MY AGE. THATS OK BUT IM NOT TOO OLD FOR THE JOB AND THEY NEVER MET ME SO ... AGE IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT IT SEEMS
person so they can see you an you them
How do you keep your skills up-to-date if you’re not currently working?
Like remote face to face interviews. I want to see who I am dealing with.
This is a really good question, 🤔. Keeping yourself organized, reading. Free online courses help too !
What’s one thing you do after a job interview to leave a strong impression?
I would give them a thank you card. Thanking them for their time, kindness and generosity and patience. I truly appreciate you for taking the time out of your day and consideration of you even considering me a candidate for employment. Best of wishes
Virtual
What’s one soft skill that has made a big difference in your career?
Empathy is the ability to comprehend and share the emotions of another person. It is a basic human characteristic that enables us to respond to the emotional needs of others.
Listening has made a huge difference in my technology career. Slowing my mind down, focusing on the tone and words given by a someone talking with me, and tailoring my responses in a timely and respectful manner leads to better outcomes when sharing technical knowledge or agreeing on technical solutions.
How do you respond when someone says you're “overqualified”?
Give me a manager position then
Yes it should be but many employers think that will mean you will leave soon or get bored.
Have you ever had a great boss? What made them great?
Same but I would add team work makes the dream work
Leading from the front lines and not from the back end.. when working alongside a leader, who chose to not just always pass down tasks, assignments and expectations, it made me believe that they knew all it takes to succeed in the tasks they were assigning. I felt nothing they asked were unreasonable, cause they were here with us doing it, too.. whereas when i got orders from someone who sat in an office all day, with a ridiculous time frame, it just over emphasized a disconnect to what they were actually asking us to do
What’s a skill you’ve taught yourself that helped you get hired?
Working alongside your teams and your departments to show them that you can do the job and also it gives you an opportunity to show them.How you want things so that they can meet your expectation
Learn how to back a trailer
What’s your go-to response when a job asks for your expected salary?
I usually say I’m open to discussion based on the full compensation package and responsibilities of the role. That way, it shows I’m flexible but also aware of my value.
When my last boss hired me, he said, "One thing we have not talked about yet is wages. What are you expecting?" I said, "I'm easy to please in that department. Offer me a reasonable wage, and I probably won't turn it down." He said, "Ok, how about $40/hour?" and I said, "That'll be fine."
it to care so much