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Gucci

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Posts: 2747
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Need advice asap!
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Girls, I need some sound ST advice. You always know what to do.

I have been apply for a few jobs, not activley looking for work but apply for things that really catch my eye. I found a position for an admin assistant that looked really great. I applied and got an interview.
However, its turning out to be such a gong show. They are making me jump through hoops like you wouldn't believe.
First, in my application, I had to write a definition for "diplomatic initiative". Ok fine, they liked my answer and put me through to step 2. Then I had to fill out a 2 page questionnaire regarding myself, my work history, how I approach certain situations, etc. Did that as well, and was offered an interview. Did the hour long interview and they seemed to really like me.
Now I get this email....
We were hoping that it was going to be an easy decision to choose an assistant. You and another person are excellent candidates and we are having a difficult time choosing between the two of you. Both of you have strengths and weakness in different areas. To help us with the decision we have come up with a creative way of testing how well you would work with X.
We will give you a mini-Project called "X Co goes green." X would like a 3 to 4 page essay from start to finish on how X Co can be more enviromentally friendly.
Imagen (sic) that we have no programs in place and we are starting from scratch and want to be an  enviromentally friendly company.
X is looking for Ideas and then how you would implement those Ideas.
Rule: You can not ask any more questions that what is given to you.
Due date: Thursday March 20 by 12pm (noon).
X want to see if your thought process on how you tackle projects.
Thanks and good luck!

Ok seriously? I am ready to say F*** it to this company. They know I still work full time, I don't have the time to dedicate to doing projects for a company that isn't paying me. My mom says she's never heard of such a thing before you get hired, that it is rediculous.
What do you think?


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needsfashionadvice


Kate Spade

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There's no way I'd do that essay, I'd send them back an email that says thanks but no thanks. Is the company actually planning on going green? I guess I just don't see how that relates to you getting the job. The whole things seems really "off" to me. Plus who spells imagine like that??????

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Marc Jacobs

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I think that's a lot to ask of candidates for an admin position! The facts that they can't choose between two candidates based on all the information that they have and that they think giving an essay assignment to potential employees is a great idea would make me wonder what working for that company would be like. If you were still in school or applying for a higher-level position it would be different. If you really are still interested in the job maybe you can just say that you think resume and previous applications speak for themselves and see how they respond.

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Collette


Chanel

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I used to work as an admin/executive assistant and I've never heard of such a thing just to work for a company! Honestly I wouldn't want to even work for a company that can't make a hiring decision more efficiently. If it's this difficult to get the job imagine what it would be like to keep the job!

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Teresa


Kate Spade

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i agree with collette, take this as a sign of what the actual job would be and run!

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brazilian


Dooney & Bourke

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This doesnt even sound like something an assistant would be doing anyway....

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tri_sarah_tops


Marc Jacobs

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I agree with everyone. I'm an executive assistant and there's no way my job would ever require me to plan or write a company wide initiative. So weird - that kind of thing would be implemented like at a VP level, at least. You definitely do not want to work for someone who would make this kind of request - ESPECIALLY as an assistant. Sounds like the makings of a job from hell.

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HeatherLynn


Gucci

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Posts: 2915
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I do know of companies that have engineers do things like that, but its for an engineering position and it is to test technical skills, not for administrative assistant position. Also, engineers typical know this is expected of them because it is a common practice, unlike for this role. Unless it pertains to the job it legally cannot be asked. So my thought (someone in HR would know better) is that unless this is what you would be doing I'm not sure how it relates.

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Kelly


Hermes

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I say RUN away from that job. Like everyone said - can you imagine how it would be to work for them?

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Hermes

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Posts: 6944
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Wow, I've been an EA for the past 8 years, and in the past year gone through several interviews for a new position and never in my life been asked anything like that!  I say screw it - it's so ridiculous to waste your time on something like that...you would never have to do anything like that on the job.

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XtinaStyles


Marc Jacobs

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It sounds to me like they want to tap you for ideas or something.................... completely unrelated to the position. Who gave you the assignment, someone in HR? Maybe she's trying to have you do her "homework"?

And BTW an essay on going green has nothing to do with how well you would work with X!

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Suasoria


Chanel

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Posts: 3120
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XtinaStyles wrote:

It sounds to me like they want to tap you for ideas or something.


My thoughts exactly. While I think it's swell that they take this decision SO seriously, if that's really what's going on, the hoops they're making candidates jump through is crazy.

I would send them a lovely "no thank you" note. Tell them that your schedule doesn't permit you to do justice to this assignment and you understand if that eliminates you from being considered. Wish them the best in filling the position and certainly leave the door open to future opportunities (such as if the other applicant doesn't pan out.) 

You might not be the only one to back out gracefully, so you may still hear from them.



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Kitty


Hermes

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Posts: 5167
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I've had to do assignments before, but it was for writing jobs.

I wouldn't do it. Especially since it seems like they're just trying to get free work out of you. And 3-4 pages??? JESUS. That's a lot to ask.

PASS!

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Farrah


Marc Jacobs

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Posts: 2353
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That is the most insane thing I have ever heard. I would respectfully withdraw my candidacy if I were you. Just imagine the crap they will have you do if they hire you - GAH!!

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