Job Advice - Need Input
 

So i've been unemployed for the past 8 or so months enjoying my time at school and living off loans. Lately now that i'm getting into autox i'm finding I want things like stickier tires, better brakes etc etc. Also, i've got a turbo in my car which leads to constant tinkering. This stuff takes money, so i've been hunting around locally for a job.

I had one interview a couple weeks ago. Went shitty as I was kinda shooting in the dark for a position I wasn't all that qualified for. No biggie, no hurt feelings.

Yesterday I had an interview that went really really well. I'm overqualified for the position and the pay isn't good (12/hr) but thats all I'm really looking for while i'm in school. Just some extra money to cover my car stuff since i'm really unwilling to give up my car hobby while in school.

Here's the issue. I was a bit dishonest in the interview about my availability not wanting this to slip through my fingers. They want someone part time now, full time for the summer and going forward full time after that. With school, there is no way i'll be able to pull off full time work even though I told them I could. Well, they called me today and said they want me to come back in for a second interview because they're having a hard time picking between me and another person.

My plan was to work full time through the summer and show them how awesome I am with hopes of having some leverage this fall in asking to cut hours down while I hit the books again. I feel like if they have someone else that is qualified and also has the actual availability, I should let them have it. In this job market (which doubly sucks in this town) i'd hate to screw someone out of a job cause i'm being greedy and dishonest about things. I was thinking i'd go in and talk to them, tell them how much i'd love the position but that I get the feeling they'd have a hard time in the future working around my school schedule and that perhaps they should just go for the other person.

So, is this an "all is fair in love and war" situation or should I let my conscience take hold and do the right thing? What does MT.net think?

Cliffs: I want job, might get it if I continue being dishonest about my availibility, should I let them give it to someone else who likely needs it more than me, or continue to fight for it?

Let them know you have plans to take classes in the fall. That simple. Give them an honest idea of what your schedule would look like, and they may work with you.

The place I interned with last summer let me stay on part time...but not everyone is that nice.

See they know that I want to take classes again in the fall, and I hinted that they may need to be flexible with my schedule. I just think I led them on a bit in that i'd be able to pull off more hours than I actually can. I think I should just be honest, like you said and really spell it out for them.

I used to work full time night shift (3yrs) while going to school...and have only been able to work weekends the past 2yrs. I can barely pay tuition now, and don't get to finish every HW assignment. As you get further along, you will need to work less, or fall behind QUICKLY.

I wouldn't mind telling someone I could work a little more than I could, but also leave yourself some breathing room so both parties don't end up miserable.

Dont tell them anything about fall.

Tell them you can fulfill the arrangement you initially presented. When fall rolls around, you will have already established yourself. If you are worth keeping you will have an easier time breaking the news and having them keep you on for a part time position. When the fall comes closer just tell them you decided to take class and blah blah blah you wanna stay but as part time and will fulfill your duties in the time you have. No sense in destroying an opportunity now. Sometimes honesty is not the best policy.

...

As a contractor (think Kelly girl) for many years, I have interviewed dozens of times. One thing i learned over time was this: NEVER LIE. Being dishonest, even a little, will come back to bite you in the ass.

Better to come clean now. The worst is you've lost out on this one job. But, your reputation is intact. That's important for your own conscience, but it also may help you in the future. I've gotten jobs sight unseen, based on my reputation. You can't buy that.

^ Cmon man dont make it so general, it depends on what youre lieing about.

Tell them you understand their desire for a full-time employee this fall. Then ask them what flexibility would be allowed in the schedule to allow you to provide quality work at both the job and at school.

If it eases your mental pain/moral compass, tell them you are willing to attempt a fulltime schedule in the fall, however your education is your priority.

They will appreciate the honesty and the long-term vision. Chances are they will be willing to work the schedule issues with you.

However, you should find out what benefits you gain from full-time employment over part-time. An interview is also the start of negotiations...

- L

Well just got done being completely honest with them. I dont think they're going to hire me. They said that since i'm overqualified they're nervous of hiring me because I may get bored. Also, my possible limited availability doesn't help either.

Well you never know. I thought my current job that im at that they werent gonna hire me which i was not bummed at all (low pay) but then they hired me and fired 3 other people and then hired 2 other people. Meantime, with the jobs getting slim i figure i should stay around untill i find something that i will gain more opprotunity from. I hope they do hire you though!

Lol, they hired me. I cannot believe the pay cut i'm taking though. I made $40/hr in september, making $11/hr now. Oh well, atleast it'll help pay for tires.

$40/hr!?!?!? Where did you work!? I need to get THAT job!

I was a consultant. Was hard work, had to travel to houston and back every week. Also, I was a contractor so I paid more taxes on that than other people do on their normal paychecks.

Finish college, get some professional certifications and at least a decade of experience and you can have a similar paycheck. (Without going the independant contractor route...)

I suppose they figured even if they can't keep you into fall, they are getting a bargain for as long as they can keep you. Worth it for both of you for now.

Now, start looking for another job. My dad always told me "the best time to look for a job is when you have one". Always made sense to me. That way you don't have to take one out of desperation again.

Best advice in the world.

This is why I stay employed regardless of school load, even if only weekends. Of course in doing so I found a company that lets me intern summers, work weekends during semesters, and has already offered me a position two years out from graduation.