Possible blunder on phone interviewI just got done with my first phone interview. I'm a fresh accounting grad, just to give some background info. I did get invited in for an in person interview, so I don't think I did that bad. However, she asked me about getting my CPA. I want to work first, but I did say that w/i 5 yrs I will get my Master's Degree and CPA. Since I'm going back to school eventually, I went ahead and asked if they have tuition reimbursement. She answered me, but I know you're not supposed to ask about benefits. I do think that my answer showed that I have long-term goals, and that she doesn't just think that "She just wants benefits." From what you are stating, it appears that the interviewer wanted to know about your long-term goals and was probably pleased that you do want to further yourself. I get the same question regarding my certification status. I am a legal assistant by experience and not because I went to school and received a LA certificate. Many times I have seen advertisements where the firm has stated they want someone with an actual certificate. Even though I don' t have this particular certificate, I will send my resume to the firm anyway because of my experience. (More times, though, I will see an advertisement that will state they will substitute experience for a certificate.) I have received invitations to interviews where the person on the phone contacting me asks if I have a certificate (probably because I do not mention it one way or another on my resume) and grants me the interview even though I say no. I also have had phone interviews where the interviewer asks me the same question to which I reply no, but I would like to attend some courses dedicated to that goal. While I don' t advocate asking about benefits, I do think that it is alright to mention that I am interested in furthering my education. I leave it at that. If the interviewer wants to point out at that time that they have tuition reimbursement, I will say great, I look forward to be able to take advantage of that. In this day and age, everyone needs benefits, and employers know that. I wouldn' t let it be the first thing out of your mouth, but certainly needs to be asked. I think it' s appropriate once the interviewer has done his or her spiel, and then asks if you have any questions. Bingo! There' s your shot. Some employees have need of a daycare...some places have them, some don' t, but it' s certainly a fair question. I' m sure you did very well. | |
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