Got an tnterview with AT&T tommorow.

[Koyaanisqatsi]

What is the company culture like? How does this call center reinforce the company culture?
How has this call center used The Innovation Pipeline (TIP)?
How is community involvement in Quad Cities encouraged at this call center?

I can't speak for corporate hiring, but if somebody asked me those questions in an interview I'd immediately label them a bull**** artist and they'd have to be pretty impressive to make up for it (with the exception of the last one if they had previously been involved in that kind of activity).

[-Jrabbit]

RAH's "long term" idea is best. You might also ask about career paths for people with your academic background.

Similarly, in HR, make sure part of your Q/A is about retirement plan/401k/etc, not just "when's my next day off/break/vacation?"

Oh, and remember to say, "BYW, I'm really gay, so I need to know about your medical plan's coverage for HIV+ employees..."

[Ogie Oglethorpe]

Ask specifics on their customer service metrics.


Ask re: examples of distinguished customer service. Ie. what AT&T values with respect to exemplary customer service reps.

Be prepared to think out some some example personal anecdotes that feed into a variety of buzzword values that you think may crop up as AT&T key values.

Key word stories around:

Empathy
Patience
Politeness
Responsiveness
Productive

etc.

[Hauldren Collider]

Don't join the union. Keep the union fees and feel good about the fact that you aren't earning more than you deserve.

[Asher]

It's usually not an option.

[MrFun]

At AT&T, they said it is an option.

[MrFun]

Should you really be asking questions like this that will be beyond your paygrade?

I'm actually asking. Not making a judgment.

Maybe you're right. But on their official website, AT&T claims that they encourage creative thinking and ideas from all employees.

[MrFun]

Ask specifics on their customer service metrics.


Ask re: examples of distinguished customer service. Ie. what AT&T values with respect to exemplary customer service reps.

Be prepared to think out some some example personal anecdotes that feed into a variety of buzzword values that you think may crop up as AT&T key values.

Key word stories around:

Empathy
Patience
Politeness
Responsiveness
Productive

etc.

Okay - I will make note of this. Should I scratch off all or some of the questions I came up with?

[Hauldren Collider]

Iowa's right to work, isn't it? They can't make you...

[VetLegion]

Good luck.

[Provost Harrison]

Yeah, good luck wi' t'interview!

[Al B. Sure!]

Maybe you're right. But on their official website, AT&T claims that they encourage creative thinking and ideas from all employees.

I don't know. Like I said, I'm not make a judgment. I'm seriously asking.

Could a veteran of the job market like rah make a statement about things like that? Is it good to ask a question like that for a low-level, entry-level position or does it make it look like you're someone a little too ambitious, over-qualified, etc.?

[-Jrabbit]

Nothing wrong with a little ambition, and these days, companies expect over-qualified. Entry-level customer service is kind of a classic proving ground. It gives new hires broad experience with the organization and allows managers to sample the goods before hiring into their own department.

I usually had my next hire selected months before I even had an opening approved. If I saw someone with exceptional or unique talents I could use, plus a good fit in areas like personality and motivation, I would torque my plannng - even my job descriptions - to ensure I took maximum advantage of my company's "hire from within first" policy.

Just stay focused and attentive, don't lie, try to relax and be yourself, MrFun. Good luck!

[Ben Kenobi]

Congrats Mr. Fun!

[MrFun]

I don't know. Like I said, I'm not make a judgment. I'm seriously asking.

Could a veteran of the job market like rah make a statement about things like that? Is it good to ask a question like that for a low-level, entry-level position or does it make it look like you're someone a little too ambitious, over-qualified, etc.?

I thought such a question would be a good reflection of me - showing that I have long-term interest in AT&T, and that I see myself moving up within the company rather than just doing the minimum that is required of me.