Archived Interviewing for GSA soon - I need some advice

[sigma7]

It really depends on the person. We have two GSAs right now and that is all they will ever be. I don't think either of them wants to move up anyway, but it would be near impossible for them to with their attitudes and work ethic. I've seen several TLs promote straight from TM. It's much more common for TMs to go straight to TL since there are no longer specialist positions. I guess the important thing is that you're a leader in your store. You easily adapt to change, always have a positive attitude, and can motivate you coworkers to be their best. Those are things you can do in any position in the store.

We have several TLs in our store who are decent workers, but are terrible leaders. They are so resistant to change, constantly complain about the unrealistic expectations of the job, and can not manage talent. Sadly for them they have reached the pinnacle of their target career. On the other hand, we've had several TMs promote into TL positions at other stores and even a few that have gone from TM to ETL. They didn't have any prior leadership experience and are now doing well. It really depends on the person. You can usually tell if someone is a leader even if they're not in a formal leadership role because they will still be a leader. It's unfortunate that your store doesn't see it that way.

 

[sigma7]

And since you're already a TPS, you should be a leader in your store. I wouldn't take a GSA position over TPS, but I guess that's more of a personal opinion. However, in my district there are way more opportunities in AP than any other area. I'm not sure how all that is changing with AE13, but AP is a pretty sweet gig.

 

[greentreen]

So many differing opinions! hehe Thanks to everyone who contributed. I still do not know if I got it or not! I spoke with my ETL HR today and she reiterated that all the feedback has been exceedingly positive. But she still doesn't know. I interviewed 2 weeks ago! ;0

 

[Barcode]

Let us know what happens !

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Sit tight! They may have other plans for you.

 

[greentreen]

Other plans? Laboratory assistant?

 

[Barcode]

Either that or a GSA lab rat.

 

[greentreen]

LOL. I still don't know. ;/

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

LOL. I still don't know. ;/

Watch & wait...

 

[greentreen]

Ok so the plot thickens. Today I received word from my ETL HR that the store I interviewed with wants me to come later this week for a few hours to shadow their GSTL. To me this means one of the following:

* They are running the various candidates through this to see how they respond to the situations
* They are set on me and are doing this as a formality
* They have serious doubts about me

I think the idea of shadowing is weird because I won't be able to actually do anything. I will just be watching. So I suppose they will be watching me for my reactions, but what is the point of that when I am just watching and not actually doing?

I am confused!

 

[AllThingsTarget101]

I think the fact that you're going to be going to their store to shadow their GSTL can only be a positive, but that's just my outlook on it!

 

[redeye58]

Ok so the plot thickens. Today I received word from my ETL HR that the store I interviewed with wants me to come later this week for a few hours to shadow their GSTL. To me this means one of the following:

* They are running the various candidates through this to see how they respond to the situations
* They are set on me and are doing this as a formality
* They have serious doubts about me

I think the idea of shadowing is weird because I won't be able to actually do anything. I will just be watching. So I suppose they will be watching me for my reactions, but what is the point of that when I am just watching and not actually doing?

I am confused!

I don't think they are "running various candidates through this" nor do I think there are serious doubts or they would've simply said "Thanks, don't call us - we'll call you."
It's most likely a preview of their store's culture to see your reaction to it.
Still think you should walk away or, at the very least, decline the position if it means a pay cut.

 

[greentreen]

Ok so the plot thickens. Today I received word from my ETL HR that the store I interviewed with wants me to come later this week for a few hours to shadow their GSTL. To me this means one of the following:

* They are running the various candidates through this to see how they respond to the situations
* They are set on me and are doing this as a formality
* They have serious doubts about me

I think the idea of shadowing is weird because I won't be able to actually do anything. I will just be watching. So I suppose they will be watching me for my reactions, but what is the point of that when I am just watching and not actually doing?

I am confused!

I don't think they are "running various candidates through this" nor do I think there are serious doubts or they would've simply said "Thanks, don't call us - we'll call you."
It's most likely a preview of their store's culture to see your reaction to it.
Still think you should walk away or, at the very least, decline the position if it means a pay cut.

So I got it? So they are going to be watching my reaction?

 

[redeye58]

I think they want to see how you'll do in their store's culture; akin to tossing guppies into a shark tank.

 

[greentreen]

Ok so the plot thickens. Today I received word from my ETL HR that the store I interviewed with wants me to come later this week for a few hours to shadow their GSTL. To me this means one of the following:

* They are running the various candidates through this to see how they respond to the situations
* They are set on me and are doing this as a formality
* They have serious doubts about me

I think the idea of shadowing is weird because I won't be able to actually do anything. I will just be watching. So I suppose they will be watching me for my reactions, but what is the point of that when I am just watching and not actually doing?

I am confused!

I don't think they are "running various candidates through this" nor do I think there are serious doubts or they would've simply said "Thanks, don't call us - we'll call you."
It's most likely a preview of their store's culture to see your reaction to it.
Still think you should walk away or, at the very least, decline the position if it means a pay cut.

So I got it? So they are going to be watching my reaction?

Ok so I met with my ETL HR today and she said that from what she has heard everything is up in the air. I am to go tomorrow to the store I interviewed at to shadow their GSTL for 1-2 hours. I am going to be paid for it. I asked her if I might be interviewed again. She said definitely not.

So what is it going to be like this shadowing? What can I expect, and what should I avoid doing?

 

[greentreen]

I think they want to see how you'll do in their store's culture; akin to tossing guppies into a shark tank.

Yeah this store is famous for the rough nature of its clientele.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Ok so the plot thickens. Today I received word from my ETL HR that the store I interviewed with wants me to come later this week for a few hours to shadow their GSTL. To me this means one of the following:

* They are running the various candidates through this to see how they respond to the situations
* They are set on me and are doing this as a formality
* They have serious doubts about me

I think the idea of shadowing is weird because I won't be able to actually do anything. I will just be watching. So I suppose they will be watching me for my reactions, but what is the point of that when I am just watching and not actually doing?

I am confused!

I don't think they are "running various candidates through this" nor do I think there are serious doubts or they would've simply said "Thanks, don't call us - we'll call you."
It's most likely a preview of their store's culture to see your reaction to it.
Still think you should walk away or, at the very least, decline the position if it means a pay cut.

So I got it? So they are going to be watching my reaction?

Ok so I met with my ETL HR today and she said that from what she has heard everything is up in the air. I am to go tomorrow to the store I interviewed at to shadow their GSTL for 1-2 hours. I am going to be paid for it. I asked her if I might be interviewed again. She said definitely not.

So what is it going to be like this shadowing? What can I expect, and what should I avoid doing?

I think they want to see how you'll do in their store's culture; akin to tossing guppies into a shark tank.

Yeah this store is famous for the rough nature of its clientele.

Knock them flat!

 

[redeye58]

Watch everything, take note of everything going on. Show no reaction, keep cool.
How do they treat their team? How does the team respond/act toward leadership? Store/guest dynamic?
Ask yourself if this a culture you could thrive in because if you can't, there will be little to no chance for advancement.

 

[greentreen]

Watch everything, take note of everything going on. Show no reaction, keep cool.
How do they treat their team? How does the team respond/act toward leadership? Store/guest dynamic?
Ask yourself if this a culture you could thrive in because if you can't, there will be little to no chance for advancement.

Well I know going in it is a very poor area - lots of WIC and EBT users. Rough crowd generally. Lots of hostility. Team members also kind of rought at times supposedly.


Don't react to anything? Hmm. Not even an appropriate smile here or there?

 

[Barcode]

Watch everything, take note of everything going on. Show no reaction, keep cool.
How do they treat their team? How does the team respond/act toward leadership? Store/guest dynamic?
Ask yourself if this a culture you could thrive in because if you can't, there will be little to no chance for advancement.

Well I know going in it is a very poor area - lots of WIC and EBT users. Rough crowd generally. Lots of hostility. Team members also kind of rought at times supposedly.


Don't react to anything? Hmm. Not even an appropriate smile here or there?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9l1jpVNtT8

 

[greentreen]

Ok so I think it went well. The GSTL said that "I would be hearing from them" and that I "did good." She basically just took me through what her job is like, the various responsibilities such as checking on the parking lot, Starbucks, Food Ave, Guest Service. We went over guest first and some stuff on returns.

She did not ask me any questions at all, either about me or about the job. I was expecting her to ask me about questions I would have for her. Nothing.

She introduced me to everyone we ran into. Toward the end of the shadow the ETLGE who interviewed me came out. I went to shake her hand but she hugged me instead! LOL. She introduced me to another ETL as "one of our candidates for GSA."

Up until the ETL introduced me this way I thought I had the job. Not so much after lol.

 

[PrincessDagger]

Man, this is fascinating! My GSA interview process was vastly different that this, lol. I hope you get the position, I have very much enjoyed being a GSA and have learned a LOT. Definitely keep us posted

 

[greentreen]

Ok so today I talked with my ETL HR. She said that the ETL GE that interviewed me said that my shadowing went well, and that they would be waiting to decide until their ETL HR gets back from vacation. My ETL HR said this was good news, as in her opinion the other ETL would have told her I didn't get it if I had no chance.

 

[greentreen]

Bump. I still don't know.

 

[redandkhaki]

they must not need a GSA too bad.