Informal chat with possible future employer

[PEO]

Hi guys, I’m applying for a school support job close to home. Basically involves going out to different schools and maintaining computer networks etc. I'm thinking about giving the supervisor a call for an informal chat basically to try get an idea how they do things etc. To be honest I’m not sure what the hell to ask with out coming across as a crazy dude that I am.

Any suggestions what I could ask?

cheers

[PEO]

*bump*

[witch]

How do you get the jobs? I mean is it a set '2 hours a week' or are you sent out when there is a problem, and if so, who picks up the problem and directs it to you?How many schools do they support?
Can he give examples of the sort of problem you would be expected to fix
What is the situation re expenses? Do they give you a car or expect you to use your own.
What is the remuneration like?

[Joanne]

I always am too scared to do things like that. There is a job going at a school near me, but it's only temporary... does that mean they might consider taking me on? It doesn't mention anything about replacing anyone on the sick or whatever...

[PEO]

I always am too scared to do things like that. There is a job going at a school near me, but it's only temporary... does that mean they might consider taking me on? It doesn't mention anything about replacing anyone on the sick or whatever...

Same here, im not the most confident person when speaking to people over the phone or face to face for the first time.


I do know the pay is 17k to 18k

cheers witch, questions like that would get a good conversation flowing

[Joanne]

i much prefer taking to people face to face than over the phone.. I hate the phone! I stuggle to tell what people are saying sometimes!

[Joanne]

*talking!

[PEO]

Back in the day when i was younger i had alot of hearing problems, which today has had a big impact on my verbal comunication skills basically i cant pronounce my 'th' so for example free and three both sound the same. I did go to speach class but it didnt halp too much. crazy

[strawberry]

exactly the same problem as you MrHappy, I also cant smile since i had a brace without coming accross as really insincere!.

anyway back to topic, I'm sure an employeer would be impressed by someone wanting to do research, my only advice however is to keep it proportional. Dont ask all about the company and make the supervisor explain things to you that are unnessecary at that point of the relationship ( ie dont ask for a full insite into the pension scheme while arranging an interview)

[witch]

Absolutely: stick to a basic overview of the job, how it is organised, what your role would be etc etc.

As for Joanne's issue; A lot of tech jobs are 'temporary' - that is, you get a contract every year rather than a permanent one. It doesn't necessary mean that the job is replacing someone sick or anything.