Lynn Twiss

Had an interview at Benchmade with the VP of Marketing (Joe) and his Human Resource Director (Karen) this morning. Seemed to go very well, and I’m pinning a few hopes with the possible position.

From the front desk sign in book, I saw two people before me with reasons of “Interview w/Joe” sign in and out times were appx. 15-20 mins each. I was in mine for nearly a full hour.

At one point I was asked to describe the process that went into a specific Ducks Unlimited flyer I designed and did photography for a few years ago. I elaborated, then after a pause, Joe looked to Karen and then they looked at me. I asked, “I hope I’m answering your questions, if not just tell me to be more specific.” Joe stated, “No, you are doing extraordinary; it’s nice for a change to actually ask a question and get a complete answer and not have to press the answer by asking 12 questions.” Karen then said, “It’s like we’re chatting, it’s very relaxing and yes, it’s a very nice change of pace.”

When I was leaving, I shook hands, said thanks and that I hoped I’d be hearing from them soon. Karen said under breath as the door opened, “You will.”

[UPDATE - Sat. 11/05/05]

Last night was the Front 242 concert in Seattle. I vowed that I wouldn’t go unless I had a job secured, which I was 98% sure I had. Since I never received the call back I was told I’d get by Friday if I had the job, it meant: Hello 2%, no Front 242 for me – and back to scraping for a job.

Benchmade Knives had brought me back for a second, third, fourth and fifth interview. Each one with a differing member of the management team. The second interview was with the original interview team of the Marketing Manager and the Human Resource Manager, where they went over my personality test. It was an odd personality test where I rated adjectives from 1-5. (Decisive 2, Callous 5, Tolerant 1, Shy 5, Autonomous 2, etc.) The results were: Type A, Director; Type B, Socializer; Type C, Thinker; Type D, Supporter. I figured even before the test that my results would classify me as a Socializer and a Thinker. I was wrong. I was primarily a Supporter (The HR Manager said, “I think you could empathize with anyone and can see every point of view, no matter who it is.”) and it was a tie between Director and Socializer for second, with thinker coming in last. This was a shock to me a little bit, over the past few years I’ve really pushed in bettering my personality by squashing my apathy – I didn’t realize how much this change has permeated my life. It makes me feel very good, but I still wish I was more of a Director than Socializer – maybe I’d get laid! (lol)

After this I had an interview with the Vice President of Operations who was in charge of the entire Benchmade operation excluding the accounting arm of the corporation. This puts him over the manufacturing, sales and marketing operations. It went great, on all counts. He was very aware of Kimber and knew all my previous bosses, so I didn’t need to get him up to speed to much regarding my professional experience. Of all the people I was interviewed he took the most detailed notes.

Then I had an interview with the Manager of OEM Manufacturing, Doug. The reason I actually mention his name is because of the manner in which everyone said it to me. They would explain to me all the interviews I’d be going through like this: “Well, first you will meet with Sally and Foster, from there Peiter, then DOOUUUUG and then George and finally Miguel” Everyone’s name was spoken professionally except for Doug. I assumed he was the fun guy of the group, and I hoped for a high rapport with him. He was a jovial guy, really happy and we did indeed hit it off. He wanted mostly to talk about my movie making and film school background, which was fun.

After Doug, I had an interview with the Manager of Benchmade Manufacturing, and finally the last interview before the huge factory tour was with the Chief Executive/Operating Officer. Of everyone I met, he was the most serine and intimidating. He was an older gentleman, but very passive and attentive. Of the eyes that watched me while I talked through all these interviews, his had the most weight. He really was paying attention more to ME, than the words coming out of my mouth. My fidgets, my energy; it felt like he was judging every intonation. The final question and the first to broach the subject was, “Well, Lynn what kind of salary expectation do we have here?” I was glad it was finally a subject, because it hadn’t been through this entire process. I explained, “Please understand that I am aware that this is a professional step down for me. I understand that the position won’t be paying as well as I was compensated for at Kimber. The most important thing to me is that I’m a member of a creative team that promotes a superior product I can be proud of, like I was with Kimber. That being said, I was compensated by Kimber in the sum of $XXk.” The minute I said the figure, I heard his sphincter cramp up and he cleared his throat. “Well, that’s a substantially higher figure than what we were expecting to pay.” This seemed odd to me. After all these interviews at the level of personnel I was being interviewed by – my figure really isn’t that high. I again reiterated that I fully understood this. I wish I’d have explained that I wanted to hear their figure before they cut me out of the run. Oh well. After that final interview I was taken on a big factory tour, it had been years since I’d seen CNC machines and that white coolant. It was refreshing and reminded me of Kimber in Clackamas and the struggles I went through during that time. Such a long way I’ve come.

I was told to expect a phone call on Friday if I got the position. Zero calls. I even called later on Friday to touch base with the HR woman, but my message was not returned.

At this time I began putting all my efforts into another position inside the industry. This time I’m taking no chances. I’m coming at it with multiple contacts at differing levels of seniority and influence inside the building, and external agency contacts that deal with the company. If I don’t get this one, I’ll be even more surprised.

While I’m making an example of just one of the positions I’ve been pressing for, through all this I’ve still been submitting 5-6 CVs a day to craiglist.org, careerbuilder.com, monster.com, jobdango.com (which is a crappy site BTW), trades and finally through direct job searches for companies I’d like to work at. After doing this for 3-4 months now, this had better come to an end soon. I can’t believe that no one is interested in an award winning marketing, creative and technical operations manager with ten years of experience. It’s utterly disheartening.

Portland does indeed suck for employment. Tax subsidized socialism can suck me silly.