Well, I WAS excited by the job, given the minimal information in the ad, but I have to say I got a sort of hinky feeling at the interview. Hard to describe.
The place isn't hard to find, about a 15 minute walk from the center of downtown Syracuse. And sure enough there was a big trolley painted on the front.
I was early, which threw them a bit, I think. In our family, tardiness is up there with grand theft auto and murder one. I met with the VP I had spoken with earlier. She seemed pleasant enough but when she was telling me about the business - a boutique advertising company with about a half dozen pharmaceutical companies for regular clients - she faltered a moment, looking for the right word, which I helpfully supplied. I got an immediate "please don't interrupt me while I'm speaking" reprimand. Maybe she was afraid her train of thought would jump the tracks, I don't know. I was taken aback a bit but figured, okay, I'll limit my 'remarks' to "uh huh" and "hmm".
They are basically looking for researchers to provide in depth analysis and literature for their sales people to put before hospital boards in order to convince them to add the product to the formulary. Also to be able to write brochures aimed at different users groups (doctors, the FDA, nurses, consumers), all very time-sensitive (i.e. perpetual crisis mode), and all requiring absolute precision, virtually error-free. High stress, high pressure, and an unimpressive salary (no more than what I was making 2 years ago at a much less stressful - and local - job). Plus there is occasional travel to Boston, Philadelphia, New York and a few other places. I hate travel. I used to get car-sick backing out of the driveway.
What was a little unnerving was the absence of anybody else around, except for an elderly gentleman who buzzed me in the locked doors. She explained they leased the second floor, sharing the building with another company. Given the workload there ought to have been dozens, if not scores of people around but unless it's unusually well sound-proofed, I never heard a thing. She did say they have a very quiet work area, for concentration. No kidding.
They're definitely in a hurry to hire (like next week) but I don't know if I'm their candidate. For the kind and amount of work required it doesn't pay all that well, especially taking into consideration transporation costs. She conceded some work could be done from home but because of the need to be around for meetings, team questions, last minute changes etc. I got the distinct impression telecommuting would be unlikely.
So as much as I need the work, I'm leaning toward "no" if offered, unless we can work out some sort of piece work, editing or something like that. Now if I can only convince my husband that my "gut" feeling is a good reason to turn it down.
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