Is it just me is or is this employment situation weird?

Go for it… I don’t see why you’re so careful. It’s a job and you’re right – its just Blockbuster…

Whats the worst that can happen?

Keep looking on the side though…

I would not be at all surprised if it turns out there’s some kind of power struggle between this female manager and the two male managers. Sounds like there’s definitely a back story there.

But what the heck, might as well go for it, right?

This is typical company politics. The only thing you really need be concerned about is whether you get the job. However, getting the job also implies that the professional tactics employed by your female superior, and company politics, is going to reach into your workplace environment, which means that there is likely to be some stress for you that ought not be there, but will be, anyway. This is for you to weight out before taking the position. The female who wants to hire you probably does see some of your potential, but the way she chooses to utilize her management position hints at some personal issues. This would definitely affect your work environment.

I would go ahead and set up the one-on-one interview (your forte) with the GM. She is going out on the limb to give you a chance here so take it.

It sounds to me, and the problem is. Blockbuster pays poorly but moves individuals up the ranks fast.

You end up with immature individuals as managers. Lacking the people skills needed to hire based not only on what you can do but what your potential is.

It seems to me the first manager, see this in you. And would like to have someone around with better sense of maturity.

Some of it is unprofessional – she probably wants more women there to balance out the others – she is using you but you are using them so it’s fine by me, you can always quit later.

Sounds like she wants some support from the estrogen team. If those guys are as dickish as you say, I know I wouldn’t want to be invited to that sausage party without some backup.

My only concern would be – if office politics is this obvious what will it be like being in a leadership position there. Still, it’s just blockbuster, it’s not like it’s a big deal if you decide after working there to quit.

Okay, good thoughts so far.. I guess I’m most thrown off by why she would go so out on a limb for me like she is. However, the maturity point is a good one, based on what I’ve seen so far, and there may be something to adding another female to the ranks, especially since those guys were pretty lame.

My other reservation, I wasn’t able to put it into words until you guys did (thanks), is the politics and stuff. It makes me a bit uneasy.

Blockbuster is in serious financial trouble from which they may will not recover. The era of going to a store to rent movies is quickly becoming antiquated as streaming and mail order/redbox are taking over the market.

That being said if you feel like going for it be sure you keep in mind it could be temporary even if you are hired and that you will have to work with those two managers who disapproved of you.

Personally I would move on and look for a less stressful job that does not have the management polarity and is more stable.

@Dog – Niiiiiiiiice.

The two douchey managers work at different stores, so I wouldn’t have much daily contact with them, I don’t think.

Remember the interview process goes both ways. Not only are they deciding if they want to hire you but you should be thinking about whether you want to work there. My take on this is I would thank the female manager for her support but not take the position.

You are right about blockbuster vs. the restaurant job. Don’t worry about it, I am sure you will wow the right people. You always wow me.

I think the others pretty much nailed it. I do think though to your credit they saw a lot in you which is positive. I think the females professional skills are slightly “wanting” as she is kind of building up your hopes and keeping you posted. What if the other two “males say no for example? I reckon take it as it comes, it’s not a life long decision, plus management looks good on a CV. To be honest though when I read your post I also thought she had the hots for you. But then I am mental so don’t listen to me!!

@filmfann – Aw, thanks. blush

@Just_Justine – At least I’m not the only one (wondering if she’s trying to get in my pants or mental, take your pick).

The current job conditions have a lot of over qualified people in these positions and they are unhappy fish out of water and some of these managers could be one of them. Take the job and treat this inside information with a grain of salt as it could be completely opposite of what it first appears to be. Play nice with all the people you come in contact with and just be professional even though it may just be Blockbuster.

I am amazed to see what an intricate process getting a job at blockbuster is. wow.

@trailsillustrated That’s the benefit of an open society without a blacklist, baby :)

@trailsillustrated – That’s only the half of it.. the other half is this really long, involved online application and personality test. I think it took me like 2–3 hours to complete.

In this economy, you are probably better off to take any job offer you get, and keep looking. When you find something better – leave, you don’t owe them any thing other than the hours you agree to work for the wages they pay.

does it pay well? it sounds like a corporate interview—I wouldve been scared to death—PS what do they ask on the tests? amazing!

It’s ridiculous, but I don’t even know what the pay rate is at this point.. no one has said anything. I assume it’s minimum wage to start. I need to call this guy soon, I’ve put it off because I don’t know how I feel about this. I mean, the whole point to applying at BB was that I just wanted an easy job where I would get to shelve videos and crap. I just am not sure I wanted all this to be a big deal.

@trailsillustrated – The test was a short personality test asking questions like whether stealing from work is always wrong, whether I’d be comfortable with a coworker putting me in an unethical position, whether I’m a motivated go-getter, etc… pretty transparent, easy questions.

Wierd! I would do it for fun, till you get something better. Why not? You are certainly worldly enough to do a job like that and laugh up your sleeve at whatever goings on you see. Keep us posted. Sounds like a very bizarre adventure. I used to hire movies at hollywood or whatever big store it was and I often thought what a chill job it looked like!

A job is a job and they all involve weird, personal, workplace bullshit. Give it a try. You can always quit if it’s unbearable (I’m assuming you are single and childless).

and where in the hell do you live that still has a Blockbuster open, let alone hiring?

I work in a department with 3 other HR professionals. I am a young man, and two of the others are 50 year old women. Naturally, we find different qualities in candidates appealing.

Because I am the most entry level, they tend to take my choice in applicants less seriously. So when I interview someone I know will be great, and I think the others may not like the candidate, I immediately introduce them to the other managers who they will be working with.

More often than not, the managers will really like them. I think that is what’s going on here. The girl identifies with you and thinks you will do great, the guys don’t like you so much. So she’s trying to go around them and get you hired anyway.

If you want the job, go for it.

@Blondesjon – Oakland, CA.. we have lots open around here. This particular store is one of the highest performing stores in the area, in terms of sales/revenue, but it also is in a somewhat wealthy area.

I called and left a message, I figured what the hell.. so I guess we’ll see!

Well, I’d say it is rare to find someone who has faith in you, so much so that they actively want to bend the rules. However, this really is a win, win situation for you. If you don’t get the job you’ve lost nothing. If you get the job & she wants what’s in your pants, assuming it’s what she’s expecting, then bam, a job & abit of the other, sweet. If she just thinks you’ve got loads of potential, well, having someone push you to achieve is never a bad thing.

@timjeffvaderdrewen – I like your perspective. :)