Interview/Meet N' Greet

So this morning's meeting went well. The gal called me, and we chatted for about 20-25 minutes. A quick run-through:

She had reviewed my resume, and was more than pleased with what she saw. I had lots of experience in the areas necessary for the position, but she had some concerns.

Her concerns:

1. I previously held a management position, and have applied for something a bit lower on the totem pole. Why?
2. My management position paid me considerably more than the position I applied for would normally pay. However, at this company, "depending on experience" comes into play. I would be at the upper end of the job title's cap in pay, but she believes they may be able to match what I was making. *giddy* (*crossing fingers*)
   
3. Considering my experience, they are concerned that I will attempt to quickly move up or out.

My attempt at a reply (What? I was nervous! =Þ ):

1. I'm fairly certain this gal figured out after hearing I'd been unemployed for 7 months, that I will take what I can get. However, I reassured her, that I feel it's better to start at the bottom in some cases. By starting at or near the bottom, this allows the company to mold their new employee, and thus benefits both the employer and employee. Starting mid-way with processes and procedures that you are unfamiliar with, unless it is a "standard" role, can be confusing, time-consuming, and stressful for all involved.
   
2. I knew this position would pay less than a management position, so it was no surprise.
   
3. That as she could see from my resume, that I am a long-timer, and typically stay with a company for AT LEAST two years. I was with my last employer for 6.

After discussing all of the above, she began to relate how this position is very similar to a management position by MY definition. I would be interacting with management staff from around the globe, as well as individual agents. I would be reviewing communications via e-mail mostly, and determining if changes in software, training, staff, etc... were necessary. Essentially, calibrations, root-cause analysis, general data-mining, coaching, evaluation and review. This is nice, it's about 70% of my last job. (*Don't get me wrong, I still want to move back up into management, but for now, I'll enjoy the break if I get the position.*) No interviewing, hiring, firing, annual reviews. I'll miss them, a little....

My familiarity with the existing staff didn't hurt either. Apparently the manager of the department I applied for, remembers me and put in a good word. That helped! However, since he is on vacation until after the start of the new year, I have to wait for my in-person interview. I think it's great, that if I get this position, I'll be working with an entire team of people I'm already familiar with!

My interview is currently set to be sometime during the 2nd week of January. May be sooner if they can swing it after his return from vacation. I don't care! I'm just glad I got one!

Now to find money, buy some business clothes that I'm not swimming in, and wait for the call..............