Interview #24 happened to me today 9/21/2012, at about 11:30 AM.
I received a phone call from a woman named Stephanie, I remember it ringing. But I let it go to my messages because it was 8 AM and I was tired...
I called back at around 11 Am, and the receptionist had me on hold for literally about 3 minutes, as I checked the timer my phone has.
When I spoke with the lady, she asked me what kind of worker I was. I said I was a hard worker and I always do what I'm supposed to do.
She then asked me what my negatives were; in which I responded Math. I continued to say that "In order to combat it, I would use a calculator".
She said that the job has a whole lot of math and then she started to pause... she said she'd get someone to call me later. In which she said "You know what, to be honest. I won't be calling you back, good luck on the job search".
I was like "Well, that was rude".
I thought that maybe I should have said something before she hung up... after that I just said that I didn't need that job anyways, since I don't like math... it would have been terrible. I then said that I should get back to more important things, like mailing a letter to my friend Donna, it's about a photography contest.
The funny thing is, in the message... I couldn't pick out what the companies name was and so I have no idea how they got my resume. I do think it may be a job I applied for that was a graphic design job, but also has lot's of math involved. Which is stupid because usually artists are terrible at math, finding someone that is good with both is incredibly rare. I only know two people who are artists and good at math, out of thirty people. I hope these idiots realize that.. if it of course is that job that I am thinking about... it may not be though.
Lesson Learned: On occasion, you will have no idea where the company got your resume, or who they are.
An interesting trick is to put their phone number in the search bar on a search engine, and usually links will show what company the phone belongs to... it doesn't always work, but it does work most of the time.
I actually just tried this, and it worked! It is in fact not the company I thought it was, but one I applied for the other day.
If you'll excuse me, I have some negative reviews to make about them on the internet....
UPDATE: I actually sent them something in the comments on their website and I told them how they shouldn't be rude.
They actually called me back and apologized for it, but they said it was someone else that I was interviewed by, not the original person that called me.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Interview # 23: Who ordered 50 awards for Mr. Sparkly butt? Who is that?!
My 23rd interview was at a familiar place, I went on my 5th interview.
http://transcendingintojobs.blogspot.com/2012/09/interview-5.html
This position was for a "Production Artist", apparently it was about adding lettering and text to customizable items for customers.
Despite it being a place I've been to, I was late by an hour because I got lost. I think it's because my mother was driving (Who always gets lost).
I told her I think we should have went one way, but then we went another way. We kept going down this one road and then we were practically in another town and then there was a roadblock so traffic was heavy.
By the time I got there, I told them why I was late and about 10 minutes later they saw me. I think the interview went nicely, I also went on to say that I also have an online portfolio that has newer things. Since the last Graphic Design position I went on an interview went badly, and one reason was because I had older things on my physical portfolio.
I think the interview went well... but three hours after I got home. I received an email saying this...
We certainly enjoyed speaking with you and appreciate your patience throughout our search process.
While we were very impressed with your qualifications, we were faced with a difficult decision of continuing our search for candidates who we believe are more closely matched with what we are looking for in this position.
Please accept our best wishes and thank you for your interest in Positive Promotions.
One thing I'm not doing, is accepting their best wishes...It's useless.. It;s just like saying "We didn't like you.. but have a nice day!"
Lesson Learned: Really, make sure you know where you're going. Also, if they say they'll contact you within a week, they may just send you an email or call you as little as three hours later saying they are looking for a different kind of person.
http://transcendingintojobs.blogspot.com/2012/09/interview-5.html
This position was for a "Production Artist", apparently it was about adding lettering and text to customizable items for customers.
Despite it being a place I've been to, I was late by an hour because I got lost. I think it's because my mother was driving (Who always gets lost).
I told her I think we should have went one way, but then we went another way. We kept going down this one road and then we were practically in another town and then there was a roadblock so traffic was heavy.
By the time I got there, I told them why I was late and about 10 minutes later they saw me. I think the interview went nicely, I also went on to say that I also have an online portfolio that has newer things. Since the last Graphic Design position I went on an interview went badly, and one reason was because I had older things on my physical portfolio.
I think the interview went well... but three hours after I got home. I received an email saying this...
We certainly enjoyed speaking with you and appreciate your patience throughout our search process.
While we were very impressed with your qualifications, we were faced with a difficult decision of continuing our search for candidates who we believe are more closely matched with what we are looking for in this position.
Please accept our best wishes and thank you for your interest in Positive Promotions.
One thing I'm not doing, is accepting their best wishes...It's useless.. It;s just like saying "We didn't like you.. but have a nice day!"
Lesson Learned: Really, make sure you know where you're going. Also, if they say they'll contact you within a week, they may just send you an email or call you as little as three hours later saying they are looking for a different kind of person.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Tips for creating a concise resume.
Here are some resume tips that were from a newspaper.
To see it full size, just right click "Open in new tab".
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Two things that annoy me
There is this one thing that annoys me about job ads..
It's when I read this whole ad, it looked great... I'm ready to apply and I find out right at the end that I cannot apply for the job! I am not qualified for the job.
Why go through all of this trouble of reading it when you aren't qualified? I think that employers need to step up the game and make sure to add requirements right in the beginning, this way job seekers don't waste their time reading an ad that sounds cool, but won't apply for it in the end because they are under-qualified.
It just makes me think "Thanks person, I just wasted 20 seconds of my life reading your ad that I am not applying for because I don't fit the requirements!"
Something else that I HATE is experience! So many jobs these days... they want experience! Companies that have simple jobs even want experience...It gets ridiculous!
I just applied for a job for Best Buy, and let me tell you... 20 minutes in.. It asks if I have experience in Customer Service or Cashiering and I said no and then it cut me off and said sorry, because I don't have experience I can't apply.
And I'm like "I DID ALL OF THAT JUST TO BE TURNED DOWN!!!!", it was so stupid and aggravating! And as above, they should have put that right into the beginning!
How are you supposed to get a job if you don't have experience? You can't get experience if you don't have a job.... it's a complete ridiculous and unfair cycle of ridiculousness!
All because I or you do not have experience does not mean that we wouldn't be any good! We could be better than other people who have been in the position for years! It's not fair to unjustly cut someone off because they've never done it before!
It's when I read this whole ad, it looked great... I'm ready to apply and I find out right at the end that I cannot apply for the job! I am not qualified for the job.
Why go through all of this trouble of reading it when you aren't qualified? I think that employers need to step up the game and make sure to add requirements right in the beginning, this way job seekers don't waste their time reading an ad that sounds cool, but won't apply for it in the end because they are under-qualified.
It just makes me think "Thanks person, I just wasted 20 seconds of my life reading your ad that I am not applying for because I don't fit the requirements!"
Something else that I HATE is experience! So many jobs these days... they want experience! Companies that have simple jobs even want experience...It gets ridiculous!
I just applied for a job for Best Buy, and let me tell you... 20 minutes in.. It asks if I have experience in Customer Service or Cashiering and I said no and then it cut me off and said sorry, because I don't have experience I can't apply.
And I'm like "I DID ALL OF THAT JUST TO BE TURNED DOWN!!!!", it was so stupid and aggravating! And as above, they should have put that right into the beginning!
How are you supposed to get a job if you don't have experience? You can't get experience if you don't have a job.... it's a complete ridiculous and unfair cycle of ridiculousness!
All because I or you do not have experience does not mean that we wouldn't be any good! We could be better than other people who have been in the position for years! It's not fair to unjustly cut someone off because they've never done it before!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Keep applying
The best thing to do when applying for a job, is to keep applying... even if you have an interview. Just keep applying; I didn't do this for a long time and I would just get turned down interview after interview.
But, once I got an interview. I would stop applying for jobs, I think it was a bit of thinking I would get the job and so I wouldn't have to apply anymore. But that's not the case, not for me at least and not for many other people either. By stopping, you're just slowing yourself down and hurting yourself by getting a (possible) failure. You have to continue until you win, you can't stop for anything... well except if you get the job, then you can stop; unless you need more than one job.
If you do by chance get a job and still have interviews, just call or email the company back that you've obtained something else. I've done this before for a company that I found unsavory; had I known what the company was, I would never have applied for it. So, when they posted their website after emailing me with their interest and I checked it out. I found that I would NOT have enjoyed it there at all, because it was a religious company and I do not agree with religion, so I wouldn't have been very pleasant working there.
So, I just told them that I obtained employment... now I just have to make sure I know what their ad looks like on craigslist lol.
I also said that for the school I voluntarily worked at for a week.
But, once I got an interview. I would stop applying for jobs, I think it was a bit of thinking I would get the job and so I wouldn't have to apply anymore. But that's not the case, not for me at least and not for many other people either. By stopping, you're just slowing yourself down and hurting yourself by getting a (possible) failure. You have to continue until you win, you can't stop for anything... well except if you get the job, then you can stop; unless you need more than one job.
If you do by chance get a job and still have interviews, just call or email the company back that you've obtained something else. I've done this before for a company that I found unsavory; had I known what the company was, I would never have applied for it. So, when they posted their website after emailing me with their interest and I checked it out. I found that I would NOT have enjoyed it there at all, because it was a religious company and I do not agree with religion, so I wouldn't have been very pleasant working there.
So, I just told them that I obtained employment... now I just have to make sure I know what their ad looks like on craigslist lol.
I also said that for the school I voluntarily worked at for a week.
Interview # 22: Closure Closure, you need closure! *Closes door*
Interview number 22 was my third interview at a book publishing company called "Nova".
I was interviewed by a woman named Jo-Ann, I would have been interviewed by Donna 3 if she hadn't been on vacation.
I think I had a very nice interview, I presented myself well and I would jab at anything about the position.
For example, it was about editing and re reading subjects in books and I would make sure everything was correct. So I would go on about how I've used programs like microsoft word and excel.
They also liked me for my graphic design experience, they mentioned there was someone who had so much work to do that extra help would have been... well....helpful!
I was on the interview for about a half an hour! I really thought that maybe I had a chance... before I left I asked if I could be contact whether or not I got the position or not. The interviewers exact words were "You want closure."
BUT! I never got a response! It's almost been a month since then, it was at the middle of August 2012.
So, it's safe to say I didn't get that job. =_="
Lesson Learned: It can really really seem like you got the job, the person/s may love you... but it doesn't mean you did get it.
I was interviewed by a woman named Jo-Ann, I would have been interviewed by Donna 3 if she hadn't been on vacation.
I think I had a very nice interview, I presented myself well and I would jab at anything about the position.
For example, it was about editing and re reading subjects in books and I would make sure everything was correct. So I would go on about how I've used programs like microsoft word and excel.
They also liked me for my graphic design experience, they mentioned there was someone who had so much work to do that extra help would have been... well....helpful!
I was on the interview for about a half an hour! I really thought that maybe I had a chance... before I left I asked if I could be contact whether or not I got the position or not. The interviewers exact words were "You want closure."
BUT! I never got a response! It's almost been a month since then, it was at the middle of August 2012.
So, it's safe to say I didn't get that job. =_="
Lesson Learned: It can really really seem like you got the job, the person/s may love you... but it doesn't mean you did get it.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Interview #21: You... you... have a PUMA?!?! Can I pet it!?!?! Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaase!!!
The next interview I went for was for a receptionist, but they also liked me because of my Graphic Design experience. It was a job where I would have gotten to do more than one kind of work, like clerical and graphic design.
The place was a social media marketing company.
I got there right on time, but I had a bit of trouble as to which was the right entrance... as it was a square building with like 5 companies and 5 doors. I actually did not know anything about this company as the woman who left a message on my phone talked very lightly, and I could not hear anything but the address and town..
When I got to the building, it looked very nice... and I was seated a few minutes after I filled out an application.
When I got into the interview room, I presented myself well and I think I did well.
A few notable things were.... I didn't know about the company and out of all the companies that didn't ask me what the company was about, this was not one of them... they did ask me about it. So, I told them that I knew a little, but I was eager to learn more about it. They explained that it was an internet marketing company and they went into detail what it was all about.
They also mentioned that one of their workers had a puma that they take to the vet every two weeks, for whatever reason... it stays at their job once or twice a month.
I told this to some of my friends, I told my friend Donna... who thought it was cool.
Some of the ladies at work wasn't sure if I said Puma and wanted to make sure because of how bizarre it is for anyone to have a puma... we were all laughing, and one of the ladies said that maybe it should be a pass if they have a puma.
After the interview, the guy that interviewed me told me that he hoped I get a job soon, if not this one... because I have a "Kind" air to me. Which I think was nice to say; they also said they had about 40 other people to interview!
Although they said they'd call me whether or not I got the job, they never called.
Lesson Learned: Some jobs are awesome, you can really like the place and the people can really like you. But don't forget, the interviewers probably have lot's of more candidates to interview. It's a very tough battle that not everyone will win.
The place was a social media marketing company.
I got there right on time, but I had a bit of trouble as to which was the right entrance... as it was a square building with like 5 companies and 5 doors. I actually did not know anything about this company as the woman who left a message on my phone talked very lightly, and I could not hear anything but the address and town..
When I got to the building, it looked very nice... and I was seated a few minutes after I filled out an application.
When I got into the interview room, I presented myself well and I think I did well.
A few notable things were.... I didn't know about the company and out of all the companies that didn't ask me what the company was about, this was not one of them... they did ask me about it. So, I told them that I knew a little, but I was eager to learn more about it. They explained that it was an internet marketing company and they went into detail what it was all about.
They also mentioned that one of their workers had a puma that they take to the vet every two weeks, for whatever reason... it stays at their job once or twice a month.
I told this to some of my friends, I told my friend Donna... who thought it was cool.
Some of the ladies at work wasn't sure if I said Puma and wanted to make sure because of how bizarre it is for anyone to have a puma... we were all laughing, and one of the ladies said that maybe it should be a pass if they have a puma.
After the interview, the guy that interviewed me told me that he hoped I get a job soon, if not this one... because I have a "Kind" air to me. Which I think was nice to say; they also said they had about 40 other people to interview!
Although they said they'd call me whether or not I got the job, they never called.
Lesson Learned: Some jobs are awesome, you can really like the place and the people can really like you. But don't forget, the interviewers probably have lot's of more candidates to interview. It's a very tough battle that not everyone will win.
Monday, September 10, 2012
One thing you must remember about interviews.
Here's some good advice about interviews, you may go on a bunch. But you MUST remember that you will survive, just like Gloria Gaynor! :D
Just remember, that it isn't YOU who needs them it's THEM who need you!
You can't let interviewers get you down, no matter how many times you fall! I've been on over 20 and I have not given up and I will never give up! I know I can get a job and with the experience in each interview, you learn things... like what to do and what not to do, as well as what you need to tone down and what you need to do more of.
"Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die?
Oh, no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give
And I'll survive, I will survive, oh"
Oh, no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give
And I'll survive, I will survive, oh"
You will survive! Obviously the people who didn't hire you, weren't meant for you! You'll get the job that you were meant to have!
Interview # 20: Hello? Yes, I'd like to buy a llama please.
My 20th interview was another phone interview... It was for Raymour & Flannigan.
There's not much to say about this one... The only thing is that they called me at a bad time, so they told me to call them at a good time, in which they were busy! It was back and forth of being unavailable.... Until FINALLY we were able to talk on a Friday at like 11:00 Am. they were going to call me, but they actually didn't call me until like 11:20 AM.
The phone call was nice, I think I presented myself very well and I was very alert for someone who literally woke up at 10:55 AM.
I got an email a week later saying I did not get the job and my first thought was "All of that and for nothing!".
I'm happy I didn't get it though, because on the job you'd have to wear a suit, and me with no money does not have a suit...Well, I have this old one... but it doesn't fit very well anymore.
Lesson Learned: Phone interviews can be a pain in the butt, there can be lot's of times when the time just isn't right. It can take forever to have a proper phone interview.
There's not much to say about this one... The only thing is that they called me at a bad time, so they told me to call them at a good time, in which they were busy! It was back and forth of being unavailable.... Until FINALLY we were able to talk on a Friday at like 11:00 Am. they were going to call me, but they actually didn't call me until like 11:20 AM.
The phone call was nice, I think I presented myself very well and I was very alert for someone who literally woke up at 10:55 AM.
I got an email a week later saying I did not get the job and my first thought was "All of that and for nothing!".
I'm happy I didn't get it though, because on the job you'd have to wear a suit, and me with no money does not have a suit...Well, I have this old one... but it doesn't fit very well anymore.
Lesson Learned: Phone interviews can be a pain in the butt, there can be lot's of times when the time just isn't right. It can take forever to have a proper phone interview.
Interview #19: Sooby dooby doo, where are you?
Interview 19 was one of the most horrible experiences I have ever had....
I spoke with a woman who called me on a Friday, she sounded nice and was very pleasant. I scheduled an interview for the day after Interview #18. The position that I applied for was a graphic designer.The company is a company that makes it's own products, from stickers to chocolates. My mother had something else to do with my neighbor, so they went to another building while I went on my interview.
The building was huge and kind of looked like an abandoned school or warehouse.
When I got to the place, I found it a bit creepy. The inside was even creepier, I thought I'd run into Scooby and the gang in there!
The woman I spoke on the phone with greeted me and I filled out an application for like 20 minutes.
After I completed the application, the woman came to interview me and she brought an older man who apparently was a part of the graphics department.
Talking to the woman while on the interview was good, I spoke well and it was pleasant.
However, the man was incredibly mean and rude towards me.
I showed him my physical portfolio while I was being asked questions by the woman; and while I was being asked these questions, the man was violently thrashing my portfolio's pages... he didn't really seem to care if something fell out or was damaged. Then he asked me a question about one of the graphic design images I made, he questioned a book design I did on Othello... which everyone that I had shown prior loved. Although, he did point out what was wrong with it and I agreed with what he was telling me. But the way he acted was incredibly rude and nasty; I told him that I made the cover 2-3 years ago and that I have changed since then. So then, he starts flipping all of the other pages and goes "Change, change. I don't see change!"
I said that my more recent things are on my portfolio online, he responded saying I should print my newest things for when I go on the next interview, he said "I think we're done here". The woman said they'd contact if they were interested and I knew I wasn't going to get contacted because obviously that guy did not like me and I sure didn't like him.
I met back up with my mother and my neighbor and I told them about the horrible experience, my neighbor loved it when I called the guy a douche-bag. XD
In which she began to tell a story about her mother worked with a very Christian woman who never cursed. Eventually her mother got the woman to curse and it was all the talk at her funeral about when she started cursing, because after that it was F bombs everywhere.
When I went to my job the next day, one of the ladies that I work with said I should have said something to that jerk. Like maybe "I have been on many interviews before, and this is the first time I have ever been treated with such rudeness and disrespect." Then she told me I should have flipped them off. XD
Lesson Learned: Some people are nasty, job interviewers are no exception. Some jobs are not even worth it if people treat you rudely on an interview, they'll probably treat you just as bad on the job. This doesn't always include customer service positions, as that may be a part of the test, but only for Customer Service jobs.
I spoke with a woman who called me on a Friday, she sounded nice and was very pleasant. I scheduled an interview for the day after Interview #18. The position that I applied for was a graphic designer.The company is a company that makes it's own products, from stickers to chocolates. My mother had something else to do with my neighbor, so they went to another building while I went on my interview.
The building was huge and kind of looked like an abandoned school or warehouse.
When I got to the place, I found it a bit creepy. The inside was even creepier, I thought I'd run into Scooby and the gang in there!
The woman I spoke on the phone with greeted me and I filled out an application for like 20 minutes.
After I completed the application, the woman came to interview me and she brought an older man who apparently was a part of the graphics department.
Talking to the woman while on the interview was good, I spoke well and it was pleasant.
However, the man was incredibly mean and rude towards me.
I showed him my physical portfolio while I was being asked questions by the woman; and while I was being asked these questions, the man was violently thrashing my portfolio's pages... he didn't really seem to care if something fell out or was damaged. Then he asked me a question about one of the graphic design images I made, he questioned a book design I did on Othello... which everyone that I had shown prior loved. Although, he did point out what was wrong with it and I agreed with what he was telling me. But the way he acted was incredibly rude and nasty; I told him that I made the cover 2-3 years ago and that I have changed since then. So then, he starts flipping all of the other pages and goes "Change, change. I don't see change!"
I said that my more recent things are on my portfolio online, he responded saying I should print my newest things for when I go on the next interview, he said "I think we're done here". The woman said they'd contact if they were interested and I knew I wasn't going to get contacted because obviously that guy did not like me and I sure didn't like him.
I met back up with my mother and my neighbor and I told them about the horrible experience, my neighbor loved it when I called the guy a douche-bag. XD
In which she began to tell a story about her mother worked with a very Christian woman who never cursed. Eventually her mother got the woman to curse and it was all the talk at her funeral about when she started cursing, because after that it was F bombs everywhere.
When I went to my job the next day, one of the ladies that I work with said I should have said something to that jerk. Like maybe "I have been on many interviews before, and this is the first time I have ever been treated with such rudeness and disrespect." Then she told me I should have flipped them off. XD
Lesson Learned: Some people are nasty, job interviewers are no exception. Some jobs are not even worth it if people treat you rudely on an interview, they'll probably treat you just as bad on the job. This doesn't always include customer service positions, as that may be a part of the test, but only for Customer Service jobs.
Interview #18: Hi, this is Tricia Takanawa... reporting from news -20
Interview #18 Was once again at Nova... this time it was the 30th of July.
It was actually a different department than the previous one with a woman named Donna.
This time it was with a woman named Tricia; I thought it was cool that she only contacted me via email, because I hate it when someone calls me. Cause most, if not all the time I get contacted via phone... it's always at the worst time and then I can't even hear what they're saying...
The interview was pretty basic, I went on the interview and I think it went well. But I got an email a few days later from Tricia, saying I did not get the job.
I said that I was thankful she actually contacted me, because I hate how most companies leave you hanging and never tell you. NOTE: By the first month... if they didn't contact you, you really just have to let it go... they didn't to hire you....
Lesson Learned: It may seem like the interviewer likes you as a candidate, but it doesn't mean they will choose you.
It was actually a different department than the previous one with a woman named Donna.
This time it was with a woman named Tricia; I thought it was cool that she only contacted me via email, because I hate it when someone calls me. Cause most, if not all the time I get contacted via phone... it's always at the worst time and then I can't even hear what they're saying...
The interview was pretty basic, I went on the interview and I think it went well. But I got an email a few days later from Tricia, saying I did not get the job.
I said that I was thankful she actually contacted me, because I hate how most companies leave you hanging and never tell you. NOTE: By the first month... if they didn't contact you, you really just have to let it go... they didn't to hire you....
Lesson Learned: It may seem like the interviewer likes you as a candidate, but it doesn't mean they will choose you.
Interview # 17: uh...where am I?
My 17th interview was for a company that gives direct marketing for Photographers, illustrators, artist reps and stock agencies.
Getting to the place was easy, and I was a bit surprised that the woman that interviewed me was not in her 40's... she sounded like she was in her 40's... but when I met her, she looked like she was 25.
But anyways, the most interesting thing about this job is that it was literally a maze.
It was a big square building, sounds pretty easy right? NO! Inside the walls are all the same and there's hallways everywhere! The only thing I was able to tell apart were all of the paintings and photo's on the wall... all kinds of art.
I was probably lost in their building for at least 10 minutes, simply because there were so many hallways next to each other and there was no difference about them except for the paintings/photo's.
Fortunately, once I recognized a painting/photo... It means I was there already and I'd go a different way.
Eventually I found the place and it was a big room with lot's of people on computers, it looked like a really fun place.
When I went on the interview, I think I did very well. Although, they said if they were interested in me further they would have a second interview with me... which never happened. It was one of the jobs I really wanted to get, but I didn't.
Lesson Learned: All because you love the job and atmosphere, does not mean they want you! Also, some buildings are like mazes... be careful and look for certain things that you'll be able to notice if everything looks the same.
Getting to the place was easy, and I was a bit surprised that the woman that interviewed me was not in her 40's... she sounded like she was in her 40's... but when I met her, she looked like she was 25.
But anyways, the most interesting thing about this job is that it was literally a maze.
It was a big square building, sounds pretty easy right? NO! Inside the walls are all the same and there's hallways everywhere! The only thing I was able to tell apart were all of the paintings and photo's on the wall... all kinds of art.
I was probably lost in their building for at least 10 minutes, simply because there were so many hallways next to each other and there was no difference about them except for the paintings/photo's.
Fortunately, once I recognized a painting/photo... It means I was there already and I'd go a different way.
Eventually I found the place and it was a big room with lot's of people on computers, it looked like a really fun place.
When I went on the interview, I think I did very well. Although, they said if they were interested in me further they would have a second interview with me... which never happened. It was one of the jobs I really wanted to get, but I didn't.
Lesson Learned: All because you love the job and atmosphere, does not mean they want you! Also, some buildings are like mazes... be careful and look for certain things that you'll be able to notice if everything looks the same.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Interview #16: Hello? Are you there?
Interview # 16 was literally on June 1st, I remember because Alan Scott, the original Green Arrow was announced as the newest homosexual superhero.
While reading stuff about Alan Scott, I was also waiting for my very first phone interview! I remember it was either 9 or 10 am.
The position was for a receptionist, and I spoke with a woman at a call center. She interviewed me and asked me about my previous job duties and mostly anything else an interviewer would ask.
It was like a physical interview, but you don't have to go anywhere... you could have the interview in your birthday suit if you wanted! (Not Recommended though.)
I was well presented, confident and I think I did good. The lady said they'd call again if they were interested in me, for a physical interview.
I was never contacted again, but it helped me learn about other kinds of interviews.
Lesson Learned: Some interviews are conducted via phone or even skype. These are usually used to test people and see who is more suitable, usually second interviews in person are involved.
While reading stuff about Alan Scott, I was also waiting for my very first phone interview! I remember it was either 9 or 10 am.
The position was for a receptionist, and I spoke with a woman at a call center. She interviewed me and asked me about my previous job duties and mostly anything else an interviewer would ask.
It was like a physical interview, but you don't have to go anywhere... you could have the interview in your birthday suit if you wanted! (Not Recommended though.)
I was well presented, confident and I think I did good. The lady said they'd call again if they were interested in me, for a physical interview.
I was never contacted again, but it helped me learn about other kinds of interviews.
Lesson Learned: Some interviews are conducted via phone or even skype. These are usually used to test people and see who is more suitable, usually second interviews in person are involved.
Interview #15: Fine wine from Kanakan? Nope.
Note: Kanakan is a country in the Suikoden games, it's notorious for it's wine. Although you never get to go there in any of the games.
Interview #15 was for... if you haven't guessed it by now... a wine company! The position wanted was a clerical position.
When I got to the place, it was a small building in an industrial park. I went into the lobby, which was tiny and only had two chairs. I spoke with the lady at the desk, I told her I was there for an interview... she gave me an application and I sat back down and started working on the application.
About ten minutes in, this woman with breasts that probably had their own gravitational pull came in.
She says she has an interview as well, the lady at the desk says "Go right through that door".
So, I'm thinking maybe she already filled out the application or something.
But LITERALLY A HALF AN HOUR LATER, she comes out and they tell me to wait a minute.
I go in, and my interview only lasted 5 MINUTES!!!
Why did this woman need a half an hour of an interview and I only had 5 minutes?! These people are most likely sexist and wanted a woman.
Meanwhile, my mother was parked in the car and saw birds fighting each other.
I was very angry that they would not even give me the time of day.
Lesson Learned: Some jobs are discriminatory, especially office jobs. Females tend to be preferred in clerical positions.
Interview #15 was for... if you haven't guessed it by now... a wine company! The position wanted was a clerical position.
When I got to the place, it was a small building in an industrial park. I went into the lobby, which was tiny and only had two chairs. I spoke with the lady at the desk, I told her I was there for an interview... she gave me an application and I sat back down and started working on the application.
About ten minutes in, this woman with breasts that probably had their own gravitational pull came in.
She says she has an interview as well, the lady at the desk says "Go right through that door".
So, I'm thinking maybe she already filled out the application or something.
But LITERALLY A HALF AN HOUR LATER, she comes out and they tell me to wait a minute.
I go in, and my interview only lasted 5 MINUTES!!!
Why did this woman need a half an hour of an interview and I only had 5 minutes?! These people are most likely sexist and wanted a woman.
Meanwhile, my mother was parked in the car and saw birds fighting each other.
I was very angry that they would not even give me the time of day.
Lesson Learned: Some jobs are discriminatory, especially office jobs. Females tend to be preferred in clerical positions.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Interview # 14: Do these glasses make me look smart?
My 14th interview was in an industrial park, it was for a book publishing company we'll call "Nova". This was in the middle of May 2012.
I was contacted by a woman named Donna, which oddly enough... I have a friend with that name. I had actually thought that this Donna was my Donna; which made me hope that I would get hired definitely.
(Note: I actually have two friends named Donna, we all went to the same college.)
Let's call interview Donna, Donna 3. Because my two Donna's get to be Donna, but I don't want to pick favorites by calling one of them Donna one and Donna two. So to be fair, they both get to be Donna, and this Donna is Donna three because she is the third Donna I have met.
So, there's Donna, Donna and Donna 3. I hope you've got a handle of all of this. :P
So, I did research on the company. Which I named, so even you could look it up.
It was a book publishing company that mainly sells very intellectual and educational books for professors and college students.
I was actually really interested in the ones they had about human sexuality.
Last time I checked, it was more expensive on Amazon, but now it's less expensive.
So, when I got onto the interview with Donna 3... it was a very interesting place. It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't run down and it had a homey feel to it.
The interview with Donna 3 was very nice, I think I presented myself well and I answered the questions nicely. I was also lucky enough to get interrupted by one of the people that works there who had a problem for Donna 3, it was good cause the question she had just asked confused me and I wasn't sure what to say.. so it gave me time to think about what to say.
The interview went well, but it had me worrying about something. Donna 3 had mentioned that once you make up a schedule for when you come in, you can't change it. It was a part time job, so it was only about 5 hours a day, Monday-Friday.
For some reason that made me feel constricted, even though that's how most jobs/careers are.
Lesson Learned: Most jobs do not have flexible hours, sometimes it's good to ask.
I was contacted by a woman named Donna, which oddly enough... I have a friend with that name. I had actually thought that this Donna was my Donna; which made me hope that I would get hired definitely.
(Note: I actually have two friends named Donna, we all went to the same college.)
Let's call interview Donna, Donna 3. Because my two Donna's get to be Donna, but I don't want to pick favorites by calling one of them Donna one and Donna two. So to be fair, they both get to be Donna, and this Donna is Donna three because she is the third Donna I have met.
So, there's Donna, Donna and Donna 3. I hope you've got a handle of all of this. :P
So, I did research on the company. Which I named, so even you could look it up.
It was a book publishing company that mainly sells very intellectual and educational books for professors and college students.
I was actually really interested in the ones they had about human sexuality.
"Sexual Minority Research in the New Millennium"
Which is a whopping 166 USD. (Holy cow Charlie brown!). Which you can actually also buy off amazon.Last time I checked, it was more expensive on Amazon, but now it's less expensive.
So, when I got onto the interview with Donna 3... it was a very interesting place. It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't run down and it had a homey feel to it.
The interview with Donna 3 was very nice, I think I presented myself well and I answered the questions nicely. I was also lucky enough to get interrupted by one of the people that works there who had a problem for Donna 3, it was good cause the question she had just asked confused me and I wasn't sure what to say.. so it gave me time to think about what to say.
The interview went well, but it had me worrying about something. Donna 3 had mentioned that once you make up a schedule for when you come in, you can't change it. It was a part time job, so it was only about 5 hours a day, Monday-Friday.
For some reason that made me feel constricted, even though that's how most jobs/careers are.
Lesson Learned: Most jobs do not have flexible hours, sometimes it's good to ask.
Interview # 13: The Magic of Macy's
A bit over a year later, May 3, 2012 to be exact. Was my second interview with Macy's.
Fortunately, I didn't have to fill out their questionnaire online, as they had saved the one I did last year.
The interview was a total success, I got there on time, I knew where to go.... and I didn't get the boring guy from the first interview.
I was nicely dressed, and I was prepared. I had a sheet of things to say, things that I could respond with.
(Retail jobs always have questions like "When was the last time you had to work with others, tell me about your experience" or "Why do you want to work here?" Stuff like that.)
I did excellent, I was prim, I was proper, I knew what to say and I was confident and smiling.
The previous day, my supervisor had told me something her professor told her class when she was in college many moons ago. The professor said that a key to being confident, was to wear your best underwear and think to the person you're being interviewed by. "I have my favorite pair of underwear on, and you have no clue." This is a strategy to help raise your confidence, because there is something they don't know... that you do. It definitely worked, and I've always made sure to wear my best underwear on interviews since then! XD
The lady that I was interviewed by liked me, and she actually told me she got the job. The only problem was, they didn't have any opened positions!
Although they didn't have positions available, I was happy that FINALLY someone wanted me. Failure after failure, I had finally succeeded.
Since this Macy's was in a mall, I went to the liberty of spending some of my Christmas money. I bought Patapon III, Medievil, Will & Grace season II, Sands of Destruction and Gate Keepers 21.
Lesson Learned: Even if they loved you and do want to hire you, does not mean they have any open positions.
Fortunately, I didn't have to fill out their questionnaire online, as they had saved the one I did last year.
The interview was a total success, I got there on time, I knew where to go.... and I didn't get the boring guy from the first interview.
I was nicely dressed, and I was prepared. I had a sheet of things to say, things that I could respond with.
(Retail jobs always have questions like "When was the last time you had to work with others, tell me about your experience" or "Why do you want to work here?" Stuff like that.)
I did excellent, I was prim, I was proper, I knew what to say and I was confident and smiling.
The previous day, my supervisor had told me something her professor told her class when she was in college many moons ago. The professor said that a key to being confident, was to wear your best underwear and think to the person you're being interviewed by. "I have my favorite pair of underwear on, and you have no clue." This is a strategy to help raise your confidence, because there is something they don't know... that you do. It definitely worked, and I've always made sure to wear my best underwear on interviews since then! XD
The lady that I was interviewed by liked me, and she actually told me she got the job. The only problem was, they didn't have any opened positions!
Although they didn't have positions available, I was happy that FINALLY someone wanted me. Failure after failure, I had finally succeeded.
Since this Macy's was in a mall, I went to the liberty of spending some of my Christmas money. I bought Patapon III, Medievil, Will & Grace season II, Sands of Destruction and Gate Keepers 21.
Lesson Learned: Even if they loved you and do want to hire you, does not mean they have any open positions.
Interview # 12: It's a job in a box!
My 12th interview went peachy.. it was on the 9th of February of 2012.... it was a temporary position that was loaned by the town to help put all of their files onto their internet database. Which was perfect for me, since one of the jobs I do at my volunteer job is scan documents onto the online database. My volunteer supervisor had heard about this job and told me about it.
I did research on this company, and I wasn't able to find much about it. I did however know that the supervisor at this place was named Tammy; the same name as one of the co workers I had worked with when I worked at the mail room. One of the ladies at my volunteer job had said maybe that it was a sign, that I would get this job because her name was Tammy. (Which proved to be wrong.)
Fortunately, my father was able to drive me and we got there early. The building was a big square and I wasn't sure where to go, as there was another door.
When I entered the room, it was a very big room... right in the beginning of the door. There were people all around my age sitting at a table doing something, it kind of looked like a sweat shop almost.. XD
I met with the interview lady, all went well.. I think. My only problem was that I wasn't feeling very well, so I was afraid she'd pick that up.
She seemed nice, the picture I had found on her linked-in profile made her look like a scary old hag, but she was most likely in her 30's and was not scary at all.
Overall, I think the interview went very well. Tammy had mentioned that it gets pretty dull, and that the other workers usually bring their MP3 players. (Which I've never owned, but ever since this interview... I want one now. XD)
I said Adieu, and was on my merry way. (Did this just become a Christmas book?! XD)
I thought I did well on the interview, and I really thought I had obtained the position.
After the interview, I was afraid that If I had obtained the position... that I would have felt empty and would have found the job boring.
I got an email a week later saying I didn't get the job, but that my resume would be on file.
Good thing was, it would have been killer on bus! I would have had to walk 20-30 minutes every day from the bus stop.
Lesson Learned: All because you think you got it, doesn't mean you did.
After this interview, I actually didn't have another interview for two months. The next interview I had was actually the same day I created this blog.
I did research on this company, and I wasn't able to find much about it. I did however know that the supervisor at this place was named Tammy; the same name as one of the co workers I had worked with when I worked at the mail room. One of the ladies at my volunteer job had said maybe that it was a sign, that I would get this job because her name was Tammy. (Which proved to be wrong.)
Fortunately, my father was able to drive me and we got there early. The building was a big square and I wasn't sure where to go, as there was another door.
When I entered the room, it was a very big room... right in the beginning of the door. There were people all around my age sitting at a table doing something, it kind of looked like a sweat shop almost.. XD
I met with the interview lady, all went well.. I think. My only problem was that I wasn't feeling very well, so I was afraid she'd pick that up.
She seemed nice, the picture I had found on her linked-in profile made her look like a scary old hag, but she was most likely in her 30's and was not scary at all.
Overall, I think the interview went very well. Tammy had mentioned that it gets pretty dull, and that the other workers usually bring their MP3 players. (Which I've never owned, but ever since this interview... I want one now. XD)
I said Adieu, and was on my merry way. (Did this just become a Christmas book?! XD)
I thought I did well on the interview, and I really thought I had obtained the position.
After the interview, I was afraid that If I had obtained the position... that I would have felt empty and would have found the job boring.
I got an email a week later saying I didn't get the job, but that my resume would be on file.
Good thing was, it would have been killer on bus! I would have had to walk 20-30 minutes every day from the bus stop.
Lesson Learned: All because you think you got it, doesn't mean you did.
After this interview, I actually didn't have another interview for two months. The next interview I had was actually the same day I created this blog.
Interview # 11: Have seat please...
My 11th interview was a total disaster, it was in the second or first week in February of 2012.
I found the ad online, it was for a graphic design paid internship; the company was a company that makes seats for stadiums and similar things. The company also mentioned they were hiring numerous people for the graphics department.
My supervisor from my volunteer job was nice enough to drive me there, on the way we talked about interviews and many things relating to jobs.
When I got to the place, I went inside and I waited for like 5 minutes. I noticed the place looked a bit run down, the chair I was sitting on was very sporty.. but it was all torn up.
When I finally got into the interview room, the interviewer asks me how I was doing. Then he breaks it to me... "We're sorry, we had to cut back on people and we already chose our candidate, I tried to contact you but I wasn't able to reach you."
So, I said. "Okay, thanks for your time" Or something like that."
I got back to the car and told my supervisor what had happened, she was surprised that I had came back so soon. I said that I was sorry that it turned out like this and that we had came here for nothing, wasting her gas... in which she replied "Well, you can worry about it for 10 minutes, but then forget about it." she was very pleasant about it, and on the car ride back to work. She was telling me about how the company was looking for a new logo, and how she thinks we should have called them to make sure the interview was still on.
I was very angry at this company, the thing was... they told me they were unable to contact me... But I had given them my phone number over the phone when I called their company, my number was also on my resume. They did contact me one way, and that was to EMAIL ME TWO HOURS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW!!!
I do not go on the computer when I have to go to work, so I wouldn't have looked at it... and we can't look at our emails while on the work computers either.
This company was lousy, they took the cowards way out and screwed me over.
Lesson Learned: Not all employers are created equally, there are plenty of lousy ones that don't do their job right. Some may not notify you that the position you were going on an interview for is no longer available, with their lousy skills they may not tell you and then you'll go on the interview for them to tell you the position was taken already; giving you a HUGE waste of time! Sometimes it's good to call ahead of time to make sure you're still on for the interview.
Tip: Sometimes it's a good idea to call the company to make sure you're still on for the interview, there's only a slight chance they've changed their plans, but you never know.
I found the ad online, it was for a graphic design paid internship; the company was a company that makes seats for stadiums and similar things. The company also mentioned they were hiring numerous people for the graphics department.
My supervisor from my volunteer job was nice enough to drive me there, on the way we talked about interviews and many things relating to jobs.
When I got to the place, I went inside and I waited for like 5 minutes. I noticed the place looked a bit run down, the chair I was sitting on was very sporty.. but it was all torn up.
When I finally got into the interview room, the interviewer asks me how I was doing. Then he breaks it to me... "We're sorry, we had to cut back on people and we already chose our candidate, I tried to contact you but I wasn't able to reach you."
So, I said. "Okay, thanks for your time" Or something like that."
I got back to the car and told my supervisor what had happened, she was surprised that I had came back so soon. I said that I was sorry that it turned out like this and that we had came here for nothing, wasting her gas... in which she replied "Well, you can worry about it for 10 minutes, but then forget about it." she was very pleasant about it, and on the car ride back to work. She was telling me about how the company was looking for a new logo, and how she thinks we should have called them to make sure the interview was still on.
I was very angry at this company, the thing was... they told me they were unable to contact me... But I had given them my phone number over the phone when I called their company, my number was also on my resume. They did contact me one way, and that was to EMAIL ME TWO HOURS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW!!!
I do not go on the computer when I have to go to work, so I wouldn't have looked at it... and we can't look at our emails while on the work computers either.
This company was lousy, they took the cowards way out and screwed me over.
Lesson Learned: Not all employers are created equally, there are plenty of lousy ones that don't do their job right. Some may not notify you that the position you were going on an interview for is no longer available, with their lousy skills they may not tell you and then you'll go on the interview for them to tell you the position was taken already; giving you a HUGE waste of time! Sometimes it's good to call ahead of time to make sure you're still on for the interview.
Tip: Sometimes it's a good idea to call the company to make sure you're still on for the interview, there's only a slight chance they've changed their plans, but you never know.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
My thoughts on Career Fairs.
My thoughts on Career Fairs are very mixed. I've been to three in the past two years... two which were very recent.
My first Career Fair was at my EX college (I say EX because I'm not going back, I originally was going to... but they're way too expensive. I'll take my degree and money elsewhere much less expensive!)
I actually didn't know of this career fair, so I ended up having a very embarrassing moment where I had to borrow the schools clothes. I looked absolutely ridiculous in their clothing because none of it fit correctly... It was also in December, so I had like five jackets I had to take off first. (I hate cold weather XD)
The career fair itself was okay, I got a hands on experience on what career fairs were like. I was able to socialize with the companies that were there and I learned lot's about each company.
One thing I noticed though, was the amount of banks that were there. It was alarming because there were more banking companies than other fields; there I was applying for bank positions when I was a graphic designer, simply because there was only like two graphic design companies there!
There were also like two tech companies and a few others like business and law.
Overall it was a nice career fair... I got no responses from them though.
My second career fair was an hour and a half away from my house, me and my mother both went to a local college there... that was having a career fair.
The place was maybe just as big as the room they used at my ex college.
There were lot's of interesting companies, Macy's, Ashley's Furniture, Graphic Design companies, banks and insurance companies however... were the most.
There was even a cool company that helps you create your own business, oddly enough.. the company is the next town over from my town. Weird that they'd come so far!
Overall, it was okay... I applied for more jobs than my mother.
It was funny, cause my mother had to go to the bathroom, and while waiting.... I noticed a college student was sleeping in the corner on the chair in the funniest way possible. lol
My third career fair was 2-3 weeks ago from this post (posted on 9/6/2012). It was definitely the worst.
The ad online said there would be hundreds of companies in all sorts of fields... but when we got there.. there was probably 10 companies and 20 booths with 10 companies already gone who knows where.
There wasn't really anything for me or my mother, all I did was apply for two places. One which was online... and I never actually did it because I forgot and I had to watch a 30 minute video about something I didn't really care for. (It was also too far away)
Not only did the ad lie, but there was just really nothing for most people.... it was a bust.
Although, I suppose the only good thing was seeing a cute guy come out of the elevator.... XD
I don't recommend career fairs, because they just don't really seem to work. I'd say you save lot's of time and money just filling out applications online.
But it is good for interview like experience.
My first Career Fair was at my EX college (I say EX because I'm not going back, I originally was going to... but they're way too expensive. I'll take my degree and money elsewhere much less expensive!)
I actually didn't know of this career fair, so I ended up having a very embarrassing moment where I had to borrow the schools clothes. I looked absolutely ridiculous in their clothing because none of it fit correctly... It was also in December, so I had like five jackets I had to take off first. (I hate cold weather XD)
The career fair itself was okay, I got a hands on experience on what career fairs were like. I was able to socialize with the companies that were there and I learned lot's about each company.
One thing I noticed though, was the amount of banks that were there. It was alarming because there were more banking companies than other fields; there I was applying for bank positions when I was a graphic designer, simply because there was only like two graphic design companies there!
There were also like two tech companies and a few others like business and law.
Overall it was a nice career fair... I got no responses from them though.
My second career fair was an hour and a half away from my house, me and my mother both went to a local college there... that was having a career fair.
The place was maybe just as big as the room they used at my ex college.
There were lot's of interesting companies, Macy's, Ashley's Furniture, Graphic Design companies, banks and insurance companies however... were the most.
There was even a cool company that helps you create your own business, oddly enough.. the company is the next town over from my town. Weird that they'd come so far!
Overall, it was okay... I applied for more jobs than my mother.
It was funny, cause my mother had to go to the bathroom, and while waiting.... I noticed a college student was sleeping in the corner on the chair in the funniest way possible. lol
My third career fair was 2-3 weeks ago from this post (posted on 9/6/2012). It was definitely the worst.
The ad online said there would be hundreds of companies in all sorts of fields... but when we got there.. there was probably 10 companies and 20 booths with 10 companies already gone who knows where.
There wasn't really anything for me or my mother, all I did was apply for two places. One which was online... and I never actually did it because I forgot and I had to watch a 30 minute video about something I didn't really care for. (It was also too far away)
Not only did the ad lie, but there was just really nothing for most people.... it was a bust.
Although, I suppose the only good thing was seeing a cute guy come out of the elevator.... XD
I don't recommend career fairs, because they just don't really seem to work. I'd say you save lot's of time and money just filling out applications online.
But it is good for interview like experience.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Interview # 10: There's something fishy going on here....
My 10th interview was for a graphic design internship. It was a company called Fish__bat (or Fishcrap as I like to call it, I put the indent so search engines don't pick it up. I don't really want to advertise them. THEY SUCK! Whoops... eh.. I didn't say that..?)
To get to this place, I went on a bus I had never went on before and I thought it was a nice experience getting used to a new bus route.
When I got there, I was honestly a bit.... uncomfortable... the whole place was blue and filled with fish floating everywhere... I am not the biggest fan of fish.. but in an edible kind of way.
I went to the bathroom, cause I had to go.. I actually got to see what the place was like. As appalling as the place was, I actually started to like it. When I was interviewed, I thought it was a nice interview. I was interviewed by one of the bosses of the place, and he mentioned a picture I had taken of a fish and he named what it was right away. I was like "Oh, cool..", but I honestly didn't give a crap. XD
The other boss actually said he hoped I get the position! He really liked my drawings.
After the interview, I never heard from them again. A month later and I emailed them asking them if they had made a decision or not, in which they came up with an excuse saying I would be better suitable for a different company. I actually noticed that they posted an ad on craigslist every other day; it is September and this is still going on! They have been posting ads since JANUARY 2012 AND FOR SOME REASON THEY ARE STILL POSTING 8 MONTHS LATER?! WHAT THE FETCH? There is obviously something fishy going on with these people.
So, I went on craigslist and I made an ad saying what a load of horse manure they were with so many puns.. you could call it punny.. I did have some help with my friends though! If you'd like to see the ad, just check it on my forum post here.
http://s4.zetaboards.com/Hotspots_Journal/topic/9698036/1/?x=0#post8366291
Lesson Learned: Sometimes the atmosphere may be appalling, but they can also grow on you.
Some companies also like to post job ads for more than a month, these kinds of jobs you may want to watch out for. As it shows they don't know what they're doing, they can't seem to make up their minds as they haven't hired anyone. Or they're just a scam and pulling everyone's leg.
To get to this place, I went on a bus I had never went on before and I thought it was a nice experience getting used to a new bus route.
When I got there, I was honestly a bit.... uncomfortable... the whole place was blue and filled with fish floating everywhere... I am not the biggest fan of fish.. but in an edible kind of way.
I went to the bathroom, cause I had to go.. I actually got to see what the place was like. As appalling as the place was, I actually started to like it. When I was interviewed, I thought it was a nice interview. I was interviewed by one of the bosses of the place, and he mentioned a picture I had taken of a fish and he named what it was right away. I was like "Oh, cool..", but I honestly didn't give a crap. XD
The other boss actually said he hoped I get the position! He really liked my drawings.
After the interview, I never heard from them again. A month later and I emailed them asking them if they had made a decision or not, in which they came up with an excuse saying I would be better suitable for a different company. I actually noticed that they posted an ad on craigslist every other day; it is September and this is still going on! They have been posting ads since JANUARY 2012 AND FOR SOME REASON THEY ARE STILL POSTING 8 MONTHS LATER?! WHAT THE FETCH? There is obviously something fishy going on with these people.
So, I went on craigslist and I made an ad saying what a load of horse manure they were with so many puns.. you could call it punny.. I did have some help with my friends though! If you'd like to see the ad, just check it on my forum post here.
http://s4.zetaboards.com/Hotspots_Journal/topic/9698036/1/?x=0#post8366291
Lesson Learned: Sometimes the atmosphere may be appalling, but they can also grow on you.
Some companies also like to post job ads for more than a month, these kinds of jobs you may want to watch out for. As it shows they don't know what they're doing, they can't seem to make up their minds as they haven't hired anyone. Or they're just a scam and pulling everyone's leg.
Interview # 9: I like trains
My 9th interview was basically a nightmare... but not the worst interview I've been on... at least not in certain ways. It was a finger imaging position, where you take pictures of clients, and get their fingerprints.
The interview I went on was nice, it was in the same building as my volunteer job I obtained in October. I would have worked in the same building, but for money and in a different part of the building.
The interviewer was a total FLAKE! She did not seem to know what she was doing and would make no sense at times, where I would just shake my head and go yes. It was not just me, everyone including my supervisor even thought there was a screw loose. This woman was not very clear as to what she was doing, she would also contradict herself.
Although I passed the interview, I had to go to a 6 hour training in none other than New York City. They only had Four people going and wanted two more people... I was able to get my non employed mother to come with me. I had also asked a friend and neighbor, but they declined for their own specific reasons.
I was a bit surprised though, that despite my mother's horrible sense of direction... we were able to get there after we were in the city, of all places for her not to get lost!
When we got there, it was a nice small room in a big building. I was honestly uncomfortable, as I am not a city person and I have a fear of getting lost (Which contradicts my love for adventure.).
We were put into a room and we had a presentation, the (Flaky) lady I had an interview with mentioned that we could talk to her about anything, like your friends, family etc....
We then were given crappy pens that died quickly, as it happened to someone else there. After the first part of the interview, we were split into groups of three and put in another room with the work equipment. We tried out the equipment and got familiar with the job, which was a fun experience and I probably learned more at this part than any other part of the meeting.
We went back to the presentation room and we were given a review, we went over all of the things about the job and all of that mumbo jumbo.... one guy fell asleep. lol.
The flaky lady told us more about the job and contradicted herself... as earlier she said she wouldn't mind if you talk to her about friend, family etc... This time, she said she doesn't care about your personal life, she doesn't want to hear about family or friends.. blah blah blah...
Something was seriously wrong with this woman, she said one thing and then said another later... it was like "What the fetch?!"
After that, it was time for lunch. Me and my mother went to this pizzeria, and I swear, I saw all of these people that looked like people I knew before. IT WAS THE WEIRDEST THING!
After lunch... we went back and we had to take a test! By this time, I was actually turned off by this job and I didn't really want it anymore and neither did my mother. I breezed through the test... I thought I did well.. but I ended up getting 12 out of 40 wrong. I FAILED "wah wah wah"
My mother also failed with an 8 wrong out of 40 and she was so upset that she failed... I never knew she was a little miss perfect.. XD
I'll assume that the guy WHO FELL ASLEEP somehow passed.
The flaky lady took everyone out of the room except for me and my mother and closed the door! She said that we both failed and she mentioned that they were going to look for more candidates in March and we were allowed to apply for. But me and my mother did not like this job, they made something so simple so absolutely ridiculous! The train ride home was so tiring and it just felt like a waste of time; the only good thing is that it was a paid training... so we got money. But we spent so much money to get there (We went mostly by train) That most of the money we got from the training was gone! We used it all up just to get home.
Me and my mother talked about how happy we were not getting that crazy job, because it wouldn't have been fun.
The cool thing though, was that I got to see the lady that I had in my group at my volunteer job... since it was in the same building! She was a nice lady, so it was cool to see her again. When we had the group project, I think she was very good at it, so I gave her a little rep boost and told my supervisor I thought she was excellent at the job.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes the interviewer doesn't know what they're doing, they may confuse you and may not get their message across properly or clearly.
Jobs may also be different than you imagined.
The interview I went on was nice, it was in the same building as my volunteer job I obtained in October. I would have worked in the same building, but for money and in a different part of the building.
The interviewer was a total FLAKE! She did not seem to know what she was doing and would make no sense at times, where I would just shake my head and go yes. It was not just me, everyone including my supervisor even thought there was a screw loose. This woman was not very clear as to what she was doing, she would also contradict herself.
Although I passed the interview, I had to go to a 6 hour training in none other than New York City. They only had Four people going and wanted two more people... I was able to get my non employed mother to come with me. I had also asked a friend and neighbor, but they declined for their own specific reasons.
I was a bit surprised though, that despite my mother's horrible sense of direction... we were able to get there after we were in the city, of all places for her not to get lost!
When we got there, it was a nice small room in a big building. I was honestly uncomfortable, as I am not a city person and I have a fear of getting lost (Which contradicts my love for adventure.).
We were put into a room and we had a presentation, the (Flaky) lady I had an interview with mentioned that we could talk to her about anything, like your friends, family etc....
We then were given crappy pens that died quickly, as it happened to someone else there. After the first part of the interview, we were split into groups of three and put in another room with the work equipment. We tried out the equipment and got familiar with the job, which was a fun experience and I probably learned more at this part than any other part of the meeting.
We went back to the presentation room and we were given a review, we went over all of the things about the job and all of that mumbo jumbo.... one guy fell asleep. lol.
The flaky lady told us more about the job and contradicted herself... as earlier she said she wouldn't mind if you talk to her about friend, family etc... This time, she said she doesn't care about your personal life, she doesn't want to hear about family or friends.. blah blah blah...
Something was seriously wrong with this woman, she said one thing and then said another later... it was like "What the fetch?!"
After that, it was time for lunch. Me and my mother went to this pizzeria, and I swear, I saw all of these people that looked like people I knew before. IT WAS THE WEIRDEST THING!
After lunch... we went back and we had to take a test! By this time, I was actually turned off by this job and I didn't really want it anymore and neither did my mother. I breezed through the test... I thought I did well.. but I ended up getting 12 out of 40 wrong. I FAILED "wah wah wah"
My mother also failed with an 8 wrong out of 40 and she was so upset that she failed... I never knew she was a little miss perfect.. XD
I'll assume that the guy WHO FELL ASLEEP somehow passed.
The flaky lady took everyone out of the room except for me and my mother and closed the door! She said that we both failed and she mentioned that they were going to look for more candidates in March and we were allowed to apply for. But me and my mother did not like this job, they made something so simple so absolutely ridiculous! The train ride home was so tiring and it just felt like a waste of time; the only good thing is that it was a paid training... so we got money. But we spent so much money to get there (We went mostly by train) That most of the money we got from the training was gone! We used it all up just to get home.
Me and my mother talked about how happy we were not getting that crazy job, because it wouldn't have been fun.
The cool thing though, was that I got to see the lady that I had in my group at my volunteer job... since it was in the same building! She was a nice lady, so it was cool to see her again. When we had the group project, I think she was very good at it, so I gave her a little rep boost and told my supervisor I thought she was excellent at the job.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes the interviewer doesn't know what they're doing, they may confuse you and may not get their message across properly or clearly.
Jobs may also be different than you imagined.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Interview #8: Is...is....is that a Palm tree?!
My 8th interview was actually two weeks after I got the volunteer job from interview #7, in October, this interview I believe was on November 8th. It was a bit odd, since I did not actually apply for the job! I had set my resume on careerbuilder, in a way that possible employers would see them and if interested would email you information.
This is really only good if you want to get into accounting and or sales... because I only got offers from banks and insurance companies! They were never really in my fields so I ignored them...
But this one I got, sent me an email saying they set me an interview without even talking to me first. It was just like "We like you, we've never spoken before but come to this interview!!!",
I went with it and went on the interview... the company was in a gigantic building, it was a really nice building. It was actually so big that they had PALM TREES AND A WATERFALL INSIDE!! I actually took a picture of the Palm Tree's on my phone.
When I got to the interview, it was not an interview. But a presentation, it had like 20 other people that were contacted by this company. The person there told us all what the company was about. (It was insurance for people 60+). He also said that they contacted people that weren't in their field, which is also why they contacted a Graphic Designer like me. Yes, because I love to do accounting.. derp... sure...
At the end of the presentation, they gave us a little worksheet to fill out and then we left. They said they would call whether or not they were interested, but they never called me. It MIGHT have to do with the fact that I forgot to put my phone number on the worksheet, but they did have my resume with my number, so I wasn't really sure if that was the reason or not! XD
Lesson Learned: Some places will contact you without your permission and schedule interviews without your consent; usually they find your email on sites like careerbuilder etc... Also, not all interviews are interviews! Some companies put you in a room with other people for a presentation and then if you're/they're still interested, they'll call you.
This is really only good if you want to get into accounting and or sales... because I only got offers from banks and insurance companies! They were never really in my fields so I ignored them...
But this one I got, sent me an email saying they set me an interview without even talking to me first. It was just like "We like you, we've never spoken before but come to this interview!!!",
I went with it and went on the interview... the company was in a gigantic building, it was a really nice building. It was actually so big that they had PALM TREES AND A WATERFALL INSIDE!! I actually took a picture of the Palm Tree's on my phone.
When I got to the interview, it was not an interview. But a presentation, it had like 20 other people that were contacted by this company. The person there told us all what the company was about. (It was insurance for people 60+). He also said that they contacted people that weren't in their field, which is also why they contacted a Graphic Designer like me. Yes, because I love to do accounting.. derp... sure...
At the end of the presentation, they gave us a little worksheet to fill out and then we left. They said they would call whether or not they were interested, but they never called me. It MIGHT have to do with the fact that I forgot to put my phone number on the worksheet, but they did have my resume with my number, so I wasn't really sure if that was the reason or not! XD
Lesson Learned: Some places will contact you without your permission and schedule interviews without your consent; usually they find your email on sites like careerbuilder etc... Also, not all interviews are interviews! Some companies put you in a room with other people for a presentation and then if you're/they're still interested, they'll call you.
Interview # 7 Lucky number 7?
Interview # 7 was and has been a great experience for me. After the interview with the methadone clinic, I never got a response... so I went on my next interview for an Administrative Assistant, which was another volunteer position.
The interview went nicely, and I was really able to jump out on what to say. My only mistake was that I hadn't turned my cell phone off... so right before the interview ended my phone went off. I had the intro song to the anime Ghost hunt on my phone... the funny thing is that when I think about this interview, I always imagine magical balls of light floating around.. like in the intro to Ghost Hunt.
The interview went well and I was accepted, as of 9/3/2012. I am still employed by this company. By October/17/2012.... I will have been employed by them for a year.
I am very great ful that the company brought me under their wing, I have learned many things from them. I've learned more about how to make a good resume, cover letter etc..
I also have clerical experience, along with answering phones, filing, faxing, copying and even scanning documents onto a database on the internet. I've learned a whole lot from this job, and I'm thankful that I got this. I'm also happy that I didn't stay in the mail room, especially not the school and I'm lucky that the Methadone clinic didn't take me in.
The cool thing is, unlike the mail room. The Supervisor actually cares and actually lets me look for paying positions online, while the Mail Room supervisor was never very happy when I did so.
I've also been able to get used to the job experience and I've been in this company MUCH longer so I am learning new things and it won't look like I'm some kind of flake that skips from job to job.
I've also met lot's of different people that I've become friends with.
Lesson Learned: A good rule, make sure to put your cell phone on vibrate or turn it off completely! XD
For me, this job has been very influential, it has taught me many things about interviews, resume's, cover letters and lot's of things about job searching and anything to do with it. It's an experience I'll always remember.
The interview went nicely, and I was really able to jump out on what to say. My only mistake was that I hadn't turned my cell phone off... so right before the interview ended my phone went off. I had the intro song to the anime Ghost hunt on my phone... the funny thing is that when I think about this interview, I always imagine magical balls of light floating around.. like in the intro to Ghost Hunt.
The interview went well and I was accepted, as of 9/3/2012. I am still employed by this company. By October/17/2012.... I will have been employed by them for a year.
I am very great ful that the company brought me under their wing, I have learned many things from them. I've learned more about how to make a good resume, cover letter etc..
I also have clerical experience, along with answering phones, filing, faxing, copying and even scanning documents onto a database on the internet. I've learned a whole lot from this job, and I'm thankful that I got this. I'm also happy that I didn't stay in the mail room, especially not the school and I'm lucky that the Methadone clinic didn't take me in.
The cool thing is, unlike the mail room. The Supervisor actually cares and actually lets me look for paying positions online, while the Mail Room supervisor was never very happy when I did so.
I've also been able to get used to the job experience and I've been in this company MUCH longer so I am learning new things and it won't look like I'm some kind of flake that skips from job to job.
I've also met lot's of different people that I've become friends with.
Lesson Learned: A good rule, make sure to put your cell phone on vibrate or turn it off completely! XD
For me, this job has been very influential, it has taught me many things about interviews, resume's, cover letters and lot's of things about job searching and anything to do with it. It's an experience I'll always remember.
Interview #6: Buses and Chores
Interview #6 was another volunteer job, I was let go from the Mail room for reasons unknown to me. A good tip though, is if you do not know why you were let go from a job.. you can use this as to why you left.
For example, the last day I was at the mailroom... there wasn't any work left for us to do. So, someone suggested for me to say "Lack of work" was the reason why I was let go. One could even say it was a temporary position... or maybe just because you wanted to find an opportunity somewhere else for growth and advancement. All helpful tips for explaining why you left or were terminated..
It took me forever to get to this place, It was a nightmare. Apparently the bus only stops at this particular building the interview was in... it only goes there every TWO HOURS! I was dropped off at this complex where there was all sorts of companies... and I was stuck walking around trying to figure out where to go... At first I thought I was in the right place... but I wasn't. I waited two hours and got the next bus and got to the place after a little walking.
I found the right place and entered, in which I asked someone if I was in the right place, they told me I was in the wrong place. Since I was apparently at the wrong place, I figured "Where do I go? Which place is the right place?" Fortunately the workers at the interview place questioned what I was doing... since I was pacing and not sure where I was supposed to go. They told me I WAS in the right place, unlike their other worker.
The interview went well, it sounded like a nice job. Although, the hours were 6am-2pm.. kind of early for me.. who was going to bed at 4am!!!
I told them that I wouldn't have been able to get there at that specific time.. but they said they would work something out with me.
Oddly enough, I never got in contact with them.. .they told me they would call but I never heard anything.
So, I tried my place at another volunteer position at a town next to mine. That would be interview #7.
When I left, I took a connecting bus that would allow me to get back to the complex..where I could take that weird bus that only goes to a specific area every two hours... Fortunately I learned of this other bus because of someone else at the bus stop.
Funny enough, a few months later I was informed that this place I went on an interview that I had all of the trouble getting to... was actually a methadone clinic! I was un-aware of what kind of work they did.
Lesson Learned: It's good to make sure you know exactly where to go.
For example, the last day I was at the mailroom... there wasn't any work left for us to do. So, someone suggested for me to say "Lack of work" was the reason why I was let go. One could even say it was a temporary position... or maybe just because you wanted to find an opportunity somewhere else for growth and advancement. All helpful tips for explaining why you left or were terminated..
It took me forever to get to this place, It was a nightmare. Apparently the bus only stops at this particular building the interview was in... it only goes there every TWO HOURS! I was dropped off at this complex where there was all sorts of companies... and I was stuck walking around trying to figure out where to go... At first I thought I was in the right place... but I wasn't. I waited two hours and got the next bus and got to the place after a little walking.
I found the right place and entered, in which I asked someone if I was in the right place, they told me I was in the wrong place. Since I was apparently at the wrong place, I figured "Where do I go? Which place is the right place?" Fortunately the workers at the interview place questioned what I was doing... since I was pacing and not sure where I was supposed to go. They told me I WAS in the right place, unlike their other worker.
The interview went well, it sounded like a nice job. Although, the hours were 6am-2pm.. kind of early for me.. who was going to bed at 4am!!!
I told them that I wouldn't have been able to get there at that specific time.. but they said they would work something out with me.
Oddly enough, I never got in contact with them.. .they told me they would call but I never heard anything.
So, I tried my place at another volunteer position at a town next to mine. That would be interview #7.
When I left, I took a connecting bus that would allow me to get back to the complex..where I could take that weird bus that only goes to a specific area every two hours... Fortunately I learned of this other bus because of someone else at the bus stop.
Funny enough, a few months later I was informed that this place I went on an interview that I had all of the trouble getting to... was actually a methadone clinic! I was un-aware of what kind of work they did.
Lesson Learned: It's good to make sure you know exactly where to go.
Interview #5 Who ordered 100 pens with the word "Butts" on them?
Interview #5 was my first big interview, it wasn't a retail store and it wasn't a scam or a volunteer position. It was an actual position! For a Photographer's assistant, for a company that sells trinkets and items where you can put any name on it....awards, pens.. etc..
It was easy to get to the place, it was a nice atmosphere and it was full of people from all walks of life.
I went in there with a suit, I may have been a bit over dressed... but all was good.
By the time I had the interview, it was very nice. I talked to the photographer, he would take pictures of their products for their website. He told me about what the job was about, and it seemed good to me. I showed him my portfolio, and that went well.
Right before I left, I noticed a sheet, it had my name on it and another person's name it said that the person was bilingual. Obviously she was my competition, and she was bilingual... I say she because I know it was a female name.
Overall, I think I did well on the interview. The position would have had me helped arrange the items the photographer would take... that's about it... so it wouldn't have been the best.
A week or two after the interview I got an email that said I did not get the job.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for recently speaking with us regarding our need for a Photographer's Assistant.
We certainly enjoyed speaking with you and appreciate your patience throughout our search process.
While we were very impressed with your qualifications, we were faced with a difficult decision of continuing our search for candidates who we believe are more closely matched with what we are looking for in this position.
Please accept our best wishes and thank you for your interest in us."
I actually had an interview with this same company a year later, they rejected me with the SAME EXACT LETTER... it says this..
We certainly enjoyed speaking with you and appreciate your patience throughout our search process.
While we were very impressed with your qualifications, we were faced with a difficult decision of continuing our search for candidates who we believe are more closely matched with what we are looking for in this position.
Please accept our best wishes and thank you for your interest in Positive Promotions.
Lesson learned: All because you did great on an interview, does not mean you got the job.
It was easy to get to the place, it was a nice atmosphere and it was full of people from all walks of life.
I went in there with a suit, I may have been a bit over dressed... but all was good.
By the time I had the interview, it was very nice. I talked to the photographer, he would take pictures of their products for their website. He told me about what the job was about, and it seemed good to me. I showed him my portfolio, and that went well.
Right before I left, I noticed a sheet, it had my name on it and another person's name it said that the person was bilingual. Obviously she was my competition, and she was bilingual... I say she because I know it was a female name.
Overall, I think I did well on the interview. The position would have had me helped arrange the items the photographer would take... that's about it... so it wouldn't have been the best.
A week or two after the interview I got an email that said I did not get the job.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for recently speaking with us regarding our need for a Photographer's Assistant.
We certainly enjoyed speaking with you and appreciate your patience throughout our search process.
While we were very impressed with your qualifications, we were faced with a difficult decision of continuing our search for candidates who we believe are more closely matched with what we are looking for in this position.
Please accept our best wishes and thank you for your interest in us."
I actually had an interview with this same company a year later, they rejected me with the SAME EXACT LETTER... it says this..
We certainly enjoyed speaking with you and appreciate your patience throughout our search process.
While we were very impressed with your qualifications, we were faced with a difficult decision of continuing our search for candidates who we believe are more closely matched with what we are looking for in this position.
Please accept our best wishes and thank you for your interest in Positive Promotions.
Lesson learned: All because you did great on an interview, does not mean you got the job.
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