So I had applied for literally 20 jobs on Sunday, and I got a call from this company for a customer service position that I had applied for. I set up an interview, and they wanted to see me on Thursday, I told them that was perfect because I'm off on Thursdays.
I didn't actually understand what the company does, and I still don't 100% get it, but they appear to contact car dealerships, to help market their cars, as well as show customers prices for cars.
My phone was telling me it was going to take 28 minutes to get there, even though I've been on other interviews in the area, where it was only 20-22 minutes.. so I thought that was weird. I left 40 minutes early, and got there in about 20 minutes.. so I had plenty of time to do whatever. When I got there, it was this huge building, and I started to worry I was going to get lost. As when I went on an interview in the past with a similar building complex, I did get lost.. and I didn't know where I was! The inside was very fancy, and I noticed that my college had an office there! Which is super weird since it's closing down completely in a year! Using my amazing map skills, I figured out where the office was located. (Which did take me time because the office I was going to said GL next to it, I figured it meant "Ground level", you can't trick me for too long! )
Now the funny thing is, I was practicing all these lines I was going to say, but the guy never asked them! I always write down three facts about the company, and just like my last interview, the hiring manager was the one telling me about the company. (So I wrote all that down for nothing!), but I did mention that it was to my understanding that they have an office in L.A... so after that, he figured I reviewed the website (I didn't really understand what the company was about, but I digress).
He did most of the talking, I explained that I had went to school for Graphic Design, and that it wasn't going anywhere so I went into retail. Which in reality, I do want a graphic design job, but I still want out of retail, and because I don't have experience, none of the GD jobs want me. He explained that the position wasn't a Graphic Design job, where as other companies have liked me for those skills.
He explained to me that the hours are 11-8, with an hour non paid lunch (Meanwhile, I really want normal 9-5 hours, and I don't like having to stay for non paid time.), as well as working two saturdays a month, I hate working saturdays! I'd prefer to work sundays, they're such a bore! He said that as they hire more people, they might take those hours, and eventually I could have 9-5. I told him I was still interested, even though that was a big turn off. He seemed glad, like other people must have turned it down after that.
He asked me how I deal with negative customers, I said I deal with them as I would anyone else. I told him that I'm a very positive person, and I don't really get angry, or sad. He said that it can get very busy, and I told him about one of the supervisors at work, who once said, once you've worked there, you can handle anything! Which is very true. I think I accidentally got arrogant, and said that this job would probably be a piece of cake. But he seemed to understand what I meant.
When I told him that my main goal was to get into a company that values professionalism and growth, and also so I get out of retail, he said he didn't blame me... it sounded like he wasn't a big retail person himself. I said that I much more prefer talking on the phone, than face to face with random people.
I asked him some questions, and he really had lot's to say about them. I'm so used to having questions to ask the hiring manager, that I remember them really easy. I asked him "What needs the most help", What's your favorite thing about the job/company", and "What is it like to work there".
He seemed to like me, and he even said that as well. He was much more laid back, and normal, over other people who were more prim and proper. But I was still very shy, but atleast opened up at certain parts.
He said that I'll know by the end of next week if I get a second interview with the CEO, I explained to him to just let me know, even if I didn't get the position, just to know where I am.
I'm very on and off about this right now. Like the guy is nice, and the people in the office were nice, although all men.. I get along with women better, we just click. Like it'll be nice to get out of retail, but I don't like the weird hours, but at the same time, the weird hours can allow me to look for something else while I'm there... there were some interesting companies in that building, and there are plenty of interesting companies near there as well.
I'll just have to wait and see, but I'll still be applying for other jobs as well.
Lesson: Sometimes you have to go the path less traveled, get out of your comfort zone, and apply for a job that's a bit different than what you'd normally go for.
Showing posts with label Clerical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clerical. Show all posts
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Interview #36: We're a no DRAMA-MAMA!
So my 36th interview, took place in the beginning of the new year, 2017! It is for a company that sells medical equipment to veterinarians. I had applied for an Office Assistant position.
This was actually my first interview that I obtained by applying on Zip Recruiter, as I hadn't really used the site before. (I've never gotten an interview using jobr, yet though.)
I was first contacted, and spoke with a woman over the phone. Funny enough, her name was Elizabeth, the same name as someone I work with at my current job. It took me a while to get in contact with her, as the number she left... was an automated voice message saying to choose an extension... she didn't leave an extension! First, I decided to choose the Customer Service line, which went to voicemail.. but it had Elizabeth's voice as the message. Then, I tried the department for "other" calls, and it was Elizabeth's voice again.. I finally chose another line and Elizabeth picked up... which was weird that all of their departments would be the same person! When I talked to her, she asked me a few questions, such as, what my graphic design experience was, and if I was bilingual. (I'm not, but I told her that I knew a few words). I scheduled an interview for Wednesday, (It was Monday).
The company is very close to where I went for my 32nd interview, so I pretty much knew how to get there.. in fact, it was only a road or two down! I still somehow managed to get lost, but in my defense... I was using a GPS the first time, and this time I used my phone's GPS, which actually wanted me to take a longer route, so I did half the route of what I remembered from the first time, and the other half of using the map feature on the phone. I actually did better getting to this area the first time, over the second! Ironically.
I have to say, the company has great, convenient parking! There's 7 parking spaces right in front of the building, and the doors to the offices are like 5 feet away. It totally beats retail parking! (On busy days, you may have to park all the way in Narnia, and this has happened to me plenty of times, and has even made me late before!!!)
When I got to the building, I was 10 minutes early. I tried entering the building, by pushing the door that was locked, and not the one next to it, that was open. I met with Elizabeth, and she had me stay in a room for about 10 minutes. I originally thought that I was being interviewed by her, but she told me I had to wait for the manager. I studied some lines to say while I waited, and eventually the manager came in, who was a girl.. and I was so happy because I'm more comfortable around women than I am with men (Which may be ironic since the only times I've ever been on second interviews, were with male managers). Elizabeth stayed in the room (In the corner), to accompany the manager, but she did not say, or do much.
I greeted the manager, and she started off by telling me about the company. Which was surprising because they always ask ME, what I know about the company... and in fact I had a list of things I was going to tell her, what I know about the company.
Some of the following questions may be out of order....
Her first question for me, was, why did I go to school for Graphic Design, but get a job in retail? I told her about my situation, where I got an associates in Graphic Design, and afterwards the school wouldn't let me advance until I started paying them. Which is how I worked in a mail room, an office and currently retail. I told her, that I got the job in retail to get some kind of money, and I ended up staying with them to help them out, and get my drivers license, as well as a car. She asked me if I remembered any of the Graphic Design skills from school, I told her that of course I knew... as I'm always on my computer doing something. (I do occasionally use my graphic design program, but not as much as I used to, as working retail is very draining for me... I never have motivation to do anything anymore, and because of the weirds hours, I don't have a set routine to do productive things..) She asked If I had any work, I showed her a demo page that I printed up.. and told her about my portfolio, which I haven't had much time to update. (The irony is, if I had a normal 9-5 job, I know I'd have time and motivation to fix these things.). The thing that bothered me was, I applied for an Office Assistant. So I wasn't exactly prepared for them to ask for my work, in fact, I have no idea where my physical portfolio is! I just have my online one currently. But if I had applied for a Graphic Design job, I would have been prepared.. they sucker punched me a bit, so that's also why I wasn't prepared for that.
She asked me if I was bilingual, I said I knew about 20 words in Spanish, and 20 words in Japanese, which her and Elizabeth seemed to find funny. I told her that I was always willing to learn.. and I explained a time where it came in handy. As an example, I told her of the time when I was on register and I asked this lady for her phone number for return purposes. The woman didn't know what I was saying, so I said "telephone" in Spanish, she understood that and told me her number...so I was able to utilize the few words I did know in the real world.
The Manager asked me what I do/did in the positions I've held in the present and the past... I told her, in the office I did things such as filing, faxing, scanning documents and I also put together cover letters and looked for jobs for people, as the company I worked for was a bit of a job agency for the poor.
She asked about my current position, I told her that I was full time home department, but I also help out on register, and anywhere else that they need me. She asked how I felt about answering phones, I told her that I love to answer phones, and I'm always the first to grab the phone at my job.
She asked me to describe myself in 3 adjectives.. now this idiot (Meaning me) does not remember what an adjective is, so I was freaked out because I'm like.. what if I say something that isn't an adjective? My problem is that I didn't want to learn in school, but once I was an adult, that's when I wanted to learn all of these things...
I told her that I was Kind, Energetic, Calm.. and she said that Calm and energetic canceled each other out.. so I chose hardworking.. because honestly, this is what it's all about...I'm just trying to let them know that I want a job.. seriously, some of these questions interviewers ask are insanely unrealistic!
I was told about the job position, the job title would be Office Assistant, but it would be a bit of everything. Office work, Customer Service, Shipping, Inventory, Graphic Design.. etc..
I told her that's just like my job now, I help them where they need help. A jack of all trades.
She told me a bit about the job, she said that they don't like drama and how they are a small company and they aren't looking for drama. I didn't care for this part, as I felt the need to defend myself for something that I am not... I told her that I'm calm and easygoing. I had a tendency to repeat the same phrases a million times in this interview, it wasn't on purpose.. but I was like "what do I say"?!
I was asked about a time where I dealt with a problem customer, I told them of a time last year.. where there was this rude lady.. by accident, I got sassy when I explained this story.. but I was only sassy when playing the customer...I told them of a time where this lady had a coupon that didn't work, and she was rude about it, so I got the supervisor over.. and how her friend magically appeared and she was nice to the friend, but not to us...I rang her up as anyone would, and she was on her way... I didn't go into detail, but there was so much more to that story that I left out.....
She asked how I was with stress, this was one of those cases where I had to lie through my teeth. I told her that I am great with stress, and that I work harder when stressed. This is lie, if I get stressed, I freak out and have mini panic attacks.. in which I am 100% less productive. But seriously, whose going to tell the truth with some of these questions?! If someone wants a job, they're going to make stuff up to get the job!!!
She told me more about the job, and it's people.
When she asked me if I had an questions for her, I asked the following.
* What is your favorite thing about the company?
She answered that work is work for a reason, we're not going to have fun doing spreadsheets.. but her favorite part is the people.
Which I thought was a dumb answer, because you can have fun working! The people part was good though.
* What area could use help? She pretty much said every department could use help... and she mentioned something about eventually hiring a part timer, I don't know if it was when I asked this question, or if she mentioned the part tier at a different time.
* I asked her what a typical day was like, she went in about how everyone has to work together and everyone chips in.. and there's not time for complaining, or something like that. Something she said, made me go in defense mode and I mentioned that I always get along with everyone, even if I don't like them. Such as the guy at work, who complains about everything. He complains about the job, the people, the managers, everything under the sun. I told her that I treat him with respect, and she asked if he liked me, I said yes.. and that the only person he doesn't like is the one manager, because she pushes his buttons.
She made a comment about how there's no room for complaining in the company.. etc..
She seemed to be really sensitive about drama, which was annoying because I felt like I had to defend myself.. it's just like, I get it.. you had a bad apple, but not everyone is like that, just note it once, and move on.
She asked me if I complain about people, I said no, and then she asked If I ever complain and I said no. Obviously this isn't true, but I don't complain often, and when I do.. it's with a friend.
At the end of the interview, she said that she liked that I was punctual.. so I suppose someone else was late.
I told her that I wanted to let her know of one last thing, that if she hired me, she would not be disappointed.. that I am a hardworking, detail oriented individual that always takes the extra mile.
I told her it was a pleasure to meet her.. and as I was leaving, I pushed the locked door, like I did when I was coming in.
At the end of the interview, I felt a bit discouraged. I did like the atmosphere and the people, but the constant bickering about "Drama", "Complaining", and having to lie about complaining or stress, really just turned me off. If I don't get the job, I honestly wouldn't mind that much, because they really didn't pitch their company that well. It's like sure, no one wants drama.. but to just constantly complain about complaining... is...well ANNOYING!!
Lesson Learned: My lesson that I learned consists of two parts.
First: Was that I needed to create a cheat sheet, I need to take a sheet and list three things to ask an employer, along with other things like good answers to questions and the like.
Second: Was, I have no choice but to try and work on my graphic design portfolio, I may not have the time or the motivation to do it.. but it's clear thats a big reason why companies want me.. I can't get a job with weird, outdated or lame artwork.. or even lack of content.
This was actually my first interview that I obtained by applying on Zip Recruiter, as I hadn't really used the site before. (I've never gotten an interview using jobr, yet though.)
I was first contacted, and spoke with a woman over the phone. Funny enough, her name was Elizabeth, the same name as someone I work with at my current job. It took me a while to get in contact with her, as the number she left... was an automated voice message saying to choose an extension... she didn't leave an extension! First, I decided to choose the Customer Service line, which went to voicemail.. but it had Elizabeth's voice as the message. Then, I tried the department for "other" calls, and it was Elizabeth's voice again.. I finally chose another line and Elizabeth picked up... which was weird that all of their departments would be the same person! When I talked to her, she asked me a few questions, such as, what my graphic design experience was, and if I was bilingual. (I'm not, but I told her that I knew a few words). I scheduled an interview for Wednesday, (It was Monday).
The company is very close to where I went for my 32nd interview, so I pretty much knew how to get there.. in fact, it was only a road or two down! I still somehow managed to get lost, but in my defense... I was using a GPS the first time, and this time I used my phone's GPS, which actually wanted me to take a longer route, so I did half the route of what I remembered from the first time, and the other half of using the map feature on the phone. I actually did better getting to this area the first time, over the second! Ironically.
I have to say, the company has great, convenient parking! There's 7 parking spaces right in front of the building, and the doors to the offices are like 5 feet away. It totally beats retail parking! (On busy days, you may have to park all the way in Narnia, and this has happened to me plenty of times, and has even made me late before!!!)
When I got to the building, I was 10 minutes early. I tried entering the building, by pushing the door that was locked, and not the one next to it, that was open. I met with Elizabeth, and she had me stay in a room for about 10 minutes. I originally thought that I was being interviewed by her, but she told me I had to wait for the manager. I studied some lines to say while I waited, and eventually the manager came in, who was a girl.. and I was so happy because I'm more comfortable around women than I am with men (Which may be ironic since the only times I've ever been on second interviews, were with male managers). Elizabeth stayed in the room (In the corner), to accompany the manager, but she did not say, or do much.
I greeted the manager, and she started off by telling me about the company. Which was surprising because they always ask ME, what I know about the company... and in fact I had a list of things I was going to tell her, what I know about the company.
Some of the following questions may be out of order....
Her first question for me, was, why did I go to school for Graphic Design, but get a job in retail? I told her about my situation, where I got an associates in Graphic Design, and afterwards the school wouldn't let me advance until I started paying them. Which is how I worked in a mail room, an office and currently retail. I told her, that I got the job in retail to get some kind of money, and I ended up staying with them to help them out, and get my drivers license, as well as a car. She asked me if I remembered any of the Graphic Design skills from school, I told her that of course I knew... as I'm always on my computer doing something. (I do occasionally use my graphic design program, but not as much as I used to, as working retail is very draining for me... I never have motivation to do anything anymore, and because of the weirds hours, I don't have a set routine to do productive things..) She asked If I had any work, I showed her a demo page that I printed up.. and told her about my portfolio, which I haven't had much time to update. (The irony is, if I had a normal 9-5 job, I know I'd have time and motivation to fix these things.). The thing that bothered me was, I applied for an Office Assistant. So I wasn't exactly prepared for them to ask for my work, in fact, I have no idea where my physical portfolio is! I just have my online one currently. But if I had applied for a Graphic Design job, I would have been prepared.. they sucker punched me a bit, so that's also why I wasn't prepared for that.
She asked me if I was bilingual, I said I knew about 20 words in Spanish, and 20 words in Japanese, which her and Elizabeth seemed to find funny. I told her that I was always willing to learn.. and I explained a time where it came in handy. As an example, I told her of the time when I was on register and I asked this lady for her phone number for return purposes. The woman didn't know what I was saying, so I said "telephone" in Spanish, she understood that and told me her number...so I was able to utilize the few words I did know in the real world.
The Manager asked me what I do/did in the positions I've held in the present and the past... I told her, in the office I did things such as filing, faxing, scanning documents and I also put together cover letters and looked for jobs for people, as the company I worked for was a bit of a job agency for the poor.
She asked about my current position, I told her that I was full time home department, but I also help out on register, and anywhere else that they need me. She asked how I felt about answering phones, I told her that I love to answer phones, and I'm always the first to grab the phone at my job.
She asked me to describe myself in 3 adjectives.. now this idiot (Meaning me) does not remember what an adjective is, so I was freaked out because I'm like.. what if I say something that isn't an adjective? My problem is that I didn't want to learn in school, but once I was an adult, that's when I wanted to learn all of these things...
I told her that I was Kind, Energetic, Calm.. and she said that Calm and energetic canceled each other out.. so I chose hardworking.. because honestly, this is what it's all about...I'm just trying to let them know that I want a job.. seriously, some of these questions interviewers ask are insanely unrealistic!
I was told about the job position, the job title would be Office Assistant, but it would be a bit of everything. Office work, Customer Service, Shipping, Inventory, Graphic Design.. etc..
I told her that's just like my job now, I help them where they need help. A jack of all trades.
She told me a bit about the job, she said that they don't like drama and how they are a small company and they aren't looking for drama. I didn't care for this part, as I felt the need to defend myself for something that I am not... I told her that I'm calm and easygoing. I had a tendency to repeat the same phrases a million times in this interview, it wasn't on purpose.. but I was like "what do I say"?!
I was asked about a time where I dealt with a problem customer, I told them of a time last year.. where there was this rude lady.. by accident, I got sassy when I explained this story.. but I was only sassy when playing the customer...I told them of a time where this lady had a coupon that didn't work, and she was rude about it, so I got the supervisor over.. and how her friend magically appeared and she was nice to the friend, but not to us...I rang her up as anyone would, and she was on her way... I didn't go into detail, but there was so much more to that story that I left out.....
She asked how I was with stress, this was one of those cases where I had to lie through my teeth. I told her that I am great with stress, and that I work harder when stressed. This is lie, if I get stressed, I freak out and have mini panic attacks.. in which I am 100% less productive. But seriously, whose going to tell the truth with some of these questions?! If someone wants a job, they're going to make stuff up to get the job!!!
She told me more about the job, and it's people.
When she asked me if I had an questions for her, I asked the following.
* What is your favorite thing about the company?
She answered that work is work for a reason, we're not going to have fun doing spreadsheets.. but her favorite part is the people.
Which I thought was a dumb answer, because you can have fun working! The people part was good though.
* What area could use help? She pretty much said every department could use help... and she mentioned something about eventually hiring a part timer, I don't know if it was when I asked this question, or if she mentioned the part tier at a different time.
* I asked her what a typical day was like, she went in about how everyone has to work together and everyone chips in.. and there's not time for complaining, or something like that. Something she said, made me go in defense mode and I mentioned that I always get along with everyone, even if I don't like them. Such as the guy at work, who complains about everything. He complains about the job, the people, the managers, everything under the sun. I told her that I treat him with respect, and she asked if he liked me, I said yes.. and that the only person he doesn't like is the one manager, because she pushes his buttons.
She made a comment about how there's no room for complaining in the company.. etc..
She seemed to be really sensitive about drama, which was annoying because I felt like I had to defend myself.. it's just like, I get it.. you had a bad apple, but not everyone is like that, just note it once, and move on.
She asked me if I complain about people, I said no, and then she asked If I ever complain and I said no. Obviously this isn't true, but I don't complain often, and when I do.. it's with a friend.
At the end of the interview, she said that she liked that I was punctual.. so I suppose someone else was late.
I told her that I wanted to let her know of one last thing, that if she hired me, she would not be disappointed.. that I am a hardworking, detail oriented individual that always takes the extra mile.
I told her it was a pleasure to meet her.. and as I was leaving, I pushed the locked door, like I did when I was coming in.
At the end of the interview, I felt a bit discouraged. I did like the atmosphere and the people, but the constant bickering about "Drama", "Complaining", and having to lie about complaining or stress, really just turned me off. If I don't get the job, I honestly wouldn't mind that much, because they really didn't pitch their company that well. It's like sure, no one wants drama.. but to just constantly complain about complaining... is...well ANNOYING!!
Lesson Learned: My lesson that I learned consists of two parts.
First: Was that I needed to create a cheat sheet, I need to take a sheet and list three things to ask an employer, along with other things like good answers to questions and the like.
Second: Was, I have no choice but to try and work on my graphic design portfolio, I may not have the time or the motivation to do it.. but it's clear thats a big reason why companies want me.. I can't get a job with weird, outdated or lame artwork.. or even lack of content.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Interview 34: Why does this look so familiar?
Okay, so my 34th interview took place later in the day after my 33rd one. My earlier interview was at 10am, while my later one was at 4pm... it was in a similar area to my 32nd interview, so I already knew how to get half way there.
Unfortunately, the navigation system messed me up at the last second... Usually, the GPS will say when you'll be close to it, when it says 0.05 miles ahead, that means get ready to turn... when it says the location is 0.02 miles away, that means you need to turn at the next turn.. but instead, the GPS said I was 0.04 miles away, and then instantaneously says I have arrived at the address...By the time it said this, I had just passed the turn to make and OF COURSE, I could not turn around because it ended up being a very long road of just forest on both sides. I had to drive 10 minutes out of the way, just so I could turn around and go back. By the time I actually got there, I was 10 minutes late, and originally I was going to be 10 minutes early. The fun doesn't end there either, when I got to the building, it was a big square that housed about 27 different companies. So, I walked around the entire building, just to find out that the place I was supposed to go to, was right by where I had parked my car.....
When I finally got into the office, I talked to the receptionist, and told her that my GPS made a mistake, she told me that it actually happens all the time. I was seated in the waiting room; it was really all one big room. The Receptionist was at this little dainty desk thing in the corner next to the doors, and to the left were some couches, a TV and a Table, but going forward were the offices.
As I waited, I had noticed that many of their decorations were not only bhuddist themed, but also many decorations that I have seen being sold at my store! I figured maybe they go to the store I work at all the time!
I waited around 10 minutes, and I was seated. The guy asked me a few questions, the usual stuff like where do I see myself in 5 years.. Am I good with a team and alone.. etc..
While I was on the interview, I realized that I wouldn't have been a very good fit. The job was for a consultant, and I would have been consulting people or something. I didn't think I got the job, and I didn't mind because I knew it wasn't the right place for me.
Lesson Learned: GPS systems aren't always correct and can screw you up! Make sure to leave at an even earlier time than you would have normally!
Unfortunately, the navigation system messed me up at the last second... Usually, the GPS will say when you'll be close to it, when it says 0.05 miles ahead, that means get ready to turn... when it says the location is 0.02 miles away, that means you need to turn at the next turn.. but instead, the GPS said I was 0.04 miles away, and then instantaneously says I have arrived at the address...By the time it said this, I had just passed the turn to make and OF COURSE, I could not turn around because it ended up being a very long road of just forest on both sides. I had to drive 10 minutes out of the way, just so I could turn around and go back. By the time I actually got there, I was 10 minutes late, and originally I was going to be 10 minutes early. The fun doesn't end there either, when I got to the building, it was a big square that housed about 27 different companies. So, I walked around the entire building, just to find out that the place I was supposed to go to, was right by where I had parked my car.....
When I finally got into the office, I talked to the receptionist, and told her that my GPS made a mistake, she told me that it actually happens all the time. I was seated in the waiting room; it was really all one big room. The Receptionist was at this little dainty desk thing in the corner next to the doors, and to the left were some couches, a TV and a Table, but going forward were the offices.
As I waited, I had noticed that many of their decorations were not only bhuddist themed, but also many decorations that I have seen being sold at my store! I figured maybe they go to the store I work at all the time!
I waited around 10 minutes, and I was seated. The guy asked me a few questions, the usual stuff like where do I see myself in 5 years.. Am I good with a team and alone.. etc..
While I was on the interview, I realized that I wouldn't have been a very good fit. The job was for a consultant, and I would have been consulting people or something. I didn't think I got the job, and I didn't mind because I knew it wasn't the right place for me.
Lesson Learned: GPS systems aren't always correct and can screw you up! Make sure to leave at an even earlier time than you would have normally!
Interview 33: Are you a useless Potato?
My 33rd interview happened back in January, a week or two after my 32nd interview. I actually had two interviews that day, one in the morning at 9 am and the other at 4pm.
I was contacted by a recruiter who will be referred to as "B", who said I was a likely candidate for a Jewelry company that was hiring.
The early interview I went on, was for a staffing agency called Express Employment Professionals. I was late by like 15 minutes, but it wasn't a big deal because I knew I'd be filling stuff out for an our, in which being on time isn't a big deal. I was late that day, because I was sick and woke up with an absolutely terrible sore throat! I was like this is going to be great!!!
I got to the building, and I took a seat and I was filling out their forms, half I didn't have to do because I had already completed them online.
I waited a while and noticed outside of the window, was actually a corporate building for McDonalds! I thought to write down the information, so I could check them out as well, as I love McDonalds! However, I was not able to really find out how to apply for a job for that building, so it never went anywhere.
When I was interviewed by the recruiter T, she was very nice and very bubbly. She asked me a few questions about my skills with Graphic Design Programs and what my weaknesses are.. she had asked how I was with being late, and I said I'm rarely late, but when I am, it's by five minutes. I told her about how I tried out Randstad, and how they were as useful as a potato, in which she bursted out laughing. She told me about this position near me, a photography company that would be hiring people for Data Entry, Graphic Design, Customer Service and I think Warehouse. I said that I liked three out of four positions, she put me up for Data Entry to just choose a selection and then on the interview with the company, I could make a decision.. She wanted me to call every week so they know that I am available... this particular position would start in mid March. So I called every week and half of the time, I actually talked to B and not T. By the time March came around, I spoke to B and she told me that the company had decided to do their own thing and hire their own employees, rather than affiliate with Express. She told me that she would look for something for me in the area.. that was the last I heard from them for a while, I didn't bother calling them because I WASTED A MONTH AND A HAlF thinking this people were going to help me..Weeks later, in May T texted me about a position, and I couldn't answer until two days later, I called them up and apparently she was busy so I left a message and never got an answer back..
So, basically, they are also as useless as a potato!
Lesson Learned: I've really started to give up on Staffing Agencies, that's why I declined to go on an interview for two other companies.. I've given up on them, I really have! They are useless and I go on more interviews by applying for jobs directly anyways! Plus, staffing agencies get a part of the cut anyways, you'd make more money getting a job directly.
Lesson Learned: I've really started to give up on Staffing Agencies, that's why I declined to go on an interview for two other companies.. I've given up on them, I really have! They are useless and I go on more interviews by applying for jobs directly anyways! Plus, staffing agencies get a part of the cut anyways, you'd make more money getting a job directly.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Interview #32: 'Bout to Drop the next Big Beat Yo!
My 32nd interview happened the next Thursday, after my 31st interview. Unlike my 31st interview, this was for a full time position in an office. The company is a DJ company that sells DJ equipment to DJ's, and even has a few physical stores.
When I was getting ready for the interview, I found out that I would have to take the expressway.. Which I really didn't want to, and I learned to just take the service road, which really wasn't that bad either, since it was only about 4-5 lights until I got to my destination.
When I got to the place, I was excited because I was thinking I would have to work in the actual store, just behind the scenes, but it was actually the corporate office! (Which is what I wanted)
When I went inside, I was seated and I had to fill out some paperwork. I had noticed that there was a whole booklet of separate application papers, I figured that they either had many people applying.
When I got in for the interview, it went very well. Even though I hadn't been on many interviews for a while, I answered questions very well and they really liked me. They really grilled me too, they asked all sorts of questions that I've been asked separately.. almost like every interview all at once.
They asked questions like...
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years"
I said, I see myself in a company that values professionalism and advancement.
They asked me what my weakness was, I said math, but if needed I would use a calculator.
He asked me a question about my personality, I said that I am shy, but once I get comfortable with everyone, I open up.
The guy asked many questions and I answered them very well, I could tell I did good because he had this stupid grin on his face.
At one point, he asked about my hobbies, I said I enjoyed playing Video games, watching Japanese Animation, Drawing, Photography.
He told me he was doing a side project where he was making a video game with somebody.
The interview went very well and he introduced me to the entire staff! I shook hands with everybody, and learned their names.
The last on the list was to OK a background check, the lady at the front desk said they just wanted to make sure I wasn't wanted in any states or anything.. I was just worried about my credit score, since mine isn't great due to a crazy amount of student loans.
I really enjoyed that interview, and at 5:00pm I got a strange call that came from the same town..since that was the only interview I went on in that area, It must have been them, right? They said I did not get the job, but they'd keep my resume on file.
I was really disappointed because it seemed like a great job, with lot's of fun people!
A few days passed and I actually got a call back from them, they wanted me in for another interview! What.. huh? Confused??? So either the number that called me wasn't them, or they had a change of heart. (Or maybe I wasn't supposed to get that call?)
The funny part was, at first I wanted the job, but then I thought about it and I didn't really want it anymore because I feel that the product they're selling is not very interesting to me.
They wanted me for an interview the next day.. which annoyed me because I need time to get it together, let the thought sink in. Unfortunately, I had closed at my job, so I didn't go to bed until like ... 2 am and I had to be there at about 10 am.. Easy to say, I didn't get lot's of sleep.
I got there really quick, it took me 20 minutes to get there, which was awesome timing!
I got into the building and the guy immediately recognized me through the glass window, and I was seated very quickly, I found out I was only competing with one other person! this marked the second time I've been on a second interview.
This time I met with the interviewer from before, and another person higher in the ranks.
Because I was tired and because I didn't really want the job, I wasn't on my A game, but I was still good. I answered questions, but maybe not as well. There was one time when they asked what I liked most about my current job, and I said the people. They asked what I liked least about the job, I said that there was too much work and not enough people.. which I regret saying and I should have just said that the annoying thing is there are no employee bathrooms (I've since asked a few co-workers and they agree with this statement)
I think I did okay, not as great as the first time. Conveniently, I had a wardrobe malfunction and had to leave the room in haste as I was leaving and didn't get to say to them, that if they hire me, they will not regret their decision.. but I had to fix my wardrobe malfunction.. but I probably looked ridiculous as I was leaving.....
The place seemed great and it clearly had good people, but I knew it wasn't for me. I have no care for their products (They did say they prefer people that have an interest with DJ supplies, which I didn't.). The other thing was, that I knew I'd never want to leave that place once I got it, I really just want a job I will stay at for a while, not forever. I need a fun little job to last me months to a year or two. I just need a better paying job, one with a normal 9-5 schedule, so I can make some more money and get situated with my life goals, it was definitely one of my best interview experiences and it helped me get familiar with the area, as I had never driven to the town before.
I would have loved to work there, if they sold interesting items or if it was a Video Game company.. Then I'd do everything I can to get the job. Right type of setting, but wrong product....It had a great atmosphere.
Lesson Learned: I've said this one already, but sometimes the job isn't right for you. It could be perfect, but it's not exactly what you need in your life right now, you need something different.
When I was getting ready for the interview, I found out that I would have to take the expressway.. Which I really didn't want to, and I learned to just take the service road, which really wasn't that bad either, since it was only about 4-5 lights until I got to my destination.
When I got to the place, I was excited because I was thinking I would have to work in the actual store, just behind the scenes, but it was actually the corporate office! (Which is what I wanted)
When I went inside, I was seated and I had to fill out some paperwork. I had noticed that there was a whole booklet of separate application papers, I figured that they either had many people applying.
When I got in for the interview, it went very well. Even though I hadn't been on many interviews for a while, I answered questions very well and they really liked me. They really grilled me too, they asked all sorts of questions that I've been asked separately.. almost like every interview all at once.
They asked questions like...
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years"
I said, I see myself in a company that values professionalism and advancement.
They asked me what my weakness was, I said math, but if needed I would use a calculator.
He asked me a question about my personality, I said that I am shy, but once I get comfortable with everyone, I open up.
The guy asked many questions and I answered them very well, I could tell I did good because he had this stupid grin on his face.
At one point, he asked about my hobbies, I said I enjoyed playing Video games, watching Japanese Animation, Drawing, Photography.
He told me he was doing a side project where he was making a video game with somebody.
The interview went very well and he introduced me to the entire staff! I shook hands with everybody, and learned their names.
The last on the list was to OK a background check, the lady at the front desk said they just wanted to make sure I wasn't wanted in any states or anything.. I was just worried about my credit score, since mine isn't great due to a crazy amount of student loans.
I really enjoyed that interview, and at 5:00pm I got a strange call that came from the same town..since that was the only interview I went on in that area, It must have been them, right? They said I did not get the job, but they'd keep my resume on file.
I was really disappointed because it seemed like a great job, with lot's of fun people!
A few days passed and I actually got a call back from them, they wanted me in for another interview! What.. huh? Confused??? So either the number that called me wasn't them, or they had a change of heart. (Or maybe I wasn't supposed to get that call?)
The funny part was, at first I wanted the job, but then I thought about it and I didn't really want it anymore because I feel that the product they're selling is not very interesting to me.
They wanted me for an interview the next day.. which annoyed me because I need time to get it together, let the thought sink in. Unfortunately, I had closed at my job, so I didn't go to bed until like ... 2 am and I had to be there at about 10 am.. Easy to say, I didn't get lot's of sleep.
I got there really quick, it took me 20 minutes to get there, which was awesome timing!
I got into the building and the guy immediately recognized me through the glass window, and I was seated very quickly, I found out I was only competing with one other person! this marked the second time I've been on a second interview.
This time I met with the interviewer from before, and another person higher in the ranks.
Because I was tired and because I didn't really want the job, I wasn't on my A game, but I was still good. I answered questions, but maybe not as well. There was one time when they asked what I liked most about my current job, and I said the people. They asked what I liked least about the job, I said that there was too much work and not enough people.. which I regret saying and I should have just said that the annoying thing is there are no employee bathrooms (I've since asked a few co-workers and they agree with this statement)
I think I did okay, not as great as the first time. Conveniently, I had a wardrobe malfunction and had to leave the room in haste as I was leaving and didn't get to say to them, that if they hire me, they will not regret their decision.. but I had to fix my wardrobe malfunction.. but I probably looked ridiculous as I was leaving.....
The place seemed great and it clearly had good people, but I knew it wasn't for me. I have no care for their products (They did say they prefer people that have an interest with DJ supplies, which I didn't.). The other thing was, that I knew I'd never want to leave that place once I got it, I really just want a job I will stay at for a while, not forever. I need a fun little job to last me months to a year or two. I just need a better paying job, one with a normal 9-5 schedule, so I can make some more money and get situated with my life goals, it was definitely one of my best interview experiences and it helped me get familiar with the area, as I had never driven to the town before.
I would have loved to work there, if they sold interesting items or if it was a Video Game company.. Then I'd do everything I can to get the job. Right type of setting, but wrong product....It had a great atmosphere.
Lesson Learned: I've said this one already, but sometimes the job isn't right for you. It could be perfect, but it's not exactly what you need in your life right now, you need something different.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Phone Interview/Convo
I had started my new job search in the end of September 2015, I had applied for a job that was up my alley. It was a job in a Mail Company, that was looking for someone to do clerical work and light Graphic Design. This job was perfect for me, and it paid 17 an hour! How could I pass that up?! I worked in a mail room for 4 months, I worked in an Office for a year and I went to school for graphic design!
I sent my resume, and a minute later I got a call! The guy on the phone told me, he just got my resume and he asked me a few questions. He asked me if I had Microsoft Office experience, he asked me some clerical related questions and he asked if I was good with Excel. I told him I have little Excel experience, but I am a quick learner. He asked what I would be in Excel, a Novice, Medium or Intermediate, I said a Novice. He told me that he would get back to me later about more details....
A day had passed and I was telling some people at work about this job, and two people were so excited for me. The one lady was like, I'm so excited for you, you're going to get this job! I told her, that I probably wasn't, and I'm used to being let down, she told me not to think like that. But what can I say, I went on 20 interviews in a year, back in 2012 and I didn't get a single one of them!
But because she was so happy about it, she got me excited about it and she started to make me think I actually had a chance.... especially since she was telling me about her daughter's boyfriend who she thought worked for the company. (It was a different company.)
The next day, I emailed the company, just to ask what the status was. They emailed me back, saying they were reviewing all of the candidates and that they would let me know the outcome.
I never heard from them again!
But what bothered me is, It was clear I had no chance at getting this job! So why did the guy call me in the first place?! He got my hopes up! Getting someone's hopes up is not cool, and he was just baiting me the whole time! I wish I had remembered the name of the company or something, this way I could complain about it on Glassdoor or Yelp!
I sent my resume, and a minute later I got a call! The guy on the phone told me, he just got my resume and he asked me a few questions. He asked me if I had Microsoft Office experience, he asked me some clerical related questions and he asked if I was good with Excel. I told him I have little Excel experience, but I am a quick learner. He asked what I would be in Excel, a Novice, Medium or Intermediate, I said a Novice. He told me that he would get back to me later about more details....
A day had passed and I was telling some people at work about this job, and two people were so excited for me. The one lady was like, I'm so excited for you, you're going to get this job! I told her, that I probably wasn't, and I'm used to being let down, she told me not to think like that. But what can I say, I went on 20 interviews in a year, back in 2012 and I didn't get a single one of them!
But because she was so happy about it, she got me excited about it and she started to make me think I actually had a chance.... especially since she was telling me about her daughter's boyfriend who she thought worked for the company. (It was a different company.)
The next day, I emailed the company, just to ask what the status was. They emailed me back, saying they were reviewing all of the candidates and that they would let me know the outcome.
I never heard from them again!
But what bothered me is, It was clear I had no chance at getting this job! So why did the guy call me in the first place?! He got my hopes up! Getting someone's hopes up is not cool, and he was just baiting me the whole time! I wish I had remembered the name of the company or something, this way I could complain about it on Glassdoor or Yelp!
Interview #31: Trust me, I'm not a Doctor!
My 31st interview was actually a week ago! January 21st, 2016. It was for a Doctor's Office, that I had accidentally applied for. See, what had happened was... the previous week from the interview, I decided that I was going to apply for some jobs! But I didn't notice what I was applying to. I was just randomly applying for jobs, without paying attention for what they were for, my only concern was where the job was located. So, I ended up applying for a job that was for a medical receptionist, that also requested working at two different locations. For starters, I'm not a big fan of driving, so going to two different locations that are 30 minutes apart, is not my thing... But also, I am not a fan of Doctor's office's as they give me the heebie geebies!
So, I went on this interview, not wanting the job and not thinking they would even want me.
However, my friend Donna lives 5 minutes away from the interview site, so I figured I would stop by her house afterwards, making the trip there actually worth something. (Since the interview was 40 minutes away from my house).
I got the to the office and I had to fill out paper work for a little while, there were two girls also filling out paper work and I thought "My competition!". I didn't think they would actually want me, so I was a bit honest with certain questions on the sheets.
I was in the waiting room for an hour and a half, and I had noticed that the receptionists were sometimes rude to the patients! I was like, what the fetch?! I work at a store that has some of the nastiest shoppers you could ever imagine and I've never been mean, nasty or rude to them! I'd love to see these receptionist girls in a store! They'd get fired in a heart beat for being rude! But this also got me fired up, thinking if I get this job, I'll be so nice to the patients that they'll love me!
So, an hour and a half later, I am called in and they apologize for making me wait so long (The office manager had to watch an important video that was apparently, an emergency.)
I was interviewed by the office manager, and the manager for their social media accounts.
They tell me that I was exactly what they were looking for, they were not interested in me being a receptionist, but in fact.. they liked me for my Computer knowledge and Graphic Design skills! I was like... say what now!? I was totally shocked! Here I thought I was just one of the 50 people that applied to be a receptionist and thought my fate would be undecided, and not hired by them.
They wanted me to help them with their facebook account, other social media accounts and even some graphic design!
They asked me a few questions about my skills and background, and I told them that I have a blog and that I have 500 followers on twitter.
They wanted to see my blog and my portfolio, so I gave them my blog link and they told me to send my portfolio link to them via email.. which is weird, because now that I think of it.. I could have told them the link in person.
They wanted me to go on a three hour trial as a receptionist, to see if I like the job or not. I just had to find out when I was free, and I told them I would call them on Friday to see my schedule, when I'm available. They however told me, that the three hour training would be non paid and that if I did take this position, it would be part time. But even though I was looking for Full Time, this was the experience that I really needed!
On Friday, I called them and found out they had already left for the day.... I'm used to people working 9-5, not 8-4.. I called them at 4:30, on my lunch break at work.
I was told by the receptionist to call them on Monday, which would be when the office manager would be back. I called them on Monday 15 times, just to get that dreaded busy tone! At the end of the day, I got an email from the office manager stating she was sorry for not getting back and that she would schedule a meeting soon. I didn't hear anything for two days, and then I got a phone call from another company, about an interview.. so I decided to focus on that company instead, since these guys decided to drop off the face of the earth! I didn't get that job, but when I got home from interview 32, I found out the head Doctor of the Doctor's Office, added me on LinkedIn! Does that mean they are still interested in me? I have no idea! But I want to wait and see if they will reply to me!
Lesson Learned: Sometimes it's good to apply for jobs you wouldn't want to do, because they may be looking for something that you are skilled in! My old supervisor, when I worked in an office once told me, to apply for places that aren't hiring. This is because, some places are looking for talent, but they just haven't looked for anyone yet! This was basically the same thing, they were looking for someone besides a receptionist, but they weren't going out of their way to find someone!
So, I went on this interview, not wanting the job and not thinking they would even want me.
However, my friend Donna lives 5 minutes away from the interview site, so I figured I would stop by her house afterwards, making the trip there actually worth something. (Since the interview was 40 minutes away from my house).
I got the to the office and I had to fill out paper work for a little while, there were two girls also filling out paper work and I thought "My competition!". I didn't think they would actually want me, so I was a bit honest with certain questions on the sheets.
I was in the waiting room for an hour and a half, and I had noticed that the receptionists were sometimes rude to the patients! I was like, what the fetch?! I work at a store that has some of the nastiest shoppers you could ever imagine and I've never been mean, nasty or rude to them! I'd love to see these receptionist girls in a store! They'd get fired in a heart beat for being rude! But this also got me fired up, thinking if I get this job, I'll be so nice to the patients that they'll love me!
So, an hour and a half later, I am called in and they apologize for making me wait so long (The office manager had to watch an important video that was apparently, an emergency.)
I was interviewed by the office manager, and the manager for their social media accounts.
They tell me that I was exactly what they were looking for, they were not interested in me being a receptionist, but in fact.. they liked me for my Computer knowledge and Graphic Design skills! I was like... say what now!? I was totally shocked! Here I thought I was just one of the 50 people that applied to be a receptionist and thought my fate would be undecided, and not hired by them.
They wanted me to help them with their facebook account, other social media accounts and even some graphic design!
They asked me a few questions about my skills and background, and I told them that I have a blog and that I have 500 followers on twitter.
They wanted to see my blog and my portfolio, so I gave them my blog link and they told me to send my portfolio link to them via email.. which is weird, because now that I think of it.. I could have told them the link in person.
They wanted me to go on a three hour trial as a receptionist, to see if I like the job or not. I just had to find out when I was free, and I told them I would call them on Friday to see my schedule, when I'm available. They however told me, that the three hour training would be non paid and that if I did take this position, it would be part time. But even though I was looking for Full Time, this was the experience that I really needed!
On Friday, I called them and found out they had already left for the day.... I'm used to people working 9-5, not 8-4.. I called them at 4:30, on my lunch break at work.
I was told by the receptionist to call them on Monday, which would be when the office manager would be back. I called them on Monday 15 times, just to get that dreaded busy tone! At the end of the day, I got an email from the office manager stating she was sorry for not getting back and that she would schedule a meeting soon. I didn't hear anything for two days, and then I got a phone call from another company, about an interview.. so I decided to focus on that company instead, since these guys decided to drop off the face of the earth! I didn't get that job, but when I got home from interview 32, I found out the head Doctor of the Doctor's Office, added me on LinkedIn! Does that mean they are still interested in me? I have no idea! But I want to wait and see if they will reply to me!
Lesson Learned: Sometimes it's good to apply for jobs you wouldn't want to do, because they may be looking for something that you are skilled in! My old supervisor, when I worked in an office once told me, to apply for places that aren't hiring. This is because, some places are looking for talent, but they just haven't looked for anyone yet! This was basically the same thing, they were looking for someone besides a receptionist, but they weren't going out of their way to find someone!
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Interview # 29: Well, that was pointless.
So this interview was interesting, and by far the most pointless interview I have ever been on in my life!
I was at work, and I got a call from some lady named Lin. She was telling me she worked for a company called National something..later on I found out the name.
But, I had applied for another job that had the name National in it, so I thought it was them calling me back. I made the mistake of putting my resume for employers to see on Monster, which I have taken down again. The lady said that they were looking for a Consultant and she asked me what I was interested in doing, I said I was interested in Clerical or Graphic Design, she said I should come on an interview anyways. The place is actually a 40 minute to an hour drive from my house, but she said that they give you local jobs anyways. So despite the fact that I'm a newer driver and I lived far away from the place, I went anyways.
The drive there was annoying and I'm realizing I don't like to drive for a long time, but I kept getting lost because I wouldn't understand the navigation system. The system would tell me to make a left and then when I made a left, it would have to find another route. I was also bad at understanding it too, I wouldn't understand when to turn, because I need it to be very specific for me to really get it.
The previous interview I went on, 28, I had taken the bus in the area so I was more familiar with the surroundings.
When I got there, I got lost because the number for the building was not there, it went from 200, to 1650.. I then found out it was hidden inside of a different numbered building, as it went from 1650, 200 to 80.
When I got in, there were two doors, and I didn't know which one to go in. There was a door and then another door with a glass window and a lady at a desk, I didn't think it was the door with the lady because there was a sign that said the company name in abbreviation and it didn't register with me that was the place! XD
The lady knocked on the window and I went over, she asked if I was there for an interview and I was seated with a clipboard and a sheet.
The sheet said some strange things like "What do you avoid in a career", which I replied long travel distances. Another question was "How competitive are you?" I put 5-8 because I can get competitive.
It all sounded fishy, like a sales job!
A guy came over and asked for my name and I was seated next to another guy who also worked there, they introduced themselves. They asked me very little questions and didn't really talk about the job, but more about the company. They said they wanted to know the face of the people applying and then they asked what position I was more interested in, they said something I forgot and Human resources, which I said I would prefer human resources.
They told me, if I hear from them by 5pm, then I would go onto the next step, and if not that they found someone more suitable.
It was the shortest interview I had ever been on, and the whole thing smelled like a scam and a sales type of job, which is not what I was looking for. I thought, what a waste of time to drive an hour there, just for a 5 minute interview! I didn't want them to call me back, and they didn't!
The funny part is, a week later, I got an email by them. They said that they've tried to contact me several times, but still didn't get an interview with me yet, which was a lie, as I already did and they didn't want me, which was fine because it was sketchy.
I had to make sure that I didn't get anymore unwanted invites for jobs I wouldn't want to do, so I made sure to block employers from viewing my resume online.
Later on, I looked online and apparently the place is a scam! They make you pay to get some sort of insurance license and then many times the job doesn't work out since it's a commission type of job.
Lesson Learned: Some interviews are a total waste of time! And don't bother putting your resume out for anyone to see, otherwise you get a boatload of commission and sales based jobs looking to hound you down. I mean, unless you want a commission based job, then it's easy.
I was at work, and I got a call from some lady named Lin. She was telling me she worked for a company called National something..later on I found out the name.
But, I had applied for another job that had the name National in it, so I thought it was them calling me back. I made the mistake of putting my resume for employers to see on Monster, which I have taken down again. The lady said that they were looking for a Consultant and she asked me what I was interested in doing, I said I was interested in Clerical or Graphic Design, she said I should come on an interview anyways. The place is actually a 40 minute to an hour drive from my house, but she said that they give you local jobs anyways. So despite the fact that I'm a newer driver and I lived far away from the place, I went anyways.
The drive there was annoying and I'm realizing I don't like to drive for a long time, but I kept getting lost because I wouldn't understand the navigation system. The system would tell me to make a left and then when I made a left, it would have to find another route. I was also bad at understanding it too, I wouldn't understand when to turn, because I need it to be very specific for me to really get it.
The previous interview I went on, 28, I had taken the bus in the area so I was more familiar with the surroundings.
When I got there, I got lost because the number for the building was not there, it went from 200, to 1650.. I then found out it was hidden inside of a different numbered building, as it went from 1650, 200 to 80.
When I got in, there were two doors, and I didn't know which one to go in. There was a door and then another door with a glass window and a lady at a desk, I didn't think it was the door with the lady because there was a sign that said the company name in abbreviation and it didn't register with me that was the place! XD
The lady knocked on the window and I went over, she asked if I was there for an interview and I was seated with a clipboard and a sheet.
The sheet said some strange things like "What do you avoid in a career", which I replied long travel distances. Another question was "How competitive are you?" I put 5-8 because I can get competitive.
It all sounded fishy, like a sales job!
A guy came over and asked for my name and I was seated next to another guy who also worked there, they introduced themselves. They asked me very little questions and didn't really talk about the job, but more about the company. They said they wanted to know the face of the people applying and then they asked what position I was more interested in, they said something I forgot and Human resources, which I said I would prefer human resources.
They told me, if I hear from them by 5pm, then I would go onto the next step, and if not that they found someone more suitable.
It was the shortest interview I had ever been on, and the whole thing smelled like a scam and a sales type of job, which is not what I was looking for. I thought, what a waste of time to drive an hour there, just for a 5 minute interview! I didn't want them to call me back, and they didn't!
The funny part is, a week later, I got an email by them. They said that they've tried to contact me several times, but still didn't get an interview with me yet, which was a lie, as I already did and they didn't want me, which was fine because it was sketchy.
I had to make sure that I didn't get anymore unwanted invites for jobs I wouldn't want to do, so I made sure to block employers from viewing my resume online.
Later on, I looked online and apparently the place is a scam! They make you pay to get some sort of insurance license and then many times the job doesn't work out since it's a commission type of job.
Lesson Learned: Some interviews are a total waste of time! And don't bother putting your resume out for anyone to see, otherwise you get a boatload of commission and sales based jobs looking to hound you down. I mean, unless you want a commission based job, then it's easy.
Interview #28, We'll get you a job, lol just kidding, we don't give a fu..
This post is going to be about my 28th job interview and it's also going to be a warning, because this company is nothing but a scam anyways!!
Okay, so my 28th interview was for the staffing agency known as "Randstad". This is one of those occasions where fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
Apparently, I've never talked about the company before. But around three years ago from the date posted in this blog post... 11/12/2015..I went on an interview with a staffing agency called Randstad.. omg I think I've heard that before, oh yeah, I just mentioned it seconds ago.... anyways. I had went on an interview for whatever it was I applied for, and the guy said that they were getting many jobs in and that they would contact me. It was either a week or a few weeks later, I heard nothing from them, so I was like, well I guess he was a liar liar pants on fire now wasn't he!
So a half of a month ago to around two weeks... I was on the website Indeed and I found job adds for clerical positions, which is what I was looking for, and it was supplied by Randstad. I figured that since I wasn't applying for the company itself, maybe it would be different this time? Well, I was wrong! First off, they didn't contact me until a week later, but I didn't think anything of it. We played phone tag a little bit and then I finally set up an interview, the lady was telling me they really needed to get this position filled and actually asked if I could come in before work. Where as I was going in at 9:15 that day, she wanted me in at 8am, I told her I had work at nine.
Funny enough, I was running late and they called me, I said I got lost, because that's what you say, instead of sounding like a bum. Anyways, I got there like 15 minutes later. I hadn't been on an interview for a bit of a year, so I was out of the loop. The interview was for a File Clerk at a University or a Hospital, (Both places are associated with each other), apparently there was also an office assistant position as well. I was a little awkward, but I think I did pretty well, the lady seemed down to earth and friendly. She was asking me questions about how experienced I was with certain things and she asked me to do a skills test online. Everything seemed okay and I just thought it was different this time, especially since it was a different person and a different building. Although, there were certain things that stuck out in my mind. Such as at the end of the interview, she said if she didn't get back to me, to call or email her, but email is preferred. Which is fishy, because wouldn't phone be better?
I waited a week and I emailed her and I got nothing, a waited a few days and realized that she was just as useless as the first time! WASTE OF TIME!! The only good thing is that I got re-familiar with interviews and the area, since it was a 30 minute drive, I got some experience of the surroundings.
I was telling my aunt about the interview and she said, I should look online on the university's website and see if I could get the same job through them, and I would get paid more since staffing agency's take some of the cut.
I had told some people I work with about the company Randstad, and in fact, one girl has tried them and they were no use to her at all. Another woman, who is also a Donna, which is a tag on this blog. Had told me about how her job, actually supplies people from another staffing agency called Aerotek and that I should try them out instead, she couldn't recommend Randstad either!
I do however know two people who did get jobs through Randstad, but they're weird jobs and they don't allow you to have references for the company that they loan you out to. So if you work for a company through Randstad for two years, you can't use a supervisor or whoever as a reference, you're not allowed to!
Later on, I looked up Randstad and I found reviews upon reviews. Looks like "Randstad" likes to pull a fast one on people all of the time, there were so many people that went on interviews and Randstad did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR THEM! Apparently the company has a monthly quota, they HAVE to have a certain amount of people for interviews, but they don't have to hire them for anything, so they waste people's time and money just so they don't get fired from their own job! They pretty much prey on the unemployed, or people searching for something new. But what about that person that has no money? You just screwed them out of gas money! This company is just a bad company! I don't recommend at all!
This is not only a post about an interview experience, but also a WARNING! Try another staffing agency, I know Robert Half is better, because they actually tried to get me something three years ago.
But for the love of everything, don't go to Randstad!
I was applying for jobs the other day, and I was actually very inclined to put that lady's phone number and email in for a job search engine, so people would call her.. but I didn't. Karma can be a ho' sometimes and I hope it gets her.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes a new dog has the same old tricks! You have to be cautious of applying for a company you've applied for before!
Okay, so my 28th interview was for the staffing agency known as "Randstad". This is one of those occasions where fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
Apparently, I've never talked about the company before. But around three years ago from the date posted in this blog post... 11/12/2015..I went on an interview with a staffing agency called Randstad.. omg I think I've heard that before, oh yeah, I just mentioned it seconds ago.... anyways. I had went on an interview for whatever it was I applied for, and the guy said that they were getting many jobs in and that they would contact me. It was either a week or a few weeks later, I heard nothing from them, so I was like, well I guess he was a liar liar pants on fire now wasn't he!
So a half of a month ago to around two weeks... I was on the website Indeed and I found job adds for clerical positions, which is what I was looking for, and it was supplied by Randstad. I figured that since I wasn't applying for the company itself, maybe it would be different this time? Well, I was wrong! First off, they didn't contact me until a week later, but I didn't think anything of it. We played phone tag a little bit and then I finally set up an interview, the lady was telling me they really needed to get this position filled and actually asked if I could come in before work. Where as I was going in at 9:15 that day, she wanted me in at 8am, I told her I had work at nine.
Funny enough, I was running late and they called me, I said I got lost, because that's what you say, instead of sounding like a bum. Anyways, I got there like 15 minutes later. I hadn't been on an interview for a bit of a year, so I was out of the loop. The interview was for a File Clerk at a University or a Hospital, (Both places are associated with each other), apparently there was also an office assistant position as well. I was a little awkward, but I think I did pretty well, the lady seemed down to earth and friendly. She was asking me questions about how experienced I was with certain things and she asked me to do a skills test online. Everything seemed okay and I just thought it was different this time, especially since it was a different person and a different building. Although, there were certain things that stuck out in my mind. Such as at the end of the interview, she said if she didn't get back to me, to call or email her, but email is preferred. Which is fishy, because wouldn't phone be better?
I waited a week and I emailed her and I got nothing, a waited a few days and realized that she was just as useless as the first time! WASTE OF TIME!! The only good thing is that I got re-familiar with interviews and the area, since it was a 30 minute drive, I got some experience of the surroundings.
I was telling my aunt about the interview and she said, I should look online on the university's website and see if I could get the same job through them, and I would get paid more since staffing agency's take some of the cut.
I had told some people I work with about the company Randstad, and in fact, one girl has tried them and they were no use to her at all. Another woman, who is also a Donna, which is a tag on this blog. Had told me about how her job, actually supplies people from another staffing agency called Aerotek and that I should try them out instead, she couldn't recommend Randstad either!
I do however know two people who did get jobs through Randstad, but they're weird jobs and they don't allow you to have references for the company that they loan you out to. So if you work for a company through Randstad for two years, you can't use a supervisor or whoever as a reference, you're not allowed to!
Later on, I looked up Randstad and I found reviews upon reviews. Looks like "Randstad" likes to pull a fast one on people all of the time, there were so many people that went on interviews and Randstad did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR THEM! Apparently the company has a monthly quota, they HAVE to have a certain amount of people for interviews, but they don't have to hire them for anything, so they waste people's time and money just so they don't get fired from their own job! They pretty much prey on the unemployed, or people searching for something new. But what about that person that has no money? You just screwed them out of gas money! This company is just a bad company! I don't recommend at all!
This is not only a post about an interview experience, but also a WARNING! Try another staffing agency, I know Robert Half is better, because they actually tried to get me something three years ago.
But for the love of everything, don't go to Randstad!
I was applying for jobs the other day, and I was actually very inclined to put that lady's phone number and email in for a job search engine, so people would call her.. but I didn't. Karma can be a ho' sometimes and I hope it gets her.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes a new dog has the same old tricks! You have to be cautious of applying for a company you've applied for before!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Interview # 26: Get your floaties, we're going swimming!
My current job doesn't give me enough hours, so I went on an adventure and started to apply for other jobs... a particularly popular pool company took interest in me...this is that interview...
Also, here is some adventure music... you're welcome..
My 26th interview was actually a really interesting interview, I had two interviews on two different days, one on Monday and one on Wednesday, my first interview on Monday was a phone interview on account of the manager having to go to another store.
When I found out I had an interview for the company, I had pictured what the place would look like, so I was surprised when I found out it looked incredibly different and slightly like the inside of a garage.
The only person there was the assistant manager, the manager was out at another store for whatever reason. I was actually really excited that the managers were men; most of the time they are women, and I just think it's a bit refreshing to see male managers rather than all of the female supervisors and managers I have had, as well as interviewers. Male managers and supervisors are just rare, so I thought it was cool that there were some here.
Since the manager was at another store, I was given a phone interview. The assistant manager gave me a phone and showed me to the office room so I could have my interview..
The interview went nicely, the manager even said that I was what they were looking for.. and for someone who hadn't been on an interview for 4-5 months, I think I did well. the manager had no problem that I already have a job and just looking for a second one..
Since he liked me as a candidate, he said he would contact me soon.
I was contacted later that day via phone and was scheduled a second interview on the Wednesday.
I finally got to meet the manager, I was kind of hoping the manager would be really attractive, but he wasn't.
The interview was just as good as the phone interview, they were looking for someone who could be working in the day on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday... which was perfect because I usually work at my job in retail at nights.. so I could go there in the morning and go to my current job at night.
There was one part where he asked me if I was familiar with POS (Point of Sales)... and I said I had no idea what that was, but I do have register experience... in which he said POS was being on the register.
After more of the interview, he said the last thing to do was to call my references, which is something no employer has ever said to me before. I gave him my references after he said he would look at the ones that I put in online, since the one I had printed was evidently a bit longer.
He said after he called my references he would send me an email.
I have no idea if I got the job or not, as it is already Sunday and I haven't heard back at all. I'm guessing I didn't get it!
Edit: It's almost been two weeks and so I will assume I did not get it.
Lesson Learned: Even if you get a second interview with a company, it still does not mean they will hire you.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Learning useful lifetime skills
Having a job, even if for a little while can be very helpful for you in the future. The skills you learn at one job can most certainty be helpful for you in your next job, but it can also help you with every day tasks as well.
I've actually become better and more knowledgeable at certain things because of jobs I previously had and the one I have now.
Working in a mail room for 4 months allowed me to understand mail more, and how to enclose documents in them correctly. One thing about the mail room, is that we didn't lick the envelopes, we taped them. Since then I do not lick the envelopes but put tape over them, it's a much more sanitary way that also doesn't make you run out of spit or have that nasty taste in your mouth.
Although not related, but working in the mail room... I had a 2 and a half hour bus ride. When I worked here, I really started to pay attention to the bus schedule and where I was, the towns... the routes, roads... I really started to figure out where everything was and what their names were.
Working as a part of a maintenance crew for one week actually allowed me to understand the maintenance part of the world better, I learned more about how to clean things the correct way, or at least by business standards.
An interesting tip for picking up garbage without gloves is to just take a bag, pick the garbage up with the bag and then turn the bag inside out.
Working in an office for a year allowed me to better my office skills, I learned how to use a copy machine, fax documents, scan documents, better my skills in microsoft office and I learned how to use excel.
I also answered phones, which allowed me to be more professional on the phone and allow for an easy phone introduction for any company.
"Hello "Insert company name", how can I help you?"
Working in retail has been a great experience thus far, I have increased my customer service skills. "Hello how are you" and "Have a nice day" is something I seem to do anywhere now.
Since I'm on the cash register, I'm also becoming more of a problem solver, I'm starting to handle money better than I used to and figuring tactical ways to break up the money for the right amount.
I've actually become better and more knowledgeable at certain things because of jobs I previously had and the one I have now.
Working in a mail room for 4 months allowed me to understand mail more, and how to enclose documents in them correctly. One thing about the mail room, is that we didn't lick the envelopes, we taped them. Since then I do not lick the envelopes but put tape over them, it's a much more sanitary way that also doesn't make you run out of spit or have that nasty taste in your mouth.
Although not related, but working in the mail room... I had a 2 and a half hour bus ride. When I worked here, I really started to pay attention to the bus schedule and where I was, the towns... the routes, roads... I really started to figure out where everything was and what their names were.
Working as a part of a maintenance crew for one week actually allowed me to understand the maintenance part of the world better, I learned more about how to clean things the correct way, or at least by business standards.
An interesting tip for picking up garbage without gloves is to just take a bag, pick the garbage up with the bag and then turn the bag inside out.
Working in an office for a year allowed me to better my office skills, I learned how to use a copy machine, fax documents, scan documents, better my skills in microsoft office and I learned how to use excel.
I also answered phones, which allowed me to be more professional on the phone and allow for an easy phone introduction for any company.
"Hello "Insert company name", how can I help you?"
Working in retail has been a great experience thus far, I have increased my customer service skills. "Hello how are you" and "Have a nice day" is something I seem to do anywhere now.
Since I'm on the cash register, I'm also becoming more of a problem solver, I'm starting to handle money better than I used to and figuring tactical ways to break up the money for the right amount.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
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.
Monday, September 10, 2012
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 #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 # 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.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
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.
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