So I had an... Interesting interview with a company.
They were a bit odd.
I had instructions to ask the reception worker to call them to let them know I was there and... they kinda gestured to a phone across the way and said to call. No instructions on how to use the phone system. I called the wrong extension twice but fortunately hung up before I reached anyone there. After an explanation the other reception worker called for me.
The agency I work with didn't mention that there would be three people doing the interview, but that happens.
The start was very basic with introductions and such. The odd feeling would come and go depending on questions. They asked in round robin style.
After the first question I knew that I didn't have the knowledge that they were looking for.
Near the middle of their question-asking I realized they hadn't asked me anything about my resume. I only realized because I have a time gap on it that has never been missed or skipped over. Ever.
When it cam time for me to ask them about the job, most of the position questions had been answered. So I asked my little short list of questions to see if I would be able to fit in with them.
They all but refused to answer three of my questions.
I asked about the culture there, how they will measure success in the position and the difference between a good & great employee in the position.
I have never had that type of reaction before. I can't fully explain it, it was just out there.
The culture one is usually answered with a customers first type of response that quickly launches into how they treat their employees. Or company holiday parties or something. I was met by silence then one said that customer centered environment. Another that it was a very racily diverse employment. The last they enjoyed their coworkers.
When I asked how they measure success in the position there was another pause before one gave the response that was simply 'with yearly preformace evaluations'. Which ended that.
Last I asked the difference between a good & great employee in the position. This is usually greeted with comments of the question itself before a response. This was again met with silence and nothing was actually said. More importantly, one of the interviewers was leafing the position and they didn't say any good things about them.
Fortunately the interview ended shortly after that.
The last question summed up things they didn't say to me that I am taking as this is a bad corporate environment. For each of the questions I got odd, almost angry looks. And who wouldn't take an opportunity to remind a soon to be former employee that you value all their work?
I think I will be very happy if I don't fit their bill. Should I be asked for a second interview I would agree, but I can tell I am not what they are looking for.
Showing posts with label Applying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Applying. Show all posts
Monday, April 24, 2017
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Debt, Life and dear god! An update!
Were to start?
The debt has been slowly taken care of. If I was to trust the little blurb in the corner of my bill I will be free of it in 3 years. I did not take out a loan and that would have been a very bad idea. I did merge two credit cards onto one card. This let me set up one monthly automatic payment.
The ordeal was a pain in the butt. The first transfer had to be done one the phone with a live person. Even though two other people told me I could just do it online. Frustrating but then I just did both with the wonderful woman on that call. So it worked out.
The weirdest part was that each separate card had been a min due of $250 - $300 EACH. Or rather I was paying out $500 to $600 each month.
The new one is $225-ish.
Let that sink in a bit. Because I flipped when I got the first bill. I have been able to save so much money. The new problem seems to be I can't save past a particular amount. This is a pain because of the BRAND NEW THING!
Which is I joined a First Time Home Buyer thing. It is total crap but should help me to ACTUALLY buy a house in two years. So there is now $188 a month going to a special account so that the government will give me a grant of $7,500.
Fact: I still don't have enught for closing costs. Which is the real killer in buying a house.
On the job side of life, after five years with my current job I have finally taken steps to look for a new one. I calle dthe temp agency that got me hired here and I will be sendign them my resume to get going again. The woman that answered my call was very nice when I started fumbling to discribe why I was leaving. I wanted to say that the enviroment wasn't what it was and was moving into mor toxic then I would like.
What I said was a jumble of starting and stopping and toxic and many 'it's just'. She said don't worry about it and started looking at my file. She was wonderful.
That is were the blog stands right now. Yeay?
The debt has been slowly taken care of. If I was to trust the little blurb in the corner of my bill I will be free of it in 3 years. I did not take out a loan and that would have been a very bad idea. I did merge two credit cards onto one card. This let me set up one monthly automatic payment.
The ordeal was a pain in the butt. The first transfer had to be done one the phone with a live person. Even though two other people told me I could just do it online. Frustrating but then I just did both with the wonderful woman on that call. So it worked out.
The weirdest part was that each separate card had been a min due of $250 - $300 EACH. Or rather I was paying out $500 to $600 each month.
The new one is $225-ish.
Let that sink in a bit. Because I flipped when I got the first bill. I have been able to save so much money. The new problem seems to be I can't save past a particular amount. This is a pain because of the BRAND NEW THING!
Which is I joined a First Time Home Buyer thing. It is total crap but should help me to ACTUALLY buy a house in two years. So there is now $188 a month going to a special account so that the government will give me a grant of $7,500.
Fact: I still don't have enught for closing costs. Which is the real killer in buying a house.
On the job side of life, after five years with my current job I have finally taken steps to look for a new one. I calle dthe temp agency that got me hired here and I will be sendign them my resume to get going again. The woman that answered my call was very nice when I started fumbling to discribe why I was leaving. I wanted to say that the enviroment wasn't what it was and was moving into mor toxic then I would like.
What I said was a jumble of starting and stopping and toxic and many 'it's just'. She said don't worry about it and started looking at my file. She was wonderful.
That is were the blog stands right now. Yeay?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
On Crappy People in Charge of Hiring
Wow that title is a tad bitter...
See, I never put much thought into the whole hiring proses beyond getting the job. It just never occurred to me that some people should never be allowed any ware near the hiring proses. Ever.
First thing first, if someone that you are interviewing with doesn't know the difference between a receptionist and a sales manager. Especially after you explain each time that no you are not a sales manager and they still try to convince you that no rally they are the same thing... you need to run and run very far away.
When it comes to job experiance and you know you don't have it say so. Because if you do get sold on a job that you feel or know you can't do, your screwed.
Yes I dealt with this and yes I did take the job. Guess what? they didn't spend any time training me nor did they want to. they wanted some one to start in another building that they didn't need to train. I had my warning flags and I ignored them. Even in my "exit interview" the person that hired me insisted that there was no difference between a receptionist and a sales manager. My only hope is that since an owner of the company was present at it (and completely miserable) I hope that they took a good look what that person did wrong and don't let them be in charge of hiring people.
I really, really can not tell you just how bitter I am about this whole thing. And beyond that, after seeing first hand how they run both the corporate and manufacturing sides I can never recommend or comment on them to people. I just don't feel comfortable about it.
However if anyone ever asks me if I think they should work there I will say no. And while I would love to ask who they are interviewing with I can't. I know that would put me in a bad position and I never want to deal with thous people or their company again.
So a short check list:
- is a job/company/training solution sounds too good to be true.
- they tell you one amount for pay in the interview and tell you another in the offer.
- want you in another office building right away were no one else that would be training you works at.
- tell you that they "don't remember saying that" every time you talk to them about things from the interviews.
- they take 2 months for 3 interviews to narrow it to 2 people.
-the interviewer says "there is no difference between a receptionist and a sales manager".
Then the job is probably not the one you want to be with and you should run like hell. I wish I had run like hell and not taken that job. But it's done and over with. I feel so much better now that I have that out of my system.
See, I never put much thought into the whole hiring proses beyond getting the job. It just never occurred to me that some people should never be allowed any ware near the hiring proses. Ever.
First thing first, if someone that you are interviewing with doesn't know the difference between a receptionist and a sales manager. Especially after you explain each time that no you are not a sales manager and they still try to convince you that no rally they are the same thing... you need to run and run very far away.
When it comes to job experiance and you know you don't have it say so. Because if you do get sold on a job that you feel or know you can't do, your screwed.
Yes I dealt with this and yes I did take the job. Guess what? they didn't spend any time training me nor did they want to. they wanted some one to start in another building that they didn't need to train. I had my warning flags and I ignored them. Even in my "exit interview" the person that hired me insisted that there was no difference between a receptionist and a sales manager. My only hope is that since an owner of the company was present at it (and completely miserable) I hope that they took a good look what that person did wrong and don't let them be in charge of hiring people.
I really, really can not tell you just how bitter I am about this whole thing. And beyond that, after seeing first hand how they run both the corporate and manufacturing sides I can never recommend or comment on them to people. I just don't feel comfortable about it.
However if anyone ever asks me if I think they should work there I will say no. And while I would love to ask who they are interviewing with I can't. I know that would put me in a bad position and I never want to deal with thous people or their company again.
So a short check list:
- is a job/company/training solution sounds too good to be true.
- they tell you one amount for pay in the interview and tell you another in the offer.
- want you in another office building right away were no one else that would be training you works at.
- tell you that they "don't remember saying that" every time you talk to them about things from the interviews.
- they take 2 months for 3 interviews to narrow it to 2 people.
-the interviewer says "there is no difference between a receptionist and a sales manager".
Then the job is probably not the one you want to be with and you should run like hell. I wish I had run like hell and not taken that job. But it's done and over with. I feel so much better now that I have that out of my system.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Advice for Job Hunting on Craigslist.org
Because everyone wants to avoid the spam & scams that plague Craigslist.org
So, first things first. To get directly to your city on Craigslist, in your address bar type Your-city-name before dot-craigslist-dot-org. Like this: newyork.craigslist.org which will take you to the New York City page.
Next thing you want to keep in mind is to keep a look out for scams. Easier said then done right? Not so.
1) Look for names. If the add asks you to put it to the attention to a specific person the chances are it's a real ad. The same for if there is an e-mail or mailing address that they ask you to respond to.
2) Read the ad and follow any directions it might have. It the add says to send it attention 'specific person' or to add a specific job number, do it. Put it in the subject of your e-mail and in your cover letter. This shows them that you can follow basic instructions and thus shouldn't get you weeded out of the running.
3) Avoid ads that offer to pay way higher then the going rate in your area. If in your area your job lands you $10 and the post is offering $20? Chances are it is not legit.
4) Watch out for duplicate ads. Sometimes the scams will use the same format for the same position and post many times. Some sneaky hiring agents do the same thing. After a while you will notice that some look exactly like ones from the last time you looked and while the location might change chances are they are a scam. Also, Craigslist has a 30 day rule which is basically that you can't post the same ad with in 30 days of your last post. A handy little thing to keep in mind.
5) Watch their grammar in both the subject and the body of the ad. Most are gimmicks to get you to apply, they are pretty obvious but some might sneak past your watch. There are some people who are legitimately bad at making postings. These are usually done by people that are not used to looking to fill an opening, by people who don't really use the internet or just someone having a bad day.
It's not a long list but if you keep these things in mind when job hunting on craigslist they could make you search a little bit easier. I use all of these methods in my own searches and I use them as I discovered them. I have gotten more call backs using this list then I have just replying at random.
So, first things first. To get directly to your city on Craigslist, in your address bar type Your-city-name before dot-craigslist-dot-org. Like this: newyork.craigslist.org which will take you to the New York City page.
Next thing you want to keep in mind is to keep a look out for scams. Easier said then done right? Not so.
1) Look for names. If the add asks you to put it to the attention to a specific person the chances are it's a real ad. The same for if there is an e-mail or mailing address that they ask you to respond to.
2) Read the ad and follow any directions it might have. It the add says to send it attention 'specific person' or to add a specific job number, do it. Put it in the subject of your e-mail and in your cover letter. This shows them that you can follow basic instructions and thus shouldn't get you weeded out of the running.
3) Avoid ads that offer to pay way higher then the going rate in your area. If in your area your job lands you $10 and the post is offering $20? Chances are it is not legit.
4) Watch out for duplicate ads. Sometimes the scams will use the same format for the same position and post many times. Some sneaky hiring agents do the same thing. After a while you will notice that some look exactly like ones from the last time you looked and while the location might change chances are they are a scam. Also, Craigslist has a 30 day rule which is basically that you can't post the same ad with in 30 days of your last post. A handy little thing to keep in mind.
5) Watch their grammar in both the subject and the body of the ad. Most are gimmicks to get you to apply, they are pretty obvious but some might sneak past your watch. There are some people who are legitimately bad at making postings. These are usually done by people that are not used to looking to fill an opening, by people who don't really use the internet or just someone having a bad day.
It's not a long list but if you keep these things in mind when job hunting on craigslist they could make you search a little bit easier. I use all of these methods in my own searches and I use them as I discovered them. I have gotten more call backs using this list then I have just replying at random.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Waiting for a Call Back
This is probably the worst part about job hunting. Will they call me back? What should I do if they don't call me back?
Having a promising interview only to hear nothing ever again hurts. It always has and it always will. You could almost feel led on by a good interview. Personally I think I might prefer to hear at the interview if I wasn't going to be considered. On the plus side I would know not to hold my breath and stress out about all the little "if's".
Actually, if I knew flat out that I wouldn't be considered I would feel better in the long run. I wish more companies would do that instead of leading you on.
I will never understand why an interviewer feels the need to make vague promises to someone who doesn't fit the bill and would be wasting their time giving them every bit of information about the company that only employees really should know. Mainly Vacation, pay and in-depth explanations of benifits. thease tend to be trigger words that make people think they are getting hired.
Also, being told that you are the first one that they have interviewd so far. Not as vcalming as they might think.
Stress? Me? Never...
Having a promising interview only to hear nothing ever again hurts. It always has and it always will. You could almost feel led on by a good interview. Personally I think I might prefer to hear at the interview if I wasn't going to be considered. On the plus side I would know not to hold my breath and stress out about all the little "if's".
Actually, if I knew flat out that I wouldn't be considered I would feel better in the long run. I wish more companies would do that instead of leading you on.
I will never understand why an interviewer feels the need to make vague promises to someone who doesn't fit the bill and would be wasting their time giving them every bit of information about the company that only employees really should know. Mainly Vacation, pay and in-depth explanations of benifits. thease tend to be trigger words that make people think they are getting hired.
Also, being told that you are the first one that they have interviewd so far. Not as vcalming as they might think.
Stress? Me? Never...
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Job Hunt Update
So Monday morning I got a call from a company. They were all happy and nice and then when I asked what city they were in they told me they were in New York City.
Ok. . .
I had stopped applying to jobs in New York City about a month ago. From what few responses I did get no one was looking to hire remotely for my qualifications. I figured until I was ready to move out there that there was no reason to waste peoples time. So I politely and nervously explained this to the person and they were all 'when will you be in the city?'
I answered this poorly and said I didn't know. So if this wasn't them looking for just an interview I royally screwed up. Live and learn is a painful way to go.
The good news is that I now know what a possible wait time could be in New York City for a response. I never expected it to take that long. How ever it did re-enforce the belief that no one actually pays attention to cover letters.
I need to look up the email I sent them so I can try and send a thank you letter to them.
Ok. . .
I had stopped applying to jobs in New York City about a month ago. From what few responses I did get no one was looking to hire remotely for my qualifications. I figured until I was ready to move out there that there was no reason to waste peoples time. So I politely and nervously explained this to the person and they were all 'when will you be in the city?'
I answered this poorly and said I didn't know. So if this wasn't them looking for just an interview I royally screwed up. Live and learn is a painful way to go.
The good news is that I now know what a possible wait time could be in New York City for a response. I never expected it to take that long. How ever it did re-enforce the belief that no one actually pays attention to cover letters.
I need to look up the email I sent them so I can try and send a thank you letter to them.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A little advice from family
So over the New Years holiday my cousin and her husband took me out to lunch. They then asked me a bunch of questions about my job and if I would be moving to the city. This turned a good chunk of lunch into me letting everything out. It felt very good and I got a good deal of information from them.
The first was that even if I took a week in the city I would probably not be able to find a job in that time frame. Let alone be hired that fast. Even if I went through a hiring agency it would still take time. She also finally gave me the name of the hiring company that she knows and deals with. She said to call this one woman there and to drop her name. Because it's always who you know to get your foot in the door. This is the place that she sent her sister to as well.
But when she said I would probably have to live in the city for a month and need to have a few thousand dollars saved up is what made me worry.
That started a conversation about my current financial standing. And my mom.
She recomended going to the library and checking out some books by Suzy Orman. Her website http://www.suzeorman.com is amazing. I have only poked around the resorce tool section so far but I will definatly check out her book from the library.
Then my cousin told me I needed to find a nice way of telling my mom to get the hell away from my finances. She was even more adamant about this after hearing the full story about why there had been a race to move out with my sister. This led into the whole college situation and ended with me really needing to sit my mom down for a talk. Which I am totally not looking forward to.
So, while not the best thing to talk about over the holidays it did give me a great out look for the coming year.
The first was that even if I took a week in the city I would probably not be able to find a job in that time frame. Let alone be hired that fast. Even if I went through a hiring agency it would still take time. She also finally gave me the name of the hiring company that she knows and deals with. She said to call this one woman there and to drop her name. Because it's always who you know to get your foot in the door. This is the place that she sent her sister to as well.
But when she said I would probably have to live in the city for a month and need to have a few thousand dollars saved up is what made me worry.
That started a conversation about my current financial standing. And my mom.
She recomended going to the library and checking out some books by Suzy Orman. Her website http://www.suzeorman.com is amazing. I have only poked around the resorce tool section so far but I will definatly check out her book from the library.
Then my cousin told me I needed to find a nice way of telling my mom to get the hell away from my finances. She was even more adamant about this after hearing the full story about why there had been a race to move out with my sister. This led into the whole college situation and ended with me really needing to sit my mom down for a talk. Which I am totally not looking forward to.
So, while not the best thing to talk about over the holidays it did give me a great out look for the coming year.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Looking out for Job Search Scams
I sent out some responces to Craigslist postings. Most have resulted in scam e-mails telling me to go to a website that they linked to so you can get your credit scores or take an IQ test. Aside from the e-mail links showing a diffrent site when you hover the mouse over them, the e-mail addresses they were sent from will not accept responces.
First, if they send you a link hover your mouse over it. Is it sending you to a different site? Is it one of the shorted links? Then it is more then likley a scam.
Most companies will only require a credit check when they are looking to hire you, if at all. They will never do one before they do an interview. They might have you fill out a PDF of an application to bring in with you at most.
Most notably beyondjobs.com is the biggest scam I have seen. I tried them, then my spam folder started filling up. Since then I always avoid them. Because there are jumping through hoops and then there is handing over every bit of information about you. If you do sign up with them you will find an insane increse in spam mail. they also work under diffrent guises. Engenerjobs.com being another of their sites.
The only thing you can really do Is look for postings that give you a good deal of information to work with. If you get an e-mail asking you to follow a link, take a test and then give them your score they are probably not real. Send them a polite e-mail explaining that you don't feel comfortable with their request. If you get anything other then a return notice then you are very lucky.
If you suspect a job posting might be a scam then don't waste your time applying for it. If they are promising a great deal of money for an entry level position then don't waste your time with it. They can be found on any job site that allows public posting and never seem to give up.
First, if they send you a link hover your mouse over it. Is it sending you to a different site? Is it one of the shorted links? Then it is more then likley a scam.
Most companies will only require a credit check when they are looking to hire you, if at all. They will never do one before they do an interview. They might have you fill out a PDF of an application to bring in with you at most.
Most notably beyondjobs.com is the biggest scam I have seen. I tried them, then my spam folder started filling up. Since then I always avoid them. Because there are jumping through hoops and then there is handing over every bit of information about you. If you do sign up with them you will find an insane increse in spam mail. they also work under diffrent guises. Engenerjobs.com being another of their sites.
The only thing you can really do Is look for postings that give you a good deal of information to work with. If you get an e-mail asking you to follow a link, take a test and then give them your score they are probably not real. Send them a polite e-mail explaining that you don't feel comfortable with their request. If you get anything other then a return notice then you are very lucky.
If you suspect a job posting might be a scam then don't waste your time applying for it. If they are promising a great deal of money for an entry level position then don't waste your time with it. They can be found on any job site that allows public posting and never seem to give up.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Cranky Hiring Agents in New York City pt2
Last night I spoke with a third New York City hiring agent. She called while I was stuck in traffic but I figured what the hey?
She was very eager to actually talk with me. But I could hear her sails deflating when I explained the whole 'not living in the city right now' thing to her. She did try and wiggle out of the conversation as soon as she heard that but when pressed answered my questions.
When I ask about the possablity of jobs with out an inperson meeting she shot it right down.
She also had no intention of possably saying something that could be held over her. A clear sign to me that someone had done that to her before. She did say that an interview for a job the same week i meet with her could happen but it depended on how many opening came her way. I told her I wasn't looking for a guarantee but just to see how I might schedule my time needed to be there. She was a little startled but went with it.
This was all I was looking for.
So, now I know that hiring agents in New York City, and possibly in general, do not read cover letters. They are just looking for people they can use to get a better turn over for their commission. Which is fine, but I am amazed that they would waste so much time talking with people they could have quickly eliminated as candidates. I also found that they have no idea were my city is and possibly never hear/read the news.
But! It gave me a very good out look of the time line needed to set interviews for a trip. It also confirmed the fact that I am a dime a dozen. A degree would give me the edge I need for the job market so I can make some headway.
She was very eager to actually talk with me. But I could hear her sails deflating when I explained the whole 'not living in the city right now' thing to her. She did try and wiggle out of the conversation as soon as she heard that but when pressed answered my questions.
When I ask about the possablity of jobs with out an inperson meeting she shot it right down.
She also had no intention of possably saying something that could be held over her. A clear sign to me that someone had done that to her before. She did say that an interview for a job the same week i meet with her could happen but it depended on how many opening came her way. I told her I wasn't looking for a guarantee but just to see how I might schedule my time needed to be there. She was a little startled but went with it.
This was all I was looking for.
So, now I know that hiring agents in New York City, and possibly in general, do not read cover letters. They are just looking for people they can use to get a better turn over for their commission. Which is fine, but I am amazed that they would waste so much time talking with people they could have quickly eliminated as candidates. I also found that they have no idea were my city is and possibly never hear/read the news.
But! It gave me a very good out look of the time line needed to set interviews for a trip. It also confirmed the fact that I am a dime a dozen. A degree would give me the edge I need for the job market so I can make some headway.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cranky Hiring Agents in New York City
I know they can be a wonderful way of finding employment, but if you are not living in the city they will not be able to do much for you. And if they did contact you then they probably did not read your cover letter that says you don't like in the area. Also you need a think skin when dealing with them.
But let me start again.
I sent out some responces to Craigslist postings. Most have resulted in scam e-mails telling me to go to a website that they linked to so you can get your credit scores or take an IQ test. Aside from the e-mail links showing a diffrent site when you hover the mouse over them, the e-mail addresses they were sent from will not accept responces. I have accepted this challenge and pass them by.
However, silly me thought that the real companies would actually take a moment to look at my cover letter. In which I state that I do not live near the city and can't meet for an interview without some planing. I figured that they would read this in consideration or that they would delete the e-mail. I had no idea they would actually call me and expect me to see them the same day for an interview for their hiring agency with out reading the cover letter.
I have had contact with two agents so far. The gentleman hemmed and hawed a little and complained that i wasn't living in the city. The conversation lasted maybe five minuets and had many little red flags waving at me. I sent him a polite e-mail saying I understand this, would understand that nothing would come my way and that at some point later in time when I will be out there I will pop him a message to see if he'd like to talk again. I knew it wasn't going to work out and gave him the best out possable.
I have mixed feeling about this. I am boggled by the lack of grammar skills and that he bothered to send a separate e-mail response, possibly by blackberry. I am pissed because it seems like an slap in the face but most of all I just can't grasp that he would waist the time to send this pointless e-mail to state what we spoke about.
The woman... I have changed my oppinion of her.
She used one - two word sentences in e-mails from her black berry. Red Flag one.
When she requested I call her, then tell me on the line 'e-mail' then quickly rattled off that she was on the line with three other calls and to e-mail her when to meet. Red Flag two.
I took this all as a sign that I should look elsewhere.
I sent the same e-mail to her as the other gentlemen (actually, i e-mailed her first and then used it for him.) thinking that was it and that she would probably be relived. Imagine my shock when I find an e-mail from her asking me to let her know when I'm in the city next.
Now, I'm probably looking into this with rose colored glasses, yet it's still a nicer response then the other guy. I will be dropping her a line when I get a chance to be in the city.
Interpretation has a lot to do with it. Both side of a conversation could be hearing different things. The guy could be telling me not to waste my time contacting him again or he could be trying to explain why it could take a long time to get back to me. Like wise the woman could be trying to keep connected or she could just be sending it to be polite. In the digital age I just can't be sure.
So... I'm going to hope for the best.
But let me start again.
I sent out some responces to Craigslist postings. Most have resulted in scam e-mails telling me to go to a website that they linked to so you can get your credit scores or take an IQ test. Aside from the e-mail links showing a diffrent site when you hover the mouse over them, the e-mail addresses they were sent from will not accept responces. I have accepted this challenge and pass them by.
However, silly me thought that the real companies would actually take a moment to look at my cover letter. In which I state that I do not live near the city and can't meet for an interview without some planing. I figured that they would read this in consideration or that they would delete the e-mail. I had no idea they would actually call me and expect me to see them the same day for an interview for their hiring agency with out reading the cover letter.
I have had contact with two agents so far. The gentleman hemmed and hawed a little and complained that i wasn't living in the city. The conversation lasted maybe five minuets and had many little red flags waving at me. I sent him a polite e-mail saying I understand this, would understand that nothing would come my way and that at some point later in time when I will be out there I will pop him a message to see if he'd like to talk again. I knew it wasn't going to work out and gave him the best out possable.
For some odd reasion he responded. This is his entire e-mail:
And though it is not easy you are not unique to us
I will do my best
I have more of an obstacle with the time of year versus your location
I have mixed feeling about this. I am boggled by the lack of grammar skills and that he bothered to send a separate e-mail response, possibly by blackberry. I am pissed because it seems like an slap in the face but most of all I just can't grasp that he would waist the time to send this pointless e-mail to state what we spoke about.
The woman... I have changed my oppinion of her.
She used one - two word sentences in e-mails from her black berry. Red Flag one.
When she requested I call her, then tell me on the line 'e-mail' then quickly rattled off that she was on the line with three other calls and to e-mail her when to meet. Red Flag two.
I took this all as a sign that I should look elsewhere.
I sent the same e-mail to her as the other gentlemen (actually, i e-mailed her first and then used it for him.) thinking that was it and that she would probably be relived. Imagine my shock when I find an e-mail from her asking me to let her know when I'm in the city next.
Now, I'm probably looking into this with rose colored glasses, yet it's still a nicer response then the other guy. I will be dropping her a line when I get a chance to be in the city.
Interpretation has a lot to do with it. Both side of a conversation could be hearing different things. The guy could be telling me not to waste my time contacting him again or he could be trying to explain why it could take a long time to get back to me. Like wise the woman could be trying to keep connected or she could just be sending it to be polite. In the digital age I just can't be sure.
So... I'm going to hope for the best.
Friday, December 10, 2010
A Battle of Cover Letters
Which I will be sending out tonight. I should have sent some out last night but I didn't want to stay up late. I was also chased out of the kitchen by the latest Indiana Jones movie. And the last thing I want to do is try and drive to my current job in the snow on a small amount of sleep.
But this time there seem to be more openings nearer to me. Which is good because if I can get a closer job I will save on gas. Which will let me save up and pay other small bills.
I am probably jinxing myself now but I found the perfect job in New York City for myself. This is the one I should have applied to last night. I am not going to bed tonight until I do. It will require a completely different kind of cover letter then I am used to writing because I think I have figured out what I did wrong.
What I didn't put in my letter was why I was trying to move.
It seems like a small non-essential detail but it actually says quite a bit. It lets the company know that I do have an immediate place to stay and that there is a plan to get there. It also implies that this isn't a frivolous job search but a serious hunt. As well as availiblity to travle out there for interviews.
On the down side if not written right it will sound like I'm desperate and trying a sob story.
The second idea I had was to apply with a hiring agency that was in the city. The bad said is most of the jobs they can offer would be temp to hire. I'm more then terrified of that kind of position.
So tonight I wrack my brain and try not to worry too much that I sound stupid.
But this time there seem to be more openings nearer to me. Which is good because if I can get a closer job I will save on gas. Which will let me save up and pay other small bills.
I am probably jinxing myself now but I found the perfect job in New York City for myself. This is the one I should have applied to last night. I am not going to bed tonight until I do. It will require a completely different kind of cover letter then I am used to writing because I think I have figured out what I did wrong.
What I didn't put in my letter was why I was trying to move.
It seems like a small non-essential detail but it actually says quite a bit. It lets the company know that I do have an immediate place to stay and that there is a plan to get there. It also implies that this isn't a frivolous job search but a serious hunt. As well as availiblity to travle out there for interviews.
On the down side if not written right it will sound like I'm desperate and trying a sob story.
The second idea I had was to apply with a hiring agency that was in the city. The bad said is most of the jobs they can offer would be temp to hire. I'm more then terrified of that kind of position.
So tonight I wrack my brain and try not to worry too much that I sound stupid.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Continuing The Search
So, last week I had what I thought was a good interview.
However he did all the talking. and I do mean all. I did learn everything about the job. but I wasn't able to sell myself. I managed to mention a few things and that I would love to be able to work there. It was the perfect setup for me. I would have thrived there.
He said he would be contacting 2-3 people this week and possibly doing a second interview. I thought that since he told me this that I was in the running. Apparently I'm not one of them. I wish he had not said that so I wouldn't keep hoping and waiting for a call back.
The included apartment would have been awesome.
However he did all the talking. and I do mean all. I did learn everything about the job. but I wasn't able to sell myself. I managed to mention a few things and that I would love to be able to work there. It was the perfect setup for me. I would have thrived there.
He said he would be contacting 2-3 people this week and possibly doing a second interview. I thought that since he told me this that I was in the running. Apparently I'm not one of them. I wish he had not said that so I wouldn't keep hoping and waiting for a call back.
The included apartment would have been awesome.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Getting a Responce
If I could make a company send me a ding letter if they didn't like me then I would.
Personally I find it only fair. we spend the time to write the cover letter and set up our resumes, the least they could do is pop out an automatic ding letter. Or e-mail even. Considering that most companies get resumes e-mailed to them they have no reason not to do a mass ding letter send out.
I had an interview with Geico and I never heard from them. It's a little discerning to see how much companies care. And unfortunately this seems to be the norm for this day and age.
Personally I find it only fair. we spend the time to write the cover letter and set up our resumes, the least they could do is pop out an automatic ding letter. Or e-mail even. Considering that most companies get resumes e-mailed to them they have no reason not to do a mass ding letter send out.
I had an interview with Geico and I never heard from them. It's a little discerning to see how much companies care. And unfortunately this seems to be the norm for this day and age.
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