Thanks to the invention of LinkedIn, it's surprisingly easy to stalk the people. Especially if they have chosen to make their profile public. This is how I found out everything about Clay Aiken and now the Ultimate Frisbee playing TPA* that I'm having lunch with on Thursday.
Thursday is going to be a big day for me. I have a second (or first) interview with the people that I had the phone interview with today. That went really well--I was much more relaxed than I was for the previous phone interview. This afternoon I also got a call from a stranger who received my resume from another stranger. (I've been using The Book of Lists and sending blind resumes to all the financial advisors that are listed. I sent a resume to this guy named Adam, who didn't get back to me, but did forward my resume to the stranger that I'm going to have lunch with. So, thanks Adam, whoever you are.)
It's weird how it's totally acceptable to have lunch with a stranger for "networking purposes," but you wouldn't do it under any other circumstances. I Googled the guy that I'm going to meet with and he has Ultimate Frisbee (technically "Ultimate Disc") on his LinkedIn profile three times. Does Ultimate Frisbee make you a dork? I probably shouldn't judge since I don't play any sports and should definitely get more exercise. However, I'm remembering the guys that played Frisbee as a team sport in college. I actually have some good memories of Frisbee from the summer I spent at Northwestern University before my senior year of high school.** I can't imagine listing it with my professional interests, but maybe I'm the dork because I don't know how cool Frisbee actually is.
So, good things are happening on the job hunting front. It's always nice when a stranger calls you after reading your resume (even if they really do like Frisbee).
To totally change the subject, The Husband doesn't believe me when I tell him that the little dog is depressed. She looks sad all day--I will take her picture to prove it. I think she misses her beagle mommy and we should get another dog to take care of her.
*That stands for third party administrator for those of you who don't work in my world.
**I spent two months at Northwestern for debate camp because I was an uber-nerd. (Proving my nerdy-ness, I just called myself a nerd in German.)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Interview with a Vampire
This post has nothing to do with vampires. It's just about interviewing and I couldn't think of a clever title. Anne Rice will be suing me for copyright infringement soon.
Hopefully you enjoyed the post where I was high on prescription drugs (that have all been prescribed to me and that I am allowed to take in the quantity that I took them in). I didn't correct any of the errors that I found the next day, just for you. I also can't quite believe that I felt the need to write about breast feeding, but again, I decided to leave it.
I had my first phone interview today. This one was for a retirement plan education specialist position, which is a job that I'm not really sure that I want. There would be a lot of travel (80% some weeks) and I'm just not sure. I also decided today that I really don't like phone interviews. I need feedback so I know if I've fully answered a question or if I need to go on. I felt today like I should have elaborated more on a couple of things. I also still feel like I have a really bad answer when they ask me about losing my job at BCFG. I have another phone interview tomorrow for another position that I'm not too keen about, but I'm not in the position to turn anything down right now. After that interview I will have exhausted all my interviews and need to send out another zillion resumes to generate more activity. I'm starting to feel like I'm not going to find the right thing.
I feel like I should write something about vampires now. If I was feeling more creative I would come up with something fun. I will have to think about that for next time.
Hopefully you enjoyed the post where I was high on prescription drugs (that have all been prescribed to me and that I am allowed to take in the quantity that I took them in). I didn't correct any of the errors that I found the next day, just for you. I also can't quite believe that I felt the need to write about breast feeding, but again, I decided to leave it.
I had my first phone interview today. This one was for a retirement plan education specialist position, which is a job that I'm not really sure that I want. There would be a lot of travel (80% some weeks) and I'm just not sure. I also decided today that I really don't like phone interviews. I need feedback so I know if I've fully answered a question or if I need to go on. I felt today like I should have elaborated more on a couple of things. I also still feel like I have a really bad answer when they ask me about losing my job at BCFG. I have another phone interview tomorrow for another position that I'm not too keen about, but I'm not in the position to turn anything down right now. After that interview I will have exhausted all my interviews and need to send out another zillion resumes to generate more activity. I'm starting to feel like I'm not going to find the right thing.
I feel like I should write something about vampires now. If I was feeling more creative I would come up with something fun. I will have to think about that for next time.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Weeeeeeeeeeeee
I'm on drugs right now (all legal) so I'm pretty loopy. For some reason, I am allergic to my house, so my whole head, including my eyes and nose, is itchy, so I took some Benedryl. Then, because it's night time I told my usual drugs, which kind of make me loopy. I also threw in some Advil because I have a headache...
Perhaps this is not the best time to blog. I will however, tell you my most embarrassing work story, which I was moderately prepared to tell at my interview today. I read through a lot of interview questions and "what was your most embarrassing moment" is a pretty common one, so I felt like I needed to be prepared. I didn't have to look too long to find my most embarrassing work moment...
I started back to work when Sweet Pea was 12 weeks old and because I was nursing, I needed to pump 4-5 times per day. Thankfully I had an office with a door, but unfortunately my door didn't lock. I made a sign for my door that said something to the extent of "please don't come in." My office was 95% women and they all know that I was nursing and pumping. I don't think that anyone thought to tell the lone man, who was my manager. He came to my door one day and knocked. I was so freaked out that someone was knocking while I was pumping that I didn't say "don't come in." I thought that my assistant, who sat right outside my door, would take care of that. Anyway, my manager knocked twice and then just opened the door. He looked appalled and SO embarrass and couldn't get out quickly enough. Strangely enough, I was not that embarrassed. Breast pumps actually give you a lot of coverage and I had been pumping while traveling for months by that point. My breast pump hooked into my bra, for hands free pumping, so I frequently had to pump while driving 1-2 hours on the way to see a client. I lived in fear of getting pulled over by a cop while pumping. Someday I will tell Sweet Pea what I did for her.
My second most embarrassing work moment involves a total wipe out on wet pavement while wearing new shoes. I thought that I was going to have to go to the hospital after that one. Thankfully, I had extra panty hose in my purse. That's a story for another day.
To get to the point--because there is one. My interview today went well. The job isn't perfect, but I'm not sure if such a thing exists. I like her and she seems like she would be a good person to work for. I need to send her a sample of my writing and I can write about anything. I'm torn between doing something "safe" and writing about finance/money/saving early is important or doing something completely crazy and writing about the Fourth Movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which is my favorite piece of music. My writing about the symphony would probably be better, but it is risky. I will sleep on it.
Now I feel too high to continue.
Perhaps this is not the best time to blog. I will however, tell you my most embarrassing work story, which I was moderately prepared to tell at my interview today. I read through a lot of interview questions and "what was your most embarrassing moment" is a pretty common one, so I felt like I needed to be prepared. I didn't have to look too long to find my most embarrassing work moment...
I started back to work when Sweet Pea was 12 weeks old and because I was nursing, I needed to pump 4-5 times per day. Thankfully I had an office with a door, but unfortunately my door didn't lock. I made a sign for my door that said something to the extent of "please don't come in." My office was 95% women and they all know that I was nursing and pumping. I don't think that anyone thought to tell the lone man, who was my manager. He came to my door one day and knocked. I was so freaked out that someone was knocking while I was pumping that I didn't say "don't come in." I thought that my assistant, who sat right outside my door, would take care of that. Anyway, my manager knocked twice and then just opened the door. He looked appalled and SO embarrass and couldn't get out quickly enough. Strangely enough, I was not that embarrassed. Breast pumps actually give you a lot of coverage and I had been pumping while traveling for months by that point. My breast pump hooked into my bra, for hands free pumping, so I frequently had to pump while driving 1-2 hours on the way to see a client. I lived in fear of getting pulled over by a cop while pumping. Someday I will tell Sweet Pea what I did for her.
My second most embarrassing work moment involves a total wipe out on wet pavement while wearing new shoes. I thought that I was going to have to go to the hospital after that one. Thankfully, I had extra panty hose in my purse. That's a story for another day.
To get to the point--because there is one. My interview today went well. The job isn't perfect, but I'm not sure if such a thing exists. I like her and she seems like she would be a good person to work for. I need to send her a sample of my writing and I can write about anything. I'm torn between doing something "safe" and writing about finance/money/saving early is important or doing something completely crazy and writing about the Fourth Movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which is my favorite piece of music. My writing about the symphony would probably be better, but it is risky. I will sleep on it.
Now I feel too high to continue.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Seen and Heard
I've been looking on the Craigslist job boards every day and I've been surprised by how normal everything is. Occasionally I will cringe because someone has written a post for a "Rockstar Receptionist" or someone was looking for an "athletic" personal assistant. I did turn down one interview because my gut said that it didn't seem right, but I haven't found anything truly bizarre until today--one of the best things about this was that it was listed under "Office/Admin" jobs:
I have my interview tomorrow for a job that I think that I really want. I also have a phone interview coming up on Tuesday for a position that I'm less interested in (don't worry--I didn't answer this ad), but I think that it's good to be getting interviews. I haven't heard anything from the guy I interviewed with last Friday which has cemented my opinion that he is just rude and a jerk. After my interview, I sent him a pretty lengthy email, including a sample of my work (which he requested) and he didn't even have the courtesy to acknowledge receipt. I guess I should be glad that I know he's a jerk before I start working for him.
In other news, things are not going well with Sweet Pea. We've had a lot of bad times at home and today we got a long email from her teacher that things are also not going well at school. I really thought that we were on the right track with the Vyvanse, but now I feel like we're back to square one. I've called her doctor and am waiting to hear back--I'm very reluctant to switch to another drug without the doctor seeing us again. I have a tiny glimmer of hope that maybe Sweet Pea was just really tired. This morning she got in big trouble and her punishment was having to go to bed right after dinner. She was asleep by 7:00, which is over two hours earlier than usual, and that will allow her to get 12 hours of sleep before school tomorrow. I'm hoping for a brighter day.
We are looking for ladies 18 or older with cute, bright, young sounding voices, enthusiastic demeanor, great conversational skills, and upbeat attitude to make sure our clients have a great time every time they chat.
We are an uncensored chat line so you should be comfortable with any type of content within the context of fantasy. Our company is more than a 10 years old, with a good compensation and benefits package. This is a great job for both a part timer looking for extra money or for someone looking to make a great living perfect the craft of chatting.
We provide excellent training and will help you to achieve your goals. Day, Night and weekend availabilities with flexibility is a big plus!
If this sounds like a good fit for you please call 800-XXX-XXXX we will get back to you ASAP.
Location: XXXX
Compensation: Good commission with base and benefits
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
I have my interview tomorrow for a job that I think that I really want. I also have a phone interview coming up on Tuesday for a position that I'm less interested in (don't worry--I didn't answer this ad), but I think that it's good to be getting interviews. I haven't heard anything from the guy I interviewed with last Friday which has cemented my opinion that he is just rude and a jerk. After my interview, I sent him a pretty lengthy email, including a sample of my work (which he requested) and he didn't even have the courtesy to acknowledge receipt. I guess I should be glad that I know he's a jerk before I start working for him.
In other news, things are not going well with Sweet Pea. We've had a lot of bad times at home and today we got a long email from her teacher that things are also not going well at school. I really thought that we were on the right track with the Vyvanse, but now I feel like we're back to square one. I've called her doctor and am waiting to hear back--I'm very reluctant to switch to another drug without the doctor seeing us again. I have a tiny glimmer of hope that maybe Sweet Pea was just really tired. This morning she got in big trouble and her punishment was having to go to bed right after dinner. She was asleep by 7:00, which is over two hours earlier than usual, and that will allow her to get 12 hours of sleep before school tomorrow. I'm hoping for a brighter day.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Potato/Potato
Have you ever had the taste of a food evoke a memory? I made Fingerling potatoes* tonight, which have a special meaning for me. It's kind of funny that I feel such an affinity for a potato.
I started taking anti-depressants for the first time in the middle of December, three years ago. After I had been on them for about a week we went to The Husband's work Christmas party. At the time he was working for very old money and they had a beautiful house, which everyone was invited to for a Christmas dinner. They served roasted Fingerling potatoes and it was the first time I had ever had them. Because I had been feeling really depressed I hadn't really been eating a lot and all food basically tasted like cardboard. I was so nervous going to the dinner because I was sure that everyone would know that something was wrong with me. My face felt wrong from the inside. Anyone whose ever dealt with depression will probably know what that means. I sat down and ate my potatoes and was amazed because I could taste them. I had the most amazing sensation that night that I was going to get better. All because of the potatoes.
I would like to say that I bought the Fingerling potatoes with the express purpose of making myself well, but I didn't. We've been eating a lot of potatoes in our house lately. Poor potatoes get a bad rap from all the low-carb diets, but they pack a lot of nutrition. Feeding a child with ADD is kind of bizarre-o world. You try and get in the biggest bang for your buck, knowing that they probably won't eat a lot. Potatoes are a winner in our house, so I bought the Fingerling potatoes because they are one of Sweet Pea's favorites.
I ate them for dinner and was transported to that night when I knew that I was going to be okay. I'm not okay right now, but I know that I will be again. These potatoes taste like hope.
*These are Fingerling potatoes, if you aren't familiar with them. They are long and thin, like fingers, and have a similar taste and texture to a Yukon Gold potato.
And now for something completely different--I am totally obsessed with the PBS show "Downton Abbey." Netflix said that I would like it and they were right**. I've watched all of the first season and the first four episodes of this season in two days. (I stayed up really late.) This show is so well done it's like reading a book. I feel like I know these people. I'm sad that I'm caught up now and have to wait for new shows like a regular person. If you have Netflix you MUST watch Season One. Then go here and start watching Season Two.
(The last time I was unemployed, I became obsessed with MTV's "Teen Mom." This is a vast improvement.***)
**Netflix knows me WAY better than Pandora.
***Just so you know I haven't gone totally smart, I'm also kind of obsessed with the train wreck that is "DanceMoms.")
I started taking anti-depressants for the first time in the middle of December, three years ago. After I had been on them for about a week we went to The Husband's work Christmas party. At the time he was working for very old money and they had a beautiful house, which everyone was invited to for a Christmas dinner. They served roasted Fingerling potatoes and it was the first time I had ever had them. Because I had been feeling really depressed I hadn't really been eating a lot and all food basically tasted like cardboard. I was so nervous going to the dinner because I was sure that everyone would know that something was wrong with me. My face felt wrong from the inside. Anyone whose ever dealt with depression will probably know what that means. I sat down and ate my potatoes and was amazed because I could taste them. I had the most amazing sensation that night that I was going to get better. All because of the potatoes.
I would like to say that I bought the Fingerling potatoes with the express purpose of making myself well, but I didn't. We've been eating a lot of potatoes in our house lately. Poor potatoes get a bad rap from all the low-carb diets, but they pack a lot of nutrition. Feeding a child with ADD is kind of bizarre-o world. You try and get in the biggest bang for your buck, knowing that they probably won't eat a lot. Potatoes are a winner in our house, so I bought the Fingerling potatoes because they are one of Sweet Pea's favorites.
I ate them for dinner and was transported to that night when I knew that I was going to be okay. I'm not okay right now, but I know that I will be again. These potatoes taste like hope.
*These are Fingerling potatoes, if you aren't familiar with them. They are long and thin, like fingers, and have a similar taste and texture to a Yukon Gold potato. And now for something completely different--I am totally obsessed with the PBS show "Downton Abbey." Netflix said that I would like it and they were right**. I've watched all of the first season and the first four episodes of this season in two days. (I stayed up really late.) This show is so well done it's like reading a book. I feel like I know these people. I'm sad that I'm caught up now and have to wait for new shows like a regular person. If you have Netflix you MUST watch Season One. Then go here and start watching Season Two.
(The last time I was unemployed, I became obsessed with MTV's "Teen Mom." This is a vast improvement.***)
**Netflix knows me WAY better than Pandora.
***Just so you know I haven't gone totally smart, I'm also kind of obsessed with the train wreck that is "DanceMoms.")
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
It Went
I am back from my interview and, basically, it went... I think that after every other interview that I've had in my life I've felt really good about it; this one not so much. The guy I was interviewing with was very aggressive, not mean, just aggressive. He kept harping on how my most recent job was basically backsliding from my previous two jobs. I was honest and didn't try to talk the job into something that it wasn't. What I did say was that it was only 9 months out of a 13 year work history. I also said that, although it wasn't an ideal position, the job market being what it was, I was glad to have found a job in my field at all.
I think that most people who have done this, but pre-interview I had imagined my whole life working for this guy. I had come around to the idea of working full time. I would rather be working than here at home. I'm disappointed, because even if the interview went better than I think that it did, the guy isn't moving very quickly. He said that he's looking to fill the position in the first half of the year. I really can't wait that long.
I'm going to lay on the couch and watch the Food Network now.
UPDATE:
I decided to look on Craigslist to see if there were any jobs for today. BCFG has a job posted (it names the company, so I know that it's them). It looks like K was promoted to R's job and now they are looking to fill K's position. This really feels like kicking a person when they are down.
I think that most people who have done this, but pre-interview I had imagined my whole life working for this guy. I had come around to the idea of working full time. I would rather be working than here at home. I'm disappointed, because even if the interview went better than I think that it did, the guy isn't moving very quickly. He said that he's looking to fill the position in the first half of the year. I really can't wait that long.
I'm going to lay on the couch and watch the Food Network now.
UPDATE:
I decided to look on Craigslist to see if there were any jobs for today. BCFG has a job posted (it names the company, so I know that it's them). It looks like K was promoted to R's job and now they are looking to fill K's position. This really feels like kicking a person when they are down.
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