I have come to have mixed feelings about being an adult. It has it's perks, I can drive, earn my own money, buy things if I want to, and make decisions.
Another part of me wishes to be a little girl again. Just playing and going to school wishing I was older. No worries about if my next paycheck is going to stretch as far as I need it to or if it's really going to take me 30 years to pay off my student loans. I've noticed a very upsetting trend the last couple months where my outgoing bills are a good percentage more than my incoming earnings.
I've found myself the last few days needing to slow myself down and take a breather. Part of the realization came from when I donned myself with a pink shirt and red socks Monday morning and then again today when I wore my brown shoes with a black outfit. I gave a sigh and shook my head at myself then I said "Well at least it isn't one black shoe and one brown shoe."
Anyway, the joys of after college life are up and down. Right now mine are looking like the stock market.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Questions Not to Ask
In keeping with the theme of questions for an employer...don't ask these ones (these are not mine. I didn't make them up. But again, I do not know the original source).
Top 10 Questions You Should Never Ask When Being Interviewed for a Job:
1. What's your companies policy on severance pay?
2. How long does it take your company's bureaucracy to get around to firing somebody for poor performance?
3. Could I get an office that's really close to the exit?
4. Does your company's life insurance cover suicide?
5. Who's the ugly (insert swearword) in that picture on your desk?
6. Does your company's insurance consider genital herpes a pre-existing condition?
7. How many sick days do you allow each employee before you stop paying them for not being here?
8. Does your insurance cover sex-change operations?
9. Does your LAN have a firewall that blocks triple-X websites?
10. How frequently do your accountants audit petty cash?
So no matter how curious you are, don't ask!
Top 10 Questions You Should Never Ask When Being Interviewed for a Job:
1. What's your companies policy on severance pay?
2. How long does it take your company's bureaucracy to get around to firing somebody for poor performance?
3. Could I get an office that's really close to the exit?
4. Does your company's life insurance cover suicide?
5. Who's the ugly (insert swearword) in that picture on your desk?
6. Does your company's insurance consider genital herpes a pre-existing condition?
7. How many sick days do you allow each employee before you stop paying them for not being here?
8. Does your insurance cover sex-change operations?
9. Does your LAN have a firewall that blocks triple-X websites?
10. How frequently do your accountants audit petty cash?
So no matter how curious you are, don't ask!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Something to think about: Early Mornings
The other day at my new temp job, I overheard a professor talking to a student.
I didn't hear everything but the gist of the conversation was that the student wanted to have a later meeting time or class or something. Apparently the student didn't want to have to get up so early and make it to a 9 am appointment with the professor. Of course the professor was having none of it and told the student to get themselves out of bed and be on time.
My thoughts were: First 9 am isn't that early. Especially when you can roll out of bed at 8:45 and make it across campus in less than 5 minutes. 2nd...just wait until your employer wants you on time at 9 am and you have an hour commute. Or in my case be there at 7:30 in the morning. Luckily I only live 5 minutes down the road.
So think of having to be at that 8 o'clock class as training for when you'll have a real job and being on time counts towards whether you'll get fired or not. Employers only have so much patience for people who are late consistently.
I didn't hear everything but the gist of the conversation was that the student wanted to have a later meeting time or class or something. Apparently the student didn't want to have to get up so early and make it to a 9 am appointment with the professor. Of course the professor was having none of it and told the student to get themselves out of bed and be on time.
My thoughts were: First 9 am isn't that early. Especially when you can roll out of bed at 8:45 and make it across campus in less than 5 minutes. 2nd...just wait until your employer wants you on time at 9 am and you have an hour commute. Or in my case be there at 7:30 in the morning. Luckily I only live 5 minutes down the road.
So think of having to be at that 8 o'clock class as training for when you'll have a real job and being on time counts towards whether you'll get fired or not. Employers only have so much patience for people who are late consistently.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Interviewing the Employer
One thing that I've learned through the process of interviewing, a possible future employer loves it when the interviewee is prepared. One of the best ways to show off that you actually want the job is to prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
Again I don't know what the source for this info is. I'll credit it properly when I find out. I've edited it slightly.
The placement interview is your opportunity to learn ore about the position, the business, and the department you're considering. You're not just looking for the business that will have you, you're looking for a good fit; a program that fits in with your philosophy and will meet you needs.
Most interviews will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. If you don't have any questions, it may look as if you don't care/haven't prepared, or are not discriminate in your job search. Before heading to an interview, write down a list of some things you would honestly want to know about the business or position. Decide which things would be appropriate to ask during an interview and work to phrase your questions carefully.
Possible Questions:
1. Can you tell me a little more about the staff structure in your program?
2. Why is this position open? (I got big points for asking this one, this also gives you more info on whether you're replacing someone and possibly why, or if it's a new position)
3. How often has this position been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons?
4. What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position? (Another good one)
5. What kind of staff development program do you offer?
6. What can you tell me about the community of______?
7. In what ways is your program growing?
8. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
9. What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
10. What opportunities might I have for committee involvement?
11. What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position, and within what time frame?
12. What challenges are currently facing your department/institution?
13. What kind of training would I be given for this position?
14. What qualities are you looking for in a candidate?
15. What initially attracted you to this company?
16. What are the things you like most about working here? What are some things you would change?
17. What type of support does this position receive in terms of staff, finances, etc?
18. What is the next step after this position?
19. Can you tell me about the hiring time line for this position? (This one is appropriate for any type of interview. Make sure you know when is an appropriate time to call if you don't hear back from the company.)
Pick a handful that are the most appropriate for the position you're applying to. You may find that some of the questions cross each other or that the interviewer already answered with question through another one.
Remember, people love to talk about themselves. It's what they know best. Showing interest in the interviewer as well as the company is very important in trying to make the best impression.
Again I don't know what the source for this info is. I'll credit it properly when I find out. I've edited it slightly.
The placement interview is your opportunity to learn ore about the position, the business, and the department you're considering. You're not just looking for the business that will have you, you're looking for a good fit; a program that fits in with your philosophy and will meet you needs.
Most interviews will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. If you don't have any questions, it may look as if you don't care/haven't prepared, or are not discriminate in your job search. Before heading to an interview, write down a list of some things you would honestly want to know about the business or position. Decide which things would be appropriate to ask during an interview and work to phrase your questions carefully.
Possible Questions:
1. Can you tell me a little more about the staff structure in your program?
2. Why is this position open? (I got big points for asking this one, this also gives you more info on whether you're replacing someone and possibly why, or if it's a new position)
3. How often has this position been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons?
4. What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position? (Another good one)
5. What kind of staff development program do you offer?
6. What can you tell me about the community of______?
7. In what ways is your program growing?
8. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
9. What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
10. What opportunities might I have for committee involvement?
11. What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position, and within what time frame?
12. What challenges are currently facing your department/institution?
13. What kind of training would I be given for this position?
14. What qualities are you looking for in a candidate?
15. What initially attracted you to this company?
16. What are the things you like most about working here? What are some things you would change?
17. What type of support does this position receive in terms of staff, finances, etc?
18. What is the next step after this position?
19. Can you tell me about the hiring time line for this position? (This one is appropriate for any type of interview. Make sure you know when is an appropriate time to call if you don't hear back from the company.)
Pick a handful that are the most appropriate for the position you're applying to. You may find that some of the questions cross each other or that the interviewer already answered with question through another one.
Remember, people love to talk about themselves. It's what they know best. Showing interest in the interviewer as well as the company is very important in trying to make the best impression.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Hidden Message in Job Ads
Here's some fun jokes about the job search and what employers really mean when they say...
"Fun work environment:" - Your coworkers will be insulted if you don't drink with them.
"Must be deadline oriented:" - You'll be six months behind schedule on your first day.
"Competitive salary:" - We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors
"Join our fast-paced department:" - We have no time to train you; you'll have to introduce yourself
to your coworkers.
"Immediate opening:" - The person who used to have this job gave notice a month ago. We're just
now running the ad.
"Self-motivated:" - Management won't answer questions.
"Some public relations required:" - If we're in trouble you'll go on TV and get us out of it.
"Some overtime required:" - Some time each night and some time each weekend.
"Flexible hours:" - Work 40 hours; get paid for 25.
"Duties will vary:" - Anyone in the office can boss you around.
"Where employees feel valued:" - Those who missed the last round of layoffs, that is.
"Must have an eye for detail:" - We have no quality control.
"Career-Minded:" - Female applicants must be childless (and remain that way).
"No phone calls please:" - We've filled the job; our call for resumes is just a legal formality.
"Seeking candidates with a wide variety of experience:" - You'll need it to replace three people
who just left.
"Problem-solving skills a must:" - You're walking into a business in perpetual chaos.
"Requires team leadership skills:" - You'll have the responsibilities of a manager, without the pay
or respect.
"Good communication skills:" - Management communicates, you listen, figure out what they
want you to do.
"Ability to handle a heavy workload:" You whine, you're fired.
"Aspirations for growth within our department:" - We loooooove brown-nosers.
hehe.
For the next post I'll be posting some questions to ask a potential employer during an interview. Stay tuned.
"Fun work environment:" - Your coworkers will be insulted if you don't drink with them.
"Must be deadline oriented:" - You'll be six months behind schedule on your first day.
"Competitive salary:" - We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors
"Join our fast-paced department:" - We have no time to train you; you'll have to introduce yourself
to your coworkers.
"Immediate opening:" - The person who used to have this job gave notice a month ago. We're just
now running the ad.
"Self-motivated:" - Management won't answer questions.
"Some public relations required:" - If we're in trouble you'll go on TV and get us out of it.
"Some overtime required:" - Some time each night and some time each weekend.
"Flexible hours:" - Work 40 hours; get paid for 25.
"Duties will vary:" - Anyone in the office can boss you around.
"Where employees feel valued:" - Those who missed the last round of layoffs, that is.
"Must have an eye for detail:" - We have no quality control.
"Career-Minded:" - Female applicants must be childless (and remain that way).
"No phone calls please:" - We've filled the job; our call for resumes is just a legal formality.
"Seeking candidates with a wide variety of experience:" - You'll need it to replace three people
who just left.
"Problem-solving skills a must:" - You're walking into a business in perpetual chaos.
"Requires team leadership skills:" - You'll have the responsibilities of a manager, without the pay
or respect.
"Good communication skills:" - Management communicates, you listen, figure out what they
want you to do.
"Ability to handle a heavy workload:" You whine, you're fired.
"Aspirations for growth within our department:" - We loooooove brown-nosers.
hehe.
For the next post I'll be posting some questions to ask a potential employer during an interview. Stay tuned.
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