LEARNING ABOUT CHOCOLATE
I decided to fly in a day early before my interview to check out the town and learn more about the company culture. This town in owned by a certain candy company and I felt while I had the opportunity I should also enjoy myself and take a mini Americana vacation.
I tried to envision what it would be like to move my family to a new town. It seemed rather cute and everyone had their teeth - excellent sign. I went to the museum and learned about the company's founder. I found myself captivated by this story. Usually I am not a museum type of gal- I rather opt for shopping - which I did as well. Moving back to the museum though, it was hard to believe that the founder of this company had the foresight to be a pioneer in areas of innovation, marketing, environmental and social responsibilities. He basically built this town as a city planner would thinking about infrastructure and support systems for those who lived in this town. It made me feel like a total loser. How does a guy with no education, from a poor family and no technology able to make these vast contributions. Here I am with all the advantages of good education, creative environment and constant media now interviewing to work for a company that an apprentice candy maker made happen in the worst of times. I quickly finished the museum and realized a stop to the "Coach" outlet would dismiss any of my bad feeling about myself. I am so shallow.
As I was driving around on the brown paved streets called Chocolate Avenue etc.. I started getting paranoid. What happens if this is a conspiracy or a chocolate cult. Maybe the air infused chocolate hypnotic messaging in the air and no one left this town. What happens if it was the FIRM? I mean everyone is associated with this company in one way or another... what happens if I was being brainwashed. Further more, would I eat chocolate all day as candy was readily available everywhere. I started freaking out a bit...
THE BAR
I went down to a bar/restaurant in the hotel to grab a bite. I kind of don't like eating in my room - it grosses me out. I have to say it was definitely an interesting scene observing convention people after hours. There is a sea of middle aged balding guys and a small slathering of women trying to hang with the baldees.
I am sitting eating my chicken watching everyone progressively get drunk. It starts with the business talk and recapping the days events. Then the guys move into sports and the manly behavior of "high fives" on everything. Next stage is moving in on the prey - that would be any non balding male. I feel sex in the air a bunch of remorseful hook-ups about to happen. I better get out of her before I fall victim to some off hand comment about chicken... yikes
REALIZATION
Maybe the sugar is going to my head. This town has reason to be proud of their foundation. Realization 2 - what happens in a convention center stays in a convention center.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Day 55 - FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Well it is a typical Friday and I have decided to cut my job search short today. I am playing the role of kool aid mom and housekeeper. So amongst the mayhem, I receive a call from a (313) area code. I thought is was the Detroit Science Center processing our new member application. They have called to verify a few things and thought this was just another call. Boy, was I wrong. This was a call from a VP, Human Resources of a very large company.
I tried to gain my composure as my old pug "Babyface" was barking in the background and the other phone was ringing off the hook. It was total chaos. Why is it that I can go an entire day and no one calls and there is not a noise and then the time where I need silence, my whole world comes unglued.
Babyface, who I have mentioned in other blog postings, is a very sweet dog but has realized that he has the power. He has gained this I do not take any crap attitude and does what he feels. To get him to stop barking is an act of g-d. I thought of strangling him but did not think that would sound good to my potential employer. Instead, I made a joke - how he is old and rules the household. I quickly ran upstairs into my office. But then, my cell phone starts with the call waiting - it was a really unimpressive scene. I was shocked that he just did not hang up on me.
The VP, Human Resources started asking me some experience questions and I was really struggling because I was totally faklempted with the noise, the first impression and my general state of mind. He asked me about the job descriptions - and honestly I had not read it. Can you say - total nightmare. Luckily I gained composure and got it together. After all that drama, he still wanted to meet with me. Miracles do happen.. hallelujah.
MY DOG
I came downstairs to scold my dog - but honestly, he is so cute. He has that smashed pug face and is so soft. He is still barking non stop and I have no control over him but he is my bad puppy.
REALIZATION
When you are in the job hunt, it is probably wise not to pick up the phone to unknown numbers unless you are in your quiet space. That is an embarrassing lesson to learn. Realization 2 - you can't teach an old dog and new trick. I need to learn how to adapt to his ongoing barking. Have a great weekend.
I tried to gain my composure as my old pug "Babyface" was barking in the background and the other phone was ringing off the hook. It was total chaos. Why is it that I can go an entire day and no one calls and there is not a noise and then the time where I need silence, my whole world comes unglued.
Babyface, who I have mentioned in other blog postings, is a very sweet dog but has realized that he has the power. He has gained this I do not take any crap attitude and does what he feels. To get him to stop barking is an act of g-d. I thought of strangling him but did not think that would sound good to my potential employer. Instead, I made a joke - how he is old and rules the household. I quickly ran upstairs into my office. But then, my cell phone starts with the call waiting - it was a really unimpressive scene. I was shocked that he just did not hang up on me.
The VP, Human Resources started asking me some experience questions and I was really struggling because I was totally faklempted with the noise, the first impression and my general state of mind. He asked me about the job descriptions - and honestly I had not read it. Can you say - total nightmare. Luckily I gained composure and got it together. After all that drama, he still wanted to meet with me. Miracles do happen.. hallelujah.
MY DOG
I came downstairs to scold my dog - but honestly, he is so cute. He has that smashed pug face and is so soft. He is still barking non stop and I have no control over him but he is my bad puppy.
REALIZATION
When you are in the job hunt, it is probably wise not to pick up the phone to unknown numbers unless you are in your quiet space. That is an embarrassing lesson to learn. Realization 2 - you can't teach an old dog and new trick. I need to learn how to adapt to his ongoing barking. Have a great weekend.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Day 54 - SWAPPING WAR STORIES
I have received a lot of comfort from my unemployed networking friends. It seems we share an intimacy that was never reached when we were working. Perhaps it is because we are beaten down and raw or it is hard to have attitude when you do not possess a job. As I walk around, I can now relate to the homeless man, he is my brother. We have the both status in life except that I am about 6 home payments away from being on the street (just kidding - probably - maybe it is true). It is clear that I no longer hold the stature I thought I did. This is a reality I thought I got used to but it does rattle me to the core sometimes.
I have spoken with many of my friends that are talented people (definite winners) and they have the craziest interviewing stories ever. It is just so hard to believe that companies act the way they do at times. I hear stories of interviews being cancelled last minute. Get this one, my friend was scheduled to fly out for an interview and he went to check his reservation the day before and it had vanished. He calls his recruiter who investigates and comes back to him and says "Oh you do not have everything they are looking for in a candidate and they changed their mind." The company just decided to cancel the trip without informing my friend.
The economy is bad and I think companies believe they can treat candidates like a disposable commodity without any feelings. I say that we candidates come with at least a 48 hour cancellation guarantee. The company should be on the hook and have completed the obligatory interview - it is the code isn't it!!! .
MARKETING
I am kind of a creative gal that gets her outlet through putting together powerful PowerPoint slides. I guess I am an underground Picasso or something (except I am not all pouty and don't overuse the color blue). So I decided to put together a few visuals for my interviews to show my strategic and holistic views on HR. I am about 2 hours into this slide and realize it is a nightmare. There are circles, arrows and colors everywhere - it looks like mad scientist - I think I will regroup and complete this project tomorrow.
REALIZATION
Having a support group and sharing stories helps bring humor and a sense of peace to this unemployed status. Realization 2 - Less is more when you are trying to show your brilliance to potential employers. Too much will be a guaranteed rejection note.
I have spoken with many of my friends that are talented people (definite winners) and they have the craziest interviewing stories ever. It is just so hard to believe that companies act the way they do at times. I hear stories of interviews being cancelled last minute. Get this one, my friend was scheduled to fly out for an interview and he went to check his reservation the day before and it had vanished. He calls his recruiter who investigates and comes back to him and says "Oh you do not have everything they are looking for in a candidate and they changed their mind." The company just decided to cancel the trip without informing my friend.
The economy is bad and I think companies believe they can treat candidates like a disposable commodity without any feelings. I say that we candidates come with at least a 48 hour cancellation guarantee. The company should be on the hook and have completed the obligatory interview - it is the code isn't it!!! .
MARKETING
I am kind of a creative gal that gets her outlet through putting together powerful PowerPoint slides. I guess I am an underground Picasso or something (except I am not all pouty and don't overuse the color blue). So I decided to put together a few visuals for my interviews to show my strategic and holistic views on HR. I am about 2 hours into this slide and realize it is a nightmare. There are circles, arrows and colors everywhere - it looks like mad scientist - I think I will regroup and complete this project tomorrow.
REALIZATION
Having a support group and sharing stories helps bring humor and a sense of peace to this unemployed status. Realization 2 - Less is more when you are trying to show your brilliance to potential employers. Too much will be a guaranteed rejection note.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
DAY 53 - MYSTERY COMPANY
I had an interview today with an external recruiter for a Director, Global Talent Acquisition of a mystery Fortune 500 Company. I am curious by nature, so I found myself being fixated on guessing who the company was and not on the interview. It is really annoying to interview for a blind company - I mean you could go for a few hours trying to impress and then are informed the company that manufactures uninspiring product like COFFINS or VACUUM CLEANERS. Luckily, I passed and she shared the company's name and it is a pretty good one. I won't spill the beans yet as there is actually someone in this role currently.
RUNNING ERRANDS
I am finding a new behavior trend of mine emerging - which is running meaningless and unnecessary errands to fill my day. I am a list maker so I put my to do agenda together every day. I find myself getting dressed to run to the shoe repair, return an unwanted item I bought on another errand, and the seamstress. The scariest thing of all is that I am actually enjoying these trips. The lady at the store now recognizes me and we chat, the seamstress asks about the job search... I am developing a whole new social circle and it is alright. However, in the spirit of work, I do try to apply lean principles to get all my useless errands completed most efficiently. Can't wait for tomorrow which includes buying dog food, a belt and mailing out a package.
ZAGAT OF BATHROOMS
As I am on all my errands, I periodically (more frequent than I would like to mention) need to stop to go to the bathroom. It may be in result of the mammoth Diet Cokes I have been drinking. I have developed a rating scale of public bathrooms and actually looking forward to and maneuver my errands to use the nicer ones.
Five toilet paper rating to Lord and Taylor, Nordstroms and Macy's. Two toilet paper roles to Target and Champps (bathroom is freezing - always a draft). Today I found myself in a situation where I was in a small indoor strip mall and needed to go. I weighed my options and chose Panerra Bread. I ran into the only stall open which was "handicapable" and soon became horrified. There was a big gap where the door and the stall wall are to be connected and you can totally see through it. Not a partial glance but full on frontal. I felt so vulnerable as it was a race between time of would I stop going first or would someone walk in and get a view. Really freaked me out... that was my day!!!
REALIZATION
When interviewing sometimes you have to go on the mystery ride or play the game because the end may be worth it. Trying to play charades with the recruiter is not a good idea. Realization Two - Be careful to check out bathroom stall construction before proceeding with a natural task that you are unable to quickly turn off. That was the longest 20 seconds of my life... yikes
RUNNING ERRANDS
I am finding a new behavior trend of mine emerging - which is running meaningless and unnecessary errands to fill my day. I am a list maker so I put my to do agenda together every day. I find myself getting dressed to run to the shoe repair, return an unwanted item I bought on another errand, and the seamstress. The scariest thing of all is that I am actually enjoying these trips. The lady at the store now recognizes me and we chat, the seamstress asks about the job search... I am developing a whole new social circle and it is alright. However, in the spirit of work, I do try to apply lean principles to get all my useless errands completed most efficiently. Can't wait for tomorrow which includes buying dog food, a belt and mailing out a package.
ZAGAT OF BATHROOMS
As I am on all my errands, I periodically (more frequent than I would like to mention) need to stop to go to the bathroom. It may be in result of the mammoth Diet Cokes I have been drinking. I have developed a rating scale of public bathrooms and actually looking forward to and maneuver my errands to use the nicer ones.
Five toilet paper rating to Lord and Taylor, Nordstroms and Macy's. Two toilet paper roles to Target and Champps (bathroom is freezing - always a draft). Today I found myself in a situation where I was in a small indoor strip mall and needed to go. I weighed my options and chose Panerra Bread. I ran into the only stall open which was "handicapable" and soon became horrified. There was a big gap where the door and the stall wall are to be connected and you can totally see through it. Not a partial glance but full on frontal. I felt so vulnerable as it was a race between time of would I stop going first or would someone walk in and get a view. Really freaked me out... that was my day!!!
REALIZATION
When interviewing sometimes you have to go on the mystery ride or play the game because the end may be worth it. Trying to play charades with the recruiter is not a good idea. Realization Two - Be careful to check out bathroom stall construction before proceeding with a natural task that you are unable to quickly turn off. That was the longest 20 seconds of my life... yikes
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Day 51 & 52 - TIMING IS EVERYTHING
CENTER RING - THE JUGGLING ACT
So I am in a weird space where I am trying to juggle potential opportunities in which I have not received a solid offer yet. I am trying to project manage all these employers so that I can ideally have three offers to choose from. That sounds great in theory but I am not sure the reality really pans out like you dream.
Then I think... am I jinxing myself since I don't really have the offers but the promise of an offer. So I really should not be talking about it but I am trying to move up potential interviews and slow down potential offers to get everything lined up. I am basically living in Fantasy Land!!! Maybe I should jump on my unicorn and fly over the rainbow.
I feel like I am so close and yet so far. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining just not sure what I should do next. Should I continue to listen to opportunities and interview? Should I stall and see what happens? Or should I do what I have been which is winging it? I kind of am a girl that always thinks "lean." This means to keep my mandatory efforts going but get rid of actions that will lead to nothing. This is really an exercise of much to do about nothing.
Boy will I be embarrassed if none of these offers come in like I thought... moving on.
MY HEAD
I have been feeling kind of yucky the last few days and really did not know why. Wouldn't you know that I am coming down with a head cold. I am starting to panic because I tend to go through this whole weird thing prior to actually getting the cold. With my calculations, this cold will hit right at the time that I have to get on a plane for my next interview. My body goes through a series of weird symptoms that no one I am sure experiences. First I feel off (such as the Saturday interview); then I start getting congested (no big deal) then I get a scratchy throat and indigestion (which occurs in the middle of the night and keeps me up). Then the head cold hits and I can't stay awake or think. Therefore, being in bed is the best place for me to be not in an interview or on a plane - yikes - I am sure I am going to knock this one out of the park!!!
REALIZATION
I guess it is best for me to go with the flow and keep the opportunities coming. Right now I am managing nothing - the employers are in charge not me. Realization 2 - Let's hope that my serious mixture of cold medicine, neddy pot and tea nips the cold in the bud. Or I will have a very embarrassing interview to blog about in a week.
So I am in a weird space where I am trying to juggle potential opportunities in which I have not received a solid offer yet. I am trying to project manage all these employers so that I can ideally have three offers to choose from. That sounds great in theory but I am not sure the reality really pans out like you dream.
Then I think... am I jinxing myself since I don't really have the offers but the promise of an offer. So I really should not be talking about it but I am trying to move up potential interviews and slow down potential offers to get everything lined up. I am basically living in Fantasy Land!!! Maybe I should jump on my unicorn and fly over the rainbow.
I feel like I am so close and yet so far. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining just not sure what I should do next. Should I continue to listen to opportunities and interview? Should I stall and see what happens? Or should I do what I have been which is winging it? I kind of am a girl that always thinks "lean." This means to keep my mandatory efforts going but get rid of actions that will lead to nothing. This is really an exercise of much to do about nothing.
Boy will I be embarrassed if none of these offers come in like I thought... moving on.
MY HEAD
I have been feeling kind of yucky the last few days and really did not know why. Wouldn't you know that I am coming down with a head cold. I am starting to panic because I tend to go through this whole weird thing prior to actually getting the cold. With my calculations, this cold will hit right at the time that I have to get on a plane for my next interview. My body goes through a series of weird symptoms that no one I am sure experiences. First I feel off (such as the Saturday interview); then I start getting congested (no big deal) then I get a scratchy throat and indigestion (which occurs in the middle of the night and keeps me up). Then the head cold hits and I can't stay awake or think. Therefore, being in bed is the best place for me to be not in an interview or on a plane - yikes - I am sure I am going to knock this one out of the park!!!
REALIZATION
I guess it is best for me to go with the flow and keep the opportunities coming. Right now I am managing nothing - the employers are in charge not me. Realization 2 - Let's hope that my serious mixture of cold medicine, neddy pot and tea nips the cold in the bud. Or I will have a very embarrassing interview to blog about in a week.
Day 50 - IT'S A ROLLER COASTER BABY
Last week was a difficult time. It is interesting when you think you are in a good place and then BAM... your emotions go skyrocketing down. I really thought I was having a mental breakdown. I am not sure if the rejection from the San Antonio company did it - or my false sense that everything was going to be fine. Anyways, I really was having a hard time recovering.
I was really nervous about my emotional state as I had a phone interview on Saturday. I just was not feeling confident but I could not reschedule the meeting. The opportunity sounded great and the interviewer was really nice. But I felt I was completely bombing. I felt like we could never get to that satisfying place. I answered the questions but it felt flat. Kind of like a diet coke with no fizz. You want to almost halt the call and say - You are a good person and I am a good person - we just are not connecting. It really is an unsettling feeling. These are the times that you appreciate being married and it made me go hug my husband and ask him never to divorce me!!! All of sudden you appreciate the dry sense of humor and the dirty underwear that falls next to the hamper not in it...
I went to lunch with my friends and they cheered me up. But it is hard to admit that I am so emotionally fragile. Weird... cause I am kind of a tough nails type of gal.
Well good news on this entire front. I actually did not blow the interview and I am going in for a face to face. All that drama for no reason. I think I am getting my one two back also.
REALIZATION
It is natural to feel down as this is a process. It is also ok to lean on your friends and admit moments of weakness. Also, I do really appreciate "my people" otherwise "my inner circle" that keeps me on my path to success.
I was really nervous about my emotional state as I had a phone interview on Saturday. I just was not feeling confident but I could not reschedule the meeting. The opportunity sounded great and the interviewer was really nice. But I felt I was completely bombing. I felt like we could never get to that satisfying place. I answered the questions but it felt flat. Kind of like a diet coke with no fizz. You want to almost halt the call and say - You are a good person and I am a good person - we just are not connecting. It really is an unsettling feeling. These are the times that you appreciate being married and it made me go hug my husband and ask him never to divorce me!!! All of sudden you appreciate the dry sense of humor and the dirty underwear that falls next to the hamper not in it...
I went to lunch with my friends and they cheered me up. But it is hard to admit that I am so emotionally fragile. Weird... cause I am kind of a tough nails type of gal.
Well good news on this entire front. I actually did not blow the interview and I am going in for a face to face. All that drama for no reason. I think I am getting my one two back also.
REALIZATION
It is natural to feel down as this is a process. It is also ok to lean on your friends and admit moments of weakness. Also, I do really appreciate "my people" otherwise "my inner circle" that keeps me on my path to success.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Day 49 - A DEEPAK CHOPRA DAY
I woke up feeling a little off this morning and not knowing why. I thought I was well on my way to feeling good about where I was in life and having grappled with this unemployment situation.
I decided to start frantically looking once again for leads on positions. I also inquired about the San Antonio position that I had received previous good feedback on and was kind of psyched to go out for an interview. I heard today that the company is more interested in another candidate. Although I am fine with it, as my family was not totally thrilled to move to San Antonio, I was bummed. Was I upset that I had got myself all stoked with the possibility of this role or was it that I had received positive affirmation from the interview? Either way, being told that I was not the number one candidate was a major blow to me. Now any logical person would say, "who cares or it was meant to be" and I know they are correct but it is a rejection and that is tough.
I have been reading a lot of self help books to evolve myself to higher good. I truly want to be a better person and rise above all this minutiae. However, I find myself getting sucked into it and feeling sorry for myself. My first inclination was to find chocolate and eat my problems away, but that would only create another issue for me. I am trying to achieve Life Time Member Status at Weight Watchers - week 3 of 6.
I decided to go outside and run. It was a cold and sunny day and I felt this was exactly the remedy I needed to cure my blues. Sun and exercise always seems to be a natural boost for me. I also thought listening to my self help tape of Deepak Chopra would provide me the clarity I needed to "LET IT GO!"
So I started on my run and about 30 minutes into it - I realized that I did not have a clue what Deepak was saying. I had purchased this download for about $20 and have heard great things about him. This has been my fourth attempt to be enlightened by him. He is a medical doctor by trade and his concepts are so so deep and physiological that I get lost. I feel guilty not understanding and little embarrassed too that I don't quite have the intellectual capacity for his concepts. Finally, I threw on some disco tunes and High School Musical songs and finished my run. I have to admit that I did feel better about the whole situation.
REALIZATION
When you are looking for a position, there is going to be a lot of rejection. This is a fact and we as a job seeker I need to toughen up. If I felt that I was prepared for the interview and did the best and adjust with other feedback than so be it. Realization 2 - Sometimes listening to shallow upbeat music is the absolute remedy for feeling down. Deepak does not always save the day.
I decided to start frantically looking once again for leads on positions. I also inquired about the San Antonio position that I had received previous good feedback on and was kind of psyched to go out for an interview. I heard today that the company is more interested in another candidate. Although I am fine with it, as my family was not totally thrilled to move to San Antonio, I was bummed. Was I upset that I had got myself all stoked with the possibility of this role or was it that I had received positive affirmation from the interview? Either way, being told that I was not the number one candidate was a major blow to me. Now any logical person would say, "who cares or it was meant to be" and I know they are correct but it is a rejection and that is tough.
I have been reading a lot of self help books to evolve myself to higher good. I truly want to be a better person and rise above all this minutiae. However, I find myself getting sucked into it and feeling sorry for myself. My first inclination was to find chocolate and eat my problems away, but that would only create another issue for me. I am trying to achieve Life Time Member Status at Weight Watchers - week 3 of 6.
I decided to go outside and run. It was a cold and sunny day and I felt this was exactly the remedy I needed to cure my blues. Sun and exercise always seems to be a natural boost for me. I also thought listening to my self help tape of Deepak Chopra would provide me the clarity I needed to "LET IT GO!"
So I started on my run and about 30 minutes into it - I realized that I did not have a clue what Deepak was saying. I had purchased this download for about $20 and have heard great things about him. This has been my fourth attempt to be enlightened by him. He is a medical doctor by trade and his concepts are so so deep and physiological that I get lost. I feel guilty not understanding and little embarrassed too that I don't quite have the intellectual capacity for his concepts. Finally, I threw on some disco tunes and High School Musical songs and finished my run. I have to admit that I did feel better about the whole situation.
REALIZATION
When you are looking for a position, there is going to be a lot of rejection. This is a fact and we as a job seeker I need to toughen up. If I felt that I was prepared for the interview and did the best and adjust with other feedback than so be it. Realization 2 - Sometimes listening to shallow upbeat music is the absolute remedy for feeling down. Deepak does not always save the day.
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