| Just a Waitress... |
[Dec. 14th, 2006|03:55 pm] |
| [ | music |
| | I Will by Radiohead | ] |
A week ago, I sent my resume to a bunch of HR and Temp Agencies to help me find a job. I need something - anything - at this point. Two of them called me back for an interview, the second of which is later this afternoon. The first one was a real trip. When they called me, they asked how comfortable I was with Microsoft Suite, particularly Word, Excel and Power Point. I told them I'm excellent with Word, sufficient in Excel and that I haven't used Power Point since High School,. Okay, so no Power Point test - fine with me. They neglected to tell me that their suite is impossible to find. I was 10 minutes late because security sent me running in circles - not every elevator is for public usage. I arrived there 10 minutes late, frazzled and irritated. Not a good start. I filled out a mountain of paperwork, of which included my height and weight (wtf?) and a desired salary range. I had already done my homework on that, finding the average starting salary for college grads in my field. So, my range was a little less and a little higher than that - reasonable, in my opinion. Finally, someone comes to see me. The first thing she said to me was in regards to my desired salary range: "You know that's not gonna happen, right?" Then she laughs - she laughs! I remember reading about avoiding negativity in interviews, so I'd like to think that involves the interviewer as well. Guess not. Technically, my working experience is in the restaurant industry, even though I have a nice little administrative volunteer gig, and so she spends the majority of my interview talking about food. I was miffed. Finally, she tells me about a financial position, then asks about my computer skills. Power Point was a problem. Whatever. She leaves and tells me to sit tight because I have to meet two more people. Fine.
The next woman was a real BITCH. Her first statement also involved my desired (and I emphasize 'desired') salary range. She says: "That's just plain ridiculous. Are you willing to work for $10/hour?" Can't I be a cashier at Lowes and make the same amount of money? Yep. To sum it all up and shut me up (about pay) she says: "Relevant work experience is the most important thing. And honey, you're just a waitress." What about College? I guess degrees aren't very important after all... Then she nails me for saying I know the basics of Excel. Anybody who works with Microsoft Suite knows that once you grasp the basics of a program, know how to apply the basics and know what the program can do, then you can figure out just about anything. She, however, had different thoughts. She said: "What does that mean? You don't know Excel's formulas?" Stupid question - Excel has hundreds, if not thousands, of formulas. Not even the program's creators could know all the formulas by heart. I said: "I know how to enter and apply any formula in Excel. I am unfamiliar with certain kinds of formulas, like the accounting ones, but I don't think I qualify as an accountant anyway." I think that was a reasonable response to unreasonable question. Her reply: "That's no good! You need to practice Excel and learn the formulas inside and out. It is the most important of all programs! I guess we can't test you on that today." I began to wonder if she knew how to use Excel. And since when was it the most important? Doesn't that depend on the job? Idiot. She didn't interview me at all - she just spent her ten minutes cutting me down.
The third and final interviewer was actually pleasant. The first thing I noticed about him was that he had tattoos all over his fingers and his hair was shoulder-length and falling into his eyes. I have no problem with tattoos or long hair on men, but it's unusual to see in the work place. My guess is that he had the less amount of say out of the three. He actually asked me relevant questions like: "What is your ideal field? How far are you willing to drive?" Again, I was asked about computers and I wondered if these people communicated with each other - ever. After he's finished, he takes to me to a computer to test me on Word (I'm unworthy to be tested before the Great and Almighty Excel, remember?). I'm warned that it's a simulation, not real life and that I need to be careful where I click. Okay, thanks for the warning.
It wasn't enough of a warning. First Question: Change this text. Easy. I highlighted it and started typing. Wrong! I was supposed to backspace. Next Question: Remove the Formatting Toolbar. Super Easy. I right-click the toolbar - WRONG! I was supposed to go to View, then toolbars. I got burned on using Ctrl C and Ctrl V for copying and pasting. Get the picture? I got an 80% on a program I really know. I walked away from that place thinking, "What the fuck was that?" I hope they don't call me back because I don't think I want to deal with people like that. I did my research when I got home and learned that these agencies usually don't get a flat fee like I expected. Normally, they get a percentage of my salary or hourly wage. For instance, they tell me (and rightfully so - they need to get paid too and they don't want me to know how much they're taking) that I'm getting paid $10/hr when really it's $15/hr. They keep the other five. However, some of these agencies are real sleazy and make you feel worthless so that they can pay you less and make more money off of you. It amazes me what people do...
The one today will hopefully be different. When she called me, she already had a job for me to consider. Different approach, huh? I didn't really like the job, although it did pay more than those previous people said I was capable of earning. She told me to think about it and call her back. She also said that I could call her and set up an appointment to meet with her or just wait until she finds me a job. Way different approach. I have a good feeling about this one.
Cross your fingers and wish me luck. God knows I need a job. It's all I want for Christmas. |
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