posted
I have not posted as much as I should because I have been a bit busy. I have a new son and we have all that adjustment to make.
I also have a financial problem. The fun place that I have worked for since 1993 can no longer pay me what I want.
A change of management and new marketing plans, or lack there of, have sent me off to find employment elsewhere.
Don't get me wrong. Working here has been great. I learned to be a clown and a few magic tricks, as well as stories that will last a lifetime.
However, my boss is a jerk and the change in policy has cut my pay. There is no future. With a feeling of dread and uncertainty, I put my resume out on a few internet sites and contemplated my next move.
Then I discovered something.
This Job Hunting is FUN.
First there is the undercover part. I had to take an telephone interview in my office while my fellow employees were walking around outside. It was fun.
Then there is the ego boost. Everytime someone calls and says "we'd like to talk to you about your resume'" it feels good.
I just recieved a call from a company that I was told by a recruiter, that I shouldn't bother trying to reach. I didn't. They reached me.
Finally, there is the thrill of the sale. I am a salesman. I have been since I was a child selling junk at a flea-market.
I have been told by some friends that I could sell ice-boxes to Eskimo's. Perhaps, but I don't. I would sell Heaters to Eskimo's and make them all happy.
But the product I have been selling here is getting old. I question its quality. As such, I am not excited to sell it. On the other hand, I know that I am a worthy product. A job hunt is just selling yourself to the right company. That is a product I am proud of and do a great job of.
So when I pass an interview or wow a recruiter, I feel I've made a great sale, which is something I haven't felt at my present job in quite some time.
The problem is I want to brag about my sales, and my sneaking around at work. I can't do it at work and my wife is tired of me ranting about it all the time. If you don't mind, I'll pass some of the stories over here and let you folks get a good laugh.
I just got off the phone with a major corporation. Two weeks ago I took an afternoon off and went to a job seminar where a dozen companies had reps looking for people. The recruiters overseeing this seminar stopped everyone at the door and looked over their resume.
The guy looked at my resume for 10 seconds, and my list of prefered companies to work for, and said "I don't think you want Cintas. You don't qualify for them." He marked them off my list.
Half an hour ago I got a call. A recruiter for Cintas was looking through the web and found my resume. They want to talk to me.
Unfortunately, she called on the work phone. I am trying to be ethical about this, and not search for another job while being paid to work this one.
She is calling me back tomorrow for a phone interview on my Cell phone, while I am at lunch.
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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I am glad you see this as an adventure -- you have such a wonderful, positive attitude that I'm sure it is contagious. And people like positive people - so I'm sure you will get lots of offers.
That is the way I have always felt about my jobs in the past -- so many different things I would like to learn and try! Each job is a new adventure.
be sure to follow up with us tomorrow and let us know how this interview goes.
posted
Good luck Dan! I'm glad that you're not going to let yourself stagnate at a job that is no longer where you want to be. Feel free to tell us as many of your stories as you'd like. I can't imagine that we'll be bored.
Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
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posted
Dan, I love that you are having so much fun looking for a new job. That's a rare thing these days.
Posts: 2102 | Registered: Dec 2000
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posted
Good luck! I'm so glad that you have a positive outlook about this. By the way, since you're enjoying the "game" why don't you try applying to become a spy?
posted
I too have been in a forced internetless state. The company I presently work for has three offices nation wide and out bound reps around the country. All command and control is done through our network servers which are connected to the internet.
A couple of weeks ago we had some severe problems. An out of house expert said, "Hey idiots, get a firewall."
For the past two days we've had problems. We checked with our IT guy. Yep, he got the firewall, and you know, he will get around to installing it one of these days.
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
I, being fed up with the place of my present employ, spent a weekend sprucing up my resume. This led me to rule 1 of "Dan's Rules For Job Searching".
Rule 1: Every 6 months update your resume, even if you don't think you'll need it.
I then got on Monster and Hot Jobs and St. Louis Works (from our local newspaper) and dropped in my resume for them to pass around.
Then I waited.
Surprisingly, the first responses came very quickly. However the majority failed to pass Rule #2.
Rule #2: If they want money to give you a job, the money is more valueable than the job.
After wading through the chaff of starting my own business and getting a diploma and having a large bust size--all guaranteed to bring me more money, I found the true jobs.
The first job was for Yellow Book. I mentioned this in another thread. They left a message on my home answering machine. They called me at home. They were hot to get me.
I talked to the recruiter who was new and not very good. He told me of the wonderful opportunity they offered.
The clincher was a two week training period in Iowa. Heck, I could visit DKW sometime. Yes, Hatrack visits are becoming a consideration in my job search.
Hatrack is evil.
He passed me to the second level of interviews.
There was one problem. I dislike Yellow Book. I find their ads misleading and their services second rate.
Three days later I recieve a call from the offices in Iowa. It was an arranged phone interview. I have a problem for them.
I have been working at my present job for 11 years. This is a plus. It shows loyalty. However, my business allows for account building and repeat business. You do a good job for someone and they come back to you. You do it long enough, and enough people are coming back to you that you do not spend much time finding new people.
They want salesmen who are used to cold-calling and knocking on doors. I have not been doing as much of that lately as they want.
Yellow Book says No Thanks.
Oh well, there are more people calling on me all the time.
And I discover something new. I only enjoy selling things that I have faith in and believe in. I have stopped enjoying selling the products where I am at because I don't really believe we offer the best any more. I do enjoy selling myself, which is what job hunting is all about. Though I didn't get the job offer, I feel better about that sale than I have felt selling anything in a long while.
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Forget Yellow Book, Dan -- Cintas, what did Cintas say when they called you?
I mean, my son went ahead and put lots of virtual money into 1,000 shares of Cintas virtual stock on the Virtual Stock Market just because I said if you get a job there, you said you could sell ice to Eskimos....
I am in awe of you generally since you're another Genuinely Good Person, but am really awed by your ability and love of selling things by selling yourself. As you can tell, I think you do the last well. Posts: 13123 | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
I don't want to go out of order, but with my computer back up at work I can go quicker.
Cintas was interesting.
I went to a "Job Fair" a week ago, sneaking out of work for a long 2 hour lunch. While there I applied for one job--Beneficial Mortgage, who is sending me to a third interview next week, and I looked at a couple of other possibilities.
Aflac was a bit too much, even though I like there goose.
Nextel was really interesting, but they had a 2 hour wait list just to talk to them.
Before going in to speak with the interviewers, the company putting on the job fair glanced over our resume's and made suggestions. They told me, after a 10 second glance, not to bother the Cintas people.
I didn't--then. My plan was to send a resume on line later.
Some personal things came up and I was unable to. Five days later I get a call from Cintas. I got a call from them on my work phone. Fellow employees are waltzing outside my office and I am talking job offers. It was FUN!
The problem, she read my resume where I had worked at "Lefton Promotions". Their Promotions department is looking for people. During the first interview she realized I did not have the experience she was looking for in Promotions. She did want to ask more.
Tuesday I took a late lunch, went out to my car, and waited for her scheduled call. It was late. She had the wrong area code. I called her, but she already called my home number. Luckilly my wife was home and she directed her to my correct cell phone.
Where as I do not have what they need in the Promotional division, she was intrigued enough with me to pass my info on to the Documents Management division. This new service goes on site and removes/shreds/destroys beyond theftable use, documents from other companies.
I should be hearing from them by Monday if they have room. If not, she will try their uniform division.
I'd give my Cintas possibilities about a 25% chance. It would be nice, but not yet.
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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Universal Computer Systems is a very hot possibility. I spent much of two weeks ago playing phone tag with their Texas HR dept. The woman involved and I just couldn't seem to reach each other on the phone.
Finally I left her a message saying that I realized this was all a test to prove that I had the initiative and determination to not give up on a prospect. It was a test to prove that I would call on them, and not quit, until they told me to. So I was going to keep calling on her until she told me to stop, or there was a restraining order involved.
She called me later that day and thanked me. She was having a tough week and she needed a laugh. In short I was in, on this level of the interview.
She arranged for me to take a test when they came to St. Louis for personal interviews. If I do good at the face to face interview, and do well on the test, they would fly me to Houston for final interviews.
The test is tomorrow at 11:00am.
The bad news, this job will require a 14 week training period in Houston. The good news, maybe some time during that week I could actually meet Bob or any other regional Jatraquero. The worse news, leaving my wife alone with my son for 14 weeks will get someone hurt, and that someone is likely to be me.
However, Cindy said go for it.
So I scheduled the interview and test for Tomorrow at 11:00am, all ready to sneak out of work for a long lunch or call in sick or something. I have enough sick days to be gone for 3 months and still not use them all up.
Then my boss drops a bombshell. The big wigs of the company are having a tele-meeting at 9am tomorrow. We can explain all our grievances to them at that time and they will make plans for the following year.
This is a meeting I want to attend. It is also a meeting that will go way past 11am. So now I either have to create an excuse to get out of the meeting at 10:30 so as to make my job interview, or call in sick and miss that meeting.
I also have to explain why I'm not in my usual Jeans and polo-shirt, but in slacks and a button down shirt, with suit coat and tie in the car.
I also recieved a call from Phoenix Rebuilders looking to schedule an interview tomorrow. They called my office number and left me a note Friday, but I was out Friday for a funeral.
I could set them up a meeting in the morning, and just call in sick all day Tuesday. I could fake a client meeting. I could just scream and panic.
posted
Call in sick. One way or the other you're not going to be with your present company much longer, so starting to disengage isn't a bad idea. Besides, people will either guess that you're going to an interview when you show up dressed differently than usual and then beg off at 10:30, or will make a joke about your going to an interview. Unless you're good at confronting something like that and playing off their comment, people will suspect, which I don't think you're wanting right now (am I right about that, or is it an open secret at work that you're looking?). If you take the day off you can dedicate the whole thing to job seeking, and will have a lot less stress. That's my 2 cents, anyway.
Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
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quote:Finally I left her a message saying that I realized this was all a test to prove that I had the initiative and determination to not give up on a prospect. It was a test to prove that I would call on them, and not quit, until they told me to. So I was going to keep calling on her until she told me to stop, or there was a restraining order involved.
She called me later that day and thanked me. She was having a tough week and she needed a laugh. In short I was in, on this level of the interview.
Love it!!!!
And I agree, call in sick and set up Phoenix for either 9:00 am (if you honestly think you can be done in time to make the 11:00) or for mid-afternoon.
The clothes alone will be a big red flag, and leaving in the middle of a bigwig meeting will make it even more so. If your desire to be involved in that meeting is to simply be aware of the discussion, when you call in sick, ask if someone can tape record it for you for your later review. If you have suggestions or other input that you want to have shared, either ask a coworker to bring up those items or communicate them separately to the appropriate management person.
posted
Our dress code here at work, for women, is either a dress, skirt/blouse, dressy pansuit or "corporate apparel" Which means a company-sold-and-logo'd shirt (polo-like) with slacks.
Because I move computers around and crawl under desks doing cabling, I always opt for the slack and corporate apparel.
However, on those wild days when I get a notion and just FEEL like dressing up, and wear a dress -- EVERYONE thinks I have a job interview somewhere, no matter what I say! I usually even end up eating lunch at my desk, just to show them I'm not going anywhere for any interview...
posted
I second everyone else's thoughts about just calling in sick for the whole day -- that way you're not rushed going into the interview, and can revel in it afterward.
Just be careful not to run into any co-workers on your way to the interview....
posted
So I guess I'm in the minority that calling in sick when not sick is dishonest? Is there a way to take a personal day without implying you're sick or have a medical appointment?
I went to a late lunch, because my boss took us all out to breakfast while the computers were down, and mentioned tomorrows meeting. Seems I was the only person he hadn't already told about the meeting.
So I took a late lunch, called an insurance company and told them I would not pay to work for them.
Then I called Pheonix Restorers. They had called my office phone on Friday when I was out, but nobody checks my voice mail. (The boss should, but he doesn't.)
The only time they had available for a meeting was 2pm, 3pm, or 4:30pm. I took the 3pm slot.
My wife wants to come into town and talk with a day care person, but she didn't want to drive all that way for only one thing. Now she is trying to arrange it for both of us to go there.
Meanwhile, I will call in sick tomorrow, which I hate to do. Dag is right. It is lieing and dishonest. On the other hand, I have come to work many days when I was ill, because there were things that I needed to do. Hopefully that balances out.
I will miss the meeting with the big bosses, but that has a good side. They will be talking about marketing ideas. I created a 7 point marketing plan out of boredom one day. I can e-mail it to them now, with the excuse that I couldn't make the meeting.
The bad news is that Sasha, my son, has to go into the hospital for some minor surgery Wednesday. I need to be with him then and probably the day after. I was out Friday for my wife's uncle's funeral. I am missing a lot of work. Its not a busy time so I am not too upset. I will make it up before I go.
A note on dress at my office. We are casual at my office unless we are visiting clients. Four times I have had appointments with potential employers where I had to dress nice at the office. I usually wear casual clothes until I leave, then I change. Once, I claimed to be visiting a client. The other three times were after hours. Only one person questioned why I was dressing up, and I said "Long story, have to run." I have a nice reputation for being honest. They don't expect sneakiness out of me.
That has been my plan all along, muahahahahahaahaha!
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:The bad news is that Sasha, my son, has to go into the hospital for some minor surgery Wednesday. I need to be with him then and probably the day after.
posted
No worries about Sasha. He has a minor issue with, um, aim. The doctors are going to snip some tissuie he doesn't need, and reroute a certain canal so that he is centered, and there is less chance of infection. When all is done he will be able to write his name in the snow, as soon as he learns to spell.
(It actually solved the question of "Circumsize or not")
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Yes, do let us know how Sasha is. Minor or no, any surgery gets a parent nervous. Sending hugs and best wishes for you, Sasha and Cindy.
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
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Tuesday, I called in sick. I claimed a nasty headache. Everyone was having sinus problems (one of the many reasons I want to leave is the air quality in our office. That is a long story in of itself.)
My wife and Sasha joined me as I headed out for the appointment with a great sounding company. They dropped me off at the Airport HIlton. Sasha cried wanting to come with me. In the hassle to get out without him, I left the name of my contact in the car.
I tried calling my wife after she drove away, but she only found an old note from a previous interview at the Airport Marriott.
Luckilly I found out where to go reading the signs.
I arrived and a group of 8 of us started a mass interview/test.
One young man came in late, full of apologies. He was loud and tried to be funny and way underdressed for this IBM clone of a company. Out of the rest of the interviewies, I think I made the best impression.
We watched a slide show on the company and on the position. Then we were given a logic test and a math test.
I enjoyed the logic test. It was fun.
The tester said you should expect to get half way done with each part when time was called. I finished all but one question on the first part and all of them on the second, with time to spare (about 2 seconds).
The math test was not so good. I am just out of practice.
Afterword the interviewer did a one on one with each of us. Mr. Young Dude butted into the lady before him's time, and made a real idiot out of himself. The interviewer seemed to like me and my answers.
Everyone promised to get back to us, either way, by the end of last week, or with the Holiday, not too long after.
I'm still waiting.
I really, really, really want that job. I know I'd be great. I have been mopey all week assuming I didn't get it, but without the closure so I can move on.
@#$@#$@#@~!!!!
The second interview was two hours later, which worked out fine. It gave my wife time to get lost, wind up at the wrong hotel, and come and get me finally. We had lunch. She had spent the interview time visiting a school we hoped to send Sasha too.
It is good, so we are sending him there, which is another long story.
When I arrived at the second interview, it was for "Restoration Windows." I was hoping it was for a nice company that built restored old windows and such.
I could tell just by walking in it was a pit job, telemarketing people to buy siding. That was not what I wanted. I got out of that interview and we went home.
All my other calls and resume's have gone nowhere, though I did get one interesting note.
One of them tried to call the work number on my resume and was told I wasn't there. When my wife tried to call me today, on my personal extension, my boss answered, twice. This could be internal phone problems we are having, but it could also be my boss's way of handling the idea that I would betray him and look for another job. He is that kind of person.
Last night I sent an e-mail to my contact at the big job, requesting to find out what my status was, and hoping for another interview.
It was very well written.
Still no call on my cell phone.
I hope each night to find a message on my answering machine.
Oh well, there is always the next company. Neopost is intersested. I have an interview on Tuesday.
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Last week I was depressed because I really didn't have any viable options.
Today I have 6.
That doesn't relieve much of my stress.
I decided to lay all my cards out on the table, show them to the brightest and wisest people I know and ask for their opinions.
Since they are busy, I decided to put them here too.
Actually, just writing this out helps me organize my thoughts.
Option 1) Stay. The boss is asking everyone, "Are you with us or are you just wasting our time." I am neither. The boss is making all kinds of nice promises. Unfortunately they are the exact same promises that were made the previous year--and have yet to be fulfilled. Not much chance of me sticking around.
Option 2) Investment Consultant for one of the biggest names in business. While this sounds interesting, it is in fact calling on friends and family and offering to refinance their home, their credit cards, and their insurance. Big bucks are possible, but it is a lot of night work, and it is imposing on friends and family.
They hire in bulk because most people don't last.
They offer to let me work part time, which is tempting.
I will say no to these folks, though I may take advantage of their free financial report. Heck, I may throw them a bone on where to dig up some good business in the future.
3) Financial Consultant for one of the best paying companies. They are promising a $65,000 year the first year. They hire only people they need, and spend a lot of money keeping them. Out of the many interviews the man was making, I am one of his top choices.
Down side, more selling to friends and family to get started.
While this was an A-Class business, I think I will let this one pass.
I may offer them the names of some of my current coworkers who may also be looking for other jobs.
4) Career Manager. This group wants to represent me to other companies, showing me how I could get a major six figure career in little or no time. 90 days is thier average. He was greatly impressed with my interviewing skills and my resume.
He wants to meet with my wife and me, and has not talked about how much this service will cost.
Checking them out on the web I discovered that they have had a handful of complaints, saying they over promise, misrepresent, and do not deliver.
While 6 figures is where I want to be, I am not sure I can trust this company.
5) Preferred Wireless.
Selling cell phones to businesses.
I have been out of the gaget business for 10 years. I did sell the first cell phones, that weighed in about 20 lbs and had to be installed in a car. Now each cell phone has more memory than the computers I was selling at the time.
Money is good. Company is small.
I will get to play with big boy toys of the newest Blackberry Cell Phones/PDA-s with GPS, and everything else.
My only problem is fear. I have not been selling anything but clowns and picnics. I am worried that I'll fail.
If I can get over this worry, they want me to start soon. Well, one more interview to meet the owner. If that goes well they'll ask when I can start.
That is freaking me out.
They are also a small business, in a run down building. I do have some reservations about thier professionalism. I was hoping to go corporate, and this would be going small business.
6) Office Printing Specialist.
This is the OSC Fan who has me coming back for a second Interview on Tuesday. If things work out, they will want me too.
I am a little worried about their marketing plan, and the salary before commision. They may be asking me to start soon too.
So many choices.
I really, reallly, hate making tough decisions.
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
5 sounds like the best option. You shouldn't let your doubt stop you. I am sure that you would do a superb job.
Posts: 1015 | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
It sounds like you've already narrowed it down to 5 and 6.
Number 4 sounds very shady to me and I would avoid it like the plague.
Number 5 sounds good, but you have a valid concern about their size and status. I was the VP of a smallish company and we did have a lot of problems that some of the bigger companies do not have. OTOH, it was a much nicer place to work. I would ask them about their business plan for the next few years in your final interview.
Number 6 sounds good, too, but with the same problems as number 5. I would ask them about their marketing plan.
Remember, salary is negotiable. If they want you, they will be willing to increase the base salary. I did, for people I really wanted.
Posts: 3037 | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
I've always felt that sales jobs requiring people to pitch to their families and friends would be great for introverts, mainly because I can't think of any better way to ensure that no one would ever, ever, willingly invite you into their lives again.
Posts: 37449 | Registered: May 1999
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posted
Agreed. 5 and 6 sound like the best of the available options. I'd stay far away from any position where you're expected to lobby your own friends and family to get work... you run the risk of alienating those people, and in my opinion, no job is worth that.
quote: I have been told by some friends that I could sell ice-boxes to Eskimo's. Perhaps, but I don't. I would sell Heaters to Eskimo's and make them all happy.
These phrases just filled me with happiness.
Have great luck on your job hunt/finding/getting! Posts: 8473 | Registered: Apr 2003
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