A Parade for Me? You Shouldn't Have

It's been about 2 1/2 weeks since I finished my contract work.  I had really hoped that I was going to stay with the company, at least through Christmas.  But as it happens, my hours were cut in half during the last week and the reality of the contract ending was hitting me.  I did everything I could to keep the job, but it was not to be.  I really enjoyed the job and really enjoyed the people.  I didn't want to leave but it probably was the right thing to do.  I really enjoyed the job, but it was not where I wanted my career to follow.

I did learn a lot.  There was so much that I learned that kept me wide-eyed, alert, and challenged.

Since my last day was on Halloween, we just happened to have a parade for the baseball World Series winners.  Being located on the main street of San Francisco, we were able to see it.  It made me feel like, oh there's a parade for me.  Since it was my last day, it made me feel like it was a big deal.  I also received flowers from the group, which were very pretty and a thoughtful gesture. 

I am coming on my third week of no work, but I'm still getting paid from the contract job.  While I was working, I had income from school that helped me get through the last couple months.  It was nice to be surprised by school.  And now, I'm getting paid after working for the company a little over a month.

I have been very busy looking for work, but I think this time of year is not the time for companies to look for office workers.  I have been to a couple of interviews and have another one this week.

One of the things I am really guilty of is putting all my eggs in the basket when it comes to interviews.  The interview I have this week is with a mortgage company.  A full-time, real job!  It is located an area that I want to work and actually live.  It is for a type of business I am very curious about and would love to learn about.  It will be a position that will help me achieve my goals of going to school, and it'll be closer to school.

The recruiter who interviewed me over the phone was very excited about my answers and really felt that I could be a good fit for the company.  When you have someone like that behind you, it really gives a lot of confidence.  I'm really hoping that the person who I interview with clicks with me, and hopefully I start working in the beginning of December.  I am soooo ready to work. 

I did have an interview about two weeks ago with the healthcare center in the city.  I wasn't too fond of the location but was excited about a different type of business.  I love going to a new company or new type of business that I have no idea about.  It gives me more experience in such areas.

The healthcare was very cool but for some reason I didn't impress.  There were some questions I was asked about, that were really specific about the healthcare.  I had no real experience and I don't think they were very happy with my lack of experience.  I didn't think that I needed to have healthcare experience for the HR position, but it seems that sometimes hiring managers asked for more than what they can get.

That's okay.  It was not the job that I wanted and when I left I didn't feel excited about the interview.  There have been two times this year when I knew the interview went well and I got the job.  That wasn't one of them.  Usually when I leave an interview, the person I interview with seems to be really excited about me.  I come out thinking, I got it!  My whole body fills with goosebumps because I know that I'm going to be called in within the next week.  That's how it happened one time and the second time I knew I was hired within an hour even though it took two or three hours before I was hired.

When the hiring manager smiles at you honestly and with a lot of heart, more than likely you're a good candidate. 

One of the things I learned at the start up company from the hiring manager is that they like stories.  For some reason, hiring managers love to hear storytelling and see how excited you are passionate about whatever was that you are leaving or have experienced.  I am trying to get my experiences into stories that will show my skills, experience, and my excitement for what I do and what I want to do.

I also signed up for a couple of staffing agencies.  Sometimes I wonder about them, though.  I don't usually have much luck unless I go in for a specific position.  I haven't heard from any of the agencies since.  

I don't mind this little break.  I've been using it organize and to get ahead in school.  My classes ends around Christmas this year.  But I don't go back for about three weeks which is kind of nice.  So if I'm working by that time, great!  If not, I have a lot of winter, spring, summer, and fall cleanup that hasn't been done since I moved back.

I am really excited about this interview because of the confidence I have from the recruiter.

Kick Ma Butt!

Written: Sunday, October 12, 2014 10:32 PM

It's been three weeks since I started my new job.  Or about 2 1/2 weeks almost 3 on Wednesday.

To put it in plain words, I really enjoy working where I do.  I love the atmosphere and the energy.

Even though I'm not recruiting which is what I really wanted to, I sit across from the recruiter and my manager who does recruiting also.  It's pretty fun because I'm learning a lot from both of them and everybody else around me.  Everyone is happy and considerate and inspiring.

One of the things that I overheard my manager say she was talking to someone, describing what the job is like, she said, "this job will kick your butt."

She was not kidding.

When I went for an interview almost 3 weeks ago, the manager and I got along really well.  I was excited to see what was there, but a little nervous because I didn't know what to expect.  But I hope I exuded the idea that I knew what I was talking about.  So within the hour, the manager put me into what she called, "a work interview."  What this was, was putting me to work to see if I could do the job.  I had no problem.  I just told her give me whatever and I'll do it.  One of the things she had me do was go through the applicant tracking system and look at people who would fit in certain positions.  I had no idea what those positions really entailed other than the job description available.  So I went through for a couple hours and did some other things.  About noon, I had a meeting with the manager and she hired me on the spot.  I was really happy that I was feeling wanted and needed by a company.  After my last position, I was a little upset and disappointed in myself.  But as it came out to be, maybe the previous job for wasn't the job I was supposed to do.  I was absolutely miserable because I wasn't allowed to use my talents, my knowledge, and skills to the best of my abilities.  I wasn't challenged.

This job challenges me.  It kicks my butt but in a good way.  I am learning so much although I'm more of an office manager or administrative assistant.  But I like that.  I like when the sales people come up to me and asked me if I could do something for them.  I love the atmosphere.  I love working in downtown San Francisco.

I never thought I wanted to work in the city after being around for earthquakes.  But I love the atmosphere of the city.  I knew deep down inside I was a very big city girl.  When I travel to London, Toronto, and even Paris, I just loved the feeling of the big buildings and all the people around me.  Oh, I forgot New York, too.  I just love strolling down the street and seeing everything.  Walking down the streets when I have time is a new adventure.

This job keeps me busy for hours because I'm still learning the ropes and I get home really late.  I also have to really schedule my schoolwork better.  For example, today is Sunday and I finished the majority of two papers that are due this weekend.  Tomorrow I'm going to try to finish up my discussion work so that I won't have to worry about the rest of the week.  When I don't have homework due or any assignments, my whole focus is on the job.  I can really see myself working in this position for a long time after finish school.  It is not easy to work school and job together in this type of environment.  But I am working around it.

The other thing about this job is that when they hired me, they said they needed me for five hours a day maybe few days week.  I've yet to leave before five o'clock in the afternoon and have worked every Monday through Friday.  It might slow down a little bit after we finish hiring a lot of people.  That's fine.  This position was also temporary.  It's given me a lot of experience.  It's also a start up company.  I've always wanted to work for start up company.  I knew I could do it and even listening to the recruiters I almost feel like I can do that job.  I'm not sure for want to do for this company but I could see myself looking for another type of company and learning the jargon and helping them find the right people.

Every day is a new adventure and I'm asked to do something new all the time.  Every time I get a new assignment, I am challenged but then it becomes second nature.

One of the things I am responsible for is buying office supplies and there are a lot of supplies needed, plus lunches and happy hour goods.  What other place could I shop and spend someone else's money?  It's pretty fun.

Taking a Break

I decided to take the last post off but as there were no views, it probably does not matter.

That might be a good thing.

I'm back to looking for another position.

I learned a lot from the last opportunity.

I learned that I need to be more direct about what I want.

I want to recruit, hire, and staff.

I don't mind doing more than recruiting; HR generalist, payroll, training, managing, etc.

But if I am not allowed to do at least SOME type of recruiting, staffing, and/or hiring, then I feel I will have no interest in the job.

Recruiting, staffing, and/or hiring is my passion.  That is the direction I want to go.  That is the career I am choosing.

I also need to make sure that what I am offered as in a position, is what I am actually going to do.  Maybe get it in writing before I say yes.

I need to make sure that I know what my duties are, at least some type of responsibilities listed somewhere, aside from the job posting.

Right now, I am taking it easy, working on school work, looking for another position, getting healthy, and finding my path.

I went from one job to another without any break and well, I think this is supposed to be the break that I should have taken.  I mean, I worked Sunday night and went to work at a new office on Monday morning.  The break is nice, but I am itching to work.

I did have an interview today with a financial firm.  It was very interesting.  It looks promising.

I have had some good connections.  I am working very hard on finding that job that will help me to my goals for next year.

So hire me!

Jumping Through Their Hoops

It's almost the end of the month.  I have two companies interested in me, although I think one company's interest is higher than the other at this moment. 

The one I've been working with, has asked for my references and required me to take Office tests.  Three tests: Word, Powerpoint, and Excel.  I wasn't really nervous about the tests, but my work and school schedule has been all over the place these last few weeks, including weekends.  

Jobs and classes have been cancelled, only to be crammed into make up dates.  I've had to finagle interviews, tests, work schedules, homework, and life into small time fragments; not an easy task.

The three tests I took were something.  I aced the Word and the Powerpoint.  My weakness I knew, was going to be Excel.  Even though I use all the programs everyday at work, which I consider myself a pro user, I don't use all the functions that some companies may require.

I was a bit nervous but I passed Excel quite well.  I did a little refresher course from online videos to make sure I knew what everything was used for in the program.  You can't go from one window to another to figure out how to do things while you take the test.  It stops cheating on the same computer, although I could have used another computer to look up answers.  I didn't. 

I plan to take some classes to update my Office skills. 

I e-mailed the recruiter after I completed the tests and she said I did very well.  Thank goodness.

Now for the references. 

I had to really look for some very close friends.  It's one of my weaknesses because I moved a lot and my last 3 jobs were with one person each as the owner or boss.  I don't even know if the last two are still alive because they were caregiving jobs.  The ideal references would be a boss, a former boss, and someone I've known for a long time.  I contacted the three people I felt I could trust.  For anyone who asked me to be a reference, I always ask if I say yes, then it has to go both ways...if I am your reference, I get to use you as a reference, too.  I built up my references quickly.

One of my best friends who was a former boss and mentor, was my first choice.  If I could choose one person to represent me in anything, it would be him.  He's just amazing and I know he would do what he could to help me out.  I spent a lot of time and energy helping him out when he worked with me.  He has integrity.  He is very helpful and kind. 

He text me this morning to tell me that he already got the call from one company about me.  I asked how it went, and he said that the person on the other line said that he was a good reference and asked about my talents.  Whew!  That's really a lot to ask. 

I've never gone through references before.  I've had them on applications for other jobs when I started college.  I don't know if the other two will be called, but if they are not called, I'm good because of this first guy.  I'm sure the other two would contact me if they were called. 

I promised a steak dinner to my friend if I get one of the two jobs.  See?  I show appreciation.

Although I am excited about this job opportunity, I'm not holding my breath.  I am still going to another interview with the IT company next week.  Whew!  Timing is going to be tricky this week and next.  I have been put on a schedule in less than 24 hour notice today.  That's how good I am with multi-tasking.  You can never be sure.

I'd like to have something by September.  I need a break from searching for a new job.  It's been tiring.  I'd like to know that my efforts since last year (well, since I attained my bachelors, although I was looking two and a half years before I started working for the current job) have not gone in vain. 

I think it's going to go well either way. 

More Opportunites, Better Outlook

It's a pretty good week, so far.  I have had an interview at least once a week.  My latest interview seemed to be a really good fit.  It seems like every time I get an interview, the job seems better than the previous job interview.

The interview went well and the person who I interviewed with seemed to connect really well with me.  We were laughing and talking about all of my experience.  There was nothing that prohibited me from showing my best side and from being the right person for the job.

For some reason, I have a lot of hope for this job.  It's a recruiting job that will allow me to recruit a variety of people.  I really like this idea although I don't get to just focus on IT recruiting.  The pay is pretty good.  It's not as good as my last interview which have haven't written about here.  But the pay is good enough that if they do offer it to me soon I am ready to go.

The previous interview I had last week was with an another IT company.  This one was located in the city and paid really well.  But it was only focus on IT.  Even the benefits were wonderful.  It was a dream job.  Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything this week from the person I spoke to so I'm almost thinking that it is not go.  That's okay.  I have a good feeling that the job I interviewed for this week, is something that I will have a really good chance at getting.

I hope I'm not getting my hopes up.  I e-mailed the person I interviewed with and thanked her for the interview.  She said that she's going to get a hold of me on Friday or Monday so I have something to look forward to.  But now I am extremely anxious for Friday and Monday to get here.

In the meantime, I have to figure out what I have to do with my job now.  I have to make sure that someone will be able to do my job and that there will be enough people to replace all the positions that I take care of right now.  That is going to be hard.  I have a feeling that I might wind up working on Saturdays with this company until they are comfortable with me leaving the job.  The other thing is I don't know if the new job is a contract job or a full-time job.  So if I get that phone call on Friday I will definitely asked the following questions:

1. Is this a full-time job?
2. If not, how long as the contract job?
3. And if this is a contract job, what do I get to do next?
4. Do I get benefits?
5. When is payday?
6. Do I get vacation time or time off?
7. Will I be required to work long hours while I'm training for the first few months?

I'm actually really excited about this new job.  It sounds like I'm going to be over a department of new hires and I'm in charge of things like payroll and making sure they get their jobs done.  I think I'm ready for this new challenge.

Every time I think that I have a good chance of procuring a new job, I always feel guilty about leaving my old job.  I really like working with my boss but circumstances now have it that I need to get a job that I'm passionate about and that will pay my living expenses.  I do have to say that this current job I have, introduced me to recruiting which I absolutely love.  And I wouldn't mind working with my boss and some of the people I work with in another capacity.

I do hope I'm not jumping the fence though.  But I'm really excited and I can't wait to hear what's going to go on.

Cross your fingers, say your prayers, send good wishes, I hope to have good news by the weekend or next week.

What To Do About the Blog

I had another interview today.  It was with an IT recruiting company.  It is something that I want to do because that adds a little more experienced my recruiting experience. 

I had been thinking about this question:

When I find a job, what will I do with this blog?

I think the first thing I would do is celebrate the fact that I got a job.

The next thing I would probably do is talk about my recruiting experiences or my job experiences, if I don't get a recruiting job.

I would also talk about some of the fun things I'll be able to do with a steady job.

So just because I won't be looking for job doesn't mean I won't be writing about work.  I've gone back to twitter and have signed up with a bunch of recruiting accounts that have passed on some interesting information.  I want to use the information to write about on this blog.  I want to make my blog stand out a little bit more.  Until the new job is found, the next phase of this blog is on the standstill for the moment.

I had a really good interview today.  I took time out to talk to other people in the office.  I hope they really liked me.

The person who interviewed me found out I did a lot of other office work and so he's even offered to think about me for another position that's going to be open next month.  I would rather have a new job by the end of the month.

Looking at the pros and cons with this opportunity, the only con is that it will pay less than I want, but the pros is that I will get a weekly paycheck and bonuses.  So the con really isn't that big a deal if I know what I'm doing.

The manager said it will take about 2 to 3 months for recruiter to get to know the system.  I don't think it would take me that long.  I already know how to recruit.  The only thing that would take a little bit of time with be getting my customers together, but I have such a huge network of people through social areas that I think I would be able to do a really good job.

I'm still looking at other jobs.  When I came home, I had an e-mail waiting for me about another job opportunity.  I'm at a loss here because I would love to do the IT recruiting but I would love to do more recruiting to get more people work.  I know that IT recruiting makes money.  It's not easy to get into IT recruiting and this would be a wonderful experience.  Plus I love the building and the people there seem to be really really good.  I would even learn the cultural language that was there.  There is definitely a certain culture, both work wise and ethnic wise.

I will have to see. 

Going on a Business Trip

One of my favorite things about any company I work for is the opportunity to go on a business trip.  I love business trips.  I remember my first one with my first job in college.  I was lucky to go down to LA, actually La Brea, and was able to spend the weekend with my family down there.  I took so many  pictures of the hotel room for everybody back at home.  I still have those pictures.

I think I went on another trip for another job but can't remember what it was.  It probably was not something very far or overnight or anything like that. 

This is my first business trip for the company.  Most of the time, we travel  90% to 100% of the time for this company, so travel is part of our daily life.

I'm excited, but I'm still looking for another full-time job.  I'll be going to Portland for a day and a half.  I have relatives up there so I'm hoping that I'll be able to spend time with them the day I get there.

I'm going for some recruiting training.

We have a new directors of operation in our region.  He has decided to have salary employees interview and/or hire new employees.  When he told me that, he kept telling me that this new move would not have an effect on my hours.  I told him I was not worried because I was going to be starting school soon and in my mind, I knew that school would help me find a full-time job.

My boss is really busy.  The new director of operations has given him even more assignments.  I'm not sure where he is supposed to fit all this work and my work together.  I'm supposed to help my boss out.  My boss is very accommodating and he's trying really hard to give me a lot of hours so that I will stay and be happy, at least while he's there.

Looking ahead though, I see that this new procedure IS going to have an effect on my hours.  Partly, I'm happy because I need more time to study so I can get the good grades for school.  But, I still have my living expenses to pay every month.  I don't believe that there is a good balance at this time and so I am reaching out to my connections on LinkedIn and the job opportunity e-mails that were sent to me.

There was one job that fit me to a T that I applied for today.  I get really excited when I see a job that fits me well.  I don't know how to kick the company into hiring me because I can fit the company, and I'm available.

I just got to keep trying.  I went through about 10 e-mails today contacting people who had sent me job opportunities or openings.  It's hard to keep track and get on top of the job opportunities when I worked all week in the office.  It's not really kosher to be looking for work at work.  I don't like to do other things at work except reading during lunch or my own break time.  It makes me feel guilty.  lt also keep me from focusing on the job at hand.  

On the Way to the Second Degree

I started my studies in my master degree.  I decided that I am going to study organizational leadership and human resources.

I am in my sixth week from 8 weeks of class.  I just finished two midterms and aced my first one.  I am still waiting on the second one to be graded.  I am enjoying what I'm learning right now.  It's very relatable to what I'm doing right now at work. 

I am very lucky to have learned how to write good papers. 

On the new job forefront, no luck.  The offers come in waves.  Right now, there are tons of e-mails that I need to get to, to be able to maybe have some work, July and August whenever it's very slow for me.  I just want to get ahead of the problem so I don't wind up desperate during the holidays.

I'm thinking that between my Masters and my doctorate studies, I am going to try to get my special certificates or licenses that human resource management holds.  I'm not sure how I can take those tests but I think it'll help me find a better job.  I really hoping that I'll find something by the end of this year it, that by the time I finish my degree this time next year, I will have some really good opportunities.

For now, I've got about 20 e-mails to get back to and some phone calls to make about these opportunites.

Double Duty

As the days and my assignments get fuller, it seems that I cannot get to this blog as much as I wanted.  I don't think I'm overly busy or more busy than I was in January.  My assignments have been different and require me to spend much more time than I'm used to.

I had a temporary assignment two weeks ago to take over another office's hiring assignments.  This was with the previous manager who hired me for this job.  I was happy and excited to show my stuff.

Ideally, the district hiring manager would be taking over this position that I took over.  She has been recovering from surgery so I was next in line in the district.  Quite an honor.

I spent every other day in San Jose.  I was finishing the onboarding assignments that the manager had completed while his hiring manager was out.  It wasn't easy to be able to keep track of both offices.  I had to use my assistant to take over some of the hiring while I was down in San Jose.  For the time that I spent there, I didn't get to do a lot.  I spent a lot of time traveling.  The San Jose office also takes care Salinas and I spent almost 4 hours driving from where I work down to Salinas.  Half my day was driving that day.

After week and a half of lots of overtime and weekend work to catch up on both offices, the hiring manager came back.  I had a meeting with both the manager and the hiring manager to talk about what I do effectively.  Not realizing that the manager was still on the phone, I talked about what I do, hopefully not offending the manager.

One of the things I kept telling the other hiring manager is that she needs to communicate.  I told her that my boss calls me every day to ask me what I'm doing even though I give him a weekly schedule.  I know that I can't get my job done unless he knows what I'm doing.  

Today after being out of the office for four days, I came back to the public computer in office not working.  Everybody else had tried to get the computer working and it didn't work.  Luckily for me, it worked when I needed it for one of my new hires to finish his paperwork.  But afterwards, it completely died again.  I had to figure out what we were going to be doing, concerning a computer.  Instead we decided that my laptop for work would wind up as the computer to use in the office.  Then, we had to figure out how to keep the computer stable and locked up so that it's available for non-managers but keep it safe.  I spent my day finding bits and pieces of the desk lock so that I can make sure the computer is there for the day.

I'm the type of person who keeps everything because you never know when you're going to need it.  When you finally figure out what it is, you can get rid of it if you don't need it anymore.

My last entry I think I had a job interview.  I haven't heard from them since so I'm assuming I did not get the job.  Today, I got a phone call from a company that sounded really excited to talk to me.  I was kind of excited also.  Interesting that the interviewer asked me to bring some of my writings that I've done.  I get to display a few of my e-mails and responses that I've written very thoroughly.   Writing is one of my strengths.  The interviewer also asked me about PowerPoint examples, although I've never done any for work per se.  I've done PowerPoint for school homework and teaching in church.  It's not as if I couldn't put one together.  I'm quite confident that I can.  It's a fun thing I liked doing for assignments during my studies for my degree.  I guess after doing it 40 times or so it becomes fun.

In a few weeks, I'm supposed to start classes on my Masters degree.  I'm not sure that's going to happen right away especially if things work out like they were supposed to six months ago; job, then moved out, and then school.  I've already been scheduled to work that night and I'm a little surprised.  I need to decide whether or not enough go through it right away or wait for summer.

The whole idea of starting right away was to get into school within my six months of finishing my bachelor's degree.  Well, I didn't make it within six months, so I am going to have to start paying for my loan for school.  I'm just have to figure out a way to get more hours, or a new job.

I really don't want to delay my studies.  If I start now, I'll be done by next summer.  I wanted summer to myself and maybe start my doctorate in January 2016.  But if I wait until summer, I don't think classes start until July or August, which means I'll be spending most of my whole summer studying.  I really don't mind, but I was hoping for some time off between classes.  It depends on whether or not I can stay with this company that I'm with right now.

When I have a feeling that I'm going to get a job, I start planning my life.  Some may feel that this is a way of "counting your eggs before they hatch" but I think it's a way of planning your life for change.  Sometimes though, it's overwhelming when you don't get the job.  It means cleaning the chalkboard and starting all over again.

I should be happy that people are calling me more often than before.  It means that I have something to offer and people want it. 

The company I work for is going to be very, very busy in May.  For the next two weeks all I have is hiring to do.  Not a problem as long as everybody shows up for interviews.  We're starting off slow again but I think if I fill my days up until next week, we'll be good.

Jobs, jobs, jobs...

Wow, it's been a month since I wrote last.

It has been busy.  It's nice to know that even in my part-time situation, I stay very busy.

I have had a lot of recruiters asking me for contract work.  I've responded to probably a third of them because I can't seem to keep up with them.  It's not their fault.  I applied for so many jobs every week.  I spend my days off, filling out applications.  Even if there is an inkling that an interview might happen or I have an interview and I'm waiting for second interview, I'm still applying for other jobs.  I'm not going to settle until I finally get that offer of employment.

Today was a very busy day.  I was training at my current job.  After training, I received a phone call that look like it came from another area.  I answered it and it was an invitation to a preliminary interview.  I was asked to come in tomorrow but my schedule would not allow it.  So I asked her if I could come in today because my schedule is a little more flexible today.

After I was finished training I ran home on public transportation as fast as public transportation would take me now, and asked someone for the car so that I could drive across the bridge to an interview.

I got there really early which was good.  The last interview I had I made a list of things that I needed to do need to bring.  Little things like making sure my nails were cut and clean.  Making sure I bring a bottle of water to drink.  Making sure that I have my resume and personal cards available.  Remembering makeup and anything else.

I like lists.  I live by lists.  Lists make my life easier.  I really depend on lists.

My last interview a month ago with a recruiting company looking to hire me for other companies didn't give me a lot of interest.  I knew I could do better.  There's a a huge possibility I will do better.  So I came home and made a bunch of lists of things I needed to and bring to an interview.  The list was call my hit list for any interview.

I arrived at the office and the office was pretty small, with very little furniture.  The music playing in the atmosphere was popular music.  The people in the office were really fun.  I kept talking to the person behind the desk, getting to know the company and what current jobs were available.  I tried to keep very personable and passionate about what I was looking for.  I hope that transferred to 'I'm serious about work and I'll do anything to get this job'.  I hope it didn't sound desperate.

I actually have a pretty good feeling about this job. With the recent events at work, I am pretty much ready to move on.  I think it's time.  Everything is going nice and smooth at work which is because of work that I do and work that everybody else does.  It's time to move on.  It's time to be more challenged and learn something new.

Again, I love my job but it will not allow me the means to take care of myself and my family at this time.  The people are great and I really enjoy working with them.  My boss is great.  I can't say enough about him.  I know he works hard and I know that he works hard all of us.  And we work hard for him.  I would love to work with him in another situation.

I'm not going to hold my breath.  I would like to work in the culture that I saw today, but I'm still filling out applications.

The other thing is that I went to one of the schools that I am deciding on attending for my masters.  I did this yesterday.  It was a very long day for me again.

I was very impressed with almost everything the school offered me.  I am ready to start school again in two months.  I cannot work two jobs and go to school.  I guess I could if I really wanted.  The whole idea is getting a full-time job with set hours so that I can feel better about going to school and not feel overly stressed and pressured while going to school and working.  It worked last time but I don't want to work that way again.  I think I can do something better.

I also think soon as I acquire the new employment I can really move on with the goals I  want to achieve.  It amazes me how much my goals depend on a job that has a set schedule and that can pay me to live.  Once I acquire the new job, I know I can reach the stars.

I just had another meeting a few moments ago with an advisor from the school.  She was trying to convince me to go to school which I've already was convinced yesterday.  So I'm good.  I just have to apply, get my transcripts, and apply for financially.  I'd really like to have a lot of my finances for school paid for by the time I finished my Masters.  That's my goal.  I wanted my bachelors paid for by the time I was done with my degree but I couldn't afford it.  Now, my goal is to have my bachelors paid off by the time I finish my Masters, and we will see where we go from there.

Fun and Games

One of the things that I see a lot of when it comes to filling out applications and applying for jobs is the indirect questioning of ideas that may or may not have anything to do with the job.

Today, I had one of those applications.

As someone who has been writing essays after essays for the last 2+ years, it wasn't much of a challenge.  But I still think, well I don't know what to think.

The first question was making up a new word and defining it.  That for me, was the hardest one because I feel  words are really good with people who have language skills or English skills or write poetry.  It's not one of my strengths, yet that's not one of my weaknesses.

The second question was directly about the job and the definition of the job.  That was easy as all I had to do was an Internet search.

The final question asked what color crayon would you be?  Now, I love the color pink but I don't know if I would want to be the color pink.  I went with blue.  I had fun reasons why I wanted to be blue.  I mentioned that blue is one of the colors that is well used the box.  Blue is the color of blue jeans, oceans, and skies.

There were also some of the questions before that that were multiple-choice.  I guess I did well because I would not have been able to get to the next part if the questions were answered incorrectly.  Some of the questions didn't really have right answers, such as one about favorite types of movies.  One was Lord of the rings and those kind of films.  Another one was romantic films.  And then, one mentioned the film 300.  And as much as I love that film I had to choose that set of films.

I took screenshots of the questions and the answers.  Most of those questions were pretty easy except for the Boolean search questions.  I know how to look for things using the Boolean search.  But my experience is mainly with commas, and dashes, and the words except or and.  The question was a little bit more detailed than those kind of items I know about.

The job is with the technology company and it's for a recruiting coordinator which seems to be what I'm am really looking for.

Every once in a while, I get excited about a job.  I haven't heard anything from the public utilities job that is out there.  I'm beginning to see advertisements for that job in other websites.  I don't know exactly what to expect from it.  I'm hoping by March that I will have something in line because I really need some extra money.

I have one day to study for my test next week.  I didn't realize that I would have two interviews next week and work on Sunday without days off.  I need to work because I need to be able to pay my bills but I need the time off to get stuff done.

I crossed my fingers that I can at least get one of those jobs.

Looking Up Part 2

I have some pretty good news.  I have two interviews next week for staffing companies.  Even if I don't get the job, I'm going to try to work on making an impression for them to keep my information so that they can find me another job.

One company sounded really interested in me which I'm really excited.  The other company was curious about my work but wanted someone who has more sales experience.

I was very impressed with the fact that I had all these phone calls today while I was at work.  I had to somehow maneuver my phone calls after my hiring session today before anyone from work came into the office.  It's not an easy thing to do.

I feel like things are looking up.  I love what I do and I try to show that passion in my interviews.

The second company that wasn't really interested in what I had to offer, the recruiter was kind enough to offer me an informational interview.  I'll be able to ask questions about what I need to do to be a better recruiter.

I knew that there are some sales involved with being a recruiter as I've seen some of the job descriptions requiring that information.  And anybody who needs to work with other people and try to sell what they have, needs marketing or sales.

My resume does not show that I had sales because it was so long ago.  I only have the last 10 years of my experience.  But my very first job was a salesperson at JCPenney.  I can't say was the best salesperson, but I came up with some very ingenious ways to sell products and I learned how to talk to people.  My best sales job was working for a CD and video store part-time.  Since I'm passionate about music I was able to sell all kinds of music.  If that job was a type of job that required me to work on sales and bonuses and stuff like that, I would have done pretty well.  I remember selling all kinds of music to all kinds of people because music was and is a passion of mine.

So, I don't know if I want to put that on my resume.  Also, there are a couple jobs that have been requiring experience in banking, finances, and bookkeeping.  My last job had me working with bookkeeping and banking for the company.  But I have extensive experience in banking for my first 10 years of employment experience.

I don't know.  I don't want to seem to experienced in work and I want to keep my chances up.  But I don't mind telling recruiters that hey, I have this experience I just I'm not sure that's something I want to pursue. 

Tomorrow, I finish hiring.  Hiring is been tough this week.  Lesson half of my appointments have shown that which is not good.  My goal is 5 to 6 but I pushed for 10 to 12 so that I can make sure I make the goals.  This week I will have five already and if the people arrive tomorrow then I'll have extra hires.

The Successes of this Year's Hiring

Our office had meetings last month to go over some of the good and the 'need to improve' areas. 

One of the highlights was how proud our managers are and our boss is with the new recruits.  My boss is constantly saying how happy he is with our group of employees.

To highlight the success, our daily, quantity associates are the 3rd best in the nation.  Amazing!  Thanks to the managers and the employees for working as a team to get the job done. 

I can take some of the credit.  I hired half the group last year. 

Our newer teams, as in employees hired since December, are becoming some of the best in the business.  We started a little slow, weeding out those who couldn't handle the requirements of the job, and now our production numbers are going up.  We are achieving daily production goals and our boss is very happy. 

There are still some kinks to work out and people who need to find their niche.

December and January usually involve hiring for numbers.  Plus, my new assistant was doing some of the hiring work for me.  I notice that it does take experience to figure out what to say and how to present the right information.  Now, I can take my time to hire and really think about who sits on the other side of the desk.

I am back to full time hiring, which means a lot of time in the office.  I have completed one of my major goals, which is to make sure we have enough special assignment associates.  I have them ready to go, they just need to meet with the boss.  It's in his hands now.  I've done all the paperwork, forms, tests, and etc,.

As happy as I am with my job, which I love doing, I am still looking for another part-time or contract job.  Or even full-time work if the pay is worth it. 

I spent my day today filling out applications, sending resumes and cover letters.  I'm excited about some of the prospects out there.  I would love to work with a new, up and coming company. 

This month, I have to make the decision on where I am going to start my Master's program so I can start next month. I can't believe it is already that time.  Sheesh!  Time flew by. 

Looking Up

Hey all,

January is done and I'm ready for my next phase.

This month already, I have a local test for a job with our local city as a recruiter and human resource generalist.  I have been looking online helps to help me study for this test.  I have no idea what is expected of me, but I don't want to be left in the cold, unknowing what is expected for me.

I have taken tests for government jobs twice in my life.  One time, I applied for a postal worker position.  The other time, I took a test for bookkeeping.  It was the hardest test I ever took.  It amazes me how much stuff the tests cover and how much one really knows.

I think that at times, it is really luck of the draw.

A good job searcher as I am, I am not putting all my eggs in that basked.  I've done that before and it gave me nothing.  Just because I have an opportunity with the local government, I am still filling out applications. 

Today, I got in contact with a recruiter who e-mailed me about an opportunity with a public utility company.  The offers the recruiter is going to put in for me sounds very exciting.  The opportunities are contract, which seems to be the way I'm going to either get my foot in, or get more experience.

I have a few other companies that have contacted me through e-mail and I will be contacting them tomorrow on my day off. 

And while all this is happening, I am back to recruiting and hiring for the company I currently work.  Just because I'm looking for more opportunity, doesn't mean I drop the ball at my job.  No burning bridges for me.  I need every connection I can get.

Where Are The Posts?

Hi Y'all!

It has been an extremely busy month, as mentioned before.  But not only that, I do not have an Internet connection at home.  It was either the phone or Internet, and I need a phone for both work and job searching.  I can use the Internet connection at work, such as I am doing now. 

I know it sounds general, but there is a reason to find a job that will help me find a way to keep on top of things. 

My feelings about just keeping on top of things is for another blog post. 

Since I had decided that I will apply for either part-time or contract work, I seem to have more options.  I just hope that we find something before I have to go back to school in March/April. 

I have a couple of responses that I am expecting to hear about this week. 

It's 3:40 am.  I just finished a job in San Francisco about 3 hours ago, but had all my after-job reporting to do, scheduling my office hours, answering e-mails, and getting ready for tomorrow's job.

If it is flexibility you need for a position, I am overly flexible.  This job has put me in extreme flexibility; working all different hours, different shifts, different places and different responsibilities.  This is normal for this type of work. 

Time to go home and go to sleep.

A New Year-New Goals, New Expectations

Yes, I am writing during the weekend.  It was the only time I had to myself this week.

This is the time of year where my work is on overdrive.

Multitasking is a way to survive and to accomplish goals.

This will be my fourth January with this company.  This is the busiest time of the year for our company.

Last year, I have only three days off as a recruiter and supervisor.

This year, because of the requirement to have an assistant, I will actually have some weekends off.  Not many, but at least this weekend.  Starting this week, I will be working 6 to 7 days a week.

I didn't get to write much this week.  After writing on Monday, I had a full day on New Year's eve at work.  Then, I had a whole day off on New Year's.  The day after New Year's, I went straight to work at 5 AM.  Friday was a full day of major hiring and training.

I usually do a lot of hiring and training during the first couple weeks of January.  This year the expectations and goals aren't as high as they were last year.

We are still training supervisors that were promoted last year.  We lost the manager and the driver last month and it's affecting my hiring time.  I am rehiring a former manager.  I have two full-time drivers and one or two part-time drivers to complete qualification. 

The next two weeks or three weeks I will be working nonstop to get these goals done by the next two weeks.

I guess you could say that my New Year's resolution for this job is to accomplish my manager's goals with hiring and recruiting.

With that, I also have a goal of at least sending one job application per day on days that I work out of the office.  The reason I made that goal is because when I workout at the office, I don't usually work eight hours.  I usually have more time to really concentrate and focus on the job posting.  When I'm not working except on weekends, I will send out at least five or more applications.  I'm giving myself a limit of five because that's how many I was able to get out on New Year's when I was off.  Even though I am off from work, it's these heavier days of expectations that I still have to work to make sure that everyone's on boarding forms are complete. 

I'm looking forward to the new crop of employees were going to have to see. I think we will have a better group than previous years.  I think that happens every year anyways.  It comes with experience from my side and from the available candidates.

This week, I may not be writing every day again.  I will try to make sure I get some things in a couple times this week and next week.