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.