Adventures of the Unemployed…. again

Had a “job interview” today. I didn’t get my hopes up when I learned that they wanted me to set up my own interview. I knew something was up from the get-go. I had applied only a day before, and already they contacted me? Smells like an automated message to me! Either way, I am in no position to be picky or to over scrutinize any potential future employment. I went ahead and picked a day and time from the plethora of 15- minute interval options available for you to choose from. Sothis morning I realized I was getting even fatter than ever when trying on clothes from my closet. I assume unemployment=stress=over-eating. I picked an uncomfortable outfit (meaning the one that looked the most professional), printed my resume three times (my printer decided it was a good time to run out of ink!) and drove for almost an hour to the address that was given to me. When I arrived I saw exactly what I expected. A hallway FULL of people of all ages with resumes in hands being directed every which way. I was promptly asked if this was my first or second interview by a skinny woman in jean and a nice jacket…. I envied her jeans. I wish I had jeans on at that moment. Why were we asked to dress professionally if she got to wear jeans!!!! Anyhow, jealousy aside, I handed my resume and the lady then took my picture (she said it was to remember me… although I don’t see how that is very relevant when it is a horrible picture and there are hundreds of us). I was placed at a computer to take an assessment test, which took about 15-20 min. and then I was told  that I would be given a call in 2-3 days.

Alright…. so here’s my problem. Seriously! I drove about an hour for you to take the same resume that I had already sent you, to take a picture that I could have provided you with via email and to take an “assessment test” that was on-line anyhow and mainly asked the same questions I have already answered in my resume and cover letter. Maybe they should hire me just to save them some money. Think about how much money they would save by doing all of this on-line. If they still want to meet you after the assessment test, then they could schedule a real interview! I feel like I waisted my time and that I was deceived. Not only was the job specifications not the same as the one provided on a certain job search website, but it seems like it is more a performance based pay than a regular full time job (as it was described).

I know searching for a new job isn’t easy (especially if you’re like me and don’t have a specific job title)… but do employers really have to make everything even more difficult?

Here are a couple websites about job scams. Try not to be roped into one!

Scamdex, Privacy Rights, Hotscams

Also found a fellow writer that seems to be going through the same things as I am. You can read about his trials and tribulations at Jeremiah Tolbert.

 

Adventures of the Unemployed…. (continued)

 I find it interesting that a lot of people hate Bush. Change my mind. What I meant say is that it doesn’t surprise me. But, I can’t really complain. Since my job hunt has given me nothing in return except for watery eyes from staring at the computer so much, I have been relying on unemployment checks to keep me going. Thanks to Bush, unemployment was extended in 2008 from 13 weeks to 20 weeks. Thanks man! I really appreciate it. Not that I think riding the wave on government checks is fun, but when there is nothing out there…. well… it helps to pay the bills. Good thing people love their cable because if not the company my husband works for might not be doing so well! LOL …. All in all, the search continues and thanks to Bush I’m still getting some money in the meantime.

No Doubt on American Idol

Yes you heard right! No Doubt will be performing this Wednesday May 6th on American Idol. It may be sad day for the contestant being eliminated but hey… if you get to see No Doubt performing live the it can’t be THAT bad! I’m super excited. I’ve been a No Doubt fan all my life. Glad to see them all back together again and I can’t wait for them to roll in to town.

For more info on their tour dates and tv appearances check out their official website NO DOUBT

Customer Service Sucks!!!

Oh yes! I have worked in customer service for many years and have great stories to tell. Since meeting most of my friends in the same job fields I’ve acquired an even greater amount of stories. People are crazy out there, so be nice to the employes. Furthermore, being mean and rude at people who are trying to help is going to get you nowhere fast! Trust me on this one. A lot of people will go above and beyond for those who are patient and understanding. I am on a mission to collect as many customer service stories out there, plus I’ll share a few of my own as well.

Final 7 sing …. again (April 21, 2009)

 Tonight we heard the final seven… again. With Matt being saved by the judges last week, tomorrow we will witness two contestants being voted off. Ryan started us off in a hurry with Lil Rounds (no time to spare!! since the show has gone over a couple weeks). She sang “I’m Every Woman” but was not complimented at all! Simon let her know it will most likely be the last song she sang , Paula said she had recovered very well from having no voice at all the previous day. Cara said she’s been waiting for her to sing something along this line… but apparently didn’t wait long enough! After all these negative comments, the camera snapped to her family and you could see the aggravated look on her mom’s face. It was as if she was about to get toe to toe with the judges. Sorry Lil Round mom but you’re just going to have to realize that she’s leaving us…. SOON!

Chris sang Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard for the Money”. As I’ve said before, he’s not one of my favorites in the competition, but I have to give it to him. This performance was awesome. The arrangement was unexpected and the vocals were beautiful. After a little quip with Paula about mentioning Chris “shopped in women’s”, Simon said “original, well-thought out, not-karaoke and completely unlike [Lil Round]. I’m sure he’s safe!

Danny…. well, Danny is Danny. He sang Earth Wind and Fire’s “Remember” and once again dazzled the audience with great vocals. He was given kudos all around but Simon said the only thing that bothered him was that the performance was “awkward and uncomfortable”.

Allison came out in a super hot awesome (really great shoes!!- so jealous!) and sang “Hot Stuff”. The ”dawg” didn’t care for the arrangement of the song at all but admitted that he thought she was an awesome singer. Simon told her it was a brilliant performance which completely surprised me but all in all I think she’s safe as well. Kind of shocked they didn’t mention the whole outfit!

Oh Adam my Adam!! He never disappoints and this week was no different. After giving his rendition of “If I Can’t Have You” judges complimented the arrangement and the awesome vocals. Paula was moved to tears and said she could feel his pain (and yes Paula, I understand what you mean). Although I personally think it isn’t his BEST performance, it was great and he looked great with his cleaned up look.

Matt, who was given another chance last week, sang “Staying Alive”. Randy said he didn’t like the arrangement or song choice but gave him props anyhow. Also commented that these are the best and most talented top seven ever on AI. Cara said she enjoyed watching him move around the dance floor for a change. I think going after Adam hurts his chances but I loved the performance and he should stay alive for next week.

Anoop, Anoop, Anoop. Still don’t like him and completely agree with Simon that he was mediocre and gave a horrible version of  “Let’s Dim the Lights”. Paula said that only real men can wear pink. I don’t think he should survive though.

My votes for tomorrow’s elimination: Lil and Anoop…. Sorry, but the competition is fierce!

American Idol

Excited to watch tonight’s show! It’s officialy Disco time, which makes me wonder with enthusiasm as to what Adam is going to give us tonight. He may be disliked by some for his black nail polish and unconventional looks (things that I think only add to his personality and give us a glimpse of who he is as an artist!) but no one can deny his amazing voice and skills at putting on a show. Even though were still relatively early in the competition, my money is on Adam. Allison and Danny will probably also be in the final three. The rest of them….. they’re good, I like them all but I don’t LOVE any of them. We’ll see what happens…..

Simon Cowell makes a clutch decision…

Once again American Idol said goodbye to another contestant. This week it was Scott who was sent packing. Can’t say I was surprised. He is very talented and extremely inspirational to many, but week after week his performances have been been going downhill quick. After he performed for the judges for the last time, Simon said he had a 50/50 chance of staying because it wasn’t just about him. I agree, the judges need to save that free pass for someone with more potential of winning the whole contest and Scott just didn’t have that. So, when it came down to it Ryan asked Simon to make a decision and Simon said “it’s the end of the road”. 

Audiences also got a chance to see performances by Frankie Avalon, Flo-rida and Kellie Pickler.