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T h e A d v e n t u r e s o f C h i c a g o J o |
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The Current Job Situation |
2003-06-07� �� 3:18 p.m. |
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I am the interview queen.
I�ve dutifully sent out my resume, and the new fiscal year has resulted in several recent inquiries. Allow me to briefly review the interviews I�ve taken part in this week.
Company #1 Creates testing solutions: Test development, content management, delivery kiosks, support services, and testing locations. A completely acceptable 25 minute commute by el. Bad News: The company website indicates that there were several recent structural changes in recent months. I do not want to come on, only to be laid off in 6 months. Gone are the days of padded severance packages. Good news: The gained an exclusive contract with a very large state agency that tests thousands each month. Bad news: As one interviewer put it, �This position could be the work of three people.� Good news: Although he said that everyone there knows this and no one would be too hard on me, it doesn�t pay for the work of three. I�ve requested the pay of 1.5 as a compromise. Bad news: The position was put on hold. See the first bad news-good news bullet for my concerns. Good news: They called me back as soon as they got things back on track. Summary: The interviews went well. After my initial HR phone conversation, I met four people within the office. Everyone seemed friendly and like people I would want to work with. The job tasks sound mostly interesting, and I can�t deny that a fast-paced environment isn�t sometimes exciting. But does such a pace mean that taking of early on a Friday is impossible? That vacation isn�t a reality? That I�ll eventually feel the effects of excessive stress? In addition to my in-person interviews almost a month ago, I did a phone interview with the marketing director in Philly. An hour later the hiring manager called to say that I was selected for the final round: a conversation with the VP of something-or-other. I�m 85% confident that they�ll offer me the position.
Company #2 Creates, um, testing solutions. All of that other stuff except testing locations. Apparently this is a more popular field than I could have imagined. Located in downtown -- only eleven blocks away. A bus would drop my one block away on rainy days. Good news: It�s business casual, so I won�t have to recycle my only suit day-in and day-out. When you go commando, there�s no clothes recycling. It�s a rule. A very important rule. Good news: They were recently acquired by a large, international company. All shifting of responsibility has already taken place, and they�re now hiring in multiple departments to fill in the business gaps. Good news: The company offers a large sum for tuition reimbursement. PhD in organizational communication and an MBA-level business certification, here I come! Good news: There are benefits out the wazoo, including pre-tax spending on CTA! 30% savings on el rides! Woo-hoo! Good news: The people I�ve met with are all rock and roll-caliber folk. Bad news: It�s more marketing-related than I�d want... Good news: ...but because it�s with a large company, I can transfer when something else opens and I�m ready to make a move. Summary: All interviews went well, and everyone seemed like someone I�d work well with and would want to actually be friends with. This seems like a solid company, and the tasks could prove interesting. They pay only slightly less than Company #1 when the education reimbursement is taken into consideration, but the slower work environment makes up for any differences. I feel 80% confident that I�ll get this position.
Side note: I interviewed with four men at Company #1 and four women at Company #2. I don�t have anything to really add to that statement. It�s just an observation.
Company #3 It�s a large and old law firm looking for someone to start up a corporate communications department. I�d be in charge of coming up with new and creative ways to get the company name out. Located in downtown. Good news: The pay is in my range, includes benefits (no the tuition reimbursement though) and reduced-price on CTA rides, and has a potential to increase significantly once I make a case that I�m effective and getting the name out there. Good news: I�d essentially be my own boss. Good news: I wouldn�t fire myself if I did any slacking. Good news: Similar to Uncle Bob�s job situation, I�d have to -- oh goodness no! -- schmooze and be able to talk with people throughout the community. [smirk] Bad news: Lawyers work at law firms. Good news: Lawyers always know how to party, and they don�t mind picking up the hefty tab and writing it off. Bad news: I may have to get use to drinking scotch. Good news: I can always order an extra-dirty martini without ridicule. Good news: Alcoholics can�t look down on social drinkers. Summary: This sounds like an interesting job where I�ll get to try out new and creative ways of promoting the firm. The extravert in me will enjoy fostering relationships throughout the community, and there�s something quite appealing about being your own boss. My confidence rate is 85% that I will be offered this position.
Let the guestbook know your thoughts on my job situation. �
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Moving Day - 2008-02-15
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