No Sick Days When You're Unemployed

Yup, you guessed it. I'm sick. I have bronchitis and I feel miserable ... Coughing my fool head off, headache, and chills and sweats. BUT, there is no break from the unending job search cause you are sick. I've still got to check the job posting websites, submit my resume, and wait for the disappointment.

There are no sick days when you're looking for a job. If I'm not diligent about my search, then Unemployment doesn't have to pay me. Not that they are paying me anything now that I'm temping. But, I still have to file to keep my claim active, which means I still have to apply for jobs.

What a pain. I'd just like to sit home and veg for a change.

I had two telephone interviews this past week. Both positions were for Executive Assastant to senior level executives. Both jobs were over 30 minutes from my home and both commutes would be terrible...with traffic and stop and go on most days. The real problem, though, was the salary. They were paying what I was making 10 years ago.

Now, I'm a realist. I know that I may have to take a cut in pay from my previous salary. However, that big of a cut (over $10K) is bad enough alone. Then, when you add in the awful commute, it suddenly become not at all with it.

Not only am I physically sick today, but I am also emotionally sick and tired of looking for a job!!

It's been a while ...

Yea, yea, yea ... I know it has been a while since I posted.  Gimme a break.  I had Christmas to get through then I spent a week in Vegas with my sister, cousin, friend, niece, and three other 21 year olds.  We took my niece and three friends for my nieces 21st birthday.  Then I had to spend a week regaining a bit of self esteem after spending a week in Las Vegas with four gorgeous 21 year old girls.

Hmm, my job search ... what's been happening lately.  The engineering firm that I interviewed with twice decided they found a candidate who more closely matched their needs.  Great two wasted 15 mile (each way) trips, plus the time involved in getting ready and going to the interviews.

The week before Christmas, I had an interview with a firm in our downtown area.  I thought it went well.  Actually, it went so well that the lady who interviewed me (I was going to replace her because she was leaving as of New Year's Eve, told me that I would receive a call during the first week of January to schedule a second interview.  Yipee, a second interview, then I must have done very well.

Well, I didn't get a call -- what I got was an email.  Yup, an email stating they the appreciate my interest in the position and that they would keep my resume on file for six months.  As if I hadn't even come in for the interview.  What's up with that?  My guess, it was a family run company, so I'm thinking kiddie whined to Daddy that he/she wanted the job and was mad that it wasn't given to him/her.  So, I'm out, kiddie in.  OH HOW I DO HATE NEPOTISM.

I really can't stand when companies ignore you like you don't have feeling and if you do, they don't matter.  Yes, local country club, I'm talking to you.  You know who you are.  I interviewed at a local country club.  The interview went fairly well, I think.  It wasn't a slam dunk, but I think I held my own.  The guy told me that if I thought of any questions, that I should feel free to drop him a note.  Well, I did think of two questions so I sent him an email.  Then -- nothing.  No response.  It's been a week and Nada.  I'm wondering where the courtesy is anymore.  I mean, he didn't even have the decency to tell me that after the interview he didn't think it was a good fit.  He simply ignored me.  I guess I don't matter.

To be honest, I have been temping at a local community college.  The money stinks though.  It's less than half of what I was earning at my previous position and just slightly more than unemployment.  After I factor in fuel costs, I think I'm earning exactly what unemployment pays.  If I also factor in drive time, I'm probably earning less. So, I'm getting dressed, putting on make up, driving 12 miles each way, for nothing more than I could have earn staying home and collecting unemployment.  Hmmm, does that make sense?  I don't think so.  So why am I doing it? Because I'm nuts.  I say it is to keep my skills sharp, but in reality, it it because I'm crazy.

I don't think I mentioned that unemployment deducts my earning from the temp job from what I make on unemployment.  So, now, I'm working 40 hours a week, plus spending several hours a day looking for a permanent job, and I'm earning the same amount as if I were sitting home just looking for a job.

I AM CRAZY.

One good thing, I got a iPad for Christmas.  So now I can look for a job, write in my blog, surf the net, and play cards, all without leaving my bed.  Laziness has found a new tool.  I really do love this iPad.  It's great.  I wish I hadn't taken the temp job because then not only would I never had to get out of my pajamas, but now I'd never have to get out of bed.

Only four more weeks of temping and I'll be back to getting paid by unemployment to look for a job.

  Take it from me, it doesn't pay to take temp work while on unemployment.  Unemployment Insurance will punish you for trying to be productive while looking for a permanent position.

As I've said ... better me than you.  And today, I've taught you a valuable lesson.  Stay unemployed; it's easier.  Oh and enjoy the iPad, it is the coolest, most expensive deck of cards you'll ever own!

Dec. 21st: 2nd Interview

I had a second interview this morning and I think it went pretty well.  They have another candidate they are seeing (for a second time) on Thursday afternoon, so I won't hear anything until next week.  Bummer, I was really hoping to get a job for Christmas.  Oh well, I guess I'll get another drop on my unemployment debit card for Christmas -- a job -- money on my card, I won't be greedy.  I'll take what I can get.

If you didn't see yesterday's post, then you won't understand my frustration with this search process.  I was so discouraged after learning that I won't know until next week whether I have a job or not, and especially after yesterday's search turned up a whole lotta nuttin, I just didn't search at all today.  I wrapped gifts and watched Christmas movies all day.

Too bad that doesn't pay better.  I've said, if searching for a job paid better, I do this for a living.  Unfortunately, it doesn't so I can't.

I'll let you know tomorrow if there are any decent opportunities out there, although I doubt it.  The closer to Christmas, the slimmer the pickins.  Maybe after the 1st of the year.  I'll keep you posted.  In the meantime, remember -- better me than you!!

Dec. 20th Another OMG Moment!

Okay, okay!  I haven't posted in a while.  I do have a "second" interview tomorrow, so at least one company was impressed enough to call me back. Not my typical "thanks but no thanks" email response -- and that is even before they meet me.  After the interview --- silence!  I guess companies are afraid to contact a candidate because they might catch whatever disease the candidate has that have put them on unemployment.

HELLO FOLKS ... unemployment is not a contagious disease.  Well, hmmm, maybe it is contagious.  I mean, really, where there is one case you'll usually find five more ready to follow quickly.

Anyway, I digress.  Even though I have a second interview scheduled, I still need to continue my active job search in order to keep my unemployment benefits flowing....well, they are more like a trickle, but I still want to get the payments.  I can't even say check because you are paid on a "prepaid debit card" basis.  As long as you file your continued claim, they drop a little money on your card and you can use it pay for things anywhere VISA is accepted.  Cool, huh?  Not so cool I want to keep on it for the long term, but for now, it's kinda nice.  Actually, I had a nurse at my daughter's pediatricians office say how much she liked the picture on the card.  So much better than the ugly card her bank had given her.  I told her, "lose your job; it's the unemployment card."  She quickly retracted the comment and said she liked it but not enough to get her own.  Agreed!

So, while searching the job posting today, I came across this doosey.  It is for a Director of Marketing. Director mind you.  I believe that is a pretty high level position, usually above manager.  So, I was intrigued and read the entire post.

Wow, this is great ... they want 10+ years experience, so the competition won't be so bad.  Plus they want all kinds of marketing program knowledge, so I won't be up against all the college grads for this one.  Cool.
So, here is the entire posting direct from Craigslist:

Due to tremendous and dynamic growth, EDGAR Online, Inc. is currently searching for a Director of Marketing/Communications. The ideal individual will possess a high level of energy, hands-on marketing and communications experience with at least 10 years of experience. This position is responsible for the execution of EDGAR Online marketing programs including online and traditional marketing campaigns, external presence including website, social media and sales collateral, and online and physical events. This position requires experience with both direct and partner marketing programs. The individual in this role will be responsible for the following:
* Develop and manage all external aspects of EDGAR Online brand - website, collateral, social media, campaigns and events
* Manage marketing activities with partners
* Develop and execute marketing programs and campaigns that drive awareness and revenue from conception through reporting and analysis
* Optimize campaign and program performance through continuous testing and monitoring
* Work closely with product groups to develop collateral and presentation materials
* Work closely with sales to define revenue-generating campaigns and programs
* Manage outside vendor relationships
* Work within defined budgets

Job Requirements:
The ideal candidate will possess the following background and skill-set: * 10+ years experience, preferably in one of the following areas: financial services; data products; or enterprise software
* Minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent
* Experience in managing partner marketing programs
* Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
* Experience in online marketing including social media
* Experience working in collaborative sales processes and product development
* Experience managing a diverse set of vendors
* Collaborative nature, customer-service-oriented, can-do attitude, sense of both urgency and humor
* Comfort working across a diverse organization and on cross-disciplinary teams
* Ability to adapt to changing dynamics in the marketplace
* Proficiency in Microsoft suite, including Excel and Power Point
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including matching 401(k), medical, dental and life insurance, both short and long term disability, and many more.

AND NOW FOR THE OMG MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR ....

·         Location: Baltimore

·         Compensation: 12.50 hour

·         Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.

·         Please, no phone calls about this job!

·         Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

THAT'S RIGHT $12.50 AN HOUR FOR 10+ YEARS EXPERIENCE!  THAT'S A WHOPPING $1.25 AN HOUR FOR EACH YEAR OF EXPERIENCE -- IF YOU ONLY HAVE 10 YEARS.  IF YOU HAVE 12-1/2 YEARS EXPERIENCE -- THAT'S $1 FOR EACH YEAR!!!!!

You'd be better of asking, "Do you want fries with that?" because it will be a lot less headaches and you won't be held responsible for sales fall.

Remember, as I always say, "better me that you" especially in this crazy job market.  Yikes, $12.50- for 10 years experience, I can't hardly believe it.  I actually read and reread the posting to make sure I wasn't seeing things.  I looks like companies are using the economy as an excuse to rip off employees!

Alert!!!  Company owners and hiring managers, just because the economy is bad doesn't mean that prospective employees don't need to make a decent living.  PLEASE, PLEASE STOP TRYING TO GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING.  It is totally frustrating to those of us willing to put in an honest day's work.  In exchange, we would like an honest day's pay.  Not what you would pay the 14 year old down he street to babysit your dog while you go have an expensive dinner!!

Dec. 13: Another interview today

It's terrible, I'm getting sick of interviewing.  I think today is my 7th and I'm always "the first candidate."  These companies need to screen the remaining prospective employees to determine who they want to bring back for a second interview.  Unfortunately for me, that means I'm long forgotten once they complete round 1.  I haven't had a since call back.  Most, just seem to drop off the face of the earth.  I either call or send a follow-up email and don't hear anything back.  When I do, I'm just told, "we are still finishing our interviews and will need to decided who we are bringing back."

Yikes.  Gas so so expensive now to trek all around town, only to be forgotten as soon as I walk out the door.  Jeeze, I'm wearing my nice interview outfit, i.e. skirt, blouse, jacket, heels.  Come on folks, I'm putting on hose and heels for goodness sake.  Doesn't that count for something???  Plus, my sore arm as healed, so I don't have to wear my sandals anymore.  I'm betting that made quite an impression.  At least now I can move my right arm.

What does a prospective employee have to do to make a positive impression, cartwheels?  Well, 20 years ago - maybe, but still never in a skirt and heels.

Oh well, I'm off to make myself presentable then out the door I go.  Wish me luck and remember .. better me than you.

Fri., Dec. 10: Waiting is the hardest part ...

I had an interview yesterday morning.  The job is perfect for me ... mostly administrative work with some marketing communications and desktop publishing thrown in for fun!  Perfect.  Except we are worlds apart on the salary ... exactly $10 per hour apart.  I don't know why companies think they can get years of experience and expertise for peanuts?  I just don't get it.  You want to pay little money, then you get little experience and skill.  You want extensive experience and skills, you have to pony up the money.

They old saying, "nothing in life comes free," applies to employees as well.  "HELLO" people.  If you want skills and experience, you have to pay for it!!!! Wake up and smell the coffee ... it's the high test stuff, too.  Not the wimpy decaf ... let's get real here.

I have another interview scheduled for Monday afternoon.  I hope it goes well and I hope we are on the same page as far as money is concerned.  I was always taught that as a candidate, you don't bring up the monetary issue; you let the company's hiring manager bring that up.  Well, I'm not so sure that is the right decision.  I'm running myself all over town only to find out that I am miles apart on the salary issue.  Wouldn't it be better for all concerned if we discussed that subject first so neither party wastes it's time?

And actually, speaking of Monday's interview ... I need to be upfront an honest, this company responded to my application by email.  It was later in the evening when, I guess, the recruiter was reviewing resumes and he sent me an email asking when I would be available to interview.  No credit check required, no click on the following link.  Just a message from a real person.  Wow!  I can hardly believe it myself.  In many prior posts, I warned you that if you receive an email in response to your application, it's probably a scam.  Well, this time, I was wrong; and I'm glad to be wrong in this case.  Now I have another interview.

But, please be wary of email responses to your application.  I received at least 20 scam responses and only one legit.  So, the odds aren't in your favor.

Anyway, have a great weekend and remember ... better me than you!

Dec. 8: Imagine that ...

Last week, I responded to an employment ad and received an email message about being qualified, but I had to bring my driver's license and a current credit score with me to any interview that was scheduled.  As usual, I could simply "click on the link" to get a current credit score.  Instead, I responded by email stating that I had a current credit score through my bank so I was all prepared for my interview.  I received a second email inquiring whether I was certain that I had all required information.  I assured the "potential employer" that I did have everything required and I was anxious to schedule the interview.

Well, imagine that ... no response to my second message.  I guess there is no real job available.  Only the opportunity to get suckered into giving out your personal information.  As I've stated before, if someone responds to your application by email -- LOOK OUT!  It is probably a scam.

As for my current job prospects, um, nothing.  Last week I received two rejects.  One to a telephone interview and the second was to an application I submitted to a local hospital.  Both said I had excellent experience, but they found a candidate with a better fit.  I've also been applying for civilian jobs with the military.  I checked the status of those as well.  I put in four applications, three were not even submitted to the recruiter because my experience didn't match those needed for the positions, the fourth was under review.

It is so hard to determine whether I qualify for a military/civilian job.  They call everything by different names and they have a particular grade/pay structure that I can't seem to get a good grasp of.  I thought I was only applying for things that met my qualifications and experience.  Jeeze, what a pain!   I'm no rocket scientist but I darn near have to be just to weed through all the military positions.

I have an interview tomorrow.  Wish me luck!!!  And remember, better me than you!