Friday, April 13, 2007

Job Searching: What Not To Do

Well, I haven’t got any “do’s” to offer you, but I think I’ve got the “don’ts” covered!
  • Don’t ask your off-the-wall former manager for a letter of reference:
    • First attempt: To Whom It May Concern: You are about to embark upon the greatest risk of your life…
    • Then: We are still mourning the loss of our most controversial employee...
    • And: I am pleased to offer a reference of character for Ruth VD. Ruth worked as customer reception and service clerk for about 20 years (I know she only looks 22 or so)…
    • (for the record, he did pull through in his last draft –thanks Paul :)
  • Don’t apply for a job selling something you are fundamentally opposed to. Example: The irony of getting an interview at a cell-phone store. “Would you be interested in a ball&chain—I mean, a cell-phone?
  • Be sure to polish up on your grade 4 math skills. (Does ANYONE really understand long-division anyway??)
  • Don’t let Freudian Slips mess up an application form. For instance, while filling out the position applied for section, don’t think to yourself “wouldn’t it be ridiculous if I put “manager” down” because you just might find "manager" written in clear, indelible ink.
The search continues...

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

you're so cute ruthie :)

Michele said...

Baby Ruth, I must say, at least your job searching has proven to be rather entertaining. I know how you feel, but you'll be in my prayers. Looks like our possible Summer plans might not work out, but we shall still have plenty of adventures...heehee. Can't wait to see you again and I love you tonnes!

Anonymous said...

From one blonde to another: I know EXACTLY what you mean. Thanks for all those helpful tips - I hope I never have to put them to use :)
*Hugs*

Laurie said...

Aaww, that's really sweet of your boss, Ruth :) It's good that you can see the humor in it all. Hope it goes well!

Gloria said...

Okay I'm sorry but that really made me laugh. I hope your seach comes to an end soon. Hugs.

Crystal said...

Oh my can I ever identify or what! Since I am in the same process at the moment. I would add one more to your list of don'ts: Don't ever think that when you call a manager to set up a meeting to find out more about a job in question that he won't think it's an interview, and by all means at least show up with the application all filled out instead of working on it during the meeting while he looks over your resume. And what ever you do don't make him say, "Well it looks like with your resume and the references you gave me in addition to the half filled out application I have everything I need so if you are ok with not finishing it, I am ok with it and I'll just put it in your file." Not a good plan!
I truelly feel your pain at the moment and I will be curious to see what you end up with!

Ruth said...

Oh Crystal, that's hilarious! That certainly takes the cake of the what-nots... Hope you got the job after all! I'm thrilled to say that I got a job. What a relief! I start on Tuesday...

Kristi said...

lol...that's great!

Crystal said...

Congratulations on the new job! Hope it's a wonderful new adventure for you!

LaceyD said...

Hey Ruthie!! How are you woman??? It's been forever and a day. How is your sunmmer going? Mine is pretty boring and uneventually insignifcant. lol. Whats new?? Where are you these days??