A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

job hunt

“How do you feel about dogs?”

A friend and I were discussing jobs recently – more him asking me how the job was being I was a year in. For those of you who read here, you know I love where I’m at and happy how things worked out.

But …

There was that 2.5-year span where I wasn’t employed, sans a summer gig at a local baseball park for one summer. And, for the record, that was a whole heap of fun.

Needless to say, that span was tough. Over that long gap in employment, I had a bunch of interviews, some of which were the phone variety, others in person. And, as always, there’s going to be some that are way funnier or entertaining than others, right?

He reminded me of one interview I had that was mind-blowing in how it was done. I say this only because I expected much more. You see, this was with a national company and one that I had hoped was progressive in its thinking. It was for a position that was very heavy on public relations (at least in the description) and, to be honest, with everything I had done I was a near perfect fit, or so I thought.

  • I had impeccable references.
  • I had the qualities and experiences they needed.
  • I was a member of their organization
  • And I had ideas that, I believed, would help the organization.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t go in confident. I don’t think I was cocky, rather hopeful and willing to remain confident in hopes of being a better interviewee.

Because the job was many states away, it was a phone interview. There were certain cuts of the process. The final 10, the final five (if I remember right) and then they brought in the final two or three for face-to-face interviews.

The final 10 was an e-mail-style interview. They asked you a bunch of questions and you responded. I didn’t wait on it and finished it that day and sent it back. This is where it all started, though. The e-mail I got was an obvious cut-and-paste as it had the semi-arrows on the left side at each sentence.

So it looked like this all the way down the e-mail:

> I am pleased to inform you that you’ve been selected to move on to the next
> round of the search process. At this point, I have identified ten
> promising candidates for the position and I am pleased to have you as one
> of that number. In order to proceed, I would like you to please provide
> responses to the questions that appear below.

I was given about a week to fill this out, which was plenty of time. The questions were basic interview questions. Some of the questions were about the organization; some were asking me about reactions or situations etc. Basically, the items people expect to see at an interview. So it was nice they were getting these out of the way.

I sent it in a few days before the deadline and waited. At the beginning, they had given a tentative schedule. Usually, that’s good to follow. But I didn’t receive notice about this until a week after that deadline. That wasn’t anything to worry about, though, as I was selected to be part of the final five, which meant a phone interview with three people.

The phone interview was … well, odd.

This is the part where I really wondered about things. It never seemed to get a flow to it. Some of the questions were off-the-wall. Many of the questions made me wonder if the description of the job was actually what one would be doing.

I actually felt a bit deflated by it.

Then there was one point … one question … where I shook my head and couldn’t help but smirk. It was at that point that I knew there wasn’t any way getting the job. Not that I couldn’t do it, but … because this just threw me off.

The question?

How do you feel about dogs?

I was silent for a moment and stumbled for a second. How does one answer this? Was this one of those trick questions designed to see how you react? Was it something else that I was missing?

I responded: “Um.. I guess I like them? As long as they aren’t barking all the time?”

I made sure my voice sounded more like a question … and then I had to do it. I had to ask why that question was pertinent.

Turns out one of the employees sometimes brought dogs to the office and they wanted to know if people had allergies.

Now, I’m pretty sure it would be illegal to not hire somebody because they have animal allergies, especially when the job is not related to anything with animals.

How do you feel about dogs?

That really was asked to me. To this day I still shake my head. I wonder how the others reacted when asked this question. I also wonder if my response had any part of the decision, but who knows.

So in a professional environment, a question was asked my feelings about dogs because somebody brings their pets into work with them.

One day later, I received the e-mail saying I wasn’t moving on to the next round of interviews. And this was midway through my unemployment span, so I really wanted a job. But I almost breathed a sigh of relief because the job seemed to be different than advertised and …

Well, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about sharing an office with a dog.

I’d like to note two other things.

First, this was the second time I applied to this organization because I once believed in what they did. I still think, given the right spot, they can be an amazing organization. I’ll be honest that I’ve kind of fallen away from some of the things it is involved in, so I haven’t watched as closely as I once did.

Anyway…

The first time was for a position, honestly, I would have had no business having. That’s not the point here, though. What is the point is that everybody was supposed to get a response. I had friends who applied and didn’t get to the first cut and got e-mails. Not me. So, of course, I think I’m going to make it go through. Weeks go by and I hear nothing. So I finally contacted the office (via phone). I got an e-mail a few days later saying the e-mail had been sent to me about three weeks earlier, so they pasted it again. The odd part? It came to an e-mail I didn’t use with the organization for my job items.

That being said, at that point, I was still at the newspaper, so I didn’t worry too much. It was just mind-boggling that things like that happened.

The second thing is about the same time I was going for my current job (which I love – and for the record had an amazing interview process etc.), the same organization had a spot for – once again – a PR-type person. I went through the qualifications and was thinking “me, me, me, me.” I figured, what the heck, let’s try it again.

It didn’t reach that far.

I got the letter reach, my resume, and I really sold myself. I showed why I would be the perfect match. Then I got this interview and it looked promising. The package had to be sent the day before I was offered this job (or the day after, I can’t remember).

That package was never sent, though part of me wishes I had – just to see if I could have made it through a few rounds again.

In the end, it all worked out for me. But I need to end with one question to all the readers out there…

How do you feel about dogs?

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One year later: Still smiling

One year later, I’m still smiling.

Nov. 14, 2013 was a massively huge day for me. It was a day where a more than two-year nightmare ended for me.

It was a day when my unemployment ended.

I’ve documented my two-plus years on this blog more than once. In fact, this blog was a massive help for me during that span. It gave me a creative outlet and a way to continue to write. But the road was long. I didn’t get interviews, and those where I did get them, I felt like things were already stacked against me.

Heck, I couldn’t even get interviewed at some of the big box chain stores. Imagine that?

Then my current job came along. Everything happened fast. There was the interview and the next day an offer. I accepted, of course. And a few days later, I started.

Just like that.

I consider myself lucky to have gotten into this position. The service I am part of is growing and we actually just hired another person. Hopefully that’s a sign of more and more growth.

As for me, I’ve grown professionally and personally over the last year. I smile more. I truly do feel like I found something that was waiting for me. And I’ve learned. Oh, how I’ve learned.

I work in the communications field, as many of you know. But though I dabbled in some PR, my background has been, for the most part, newspaper journalism. And I was pretty good at it, too. I’m not always a “self-back patter” but I won several awards and had grown so much over a seven-year stay at a daily newspaper.

But the reality is, newspapers are not what they once were. Daily papers get thinner, circulations are shrinking – almost as fast as paychecks – and it’s not a profession that it once was. I still read newspapers because it’s something I always believed in. But the amount of errors on a daily basis in many (typos, headlines wrong, bad information, etc.) makes me cringe. Many newspapers don’t keep up with the times and technology, either, which then makes them “yesterday’s news.”

Times are a changing, that’s for sure.

And, now, I’m on the opposite end. I’m flipped. I’m in the PR/communications side of things. I work with websites and social media and releases on a regular basis. PR is no longer just about feeding a newspaper or radio station a story. It’s about drawing readers and others to your media sites. It’s about showing the story, not necessarily digging for other things.

And I have loved it.

I’ve learned many things over this year, from budgets to educational battles, to working on events and making many contacts in the community or political world. You really run the gamut. All the while, I still believe in working with the traditional news sources and getting them information they need.

This past Friday was the one-year anniversary of being offered (and accepting) the job. I started a year ago tomorrow. I was nervous, excited and everything else in between. Since then, I’ve grown and will continue to grow.

It’s amazing what happens when you land on your feet in a place where you feel you are part of something special. I am excited with the future and what it will bring. I love where I am in life, and the past will never destroy me as it made me realize many things I will use for the rest of my career – and life.

One year ago, things changed – for the better. I’m a better person for it all, too, as I now don’t take things for granted. It can end in a moment and without you ever having a clue it was coming.

Today, take a deep breath wherever you are. Smile. Realize the world could be much worse. Take a moment to look around. Being alive is a gift in itself, so always keep that in mind.

For a couple of the posts I had about my unemployment run and finding a job, finally, follow the links below:

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Ten Things of Thankful: Moving on with high spirits

I figured this week is probably a good one to do my second go at the Ten Things of Thankful. To say I have a lot of things to be thankful for is probably an understatement.

With that in mind, I’m going to find my 10 things and take part in Lizzi’s weekly challenge.

Realize, some of these will be about the same sort of topic — the job. And, of course, I’ll be throwing some other things in there as well.

So, without blabbing any further, here’s my 10 things.

1. Opportunity

This goes without saying. If you read my Friday post (and if you didn’t, I would highly encourage you to do so!), you know I’m gainfully employed again. Words can’t express enough how appreciative I am for this opportunity.

2. Timing

This is one of those jobs that moved fast. I got my stuff in a couple of days before the deadline, had the interview a handful of days later and then had the offer the next day. Talk about things working together in strong timing!

3. Interview

OK, I’m not always the best interview. Sometimes I think I do well and others I don’t. It hasn’t mattered much in recent years as it’s all ended with the same result. In fact, a couple of weeks ago I had an interview. I walked out figuring I wouldn’t get an offer and didn’t. But this one? Yeah. I rocked it and thought that. I left with cautious optimism and, in the end, it turns out the interview was solid.

4. Friends and family

The past three years have been tough. Without friends and family, I’d have been fully lost. I opened my guard up a little on this situation and, after I got the chance, I posted about it on Facebook (after contacting some people). The outpouring of comments was extremely humbling and words can’t describe how thankful I am.

5. Being well-rounded

OK, this is the last thankful that will go with the job stuff. But one think I learned at a few past stops on the job train was being well-rounded is important. I think it really helped me here as I showed confidence in every aspect that will be needed for this gig.

6. The Blogging World

I can’t express how important blogging has become to me. What a great community. It has been such an important part of my life and hopefully, it will continue. I find surprises every day and I want that to continue. I have some ideas I am going to start working on for my blog and it’s my hope it will entertain readers!

7. Podcasts

OK, I’m a little behind the time here. But I am really starting to get into podcasts. Some are really awesome. I’ll be blogging about one or two of them in the near future, but I want to keep finding high-quality podcasts to listen to. As much as I love driving to music, being able to listen to a quality podcast makes drives much faster!

8. Milk

A few weeks back, I stepped on a nail. I had to go to the ER and, then, a second time. At that point, I got an antibiotic I needed to take for 10 days. Dairy could only be had at certain times when taking this, so I basically avoided it. When the 10 days came and went, I had a big glass of milk. I really do love milk and it’s nice to be able to have a glass whenever I want!

9. Championship weekend

I’m also thankful that, for the second straight year, my niece is playing for a state championship in girls soccer. She’s but just a junior, and she starts on the squad this year. Last year, they lost in the final. Here’s hoping that changes this year.

10. Challenges

I really do enjoy challenges. I need to keep on top of them a bit more, but I do love ’em. Whether writing, photo or whatever else, they are a bit of fun. And with that, here’s another Ten Things of Thankful.

Ten Things of Thankful

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The tunnel opens and I finally walk through to the light

1,007 days.

That’s how long it’s been since the fateful day when my position was cut at the newspaper. That’s how long of a journey I’ve been through in search of a full-time, career-oriented job.

Unemployment.

Hundreds of applications.

Many interviews that ended with nothing.

Do you know how long 1,007 days is? No? Allow me to share.

Two years, nine months, three days.

Time to walk through to the light at the end of the tunnel. Finally.

During that time, I’ve watched friends start and/or add family members. I’ve seen people move on from job to job. I’ve watched a national election closer than I have ever done so before. I’ve started a niche blog on disc golf, I’ve grown my personal blog and I’ve been through thick and thin. I’ve revamped my resume more times than I care to think about and I’ve written so many cover letters, I could wallpaper a room.

All that time, I’ve done everything I can to keep an upbeat attitude. Something had to happen, right? Something good. I couldn’t have messed with karma that bad, could I?

1,007 days. You know what that’s equal to? 24,168 hours.

If you worked that many hours at $7.50 per hour, you would have $181, 260. I don’t have that. It’s unfortunate, but it’s OK. In fact, I’ve dwindled my savings and any bit of a retirement I had down to nearly nothing.

But at least I had it to draw from. Heaven only knows where I’d be without it!

As I’ve been searching through all this time, I’ve kept it all in perspective, several times here on the blog. I had a roof over my head, friends and family who supported me and the ability to still eat. I had enough of a savings to keep me afloat, pay my bills and survive. I’ve also found enough work — albeit temporary — to keep some income coming in at times I needed it most.

Still, when you think about it — 1,450,080 minutes is a long time! That’s 87,004,800 seconds! Think about that one for a while.

I still remember Feb. 11, 2011 like it was yesterday. So it makes it a little easier to move along. I left with no bridges burned and was professional in every way possible. If you want to look back at my thoughts about it, click here for the post I did at that time.

Now starts a new — and exciting — chapter in my life.

When I first saw this position advertised, it caught my eye. Being it was in the educational field, my brother (a teacher) forwarded it to me as well. I looked at it closer and as I looked at each skill or requirement, I said (probably out loud) “Me, me, me etc.”

To say the least, I was excited.

Then, things moved quickly. I mailed my application in and it arrived a day or so before the deadline. Two days later, I was contacted for an interview. Five days later, I had the interview.

At no point during the past three years have I ever felt so comfortable and confident during and leaving an interview. I thought my answers were honest and to the point. There were follow-up questions, which excited me. I walked out thinking there wasn’t much else I could do. I felt like it was a natural fit. In fact, I sat in my car shortly after the interview and wondered to myself if this long stretch was there for a reason. Maybe this job was meant for me?

At times I wondered where I would end up and things like this kept me grounded. Now, it’s like I am staring at this non-stop, which is a good thing.

I left with cautious optimism.

The following day, I was offered the position. It didn’t take me too long to accept, that’s for sure.

I don’t know how all of you are, but I’ve always been a believer in things happening for a reason. Whether it was my position being cut or the nearly three years of doing this or that, it all leads to some sort of an ending.

And, truthfully, things don’t always end happily.

At times, I wondered if I would be one of those people. Find a job, just to get by and then watch the years pass by. So many good jobs have passed me by. I wondered if I wasn’t meant for this field, or if I was just not somebody who was going to find that “career” position. I even considered going back to barber school (which, to be honest, I might have done if I thought financially it made sense).

All the while, I tried to stay upbeat. I watched as friends and family were successful. I supported everybody I in any way I could. I even sent out applications for work I probably was “too overqualified” for (those aren’t my words — it’s what I’ve been told more than once. I don’t think anybody is overqualified for a job. If I apply for it, there’s a reason I want it so don’t always look at the education/experience and think I won’t accept it).

Then, this job appeared — almost like a “guardian want ad.”

It’s funny how things work out. I just had this feeling. A really good one. I did something I don’t normally do — I told people I applied. I said I had an interview. I showed excitement. I let my guard down some. I allowed people to wish me luck. Usually, I’m guarded and try not to get things like that.

Maybe karma finally helped me out. Or so many positive vibes helped. I don’t know what it was, but it worked.

Basically, I was on the big table at the World Series of Poker. I had a pair of Jacks and hoped nobody else could beat it. So, I went all in. And, now, I have something to show for it.

I couldn’t be more excited and can’t wait to dive in.

To readers and those who have been along on this journey with me, thank you for everything. No matter if it was a simple comment, a pat on the back or just a smile, it all helped — more than I can ever say. Thank you a million times over.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Using creative outlets to get through life’s tough times

The guest post I ran on the blog this weekend got me thinking about boredom and hobbies.

See, I’ve had to do a lot of things to avoid boredom the past few years. Battling unemployment with part-time jobs, odd jobs and a massive job search can really mess with your mind. Anyone who has been in this situation can probably understand where I’m coming from.

Checking out community days/fairs/festivals is a good and inexpensive way to get out and avoid being bored overworked.

The funny part is, some of the things on that list I had never considered and I wish I had — such as reading free chapters for Kindle books. Talk about a way to see if there’s something you truly want to read.

But it also got me thinking about the human mind when it comes to boredom.

See, a lot of my time the past few years has been spent on the computer. It’s the bad part about being on a job hunt. Resumes. Cover letters. Search. Tweak resume. Write another cover. Search for another job. Repeat.

Over and over. And over. And over.

I’m sure you get it.

But doing that for many hours a day gets pretty boring. And it’s not that you don’t want to push forward, it’s that you can’t. Words start mashing together. You worry you’re writing to one person and putting a total different name in the spot. I can’t even say how many times I’ve woke up in the middle of the night worried I addressed a cover wrong. I’d quickly grab my phone and access Dropbox to see if I did it right. Thankfully, I’ve only had an error once — and I wonder if it hurt me.

Alas, I won’t dwell on that one. That was my stupid mistake and it involved a name that could be male or female. Yeah, I’m sure you know what happened there. I did e-mail the person soon after, apologizing. I even conceded in the letter that I probably ruined my chance for the job, accepted it and moved on. I haven’t made that mistake again.

But that boredom.

I call it computer eye. By that I mean I stare at a screen, trying to write a cover or tweak a resume and nothing works. Nothing at all. It’s not necessarily boredom, rather a block. So I’ve needed to do things to keep my mind focused.

My out has usually been some sort of a creative outlet.

From writing on the blog, to photos (many of which I still need to process), to just getting outside has been key for me. Utilizing creativity allows a mind to wander, to think, to focus. I usually can go back to cover letters and such within the next day and be good to go.

One thing that has been key is finding affordable or free things to keep busy. That’s something that isn’t underrated. And while blogging has been amazingly therapeutic — especially with creating many friends in this outstanding community — it doesn’t get you away from the computer.

Get out and find a place to hike or explore.

Geocaching (outside the GPS unit I bought several years ago) is a free hobby, for the most part. Hiking is free. Going out and snapping photos is free, again outside of the equipment I already owned. Playing board games with friends is free. Disc golf is free, as long as you have one disc and can get to courses. Letterboxing is free. Many parks are free. Heck, I visited a zoo in South New Jersey not too long ago that was by donation, so it could be done very inexpensively.

In the warmer months, many communities have festivals or fairs and a lot of them are free. You just have to look around and visit other communities. It’s well worth it.

It really makes you think outside the box.

Sure, there are online things one can do, but there are so many other things. Do some community service, or find a way to help people. I try and do work with Find-A-Grave as much as I can, which allows me to help people from all over by getting photos of long-lost relatives headstones. Maybe they are researching a family tree and those stones can often be very important.

That guest post also got me wondering — what do you all do to escape boredom or to clear your head when you really need it? Share in the comments below as it might help others looking for free/inexpensive ways to spend some time away from the computer.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!