Looking for a Job

So last week, prior to quitting my short-term, hell on earth, job I found Career Builder. Unlike Monster, Career Builder has mostly corporate entities posting. It's interesting, as a person on the job hunt, the things that you find yourself looking at.

For example, job postings with the title misspelled. My husband, bless him, has a job posted on Career Builder. However, his second in line for the throne failed to proof read her work, and therefore the title of the position is misspelled. I don't know if I would apply for a position where there are misspellings. I mean, if they are going to critique my resume, shouldn't I critique this - their first foray into finding someone suitable?

Secondly, if the job says small business or is asking for a dependable person (for which I am - unless I hate you - then it becomes a chore) be aware. The person hiring may be a micromanager. I didn't understand truly what a micromanager was until my short-term position. Having someone stand over my shoulder while I am waiting for a program to load is annoying. Having someone breathe down my neck while waiting for something while I am on the phone getting answers to questions that the manager can't answer because they don't know either is doubly annoying...but I digress...my month in hell, was truly just that - I'm working to throw off the negativity.

Some other things that the candidate should look into is the relationship with their placement agencies. I'm working with one, and I don't get along particularly well with the recruiter. I find her to be "fake." I don't know why - I don't know her well enough to be able to place this label upon her, but there's just something about her that I don't like. Maybe part of it is that she calls me before 9 a.m. When a person is out of work, they may not be out of bed at 7 a.m. Especially if they have a husband and child that aren't out of bed at 7 a.m. This is just a pet peeve, but it adds to the sensation of dislike.

I find that it is important to ask questions - so as you are reading the job description, write down questions that you may have and if you're lucky, and the place is posted as to whom is doing the hiring (rather than reading "Confidential Company" or a placement agency, research that company. Find out information about it and do your work - you want to know the culture of the place, what their business dress is and how comfortable are you working for a small, medium or large company or corporation.

So, overall, it is important to do one's research in looking for a job. It also helps to look smart, even though we all know you are smart. By doing your research, you are showing that you are truly interested. And also, follow your gut. I didn't do that and well, I gave up a month of my time in hell. But you know what else? If you do what I did and took a job that you hated, learn from that experience. Make sure you do. I know that I am not a good candidate for a one-on-one kind of office...in other words where there is just me and him and rules or regulations. In these kinds of situations, make sure that you feel comfortable speaking up for yourself. I did.

Also, ask lots of questions. If the person interviewing you appears to not be listening, stop talking. If you want, ask questions reiterating what you just said to see if they were listening - don't ask them if they were listening to you though - unless you know you don't want the job :) I did that, and guaranteed myself out of the running. Ask about the culture. If the manager doesn't know the term, you don't want work there.

Remember, interviewing isn't only about finding a job, it's about making sure that you'll be happy there too.