Illegal Interview Questions

Some of these questions are harmful, and even illegal.  Check them out here.

Things to never say in a job interview

By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

When you're searching for a job, landing an interview can feel like a huge success -- and it is, but for most open positions, the interview is only one step in a long hiring process. For some jobs, dozens of people may be interviewed, and the competition will be fierce. Don't take yourself out of the competition by saying one of these job-interview killers.  Click here. 

Mark It Off My List....

Super excited as I have added gifts to my product line.  I will focus on previous customers and push the social networking ads and blogging.  http://www.mydreamlines.com/gifts

Dumb things said in an interview

I don't think I had any experiences like this..but these are some good ones:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/dumb-things-people-have-said-during-job-interviews.html

Decisions...Decisions...

Saw a great article on job hunting.  Do you look for the same career, seek another industry or branch out and go on your own.  I am seeing the trend of others looking outside the box.  That is why I am looking to start my own business.  I am taking the skills that I gained from all of my jobs..focusing on those areas that I am an expert in and what I love to do.  A few tips she suggested when seeking a new job:  LinkedIn, Networking (finding 20+ people you have solid relationships with) and seeking the top 50 companies.  Pleased to know that I was on target with all of this.  This is how I was able to have 35 job interviews.  It is a helping hand from these avenues and then it is up to me to get the job.  I didn't get the jobs because I was not qualified.  I KNOW I could have handled all of the jobs.  I was well-equipped to take them all on.  There were just so many candidates that were BETTER equipped than me.  Oh well...their loss!

I love positive people...

My new favorite blog...http://fit-girl-in-the-real-world.tumblr.com/

A Little Inspiration Today....

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger...

Sad Stories turned into Self-Employment

So the sad stories I keep hearing...everyone is now starting their own business.  How great..me too!  I may have an advantage in this 'hard economic time'...they will need my services to be successful.  Now I am feeling really good about this.  Time to Dominate Baby!!!

Books To Guide You...

Currently reading 'What Color Is Your Parachute 2008' -on finding a job.  The book has been revised a few times, so it is a little dated.  But I think these tips will help me:  freshly bathed, have had your hair newly permed, wear a bra and do not have the odor of strong drink.  Who knew I should wear a bra out in public and not go into an interview lit up.

Funniest Application

"Here fill this out.  This application is from the 80's...my father didn't want to change it."

There were your random questions...but a few that made me laugh out loud:

Have you ever had a problem with drugs?
Do you smoke?
Do you enjoy parties?
Do you have bad feet?
Do you drink coffee?
Are you shy?
How many days do you drink a week?
How many times a week do you use dope?
Do you like dressing up?

Ridiculous Interview

This one was a phone interview.  Seriously if you are going to have your best person interview and they suck at it...well see ya.  Because remember I am interviewing you too!!  

Interviewer:  Well Good Morning Nikki.  This is Kelly.  How are you today?

Me:  I am well and you?

Interviewer:  I am wonderful thank you for asking.

Me: (sounds like a robot..is she really reading it)

She asks me a few questions..I answer and her response was:

That is awesome Nikki and really great to hear that.  I truly believe her paper read this:

That is awesome 'insert first name here' and really great to hear that.

Worst Interview Ever

I will say out of 36 interviews...I had really great interviews.  This one was horrible...  I walk up to this gloomy company that makes screws and nuts.  I can just hear the jokes now!

I walk in and the office is dark, dingy, carpet had 100 different shades from stains, smells like oil and the fluorescent light is flickering.  I think they filmed Joe Verses The Volcano here.

The guy takes my application and resume.  He said, "The man will be out soon to interview you".  I am waiting and my phone dies.  It beeps, red light comes on and I read on the screen 'battery is drained..run for your life woman'.  'The man' stands in the doorway and says, lets go.  (i'm thinking...I don't wanna).  He is wearing a white lab coat that is stained and dirty.  He is probably about 203 years old.  As I walk by the guy who took my application..he looks straight ahead.  Voice loses all tone and he says 'good luck'.  Good luck like you will lose your soul or body parts, because they chop them up and keep them in a deep freezer in the back.  Interview was horrible.  He asked me how many dependents I had and then called the kids 'it' not he/she.  He asked me what marketing experience I had:  I told him creating relationships, working with our partners and vendors, creating an in-depth marketing plan including a website, business materials, social media, while focusing on capturing data and the closing ratio.  He then said sarcastically: And you call that marketing.  I am looking around  for a hidden camera and crew to come out...seriously this has to be a joke.

Other Sad Stories...

I keep hearing stories of those that have horrible experiences.  I am sure there are a lot more out there.

One woman I met...left an amazing company.  Didn't start looking for a job hardcore, because she won't have any problems right?  One company came to her.  10 interviews and a 5 hour personal assessment...she didn't get it.

How about the woman who worked at a hospital for 15 years making 6 figures.  She was let go, because the girl almost half her age will also be extremely happy making half of her salary.  Now this woman started applying everyone and landed a job with a great company.  Only $10 an hour..she had to take it she was desperate.  They called her back and said we are going to have to take back our offer, as we have discussed it and fear that you are so amazing that a better opportunity will come around and you will take it.

My friend had an amazing job working there for years.  She relocated for this job.  Her boss was fired and a few months later she was let go.

A friend told me that her masters degree is basically obsolete.  Does she go back to school, work a job she hates, or find another job not doing what she loves.  So she is currently making $9 an hour.

What If I Fail?

Then I do!  I am going to give myself a full year to really give my business a chance!  And why not...I can't find a job in what I would love to do.  Ha...I can't find a job period.  So I start sharing my story and listening to other successful people who are unemployed.  Those with years of experience and great talents, who can't find a job.  There are so many applicants out there!  All doing what I am doing..going after the same job.  So I am going to give myself a shot.

I Quit!!!!

Interview Number 36 is complete on February 22nd.  I start Waitressing on February 24th.  I am a kick-ass server as I was in college.  Whew...at least I am good at something.  February 27th..yep I am going to start my own company. I quit looking for a Corporate America job..I am going to have people work for me.  How do you like me now !?!?!  I have a website being created and two clients already.  I am good at a lot.  I had a previous boss and friend say...whatever you do you must dominate at it.  I love that word - Dominate! Thanks Jessica!

You're artsy...wanna make me a logo?

So I met with a friend and he asked me to make a logo.  I like graphic design even though I have never gone to school.  I have Illustrator and Photoshop.  So I left our meeting to get to work.  In an hour I created 11 sample logos for him. Huh..that was fun.  He picked out the one I really liked.   So now I can add this to my list of what I like to do.  I am not going to work for someone else to help them make money...what if I create my own Marketing Agency???

You're Not Really Good At Anything

This statement was brought to my attention by a friend...I am not really good at anything...I am good at lots of different areas, but nothing specific.  My resume doesn't have 'Admissions Coordinator' listed for the last 4 years.  So in essence..what am I good at? What do I love to do?  So I made a list from the last companies...networking, building relationships, creating a solid business plan, creating marketing plans, event planning and creating marketing materials.  And Hell No I am not going to give another mom and pop company all my great talents.  Who wants to work for a company who CAN see the black and white data of dollars slipping out the door and them not sharing it with all levels of their Corporate America Upper Suits.  So 'would you like another round' may become part of my vocabulary until I figure out how not to get caught in that mess again.  I created my own business cards (above) so as to pass out to those I meet.

New Focus - Maybe Not...

So interviews with schools and long term care facilities in full swing.  Interviews go great..how could they not when I am up to interview number 30.  This interview makes my focus shift completely.  Admissions Coordinator at a school.  It's a group interview....6 of us.  They get to know our personality, we each tell them about ourselves and why we should get hired.  I listen to the other 5...who have Masters degrees, Teaching Degrees, Communications Degree and 7-10 years admissions degree.  I have four years of work-force experience and a bachelors degree in Marketing.  I left there realizing the job I would be so wonderful for is not out there for me.

February 1st - New Focus

Ok...so it's not me!  I interviewed for a great position with a great company. Seriously! I want this job.  Interview is amazing.  The HR guy and I click.  Click like..lets go get a drink if your up for it.  I get the rejection email the next day!  WTH!!! So I call him and I have to leave a voicemail.  The jist of it.. I would love your feedback, I know you don't owe me an explanation, but if you have time....  He calls me back.  He told me I was perfect for the position and I would be a great fit with their company.  I didn't get the job because there are two others who have had previous experience in this role.  He said I could definitely take on this role and move within the company, but he has to go with the other two.  He also said my interview skills were amazing. UM YEAHHHH they better be..that was interview number 15.  Ok...so I really like this role..that is what I want to do.  Admissions Director / Coordinator for a school, hospital or nursing home.  So I am full force in interviews with these industries.

What Is Wrong With Me

The rejection is horrible!  What is wrong with me?  Why am I not good enough?  Ugh...I am sitting at my computer seeking a job with every avenue day after day. I am networking.  I am attending networking events.  I am exhausted mentally and psychologically.  I am not working out..no energy.  I am not eating well.  January 4th I finally make it to the gym.  I decide to weigh myself..not a fan of weighing myself because I'm a chic and we don't like scales. But I do anyway.  I get on the electronic one and the number is low.  Seriously this must be broken.  Did I really lose 6 pounds in a month!?!  I sprint up to the upper level where they have a scale like at the doctor's office.  Holy shit balls...I did...I lost 6 pounds.  Standing there with tears in my eyes..I leave.

January Interviews

Eleven interviews in January...all in different industries.  Now I'm getting desperate!  I am now waking up at 4:30 completely awake and thinking, "Would You Like Another Round?"  I start applying to restaurants..thinking they will hire me on the spot.  No such luck.  No one is hiring right now...it's our slow time.  A week into January I start receiving the rejection emails..'We have decided to move forward with another applicant.  Good luck in your search'.  Wonder if they really mean that.

December Interviews

Six interviews.  Awesome!! Feeling good, but starting to get a little anxious.  The deal is I will start looking for a waitress job January 15th.  I would wake up in the middle of the night dreaming, 'Would you like another round." Not that I can't step up to the plate (well table of four) and do what needs to be done for our family, but seriously...6 interviews...dammit just hire me!

Interviews begin.....

Interview 1 went great.  They are wanting to open up a new division.  I later find out corporate won't pull the trigger.  Interview 2 went very well and they gave me the job.  Making exactly what I am making now, but the drive is an hour and I won't be home until 7:00 every night.  How could we do that with the kids practices and the husband is coaching his team and has games.  So we made the decision to turn it down....because hello..interview number 2 and they are offering me the job.  Surely others will be knocking down my door to hire me on the spot!!

Dec 13, Job Hunt Continues - Online

Now onto posting my resume everywhere.  Resume looks great.  Cover Letter looks great.  References are in place.  I am set.  I decide to apply for everything that I can tackle for a career and maybe a few that would be challenging, but in a good way and nothing I can't handle.  No missed opportunities.

Places I posted my resume to and would receive email notifications:

Monster
Careerbuilder
Indeed
Jobfox
Ziprecruiter
StLouisGigs
Craigslist
Taleo
HireAHero
Headhunters
Jobview.local-jobs.monster/
Jobsearch.local-jobs.monster

I then went online to search for top companies to work for in St Louis, government companies, city companies, county companies and huge companies I drove by.

Now remember I am applying for everything, because the last three jobs I have had in 4 years were a stepping stone to my career in business.   Will staying home with the kids and starting my own business and not getting my masters backfire???

Dec 12, 2011 Job Hunt Begins - networking

I start responding to all the emails...it takes me 3 hours to make a dent since everyone keeps emailing me back.  I finally make it through all the emails.  The next day I make calls to all of those that wanted me to contact them.  So far...I am cool and calm. Not panicked.  Yes..we just purchased a brand new house just 11 months ago.   I have four interviews set up in the next week.  All with great companies.  Ha...hard economic time.  People are still hiring....I have nothing to worry about.

Lets check off the list:
-Email all my contacts
-Email all my friends
-Email all my family
-Email my networking groups
-Email my kids baseball and basketball teams
-Posted on facebook and linkedin
-Contact friends who work for staffing companies

Dec 9, 2011 Email Overload

I get the email sent out by 10:30am.  I am unable to get into my email account until 3:00, as the response is so overwhelming.  This is a good feeling.  A lot of encouragement that I will find a new career, that anyone would be happy to get me, a lot of I will not send business there anymore and a lot of well that's crummy timing right before Christmas.  I plan to enjoy the weekend.  Christmas party with friends.  Bring on the wine.  Monday begins the job hunt..networking and seeking that next opportunity.

Dec 9, 2011 Farewell Email

I head down to the local coffee shop and send out this email to over 3,000 emails, post on facebook and linkedin.  Almost 4,000 contacts...this is my starting point for looking for my new career....

Dear Colleagues & Friends,

As of today my position with XX was eliminated due to company structure and downsizing.  XX gave me a wonderful opportunity, I grew in my career as well as made contacts that I will cherish forever, for that I am so grateful.

During the latter part of my time with XX, I created the 5-C Business Plan, which includes Customer Service, Capturing Data, Closing Ratio, Closing The Sale and Content Employees.  I feel confident that I have provided XX a solid foundation for whatever direction their future holds.

I am currently seeking a new position in business, management and marketing.  Please feel free to pass my information on to those that you feel I could help the most.  Thank you in advance for any new opportunity you may send my way.

Wishing you & your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Nikki Gentry

Dec 9, 2011 We Are Eliminating Your Position

I walk in the office and my boss...well former boss says,  "Nikki..we are eliminating your position."  My response looking him in the eye and with great confidence, "I Know."  He looks at me perplexed.  After he explains why they are doing this, I get an opportunity to question the reasoning.  I find out that the owner, who let me go, never knew of my great business and marketing plan I created so as to help his bottom line. I suggested, asked, inquired, yet every door stay closed for me to increase their sales. I worked my tail off and was the face of this company.  I created relationships and brought sales to the door. I know what needed to change, but no one would listen.  Things had been moving this way when I got the email.   Awww..corporate america at it's finest.  I asked if I could send out my farewell email...he said yes.  I was floored that he said yes.  I then had to ask..is 'today' my last day. It was! Holy cow...I then say, "please tell me there is a compensation package of some sort."  Nope!  Nada!  Nothing!  I always imagined Corporate America mentality being with a big company.  CEO with multiple layers of important suits!  Nope...Corporate America can be tiny with few layers.  He then looks at me and says how did you know today was your last day?  I smile and say "Are you being serious?"  As I start rattling off the reasons... his face gets red and see him get smaller in his seat.  I stop after clue number 29 lol, as I didn't want him feeling too bad! Jeesz! I TELL him you need to speak to your boss and get me a compensation package of some sort.  A week before Christmas I receive the email denying my request.

Dec 9, 2011 What should I wear today?

I wake up a little unsettled, as I realize today will change the course of my career.  But what does one wear when getting fired.  I wanted to be professional, confident and give off the vibe like 'you are nuts for letting me go'.  A nice gray business dress with boots.  I have gone over the dialogue in my head over and over again, so as to not walk away and say, 'dammit why didn't I say that'.  That feeling of missing that opportunity.  My mind is clear and my thoughts are ready to be spoken as though I am going into battle.  I walk up to the office...seeing my reflection in the window and thinking 'Game On'!

Dec 8, 2011 Can We Meet In My Office Tomorrow...

Can we meet in my office tomorrow is the email I receive at 4:00 in the afternoon on Thursday, December 8th, 2011.  It was that feeling of...holy cow they are going to let me go and two weeks before Christmas!  So I call two girlfriends, in corporate america, who said follow your gut.  So I went into every database and retrieved EVERY email.  So I created my 'Farewell Email'.  I was extremely pleased with it.  It was well written, showed that I created a great plan for them and will make them look like a fool, if they give me permission to email it out.  I mentally got prepared to be unemployed. Slightly relieved, as I didn't have a lot of support from management or the new family member that was brought in for me to report to.