Keys To A Good Job Interview

Something I've been hearing ever since the 'sixties is that America is moving to a "service economy." Manufacturing in this country has gone the way of the Dodo.

OK. Fine. In my thirty years in the manufacturing sector I have seen it shrink from a full-tilt, vibrant goods-producing enterprise to a burnt-out husk of vacant factories and goof-balls like myself walking the streets wondering, "Wha' hoppin?"

I just had a "service sector" job interview this morning.

Stimulus funds are being funneled to the Cumberland Community Action Program, Inc. for use in providing energy efficiency assessments and updates for qualifying homes in the area.

This programs has been around since 1976. From the sounds of it, they are ramping up from doing two homes to ten homes per week and are hiring personnel to handle this increase.

CCAP had listed a few job openings, one of which was described as a "Quality Monitor." A-ha! Quality is right up my alley, so I applied.

During the interview, I sold my Quality Control credentials and explained how it would apply to their program. Basically Quality just means ensuring that a product or service complies with the specified requirements.

The director seemed to be enthusiastic about that idea and admitted that she was creating a new Quality position to review projects to document that they have been completed properly. This way they can be closed out, money can be released and all the paperwork will then stand up to audits and various governmental oversight functionaries.

She indicated that she thought I would be the prefect candidate for this new position and that she would be calling on Monday to discuss it further.

Things went pretty good, I'd say.

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In fact, the only niggling item that was less-than-good was when I locked the keys in my van just before going into the building. (See illustration, above.)

Yep. I'm typing this at the downtown library while I try to think of what my next step will be.

Michelle's working this morning, so I won't be able to call her until after lunch.

I really don't want the people in the office to see me trying to break into my van as it might leave a less-than-flattering final impression.

I suppose I could walk home (5 miles), but the house is locked and my keys are in the van.

I have two bucks in my wallet, so maybe I'll go get a coffee somewhere and weigh my options...

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Update: My wife was able to pick me up around 12:30 or so. We went back to the CCAP office and the van was safe and sound (I was mildly worried it might have been towed or broken into.)

Now let's see if they call me back, as promised, on Monday.

Job Fair

I joined a great big throng of enthusiastic desperate folks at the Fayetteville "Fall Into Work" job fair this morning at the Crown Exposition Center.

When will I ever learn?

Hardee's was a co-sponsor for this event, so what does that tell you?

I did get some information regarding a supervisor position at the local Maidenform (yes, that Maidenform!) Distribution Center. I'm reminded of the Seinfeld episode where George Costanza interviewed at a bra company.

The bulk of the representatives were from Sales (Mary Kay,Longerberger Baskets, Car Dealerships), Law Enforcement (city police, county sheriffs office state highway patrol), Health Care, Employment Agencies and the like.

I have never met anyone who got their job through a job fair.

Never, ever.

Have you?

When, indeed, will I ever learn?