Archive for July, 2009

Weird things said in a job interview

July 28, 2009

 

I was on CNN.COM and saw this headline and was intrigued to click on the link.

The following information comes from carreerbuilder.com and was submitted by hiring managers who wanted to share these unbelievable and sometimes funny responses.

I thought you might enjoy…….

Why did you leave your last job?

“I have a problem with authority.” – Carrie Rocha, COO of HousingLink

Tell us about a problem you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it

“The resolution was we were both fired.”- Jason Shindler, CEO, Curvine Web Solutions

What kind of computer software have you used?

“Computers? Are those the black boxes that sit on the floor next to the desks? My boss has one of those. He uses it. I don’t have one. He just gives me my schedule and I follow it.” – Greg Szymanski, director of human resources, Geonerco Management, Inc

What are your hobbies and interests?

“[He said] ‘Well, as you can see, I’m a young, virile man and I’m single — if you ladies know what I’m saying.’ Then he looked at one of the fair-haired board members and said, ‘I particularly like blondes.’” – Petri R.J. Darby, president, darbyDarnit Public Relations

Why should we hire you?

“I would be a great asset to the events team because I party all the time.” - Bill McGowan, founder, Clarity Media Group

Do you have any questions?

“If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?” – Megan Garnett, Articulate Leadership Team, Articulate Communications Inc.

“What do you want me to do if I cannot walk to work if it’s raining? Can you pick me up?” – Christine Pechstein, career coach

“I was a Chamber of Commerce Executive once hiring a secretary. [The candidate asked] ‘What does a Chamber of Commerce do?’” – Mary Kurek, Mary Kurek, Inc. Visibility Consulting

“Can we wrap this up fairly quickly? I have someplace I have to go.” - Bruce Campbell, vice president of marketing, Clare Computer Solutions

“What is your company’s policy on Monday absences?” – Campbell

“If this doesn’t work out can I call you to go out sometime?” – Christine Bolzan, founder of Graduate Career Coaching

“How big do the bonuses really get once you make associate? I hear it’s some serious cash.” - Bolzan

“[The candidate asked,] ‘Can my dad call you to talk about the job and the training program? He is really upset I’m not going to medical school and wants someone to explain the Wall Street path to him.’ The dad did call. Then that dad’s friends called and I ended up doing a conference call with a group of concerned parents … long story.”- Bolzan

“If I get an offer, how long do I have before I have to take the drug test?” -Bolzan

“When you do background checks on candidates, do things like public drunkenness arrests come up?” – Bolzan

“Can I get a tour of the breast pumping room? I heard you have a great one here and while I don’t plan on having children for at least 10 or 12 years, I will definitely breast feed and would want to use that room.”- Bolzan

“So, how much do they pay you for doing these interviews?” – Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting

Why are you leaving your current job?

“Because I (expletive) my pants every time I enter the building.” – Abbe Mortimore, Human Resources Manager, True Textiles, Inc.

“I was fired from my last job because they were forcing me to attend anger management classes.” - Smith

Why are you looking for a job?

“Cigarettes are getting more expensive, so I need another job.” -Pechstein

“My parents told me I need to get a job so that is why I’m here.” - McGowan

Why do you want to work for us?

“Just for the benefits.” - Jennifer Juergens, JJ Communications

“My old boss didn’t like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am!” – Matt Cowall, communications manager, Appia Communications

“I saw the job posted on Twitter and thought, why not?” – Rebecca Gertsmark Oren, Communications Director at The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

What are your assets? (as in strengths)

“Well, I do own a bike.” - Pam Venné, principal, The Venné Group

What are your weaknesses?

“I get angry easily and I went to jail for domestic violence. But I won’t get mad at you.”- Pechstein

“I had a job candidate tell me that she often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning.” – Linda Yaffe, certified executive coach

“I am an alcoholic and do not deserve this job.” – Deb Bailey, owner, Power Women Magazine & Radio Show

“I’m really not a big learner. You know … some people love learning and are always picking up new things, but that’s just not me. I’d much rather work at a place where the job is pretty stagnant and doesn’t change a lot.” – Michaele Charles, Voice Communications

When have you demonstrated leadership skills?

“Well my best example would be in the world of online video gaming. I pretty much run the show; it takes a lot to do that.” - Rachel Croce

Is there anything else I should know about you?

“You should probably know I mud wrestle on the weekends.” -Venne

When can you start?

“I need to check with my mom on that one.” - Bolzan

Use three adjectives to describe yourself

“I hate questions like this.” - Katrina Meistering, manager of outreach, National Fatherhood Initiative

Tell of a time you made a mistake and how you dealt with it

“I stole some equipment from my old job, and I had to pay for its replacement.” – Meistering

Have you submitted your two weeks’ notice to your current employer?

“What is two weeks’ notice? I’ve never quit a job before, I’ve always been fired.” – Meistering

I told you it was unbelievable!!!

Send me your comments.

Take Care,

Danita

 

What’s on your mind?

July 21, 2009

 

I tried this before on my blog and I got some pretty good responses. So, here we go again.

Send me any questions or comments you have about our newscasts, my “uneventful” life(smile), or any topic you want to chat about.

I want to know what’s on your mind.

So start typing! I want to hear from you!

Take Care,

Danita

Michael Jackson…my thoughts

July 9, 2009

I grew up listening to the Jackson 5.  Songs like ABC, Never Can Say Goodbye, I Want you Back, etc.  are forever etched in my mind. Honestly, it’s still hard for me to believe that Michael Jackson is gone. It’s hard to believe that we’ll never see him moonwalk across a stage again or hear him say “hee-hee”.

The memorial tribute was very well done. All of the participants shared heart-felt sentiments about Jackson and how he touched their lives. I watched because regardless of what Jackson did or didn’t do off the stage, his music is timeless. He knew how to create songs that would make you want to dance or sing even if you didn’t know all the words.

So, as I was watching the tribute and listening to Brooke Shields, I began to get a little emotional. Honestly, I was surprised at my reaction. Shields really humanized Jackson and I could empathize with her feeling of loss. Because to her Michael was her friend and they shared some wonderful times together. I especially liked the part when she referred to him as The Little Prince even though the world labels him the King of Pop. She connected with Michael’s child-like nature because she too was forced into a life of “adultdom”  while she was still a child.

Okay, so Shields is talking and I feel this shift in my emotions. I’m feeling a bit sad. Then, Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson gets up on stage and sings Michael’s favorite song “Smile”.  That did it. The flood gates opened and the tears started flowing. I’m literally sobbing at this point because I can’t imagine how much inner strength it took for Jermaine to sing at his brother’s funeral. And sing beautifully I might add!

That was truly a powerful moment. By the time I got to work, the whole family was on stage and Marlon was speaking. Then Paris took the mic and said how much she loved her dad and I was a Kleenex mess again!  That little girl said Michael was a great father to her and that’s a memory she will always have.

You’re probably saying I am just a soft, mushy, emotional woman. Well….you’re right I am.  I was moved by his daughter’s words. Let’s face it, those kids lost their dad. That’s tough to deal with at any age, but when you’re a kid it’s extra hard.

Michael Jackson wasn’t perfect. I know this. But his musical legacy is something that millions will treasure for a lifetime. And through all his faults, mishaps, and quirkiness I believe in his heart and mind he really thought he could heal the world through his music.

My prayer now is that his family heals and is able to move on. Hopefully they will be able to continue some of Michael’s humanitarian work so that this world can really be a better place for you and me.

Send me your thoughts!

Take Care,

Danita