I've been told so many times by friends that one reason I'm still single and unmarried at my age is that my standards for women are too high... I don't see this as a negative. As far as I'm concerned if you're considering anyone for any serious long-term relationship you should hold her to the highest-possible standards you've got; and if she doesn't meet them, then move on... This is the single most important life decision I will ever make- selecting the mother of my future children, so I'll demand nothing but the very best... It's the least I can do for the children I know I will love and cherish one day... They deserve the very best mom in the world, after all... N'est-ce pas? :)
Dear young friends of mine who might soon be looking for jobs:
Please allow me to share the story of my day today, as I believe it might help some of you...
I decided, not long ago, to send my resume in to a number of companies online, one of which was a call center. I got a call for a phone interview yesterday, passed it and then got invited in today for a test and an interview... I was told to come in at either 10 AM or 1 PM. I chose to come by 10 AM; however, as my mom always taught me, I arrived early, just in case... so by 8:30 AM I was already waiting in line with the hundreds of other applicants...
I pass the verbal interview, then take the tedious computer-based simulation exam, after which I wait... and wait... and wait... I finally get to see the HR guy who interviews folks and he tells me they can only pay me very, very little compared to my previous earnings in Korea. I tell him that's ok because there is dignity in all legitimate work and I'd be happy just to join a good company with a good work environment... He and I both know I'm overqualified for the job of call center agent, but I very carefully explain how it is I'm not looking down on the job, or the pay. He then carefully read over my resume again and noted that my experience would make me a great fit for trainer... I happily agree... Alas, I am told I still have to wait (even though it's 4 pm and I haven't had lunch yet), but I patiently wait on, all smiles... Anytime the HR guy comes over to apologize for the delay I tell him it's ok and that I'm happy to wait for the interview with the Training Manager....
Ok, come 5:30 pm my head is aching, my left side is throbbing in pain and I'm STILL smiling through it all... When I finally am granted the interview I am smiling, cheerful and very, very polite, even though the original Call Center Agent job is way beneath my qualifications and my hoped-for pay. I still want the job because, as I said, there is dignity in ALL legitimate work...
After interviewing me, the Training Manager then tells me she wants to recommend me for a higher position with the company (as a trainer for HR), but that she has to clear it with the big boss first, as the position technically has no current vacancies... I'm told by everyone at HR that the job is basically mine as long as I don't flub a mandatory interview with the big boss to be scheduled at a later date.... I ask for everyone's names, memorize each name and face and then shake everyone's hand... They are still so happy with me that, upon finding out I really hadn't eaten lunch they give me a 1-piece Chicken Joy Meal to take home with me... I leave the company tired as hell, yet very satisfied...
I'm sharing this story to share three valuable lessons:
1. Never look down on any job as being "beneath" you. In today's economy and work environment a job is a job is a job and there is dignity in all legitimate work, regardless of the pay;
2. No matter what hardship you have to endure in your job hunt ALWAYS KEEP A POSITIVE OUTLOOK. Very often companies deliberately put you through adversity to see how you will handle it, especially service-oriented companies like Call Centers... Throwing a fit or a tantrum won't help your job prospects, but projecting a bright, positive persona will do WONDERS for your likeability AND your chances of getting hired. More than 80% of good business is really about learning to deal with people rather than actual business/financial problems; and, finally...
3. ALWAYS try to remember names and faces, especially of the people you work with... It is significantly easier to fit in and be accepted in a group if everyone thinks you know them personally and help to put smiles on their faces each day... You'd be surprised how far a smile and a handshake can go while you're greeting someone by name...
Trust me on this, my young friends... If you do all three, with your intellect and work ethic, YOU WILL GO A VERY LONG WAY indeed, and I shall be there proudly cheering you on at the finish line...
Thanks for your time, and good luck with your future careers!!!
Please allow me to share the story of my day today, as I believe it might help some of you...
I decided, not long ago, to send my resume in to a number of companies online, one of which was a call center. I got a call for a phone interview yesterday, passed it and then got invited in today for a test and an interview... I was told to come in at either 10 AM or 1 PM. I chose to come by 10 AM; however, as my mom always taught me, I arrived early, just in case... so by 8:30 AM I was already waiting in line with the hundreds of other applicants...
I pass the verbal interview, then take the tedious computer-based simulation exam, after which I wait... and wait... and wait... I finally get to see the HR guy who interviews folks and he tells me they can only pay me very, very little compared to my previous earnings in Korea. I tell him that's ok because there is dignity in all legitimate work and I'd be happy just to join a good company with a good work environment... He and I both know I'm overqualified for the job of call center agent, but I very carefully explain how it is I'm not looking down on the job, or the pay. He then carefully read over my resume again and noted that my experience would make me a great fit for trainer... I happily agree... Alas, I am told I still have to wait (even though it's 4 pm and I haven't had lunch yet), but I patiently wait on, all smiles... Anytime the HR guy comes over to apologize for the delay I tell him it's ok and that I'm happy to wait for the interview with the Training Manager....
Ok, come 5:30 pm my head is aching, my left side is throbbing in pain and I'm STILL smiling through it all... When I finally am granted the interview I am smiling, cheerful and very, very polite, even though the original Call Center Agent job is way beneath my qualifications and my hoped-for pay. I still want the job because, as I said, there is dignity in ALL legitimate work...
After interviewing me, the Training Manager then tells me she wants to recommend me for a higher position with the company (as a trainer for HR), but that she has to clear it with the big boss first, as the position technically has no current vacancies... I'm told by everyone at HR that the job is basically mine as long as I don't flub a mandatory interview with the big boss to be scheduled at a later date.... I ask for everyone's names, memorize each name and face and then shake everyone's hand... They are still so happy with me that, upon finding out I really hadn't eaten lunch they give me a 1-piece Chicken Joy Meal to take home with me... I leave the company tired as hell, yet very satisfied...
I'm sharing this story to share three valuable lessons:
1. Never look down on any job as being "beneath" you. In today's economy and work environment a job is a job is a job and there is dignity in all legitimate work, regardless of the pay;
2. No matter what hardship you have to endure in your job hunt ALWAYS KEEP A POSITIVE OUTLOOK. Very often companies deliberately put you through adversity to see how you will handle it, especially service-oriented companies like Call Centers... Throwing a fit or a tantrum won't help your job prospects, but projecting a bright, positive persona will do WONDERS for your likeability AND your chances of getting hired. More than 80% of good business is really about learning to deal with people rather than actual business/financial problems; and, finally...
3. ALWAYS try to remember names and faces, especially of the people you work with... It is significantly easier to fit in and be accepted in a group if everyone thinks you know them personally and help to put smiles on their faces each day... You'd be surprised how far a smile and a handshake can go while you're greeting someone by name...
Trust me on this, my young friends... If you do all three, with your intellect and work ethic, YOU WILL GO A VERY LONG WAY indeed, and I shall be there proudly cheering you on at the finish line...
Thanks for your time, and good luck with your future careers!!!