Job Interview with the County

I had my interview with the County today.  I applied for 3 different "office assistant" positions in mid-March so when she called me in for the interview, she didn't specify which position. 

The interview process was two hours.  The first hour was for testing.  The first test was a written test: alphabetize, put numbers in order, grammar.  There was also an exercise to prioritize your work day after returning from vacation.  They had a list of job duties and they wanted you to number them in the order you would accomplish them and explain why.  The second part of testing was a computer test on Excel.  Create a spreadsheet and then a typing test.  I didn't like the typing test because it was on Excel with numbers and typing and I had to use the TAB key and then go to the next line below.  It was difficult using the keyboard and the mouse.

During the interview, there were 4 people.  I later found out that one of the ladies is the immediate supervisor/manager and the person next to her was her manager.  She told me about the position and she pointed out my experience in PBX and my background with HIPAA.  When they asked me if I had any questions, I asked when will they hire for the position.  He said that the position has been open for awhile now and they hope to have a decision within a week! 

At the end, I kindly thanked them for their time!

2nd interview at Best Buy

Shannon had a second interview today at Best Buy.  They called him yesterday, right after the first interview to ask him to come in today for another interview!  This is a part time position, and it sounds like it would work around his security supervisor job. 

He still hasn't heard back from his current employer regarding the job that they offered him.  It's been a week and a half. 

Interview at Best Buy

Shannon still hasn't heard back from his currently employer about his supervisor job that he was hired for.  Last Monday, he went in for the drug test and TB test.  He was told by the doctor that he passed the TB test and he doesn't do drugs, so he passed that. 

Last night, Best Buy called to schedule an interview.  He had applied for the job about 2 or 3 weeks ago!  He called them back this afternoon and has an interview tomorrow! 

He got the job!

Shannon had to work today.  While he was gone, it gave me a chance to do laundry, clean and do some reading!

He had an interview earlier this week for a security supervisor position.  The position is part time and he would be in charge of 8 different sections!  He is still coughing and not feeling well, especially when he went into interview.  When he got back from his interview, he was sure he didn't do that well!

Today, when he reported for work, the HR lady gave him a piece of paper indicating he had to go in for a drug test, etc.  They offered him the position!  We're not sure of the exact pay, but we have a range.

Job Interview

Shannon is still sick.  He has it the worst.  I haven't been feeling well.  It's only my throat that bothers me and it makes me cough here and there, but that's about it. 

Shannon has a job interview this Thursday afternoon.  It's with the same company he is working for now.  The HR lady recommended him for this position he is interviewing for.  It's part time for a supervisor position, however, most of the supervisors that are part time are working full time hours! 

Another interview

Shannon had an interview last week with the people the Contract Security company sent him to.  They provide security at the college football games.  This job would have been very part time.  The guy decided to hire him.  He then had to go back to the Contract Security company to tell them he was hired and they sent him to get a drug test. 

Shannon received a call from the Contract Security company letting him know that they have another security position for him, it's full time and they want to interview him for that job.  He has an interview tomorrow afternoon!  We are both so excited and hope he gets hired for it, because it's full time! 

Interview

Shannon has been job searching via the internet for the last few weeks.  He went in to a Security company here in our city to apply directly with them.  They gave him a number to call that are currently hiring, however, it is only part time.  It took a few days for them to finally call him back, but he has an interview tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm.  The guy told him to bring two forms of ID and a blank check.  So it sounds like he's already hired.  They provide security for the college football games.  While this is only part time (one day a week), Shannon just wants to get his foot in the door with the security company.  That way, he can eventually promote to full time and/or find other security assignments within the company.

Unexpected call

I received an unexpected call today.  I was surprised they called because they had called two Saturdays ago and didn't leave a message which left me regretting not answering the phone.  Then I reminded myself that "things happen for a reason."  Shannon and I have learned to think like that for the last few years.

I applied online at JC Penney two Fridays ago and they called me the next day (two Saturdays ago) but didn't leave a message.  I thought that maybe they would call again a few days later and when they still didn't call, I remembered that "things happen for a reason." I tried not to dwell on it, and just forgot about it until they called today.  I've been so busy and preoccupied with other things lately.

I received a call today and she said they have an opening in "Family Shoes" and asked if I was interested and of course I said, "Yes!"  We set up an interview for Thursday afternoon.

After I got off the phone with her, I went over the conversation and I realized she never mentioned the word, "interview."  She only asked if I was "interested" in the position.  Does that mean she won't really "interview" me, she'll just tell me about the position and then give me a little tour?  She also sounded like she needed to fill the position quickly, at least I hope so. 

Busy Day!

I feel like today was a busy day!  First, I received a call from the Social Security office.  They wanted to do the application for Kyle over the phone.  That call took a little over a half hour!  Now we just have to drop off some paperwork and sign a form or two and then he can submit his application for SSI. 

A few days ago, I received a job lead on facebook about a "front desk" position at a hotel in our city.  A friend on facebook updated her status about hotel front desk openings at a hotel near Charlotte, NC.  I responded to the comment asking where the hotel was located.  Then, I received a message in my inbox (from a complete stranger) saying that a hotel in our city is hiring for front desk agents.  I wrote him back thanking him and he then responded telling me that he's the General Manager of the hotel!  So we stopped by the hotel today so I could fill out an application.  When we got home, my in-laws said I received a call from the hotel wanting to schedule an interview!  I was surprised they called so fast, considering we just came directly from there!  I called the lady who called me for an interview and scheduled an interview with the General Manager for tomorrow morning!  When I came in to fill out the application, I was told that it's a "part time position" and I would have a rotating schedule ranging from 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, or 11pm-7am!  I am not thrilled about the graveyard shift!  I guess it depends on the pay to see if this type of schedule is worth it! 

In today's mail, we received a letter from Social Services saying that Kyle's Medicaid will be terminated on July 31st because we failed to return the necessary paperwork!  After I had a few minutes to process the letter, I promptly called Social Services to find out why.  I was told that our caseworker is no longer working there.  The person that I spoke with looked at our file and realized that we did return the necessary paperwork and she will reopen our file to process it.  In other words, she has several other cases that need to be reopened since the old caseworker is no longer there.  Thankfully, Kyle's Medicaid will be renewed! 

My interview

I had my interview today, scheduled for 2pm.  The person interviewing me called around 12:30pm or so needing to reschedule because she had a conference call at 2pm.  I rescheduled for 3:30pm.  Shannon dropped me off early, so I walked around the store a bit.  While I was doing that, Shannon took Kyle to Burger King to get something to eat.  Kyle loves fries and Shannon ate the burger. 

Thankfully, the job is part time, they hire everyone at part time and depending on how they do, they may offer them more hours or there may be other job openings.  She asked how many hours I was looking for and I told her that I am looking for part time and I would be okay with zero to 20 or zero to 30 hours a week.  She also asked how many days a week I am looking to work and I told her I was open to that, and she asked if 2-3 days was okay, I said "yes!"  It sounds like she wants to hire me because she has two positions to fill.  Plus my schedule is pretty open to what she is looking for.  I am glad that they aren't looking for someone to work 5 or 6 days a week at 30+ hours a week!  I am NOT looking for that, especially after working at Walmart.  I was always so tired and never had time to myself.  I am a little bummed about the pay, but the employee discount will be good to have.  I have a second interview scheduled for tomorrow at 2pm with another manager. 

Came home to a call back!

Today was our weekly laundry day!  I ended up doing 4 loads of laundry: dark clothes, white clothes, towels, and sheets!  Hooray for clean clothes!  Hooray for clean sheets!  After we had all of our laundry in the washing machines, my MIL and I sat down and she (jokingly) said that I should be wearing my wedding ring.  I laughed and said that Shannon and I both don't wear ours.  She said that all the guys in the laundromat were staring at me with their tongues hanging out!  I did notice that some of them were looking at me, but when that happens, I usually pretend I don't notice.  I guess it was so noticeable that the guy who works at the laundromat made a comment to my MIL!  LOL 

We stopped by the library after our laundry was done.  My MIL checks out DVD movies each week.  They had some books for sale, so I ended up buying a hardcover book that looked like an interesting read to me.  The book was only $1!

When we got home, I put our clean clothes away and had a salad!  Yum!  Then I needed something sweet so I ended up having 2 chocolate pudding cups!  LOL

I also noticed there was a message on the phone and it turned out I received a call back!  I re-applied for Sears just yesterday and they wanted me to come in to interview!  I had applied to Sears before and my application expired over the weekend, so I had to reapply!  I set up my interview for this Wednesday at 2pm!  The lady who called me sounds like she doesn't mess around.  She asked me what my availability is.  She then confessed she's had too many people say things like, "Oh, I can't work nights." Or, "I can't work such and such time."  I told her I have open availability, I just don't want to come in at 6am and leave at 11pm, that sort of thing.  She said, "oh no, we don't have shifts like that."  So, we'll see how this goes.  

Power Outage = No School

We took Kyle to school this morning and pulled in to an empty parking lot. Usually there are other parents waiting in their cars for the door to be opened. It was also dark inside. Our first reaction was to check the time...again. Are we early? Are we late? Did we miss something? Was there no school today? Shortly after we pulled in and parked, another preschool teacher ran up to our car to explain that the power was out, which meant no heat! They were basically sending kids home. She told us that they had no idea how long it would take to get the power back on. We ended up taking Kyle home with us. As we drove by the front of the school, we noticed it was the entire school that had no power! Shannon and I couldn't understand why they don't have a backup generator!?

I had the last 3 days off and it was glorious! It was so relaxing and I feel re-charged! I did all of our laundry on my first day off. I also had a chance to catch up on my workouts! Since I have been working so much, I barely had the energy or time to devote to working out.

Shannon had a second job interview on Saturday, it was a phone interview with the Director of Operations. His first interview was with one of the owners of the company. Today, he received an email asking for "at least 3 references," which is a really good sign! The job location is close to the law school he was looking at going to! He is going for a property manager position with a hotel.

My FIL had to have his truck towed, the clutch wouldn't work right. It's probably because of our cold temperatures!

Shannon helped his mom rearrange the furniture in the living room. His mom wanted to move the couch, chair, and area rug around. It looks nice. It's in a similar layout as when we first move here.

2 Hour Delay

The local school district put all schools on a 2 hour delay, which means school starts 2 hours later than normal. When I look out the window, I still don't know why they put on the 2 hour delay...there is no snow! LOL We still have to pick Kyle up at the usual time. I also found out that Kyle and his classmates will be having lunch in the cafeteria! Normally they eat in the classroom. I can't imagine taking 3 and 4 year olds to a cafeteria! LOL

Shannon had a job interview for a hotel/property manager position yesterday. The interview was an hour away and the property is nearby. The hotel is being built, so they had the interview at another hotel. He interviewed with the President of the company. He was also told that there are 3 serious candidates that they are considering and he is one of them. Shannon also just received an email and the Director of Operations wants to set up a second interview!

Yesterday, I ended up giving up 3 of my days to another cashier since she was looking for more hours. I could do with much less hours, I would be happy! Next week, I would have 6 days straight without a day off! So I ended up giving up 2 of those days to the other cashier. After tonight, I have the next 3 days off! I need some days off! I have laundry and chores to do. Just a lot of stuff to catch up on.

He's Home

Shannon arrived at the hotel yesterday about 2 hours before his interview. I gave him the cell phone to take with him so I could get ahold of him or vice versa. We were just glad that he got there okay and with plenty of time. I told him to call me after the interview, which he did. The interview was 1 1/2 hours long. He said he was staying overnight at the hotel and the General Manager comped his room, in "hotel speak"that means the room was free. Since Shannon didn't pack an overnight bag, he went shopping and bought a pair of jeans, a shirt, and some new shoes. He needed new shoes anyway!

I tried calling him at the hotel about 2 hours after I spoke to him (after his interview). Since he wasn't answering, I called on the cell phone and he was at the beach! LOL The beach was only 6 miles away! I had to tell him about the two call backs for job interviews he received!

Shannon got home around 1:30 PM. He ended up having breakfast at the hotel and the General Manager came to sit down with him. I thought it was a nice gesture to want to talk to him a little more, although it was on a personal level.

We're both thinking positive and our hopes are already up there! We'll see what happens. The General Manager said he hopes to have a decision by November 6th.

Interview Day

Shannon has his job interview this afternoon. It turns out that according to mapquest, the hotel is only 4 1/2 hours away. Shannon still left early this morning. He wasn't sure if he would hit the morning commute on the way there. He may not have to stay overnight if it's only 4 1/2 hours away.

Work was steady. There were several people buying last minute Halloween costumes. I also heard a little tidbit going around. There were a few cashiers who requested Halloween off so they could take their kids trick or treating and they were all DENIED the day off! Yet here I am with the day off! I actually have that weekend off!

Another Long Day

Yesterday went by pretty quickly, we were busy! I was also on the grocery side of the store, so that helped. My body is aching and sore from having to stand for so long in one spot.

Shannon received a call back for a position I applied for on craigslist. The General Manager emailed him last week and Shannon called last Friday and left a message. The General Manager called back yesterday morning. Shannon returned his call in the afternoon. He has a job interview on Wednesday. The hotel property is about 6 1/2 hours away. Since the interview is so far away, he's probably going to stay the night.

I asked Shannon to wash our bed sheets and he ended up doing all of the laundry for me! He did at least 3 loads of laundry yesterday! I am off tomorrow, so I plan on doing some cleaning and washing my work clothes.

I have another long day at work today. I have an 8 hour shift, with an hour lunch. I am definitely looking forward to my day off tomorrow.

Full Day

I have a full work day today. My schedule seems to have one day a week of a full work day and the rest of the days are 4 or 5 hour shifts. I prefer the short shifts. I just hope it's busy today.

Last night I had a 4 1/2 hour shift. It went by pretty quick. I wore my Walkfit insoles and my feet were hurting like crazy. I have to work my feet into them and start slow. For now, I will stick with my arch supports.

Shannon's phone interview was really short but it sounded like they had trouble hearing him. It is really hard to read what they are thinking but we're thinking positive.

Sluggish Days Off

Yesterday and today were my days off from work. I have been feeling exhausted and sluggish from my period. I am surprised at how much it's slowed me down.

Shannon has a phone interview on Wednesday! It's the same place that called him last week. We're both excited, but at the same time, we're not getting our hopes up too high. We're still thinking positive.

I finally received my Walkfit Platinum insoles that I bought on ebay! I know it took a little while longer than I thought, but it was being shipped from China. When I did contact the seller a few days ago, he wrote back within minutes.

Back to Walmart

I had to report back to Walmart this morning to fill out more paperwork. Then I had to go take a drug test. They are also going to do a background check. They said they want us to start either Monday or Tuesday! I just can't wait to officially start working again. Walmart sounds like a really good company to work for. I feel very thankful to get hired (pending the drug test and background check), especially in this economy. Walmart is growing, expanding, and opening new stores.

Shannon said he was surprised my drug test was so quick. He said he's had to wait 3 hours before just to take a drug test! LOL It was probably a quick thing because not as many companies are hiring these days?

Shannon and I briefly talked about possibly getting a cell phone. Walmart sells phones, so I could probably get one through them with the employee discount.

Interview for Walmart

I had my interview with Walmart today. I had to wait 15 minutes before they called me in, they did apologize and said they were running behind, which I understand. They are going to make a job offer to me, but I have to go back in tomorrow morning! LOL The manager who is going to do that was at lunch at the time. The interview process was more formal than I thought. I had 3 different people sitting in on the interview and one person asking the questions (there were only about 6 or 8 questions). Then they did a second interview with the manager, both interviews took about 20 minutes total. Then they wanted me to go out to the registers and observe a cashier doing the job. That way, it gives the candidate a chance to determine whether or not the job is for them or not. It was pretty busy at the registers! Busy is good, it makes your shift go by much quicker. Every time we have gone to Walmart, it's busy at the registers!

I've been a cashier at Target before and they were never busy everyday. They were usually busy on the weekends. But then again, Target doesn't have a grocery side to it. I am sure more than ever, more people are shopping at Walmart for everything they need.

I have never worked here in North Carolina, so this will be interesting. From what I hear, the people are different from what I am used to and have grown up with, they have different standards. You have to watch what you say, they are all (or at least most of them are) church-going people. I am expecting a culture shock. Although, the people here are really nice here.

Also, it sounds like I won't have to take a drug test either! Shannon said it seems to be a common thing, that employers don't require drug tests!

While I was waiting to be interviewed, I wanted to find out what the dress code is. Their uniform is khaki pants and a dark blue, blue, or navy blue shirts. Pretty easy. I happen to not have either, so I will need to buy a few pants and shirts. Target required khaki pants and red shirts. Also, I saw employees wearing sneakers, so I am happy about that. I want to be comfortable at work.