Terribly Incompetent Employment Agency

There is this terribly incompetent employment agency (who had interviewed me at least 4 times and had tested me on computer skills for at at least 3 hours) and then later, much after having ignored me for 3 weeks, had called me concerning a job that i had already refused twice. Did they believe three times was lucky?

First the job opportunity was offered as a "temp", then it was presented to me again as a "temp to perm" and now recently it was re- re- presented to be as a "permanent and great job". What were they basing this phenomenal job rating on I am still unsure. In any case I thanked them as best as i could between clenched teeth and and told them that i had recently gained employment but that it was so nice that they thought of me yet once again. The agent seemed upset with me but seemed to be working hard not to show it, offered her congratulations with such a fake smile i could hear her foundation makeup crack under the phenomenal effort as she asked if my file should be removed from the active list. "Yes, please."

But no, no, nothing with these people can be that easy, for I received yet another call from the same agency. This time they had a "really great opportunity" for me. Wow, really? And they described what my unsavory task at said job would be without even coming up for air. You see the list was long. Apparently cloning would be essential. Oh and of course the boss was demanding. Translation: not someone you would want to work for and which in all likelihood would require that the average healthy person would need to go into therapy after a few months.

Finally after reciting this long list with apparently no commas, or periods, she asks if i would be interested in interviewing. I felt embarrassed to state the obvious that if I were to interview for this job it would have to be better then the job I was presently employed at. But apparently it was necessary as she didn't mention any reason why i would want to have this job which would be directly tied under the headings "income", "vacation", "health care" other "possible perks...."

There was a pause as if she is unsure what I am inquiring about.

Upset now at having to state the obvious in more detail and having to talk with this agency that I had already lost so much time previously with, I make a tremendous efforts to remain calm. "Yes, compensation." Why would I need to ask what the compensation is, does she think I work for pleasure and drop these checks in some paper recycling box on my way home? Isn't this the same compensation that she is expecting should the person hire me? Isn't this the same compensation that has instigated her to call me? She can't think I am desperate, I already have a job, wasn't that clear?

There is a pause and her voice sounds frustrated as she mutters "oh its about x to x amount depending on experience".

I tell her I am making approximately that amount where I am. How about vacation? She seems a little angry now....why? Is this not her job being the go between employer and potential employee? Shouldn't she know this information before calling especially as I am employed and it is difficult for me to make these type of phone calls about another job in my office?

She pauses again and lets me know with much irritation that she will need to contact the employer for that information. And now a longer pause. IS this a PAUSE in which she hopes I will say "no that's ok I will interview for this position regardless of pay and vacation?"

Instead I say "that's sounds good and can you please leave the information on my voice mail so that "we" (really meaning "I") don't have to play phone tag and I can make my decision as soon as possible. (doesn't logic stipulate that these aren't calls I want to be making in front of my colleagues or boss at my new job?) But so far logic hasn't played a very big part with my interaction with said employment agency.

She does call back the next day. "Hello this is L...., I have the information you needed please call me back."

I don't.

Bad Interview

Its grey and rainy outside. It's wet and and moist outside as well as inside. I have all the lights off in my house except for a tiny antique restoration library reading light reflecting dimly on my white laptop. I am listening to "Cat Power - In the hole" from my headphones - it has this hypnotic quality to it.

I have been interviewing this week and running around NYC to find these offices. One of my interviews was laughable and makes me wonder if companies believe we are still stuck in the great depression so desperate for any job we are willing to jump hoops losing all shred of dignity.

Yea, well, no, I would do almost anything not to work for these companies. First of all I was given out an application...plus, 2 tests! After taking a bunch of Microsoft tests from 2 job placement agencies the last thing I was in the mood to do was take yet another tests when I was in interview mode. But there it was sitting on my lap covering my pin striped dark suit looking back cynically at me. On the top of the page it say "please no cheating". I am not joking. I tried futilely to squelch my frustration and fill them out quickly so they could be forever removed from my sight. I fantasize about burning them in the lounge of this self-important office. I already know I don't want this job however i have to sit through this interview so that my agents can hopefully send me to a job I may want who if I am luck may want me too. The test was comprised of a letter I needed to correct (grammar, spelling, punctuation) without making any changes to the content. The content could of used major adjustments. It is hard to correct something that doesn't make sense. I decided to do a quick review and not get caught up with it. The other part of their test was writing an email canceling a meeting scheduled for my CEO to another administrative assistant. I went to college for this. I earned a 3.5 at UCSB for this? And the pay they were offering was no where near meeting my criteria. I just decided to check out the company because the agent did such a great job selling it as a great place to get promoted.

I try to enjoy the irony, the girl who was interviewing who has been with them for 8 years announces to me proudly she went from floater (movable administrative assistant) to executive assistant. At that point an instant fatigue and headache started growing on me at an amazing speed as well as the desire to turn around and without notice just walk myself out of the office and the building. Mind you I still had my coat on so this was still a possibility....but seeing as i had already completed all my tests for the agency and had taken all this energy and time to woo them I sat through her 30 question oral exam.

Now i am wondering if i should proceed some more with these inane interviews or return to school. And if so to study what and where?

Which leaves me left to question. Is there growth after admin? Or do we forever just remain paper pushers and envelope lickers for ever? I always hear these great stories of people being promoted on the Internet and in magazines but I don't see anything that reflects this in 3D life?

In a matter a fact, I think these companies should take a bat and hit you on the head to possibly decrease your intellectual capacity which may make their mind numbing admin positions less painful.

Don't know why i chose the pic i did. I just liked it.