Saturday 9

My friend and former colleague has been working independently as a contractor for years now. On Wednesday, she got a call from someone she knows in HR at the company where I most want to work. She recommended me for the job they're trying to fill. Thursday I had a phone interview. Yesterday, I spent 4 hours at the office in face-to-face interviews. (And wearing heels. Oh. My. Gawd.) Barring my having unknowingly wrecked my chances at some point, I'll get an offer Monday.

YAY!!

It's no secret that I wouldn't be their ideal choice. Things are going so fast because they have projects coming in quickly and they need 2-3 people... like, yesterday. They would love to have folks with 20 years experience, or at the very least, current experience. The position will be a big challenge that I would be happy to take on. Luckily, many of the higher-level management are people with whom I worked at my old job, so they know me. That is probably the number one reason I have a shot at this at all.

My advice for job hunters is the same as I've received myself-- Network, network, network. Also reach out to friends and former coworkers who will likely have leads. Especially in this slow economy, companies like to hire people their quality employees know.

So please cross your fingers, folks. Job hunting can be a frustrating and exhausting process for anyone, but is particularly difficult when you've been out of the industry for almost 20 years. My search may finally be ending in a whirlwind hiring.


Saturday 9: Bette Davis Eyes

1) Has anyone ever told you that you resemble a celebrity?
Gib thinks I look like Laura Linney. Cathy's friend Jimmy said I look like Ellie Kemper.

In high school, it was always Molly Ringwald. In the 80's, if you had hair of a reddish hue, you were considered a dead ringer for her. Other than the freckles and fair skin, I look absolutely nothing like her. It's like saying all Asians look alike. Come on now.

2) Is there an actress or actor whose movies you make it a point to see?
Aside from the exceedingly obvious, I have made a point of seeing most of Jack Nicholson's films.

3) We're stopping for refreshments before we go in to see the movie. What's your refreshment stand order?
Coke Icee. Maybe popcorn, if you wanna share.

4) When did you last consume an alcoholic beverage? What was it?
I had wine at Kathy's last Saturday night. It was the 2009 Müller-Thurgau from Kramer Vineyards that my in-laws brought for me at Thanksgiving. Yummo. I had never heard of it before, but it is a white grape cross between a Riesling and Madeleine Royal (which I'd never heard of either). Touch of sweetness, but not too sweet.

5) Are you jumpy? Do you startle easily?
I can be. Not notoriously so, though. I usually startle around the house, when Jeff or Lauren come into a room after I've been alone there for a while.

6) Do you wear a watch?
I haven't for over ten years.

7) When was the last time you tried a new restaurant?
Several weeks ago, Jeff and I went to Lupe Tortilla in Westlake. The queso flameado was amazing (get the chorizo), and they have the best beef fajitas on the planet- no comparison.

8) What color is your wallet?
red

9) How much does it have in coins right now?
It has one lone quarter in it. I don't use cash very often and I rarely have any coins. If I get any, I dump them in a baggie as soon as I get home.