Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Day 8: New Media Content Director

I took some time off over the weekend from writing the blogs seeing how it was Memorial weekend, but I didn't take time off from trying to find a job. I applied to a couple Craigslist ads, but the pinnacle of this weekend was applying for a position with WTOC in Savannah for the position of New Media Content Director. I know, it is a bit of a stretch to think I will get that job, but for the most part, the Savannah area isn't swamped with graphic designers. That could be a benefit or it could be a curse.
I did, however, manage to land a freelance photography gig with a couple who is having a non-traditional wedding. With that gig I am looking to pull 50-100 dollars, but with all freelance gigs, it is not for certain until I am at the event. There is no date set, so I am not putting too much weight into that money.
Speaking of money, I saw an interesting article from The New York Times just a few minutes ago describing the plight of a 26 year old NYU grad who had somehow amassed 97,000 dollars in student loans and now had no way to pay them back. I was feeling quite sympathetic to her dilemma, as I am also a student loan borrower who often struggles with the idea of having to pay these loans back. Granted, I am nowhere near 97,000 dollars in debt, but "tomato, tomatoe." As I read more into the article, the blame shifted from the parents, to the school's financial aid department, to the lending companies for their lax regulations on student loans. I was feeling pretty upset about it until I got to the point where it stated her major, then it all fell into place. She spent 97,000 dollars on a degree in religious and women studies. Suddenly, the blame fell directly onto her, a Ms. Courtney Munna, for not researching her career field. What practical application in today's world could a degree in Religious and Women Studies apply? I decided to research it....
This is a line of text that I found at worldviewlearn.com, "Students who pursue a degree in women's studies learn how social and cultural influences have shaped the lives and roles of women throughout history."
Ok, so far, not sounding promising. That alone would have deterred me from the field altogether, because unless you are looking to be the president of a Woman's Lib operation, which from my understanding is strictly a volunteer basis, this is not the way to go about paying off 97,000 dollars in loans. But, I have to be optimistic and look harder because there has to be something, right?
Ok, I might have found something promising. She could work for any women's organization, global human rights, United States Agency for International Development, or the Peace Corps. Not bad, right? Doesn't seem like she has tried that though, because now she is working as a photographer's assistant. Seems to me like she has piddled her way through college with no concern about what she could apply her studies to and more of a concern on what was "easy" and allowed her to live off the loans until she absolutely had to do something and now that the time has come for action, she is ill-equipped and quite possibly moving toward a whole different direction than what her degree has prepared her for. Perhaps she got tired of the "religion and women motif" she had been groomed for, because nowhere in this career path does it mention anything about photography as a sub-field.
What strikes me as funny though is the picture that comes along with this story. She stands, seemingly confident with a smugly, arrogant look on her face in such a manner as to state, "I didn't do anything wrong, it's not my fault." Well, Ms. Munna, I blatantly disagree. You have decided to pursue a degree of which you were obviously incapable of deriving any practicality from and it isn't the loan issuer's fault, it isn't your parent's fault and it isn't the school's fault for allowing you to make such a bad decision. It is purely your fault for allowing yourself to become another useless degree holder.
Stop whining, stop trying to amass pity for your situation. Look up some of the aforementioned organizations and let go of the ties that hold you to San Francisco if need be. I have no pity for you, and I am sure that no one else who reads this story will. You can't have your cake and eat it too, Ms. Munna, no matter how much you paid for that cake.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Day 5: Verizon Wireless Retail Sales Representative.

I took the advice of a close friend of mine and tailor-fitted my resume to each specific job I applied for. It didn't take long, just a few minor adjustments, and I applied for a sales position with Verizon Wireless. I am more than qualified for the job, but this time I didn't oversell myself so my resume doesn't scream "$70,000 a year" like my good friend said. Now it screams more like $30,000 a year. I want the 70 though....
What was it my mom used to say...."you can want in one hand and s*it in the other, see which one fills up faster." Well mom, I think the hand that wants the 70 grand a year would fill up faster this time.
Wow, almost a week and I am still unemployed. I haven't even gotten an interview. What is going on...
No word on ManPower, no word on Cricket, no word on the Photo Editor position. This is starting to weigh heavy on my self confidence.

Day 4: Photo Editor

This job is an ideal situation. Perfect really, for me, seeing how I am a graphic designer, I do have experience with Photoshop, and I absolutely love sitting in front of a computer and manipulating images to my will. I'm not being sarcastic. I am serious.
But, (there seems to always be a but) I found this job on Craigslist and not once have I applied to a job on Craigslist and actually got a return call or email. I did send my resume though, so hopefully it isn't some psycho person who wants to find out where I live and kidnap me....ok, I'm really starting to scare myself because my address was on that resume.
Damnit.
Ok. No more Craigslist.
I haven't heard anything from Cricket Mobile or Manpower. I was kind of hoping to atleast hear from them for an interview so that I wouldn't have to ask my soon-to-be ex-husband for money this month, but unfortunately, I had to.
But!!! On a positive note, I did quit smoking (for the most part). I haven't had a cigarette in over 8 hours going on 9. I don't know how clever that is with all the stress surrounding not being able to find a job. But I am more focused on making myself look terribly sexy, because if I can't find a job, atleast I can be sexy, right??? Right?? Sigh....

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Day 3: Cricket Retail Sales Representative

I find it funny that I can go weeks without a single human soul calling me on my cell phone, but the minute I start applying for jobs, everyone and their mother is calling me. This leaves me answering the phone excitedly every time a number comes up that isn't in my contact list. So, lets see who called me today that WASN'T a job and how many times I kicked my poor, e-collared dog in a rush to get to the phone:

Hayes from the 24-Hour Fitness : Kicked Sandy in the flank accidentally.
Jennifer from Veda Salon : Stepped on Sandy's tail whilst getting up from the couch hurriedly.
Some telemarketer from Humana : At this point I only managed to nick the side of the e-collar with my calf as Sandy has started to correlate the phone ringing with pain and is learning to get out of my way.

So, if anyone from Manpower or Cricket is reading this, please hire me; if not for me, for the sake of my dog.

Moving on, I applied for a job at Cricket Wireless today (which is like the bologna of cell phone service providers, whereas AT&T is the New York Strip). I started out applying to this job as an inner joke to myself. I thought, "Heck, I have to get a job here. I mean, come on. It is CRICKET WIRELESS. With my experience, this job should be the 8-ball in the corner pocket."
Twenty four hours later, I am struggling to find the humor that, earlier, was so evident in my actions. These people actually might not contact me for an interview. I was so sure that I was more than qualified for this job that the thought of them NOT calling never crossed my mind.

So, in an effort to make myself feel better, I reviewed the qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

· High school diploma or GED -- Check. Got that back in 2000

· 1 yr. retail experience, preferably in electronic or department store retail sales and/or customer service -- Yep, got that too. Actually, I have more than a year experience and it is directly related to cell phone sales, so that should put me ahead of the competition, right??

· Strong written, verbal persuasion (soft sales) and interpersonal skills -- I could sell a cross to a Satan worshiper. I guess I do have a little interpersonal problems though as I am a little bit too aggressive for most people's tastes.

· Proficient use of PC computer programs and keyboard skills. -- Ha ha ha. I am a Web Design and Interactive Media student. If I am not proficient at computers, I am in the wrong field.

· Proficient cash handling skills, including cash drawer reconciliation. -- Yep, have lots of experience with that too.

Preferred Qualifications:

· 1+ years of experience selling wireless handsets, handset trouble shooting and light repairs. -- Ok, there it is. I am completely qualified for this job.

· 1+ years of sales experience in a quota driven environment. -- Yep, I have that too.

· Proficient use of Point of Sale software. -- I could write a Point of Sale software program if I wanted to.

· Bilingual speaking and writing skills in Spanish -- Well, g-dammit. This is the one thing I can't do. I think the only Spanish I know is "cabron", "no toques" and "no me gusta". None of which I could see being applicable in a cell phone situation.

· 2 years or more of college education -- I am a career college student. 2 years is chump change to me.

So, having looked at the qualifications and compared it to my resume, wouldn't you consider this to be an easy shot? Yeah, that is what I thought.

To sum up, Day 3 has been uneventful. No word from Manpower or Cricket. Here's hoping for Day 4....

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Day 2: Administrative Assistant for Manpower.

Today was hectic. Crazy from 6:30 this morning until 9:00 p.m. but I somehow managed to sit down long enough to apply for another job. This time it is with Manpower, which is a temp place here in the Springs. The job I applied for was that of an Administrative Assistant and the job description is as follows:

"Manpower is currently looking for a motivated administrative assistant for a christian faith based organisation in Colorado Springs. This is a full time (Mon-Fri,40 hr) temp to hire position. In this role you will answer phones, file, keep calendars, data entry and other duties assigned. Qualified candidates should have good phone etiquette and be comfortable in Excel and Word."

Off the bat, I notice that 'organization' is spelled wrong. I also like how they didn't capitalize "christian". Just saying......

Ok, so here goes, let us see if I am qualified for this job...

It is full time. That is fine by me. I need a full time job and I don't really have any obligations that are keeping me from working full time. My school work will probably suffer a little bit, but I think it will be a welcome break for all the other students in my class who want a little bit of relief from my facetiousness.

Answer phones. Wait a minute, what? What does that mean? Answer phones? I don't think I can do that. I mean, in this day and age, who the hell knows how to answer a phone? I wonder if they offer training for that. Seriously, if I get this job, I am going to make it a point to answer the phones with the microphone piece on my ear and the speaker piece near my mouth.

File. Now, this could have numerous meanings, as file is a noun. They probably meant to use the verb version of this word, which would be 'filing' but who am I to correct the grammar of someone who has a job? Now, I can't be particularly good at file; depending on what kind of pants I wear that day, I can hold up to MAYBE 20 documents and that is without resorting to taping it to my body, which at this point in my job search, I am willing to do.

Keep calendars. Now this I can do. I have numerous calendars at my house, some from even 3 years ago, so my skill at keeping calendars is apparent. Heck, I will keep as many calendars as they can give me if that means they will pay me to do so. However, I will under no circumstance keep any boy band or High School Musical calendars. Those will go straight in the trash.

Data Entry. The first requirement on this whole job description that actually has correct grammar and concise meaning. Now, I have had experience in Data Entry from the time I was 13 hacking into my mother's computer which ran DOS as an operating system. Will that matter though? I doubt it. I have over 10 years of experience in data entry posted on my resume. Here's hoping....

Other Duties Assigned. This could be anything and quite frankly, these kind of statements in a job description worry me. Other Duties Assigned could be "clean the toilets" or "fire the crazy guy down the hall". Usually when job posters include casuistical phrases such as these, it begs me to wonder what exactly it is that is so bad that it couldn't be described. Bad juju....bad juju.

Good Phone Etiquette. Pardon me, but wouldn't this be a repetitive qualification seeing how "Answer Phones" pretty much implied that you aren't going to answer the phones with the opening line, "What the fuck do you want?" Maybe it means that you will be required to not use the phone for 1-900 calls while you are working; or maybe you have to take the phone out to dinner before you do that.

Be comfortable in Excel and Word. Do I have to wear these programs? What does this mean? Maybe not freak out when I can't figure out a formula to set up a call log for customers based on their last known transaction or interaction with the company? Maybe it means that I shouldn't have long standing beef with the paperclip guy in Word. Either way, I have over 8 years of experience in either program and am pretty much beyond comfortable with the two. I'm so comfortable with them, as a matter or fact, that if we were able to be in a relationship, I would be going for third base.

So, considering that I can meet and exceed every single qualification described here in this description, I have a pretty good feeling that I can get this job. It pays 11-13.00 an hour and will start out as a temp position with the opportunity to move up to permanent. The only downside I see to this is the fact that it is a Christian based "organisation" and I could have a little conflict there if anyone tries to push their religion on to me or tell me I am going to hell because I am not pious.

But, other than that, it seems like a sure-shot, right?

We'll see.....

Day 1: T-Mobile Call Center Technical Advisor

This should have actually been done yesterday, but I didn't have time, so I am writing it today.

I applied for a job today that I was more than over qualified for: T-Mobile Call Center Technical Advisor. I spent an hour and forty five minutes doing tests, submitting my resume and doing a call center simulator. I was feeling pretty optimistic about it. I submit the application and got an email thirty minutes later saying that I wasn't qualified for the job.
Nevermind the almost 2 years I spent fixing and selling cell phones. I even worked for T-Mobile as an independent sales person. This is starting to get ridiculous. Maybe I am overqualified?
Who knows. So, there goes Day 1. I still have to apply to a job today. I'll post when I do.

My Resume

Tabetha Moe-Riordan

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907

719.646.**** – tabethariordan@yahoo.com – http://tabethamoe.carbonmade.com


OBJECTIVE

Artistically and technically skilled multimedia designer and developer with experience in project management and an interest in designing and developing highly interactive and engaging multimedia training programs seeks an opportunity to serve soldiers in a fast paced atmosphere with professional development opportunities. Programming expertise using multimedia software applications such as Adobe Flash, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Fireworks, Maya, Final Cut Pro, Motion and a myriad of other multimedia programs. I am self-motivated, resourceful and deadline driven so that all of your projects get done and get done with the highest level of professionalism attainable. I have knowledge in public speaking and am very well versed in customer service.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

DMWR Marketing Department, Fort Carson, Colorado, 2009

Graphic Designer (Volunteer Position)

*Demonstrated ability to produce a wide variety of graphic products including newsletters, business cards, letter heads as well as different training materials.

*Proficient on Macintosh.

*Creative, strong communication skills and consistently meet deadlines.

*Created a corporate logo package that included brochures and letterheads.

*Problem-solved to effectively meet deadlines.

*Suggested alternative presentations of ideas and visual concepts, to the optimum satisfaction of customers.

*Experienced in designing for print publications and also for websites.

*Proficient in most commonly used computer design applications.

*Educated in design and general fine arts.

*Able to communicate exceedingly well with clients and meet deadlines.

*Created advertising web banner for Fort Carson website using Adobe Flash.

*Created advertising layouts for base café.

*Created advertising layouts for base golf course.

*Created advertising layouts for base bowling alley.

*Created advertising layouts for base restaurant.

*Created promotional materials for base library reading program.

FREELANCE CLIENTS

Sidney Crippen, Savannah, Georgia, 2010

Graphic Designer

*Created an event ticket for a church appreciation banquet.

*Utilized Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and online document sharing programs to complete project.

*Utilized expertise in typography to integrate an elegant type in unison with the overall layout.

*Utilized experience in color schemes to produce a rich look for the design.

*Utilized layout experience to incorporate design and information in a way that is visually appealing.

Silver Key Senior Services, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 2009

Graphic Designer (Volunteer Project)

*Successfully translated subject matter into concrete design for tri-fold brochure.

*Utilized knowledge of visual information techniques to conceive original themes and creatively design illustration, layouts, and format for visual marketing materials.

*Utilized Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign to produce materials.

Three Margaritas Restaurant, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 2009

Graphic Designer (Self Employed Project)

*Utilized Adobe Photoshop to retouch and manipulate over 20 photos for new menu designs.

*Received the photos and completed the work in the same day.

*Knowledge of methods and procedures for operation a variety of systems and equipment in the production and reproduction of photos.

Dog Agility of Pikes Peak Region, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 2009

Web Designer (School Project)

*Developed and designed new web interfaces, layouts and site graphics.

*Met and corresponded with clients to determine client needs for sites.

*Created and Designed test web sites for sales as well as demonstration purposes.

*Comprehensive technical knowledge of HTML programming and JavaScript coding

*Responsible for quality assurance of finished websites including the validation of web forms and links

*Created graphics including icons and logos using Fireworks and PhotoShop.

*Developed and designed user-friendly interface for on-line programs like multi-media systems and web-driven e-mail.

*Developed and maintained intranet and Internet for Company Websites utilizing Dream weaver, HTML, Flash and PhotoShop.

*Performed validation of completed sites including the debugging and testing of code.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Auto Super Center, Hinesville, Georgia, 2008

Secretary (Full-time, work at home)

*Receive visitors and telephone calls.

*Make appointments when needed.

*Read and screen incoming and outgoing correspondence.

*Compose complex but non-technical correspondence.

*Maintains telephone roster, uses office automation, including typewriter, word processor, PC linked to a network server, and prepares a wide variety of narrative and tabular material from rough draft and corrected copy.

*Corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc and refers questions on content to originator.

*Maintains appointment calendars and resolves scheduling conflicts.

Jimbo's Lounge, Midway, Georgia 2008

Bartender (Full-time)

*Set up bars for operation, obtained cash bank and stocked service bar.

*Assured an adequate stock level is maintained, sets up storeroom and work area to permit easy access to stock items.

*Prepared a limited variety of simple alcoholic beverages as requested by patrons and wait staff.

*Recorded sales and made change or prepares charge slips.

*Kept bar and work area clean and sanitary.

*Identified persons who become unruly or who appear intoxicated, resolved the problem or sought assistance in accordance with established procedures.

*Regularly lifted and carried items weighing up to 20 pounds.

*Occasionally lifted and carried items weighing up to 40 pounds.

*Stood up for prolonged periods.

*Worked primarily indoors.

*Exposed to cuts and bruises.

*Operated a small full-service bar, mixing and serving the full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

*Kept records of quantities of beverages dispensed and submitted requirement for re-stocking to supervisor.

*Received and checked quantity and description of stock.

*Recognized shortages of supplies and replaced them as necessary.

*Skill in mixing drinks.

*Skill in recognizing impending shortages of inventory.

*Work is performed without close supervision.

*Responsible for overall operation of the bar.

*Accountable for receipts and inventory.

One Stop Wireless, Savannah/Hinesville, Georgia, 2007-2008

Wireless Consultant (Full-time)

*Provided customer service in a retail sales activity.

*Demonstrated and sold specialized merchandise to customers.

*Operated a cash register, made change, and completed charge.

*Maintained merchandise by stocking shelves, displaying goods and kept the area neat and orderly.

*Kept related sales records as necessary.

*Operated an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) cash register coupled to a scanning system and scale and/or a stand-alone register system to record unit prices, proper accounts, purchase totals, surcharge and change.

*On daily basis, received and verified change fund and checks register.

*At the end of shift, turned in cash and other media to the supervisor.

*Answered questions and complaints of customers or referred to supervisor.

*Performed other related duties as required such as pricing, stocking merchandise and cleaning immediate work area.

*Actively participated in the management of the activity or organization by performing a wide variety of clerical and administrative support duties.

*Served as the central point of contact for matters related to day-to-day operations.

*Applied knowledge of the organization, its functions and regulations to carry out a wide variety of administrative functions related to the organization and its mission (e.g., personnel, accounting, budget, purchasing, logistics and supply, transportation, security, etc).

*Exercised independent judgment.

*Composed operating procedures and set internal priorities to generate improvements in administrative services.

*An extensive knowledge of rules, operations, and practices, and judgment in locating and selecting the most appropriate guidelines.

*Performed other duties related to office automation requiring a skill in general office machines, software, and the internet/intranet.

Southside Animal Hospital, Savannah, Georgia, 2006

Veterinary Assistant (Full-time)

*Performed professional veterinary work that involves the investigation, examination, treatment, and control of animals.

*Diagnosed animal health problems; vaccinated against diseases, such as distemper and rabies; medicated animals suffering from infections or illnesses; treated and dressed wounds, seat fractures; performed surgery; and advised owners about animal feeding, behavior, and breeding.

Issued health certificates.

*Performed and interpreted laboratory findings.

*Maintained health records and prepared reports as necessary.

*Examined, vaccinated, and treated animals within the scope of veterinary service guidelines.

*Interpreted laboratory, radiological, and diagnostic procedures.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified in Typography, Colorado Technical University 2009

Certified in Web Page Development, Colorado Technical University 2009

Certified in Advanced Drawing, Colorado Technical University 2010

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Languages: HTML, CSS

Familiarity: ActionScript, C++, Java


EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Web and Interactive Media Design, 2010-2012 (Current)

Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Online Division

Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Digital Media Design, 2009-2010

Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs, Colorado


STATEMENT

Proficient with HTML, CSS, Adobe Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Microsoft Office Professional Edition, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Flash, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premiere, Maya, Blender, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Microsoft Office Professional, and Adobe Acrobat. Proficient in creating original artwork from hand using pencils, pens, colored pencils, paints and graphic software. Proficient in photography and videography. I have access to a personal library of stock images which will reduce costs associated with purchasing such media online. Extremely adaptable and versatile with new technology including cameras, video cameras, software and lighting assemblies. I keep my skills sharp and am always learning about the software and devices that will put me ahead of the rest in my field. I am very education oriented and thrive to push myself farther every day.