Okay....now for a major rant, er, discussion.

(And before any well-meaning friends and family comment, call, or e-mail--I'd like to say the following. Yes, I am aware my prospective employers could be reading this. It is on the internet. I somewhat hope they do and ponder what I've said. I don't feel what I'm saying is unfair. I don't feel that my wanting a new job, quitting my old job, and engaging a job search should amount to me having to swallow mountains of pride. If they think that this a requisite of the job, then frankly--I am not interested. I'd rather temp for the rest of my life.

If they recognize themselves, I hope they think wisely on what I've said. Job markets change. People have a tendency to remember who was thoughtful, professional, and managed their time well when things were reversed. And so, just because you can get away with being rude--doesn't mean you ought to. Fate has a funny way of making people you were rude to on the job your boss someday. Now onto the blog...)

I know that the job market sucks and all, and that there are probably 200 candidates for every position out there, but, I am really beginning to be MAJORLY annoyed by the HR people running the show. I can see why this category of worker is the most reviled in the business world.

Of course, we all can recall my recent experience getting dragged in for 3 face-to-face interviews by the Harvard Graduate School of Education (not counting my initial telephone interview) over a 8 week period and then not getting the job after another 2 week gap, because they decided to go with an internal candidate who indicated last minute interest. (As a supervisor, my question would probably be "Why haven't you paid any attention and why didn't you show some committment to applying earlier when it was only posted for internal candidates."--but hey, that's me--I like to hold people somewhat accountable for a lack of follow through. What was UNFORGIVABLE, is that the week before I was given a bullshit, boldfaced lie regarding the delay in the decision, and this was admitted by the HR person when she turned me down.)

It was a most inconsiderate waste of my time, considering that I used 1.5 personal days of the 2 total I got per year to go on all the interviews (I would have not been able to contain my temper had I not been leaving my previous position--after all, if I didn't use the days I would lose them...but what if I hadn't been leaving????). The situation shook my confidence incredibly considering I was being asked all the major questions about starting dates, etc, only to have it end so coldly and without a sense of consideration and responsibility.

Now, I am dealing with a repeat of same encore performances of general insensitivity and obliviousness to the plight of others and their need to make an income while engaging in a job search. While all the interest in my resume has been flattering, it has made it absolutely IMPOSSIBLE for me to temp and make an income. And the money isn't bad, but I can only accept short-term assignments while temping (because no one is going to wait more than 2-3 weeks for me) but no client will want to give me up for interviews for a short assignment. So I wait at home for calls and go on interviews and keep busy applying for jobs and cleaning house.

The first position I interviewed for is great-- I interviewed for it on September 14th, and was told at that time that they hoped that the process would be 2-3 weeks. This past Thursday marked three weeks. Now, I was aware at the time that the executive director who interviewed me was traveling for the next week and a wee bit skeptical of the 2/3 week timeline they were thinking about, but, there has been virtually no movement.

In fact, when I pushed myself to get some kind of an update on Monday the 2nd via phone (after leaving a voicemail mentioning a need to update them and check the status of their search Friday the 29th), I was informed that they are still well into "Round One" and won't be ready for "Round Two" for another two weeks!!! It was explained to me that they must "interview all the candidates" and the executive director hasn't been able to meet and schedule those interviews due to frequent travel, scheduling, etc. There was a hint of an irked tone, but, I pointed out that the executive director told me to call with any updates due to the "delay" in the process (however, it was a one week delay a week before when she wrote it). My update was that I was nearing the end of the process for the second job I interviewed for (experiences detailed below) and wanted to get a sense of their enthusasism for my candidacy and their standing in the process.

I would die to have this job as I would be working in an environment that I would enjoy and for a cause I very firmly believe in--European Studies, travel, and work abroad. So I wait...but I don't think that I should have to call for an update just shy of 3 weeks after my interview. (This is particularly laughable considering they stated at my interview they would be done at this point, and I hadn't heard really anything to the contrary.) I realize I was the first person they interviewed--but touching base after a few weeks via e-mail or voicemail is not asking a lot. I cannot predict what turn things have taken--the position being filled, dropped, delayed, etc. I am also not confident with such a long drawn out process that I will be particularly memorable after oh, five weeks. I feel this is a severe handicap and I'm not sure how to address it.

The second position that I started interviewing for on September 18th for is also a wonderful opportunity and the follow-up has been excellent, until this week. Last Friday when I interviewed (which I thought went well, except one of my appointments was unable to meet with me at the last minute--a little offputting but understanding for a dean working with students) I was told that a final decision would be made early this week. Monday came and went, so did Tuesday, and Wednesday...all the way until Thursday at 4:30 pm, when I left a message.

(I was pretty annoyed at this point--because not only am I wondering about their potential offer, I am worried about the other positions I am applying for and the fact that I told my first job that I would be hearing back early last week).

Finally, on Friday, while I was out grocery shopping, the HR contact called and left a message. The group is re-evaluating the position and not prepared to make a hiring decision at this time. The message explained that they may be splitting the position up into a higher level position (residence life support, administrative board support, etc) and lower level position (receptionist work, photocopying, etc). Frankly, that makes the job more appealing because the receptionist bit was the part that I was not as crazy about, but willing to do since the other work would be very interesting and enlightening. But this is "putting the cart before the horse." Why take the time interviewing candidates when you don't even know what you are looking for? How can you reasonably expect to identify a great candidate (and a candidate to recognize a great fit) when there isn't even a clear job description!?

GRRR.

The other interview I had on the 18th, I finally got some update Wednesday the 4th (almost 3 weeks later!?). Literally, that was after a handwritten thank you a week after the interview, a quick e-mail a week after that (no response of course), and a voicemail message Monday (HR contact on vacation per the message). I was surprised they were not a bit quicker considering that the interview originally was quite enthusastic. Now yesterday, they want to schedule an interview for Wednesday the 11th. Problem is--do I accept a job offer from them or try to see about the other possibilities?

The fourth interview I had at Suffolk University was on the 26th of September. I sent e-mails thanking everyone for their time and to encourage them to contact me with further questions. I have had no further contact. Its my fourth choice, frankly. But Tuesday will be two weeks, and...no updates.

So look HR personnel and hiring managers of America. I realize that the hiring process is long, drawn-out, and frought with difficult decisions. I understand that hiring the right person is important, as it represents a huge investment of time when people quit and there is turnover. But more than likely not, most of the people you interview can do the job credibly. Just pick one you *click* with and invest some emotional energy into them. Be considerate. Show follow through. I promise the efforts and the attention will be rewarded.

Even if I get any of these jobs, I'm not too likely to forget the lack of consideration thus far as I start the job. Mind you, I'm not asking for an immediate decision--just a "We got behind the eight ball, and we haven't forgotten about you. We will be in touch." After all, the internet is frought with stories of people interviewing and NOT EVEN GETTING THE COURTESY OF A STRAIGHTFORWARD REJECTION. That is COMPLETELY COWARDLY and THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR IT. I am confident there is a special circle of hell set aside for cretins such as these. Okay? You can't blame people for being worried and they are not psychic--they are not privy to your watercooler talk. So drop the 'tude. Second, when you make a promise to call, keep it, even if its just a "we have no news." Because the thought "No news is good news" is NOT true of a interviewing situation. Job seekers are investing their own precious time and money in resume paper, suits, transport, parking and it all adds up on top of not knowing if any of it will be worth it in the end. Lastly, don't insult my above average intelligence and act like you were on the verge of calling me when I finally call you because it is four days over when you were promised to contact me. You should be apologizing your ass off, not lying to my face.

Needless to say, I'll follow up with the second job early next week and then...who knows? Out of all the interviews, they seemed the most enthused with my candidacy thus far, but the advice I received from the Career Services at my alma mater, they said that the position probably won't happen nor a job offer. Its a bit flaky, but I can see in my mind how it could have happened--some Dean saying "Hey, why don't we do this?" while the rest of the boardroom plasters a smile on their face and keeping the boss oblivious to the time already expended on behalf of the staff and candidates while thinking "Thanks, this info would have been much more useful a month ago."*pictures this in my head* Yup, totally plausible...

Or, other opportunities or new information may very well present themselves in the coming weeks. We shall see....