Job Fair? More Like Job Melee!

   

  











 I used to wonder what kind of degenerate loser went to job fairs. Well, today, I was that degenerate loser! Let me say, the face of 10% unemployment in RI is UGLY! The job fair started at 10 AM, and when I pulled onto the Warwick street where the Crowne Plaza is located (approximately 9:45 AM) traffic was backed up for about a quarter mile. Traffic was backed up because the parking lot at the hotel was FULL! I was forced to park in a small neighborhood across the street, and walk a quarter mile to the hotel. Normally, a quarter mile wouldn't bother me, but I was wearing my dress shoes. Ouch!

    When I got there, there were only four or five businesses in which I had interest. One gentleman asked if I was interested in the insurance industry. I replied, "Yes. I'm interested in destroying it." That was the end of that conversation. I think in order to call your business an industry, you should produce something beside forms and paperwork. Insurance is the only product you ever buy and hope you never have to use.

    While there wasn't much there for a career chef, with the exception of a local farm, and of course, the host of the event, the Crowne Plaza, there were a few opportunities for a budding freelance writer. I gave a resume, including a link to this blog, to a representative from Rhode Island Magazine. Apparently, they use only freelancers, so I've got that going for me.

     Anyway, the hotel's ballroom, where the event was held, was packed, to use the local vernacular, "from butt to gut." Not a good place for claustrophobes, or anyone with flatulence. (Look it up!) I've peppered this piece with pictures, to give you an idea. It's nice to feel that you're part of something larger than yourself, and today, I was part of a desperately unemployed mass of people!

Love, Peace, and Bacon grease!

  

Why I May Never Find A Job

    I had a job interview last Friday. I thought that it went well, and the owner of the establishment informed me at the conclusion of the interview that I was the front- runner for the position. I didn't ask for exorbitant amounts of money (Ten bucks an hour, plus a percentage of the monthly sales.) I was my normal well spoken, charming, insightful self. I even got a couple of laughs out of the owner. He told me he would be making his final decision by Saturday.

    Well, here it is, Tuesday, and I haven't heard from him. Yesterday I sent him an email, asking him if he, in fact, had made his decision and if so, why was I not considered for the position. I have received no response.

    I suppose I find this so annoying because, with a little feedback, I could alter the way I'm approaching my job search, be more effective, and maybe actually GET A JOB.

    I'm curious to find out if this is a standard practice in all businesses. When you are told that you are being considered for a position, and you don't get it, does the company have a responsibility to tell you why you did not "get the gig?" It seems only fair, especially after telling you that you are a strong contender for the position, to inform you as to why you were not hired.

    I know it makes me sound like a braggart, but there are very few cooks/ chefs out there that can match my depth and breadth of experience. If prospective employers took the time to check my references, they would find out that I'm a bulldog who's always looking for inspiration, is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, and will not settle for "good enough." Apparently, wanting to make a decent living, and not working ninety hours a week is too much to ask.

    It probably has a lot to do with my unstable work history. I have had SIX JOBS IN THE LAST EIGHTEEN MONTHS, and have left them all for a variety of crappy treatment, general disrespect to employees, and full blown sociopathic behavior. It's hard to have a stable work history when you work for generally unstable people, some of whom I have featured on this blog!

    That's all I got today!

Love,Peace, and Bacon grease!