This was written a few years ago when I was still working and going out for interviews. To those of you who are putting up with this interview process, I feel your pain! ... and I wish you the best of luck.

"People-Readers"
HR - cannot read a resume
Is your resume being read by a qualified person? Are you being interviewed by a qualified person? Is the person doing the interview looking for a certain "look" or a person to do the job?

I have been working in office environments for many years and of course I must know how to use office equipment. I have been asked how fast I can do data entry. I wasn't even applying for a data entry position. I am still asked to take typing tests. Can you use a ten-key? Again, check out my resume. If one has worked in the accounting field, one must know ten-key.

How NOT to Get the Job
During the interview, mention that your favorite movies are "The Temp" and "Fatal Attraction" and that you prefer not to work more that 5 hours a day. Say "I need this job because I am saving for a trip to Spain. After all, I do have a life!"

Your work history isn't necessarily why you may be hired
You are more likely judged by your appearance. (I am in the Sharon Stone, Rene Russo, Jane Fonda age group.)

Searching for that perfect "job opportunity"
I am not seeking a powerful position, just a "job opportunity" where I can utilize my skills, and a nice working environment.

I have begun a love affair with Web design. I know HTML. Experience includes Web development and content management. I have also passed the Windows NT Workstation exam and am now a Microsoft Certified Professional. Covering all the bases! Just want to keep up my lifestyle and keep a roof over my head. And be interested in my work!

My resume reads like a road map
Because my resume reads like a roadmap to many places and types of employment (temporary assignments), the use of many computer applications, and the fact that I am an older woman, the "people-reader" assumes it can not be true that I know so much about computers. (I am in the Sharon Stone, Rene Russo, Jane Fonda age group.)

I am often asked why I have been working as a temporary contract employee. I have even been asked why my work history is so spotted. I say I have been working steady and have never been fired. I pay into the system too. I also should mention that if I had opted to work for the same company for many years, I would not know what I know today.

I need to work. I also enjoy working in different office environments. If I had stayed on one job for many years, I wouldn't know what I know today. I have met people who know less than I know and earn much more. I have trained new-hires, straight out of college. They sometimes even do not like computers.

"How Long Will You Stay?"
I have also been asked if I would stay for more than a year or two if hired. They are seeking a candidate who will stay for a long time. What a question! How do I know if I will like your company enough to stay that long? Of course, I always say yes if I really want the postion.

"What are your long-term goals?"
I am seeking a stable job where I can advance my "career". Right! Like at my age I am seeking a career. Sounds like I might have an attitude problem... perhaps. I have been around, seen too much, hence the attitude. But I am a good, dependable employee, an asset to any company. I offer vast amounts of experience in computers and a willingness to learn even more. I am a team player which means if work needs to be done, I will see that it gets done.

What shall I wear for the interview?
My husband and I often have joked about my going in for the interview wearing silver sun glasses, a purple streak in my hair, leather jump suit, etc. Someday, I would love to go for an interview wearing a "I don't want your job opportunity" in an out of this world outfit.

Most HR people have never worked outside in the real world
They do not know much about the position they want you to go out and interview for. Since most have never worked in a real work environment, how could they know exactly what skills are needed for the "job opportunity". They just want you to interview and hopefully get the gig and bring in some money for them.

If the top dogs of the companies did the hiring, things would be different.
I feel that most HR "people-readers" just want a certain type of person sitting in the vacant seat. But the owners, presidents of companies don't know what is going on. HR has too much power. I believe the department needing the support should see all of the resumes that come in.

Old Software and SLOW Computers
Did you know that some companies still use Windows 3.1, Access 2.0, etc., and don't see why they should upgrade? There are people in control of major decisions that don't know anything about computer systems who make incorrect decisions or won't make decisions. Without good software and good computers, the company is in trouble. They haven't figured out that their data is their business.

It's tough finding that "best job in the sky"
Between interviews and contract assignments, I have passed the Windows NT Workstation exam and am now a Microsoft Certified Professional. Maybe I will be happy and will earn a decent pay rate. AND, it won't matter what I look like! Or how old I am. By the way, I am good looking, professional and intelligent. I am in the Sharon Stone, Rene Russo, Jane Fonda age group.

There is no perfect "Job Opportunity"
I am eternally searching for a good place to land. Well, not really. Sometimes the people are great but the computers and software sucks. Or the computers and software are perfect and the people suck. So, I work temporary contract assignments so that I do not feel trapped. I have concluded that there is no perfect job. I admit that since I began this piece on interviews, I have been interviewing for Web and Help Desk gigs and earning more.

Regards, "Charlotte"
Written long ago ... Last I heard, she was living on Social Security and publishing a Web site. She said she sure was glad that she had Social Security to fall back on. She never made enough to even think of investing part of her wages. If she had invested part of her Social Security, well, she wouldn't be living so well. She would most likely have to move in with her children. Now, that's terrorism!

P.S.
Charlotte is thinking of writing about all of the jobs she endured through the years....

Emma's Catsuit
The J. Peterman Company
No. AAA10259, $2,000, Owner's Manual No. 67, Fall '98 Catalog, Emma's Catsuit. Movie clothing from the Avengers. Black Faux Leatherette Cat Suit
(For that special interview)