Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Wednesday Funnies from a Career Fair

I am putting Weiner Wednesday on hold for today because I have a few recruiting sillies to share with you. 

Let me first start by saying that this economy saddens me deeply. I feel so awful for those who have lost their jobs, gotten pay cuts, or didn't receive a raise they deserved this year. I truly hope that all the unemployed find jobs soon!!!

However, I must comment that lately I have been shocked at the quality (or lack thereof) of candidates I have met at the various career fairs I've traveled to. You would think with the economy's vigorous downturn, there would be amazing talent oozing from every direction. Well, where are they? 

Don't get me wrong. We've interviewed and met several AMAZING individuals...and we've given offers to quite a few solid, going-to-be-successful, rock-star candidates. But as a whole, I haven't been too impressed with some candidates who've attended career fairs.

And just a friendly tidbit. Two very quick, very simple ways to at least appear to be interested in looking for a career...while attending a career fair:

WEAR A SUIT and HAVE A PERSONALITY.  

On a smilier note, today's fair included the following sillies that made me giggle:

1). The first young lad who approached us just stood in front of our booth. Once I realized he wasn't going to say anything, I extended a handshake and asked him what he was looking for. He was a junior looking for an internship, and I asked him for his resume. He looked at me like I just told him he won the lottery. He bent over, exclaimed "This is the first time I actually get to use this!", and spent about two minutes unlocking his brand new briefcase. I couldn't help but giggle...how cute!  

2). I have become a professional at spotting the "chronic freebie stealers". I literally can spot one from a mile away. Biggest way to blow your cover as a chronic freebie stealer: Carrying a large plastic bag busting at the seams. Well, I had one walking toward me. She asked if we had any auditor positions available...and before I could even answer, she squealed "What lovely pens you have!" Ha. Cover blown! Oh, and she had four 2-inch-long very course hairs dangling from her chin. Eww.  

3). I am all about fashion. Especially when men are in tune with good fashion. However, a student carrying a "man purse"??? I can understand a laptop case, a satchel...heck, even #1's 1985 briefcase...but NOT a man purse. This guy was walking around with a gray, patent leather adorable designer bag. 

4). I must say - one of my pet peeves is a "package deal". That is what I like to call those who approach employers in pairs or even small groups. If you are at a career fair, you should at least approach employers by yourself. Well, I had a "package deal" today. A guy and a girl...both of whom were very obnoxious. I was telling them about our positions when the guy said to me "Hey, you look familiar. I think I saw you at the networking event at the King's Inn!" I gave him an odd look. His girlfriend said, "John, that's a strip club". 

Let me be clear. It was NOT me whom he saw at a strip club. 

5). Finally, we had another "package deal". The girl was wearing the tightest leggings I've ever seen, a leopard-print top, patent leather shoes, her hair literally twisted into a bee-hive on the top of her head, and enough makeup for me to scrape off with a spoon. Need I say more?

13 comments:

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Haha!!! The freebie people crack me up. I use to work a non profit place and anytime people came there they would always want a free pen or something.

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

Just found your blog! So cute and your post made me laugh!

Gwen said...

LMAO!!! There are weirdos every where!!! We have freebie people at work that will literally walk into a meeting in progress to get leftover food. Have a fabulous night!! XOXO

Jane said...

I would be so grateful for that opportunity! It makes me so sad that other people don't seem to care. At least you get a good laugh once in a while.

Delaware Job Hunters said...

This article reminds me of this quote, "Seasonal unemployment was found to be a state which does not have much employment, for example, rural areas."

But there are career experts who conduct seminars giving concrete advice about the needed skills to compete in today's competitive job market.

LauraAnn said...

Wow! People amaze me! I am with you, in this economy you would think people would be bending over backwards to impress potential employers and doing anything necessary to gain an edge on the competition.

When unemployed people don't take job career fairs seriously it makes it hard to feel bad for them.

Lucky in Love said...

Oh my! I'm sure you've seen your share of crazies! I hope you are able to offer the good ones jobs. This economy sucks...

Lindsey said...

This post cracks me up!

Unknown said...

I love your pet peeve on the "package deal." You can tell he didn't want the job, but merely using you for a joke for his significant other.

Eric Sornoso
http://www.mypetpeeves.com

Ashley said...

Haha! Oh, my! Definitely don't tell someone that might give you a job that you've seen them at the strip club. Big no, no!!!

P.S. We saw your red undies so we know you are. Hehe!! j/k

Sydnie said...

I love your blog.. it makes me giggle!

Britni said...

Interview and career fair stories always make me laugh because it's just like what were you thinking? I don't think interviews are hard at all and don't understand why people can't just follow a couple of rules.

Sweet Simplicity said...

You gotta love those career fairs! I hate it when other recruiters want to swap items with me. I DO NOT want to take home your crappy pen or whatever. If you really want to take home my crappy pen, please knock yourself out!