Life in the fast lane

I finally found a moment in time again, when my brain is slowed down enough to put some thoughts down on paper, or monitor, if you will.

Job Hunting:
Interview #1: I arrived to NJ on Wednesday, June 8th. On Monday, the 14th, I went to my first interview with Robert Half Legal. I donned a fancy suit jacket, slacks, and heels. I gave myself a manicure, and off I went to the speed train, on my way to Central City Philadelphia. It was a good few blocks from the end of the line to my destination, and I mean good, long blocks. My feet were not pleased in the tight heels I was running around in, and I could feel my deoderant failing me on this very hot, humid day. I found the Mellon Bank building, and I went up to 25th floor to meet with the recruiter. There was one other girl sitting in the waiting room with me, who was very chatty, but very nice. My online information could not be found (turns out it was routed to the San Fran location instead), and so I had to fill out a little more paperwork than I had hoped for, but it wasn't too terrible. Shortly thereafter, I was sat down at the computer to take three tests -- Word, Legal Terminology, and Typing Speed. As I sat down at the computer, the fire alarm rang, and off Chatty Cathy and I went to the fire exit. The alarms kept ringing and ringing as we ran down the 25 flights of stairs. I thought to myself that there was no way in hell I would going to get burned down in Philadelphia at my first job interview. The heels were too much for me as I started to get dizzy going round and round. I threw off the heels, and we continued to fly down the stairs. We waited for about 30 minutes. The other girl canceled her appointment, and I went back up. I took the tests, and waited to meet with my recruiter. She came out, and we sat in her pretty office overlooking Philadelphia. She told me she was impressed with my test scores, and I silently patted myself on the back for the torture I endured to get that compliment. As we discussed realistic expectations, she told me she felt optimistic about finding work for me. I that day feeling pretty darn good!

Interview #2: This interview was with a national court reporting firm. I had contacted them about a month before my move, and as it turned out, they had not filled the spot! I was very excited to meet with the interviewer as we had been corresponding for quite some time. Again, this job was in Philadelphia, so I headed to the speed train westbound. As I was standing on the platform, I received a call from Interview #1, telling me that she had a 3-month opportunity for me. Although the pay was lower than I had hoped for, she gently cooed that I would gain the NJ experience I need to land a more permanent position. I let her know that I had an interview that I was running to, and that I would let her know what happened with that. Interview #2 was located right near #1, in the heart of Philly on Market Street. The bottom floor was a Charles Schwab, covered in marble, and I was instantly taken. The firm was on the 51st floor, and I fought back the panic I felt at going up and down 51 flights everyday. I went up, and to the office, and wowie it was pretty. The receptionist sat me in a beautiful conference room, overlooking Philadelphia, the Ben Franklin Bridge, and parts of NJ. It was a gorgeous view of the city, and I knew I could handle the 51 floors for a view like this. I had what felt to be a great interview. We discussed benefits, hours, holidays, etc. I took this as a good sign. I thought for sure I would be contacted within a day or so. I went home and sent a follow-up thank you email. I have class once in awhile, thank you. The day came and went. And then the next day came, and started to "went." I got a little nervous because I had not heard anything from Interview #2, and I promised Interview #1 I would let them know what happened so I can give an answer regarding the temp job. As the day passed, I felt comfortable leaving a message with #2, simply asking when I could expect an answer either way. Still nothing. So I called #1, and let her know that I had not heard back yet. She told me that her client was reviewing my resume still, and apparently had another person's resume in front of them. I was mildly surprised to hear this, as the impression I had was that if I said yes to the temp job, I had it. Maybe the recruiter was covering herself since I had another interview lined up, so I couldn't blame her.

I did not have much time to worry about the job situation, as my family was coming into town shortly, and I had a lot of things I needed to deal with, like getting insurance, grocery shopping, clothes shopping, etc.

#2 Cont'd: I received an email a week after the interview, and the interviewee apologized for the delay in getting back to me because she was out of the office, but would love to have me in for a 2nd interview. I was excited to hear from her and told her my availability. I did not hear from her for another week, and she told me she had wanted to get me in for the 2nd interview that day, but she got busy. She again asked me for my availability. I gave it to her again, but with a little hesitation, as I was surprised at the 2-week wait on this process. Another few days came and went, and still nothing. Even as of today, there I have not received a response.

So, this past Monday, I decided to get a bit more aggressive as the firm did not seem to be panning out the way I had hoped. I sent in a few more resumes, and lo and behold, I got two calls for interviews this Monday!

Interview #3: I immediately knew I liked this attorney right away. He had a soft telephone voice, and I felt the kindness right away. We set up an interview for the next day. I don't want to say too much about this interview as of yet, but I really do hope it works out. His only concern, and a fair one, is that I have no NJ legal experience. There is no one to train me, and I'd pretty much sink or swim. Having already been in that situation, I think I can swim for this guy. I do have another interview set up next week as well, and I'm (im)patiently waiting for that 2nd interview at the court reporting firm to be scheduled.

More soon, with more fun stuff besides job interviews!