Car vs. public transportation

Once upon a long, long time ago I had a car.  Wherever I wanted to go, my car would take me there quickly and efficiently.  Since coming to Canada I have to rely on public transportation and it sucks.

Not only do I miss driving, not having a car limits my traveling possibilities.  Most of the time I’m fine with taking a train or a bus, as it gives me the chance to read while getting from A to B, but today I do miss having my own wheels.  

Last Tuesday I went for an interview at a law firm.  The lawyer who interviewed me called me this morning, letting me know that she had gone with another candidate but that she was so impressed by me that she referred me to a colleague of hers.

I was a little disappointed, having missed the job I interviewed for, but it seemed that when one door closed a window opened.  Being referred by a lawyer to another lawyer had to be a good sign, right?

When I received the lawyer’s email, inviting me for an interview I was all geared up, I could just feel it in my bones that this was going to work out.  Unfortunately, there was a snag.

In the signature line of the lawyer’s email I noticed her address … oeh, all the way out west.  When I Googled the address and queried how to get there, it turned out I would have to take two trains and two buses.  Oh no, that was just too much trouble. 

I don’t mind taking the train to get downtown, millions of Torontonians do it and we’re used to it.  I don’t mind taking the bus for short distances.  But taking two buses in addition to two trains … no, not doable.

Years ago I did a temporary assignment for a hospital.  By car it would have taken me 10 – 15 minutes to get there, but having to rely on public transportation it took me 1,5 hours because I had to take no less than three buses. 

It was the middle of winter and I remember standing by the side of the road, waiting for the bus, freezing my butt off while slowly but surely getting covered in snow.  I vowed there and then that when this assignment was finished I would never take on another one that required me to take a bus.

Commuting by train is less of a hassle.  Not only do subway stations give shelter from the freezing cold in winter and the scorching sun in summer, there are more trains than there are busses.  Subway trains arrive on average every 3 – 5 minutes.  Busses on the other hand can take as much as 15 – 30 minutes to make an appearance, with the chance that a bus is full in which case a commuter has another wait.

When I see cars going by I miss the days that I was able to drive from here to there.  I didn’t have wait for trains or buses to arrive, I knew more or less how long it would take to get me there, I was warm in winter and cool in summer and I could listen to music and sing along with Bon Jovi.

I can still listen to Bon Jovi on my iTouch, but singing … no, that would be pushing it.

Interview advice

 In keeping with the interview process, let’s see what Amada DeCosta has to say on the subject.  Amanda lives in Oman, and writes articles for www.helium.com and www.brighthub.com.  Amanda also has her own blog which can be found at http://mandys-pages.blogspot.com/

Let’s see what advice Amanda gives for those shaking in their boots for an upcoming interview ...

How Confident Are You At A Job interview?

An interview is the stepping-stone to landing the right job. Yet, in one's quest for the right job at the right place, building up confidence in the interview process can be daunting. This article guides the reader to the more critical points that have to be kept in mind for a confident interview.

The Perfect Job: How Confident Are You To Be Interviewed?

You've been on the lookout for a job, and finally, you've been called in to interview. For many, this is where they stumble and fail to deliver, or let's say, fail to meet up to expectations promised in a resume during the job hunt. Lack of preparation, tiredness, anxiety, and unwanted stress can play havoc to one's sense of balance and appearance at an interview. How then, is one to build confidence for a job interview? Let's take a look at a few crucial points.

1. Preparation

It is very important that when attending an interview, you are well-prepared. Being prepared means striking a sensible balance between respect for your interviewer and knowing the necessary details of your job. In order to be prepared, you might have to ask the HR department or a prospective colleague for job details in advance or look up the website of the company you are interviewing at. When you head in, you should have a good idea of why you've been called and what is expected of you.

2. Presentation

The first impression is the best impression while the last impression can also be the lasting impression. This is to say that, your presentation during the entire interview needs to be your best - from start to finish. Do what it takes to present yourself confidently. Shower and comb your hair. Dress neatly. Polish your shoes. Choose clothing that is business like, and do not choose comfort-wear or casual clothing. You should never wear a party outfit to an interview! Your hair should be arranged neatly. Make-up, if worn, shouldn't be overdone to the point that will look like you're heading out to a night club. Fingernails have to be trimmed neatly and / or polished. Teeth have to be clean. An unshaven, untidy look can be a taken as a mark of disrespect towards an interviewer. Either sport a neat beard or be clean-shaven. Many places that rent out suits for interviews. Make it a point to wear one.

3. Resume with Cover Letter

Although you may have submitted a resume prior to the interview, you may be expected to provide one or more copies of your resume depending on the number of people interviewing you. Be careful to check and double check your resume the day prior to the interview so that you are familiar with exactly what you've mentioned and are ready to turn attention towards, or answer questions pertaining to details you've recorded. A good resume is one of the main steps towards building confidence in the interview process, as it will present you in the best light possible for the job position you seek. Attach copies of supporting documents should you be asked to submit them. Your promptness to comply with their requests will be an indication of your alertness and professionalism.

4. Body language

Your body language is an indication of how confident a person you are, or how suitable and trustworthy you are too. Different postures indicate different temperaments. For example, it is not advisable to sit with your arms crossed. This shows that you are closed to suggestions and have already made up your mind about something. It also indicates that you are not one to consider another's opinion easily and have no respect for another's viewpoint. On the contrary, sit upright with your arms open and hands gracefully on your lap. Keep your legs together, and avoid slouching.

5. Ask questions

While at an interview, an interviewer expects you to ask questions. Hence, prior to the interview, you may wish to prepare a few basic questions. Such question might be, "Why do you think I would be suitable for the job?" or "What is expected of me if I am to be given this post?" Another question might be "What is the nature of the job?" Asking questions indicates that you are vigilant, following what is being explained and also ready to answer promptly and with adequate information that the interviewer seeks to obtain from you.

6. Rest

Part of building up your confidence in the interviewing process is being well-rested prior to attending the interview. Rest well. Prepare necessary things ready the day before the interview - clothes, shoes, resume, certificates, references, etc. Be fresh, active, attentive and alert during the interview while demonstrating comfort. If you are feeling nervous, it is okay if you convey this to your interviewer. The interviewer might even attempt to say something to put your anxiousness at ease.

7. Sample Questions

While you may be ready with questions you might want to ask the interviewer, you will also want to come up with answers to questions you may be asked. For this, you will have to be prepared well in advance. You do not want to find yourself stammering and stuttering over why you need this job, or what made you apply for that particular position. Prepare to answer some basic sample questions before you attend an interview.

Some basic questions may be:

• What was / is your job profile or description of work for the position last held?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your expectations from the company?
• How would you describe yourself as an apt candidate for the post?
• What are your main strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to leave your current job?
• Tell us about yourself.

8. A Confident Handshake

One of the major aspects of building confidence for a job interview that is generally overlooked by candidates is a firm, confident handshake. The handshake is the first connection between interviewer and candidate and it speaks volumes about the confidence of the one seeking a job. A handshake that is limp and sweaty can be an instant no-no for the interviewer as he might see you as non-confident, insecure and lacking professionalism. On the other hand, a good, confident, and firm handshake with direct eye contact to the interviewer can set the tone for a more convincing interview that you are right for the job. A good handshake should also convey your friendliness and openness. A double shake is all that is required to get your interviewer in the right mood.

9. Be Yourself

Last but not the least, be yourself. If you dislike Math and are not comfortable with accounting work, convey that to your interviewer. On the other hand, should you have a great interest in public speaking and possess the skills necessary for working as a public relations manager, make this known! Also, do not pretend to be somebody you are not. Providing incorrect details can only get you into trouble and lead to your disqualification. Convey your weaknesses about a particular skill if you have to, especially if it is one that may drag you into a post that you may not be suitable for. Let the interviewer know who the person is that he or she is interviewing. If you can take the trouble to fabricate a whole different picture of yourself, surely you also have the capacity to highlight the talents and skills that you are already bestowed with. Let the interviewer know the 'real you'.

If you want to read more of Amanda's advice, be sure to visit:

http://www.brighthub.com/office/career-planning/articles/122153.aspx#ixzz1WIHfF6x5

To start things off with

There are a ton of articles (including some of my own) on-line how to handle a job interview.  As someone who has been on both sides of the interview table I consider myself – if not an expert – someone with advanced knowledge on the subject.  

As this blog will be about my new job, and employment in general, I think I should start off with the interview process.

My outfit was corporate: black suit, white blouse, black shoes and handbag.  Hair styled in a bun, make-up applied with a light hand, a minimum on jewelry, no perfume.

I arrived at the company with time to spare, went up to the 13^th floor and met with Francine who needed an assistant.  It was almost as if we had a relaxed conversation, rather than a job interview.  Unfortunately, we hit a snag ... Francine had an allergic reaction.  With what little breath she had left, she asked me if I perhaps had a cat as she was extremely allergic to cats.  Before I could answer she had to rush from the room.

For the first five minutes I waited patiently, but then I started to wonder if Francine was coming back.  For all I knew an ambulance had to be called to give her emergency treatment.

Eventually I decided to leave and walked around the office looking for an exit.  I couldn’t find one but I did spot Francine across the office.  She was feeling better and suggested we continue the interview.
“Are you sure?” I asked her.  “I have not one but five cats, so obviously if you are allergic to cats, I’m not the best candidate for the job.”
Francine felt different and gestured for me to sit down.  Alright then.

After the interview I called the agency that sent me and spoke to my consultant.  “I don’t stand a chance,” I told her.  “The woman is allergic to me.  Well, not to me but to my cats.  She had an attack while I was there.”
“Oh that’s too bad,” Jeanine said.  “She never said anything about that in the job spec.”  Yeah well, I guess allergies don’t really come to mind when recruiting for an assistant.

Back home I had barely taken my coat off when the phone rang and Jeanine told me that I had the job.  I think I responded with a “Whah?”  I was so stunned you could have knocked me over with a feather. 

So now Monday is D-day.  I wonder ...