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| Make a list of all you have to offer a company |
Believe it or not, there are people who apply for employment
and never consider turning any position down. They’re thrilled that someone
would be willing to take them under their wing and pay them. Sounds sad, but I
used to be one of those people, even when I had skills up the wazoo! The thing
is, because I didn’t have a formal education, I never considered it worth
mentioning because I assumed everyone else probably has the same skills.
Untrue! Now I understand that even before my university education, I still knew
more than most people about computers. I worked several years for a computer
company named Packard Bell before they went under and became Compaq. This
introduced me to the process of the motherboard, RAM, hard drives, ROM, etc.
and the functions of them before I even owned a computer. Now consider I’ve
worked in a daycare, as an exotic dancer, as a construction worker, dump truck
and even over-the-road, all the while meeting and talking to different people.
This isn’t even touching on teaching, giving presentations and writing, mind
you, all learned as I made my way through life. I am a curious person. (Meaning
I’m a dabbler in things, not necessarily I am weird.)
Yesterday I had a few job interviews, but with one of them,
I was pretty proud of myself after. I drove an hour and a half to get there, dressed
professionally and felt confident. The school was an academically acclaimed
arts elementary and junior high with a focus on the theater, music, etc. in
high school. Yeah! The perfect way to meet people in “the business,” right? Not
to mention the possibility of casting my own creations with sets, etc.
The parking lot was huge. The inside had the appearance of a
receiving room with a built-in desk and plastic chairs lining the walls, and
curious scuffs across the walls and floor. I figured since school wasn’t in
session, they were probably in the midst of cleaning. I met the
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| How many words in a lifetime can one type? |
The interviewer asked me what computer knowledge I have. I
described a few basic programs such as MS Word and explained I have
presentation skills if they ever come across a time where they may need them,
as well as film experience. Both women laughed, and then she asked me if I
understood data entry. “I can type about 55 wpm,” I said, “I’m a little rusty,
but I’m sure it will come back to me. I’m used to writing whatever’s on my
mind.” The expression of confusion and the tilt of her head made me think we
were speaking different languages. Then I found out we were when she said, “Speed
doesn’t really matter, as long as you know data entry. You know, when you look
at a form and copy the words into the computer? You don’t need to be smart.” I
sat for a moment, my furrowed brows were closing in on my cheeks as my eyes
shifted. I could feel it. Her eyes burrowed into mine and she said, “I don’t
really get computers and all that other stuff you’re talking about.”
“Yes,” I said, losing my affirmation of all the hopes and
dreams I came into the building with just moments before, “I can type.” My mind
was asking my feet why they weren’t creating a new 440 dash in high heels
record, although there is an actual world record set for
such a “feet.” Get it?
So people, don’t sell yourself short. Even if you don’t have
the education you deserve yet, take the information you have and be proud
enough of it not to sell yourself short. I drove the hour and a half home, sad
I had wasted so much gasoline, but wondering if it had been wasted after all.
This was the first time I’d laughed, climbing into my car, after an interview,
because someone out there is still waiting for me to contact him/her with an
alert to my availability and prowess. Now, I just need to keep the search on.
You don’t deserve a job, you deserve a career.
