Saturday, May 25, 2013

The Temp-To-Hire Experience

So after my lay-off, I started a temp-to-hire job at a local insurance company as a review nurse back in March.  Now it has been almost 3 months.  How has it been?

First off, what is temp-to-hire?  You start off in your position employed by an agency.  After a certain time period, if you are deemed to be a "good fit" and a position is available, you make that transition into a full-time permanent job as an employee of that particular company.  It's starting to be the substitution for the three month probation period that you will have at any job.

One thing I have learned:  No job is "permanent"--even if you are considered as such.  There is ALWAYS that chance that you could get outsourced, the program could change, etc.  I was laid off 3 months after starting my past permanent job.  So you just NEVER know.  My situation, as temp-to-hire, is probably more stable than my last permanent job.  There are people that have been here for 30 years plus, and they are the more of the rule than the exception.  There is an entire parking area devoted to them!

I have had my share of unhappiness with the "temp to hire" experience:

1) I did not negotiate what I should have--so I am making what I made as a perm, but without benefits.  I think the recruiter could have given a little guidance towards this, and felt this individual was looking out for their best interests only, so I wasn't very happy.
2) I was told that it would probably be "two months" before getting hired full-time.  Then I was told "3-4 months." Wrong.  I found out that there is actually no time limit--with an average of 6-9 months as a temporary employee.  Being upfront about this would have been the right thing to do.
3) Negative comments by the corporate trainer--like when I asked him what the contractor's role was, he told me that "well...FTE are afraid of losing their jobs to contractors."  Two days in.  Uhhh...shit!!!  You get some of those flippant comments--and you HAVE to ignore them, or if you are like me, you'll be crying 24-7.  I found out that we NOT taking jobs--and that is not the intent of the department.  There has been some turnover (some nurses just can't work telephonically), and they are wanting to make sure it is a good match for both people before converting to FTE...not replacing FTEs.  It's brand new to this department, and it makes people a little nervous.  It's brand new to me too.  BUT I see an opportunity here to help w/this transition.
4) Miss out on little things--like everyone in my department got a nice gift.  Except the two contractors of 70.  There aren't a lot of tangible "perks" as a contractor.  However, I am lucky to be in a stable position with a steady paycheck--and that in itself, is a BIG perk.  No one is entitled to ANYTHING!
5) I was holding myself to a different standard--like I wasn't taking breaks and working through my lunches.  I found out that I do NOT have to do that (though I still do to a certain extent).

However, it has also been a great experience too!

1) My boss at the company (as well as her boss) is SO AWESOME!!!  She is the best.  She is great about feedback and helping me find my place here.  Ideas are always welcome and she is a great role model towards what I am looking for as I travel through my career as a nurse.
2) What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!  I'm starting to develop a thicker skin.  Maybe.
3) My bosses have told me they think I am doing a great job--and are talking about me coming on permanent in the future.  Another contractor was just hired on permanent (and it was around 5 months, so that's like what, 2-3 more months?).
4) The people are really nice and have been welcoming.  We have a lot of potlucks etc, and we ARE welcome to those.  We don't get left out of EVERYTHING.
5) I leave my job at WORK!  I never have to think about it at home.  No weekends.  No holidays.  Also, I love the actual "work" part of the job, and am perfectly happy to talk on the phone all day long.  I also use a lot of critical thinking, have to see the "whole picture," and I'm never ever bored.

Would I do the "temp-to-hire" again?  No.  However, I don't think I'll have to, because I have found where I want to stay.



Saturday, February 16, 2013

Interview Tips

I thought "Interview Tips" deserved another post because these tips could DEFINITELY help someone else!  Please read my last post about my skill set if you want more background =).  I am not a recruiter, and don't have a background in HR--at all, but I found this is what helped me.

Interviewing is tough.  You are trying to sell yourself to get the job and, most likely, you don't know anything about the interviewer or what makes them "tick."  Not every job is going to want what you have to offer, but you know what, that's okay.  There IS a place that is going to have your philosophy and wants you to work for them.  You want to find that place and you are almost interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

For example, there is a job for every nurse.  If you are the "take charge, thrive on chaos" type, you might like the hospital floor.  If you are sensitive and enjoy counseling, you may enjoy hospice nursing.  If you prefer to work with patients while they are asleep, there's the OR.  So it's all about you.

Or you could totally go the entrepreneur route, which is great too.  I'm not ready for that step though!  Who knows what the future holds?

Interview Tip #1--Be Yourself
You have to be yourself.  Let your personality through!  There is a job for every personality.  My boyfriend has a serious "down to business" outlook when it comes to employment and hiring for his team, but that's great for him because that's what his jobs call for.  Nurses have to have good communication skills.  We also like related stories.  We all have our relatable "war stories." So, that's the route I started to go.  You want to stay professional, and adapt to the interviewer, but you have to work with that person--so let them know what you're like.

When they ask you to "Tell me about yourself"--in my case, being employed a few years, they wanted to know about my work history.  So I told about how I got into nursing, a few blurbs about where I worked, and why I wanted job x (relating to my past and based on company information).

Interview Tip #2--Dress Up
Of course you are going to dress up more than normal.  However, one thing I was doing at first was dressing "business casual" when interviewing for my company (my current place is casual dress).  When I stepped it up, and wore "business professional," I felt more confident.  It's psychological that when you dress for what you want, you'll have that more in your mindset.  Get a nice set of slacks/skirt and a fitted suit jacket.  You will not regret it.

My interview was over the phone, and I wore my pajamas, but dress "business professional" with an interview in person.

Interview Tip #3--Behavioral Interviewing!
I had A LOT of behavioral interview questions--"Tell me a time when..."  I had never thought of these times, at first.  However, as I sat down and thought about it, I had TONS of examples.  If you have been alive and/or employed, so do you.  Tell a story and (if asking about a problem) what did you do to resolve the situation.  This tells an employer a lot about you.

Interview Tip #4--Help out your co-workers
In my case, the entire department was being eliminated.  When I found out about jobs I thought others might be interested in, I told them about them.  It was nice, because even though we were interviewing for the same jobs in our company--we still supported each other.  I had never considered this before, but I actually thought about recruiting as being an option because I think it's fun to match people to what they are interested in.  Reach out to people, in your life and on Linked In.  I have a friend who is an accountant, but has a friend that is a hospice nurse (which is a field I'm interested in).  My IT recruiter friend helped me get my job.  So, be open-minded.

Interview Tip #5-- Know Yourself
See Tip #1!  The interviewer wants to know your strengths and weaknesses, whether you ask that or not.  As a Psych major, I've always been interested in this--and I did an Emotional Intelligence test and the Myers-Briggs personality test to see where I was at.  You can find these online if you just Google them!  I found that I had great conflict resolution skills and needed help with being assertive.  I found interviewers don't mind if you have weaknesses, but what are you doing to improve them?  I talked about my "journey to organization" with one interviewer (and this was an interview that went well, even if I didn't get the job).  It also helps answer the question of what you can do for them/why should we hire you?

The place that hired me was looking for someone that is good with change.  Thanks to this past year with several life changes, and growing up in a military lifestyle, I learned that change can be positive--and unavoidable.  Like I said in my last post "That's the way it is," and they liked that philosophy.  They also asked how I handled stress--and sweet, little Tyler (my cat)--really helped me through my situations.  So, I talked about having a pet.

Interview Tip #6--Ask Questions
Asking questions helps show you are interested.  Great ones to ask include:
What would you like accomplished 60-90 days after I start?
If your interviewer is not all business, ask how they started working there.  It turns the interview into more of a conversation.
Flat out ask who the ideal candidate is.  It'll be different from the job description.

Interview Tip #7--Know your job descriptions inside and out
For example:  I was applying for Utilization Management positions at my company (a.k.a. medical review)--and per my company I did not have the "right skill set," but I knew I did (it was later when I started doubting it).  I was convinced by a recruiter friend to apply for another one of these jobs at another company.  I wasn't sure how to make this clear to the interviewer that I knew what to do (they are asking for clinical experience which I didn't think I had much of)--however when she asked me about charts and discharge planning, I had TONS of examples.  This job involves a lot of talking to doctors--and at my last job, I worked very closely with doctors to help treat the client.  I did nursing assessments.  I know a lot about medications and side effects.  I was in a doctor's office or hospital several times a week.  I helped audit charts.  I did wound care and clinical skills like that occasionally, and what I didn't know, I learned with help of other nurses.  Those are all clinical.  I also am on the phone all the time, and you are with this job too.  So I had the experience, I just had to be very forthcoming with it because it was not obvious what I did based on my title (and it helped the recruiter had done something similar).  I tried to put it in my resume, but I had to put it all together.


Questions you'll hear:
Tell me about yourself (huge, have a good answer ready--see above, and don't start at birth)
What are your strengths? (and how can this help the company)
What are your weaknesses? (and what is something you have done to help overcome them)
What would your boss say about you?
What would your coworkers say about you?
How do you handle conflict?
How do you deal with stress?
Are you a 9-5 person? (This depends on the job and make sure you emphasize you'll do what you need to get the job done).
Think of stories where something went wrong and what you did to fix it
Why do you want the job? (think of a very specific reason and don't say $)
Who is your ideal boss (or boss you don't like).  Be positive!




Friday, February 15, 2013

The "Right Skill Set"

I left my job of four and a half years as a nurse working with individuals with developmental disabilities.  My comfort zone.  It was my second nursing job and got me out of a HORRIBLE first nursing job (in the hospital).  I owe a lot to this job to helping me get back to "me," giving me challenges and joys, and it was wonderful.  However, I felt like it was time to "leave the nest" and I quickly found a job that seemed perfect.  Close to my house, bankers' hours, great benefits.  No on-call.  Whee!!!  A new opportunity.  What could go wrong?

News of a job loss after three months of starting.  As my dad says about everything that he has no answer for, "That's the WAY it is."  I always thought that saying was annoying as hell, but he's right.  That IS the way it is.  He lost his job and it took awhile to find one, so I've been asking him a lot for advice.  I don't remember him "losing it" ONCE.  He kept applying and has a great job now.  I, however, am more neurotic.

I had several interviews at my company.  All of the positions were filled by outside applicants.  Apparently I didn't have the "right skill set" per one of the interviewers, as well as HR. Whatever.  There was nothing wrong with my interviews otherwise (I asked).  They just found someone "better."  So I decided that maybe my company wasn't the place to be.  I applied to eight other jobs.  Interviewed for three.  Rejected!

Outside the company, here we go!

I interviewed with a lady who decided I was confrontational.  Really.  If anything, I am passive aggressive as I am typing this about her.  I drank a bottle of water with one interviewer.  Whoops.  It didn't even dawn on me that was stupid as I was mentally patting myself on the back for not drinking Diet Coke.  Got him over on that one.  One interviewer sprung a phone interview on me.  I had screened the call--and she left me a message to call her back.  She asks me if I have "time to answer a couple of questions" and grilled me.  No wonder I got a rejection letter two days later.  Six interviews?  Seven?  Whatever.  I didn't want to do this anymore because I am not confrontational, I don't like surprises, and I don't like dehydration. 

One of my best friends told me about a temp-to-hire job in her firm at a similar company to the one I work for.  I did not have the "right skill set," per me, and informed the recruiter so I didn't waste her time.  She thought we should try anyway.  I never thought about a temp-to-hire job.  However, what if I got stuck working for a boss who thought I was "confrontational" or someone that got mad at me for drinking water?  What if the company regularly lays off employees?  I don't WANT to work places like that.  It gives us both the opportunity to see if we are the right fit! 

I took the typing and Microsoft Word test, which I promptly screwed up, and left knowing that I "did not get the job."  I fantasized about learning more about Microsoft Word, but decided I did not "give a shit."  I've been trying to work on a coding certificate and thought learning Spanish would be beneficial--but felt overwhelmed, and since I already paid for coding--that's the certificate that won.  It gave me something to do that I felt was beneficial.  I was trying to "improve my skill set" but driving myself insane and discrediting a $50,000+ education.

A little over a week later, I get a call that I had a phone interview with this company.  I told her I was surprised because "I didn't have the right skill set," but was excited anyway!  She laughed and told me about what questions this company might ask.  I have been asked every single question and, besides screwing things up by drinking a bottle of water, I felt I did really well at that interview.  So I practiced and decided to give it my all.  I've been rejected this many times.  Hell, why not again?

The interview went differently.  They called promptly at the time they said they were going to, which I thought was respectful of my time.  It automatically put me in a good mood.  I was also sitting on the couch in my pajamas.  I did my research on the company and found it is big into philanthropy.  They had even donated to Furry Friends, which is where I got my cat Tyler.  It made me feel like they cared about Tyler and his buddies (and I don't know if they donated 50 cents or $500,000, but it doesn't matter).  They also donate to the non-profit where I used to work (mentioned in paragraph one).  Two places near and dear to me.  So, I told the interviewers that (in a nutshell) and that I appreciated that and its views on putting the "customer" first.  I asked how the interviewers got started at the company.  I talked about my experience and how being a "military brat" prepared me for change.  I told a story about a difficult hospital discharge.  I gave the "story of me" and let myself shine.  I forgot, for a half hour that day, that I "didn't have the right skill set."

I got the job.  It's where I wanted to work in the first place.  I have to prove myself as I am not a full employee yet, but I am confident that I can do it.  I am NOT limited by my "skill set."  Funny how the director (my boss' boss) has a very similar "skill set" to mine and saw my experience for what it was.  The moral of the story:  Keep trying.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Wine and Canvas: Des Moines

So, my friend Shannon sent out a Facebook message to a few of our close friends asking us if we wanted to go to Wine and Canvas--and blog about it.  I, the type to be up for anything, said sure!  After all, with wine in the name--how could one go wrong?  I like to get out and do things that are a little different.  After all, if you are with good company (and good wine!), everything is fun!

I went to the website:  https://www.wineandcanvas.com/wine-and-canvas-calendar-des-moines-ia.html to see what exactly it was.  Wine and Canvas.  "Oh, duh, canvas meaning painting," I thought to myself and probably said aloud.  I immediately had a mini A-HA moment, "Shit, I can't paint ANYTHING!"  I took one look at the picture, "White Flowers," and thought, I am going to paint that?!  Not.  Plus it was at Mimi's Cafe, which I thought was interesting.  So I am painting a picture that I KNOW I can't paint and at a place where I eat breakfast?  Are we all going to stand around in the dining area, complete with beret, easel and stick-thin moustaches, next to some elderly couple sharing an Eggs Benedict, and paint a picture way out of my league?  Whatever.  I've done stranger things.  Plus, there is wine.

(Here's the picture our class painted!  Initially freaked out when I saw that!)

I found that Wine and Canvas is in different venues all over the country--so if you are in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, IOWA, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, or South Dakota--there is the possibility that you will find a Wine and Canvas near you!  These are for adults 21 and over, but I do believe there is a Cookies and Canvas spin-off.  Yay!

An insight into my artistic ability:  I can draw stick people.  The last time I have ever created anything was in art class in high school.  Even then, I didn't really GET it and decided I would be an "appreciator" and not a "creator." My sister, with her Matt Damon pencil sketch proudly displayed in my parents' basement and random clay artifacts around the house is the artistic one.

An insight into my attention span:  I don't always have one.

There was a disclaimer on the site telling people NOT to worry, that there would be step-by-step instruction by an artist to recreate the painting.  Ok.  So everyone paints the same painting.  I suppose we could help each other out.

A group of three friends and I arrive to Mimi's with a sign at the door proudly exclaiming that Wine and Canvas was inside.  We walked in to a private dining area (so no bothering randoms with their meal) and a row of tables set up in the middle.  Each seat complete with an easel, canvas, container of water, paintbrushes, and a plate with colored paint globs.  The place was set up for about 25 people.  We excitedly sat down.  My friend looked up at the painting we were to create, on display in front, and again, we both panicked.  However, with Mimi's wine flight deal ($5 for a flight of three glasses before 6), we quickly took advantage and forgot we had no artistic talent.


The artist, complete with microphone headset and bubbly attitude, started.  There is an already-completed painting on display--and another one that she has started with us.  She walked us through the needed brush strokes.  One step at a time.  Very VERY easy to follow!  There was also fun music being projected through the room--like Black Eyed Peas and Duran Duran.  Everyone is talking, laughing, drinking wine (note: You do not have to have wine--a Coke, beer, or glass of water is JUST fine), jamming to the music, and PAINTING an awesome picture.

The artist and Wine and Canvas staff were very friendly and helpful--offering tips on how to improve the painting, offering encouragement ("Great Job!"), taking pictures for us (laughed when I made my "West Side" hand gesture), and generally making it a pleasant experience for all.

My friends and I watched in amazement how we created these pieces.  Each similar, yet with our own special touches.  We had SO MUCH FUN and definitely will go back.


(That's us!  I am the first one on the left!)


(Here's who I think I am now!)

I posted my painting on Facebook--and had SEVERAL compliments about how it was a great picture, and other friends wanting to attend a session.  My boyfriend thinks I am the next Picasso.  Winning!

Des Moines' launch of Wine and Canvas was on December 12th.  There are several venues around the city where they go--and it appears the class is offered several times a week.  Get a group together (heck, go by yourself even!) and GO!  Classes normally run $35 a session (wine not included) and you can find deals on Living Social etc.  Make sure to LIKE Wine and Canvas Des Moines on Facebook for pictures and specials.