The Job Hunt

I started my job with the Labor Board in May and by the end of June, I knew I needed out.  The longest I could stay in this job, since it was a co-op, was mid November. I figured if I started job hunting in July, I could hopefully have something together before then. Since I had fallen in love with the city, I wasn't about to move home if I could avoid it.

The first job I got a call for was for a HR Coordinator for a popular magazine.  During the phone interview with the magazine's recruiter, the evil, most hated question was brought up: what is your current salary? I hate this question because since I am in HR, I know why it's asked. Companies want to know how cheap they can aquire you. It's pretty pathetic, but in this economy, if you need a job, what's a girl gonna do? I explained my current salary to the recruiter and she responds, "Oh well this job is only paying a max of $30,000 a year. Would that work for you?"  Needless to say, since I lived in New York and was supporting myself with no mommy or daddy help, that conversation ended right there.

Next, I had lined up a phone interview with a fashion retailer for an HR Coordinator role. I was beyond excited because what girl doesn't love fashion? After the standard interview questions, the dreaded salary question was brought up. I explained what my salary was and what I was looking for.  The recruiter then said, "This job starts at $12.00.  This is a job for someone to get their foot in the door with the company and work their way up. How does that sound?" I wanted to tell him that it sounded like a fucking bad joke, but I held my tongue. I told him that was less than half of my current hourly rate so that wouldn't be an option for me. He responds by saying, "The rate you are looking for would be what our HR Managers rate would be and we currently do not have any openings for that role.  Are you still interested in the Coordinator role?" Wow, was all I could think. I thanked him for his time and told him no way Jose.

After weeks of more unsuccessful internet applications, I received a phone call from a Pittsburgh based company about a HR Specialist role.  They saw my resume and saw that I was from the Pittsburgh area and wanted to invite me for an interview. Perfect - for once being from the land of nowhere paid off. On the day of my interview, I knew that I had made an excellent impression. If there is one thing I know how to do, it's how to rock an in person interview. It's my thing. In a few days, I received a job offer. After a day or two thinking over the offer, I gladly accepted. I knew that this job could secure me some more time in my new city and advance me in my career - what could be better than that?