My Job Search

The job search isn't easy. I've already applied to Victoria's Secret and Express, started an application to Gap and the new Paradise Beach Tanning. I'm hoping I can get that job at the tanning bed place, so I can get discounts on tanning. That would be sweet! I've applied at UNotes, so I can get money for the notes I take in class. They already e-mailed me because they are interested in my Geology notes. Gigi applied for a job at Southern Marketing Talent, and she's already been called to work an event for Venus razor company. So I think I'll definitely apply there! I'm now on the Graphic Design Team for the Promotions Department at 90.7 WVUA-FM, the University radio station. That's not a paying job though, but it does count for work experience, volunteer hours, and I can build up my portfolio!

I've learned some lessons from my and my friends' job search. I have learned that there are fake marketing companies that you just don't want to work for. They're not necessarily fake, they have legit websites, an office, and you will get paid; however, they are complete crap. They won't look good on your resume, and they sure won't give you very good work experience. I am desperate for a job. I need work experience and I need money to replenish my checking account from all my Christmas spendings and to pay for rent next fall. All around campus I've seen these flyers: "Work for Students!" and "Semester Break Work!" It sounded good to me, so I went to the website on the flier. Apparently the company is called Vector Marketing. I applied for the job, and by the way, the application wasn't that extensive. Immediately afterward, I recieved an email telling me to call and schedule an interview. I scheduled an interview and I was a little excited about maybe getting a job. I told my boyfriend, who is in the Business school and he said, "Mary, do not go to that interview! Nothing good can come out of working for that place; it's a scam!" I also heard that it is a door-to-door marketing job and I don't want to be doing that! So, long story short, I didn't go to that interview.

Just today, my friend Lori was talking about her job search and she applied for Strategic Metrics Inc., a company that I almost applied for as well! She actually went to an interview and she said it was so sketchy! It was a hole-in-the-wall place on 15th Street behind Central High School. She said it was like a sweat shop, with weird people who work all in one room, making phone calls, soliciting people. Basically, you would be one of those people who call your home during dinner time and get yelled at by your dad. Not a very pleasant job and it only pays $6.50 an hour.

The moral of the story: Be careful where you apply, and especially avoid Vector Marketing or SMI... that is, unless you want to be soliciting calls or doing door-to-door sales!