You own the whole block??

Researching the company you are interviewing is always suppose to be the first thing you do before you even step foot into their door... Because of the mass volume of interviews I have had, the researching is still completed but obviously in not the amount of detail as it should, and here is why...

I had an ad agency call me up for a media planning position a few weeks ago. They set up an interview for when I moved up to New York and that was great and all minus one fact- I have no desire to really work on the agency side- I want to explore the publishing side. So clearly I was not totally sold on the position but I figured, its a foot in the door, why not just go in for the interview, what could it hurt? I did a little research on the company the night before, pulled up the address and the directions needed to get there and went to bed.

That day, I also had a second round interview with a publication that if they offered on the spot, I would say yes and kiss the ground, and for this fact, I dressed for my second round interview because they had already seen me in my suit. I was wearing black pants, skinny belt, silk shirt and heals. For a second round interview I still looked business type, but more fashionable, which was the look I was aiming for. When I got off the subway at my first interview, I walked the 9 block trek from the subway to their building. Frustrated at that point because I got all sweaty, I started looking for their building and in no way wanted to deal with a door man. I'm looking, looking and finally find the building. I walk in the front door, expecting it to be like every other office building for them to have to buzz me to the right floor......

BUT NO.

They owned the entire building. The company is one of the top 3 ad agency's in the world with offices all over the world, and here I was, not in a suit, sweaty and flustered. I called my mom and had her re-research the company. Her response, "Leave, find the nearest clothing store and buy a suit, you need to look good for this. It's a big deal."

I do not think I need to go into detail about the rest of my little disaster. But lets just say, $100 dollars and a few hours later, I walked out with a second interview... The ending of the story to be completed....

Moral of this and Lesson Learned:

DO THE RESEARCH. Or at least find out if its a major company.. simple rule.

Peace, Love and Suiting Up,

B

I could start an interviewing school...

So, I have come to the point of my job search process and interviewing process that enough is enough. Since I arrived in NYC a week ago today, I have had approximately 12 interviews. 10 of which I have been to multiple rounds for. This is not a post to brag or say look how many interviews I have had. This is a post to say that how much longer do these companies need to meet with me. I AM TIRED OF TALKING ABOUT MYSELF! My answers in every interview are the same. To make life a little easier, I might invest in a tape recorder and just play it so I do not even have to think. But this is not the sad part, the sad part of the entire situation is half the people from the companies have no clue how to run an interview. Case in point, in an interview today- I was pushed through to meet with 3 people in one day. The second person from this company flat out said- I do not know why I am running this interview, I'm not sure what they want me to ask you. So being the take charge individual that I am (and recently very skilled in the interviewing business) I said- don't worry, I'll tell you everything you need to know. At the end of my interviewing, she said one thing- Wow, your really good at this, wanna take my job? OF COURSE I DO! What kind of question is that. I'm thinking that if this who real job in an already established firm does not work, I'm going to start an interviewing consulting business. It will teach people how to conduct themselves in interviews, how to network, how to get interviews and for the other side, how to run interviews. Its a thought...Hopefully life will not come to that quite yet and I will have a job by the end of the week. Fingers crossed.

But on another fun networking note. I was sitting at lunch yesterday after a crazy morning at an interview with a top ad agency in the world (which I was unaware of and a whole other story in itself, will write about it in a different post.. but back to the story...) and had a grandmother with her grandson at the table next to me. This woman is everything you would imagine a New York socialite grandmother to be- loud, accient, pushy, and loves her grandson more than air itself. I complimented her on how adorable her grandson was, just because, with no intention of actually talking to her... But boy did I get a surprise. Turns out her daughter is a big shot in the PR world and once the mother found out I just moved here from the south, was Jewish and looking for a job- she worked her magic. She gave me her daughters information, called her on the spot to tell her I was going to contact her- the whole deal.

Moral of the story- CARRY YOUR RESUME EVERYWHERE. thankfully I had it on me for her to take with her.. But come on!! this was amazing!

Lesson Learned:

Everyone you meet has a story... and everyone has connections.

Peace, Love and Fingers Crossed...

B

The Subway is for Poor People... really.

Today, after finally waking up with a massive hangover and making the trek back to Queens from Manhattan, I made it back to Manhattan to Central Park. Met up with some friends from college and basked in the sun and people watched all afternoon. I cannot remember a time that I have seen so many people in a grassy knoll just enjoying themselves. A little kid was having his birthday party at the bottom of the hill and all his friends were having the time of their lives. Nothing better than hearing little kids laugh (in my opinion). As we were chatting, one of my friends told a story about why her boyfriend refuses to take the sub way. He proclaims that the sub way is for poor people who cannot afford a taxi or their own car. As I thought about this, a revelation hit, maybe it is true- I for sure cannot afford to take cabs right now. She continued telling how the one time she forced him to take the subway, there were 2 homeless men sleeping on the subway- SO OF COURSE his point was proven true.

Even if the subway is for poor people, who cares- its get you from point a to point b without traffic jams and you see some amusing things that can only be seen on the sub way. For example, where else would you see a clown with a dozen balloons other than on the subway on the way to work?

Lesson # 5:

Although cabs might be more posh, I take the subway if not only for the stories.

Peace, Love and balloons,

B

Cowboy in Queens

I have heard that you see new things every day in NYC. Not until day 3 did I become a believer. Today while walking out of a store with my aunt, a man with a cowboy hat and flannel shirt came trotting down the road on his horse... On top of that, the horse decided to use the middle of the intersection as a bathroom... Even down south one does not see these such things.

Other than the cowboy encounter, today was a successful day. I conquered finding a second round interview outfit for Marie Claire. Gotta look on my A game for them. Spent a few hours in gap and then learned about NYC winters. How a pair of knee high boots are essential and a pair of stylish, lined rain boots are necessary. Both of which I achieved in purchasing. Maybe with the hopeful jobs I will be able to afford more of the trendy and stylish clothing that are crucial for living in this city. But only time will be able to answer that question.

Lesson 4:

Even if it isnt comfortable, if its in style, remember, its New York.

peace, love and cowboys,

b

Queens and the F train..

Well, I am here. Survived first trips on the subway. Came away from day 1 with stories like a guy licked his own armpits (which was impressive), a man asked why I was crying (which I wasn't) and then proceeded to try and pet my hair (in where I ran fast). The city smells just like everyone said it would and moves just as fast as everyone said it would. But the most interesting thing I have found, no one really mentioned that most people you speak to are more than willing to give information- I have met the most interesting individuals- from Hells Kitchen to Park Avenue. When I just start talking, no one has come across rude or cold, they all seem like they want to help and want to show me why New York is the best city in the world. Will I ever agree that the concrete jungle is better than open grass and southern hospitality? Probably not, just because southern nature is in my blood. But for now, will the city get along with me? Time will just have to tell.

Interviewing is going really well. Have 5 set up next week and getting to the point of the process where it gets down to the nitty gritty. Either they are going to offer me a job or not. There are a few different places with open opportunities for me- and hopefully in the next week- a dream job (or any job) will come down my way.

Peace, Love and the F train

B

Hellooo New York... well almost..

It has finally happened! I am here. After a few hours of cleaning out the room that was suppose to already be cleaned out and a trip or two to the store, I am unpacked and ready for what the city has to throw at me... Well almost at least. This morning when I left Atlanta, my parents became empty nester's and I became a nomad. As wonderful as my aunt has been about this whole, 'come stay with me for free' deal- she forgot to mention that her house was a complete disaster. There are things in this house that should only live in nightmares. The room that I cleaned out to live in has most likely not been touched since my cousin moved out... about 15 years ago..But none the less- like my brother said, I am getting what I paid for.. which happens to be free, so beggars can't be choosers.

I have 2 interviews tomorrow.. just jumping right into the shark tank. Nothing in college I think can prepare anyone for the craziness that occurs in the real world.

Lesson #2 I have learned in my little adventure:

Always expect what you pay for. If you get something cheap... its going to be cheap.

Peace, love and dust mites,

B

Already Learning...

So now that the time is quickly approaching for my big move, I am learning things about myself. For example, I like my stuff. I do not care that I have 3 different colors of the same shirt. Options are what make getting dressed fun. Soooo comes up a problem. WHERE TO PACK EVERYTHING!! Shipping all my stuff is gong to be the answer because let's be honest.. If I get the jobs that I want, the array of clothes I own are going to be needed (and a little shopping is going to be in order).

This brings me to my first lesson about myself in my blogging adventure:

1) I am not a minimalist, and that's ok. Everyone has their stuff, some more than others and clothing is something I cannot get enough of. Consequently, my mother is the same way. Assuming the NYC life is what everyone says it is, COMPACT, I will be living in an apartment or studio the size of her closet.. but time will tell.

Back to packing... More to come :)

Peace, Love and Stuff

B