the job search.

For the months of September and part of October, I’ve been performing the dreaded job search. You forget how horrible it is until you have to do it again. It’s even more terrible when you reach the elite status of college graduate and you are still fighting kids from high school for a job.

Yes. Welcome to Rexburg. I recently graduated in July with my degree in Communication, Advertising emphasis. After a summer of traveling and visiting family, Dave and I finally landed back in Rexburg for his last two semesters and my “nose-to-the-grindstone” experience. I started applying for jobs that I was hoping to make the most at for the 8 more months we were planning to be here. I had a few interviews but people were mostly concerned that I wouldn’t be here long enough. I was “perfect for the job” and had “just the right personality for it” but someone was going to be here longer than me and they got the jobs instead.

So I decided I couldn’t be picky. I really wanted to stay in Rexburg because I was pretty sure I couldn’t make that much more that it compensated an hour commute + wear and tear on our little car (not to mention it would be winter time). Because the holidays were getting near, we also had to consider Christmas break. We went ahead and bought our tickets because it’s very likely to be the last Christmas with the Dave’s parents for a few years (they’re going on a mission next year). So now I had to find a job that would allow me to have a two week break at Christmas. Not very likely.

Best Bet: Some store with so many employees, they wouldn’t miss a few at the holiday’s + all the students leave so their volume will be down = Broulim’s Grocery

No I was not excited, but I was about willing to take anything at this point. It was only for a few months and I’d get to learn the ins and outs of the grocery biz… So I fought my way to an interview for Noble Roman’s Pizza inside the grocery store!!!!

I dress up so business-like and arrive a few minutes early at my interview. I’m led up to the room where I’ll have my interview and to my surprise, there are already 6 or so others there. Totally 11 people applied for this one position. Really? One pizza job. To make it worse, we did a group interview. Eleven students + grads sitting in a circle with two interviewers at a table with a list of questions they’d printed off the internet. Literally. Verbatim. I just thought, wow. This is going to stink.

And I was right. Everyone got two questions. Amongst the variety of “What kind of car would you be?,” “Describe your worst boss” and “How would your co-workers describe you?” I was the lucky one to answer, “Why are you better than all the other candidates?” Of course I got that one. Not only is that the worse question ever, but to answer it in front of everyone has got to be at least top five of the most awkward situations ever.

I honestly don’t remember a lot of what I said. I was mostly in shock the whole time that I was actually there begging a grocery store to let me make pizzas.

To top it off I didn’t even get the job! My brother in-law assures me it’s because I’m too qualified and they’re afraid I’ll quit as soon as I find another job. I believe him J

After a little more searching, I found a job as a substitute teacher with the local school district. Best part is I will have holiday’s off! That is what I’ve been doing for the last few weeks now and I’m actually really enjoying it. It’s comparable to babysitting or being an aunt. You have fun with the kids for a little bit and then turn them back over when you’re done. I always come home with a few great stories… look for a few soon!