Just another Job Interview

In the past few months I have attended some job interviews. Most were to actually try to get into a different job, some were just for the sport of it.
Here I am writing to say that I do have an opinion. It is up to the interviewee to be ready for the the big day, the big appointment, the big meeting. That is true, for sure! It takes time to get ready for an interview, doing some company research, practising questions and answers, reminding oneself of good manners, practising good speech... figuring out what to wear, how to look, what shoes to wear, what jacket to put on if any, deciding how to get to the right place at the right(!) time...
We all know that the list goes on and on, and each and every one of us has certain things we know we need more time for.

Whilst doing company research (if it is known before hand, of course), we mostly check out their web-page. This is wise and common as most companies do have websites nowadays. Usually they'll have the crucial facts there, often much more. Your mission is to, at least, know the basic, so you are able to explain what the company is. Know the name, location(s), industry, basic goals, any specifics...etc. While we're on this topic, it is also very important to know about the position that you've applied for, know what will be your basic tasks, your duties, work schedule, anything you can find out. If necessary, jot down some notes for yourself.

If you haven't done this until now, then you should most definitely google search the most common interview questions. And while you're at it, also search for tips on how to answer the questions. Even if you think you know what to say, it's good to just see what out there. Very often such online articles are written by people who do recruitment, so they know what they are saying.
I do want to mention some questions you should be ready to answer at any time.
You have to know what are your strengths and weaknesses. If you are not certain of what they are, think of something you're doing now (school/collage/other job/anything) and think what things are easy for you, simple, and what are things that are tougher. You can also take some of those silly online personality tests (they don't even have to be the big, long, broad and extensive ones), in the results they often display what are your personalities pros and cons. It's better than nothing (i.e. better than answering I don't know).
Another important question - where do you see yourself in five years? Now, you do not have to have a detailed plan of your every day within the next five years (that would be very strange, may I add). But you should have some kind of vision of what you think you'll be doing, where will you want to be career wise. Again, say something, anything but I don't know.
To get my point across, there is nothing you "don't know," you should avoid saying that. It comes across as if you're insecure, unsure, unstable, unreliable, ...etc. And nobody wants that kind of person as their employee.
Practise all sorts of questions. You could even role-play an interview with a friend, or any other human being.

As for good manners. The most, MOST important one is to be on time! NO! Not ON time, you MUST be there some minutes before the actual time. Firstly, you have to have some extra minutes just in case you miss that bus, you get lost, you get in traffic, or you forgot something at home.... Leave some spare minutes so you don't have to be in rush, even if something unexpected happens. Second, you just have to be there 10-15 minutes early. It gives you time to catch a breath, to get a look around (if possible), to relax a bit before the tyrants eat you up alive...
As for other manners, you know the basic communication. Don't speak while someone else is speaking, don't yell, shout or get angry. But don't be totally quiet either, they need to hear what you have to say (that's why you're there after all).
That's it, I'd feel embarrassed if I had to say anything more.

We all know very well that the first impression forms a great deal of your character - the one that they will see. You have to look good. Some time ago on a website I read that you have to look about 10% better than the person who is interviewing you. You have to show that you know how to dress appropriately. You really do have to look good! There are some fancy-pancy researches that say what colours leave a better impression, etc, etc, etc. You can go ahead and research it. But in the end of the day you're gonna wear something you already have. Also, wear something you're comfortable in, something that is the right size - not too big, not too small-too tight. In other words, wear something that will not cause unnecessary discomfort. You do have to make sure the clothing is clean, ironed, not worn-out... These are simple things, you don't want to look sloppy.
Also, put jewellery that will not be too flashy, disturbing, or send wrong message (big no, no are any discriminating signs). Stay classy! This one goes out mostly to women, watch your make-up level!

While at the interview you just have to go along with the cliché - be honest! YES! It's been said countless time before and it will be said countless times in the future - be honest. Don't lie, don't make up things, don't say something just because it would sound cool if it's not true. Stand by what you say, don't say one thing and then the total opposite. Show a good character that you have, like a good sense of humour. You don't have to be laughing all the time, but just a pinch of humour here and there will do it. If you're talkative, make sure you don't talk rubbish. If you're a serious person, that too can be well presented in the interview.

Also, the interviewer is not the only one asking questions!!! You have to go with some questions prepared, and think of questions along the way. If you have no questions, it means that you don't care. But you do care! So ask away.

I should also note that in the past few interviews I've had very often (WAY TOO often) the people interviewing me haven't actually read my CV! They get paid to interview me! I spend my time to get ready, to go there, and to spend the time for the actual interview... and they can't even bother to read two pages of clearly laid out information. It is, what, 600 words tops! Is it really so hard??? How do I know this - I mention something that's on my CV as a matter of fact, and they are suddenly surprised and re-asking me. As if I have to lean over and point my finger into the page that is standing right in front of them. I know it's a century where time is money, but if I spend the time to go to the interview, then they should have at least the decency to read what they have.
My point being, at times it is important to mention something you've noted in your CV and you really want them to know.  Just saying.

Remember, your time is limited. (Most of the time) you will not know how many other candidates they are interviewing for the same position, so you have to stand out. There has to be something to your character that they end up thinking THAT guy/gal, yeah she was something. (And when I say - stand out - I don't mean in a bad way, leave a positive impression!)

At the end of the day you want to be remembered as the perfect future employee!

You Know Who You Are

I love you because you are awesome,
..you are awesome because I love you!




If I could build a fortress with my bare hands. If I could build a whole palace, just me all by myself.. Would I?
There are infinite questions, and just as many answers (if not even more). But which answer belongs to witch question? I wonder if it is even possible to build a whole fortress by myself.
Would I have enough strength? Who would sponsor it? Would I have to earn it all, just me? Wouldn't I have to learn about building, construction, architecture and all that jazz?

Or could I just get up, take all I need form where ever it can be found, and start building it where ever I feel like doing so?

When you break every day things into tiny details, into steps, when you elaborate the seemingly simple things, it becomes clear that it is not really as simple as might look.

We're not always allowed to do the things we desire just because we desire them. We are forced to think of the other factors. We are forced to think of consequences. We have to think about the others, what will happen to them, how will a certain action affect others.

And sometimes it isn't so easy to just say/write I don't care.
Surprise, surprise. 
I suppose that there are times when I do care.



I'm too tired to think.
I'm too lazy to be bothered to pre-read this post before posting.
I should, since I wrote it over a course of several hours,
but don't want to.
Bite me! 

This is Rubbish

This will be me ranting, consider yourself warned. 

I'm at work now.
This place is seriously starting to get on my nerves. I don't even know where to start.
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this, but I work at a hotel as a receptionist. I've been here since end of summer. The job is really fine, I have a list of responsibilities, not just one task to do over and over again. During night shifts I also have to prepare the breakfast. I also have to work in the restaurant as a waitress. And when there is no chef in, then I also have to make food for people. Now this is where the rant starts. Two people went to the restaurant, I tell them that there is no chef in, however, I can prepare something for them form the weekend menu. Now they make a face that makes me think that I've told them something so offensive that they are about to get up and walk away without saying a thing. But no, they just sit there with their... unhappy eggplant faces and unwillingly start to view the Weekend menu. Why the un-satisfaction is aimed at me? Is it my fault that the hotel is low on money? Is it my fault that they can't afford a chef for all times? Is it my fault that due to lack of clients it is inefficient to have the chef in? Yeah, I didn't think so!
Meanwhile I'm hoping they don't pick something that we don't actually have available. In a lucky case, they do pick something I have in the kitchen. Then I ask for drinks. There can be various scenarios;
1) They ask for beer, I ask what kind of beer. Many of them then ask something that they know (example, Carlsberg) - sorry, we don't have that, I can offer you some Latvian beers. - Emm, ok. - Then I usually ask if the want dark or light, and they usually don't know what they want. Other times they ask for draft beer, which is also something we don't have. Then often I bring them the first beer (the brand doesn't matter, as tastes vary from person to person), and they don't like it, and ask something different next time. And then for the third beer they go back to option one, assuming that every next beer I'd offer them would be worse and worse.
2) They ask for coffee or tea. That's not as difficult. The tea simply takes more time, as I need to boil hot water. But then there is no tea that they want. Then they say they don't want sugar, but turns out they wanted it after all, same story with milk.
3) They ask for something that I don't have (and that isn't even in the menu) - for example - fresh juice - any juice other than apple or orange - smoothies - ice cream cocktails - some other random drink.
4) They ask for spirit with something. Well, I am still not aware as to what goes in what glass. Then there is also the issue of lack of right sized glasses. I believe there is about two glasses that fit a shot with a full small glass bottle of coke in it - and they are always dirty. Same thing with G&T, I know I should pour the two together, but I don't have such a glass that fits it all!!!
5) They ask for just water, I believe that in any normal place they'd bring water for no charge, but we give the small bottles, there is 300something ml (or 400somthing, I don't care TBH), and then sometimes they are unhappy that I charge them for water.
6) Cola! Yeah, the cola problem is that about 50% of the time there is no coca cola available, because it is the most requested drink and finishes very fast once delivered. So here the question is, why not order more?? You gain more in the long run!!!
So then they pick something to eat, salad, soup or some hot dish, what ever it is, I have to go and make it for them. But wait! Who's doing my real job? Who's working at the reception, you may wonder! It's me! I'm supposed to be everywhere doing everything.
Now here is more bullshit - the reception is open 24/7, for guests that is ideal! But for us, not so much. There is a lot to do in the morning, and a lot in the evening. But middle of the night and middle of the day are usually quiet and there is nothing to do. So you sit on your ass for some hours and then you have to run like a horse for the rest of the time.
I often get comments form the guests asking/wondering how it is that I am all alone and have to do all the tasks. Well, I wonder too!

And who knows? Maybe it's time to get a new job?! I work hard, and I really try to do things well, but the thing is that nobody cares, no one seems to notice that you do so much. And the salary is an absolute joke! It's like a spit in the face. I can't imagine how I'd survive if I was living all by myself. It would be a nightmare.

Anyway, my shift is over in ten minutes. Then I'm going home for some sleep, since I've not had a normal night sleep for a week now. Oh, my colleague will be late, isn't life great?!

Fuck weekends. Fuck work. Fuck men. Fuck people. Fuck music. Fuck the sunlight. Fuck the moon and the tides. Fuck the polluted oceans. Fuck life and fuck death. Fuck all this bullshit.

I'm not satisfied with life today and everything seems to be wrong, everything makes me sad.
I don't even want to apologize for all the swearing.

--Basta.

Good morning!

Dear _________,

Thank you for choosing __________ Hotel.
I have booked a room for your guest __________.
Please see reservation confirmation letter in the attachment.
Does your guest require pick up at the airport, if so, could you please provide flight details?

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Best regards,
_________ Hotel
Receptionist ________
Tel ______________
Skype ___________
Other blah, blah, blah stuff

It's the End of the World as We Know It

Every day a piece of You dies. A little, tiny piece of you suffocates, then disappears to never return again. About 50% of the time you die with it, and the idea that a part of you is gone brings you down. It keeps you back, it holds you behind and doesn't let you succeed, progress. So we end up as failures, as the injured souls, as the ones who lost the fight, when there wasn't one to begin with. It's much like a chicken - egg situation, or the nature-nurture debate. Despite what you want (or, in fact, what you need), a piece of you dies, and you are forced to accept it no matter what. If you don't, you're the loser!
The other 50% of the time it's a good thing that a part of you dies. We take it as a hint to move on, and so we do that. Often it might be something we were trying to get rid off in the first place, there fore you are satisfied and are able to move on. Either way, you must learn to leave certain things behind. In life everything changes. A wise guy once said that the only thing that is constant is change.

And so, because this is MY blog, and I WANT it to be all about ME! This is where I can be as selfish as I want and there ain't anyone who can judge me for it.. AND SO, my problem is that I'm scared to leave certain things of the past behind. I want to hold on to things as a security kind-of thing. I need my past to reassure that even when I fail miserably, I'll have my rescue boat right by my side. I'm a coward.

When I talk to You, I feel like I'm talking to a stranger. Suddenly everyone is a stranger. I'm a stranger to myself. I can't seem to put things together. I refuse to accept the reality.

I don't know how to live, I've lost it.

I exist.

Nu nav jau labākā kompānija.

Vēl līdz šim brīdim neesmu līdz galam izdomājusi ko darīšu vecgada vakarā. Bet tas tak būs jau rīt.

Man ir uznācis kapitāls besis. Ir brīži, kad sirsniņa sitās strauji un ir "labais papīrs," bet lielākoties pavadu laiku domājot par visādām ģēlām. Vispār esmu nogurusi. Ir fizisks un morāls nogurums. Gribas mājās.
Neh, vienkārši gribas kaut kur citur. Pēdējo pāris nedēļu laikā esmu apskatījusi vairākas potenciālas jaunas dzīves vietas te pat Glāzgovā, bet pati neesmu nemaz pārliecināta vai gribu te palikt.

Jāpadomā!


Cik gan ilgi es mocīšu sevi ar to domāšanu?

Zubabibubaibe 2

Labs ir, centīšos šoreiz nedaudz garāk pastāstīt kā man iet. Saule pārāk agri riet. Katru dienu paliek neievilkti elpas vilcieni. Laiks skrien, nezin kur stāties. Dzīvi padara raibāku jaunā alerģija. Man ir alerģija pret vēsturi, pret pagātni, pret to, kas kādreiz ir bijis. Nepalīdz lētās tabletes, ko darīt? Es nezinu. Nenāk miegs vēlās nakts stundās. Nenāk miegs vispār. Dzīvojos pa pilsētu cauru nakti, mājās pārnāku agros rītos. Tad ārdu māju, dziedu līdzi bezgaumīgajām dziesmām, kas nebeidz skanēt caur vecā rādžiņa tumbām. Skaņas kvalitātei gan nav ne vainas. Izsīkušiem spēkiem dodos uz darbu. Tur spēku nemaz nevajag, vismaz ne fizisko. Emocionāli ir grūti. Ir rutīna. Rutīna ir ķēms. Rutīna ir mans vienīgais ienaidnieks. Kad neizgulējies, tad nav nemaz tik grūti, jo smadzenes ieslēdzas autopilotā; viss jau iepriekš ir darīts, vairākas reizes. Lieki sacīt, ka vīrieši padara dzīvi vēl neciešamāku. Viņi domā, ka var darīt kā grib. Viņi domā, ka es neesmu riebīga, gaida nez ko. Tas tak man uz pieres rakstīts, ka klāt labāk nenākt. Viņi neklausa. Tad lūdz, lai palīdzu, bet paši nekad neko. Vēl viņi tēlo, ka zin, kas ir sarkasms. Viņi konstanti nodarbojas ar fikcijas veidošanu. Un viņi uzskata, ka zagt auskarus ir stilīgi. Citi vēl apsaukā mani par mīļo un dārgo. Grēcinieki tādi. Neveicas ne kārtīs, ne mīlestībā. Neveicas vispār nekur. Neveicas. Punkts. Un jā, es atkal skaļi klusēju, tikai šoreiz citā frekvencē. Neesi aita, ej gulēt taču.

You're Right

a coworker today told me that my decision should be mine alone and that i should not let others make my decisions for me. She's right all the way.

I'll do what i decide to do!

Astoņpadsmitais. Divdesmit.

Šodien man palika apaļi 20 gadi. Tas nav daudz, bet man vairāk nekad nav bijis. Līdz ar to, man tas ir daudz. Šodien bij jāiet uz darbu. Pusdien laikā pacienāju visus ar saldumiem. Dienas beigās kolēģi iedeva kartiņu un nodziedāja 'happy birthday' dziesmiņu. :)

Pēc darba iegāju veikalā un nopirku konfekšu kārbu, ko pacienāt puikas. Nopirku arī kaut kādu kūku.

Biju izdomājusi uzsaukt picu, sev un puikām. Bet spītīgais Mikus teica, ka picu negribot. Vispār viņam izdevās sačakarēt dienu biči. Un ne Kristaps, ne Mikus nepadarīja šo dienu foršāku, gluži pretēji. Bet man jau vienalga, dots devējam atdod. Vismaz nebūs jādomā nekāds pārsteigums, kad viņiem nākammēnes būs dzimšanas diena (abiem vienā datumā!). Tad nu pasūtīju vienu picu sev un vienu Kristapam. Šie skatījās filmas, un es ar viņiem; vakars izvērsās ļoti garlaicīgs. Kūkas kaste palika neatvēra. Nebiju jau plānojusi, ka būs turēšana, bet vismaz tik daudz kā 'daudz laimes dzimšanas dienā' jau varēja pateikt, ne?

Rīt gan pēc darba pokers, un pēc pokera dzimšanas dienas atzīmēšana tā pa riktīgam. :))

Bet tagad dodos laicīgi gulēt, saldu dusu.