Working at an elementary school, I have a little more license with silliness. The day before winter break begins. Took the fifth grade brass around the school plane Christmas carols. Perry Ellis boots, Levi 501 slim fits, internet t shirt…

To everyone in the RMRS community. Merry Christmas to you and yours. May the new year bring you bounty, be profitable and lots of joy.

Thoughts?

I am not looking for a job. In fact I plan for the one I am working at now to be my last. I wanted to share some techniques that I use(d) when interviewing that has some benefits, some draw backs, but makes the interview more of a two way conversation than a "they" question and "you" answer their interrogation. 1. I do my homework on the company or person offering the position. If it is a corporation I look at their profit and loss statements, annual corporate stockholder reports, and comments and statements made by the corporate leadership. I want to be able to speak to what their goals are and if those goals align with mine. 2. I ask questions. I want to know what their view and opinions are on telework, health care, work-life-balance. Have in mind what is important to you and if that company is once again, aligning with your values. 3. "Why?" should I come work for you. "What?" makes you better than the guy across the street. 4. Pay scales. You know what you are worth. They are always going to low ball an offer. It they advertise a position with an expected salary range, then I expect to be hired at the top of that range. The number one overhead expense for any employer is salaries. I value my expertise, work history and time. I have an expected price tag. 5. Check out the surroundings. If you are interviewing on site, be nosey. Look around and see what the conditions of their offices and work environment are. Look at he break room if any. Bathrooms. How much do they value their infrastructure that I may be putting 40 hours of my life in each week. 6. Dress for success. Dress for the position you want to have. Pay attention to the small details. Be articulate, enunciate your words. Avoid slang and maintain eye contact. If it is a board interview make eye contact with each person. Repeat their question in the form of your answer. In the end thank them for their time. You can even follow it up with an email if you are focused on obtaining that position.

Have yourselves a tall cup of holiday cheer, on me.