(Please note: This is not my actual salary)
When I uploaded my 100% factually accurate CV to the ‘registration’ page of the recruitment agency’s website, I didn’t have high expectations. Every job going seemed to require an awful lot of qualifications, including one I came across for a school library that listed 5 years of experience and chartered librarian certification as ‘essential’. It is safe to say I did not expect things to move quickly. By the end of the week, however, I had an admin-based job lined up close to home and for a better wage than that offered by B&M Bargains (my only other option at this point, having been turned down by KFC). As someone who likes sitting down a lot, this sounded perfect.
A contract was posted out to me to sign on to become a ‘mobile agent’ and the following Monday I got suited and booted for my first day. Landing in the door, my English degree came in highly useful as I deciphered which sign pointed towards the main reception. I was delivered to an office and the manager sent for. It seemed to be going well. But I am potentially the least lucky person ever, so of course this didn’t keep up for long. The manager popped in. “Sorry darling, it’s just, we’re not expecting you” she said in a lush Manc accent. EH?
Therefore my much anticipated first day was spent casually filing forms away whilst silently panicking that my Amazon Wishlist would have to be deleted if I was told not to come back tomorrow. Thankfully, the agency contacted HR who contacted my manager to say that I was supposed to be there and they had just forgotten to tell her. Tuesday night I ordered myself a 2kg tub of coffee to celebrate.
It’s definitely not easy going in to a new office and learning the ropes, but thankfully I am a very charming/naturally confused looking individual and people seem more compelled to chat and offer you a biscuit if you look a bit perplexed.
The best bit of any job is of course dealing with the public……
I’ve discovered that people genuinely think that it’s correct to write 1th, 2th, 3th, 4th when listing dates, and that the best response to someone being a nuisance is to inform them that you’re new and you’re going to pass them on to someone with more experience to handle their issue. Wonder how long I can get away with that one?
My actual role is to process transport applications for school students. Or as my friend so eloquently put it “you do bus passes”. Not to jump the gun here, but an email came around advertising the post of Senior Director for the department, so I might not be bus pass girl for long.
In all seriousness, if any one is struggling with job seeking I definitely recommend signing up to a recruitment agency as a way to get a foot in the door.
