First Rough Day

Yesterday was a rough day. In fact it was my first rough day in my hunt for career. I had applied to this job posted for Sysco, there were only four jobs listed in Houston and one was just made for me. (At least that's what I thought). It was titled 'National Account Manager- Forums Purchasing' and it's only requirement was one year of health care sales/customer service experience. I have one year of sales/customer service experience as an Account Manger, majority of my clients were oil & gas/energy companies but I did have the pleasure of working with Health care customers as well. The description that was listed was basically describing my previous work minus the negative aspects and plus a few positive ones. Needless to say I was ecstatic- I uploaded my resume, wrote a passionate cover letter and clicked 'submit'. One week later I get this:

Thank you for your interest in the National Account Manager - Forum Purchasing position here at Sysco.

We have reviewed your resume and have decided to pursue other candidates. New positions are posted daily and we encourage you to review the Sysco career site and apply for other open positions. We appreciate your continued interest in Sysco and wish you the best of success in your career search.

Thank you.

Ugh. I literally felt like crying. I had failed, without even having the chance to succeed. Did they even read my resume? Did they even read my cover letter? The cover letter that took me and hour to perfect. Or did they do a random word search test by using some glitch-filled computer program?...my money is on the latter. Begin tangent:

One day, one day when I am the leader of some amazing organization/company/corporation- I will remember that you cannot tell a person's worth based on their resume. Who decided this, who even invented resumes? I will remember to maintain my character/integrity and I will remember to always be the example of the type of employee I want to hire. End tangent:

Rejection is a hard pill to swallow. I didn't post yesterday as all this was unveiling because the above tangent would've extended three pages. And also, more importantly, because I needed a day to make sense of that email. My naivety had the best of me- This isn't going to happen overnight, though I want it to so badly. --> I'm losing my spirit- something I've always held on to with great conviction. I miss getting up in the morning, putting on my business attire, drinking coffee, and having an immediate purpose. I miss that so much it's beginning to hurt. I want to be apart of something, something business, where I am aiding in the success. Where I am an integral part of the team with goals. Yesterday was the first day where these feelings kicked in with a vengeance.

I still have my faith that the right career is out there for me and I'm still very positive that I will find it. Yesterday I misplaced it. I misplaced it somewhere between job application #713, getting a pedicure that failed to cheer me up and seeing the Oprah show for the 15th day in a row... sigh. I found it again, the spirit is still with me. I have to be careful not to lose it again... no matter how many "Thank you for your interest" emails I may receive.

Hire me Houston,
Aubrey

Aries, Pat Sajak, Interviews and Kona

I realize my several day lapse in an update labels me a "bad blogger". Please accept my apology and sincere oath to try updating much more frequently. My only excuses are the Easter weekend (which I hope everyone had as enjoyable a holiday as I did), I have a new puppy (aka- toddler) and that I had my first interview. Let's start with the interview; It was.... disappointing. My understanding was the company did marketing for sporting events, small businesses and corporate engagements. I get to the interview and the manager wasn't much older than I, which I could take as a good sign expecting quick-paced promotions or I could take it for what it was- way too early of promotions. He was very nice, but very uninformative. My first sign that this was not going to be what I had hoped for was that his stomach wouldn't stop rumbling, we're talking incessant noises coming from his digestive system. He had just eaten lunch and it was absolutely hilarious and distracting all at the same time. He had to stop twice and apologize for the noises. The second sign was that I had so many good and necessary questions that one should definitely ask in an interview and he would not let me ask them for the life of me. He rushed me out of there like a teenager hosting a party when his parents just got back from vacation. He called me later that evening to offer me a second interview the following day. After weighing the pros/cons of the job (well, the ones that I knew) earlier that day, I knew I was going to decline that offer if it presented itself. I was proud that I got the second interview offer but I was also reminded of one of my key strategies when finding my next position.... do.not.settle. (the other to remain full of faith and very positive) I'm not looking for a job, I'm looking for a career.

I have a dog named Reggie (pictured left); he is neurotic, paranoid and very needy. I love him more than ice cream (which is saying a lot). This weekend Brad and I were in the courtyard of my place and one of our neighbors, very sneakily, pawned a puppy upon us. We were skeptical but figured we'd test drive him for the weekend to see how he worked out with Reggie. I should back up a bit, we had been toying with the idea of getting another dog seeing as how I have the availability to train and play with one at this time. Apparently, our neighbors sensed this and pounced.
Well we've since had the puppy for 6 days; taken him to the vet, bought him food, toys, a bed, etc. and of course, sealed the deal by naming him. I'm obsessed with coffee, Brad and I both are obsessed with coffee shops so we decided to name him "Kona" after the best coffee ever made. He is all black and about as hyper as someone who'd just topped of 6 cups of freshly brewed Kona so the name is pretty close to perfect. Needless to say I feel like a stay at home mother; Brad is at work all day and Kona is relentless. He climbs on top of my on the couch, we're talking on the highest part where you rest your head. Then he will use my body like a mountain and just hike around. He puts absolutely everything in his mouth no matter it's edibility, and he eats more than a sumo wrestler in training. However on the plus side Kona (pictured right) is the antithesis of Reggie. Very playful, loves everyone including children and doesn't bark at the slight of sound. Plus, the other day I printed something and he went the printer, pawed at it for a second, picked up my paper with his teeth and brought it to me! I didn't think a dog could be a component for making one lazy; but Kona may just be the ticket. We still aren't sure if we're going to keep him for fear of him getting too big for an apartment and Reggie never really adjusting to his new sibling. But for the time being, we figure why not give him a good home and show him some love.



I came across this article and apparently because my zodiac sign is an Aries I'm extremely competitive and enjoy being in charge. (Well, I cant' say both are wrong) The article says I would be an excellent Surgeon and Cop... two highly different careers, and neither of which I'm interested in. I find it ironic that the article, and zodiac signs in general, categorize someone born between Date A and Date B to be a certain way. It's as if to say of I was born Date A- 1 hour I would be an entirely different person just because of that one hour difference. All my logic tells me that's crazy, however I don't know much about Astrology so this is strictly a novice opinion aimed at offending no one.

And to conclude on a random note...
People whose jobs I have no idea how they got in the first place and would enjoy being the understudy:
1. Pat Sajak ; and no I would not want to be Vanna instead- Too much walking involved :)
2. The host of Cash Cab, Ben Bailey
3. Kim Kardashian, reality TV star. Other than having the body parts of a brunette barbie, what did she do exactly?
4. Paris Hilton, host of My BFF on MTV and heir to a hotel fortune. Thanks Daddy! (and yes that is her song playing on the website)
Ok I admit I know that #3 and #4 were simply born into their role and that is how they obtained their "job". So I'm more than positive they did not post their resumes on Monster nor attend painstaking interviews until they found the right one.

I realize this post has been very random and chaotic. I had so much I wanted to comment on and unfortunately they did not really connect. I hope you enjoyed reading the chaos as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Hire me Houston,
Aubrey

Past does not determine future

I posted my finalized resume yesterday on Monster and Career Builder. In the past 30 hours I have received approximately 8 offers to sell insurance.... ugh. Should I title my resume "I do not want to sell insurance" or is that too forward? Here are two examples of the emails that are flooding my inbox:
1. "I am ____ for ______ Insurance Group looking for a successful, business-minded individual with a strong desire for personal growth, career fulfillment, and financial success. Based on my initial review of your resume, I believe you may be an excellent fit for our Career Opportunity in sales with ______ Insurance and Financial Services. We are currently developing new agencies in Houston and surrounding areas"
2. "We are conducting interviews in our Houston Regional Office this week and would like to schedule an interview with you on Friday, April 10th, at 9:30AM. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the specific details of the position including compensation."

I have this dilemma. My first job, my starter career, the job I am no longer at... is NOT what I want to be doing. It was a learning job; I gained invaluable knowledge about myself and my strengths and realized I need to go in a different direction to be satisfied and fulfilled. When you graduate from college and are not holding an Engineering/I.T. degree, headed to law school, medical school or straight to get your masters - you are ecstatic about getting a job! You don't know if it's what your made to do or how long it will last but you are enthused and ready to start contributing to society. You simply wake up in the morning, put on your business attire, stop by Starbucks, go to work and do the best you can until that 5 o'clock whistle blows. (At least that's what I did) I am a true believer in utilizing your God given talents to the fullest; So how do I post a resume asking people to give me a chance in a career I don't have any "hands on" experience with but know, with out a doubt, I would thrive in? This is a question I will continue to ask myself, but regardless of the answer I am extremely hopeful and faithful that the right job will come my way. It's just a matter of when.

Finding a new career is like finding a new boyfriend/girlfriend, you don't want your past to dictate your future. But sometimes that is hard to disregard...there lies my hurdle.

Hire me,
Aubrey

fresh tan, fresh outlook

Brad and I went to Cancun for 3 days. I know you are all thinking two things: 1. Who is Brad? (A: the boyfriend) and 2: This has nothing to do with finding your next career Aubrey. (A: Oh, but it does) We spent 3 glorious days by the beach/pool enjoying the breeze of the Caribbean. We even got a massage on the beach! I am a firm believer in the power of massages and let me tell you; nothing demands your mind to release it's stress like the crystal, blue ocean and a woman named 'Lety' forcing your muscles to relax with coconut oil. By removing oneself from the constant pressure and overwhelming thoughts of "job, job, job, must get a job"- one returns refreshed and ready to conquer any dilemma head on. I guess I should clarify, I do not view my current unemployed status as a 'dilemma' but rather a challenge and a blessing all rolled into one. A blessing that I'm grateful for, a blessing that removed me from a job where I wasn't growing or utilizing my strengths to the fullest. A challenge I not only want to conquer but dominate. I don't just want a job, I want a lifestyle in which I can thrive.

We stayed at The Gran Caribe Real which was all-inclusive resort- endless food, drink, and Speedo sightings all rolled into one price. During the Mexican Show on Saturday night, Brad and I encountered a very interesting couple. I was busy watching the cultural dancing, lasso rope demonstration and ah yes, the cock fight. No, No I'm not joking. They actually brought two roosters on stage and we watching this bizarre, yet hypnotizing, custom. While I was wide-eyed watching the roosters go at it, the man from the couple was extremely chatty with Brad about his job. And while his incessant talking was certainly annoying to the table and myself (Brad, patiently listening with a smile, much better person than I) his words were passionate. He spoke about his job with such pride you would think it was his child. He happened to be a Software Purchasing Contract Negotiator... Obviously not what his business card says but that was how he described it. Now while everyone knows I'm not programmer and I can't walk the walk when it comes to I.T., I can for the most part talk the talk so listening to his lingo wasn't at all confusing. Plus, it wasn't the context I was interested in rather the emotion behind the words which is easy to pick up if you are truly listening. He was from Calgary and had done this job for most his life (him being in his mid 60's now). He was the expert in his field, he talked like the Doctor who just discovered the cure for AIDS- no one could touch him. And then, amongst the cock fight, pina coladas and the never ending run-ons from this man's mouth- I.was.envious.

He was proud of what he did for a living and he made it his art, his masterpiece. He actually said "I love what I do". A limited amount of people can utter those words as the truth. I want that, I don't want just any job, but I want a job where I will wake up each morning and be excited to see what I accomplish and who I can help that day. I know this may sound a bit 'after school special' but I don't mind; I'm refreshed and ready to conquer what is "The Job Search".


With a fresh tan and with a fresh outlook on my challenge...
Hire me,
Aubrey

The Meaning

Well... I caved. Hello All! ("All" being a small group of friends I can count on one hand)

The reason this blog is called 'The Houston Hunt' is because it's purpose is to serve as a form of entertainment for myself and of information for others. I recently resigned from my job and am on the 'hunt' so to speak for my next career move. While having a lot of free time to revise my resume, meet up with friends, travel a bit, eaves drop on people's conversations that I hear in coffee shops... I find my self discovering great Houston coffee shops, restaurants, stores, etc. Why not share the great antics I encounter as well as the hidden Houston hotspots... or maybe some are lukewarm but still worthy of posting.

I will begin with my top 6 of the month of March. Why 6 you may ask? It's my lucky number and it's one more than 5...so why not?:

1. Best Sushi Restaurant: Rickshaw's
-on Westheimer inside the Loop.
Excellent sushi (presentation and taste), Pineapple Mohito's and happy hour. Valet parking is free and the atmosphere is trendy and inviting.

2. Best Coffee Shop: Coffee Groundz (this is everchanging for me...and if I stay true to my roots, Starbucks will never be posted behind this humbling title)
-Midtown location off of Brazos and McGowen.
Electrical outlet's everywhere, killer Carmella Creme Latte with soy milk, Gelato, food aaaaaaand Alcohol. So on day's when the job search is going rough, it's not uncommon to find a kaluha and coffee in hand.

3. Best Mexican Food: El Patio
- on Westheimer close to the Voss intersection.
Fabulous cheese enchiladas. For 8 bucks you can enjoy the most flavorful grease and cheese combination imaginable. I crave these things at least once a day. Plus the blue margaritas are a hit seeing as how they are made with Everclear... too strong for my taste buds but I'm a baby.

4. Best Wine Bar: The Tasting Room
-Uptown park on Post Oak
Kinda pricey but they serve excellent wine and have tons of patio tables, so after a tough day's work it doesn't matter if you spend $10 on a great glass just to sit and enjoy the spring breeze. Great place for networking as well. Ton's of working Houstonites, influential and not, gather there to unwind. You never know who you might run into.

5. Best Brunch: Rio Ranch
- on Westheimer in between Gessner and the Beltway.
It's a buffet style, which normally leads me straight to thoughts of Golden Corral or bad Chinese food, but alas it is quite the opposite. Made-to-order omelettes, homemade whip cream and fresh fruit, pastries, killer french toast, every pork breakfast item known to man, etc. Go hungry, leave stuffed.

6. Best Ice Cream: Amy's Ice Cream
-Off Shepard and 59
Creative flavors and excellent mix ins. After they mix it for you, they turn the cup of ice cream upside down (actually they do some type of bar tending throw) and if the ice cream falls out they make you a new one for free. Granted, this has only happened once but still it was a nice treat. With unique flavors like Mexican Vanilla, Guinness and Belgian Chocolate... you will never get tired of experimenting.

Well I hope you enjoyed my first post and more than anything I hope you will try out some of the Houston Hotspots- those according to me that is.

Looking forward to the beginning of a beautiful blogging relationship.
-Aubrey