Caution is a Virtue

One of the most important lessons I learned in my early job search this last summer was to ask the right questions as soon as possible. I learned this the hard way.
After joining Careerbuilder.com and Monster.com, the most prolific job websites, I was getting very frustrated. I wanted to work in either publishing, advertising, or marketing. By marketing, I meant creating ad campaigns for clients. And all I was getting were random emails from insurance companies. Then I got two phone calls from two different advertising companies in the Chicago area. Unfortunately, I can’t name them here, but they rhyme with PU Gymports and Spictory Spomotions. The companies heavily advertise in both Monster and Careerbuilder, looking for entry-level candidates to take on junior account executive positions.
After a preliminary interview, in which they ask you a lot of questions, and you try to get an actual answer about what the job actually is, they send you home and say they’ll call if they want you to come in for a second interview. I’m presentable and have an IQ above a frog, so of course they both called me. (Actually, my IQ is 138 i.e. college professor.) I went in for a second interview first with “PU Gymports” in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The following week I was scheduled for a second interview with “Spictory Spomotions.” On the phone, I was told to bring more copies of my resume and dress very nicely as I was going to be meeting some very important people. They also told me to wear shoes I could walk in, as we would be doing a little walking around.

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