small obsessions are a good thing, right?

one of the great things about my "day job" is that i can truly do what i love and be myself 100% which is admittedly quite quirky and precisely what has inspired this post.

a large part of my quirkiness is that i have some fairly random obsessions. i was reminded of a few of them recently, so i thought i'd welcome you into my world!

i absolutely love to cook. it's yet another way for me to be crafty and try new things. don't get too excited... that's not the obsession. it's my choice of cooking utensils. i am in love (aka have a deep obsession) with wooden cooking utensils. it seems you can't have too many. at least not in my world. i found these gems over the weekend from crate&barrel! so pretty!!!



i've also always had a little obsession with buttons. i don't actually collect many things. however, buttons are definitely one of them! i have jars of buttons. i buy buttons, save buttons, pick up buttons that i find. i know, i know... random. but i warned you!



the last of my tiny obsessions that i'll share (before i scare you off...) is journals/notepads. i've always had a fascination with paper products! ironically, one of my best friends was a print management major in college so she was always working on projects for school that quickly became little gems for tiffany! today, i game across these beautiful journals and desk sets at papercrave. yes, please!!! they're gorgeous!!!



so what little obsessions do you have?

also posted on grits&lime!

why pay?

With the economy the way it is and less companies engaging recruiters, do you think it is worth it for individuals to pay a recruiter themselves?

No matter what type of economy we're in, there is no need to pay for a recruiter. There are tons of firms out there where it is free for the candidate (they'll get the fee from the hiring company).

I'd recommend researching recruitment firms that are free or just keep at it yourself. You can do the same work! Drive around town and write down names of companies you see on buildings. Google companies that you're interested in. Talk to your friends. Attend social/professional networking events. The more you talk to people, the more leads you'll have (and it's still free!).

Ask me anything

interview the interviewer

Interviews are often a chance for the employer to sell the company to a potential employee. How can you tell if company is stretching the truth a little about how great they are? What are some little signs to look for that show it's a great workplace?

You are correct! An interview is a two way street. You've got to sell yourself and so does the company! As an internal recruiter, it's my job to be a cheerleader for the company and discuss our best qualities. Just like any relationship, you should know what qualities, values, or personalities are most important to you. You should take the time to write these down and then ask questions during the interview to find out if the company matches them.

Is customer service a passion of yours? Ask about their customer service creed. If they don't have one, clearly customer service isn't a priority.

Is respect or integrity more important to you? Ask them about their corporate values (most have them).

If employee engagement and fun at work is important to you, ask about teams or leagues employees can participate in.

Take the time to interview the company.

Ask me anything

a continued effort

Okay.... So I may be slacking at the posting of my days... But I'm still keeping up with them! New years resolution continues!

Day 66. Had a great revelation that there is no need to put a title on something that's great.
Day 67. It never ceases to amaze me the unprofessional ism of some candidates. One wanted to reschedule 45 minutes before their scheduled interview. Another accepted a different position but still wants to come in for an interview...
Day 68. I had a really great conversation with someone I really care about. Walls are down.
Day 69. I love my artwork and it's very hard to give it away even if I know they will take care of it.
Day 70. I decided to take a nap at lunch. THAT was a GREAT idea!
Day 71. For the first time ever. I did not pre-pack for a weekend trip. I'll just do it in the morning.
Day 72. I went home to Savannah for the first time in years to celebrate St. Patty's!
Day 73. I got to see my sister at work. It was very exciting to see her in that role.
Day 74. I was reminded that something as small as a hand-written note can really lift your day.
Day 75. I shared a very personal story with the executive and senior management teams and felt very proud of who I am.
Day 76. I finished the train the trainer program for our new values initiative.
Day 77. I made five job offers in four days and then received another four staff reqs the same day...
Day 78. I do not deal well with rejection mostly because I'm so considerate. I know I need to work on that but not sure which part.
Day 79. Having my best friend in town is the best medicine and distraction.
Day 80. I went to "the dump." I was not impressed.
Day 81. I missed my flight to Chicago. That has never happened before... I was able to stay calm and it really paid off because great Delta folks helped me out and got me on a flight!

There's more... But I didn't want this post to be too long....

continued growth

We've moved into the third month of the year which is the time when most people start slacking on their new year's resolutions. I'd like to note that I'm still going strong!

Day 52. I treated myself to some new work clothes with my newly won LeasePlan money!
Day 53. Sometimes its worth putting your opinion out there because you never know who's listening.
Day 54. Successfully started to tear down some walls.
Day 55. I trumped the expressway entry from the last time... Make that... I successfully drove on the expressway during a snow storm!
Day 56. I nearly doubled the number of participants at the Chicago Career Fair compared to last year.
Day 57. I visited West Palm Beach, FL for the first time. This trip was also a huge leap in faith that I haven't been willing to take in a long, long time.
Day 58. A rainy day in Florida equals a GREAT movie day!
Day 59. I had the best date night EVER!
Day 60. I realized that, sometimes, home is not where you live...
Day 61. I was nominated for a front-row parking spot by a front line employee who appreciated the career fair. I felt so honored.
Day 62. I drafted my first sales offer letter complete with a confidentiality agreement.
Day 63. I bowled my all time high score - 153!!!
Day 64. I was reminded that I should focus on the things that I can control.
Day 65. I pulled out my paint brushes for the first time in months and created two new pieces!