Gentle readers, when your MatchGirl was unemployed, she spent a lot of time looking at job listings, on all manner of sites, and Craigslist, that friendly marketplace, was amongst them. And during that time, your MatchGirl and your fellow readers stumbled upon some fairly ridiculous postings - so many that I decided to have a series of posts entitled More Fun With Craigslist - where I would take apart, bit by bit, the job posting.
Most of these were listings where the people were looking for interns or volunteers for their for-profit businesses, requiring knowledge of an arm's length of software and years plus of experience. For forty hours a week. Which is uncool and, usually, illegal.
People ask for, and get away with, a lot when the economy has hit rock bottom because they feel like it's an excuse for behaving badly. They need work done. They "can't" pay for it (or, at least, they don't want to) so they advertise a position labeled, only at the bottom usually, as an internship.
It's been a while since your MatchGirl has trolled the pages of Craigslist, being employed and all, but as we need some extra income right now (see this post if you are wondering why), dear readers, I have hit the net in search of some freelance writing gigs (send 'em my way!). Which is where I came across the following:
Clicking on the picture should bring it up larger, but let me share the key point: Joonbug.com is seeking a fast-paced, dedicated and knowledgeable individual to fill the position of Fashion Editor for our one-million user blog site. This is an unpaid internship that holds the potential of securing you a position in the multi-faceted industry.
You have a site with a million users and you want an unpaid intern to be the fashion editor?
It seems, gentle readers, that this should be a big "duh", but your MatchGirl has seen too many people fall into this type of trap. Pay attention to the above and, please, proceed with caution.
I know how very hard it still is out there, for so very many of you. And so do the scammers. Please don't let desperate times lead to measures that could make you even more desperate.
Oh, gentle readers, your MatchGirl is still channeling the mid-90s Brit pop - feeling nostalgic and a little melancholy all at once. Nostalgic for the salad days of youth, perhaps. And melancholy that it was fifteen years ago and being a proper adult seemed so very far away. Back in those days, all you had to do to connect with someone was go to a bar or a concert, hang out in a coffee shop or wander through the (now defunct) Tower Records in Harvard Square. You simply had to go to class and pay attention to the people in your seminar who has interesting things to say. To get a job, you spoke to a counselor on campus. You walked into a store you liked and asked if they were hiring.
Oh my, how times have changed.
Perhaps some of what has changed is simply perception. We're not kids anymore and everything looks so very rosy and romantic in hindsight.
Or, maybe the internet has changed everything.
From Craigslist to Monster to Match, whether you are looking for a job or a date, all one seems to need to do is hop on the web and everything is at their fingertips. Don't get me wrong, gentle ones, your MatchGirl is amazed at the connections she has been able to make through this forum - through blogging and Tweeting and Facebook pages - but, I am lucky to have made a lot of those connections with people who live right here in Greenpoint. I am lucky to have met them in real life and be able to go and grab a coffee or a cocktail with them.
It is a little over a year since I was laid off and it is also a little over a year since I started online dating. I'm ashamed of neither. The economy (and my bosses stocks) tanked and my position was a casualty. I was single and not meeting anyone else who was single, so I decided to sign up for an online service and see who was out there. Both have been enriching and interesting experiences.
Unfortunately, in the desolation that is the American economy in 2010, finding a job online just doesn't seem that likely. The last place I interviewed told me they had received 450 applications - only counting the people who applied properly, answering the supplemental questions and sending their resume to the email address embedded in the body of the job listing. I felt honored just to interview. Honestly. There are so many thousands of people out there right now, searching earnestly for a job. I can't even conceive of the hundreds and hundreds of resumes that each employer receives in their email inbox. I can't imagine sifting through them all, looking for that perfect match.
Online dating is kind of the same. There are so many single people out there - of all shapes and ages and sizes - too shy to speak to someone at a bar or coffee shop. They see a pretty face on the subway and, instead of taking a deep breath and saying "hello", they rush home and write a Missed Connection - throwing it out into the ether and leaving it in the hands of whatever fate they subscribe to that their dream hunny (or an astute friend) is going to see that missive. They troll through pages and pages of online profiles, looking at pictures and sending out emails. All in the hope that not only will the object of their desire respond, but that, upon meeting, the connection will be there and that that one will be "the one".
This morning, as I sit here, perusing the job postings on Craigslist and MediaBistro, I'm over it. I am so very tired of reading these anonymous listings of job descriptions from nameless companies I know nothing about. I want a job - I desperately want a job - but I want a job that is a good fit. For both the employer and for me. I feel as though these anonymous ads on Craigslist are just wasting time. Not only mine, but the company's as well. To sift through a thousand resumes is a pain in the ass, and, by the time that the reader gets through the piles, we all know they will be less focused than when they began the process. The anonymity of the postings also leads to tedious cover letters. If you have no idea who you are addressing, how can you really introduce yourself as being the right one for the job?
As for online dating? Over that, too. Sure, I've met some very interesting people. Some I would never go out with again, but they make a good story for a cocktail party. Some have become good friends, and I'm glad to have them in my circle. But I miss the days when you talk to someone at a party or a dinner or waiting for the bus. I miss the days of making that initial connection.
I am ready to have a job. I am ready for a commute and wearing heels every day and not being able to log onto Facebook whenever I want. I am ready for conference calls and water cooler conversation and intra-office gossip.
I am ready to stop going on first dates. I am ready for dates three and four and hand holding and movie watching and that giddy excitement of actually getting to know someone. In real life.
Another employer looking to get something for nothing.
The following internship is offered, for academic credit, only to someone able to work 40 hours a week as a full time job. How can one be enrolled in school full-time and work full-time for academic credit?
As an operations intern, you will play an important role in our day-to-day office management. You will work with the staff to help plan events, coordinate schedules, keep accurate financial records and manage the phone and email communication for the office.
Interns must be available to work full time (5 days a week) at our offices in SoHo. Stipends are available for interns not currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. In the past, particularly outstanding interns have been given a chance to join our team at the conclusion of their internships.
We are looking for someone who takes initiative, has great organization skills, and is willing to learn. We work in a fast-paced environment, and the ideal candidate must be able to work independently, and as a member of a team. We are looking for creative problem-solvers willing to rise to the challenges presented, and work towards quick and effective solutions.
To apply, please send us the following documents:
*** A resume/CV, including references
*** Any two samples of your academic or journalistic writing, each preferably in a different style
*** A brief (1-page) cover letter explaining why your experience, knowledge, and personality make you perfect for this position (if your cover letter does not address our company and this position specifically, you will not be considered for this internship)
To their credit, this position was listed with the word "internship" in the headline.
MATURE, EXPERIENCED Admin Asst. (williamsburg)
Date: 2010-02-02, 12:42AM EST
We are a small importer/manufacturer located in the warehouse district of Williamsburg. You will be working in a small office in a dusty warehouse. you will be working hard and will be asked to perform many duties and have alot [sic]of responsibilities. If you cannot deal with this read no further. if you are a loyal, hardworking, COMPETENT, and honest person we are looking for YOU!
OK. So they are looking for someone to work their asses off in a small, dirty place. Awesome.
And, this person while not needing a ton of experience, needs to have gotten (at least part of) a college education and have worked in an office. They need to be skilled and computer savvy (or, as they type, saavy). They need to have an outstanding personality and they need to shine.
Requirements:
- 2 years work experience in an office
-Minimum 2 years college
-able to answer calls (take orders, customer service)
-able to interact with customers (have a great personality)
-verifiable references
-skilled in Microsoft Office
-computer saavy
-Mature individual
A Plus:
-knowledge of Quickbooks
-bilingual (chinese) (MAJOR PLUS as we need an individual that can communicate with overseas suppliers and our overseas warehouse..almost guarantees you the job providing you meet all the requirements)
-graphic design
-skilled in Photoshop
-any computer networking skills
Oh yeah, and while you're at it, please be fluent in Chinese, and know graphic design, including Photoshop, and be able to help the company with their computer network.
Duties:
-answer phones: (take phone orders, customer service)
-input orders into Quickbooks
-shipping (ups, fedex, usps)
-bookkeeping
-keep office running efficiently and organized
-inventory control
-mailings
-warehouse work (no heavy lifting)
-product packaging
-read and answer emails
We are small and not able to offer the perks that a big company can. However, we are a fast growing business in a niche industry. The more valuable you prove yourself to be to the company the more you will make. This is a great opportunity for a talented and loyal worker.
You will be offeredminimum wage (off the books) during the training/probationary period of 1 month. Afterwards, you will be offered $12-15 per hour to start.
And, at the end of the day, for a month, at least, they will pay you $7/hour (granted under the table, but who can survive on $7/hr) and then, if you've worked your ass off, they will pay you $12-$15 (so, obviously, you're commuting to Williamsburg from somewhere, cos who can afford to live there on that salary?). No perks. No benefits. Probably no paid sick days. I'm sure no vacation days. Definitely no health insurance.
Awesome.
Glad to see that someone who is invaluable is only worth $12-$15 an hour. It's good to know.
Ah, gentle readers. Your MatchGirl is not a fan of waiting. That is not to say that I cannot be a patient girl, but when I want something to happen, I want it to happen. I believe in doing what I can to make things happen and I believe in trying to figure out how to make things happen when I'm not sure.
To be honest, when it comes to an income, I am very much in the position where I am trying to figure out how to make things happen - as I'm not really sure what my next step ought to be. And full-time employment, job interviews, even, seem to elude me.
This is a post about waiting.
This is yet another post about how looking for a job and the dating world are so very much the same game.
In both, you need to show interest. But just enough. Too much interest and you may seem a little creepy or obsessive. Too little interest and you will not be taken seriously.
In both job seeking and dating, you need to show up the first time ready to make the best impression. The right shoes. The right outfit. Hair coiffed exactly right. You need to have fresh breath and the right accessories on hand, be it resumes or condoms, prepared for anything.
You need to spend a lot of time looking. And I mean a lot. Whether you are trolling the job sites on line or obsessively e-mailing employers you'd just like to work for, it's not so different than paging through the dating sites or keeping an eye to Missed Connections (just in case that cute boy in the jeans and sneakers with ironic glasses noticed you, too). Putting together your LinkedIn profile is pretty much the same as filling out your page on Nerve.com. Either way, it's upon you to sell yourself in a very short amount of space - to make people want to e-mail you.
In my humble experience, however, dear ones, the biggest similarity is the waiting. And the waiting. And the waiting.
You go on an interview. You send your Thank You e-mails and/or letters. And then you wait. Perhaps you phone them or e-mail them again. But mostly, you wait - either for rejection or confirmation. You just hope that they ask you in again.
You are introduced to a gentleman (or lady) by mutual friends. You chat. You have a drink. Perhaps you share some food. You feel like you'd like to get to know this person better. They ask for your number/e-mail/card, so you feel like they'd like to know you better as well. And then you wait. And you wait. And that's just the way things go.
Your MatchGirl is not good at this kind of waiting. She likes to have a plan - to have action - to know what is going to happen next. I feel the same disappointment when I don't hear back from a prospective employer regarding my interviews (I understand that not every applicant will receive acknowledgment of their submission, but after one or two interviews a courtesy e-mail or call is only appropriate!) as when that cute guy that asked for my number/e-mail/card doesn't call. The worst part of it? Knowing there is nothing I can do about it.
Ah, gentle readers, the new year brings new fun with the job hunting resource that is Craigslist. Today your MatchGirl found this e-mail in the Unemployed Brooklyn inbox.
HA! thought you would find it funny to say the least!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: xxx xxxxxx
Date: Thu, Jan 7, 2010 at 9:57 AM
Subject: more about the job
To:
Thanks for responding. I should probably tell you more about the job.This job is flexible so you can do it wherever you are provided that there is a post office in the area. In addition to that, I don't mind you doing all of the tasks during your spare time outside of work or school. Where are you located? I wish I could meet up with you to talk about this job in person but I am currently away on business.
I am in Australia so there will be no interview. I will prepay you in advance to do my shopping and have my mails/packages forwarded to your address. If you will be unable to stay at home to get the mails, I can have them shipped to a post office near you and then you can pick them up at your convenience.All errands are in city and is metro/taxi/bus accessible. When you get my mails/packages; you are required to mail them to where I want them mailed to. You won't have to put money out of your pocket, all you have to do is have packages shipped to your house and do my shopping. You are allowed to open the packages to reveal the content. The content of the packages will be business and
personal mails.
All expenses and taxes will be covered by me. You will work between 15 and 20hrs a month.How much will you charge per month? I will pay $400.. That is not a bad offer is it? I need your service because I am constantly out of town... I work in real estate and I own an.Art Gallery in Australia. I will return to Usa in BY MAY ending so this process will be on going till then. If you don't mind, I will meet up with you when I return and then we can talk about the possibility of making this long term. Well, let me know if you are able to handle the position. I will email you the list and pictures of what to shop for when I am ready. No heavy packages is involved! You can do the shopping at nearest stores. You will be shopping for Electronics and clothings. I will provide you my UPS account number for Shipping. All you have to do is provide my account number to UPS and shipping charges will be applied into the account. I will provide clear set of instructions for each task I need done as well the funds to cover them. If I were to mail you money to do my shopping plus upfront payment for your service, where would you want it mailed to? How should your name appear on the money?
Thank you..
Most important asset will be an attractive, positive attitude.
Varied duties:
- Reception, Phones, Filing, Printing Emails, Shipping Domestic, and International - will train
- Keeping Showroom Tidy
- Photograph Samples and Email to Appropriate Persons
- Assist with production Follow-up - will train
- Sales, Marketing - will train
- MS Office, Gmail, Outlook
If you are not GREAT AT FOLLOW UP, DO NOT APPLY!!
If you do not know the word 'INITIATIVE' and how to practice it, DO NOT APPLY!!
Friendly, Cheerful, Willing, Open to Learning
Personal Texting, Emailing, Not Well Tolerated Unless an Emergency
No arguing about being asked to do something
We have had a run of people with poor attitudes, that disappear to text or phone someone, spend too much time on personal emails, sullen attitudes.
This is a relaxed, yet hardworking office, and we need a happy, willing, dependable, reliable, good person. Lots of room for growth.
Please tell me why we ought consider you for an interview.
RESUMES WITHOUT COVER LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
* Compensation: 10 - 12 per hour, 3 month review
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
All I have to say, dear ones, is that perhaps they have had "a run of people with poor attitudes, that disappear to text or phone someone, spend too much time on personal emails, sullen attitudes" because they are not willing to pay a professional wage. Or, you know, even a living one. I know that when I have been in a similar position, working my ass off for basically no money, my attitude might border on sullen, too.
I keep seeing jobs posted where the employer is looking for a top of the line employee, but not willing (or perhaps able) to pay what that person is worth. I'm not saying times aren't tough out there, but if you are asking a lot of an employee, you need to pay them more than you would an intern!
Oh goodness me, gentle readers. Obviously they need a smart office manager!
*sigh*
Smart Office Manager (Midtown) Date: 2009-11-10, 3:56PM EST Reply to: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
we are in business since last 20 years .we are looking for long lorm placement ,
professionals to manage office who will deals with interior designers, Retail stores, and manage sales reps nation wide , communication is key of sucess in business . ,please email with expected salary and a picture .
Ah, gentle readers, your MatchGirl feels as though she is oft redundant when she posts these. But, seriously. Please, if you are looking for an intern, put it in the headline and save people some time. People need jobs. Desperately! Also, no one likes to be yelled at!
This week's fun with Craiglist was mostly picked because the person is either one of those of the older generation who haven't figured out that when you type in all CAPS it means that you are shouting at the other person (who wants to work for a screamer!??! Having had that experience at my last position, your MatchGirl can certainly say, not she!)
STUDIO ASSISTANT (TriBeCa) Date: 2009-10-23, 12:27AM EDT Reply to: jobXXXXXXXXX@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
SMALL STUDIO WORKING WITH DESIGN EXHIBITION ,BRANDING AND VIDEO LOOKING FOR A VERY ORGANIZED , SMART AND DESIGN MEDIA GENIUS TO WORK WITH US MUST HAVE EXCELLENT WRITTING SKILLS MUST HAVE KNOWLEGE OR WEB PROGRAMING , PHOTOSHOP, EDITING, EXCELL, ETC, ANY 3D EXPERIENCE A PLUS MUST HAVE GOOD ACTITUDE , PHONE SKILLS, AND DATA BASE KNOWLEDGE THE PERSON SHOULD BE IN CHARGE OF EVERYDAY ROUTINE FROM ASWERING THE PHONE TO WORK ON A PHOTOMONTAGE KNOWLEDGE OF 2D DRAWING ON COMPUTER AND FLUENT IN SPANISH A PLUS POSITION AVAILABLE INMEDIATELY PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT IF YOU DONT HAVE THOSE REQUIREMENTS !!
* Compensation: 10/12 $ /HR * This is a part-time job. * This is an internship job
Wow. This employer is looking for a genius. With lots of experience. To be in charge of the everyday routine of their studio. And for all that, they are willing to pay them a whopping $10 - $12 an hour. How wonderful.
People will never get it, gentle ones. Take, for instance, the following posting your MatchGirl found on Craigslist this morning (and yes, brace yourself for another rant on people being under, nay un, paid for real work):
Fashion Professionals Wanted (Midtown) Date: 2009-09-24, 12:00PM EDT Reply to: jobxxxx@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
XXXXXXX is looking for intelligent and confident interns to continue its success in breaking a niche market. The [company] is changing the face of fashion by xxxx. With high and ever-increasing demands to meet, we require further sales and networking assistance. Ideal for students who are seeking an insight into business, fashion and/or sales, the position will guarantee a challenging and exciting experience.
All positions are unpaid but commission will be awarded for sales. Immediate start required. To apply, please e-mail resume and cover letter to the above e-mail address.
* Compensation: All positions are unpaid but commission will be awarded for sales.
As your MatchGirl would like not to be blacklisted by the fashion community in NYC, she has removed all company-specific clues in this posting, but I think the main point is the same.
The title of the posting, the reason your MatchGirl clicked on it in the first place: Fashion Professionals Wanted. Wonderful. Here's the problem, dear readers, one which we have spoken about many times - in person and via this blog - a professional is, by definition, a person who is paid for their services. A professional is not an intern! This is why hookers are referred to as "pros".
For the future, I would like to assist all employers and future job-posters with The American Heritage Dictionary's definition of the word professional:
pro·fes·sion·al (prÉ™-fÄ›sh'É™-nÉ™l) adj.
1. a. Of, relating to, engaged in, or suitable for a profession: lawyers, doctors, and other professional people. b. Conforming to the standards of a profession: professional behavior.
2. Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career: a professional writer.
3. Performed by persons receiving pay: professional football.
4. Having or showing great skill; expert: a professional repair job.
n.
1. A person following a profession, especially a learned profession.
2. One who earns a living in a given or implied occupation: hired a professional to decorate the house.
Please refer to this before referring to unpaid college students professionals. If you require an intern, just say so and save the rest of us a lot of time!
In keeping with this morning's post on unpaid internships, your MatchGirl thought she'd share the following, which she found on her afternoon job search.
Seeking Smart, Organized Intern for Exciting Fashion Company (Garment Center ) Date: 2009-09-16, 10:36AM EDT Reply to: job-7n94z-1377102288@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Fashion Label, selling in Bloomingdales and other fine retail stores, seeks an energetic, smart, motivated intern who is interested in Fashion. Responsibilities include being the right hand to the fashion designer, and assisting in many tasks crucial to the success of the company. This is a non-paid Internship Administrative, computer tasks Marketing Research Fashion Research Organizing photo shoots Errands in Garment Center Working with suppliers and personal Clients Meeting buyers and clients of the brand. And many many other tasks. Every day is interesting and different. Requirements : Excellent Organizational skills Excellent Presentation Skills Excellent Verbal & Written Communication Skills. Prefer some background in Fashion , But not absolutely necessary. Must be available 3-4 Full days per week. Must be interested in learning about what happens behind the scenes in the development of a Fashion Brand. Thank you .
* Location: Garment Center * Compensation: NON-Paid Internship
To be fair to the poster, the "internship" is labeled as such. But if you read down to the bottom, you will see that the employer is requiring a commitment of 3 to 4 full days per week. Now, that is something that a student could do, had this internship been posted at the beginning of the semester, before their class schedules (and usually part-time jobs) were set. It's a few weeks into the semester, however, and I know the students in my class have their lives pretty much organized.
It seems to me that the designer has found themselves in need of an assistant and simply doesn't have the cash to pay for one. "Responsibilities include being the right hand to the fashion designer, and assisting in many tasks crucial to the success of the company."
Dear original poster of this listing, if the assistance the "intern" will be providing is so crucial to the success of your business, don't you think you ought to share the wealth?
In case you can't really make it out, the best line is the first:
Earn as a Payroll in a well reputable company at the above location, forward your well updated Resume
Yep. That sounds like a legit job posting there ...
Here's one more:
The position pays an annual base gross salary of $25,000 (payable bi-weekly) plus commission on product sales. The time commitment will average from 40-50 hours per week. Daily hours will vary, but will mainly be M-F.
Um, real quick, gentle readers, look at the salary. Now, I know that there are a lot of people out there who are at the end of their unemployment. And I know that a lot of people out there would take just about anything to make ends meet. But that is about the same "salary" you make on Unemployment in NYC (and less than one makes in our neighboring state of NJ). Anyone who has had a job before knows that working 40-50 hours a week means you will clock closer to 60 and that the hours varying means that you will rarely have a set and dependable schedule to plan your life around. And we all know that mainly Monday through Friday means every other Saturday ...
I know these are desperate times, darlings, but can't we be a little human? Treat people the way we expect to be treated? Pay them what they're worth? Is that too much to ask?
This missive came into the Unemployed Brooklyn inbox this morning and I thought that you, dear ones, would enjoy it as much as I did.
Fellow Unemployed Brooklyner Tony wrote this joking cover letter, which he sent in with his resume to a job listed on Craigslist (?), after writing a ton of them and not getting any real response. Enjoy!
OMFG!
Did I get your attention?
Yep. This is one crazy fucking cover letter, bitches!
I know what you’re thinking, this guy thinks he’s going to get a job by writing “Oh My Fucking God!!” to us. Is he insane? It’s possible, you know. After writing 400 cover letters for jobs that are probably beyond lame and way too easy for me to be engaged in for more than a week or two, I have lost my ability to write happy, positive cover letters telling you just how god damn excited I am to work for your lame ass company that will probably have to do it’s own wave of lay-offs in a few months anyway.
And hell, I’m probably not even qualified, since I went to art school and have been working mindless corporate bullshit admin jobs for over a decade.
But regardless, I am applying for the position of Executive Assistant so I can help organize some random douche bag suit so he can adequately do his job, cheat on his wife, go to the gym and not miss any appointments he probably has at an airport-area motel with a underage boy named Angel.
My qualifications include very quick and clever comebacks to any insult flung at me, the ability to look like I am working when I am instead twittering the world about how easy it would be to rob your company blind and my extraordinary way to articulate sexually devious rants to all your female and closeted male co-workers.
Do not hesitate on this one!
I look forward to hearing from you about this position, which I am sooo fucking excited about, I think I just wet myself. References of women I’ve slept with and never called back at your request.
It's been a while, gentle readers since I've shared some of the gems I've found while searching for jobs on Craigslist. This does not mean that I haven't found some fun things to pass along to you.
A sampling:
Work for free till the decide if they feel like paying you:
Compensation: Will be paid as an independent contractor in the amount of $250 - $500 / week. We will evaluate the candidate’s skills for the first week which will be unpaid, if retained the paid position will start from the following week.
Work for a (maybe) famous couple:
Celebrity couple needs personal assistant Date: 2009-07-22, 6:03PM EDT Reply to: see below
Celebrity couple is seeking personal assistant for a short term position possibly more.... please be organized, creative, energetic and personable. I'm sure we will get a lot of responses so if we don't get back to you please understand. you may contact us via twitter at "anoncelebcouple" or visit our blog and click contact to reach us http://www.anonymouscelebritycouple.com be kind rewind!
Have a sexy accent and the job is yours:
We are looking for an energetic, upbeat individual to perform duties as a receptionist and personal assistant. This person must have an English, Irish, Scottish, Australian or New Zealand accent.
Please only apply if you have one of the accents mentioned above. The job pays $12 an hour and the schedule is M-F 8.30am through 5.30pm. There may be times when a later evening or weekend might be required.
I don't have too much to say about any of these. They just struck my fancy as I perused all the listings offering long hours, little or no pay and no benefits ...
Please summit a short video describing your skills and personality. Mpeg, youtube, or facebook link are acceptable.
Job hiring immediately.
OK. The job I pulled this from actually looks all right. It's pay is unspecified and it's one of those jobs where you wear way too many hats and never make enough money. And, while pretty much everyone has a video camera, I don't. And I don't think I come across that well on video anyway.
There are always positions asking you to send a photo - mostly in retail, where they want their salespeople to look pretty (regardless of skill). But I am seeing it more and more for administrative and personal assistants.
Here's a couple more:
Part time personal ass't to work out of soho providing support for personal (travel arrangements, shopping, social calendar, etc) and business ( research commercial realestate deveopment and screen play research). It's important that the person have a great attitude and positive out look on life...No drama, organization skills , experience w/ Mac computer is important, responsible , exceedingly honest and ability to complete a task. The hours are flexible and will vary from week to week. Please send a resume , references, availability to meet as well as a photo.
* Compensation: Starting @ $20 per hour
We are a rapidly growing web company based in midtown Manhattan. We sell watches and jewelry primarily on the internet.
We are looking for a multi-skilled person who can act as an office utility player as well as model pieces of jewelry from our line. Modeling experience is not required, but is definitely a plus. The person we are looking to hire must be well spoken on the phone and have customer service experience as CS will play a large portion of the job we are looking to fill asap.
Our company has a great energy and upbeat vibe!
Please send us photographs of head shots and/or portfolio pictures along with your resume and salary requirements. We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible.
Thanks!
* Compensation: TBD based on Customer Service and Modeling Experience
There was one more (that I can't re-find) that was a gay man looking for a gay assistant because he thought a gay assistant would be more anal in his filing ... Maybe it was flagged and taken down. Or perhaps he found someone right away?
email this posting to a friend new york craigslist > manhattan > media jobs
$1000 - Find me a Job - Graphic Design (Midtown) Reply to: job-efuxu-1240798923@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?] Date: 2009-06-26, 12:37PM EDT
NO RECRUITERS!!!!
$1000 Reward – get me a job, staff or freelance – Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Illustration, Visual Merchandising, Creative Assistance or Technical Design in Apparel, Home Furnishings or Consumer Electronic Products, adult or children's. Sound good?
I am highly skilled in CS3, MS Excel and Word and am familiar with other MSO programs and Flash. I am also experienced in office/studio management, creative assistance, art archiving and design sales.
I've been in this business for 20 years and have never had trouble finding full time work until this spring. So whats the problem? It's not really about skill, but the fact that my resume is buried under tons of others who are in line for the same job. Couple that with a tough economy.
How does this work?
-You give me a lead, which leads to an interview, or you arrange an interview which leads to a full time paying position or full time freelance work (MINIMUM THREE MONTH CONTRACT). BENEFITS ARE NOT REQUIRED. -The first paycheck, you get 25%. -The second paycheck, you get 25% -The third paycheck, you get 25%. -The fourth paycheck, you get 25%
If the position turns out to be part time or less than three months, we will work out something that's fair - about $500. I am a reputable individual with good references and credit rating.
What I need from this position: -Ideally, I want a FULL TIME POSITION, staff or freelance. Will consider part time. -Salary should be 50k or $25 per hour minimum. NO BENEFITS ARE REQUIRED. I am not concerned about the title of the position as long as my salary/fee requirements are met. But I do not work on "spec", as an "intern" or on commission without a salary. I am reasonable and easy to work with. -Location should be New York City, White Plains, Northern Coastal New Jersey or Western Long Island. Maximum commute - 45 minutes from Penn Station, Grand Central Station, PATH or Port Authority.
What I don't want you to send me: - NO RECRUITERS!!!! -Ads that you find ONLINE. I can search that myself, and it's more than likely I've seen it already. 80% of the job market is "closed" meaning they don't post ads, that's what I need access to. -Career advice, resume services, or services of any kind, unless you have an opening or a contact that needs what I described above. -Investment schemes or "opportunities". -Job listings that are outside of my expertise. Read above carefully.
I will send you my resume and portfolio upon request. Please be SPECIFIC about the job requirements. MY SKILLS ARE BROAD. I will not reply to a generic job listing: ie: Graphic Designer, two years experience, White Plains. I will not reply to anyone without a name and email address. I will not reply to a yahoo or gmail address. Serious replies only please. Thank you.
Principals only. I will report any recruiters to craigslist.
* Compensation: $1000 - $500 * This is a part-time job. * This is a contract job. * This is at a non-profit organization. * Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. * Please, no phone calls about this job! * Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
OK. So the roommate and I were looking through Craigslist the other day and the roommate was complaining that there should be a separate section on there for internships. It seems like every job you click on these days ends up being an internship. At the time, I told the roommate, gentle readers, that I didn't mind so much as long as the title of the post made it clear that it was an internship opportunity. Then, even if filed under a section that I was perusing, I could simply ignore the unpaid positions.
The problem is that it's just not that simple. Every day I click on more and more headlines that seem to promise jobs and it's yet another unpaid internship. And another. And another.
excellent opportunity growing wholesale company Reply to: job-nfg7s-1217074694@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?] Date: 2009-06-11, 6:20PM EDT
Unpaid Internship - Great growing wholesale company, sells linens to hotels and retailers. Also, affiliated with larger apparel company. Work directly for president of the company as an executive assistant. The position provides excellent trainging in all aspects of the business including sales, production, merchandising, and overall company management. Please email credentials including resume or other qualifications.
Um. Excellent opportunity to work your ass off for free. If the company is growing so well, why can't they PAY the president's executive assistant? Hm?
I am pretty sure that this post (pointed out to me by my friend A) speaks for itself. Oh. My.
Creative Personal Assistant (TriBeCa) Reply to: gigs-ggn85-1170610422@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?] Date: 2009-05-14, 12:41PM EDT
Business:
TV/FILM/MUSIC
Duties: Picking up calls cold calling businesses like Fortune 500 company me to meetings (I meet up with STARS and big companies on the regular) Creative ideas create small design packages to send out. If you think something is wrong let me know. Pick up documents Company my artist
You Must: Well Groomed have Swagger A Rainmaker A person who think outside the box A happy person A team player
Experience or Knowledge Pluses: Marketing P.R Visionary Web great ears for music great eyes for films Music Business Film Business Latin Music American Music
I rather work with students and college graduates but everyone can apply.
Part Time or Full time
Salary:
$75 or more a week depending on the hours plus bonuses of 100 and more
Email me:
if any resume
if any student status
A MUST your website or myspace link.
Why this job interest you.
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests * Compensation: $75 or more a week depending on the hours plus bonuses of 100 and more
Volunteer/Intern Retail Specialist-Personal Assistant ((Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Brooklyn)) Reply to: comm-fpr5g-1170351894@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?] Date: 2009-05-14, 5:46PM EDT
Wanted a self-starter able to complete tasks, with ambition. Must know how to use a Mac. Knowledge of QuickBooks a plus. Volunteer/Internship to salary possible for the right person. Is this you ???
* Location: (Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Brooklyn) * it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests * it's OK to distribute this charitable volunteerism opportunity for inclusion in 3rd party web sites that have been approved by craigslist
This person is looking for an intern, maybe. Definitely free labor. But there is nothing in this posting even referring to a charity.
I know the economy sucks. And believe, I have a lot of familiarity with employers who wanted to get a lot for very little (like free), because they don't place any worth on their employees - only seeing the immediate profit. But ... really? To put that in the volunteer section? Lame.
