Temporary

The job search is going as job searches do: weeks of nothings followed by 3
big hits all at once. I found a very capable recruiter who is well
connected with the boutique oil and gas places. They're the ones you want to
work for because they have deep pockets, awesome benefits, and a great
culture. I've got an interview with one today, one pending next week, and
one going on as we speak. Well, it's not really an interview yet, as they
don't have a position open yet. But the recruiter placed the HR manager and
knows they will have an opening soon, and would love me for it. Meanwhile
their receptionist is out having surgery and they needed a temp for a week.
Her theory is that if they get some exposure to me in person, they won't be
able to help but love me. Here's hoping...

So meanwhile, I'm playing receptionist. Which, okay I'm not complaining.
The offices are great - very posh and lovely and close to home. There's a
fabulous cafeteria downstairs for lunch, an excellent view of the park, and
most of the people are actually very nice.

However, I am a receptionist. Not just a receptionist, but a TEMPORARY
receptionist. To some people, that equates to something you scrape off the
bottom of your shoe. There are those who don't deign to acknowledge my
presence, even if I say hello. There are those who look at me, cock their
head and inquire where the "usual girl" is. Which makes me feel a little
better that they can't even be bothered to remember her name. Some people
actually come and grab files off of my desk without even uttering a word as
to who they are or why they are taking things. Which just to me seems like
professional courtesy.

And then the job itself...wow. And it's not that I'm above being a
receptionist, I'm not. I admire those who can do it and do it well and
recognize it is a valuable skill set. It just happens to be one that I
don't particularly have. People call on the phone and ask for "Jim". Um,
hi it's a big company, you might have to be more specific. Maybe my mother
just raised me better, but when I call a place of busines no matter how big
or small, I always ask for person by first and last name. There are people
who rant and demand to speak to a live person when their calls go to
voicemail. There are people who just call and want to know if so-and-so is
in yet, or if they're in the bathroom, or standing at the water cooler, or
in a meeting. Um, I don't know. I'm chained to a desk for one, and
wouldn't even recognize if that person came up and spat in my face (which I
haven't ruled out yet) for another.

Most people have been really patient. I apologize in advance by way of
explaining, "I'm a temp, so I'm not sure who that is/where they are/what
department handles that, but I will absolutely find out for you." Most
people are understanding. Then there is that one gem who called in and said
"This isn't the temp, is it?" with an audible sneer. I wanted to say "Nope,
it's Jesus posing as the least of you, and you totally failed."

Because really, if someone is pleasant and resonably capable, is it too much
to ask to be treated like a human? I don't remember who said it but I am
even more convinced of the wisdom that you can judge a person's character
most accurately, not by how he treats his superiors, but by how he treats
the temporary receptionist who is very kind and smart and has no control
over whether people answer their extensions or not. (Or something to that
effect....)

Meanwhile, hooray for easy money. If all I have to do for a week is sit
pretty, answer the phone 10 times an hour, open mail, and withstand a little
bit of condescension from a few people who weren't taught better by their
mama's, then I've really nothing to complain about.

And remember, please be nice to the receptionist next time you go
somewhere. It's just good manners, people....