Taking things into my own hands...

Some people out there know that I've been on the hunt for a job now for well over a year and half.

Yesterday--I applied for two positions.

Guess what was waiting in my inbox this morning?

Just guess.

Here--I'll share them with you:

Dear Rhea,

Thank you for your interest regarding the Marketing Manager opening. Although you bring many qualities with you as a candidate, after consideration we have determined there is not a suitable match between your skills and our needs.

Although you are no longer being considered for this position, you may still be under consideration for other positions for which you have applied. If you have not applied for any other positions, we encourage you to do so. There are many different career opportunities available at Red Gold. Please visit our website, at www.redgold.com to view all current career openings.

We are truly pleased that you have considered pursuing a career with XYZ Tomato Corp and wish you the best in your job search and future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Human Resources Department


And here's another:

Rhea,

Thank you for taking the time to submit your resume. Your qualifications have been updated and reviewed against our openings. Unfortunately, we have identified other candidates who more closely meet our requirements at the present time. However, your information will remain active in our system and will be considered as appropriate. If your skill set is identified as a potential fit for future opportunities, you will be contacted promptly for further discussion.

Again, thank you for your time and interest in our company. I wish you success in obtaining the position you desire.

Sincerely,

Human Resources

I notice who ever spit out the form e-mail was too chicken to use their name in both cases. Note to you at Leaky Faucet, Inc : If you are going to sign an e-mail as being from "Human Resources", then you shouldn't use "I" in the preceding paragraph. "We" would have been the better choice. Maybe you should read the one from the tomato people above. It gets right to the point "We think you suck."

But here's the thing.

I don't suck, thank you very much. Not at all. I want to prove myself. To work in an environment where I actually (gasp) work hard and feel productive. I have lamented on my work ethic before (Apparently, I feel the need to "work too much". Pish.), but shouldn't it at least get my foot in the door somewhere? Good help is really not that hard to find people! Hello! Here I am!

So. Self promotion is shameless--but whatever. You know what they say about desperate times?? Without further adieu-here we go. Read it and weep. Like it? Drop me a line. Know a friend of a friend who needs a position filled? Feel free to let me know. (Since it's cut and paste--don't make fun of format!)

Summary

Hard working, motivated, goal oriented professional with over nine years of hands on retail management experience in the college bookstore industry, as well as experience in research and development of programs for the not-for-profit organization. Documented proven results in development of marketing initiatives, customer service, sales growth and managing a fully diversified staff. I feel that I have a diverse background of work experiences to bring with me into a new position. I have developed strong communication skills and excel at building and maintaining professional relationships—the true key to success in modern business. I am a fast learner and self-starter, with outstanding presentation skills and a strong commitment to customer service—both internal and external. My intent is to not only do my job well, but to exceed expectations.

Work History

Follett Higher Education Group, Oakbrook, IL Aug. 1999 to Present
FHEG is the nation’s largest collegiate retail bookstore company with over 800 locations within the United States and Canada serving various sized institutions of higher education. I have held several management positions within the company including, but not listed, Student Store Supervisor at Butler University (1999-2003) and Specialty Store Manger for the NCAA Hall of Champions (2003-2005).

Field Manager Franklin College Bookstore 2006 to Present
• Manage all aspects of cultivating sales on a campus of approximately 1000 students including textbook management, general merchandise product lines, software sales, employee development and training, customer service management, and implementing corporate initiatives.
• Exceeded budgeted sales for Fiscal Year 2008 by over 15%.
• Work to promote the Bookstore to faculty and students in order to nurture/increase financial growth by persistent marketing initiatives that I developed in house specifically for the Franklin College Bookstore.
• Manage a diverse staff of part time students and full time employees.
• Received recognition for having one of the top 15 percentile textbook departments in the company—along with a consistent Used Text Ratio of over 50% (average is 30% or less).
• Successfully meets budgets provided by corporate.
• Maintain and expand upon relationships with contacts at the College in order to benefit sales to the Bookstore.

Assistant Field Manager UIndy Bookstore 2005-2006
• Consistently reviewed purchase analysis and P&L statements, reconciling invoices and credits with corporate accounts payable/accounts receivable.
• Monitored the store’s financial performance via weekly/monthly benchmarking.
• Developed a relationship with the store’s general merchandise buyer to increase growth and maintain sales within the department.
• Managed and scheduled a staff of 15+ for all departments of the store.
• Was responsible for all AR done through the store—worked extensively with various state agencies and the VA to collect outstanding payments.

Indiana Medical History Museum March 2000-Present
The Indiana Medical History Museum is a privately run 501 c 3 organization located on the grounds of the former Central State Hospital. With a full time staff of one, the museum allows for personal growth and professional development within its part time staff and volunteers.

Museum Marketing/Public Relations
• Working with local media outlets, webmasters, and vendors to promote and capture market share for the museum with exhibits, special events, and lectures.
• Develops new relationships with donors, sponsors and community partners to ensure the continuation of events and exhibits.

Docent/Collections Researcher/Special Event Planning IMHM
• Provide tours to visitors to the museum of all ages and group size.
• Research items donated to the museum’s collection, and enter collected information into the museum’s database system, Past Perfect.
• Work with the director to develop and expand programs offered.
• Set up and write press kits for distribution.
• Create the copy for exhibits/exhibit set up.
• Developed summer educational program for children.

Education

Masters of Business Administration, Marketing

Graduate Certificate in Marketing Studies
University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
July 2008

Completed extensive coursework focusing on Marketing and Public Relations, and created several highly appraised marketing plans. Placed a special emphasis on not-for-profit organizations, public relations, and branding initiatives.

Bachelor of Arts, History
Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
May 2003

The curriculum allowed for the development of writing and research skills that have proven to be invaluable in my professional career. Received various scholarships and departmental awards based on the high quality of undergraduate work. Both wrote and presented papers at the annual Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference in 2003.

Computer Skills
•Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Microsoft Windows OS, exceptional Internet research skills.

Professional Organizations

Member of the American Marketing Association, Indianapolis Chapter.



Yes, yes--long for a blog posting, I know, I know...but whatever it takes, that's what I'm willing to do. Tenacity is nothing to be ashamed of.