I just got back from a job fair for Home Depot. This was day 2, however I was only able to make it today. I interviewed dozens of people from all walks of life- an American who had a Masters degree, a highschool drop out who couldn't finish sentences and asked a million questions, an Afghan who has only been in Canada for 4 months and was shocked at our weather, and a perfect applicant who was going to a different Home Depot than mine.
The job fair was held at a gorgeous community center, and while we were there, it was bustling with activity- kids registering for Spring soccer, a wedding reception, and everyday gym nuts sweating it out. When I got back from lunch, everyone was abuzz with someone who was filling out an applicant. Apparently, she was reserved for me. I wasn't sure why, until I sat down with Rita.
Rita was a women who was about 37 and looked 55. I could tell she had been through some rough stuff, but I thought I would give her a fair chance.
That chance diminished quickly.
Here are some of her answers to my standard questions.
1) What do you know about Home Depot and why would you like to work with us?
"Well, to be honest, I haven't heard about Home Depot until today. I'm at the center to attend my Narcotics Anonymous meeting, and while I was out having a smoke, I met some of you people and you were very friendly to me."
2) With regards to the position you are applying for (cashier) what experience and skills make you a great candidate for that role?
"I love dealing with money. I mean, I ain't no thief. I just love watching the coins roll."
3) The Home Depot is more than just a name, it is a brand that is well-known and represents specific things to our customers, such as "quality products", "technical expertise", and "Community involvement". If you are hired as a store associate, what will you do to ensure that you properly represent our brand?
"I would like to volunteer at the food bank. That ladies have been so kind to me over the years."
4)Tell me about a time when you were extremely busy. What was the situation and what did you do?
"Well, right now would be a good example. I have been trying to stay clean for years, and I keep myself busy to stay away from the drugs. Especially my hands, I have to keep playing with things to stop from picking up the "garbage". I cleaned my apartment, and now that I am out of the wheelchair, I'm walking again and getting around.
5) Tell me about a time when someone you had to work with on a team or other type of project was causing a great deal of stress for you. What were they doing? What did you do to handle the stress that was being created?
"Just today I had to say no to my ex. She called me today to meet her up for a cup of coffe, but I know she is just after my money because she is still into drugs, and I ain't got a lot because I am on the ODAP (Ontario Drug Assistance program). I told her, 'Honey, I can't be waiting on a street corner for you to come and take my money'. I know she will get better, but I can't help people if I can't take care of myself. When we were together, bad things happened, so today I said no, and it was stressful.
It was at this point that I asked why she had been in a wheelchair (and hadn't worked in 12 years). She said it was because she jumped off a popular bridge here in Toronto and ended up on the highway. Now she is a "walking miracle".
Ummm, don't call us, we'll call you.
The job fair was held at a gorgeous community center, and while we were there, it was bustling with activity- kids registering for Spring soccer, a wedding reception, and everyday gym nuts sweating it out. When I got back from lunch, everyone was abuzz with someone who was filling out an applicant. Apparently, she was reserved for me. I wasn't sure why, until I sat down with Rita.
Rita was a women who was about 37 and looked 55. I could tell she had been through some rough stuff, but I thought I would give her a fair chance.
That chance diminished quickly.
Here are some of her answers to my standard questions.
1) What do you know about Home Depot and why would you like to work with us?
"Well, to be honest, I haven't heard about Home Depot until today. I'm at the center to attend my Narcotics Anonymous meeting, and while I was out having a smoke, I met some of you people and you were very friendly to me."
2) With regards to the position you are applying for (cashier) what experience and skills make you a great candidate for that role?
"I love dealing with money. I mean, I ain't no thief. I just love watching the coins roll."
3) The Home Depot is more than just a name, it is a brand that is well-known and represents specific things to our customers, such as "quality products", "technical expertise", and "Community involvement". If you are hired as a store associate, what will you do to ensure that you properly represent our brand?
"I would like to volunteer at the food bank. That ladies have been so kind to me over the years."
4)Tell me about a time when you were extremely busy. What was the situation and what did you do?
"Well, right now would be a good example. I have been trying to stay clean for years, and I keep myself busy to stay away from the drugs. Especially my hands, I have to keep playing with things to stop from picking up the "garbage". I cleaned my apartment, and now that I am out of the wheelchair, I'm walking again and getting around.
5) Tell me about a time when someone you had to work with on a team or other type of project was causing a great deal of stress for you. What were they doing? What did you do to handle the stress that was being created?
"Just today I had to say no to my ex. She called me today to meet her up for a cup of coffe, but I know she is just after my money because she is still into drugs, and I ain't got a lot because I am on the ODAP (Ontario Drug Assistance program). I told her, 'Honey, I can't be waiting on a street corner for you to come and take my money'. I know she will get better, but I can't help people if I can't take care of myself. When we were together, bad things happened, so today I said no, and it was stressful.
It was at this point that I asked why she had been in a wheelchair (and hadn't worked in 12 years). She said it was because she jumped off a popular bridge here in Toronto and ended up on the highway. Now she is a "walking miracle".
Ummm, don't call us, we'll call you.
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