REALITY BITES

I went to an employment agency in December to get a jump start on the job search in the new year. I was dreading what I knew was coming - the skills questions. I want to be honest. Honesty will not help my chances of getting a job.

I never learned to type. I managed to pass typing in high school with a C, but it didn't take. The Consultant at the agency sent me home with some tutorials and take home tests.

I practiced and warmed up and took the 3 minute typing test. I tested out at 27 words per minute. Ouch.

I can create a word document and even do some formatting. Excel I can fill in pretty well and create a simple form, but forget those formulas. I know Outlook can do more than send and receive e-mail, but the only kind of merge I do is in a car. Don't get me wrong. I have worked in 2 different jobs where I mastered proprietary software. I'm not stupid.

Well, unless you ask me to do anything more than simple math. I worked as a bookkeeper in a restaurant back in college. My boss loved me. He said he never worried I was stealing because he knew I would never be able to figure out how to do it. So when a job description lists budgeting duties, do I go for it with a clear conscience? I don't understand "accounting" but I can add and subtract, after all.

My skills are my intelligence, my ability to make people at ease, my desire to be helpful, to solve problems, answer questions. I am patient, I can handle multiple projects and interruptions well, work well on my own and with others. I have a very strong work ethic and commitment. I have a positive outlook and I like to laugh.

When I think about it, I have never done the same job before. I have always started on something new. I take the skills I have learned and the talents I have and I make a success or I don't. The trick right now is getting the opportunity. I hope the agency is up to the task.