Monday, April 14, 2008

Into London for a surprise

Today, for the first time since I was declare redundant, I travelled into London. I have already handed in my season ticket, so had to pay for the trip - £10.10. I was expecting an interview by an agency, and really had no idea what was coming as I approached Liverpool Street station, went up the escalator onto Bishopsgate. I arrived in the office and was kept waiting for a few minutes. It reminded me of C.J. in the fall and rise of Reginald Perrin.
"1, 2, 3, 4,
make 'em wait outside the door
5, 6, 7, 8
always pays to make 'em wait"
Then I was taken to the office, and to my surprise found that I was being interviewed by a career consultant. Someone that I as the (potential) employee would pay for. What would I get? CV advice, tutoring in the whole job search area, possibly introductions - but to people that are carefully matched to have a requirement for someone like me. (That makes it sound like a dating agency!!) It's all quite expensive, so I have to understand if this is the right sort of thing to do - can I justify the expense, is it really a worthwhile investment?
They would be getting me a better job than the one I had - at least that would be their intention, and with more money too.
Is that what I want? - I really don't know.

Today has given me something that I didn't expect to think and pray about. Sometimes the unexpected is from God, sometimes the promise of riches is a temptation to greed.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Pete,
    Here in the U.S., legitimate job agencies earn their money from the employers, not from potential employees. Employers use them to recruit and screen job applicants.

    I could be wrong but the one that interviewed you sounds like a scam to me. Before you pay them anything, it might be wise to ask for references so you can contact some people they have actually placed in good jobs to see if those people think the cost was worthwhile.

    Your job situation does continue to be in my prayers, that the Lord will lead you to just the place He has for you.

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