The Third Degree

Do Not Call At Work List

Most people have had a Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com account at one point in our careers, so the idea of a staffing recruiter or head-hunter contacting you about a position (that most likely is not your speciality) isn't that foreign. But, over the past week I've been contacted by these people, not once, not twice, but 14 times - Yes 14 times. By no means am I bragging or trying to say that I'm - the greatest thing since sliced bread - because most of the positions that these vultures are sending me are Flash and .NET positions, neither of which I consider myself a likely candidate. 

For the most part, I'm being contacted via email. Which is fine. I can politely tell them "good luck" on their search and "have a nice day" - whenever I get around to it. Other times, I'll get a voicemail (on my publicly known telephone number) that describes the 'amazing position, right up my alley.' But others go above and beyond to catch you on the phone so they can speak with you directly instead of the polite blow-off via email. Some even will call you at work.

It was Tuesday, I was working on a new project, and my work telephone rang. The caller ID came up as "private number," which is not uncommon these days, so I answered the phone... "Hello, this is James."  The "gentleman" on the other end of the line replied: "Hello James, this is 'Bob' from 'ABC Staffing' I was just following up with you about some available positions I think you would be great for. I surfaced your resume from your web site 'jamesthethird.com' and think you'd be perfect for a position with 'XYZ Widgets.' They're based out of Media, PA and are eager to talk with you about a position." The guy spoke more words in 15 seconds than the that guy at the end of those radio advertisements for used cars. I sat there in complete shock. I couldn't believe this guy actually called me at work. I quickly regrouped and proceeded to tell him that it was extremely inappropriate to call me at work (to put it nicely) and hung up the phone as he tried to explain more details about the position.

5 minutes later, Thunderbird starts bouncing in my dock. Wouldn't you know, an email from 'Bob.' He writes "James, terribly sorry to call you at work, I apologize. 'XYZ Widgets' is really anxious to speak with you, so I thought you would have wanted to know about the position right away. Get back to me ASAP so we can discuss the position, when you're employer's not around. Thanks - 'Bob' "

I couldn't believe my eyes. Is this guy for real? I told him to piss-off and then hung up on him, and he seriously thinks I'm still interested in his bogus position. Some may be thinking, well... "if he's that persistent, maybe he's serious, maybe this company is interested in hiring you." If I had a nickel for every time 'Bob' and his colleagues contacted me about a 'perfect position' I'd be sitting on a beach with my MacBook Air... (insert something that I planned on doing when I was a millionaire here).

'Bob' went the extra mile to track me down. He had to figure out where I currently work, get the main telephone number, talk to the operator and then ask to be transferred to my extension. Not terribly difficult, but requires some digging. But to have the audacity to call me at work to discuss another job. To top it all off, this isn't the first time I've spoken with 'Bob.' I consistently tell him to piss-off, but he just doesn't get it. I've explicitly told him to take me off of his call list, and he does not oblige.

So this is for 'Bob,' his family, his friends, coworkers, and colleagues. Don't call me at work. In fact, don't call me at all. I'm not seeking a job. I'm happily employed. Even if I was unemployed, and I was on the brink of declaring bankruptcy - I still wouldn't speak with you about a job.

Please place me on your DO NOT CALL lists, if you'd be so kind. 

The problem is, they'll never read this... I should've named the post "Currently Seeking Employment"

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About The Third Degree

The Third Degree is James Van Arsdale III's personal blog. Topics covered will range from web design and development techniques to rants about cabs hitting cyclists, and everything in-between. I encourage all to join in on the discussions, or contact me directly.