Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Week 2 EOC: "Sweet Charity"; What she did right, What she did wrong

Watching the Sweet Charity clip regarding the Interviewing process brought and important thought to the table. What are both appropriate and inappropriate behaviors during an interview? While Charity had conducted quite a few correct behaviors in the interview atmosphere, she also displayed many interview "dont's". Four of the items that she did correctly at the employment office were apply in person, dress up, Shake hands, and asked about job qualifications. Applying in person is a great way to get your foot in to the door, it shows that you are seriously seeking the position. According to the text, "Asking people to apply in person is a legitimate way to screen." In regards to asking about job qualifications, the book states that "Clear and complete job descriptions are useful for recruiting and screening possible new employees. "  If a manager is sure to state exactly what a prospective employee may be doing, it weeds out many of the unqualified candidates and makes the interview process run much smoother. The items that were wrong during Charity's interview were that although she was dressed nicely it was the wrong type of attire, she eavesdropped during the interviewers phone call, she did not ask the interviewer enough questions about what she should do in the future so that she can obtain a new job, and she did not come mentally prepared with all of her work abilities. One of the most asked questions in an interview is what your capabilities are. In the culinary world and some other hands on occupations, a person might be asked to do skill tests, in which they use actually machinery during the interview process in order for the manager to access the interviewees abilities. The importance of  being prepared for a skills test is highlighted by the books statement that "Real testing situations provide a more thorough and authentic assessment. " This type of testing definitely helps the manager weed out any of the fakes and individuals who are unable to keep the pace the restaurant would like to be at.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Week 1 EOC: My Best and Worst Jobs

             It takes many key ingredients to make an occupation outstanding and worthwhile. These prime items include involved managerial staff,  a positive work environment,  teamwork and a willingness to learn and improve. One such job I had that fit that bill was CaptionCall. Within this institution there were two managers that split the number of employees they oversaw. Beneath the managers were 10 or so Team lead Supervisors who looked after a small number of the staff members of their manager and reported back to the manager. This overseer breakdown helped lessen the workload and stress for the management team, creating a smoother work environment. Another important item that was displayed at CaptionCall the made it exceptional great was the positive work environment, monthly team meetings allowed us to get to know our coworkers, which in turn created a friendlier work atmosphere. Our break room had free ramen, books and a Wii, which allowed for fun in our spare time, and rewards such as candy bars and gift cards were given for a job well done. Teamwork was another aspect that made this occupation outstanding. Having an instant messenger for our department allowed us to communicate with our team members any time we had questions or concerns. And lastly a key piece that CaptionCall possessed that made it a great place to work for was the overall willingness to learn and improve. The company would send out reviews constantly so that we were always aware of how to correctly do our job, trivia questions would be asked at the monthly meetings so that we were up to date on the latest company news and information. Overall, this company had many if not all of the aspects that make an institution an amazing place to work for.

I do not think I have worked anywhere that I entirely disliked, the place just had a few corks. One of my biggest pet peeves was the lackadaisical attitude some of my coworkers carried. Their lack of motivation, caused other individuals to carry their workload. Making it a hostile work environment. Another negativity about this company was the management's lack of communication. The managers' were hardly ever at the office and we had one staff meeting in a span of 6 months. Issues were rarely addressed and the company was suffering because of it.

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

                  As a future culinary professional in the City of Las Vegas, I find myself abound with amazing culinary opportunities. Through an internship opportunity provided by my educational institution, I was able to obtain a job as a Culinary Assistant for a Private Chef and Catering Company. Through this occupation, I have had multiple opportunities to expand my culinary knowledge. One of my primary tasks as a Culinary assistant through Delightful Chefs LLC is meal prep. Through this task, I have had the opportunity to explore multiple avenues in the culinary world. Items such as expansion of ingredient knowledge, artistic plating, time management, and nutrition data awareness have been bettered through this task. At this occupation, I have also been able to assist at private parties and set up at corporate lunches, both opportunities of which have helped me with my communication and networking skills. Aside from attending school and working, I find myself exposed to the wonderful world of culinary through eating out and cooking for fun at home. Every time I eat out or cook at home, I find myself critiquing and asking myself "what could be added to the dish". An awareness that I have come to love, because it means that I am retaining the information I am absorbing through my culinary opportunities.