You might be better off without THAT job

It's amazing that even in these lean economic times, people feel that they are better off without certain jobs.  In a conversation about job hunting a lady told me that she was glad she didn't get an interview with a company because of her initial encounter with their human resources division.  Our conversation went something like this:

Lady:  Was there ever a time that you were glad a company didn't give you a second look, even though you might've really needed a job?

Me:  Actually, yes.

Lady:  I applied for a job that clearly stated in the posting "healthcare experience preferred."  To me "preferred" means they would like for you to have the experience but they'll consider you if they're impressed enough with your resume and/or interview.

Me:  Some would argue that point but I agree with that.

Lady:  Exactly!  So I get an email from the company asking for my salary requirements, leadership experience, and a time I could schedule an interview.  Of course, I was elated, so I replied immediately!  This idiot replied to me saying my leadership skills weren't what they were looking for and that I was lacking healthcare experience.  I thought that was the stupidest thing!  My friggin' resume TOLD you I don't have healthcare experience so why did they even bother emailing me???

I felt her pain.  We both concluded that either this person didn't read the resume thoroughly or didn't read the thing at all.  The bad news is that companies and organizations are full of people like this.  It makes you truly respect a company that asks you thorough questions based on your resume.

I remember running across a legitimate opportunity that seemed way too good to be true years ago.  I went to the interview and asked my interviewer about the company's work-life balance program.  He looked up, repeated "work-life balance" three times, and shoveled the biggest load of ka ka about work-life balance that I had ever heard.  The fool had no idea what a work-life balance program was.  Even if I had gotten an offer, I most likely would not have taken it.

The damn shame of living in this economy is that companies and organizations are bending people over the barrel like crazy, and people endure blatant disrespect all in the name of getting a much-needed paycheck.  At that point, it becomes an issue of personal values and pride.  You can't stop companies and organizations from allowing boneheads to represent them.  You can, however, draw a personal line in the sand to save your sanity.