by Toni Foyer

Created on: September 27, 2009

Chlorine from the YMCA's pool permeated the hallways. I strolled over to the pay phone after I finished an interview for a public relations representative. I dialed the number for Progressive Employment hoping to get an answer about whether or not I got the job for the Account Executive position. I was extremely anxious and excited to speak with Joyce, the VP of Temporary Staffing. I was sick and tired of working at my current job at Sears, hustling credit cards to the customers that entered the store. I knew this opportunity at Progressive was going to be my way out of retail. At this point, offers of employment were not exactly pouring in and my options were bleak.

When I had met with Joyce , she presented herself as a tough skinned, middle aged single woman but with a tender side when it came to young women trying to make it in the professional world. Immediately we hit if off during the interview . She asked me questions about what I wanted to do with my college degree, where my recent job interviews had been and more importantly, why would I want to work for Progressive Employment. I gave her honest answers. I told Joyce I wanted to get my foot in the door at an established firm and work with people that wanted to assist me in growing and enhancing my selling skills. Joyce laughed at the answer. I looked puzzled so Joyce explained herself. The company that I would be working for wasn't exactly prestigious or even reputable she said to me. I gathered that when I first walked in the door and saw 1970's wood paneling and orange carpeting. But, my answer was truthful. At that time, I didn't understand her reluctance to hire me. But I was persistent. I convinced her that this position was the right one for me and I was eager to learn.

Joyce offered me the job and I was eager to start my new career in staffing. It was the first day at Progressive Employment and I wanted to make a great first impression. I was a new Account Executive and responsible for recruiting, cold calling and placing administrative candidates for permanent positions. The employment agency's office was dingy but cozy. It had character to it which came across in the 1970's decor. The oak paneling, the musty orange carpeting gave the office a sense of history. With much respect to my new boss, her hair style along with her clothes also reflected much of the 1970's era. Let's just say polyester was her thing but her experience and knowledge was far more important to me then her own personal

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