Friday, August 29, 2008

Interview

Today I had my interview for the Construction Engineer position in the north shop. It was a nice laid back interview. They asked me a couple technical questions, but most were about management. I messed up on the technical questions, because I don't know the exact minimum densities required for concrete, asphalt or cement treated based. I told them I was guessing and usually got within 1-2% of the correct answer. I asked my boss a couple days ago on what kind of questions they asked her, but other than that, I did very little to prep for the interview. It's easier for me to just respond to the questions right on the spot. The interview itself felt short. There were three interviewers and each asked me 5-6 questions, but when I walked out, 45 minutes had past. My feeling during this interview was the same as when I first interviewed with the State, but back then I didn't have any competition. This time I have a fellow EAII that started a month before I did. I personally don't care if I don't get the position. I like the office I'm in and what I do, but with the way promotions work here, I have to apply when I get a chance, since I never know when the next opening will be. Though if I really wanted the position, there's 4 other EAIII positions open in the eastern half of the state, the two in Topeka and Olathe aren't too bad of prospects either. I'd prefer to stay in Wichita though, since all family and a lot of friends are here. I have a lot of friends in KC too, but the cost of living is higher. The benefit of Topeka is that it's close to Lawrence which would allow me to go to more concerts.

This Sunday, I'm going to Lawrence to see Ratatat. I'm actually going with 5 of my friends which is surprising to me, since I've never managed to get more than two to come to a concert with me. Especially to see a group that most of have never heard of more than a month ago. Maybe it's because of the holiday weekend. I'm sure none will come with me to see Jenny Lewis or Stars in the upcoming weeks.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Bitter:Sweet

Been semi-busy working out on the project. Actually had to go out on some days before 3pm. Though I still didn't do much when I went out since there were at least two other inspectors out there. We got the summer intern from the north shop for the last two weeks. Today was his last day. Guess they ran out of projects for him, so they sent him to us. He got to the watch the boring but important part of construction, dirt work. Since they were trying to load in up on OT, he'd come in in the morning with another inspector and leave at the end of the day with me. He was good company, nice to talk to another young "engineer." Talking him kept me awake on those days where we honestly didn't do anything but simply wait for the contractor to go home.

It's now been 4 weeks since I applied for the construction engineer position. I still haven't heard anything except for the initial email saying that they got my application. I emailed our FEA, and he told me that once the closing date passes, District collects all the apps, sends them to the Area. I'm not sure when the closing date is since none of the EAIII positions have closing dates listed. The FEA seems to be still handing his old EAIII responsibilities, so they don't seem to be in a major hurry to fill the vacancy. They waited 3 weeks to list it and it's been open for 5 weeks after that. I wish they would hurry.

This weekend I am heading to Lawton, OK to visit a friend, and then onto Dallas for the Bitter:Sweet concert, my favorite current band. A local dallas band called Shock of Pleasure is opening for them, and listening to some of their stuff, they don't suck. Much better and appropriate opener than the local band that opened for Bitter:Sweet last summer in Chicago. Coincidental I'll be seeing Bitter:Sweet on the 17th which is the same date that I saw them last year. This will be the 1st of 4 concerts I'll go in the next 6 weeks. Luckily the next 3 are all in Lawrence at the Granada, a venue I've never been to.