Interviewing for jobs in this economy...

is like trying to pick your nose with a dill pickle:  It's difficult, uncomfortable and makes me feel ridiculous. 

Example.  I interviewed a couple of weeks ago for a position at an "executive-style club."  That sounds kind of naughty, but I assure you, it was anything but naughty or inappropriate.  Let me lay down the details:  The job was part-time, the pay was way low but the responsibility was incredible. Figuring it would be a good fit since my background is marketing/PR with a lot of project management, I applied. 

During my interview I was asked the usual questions and put in the hot seat.  After about an hour of interview questions, my interviewer (let's call her Smiley) asked me to take a writing/editing test.  I was a little surprised but willing to do it because writing, I can do, but the editing part was a bit worrisome (example: this blog!). 

One of the duties of this job would be to draft a newsletter that would be distributed to CEO's, Presidents of companies, etc all of whom belong to this club.  The club is mainly a dining club which was interesting to learn because in this economy I'm not sure how people can pay an initiation fee plus $150 per month to belong to a place that mainly provides a place to just sit and have lunch without riffraff walking around.  This place is also on the top floor of a tall building.  Which for me was a nightmare to even have an interview there... I hate heights.

I do the writing test.  Smiley then asks me to "put together some ideas to help market the club and retain members."  I can sit at her desk and do this.  Seriously?  She was basically asking me to put together a marketing plan.  This was a bit disconcerting because I charge my current clients almost five times as much per hour for those same skills she was asking me to hand over in the name of an interview. 

I gave her two ideas and that was it.

I leave the interview and don't hear anything for over a week.

She then emails me and picks apart one of my ideas.  Um, ok.  She then asks me to add onto the document, more ideas and send back to her.  She would send my resume onto the CEO of the club and see if he wants to interview me.

I ended up telling her, "Sorry.  I'm pursuing other opportunities at this time and no longer wish to interview for the position."  I'm not working for free which is what it felt like.  She seriously wanted me to add onto the document, my ideas and send back to her?  Not only was the position extremely underpaying, but I didn't even have the job yet. 

Nice try Smiley.  Nice try.