First things first: thank you to everyone who responded, both via comment and PM, to my last blog. I was rather upset at the time (to put it mildly,) but as with so many things in life just knowing I have others around who care and understand went a long way toward helping me cope. You're all amazing.

Now, on to today's subject: The Interview.

Part of what had me so upset the other day was nervousness. See, Tuesday at noon I had an interview, the only interview I had been offered as of yet, and I already had misgivings about it. A little background: I'm applying for jobs not in the city I'm currently living but a larger location approximately 2 hours away, a little more in fact. I'm doing so with the intent to find an apartment once I've secured a job, and I DO have a place to stay closer by until I manage to get my own place, but for now... yeah. 2 hour drive each direction. Nevertheless, I was quite happy to have gotten an interview, so at 9 AM Tuesday -- after having just worked all night -- me and my uncle packed and headed out to make sure I was there by noon.

Where was my interview, you may ask? Target. Yep! A company mostly known for being LGBT friendly, and one I had heard several people speak highly of who had worked there. So why my misgivings? My main issue before even going in was with the fact that during the call offering me the interview they had asked if I would consider a position I hadn't applied for rather than the one I had. This isn't a TREMENDOUS deal, but it became more worrisome when I looked at their website again to see that the position I had applied for was still open.

So, I went in for my interview. I got there early (half an hour) and was impressed with the other workers there while I waited. People were friendly, office staff was laughing, and in general things seemed pretty swell.

Then the interview happened.

You ever met one of those people you just immediately didn't click with? That was me and the lady who interviewed me, the manager for the hardlines side of the store. Things started off with her asking if I was nervous, and tsking when I admitted I was. Things only got worse from there: I was informed that I wasn't being offered the position I'd applied for because "you have to show us you deserve it first," and that my requirement for 32 hours a week (to justify the transfer and keep on my own feet) was "unreasonable" for retail, despite the fact that it's been the standard I've enjoyed both at my previous and current Walmarts. From being criticized for referring to customers as customers ("they're 'guests,' and we treat them like such,") to her disapproving looks at several of my interview answers, it was obvious her goal was to scare me as much as possible, which it didn't manage given my current state, AKA Still Employed Elsewhere.

Then the interview finished, and THAT'S when I really got pissed.

"I guess I'll pass you on to the second interview," she said. "That will be later in the week though; the manager who does that step isn't here today."

Two hour drive. Each direction. They KNEW that was something I was having to do for the interview. They also knew before I came in I was working third shift at my current job. At this point I had been up for about 18 hours, had a rough night at work already, and just been told that they expected me to do it all again for a retail position I'd be lucky to start at 9 an hour in.

So, what did I do?

Naturally, I thanked them for their time and shook both her and her assistant's hand. I smiled and said I was looking forward to the call. I didn't tell them I was already going to decline the job; after all, if they could waste that much of my time, it was only fair I got to waste a bit of theirs in turn.

The trip wasn't a complete disaster, however. Since we were already in town we decided to check out a few other locations that were potential employers. Some I had already applied at, some I hadn't yet but knew they were hiring, and a couple I was simply curious about. This is what brought me to the tag line of my blog: the internet lies.

Several of the locations that had spots available according to their web sites or job search sites informed me that those positions had been opened by corporate but were not being filled, merely used for reserves. Those I stopped by that hadn't had postings were enthusiastic in talking to me about positions that were opening up that weren't and wouldn't be listed online (though still required online applications, oddly enough.) And the biggest surprise, the one place that had called me back then emailed me to tell me I wasn't needed was one of the most eager of all when I talked to them, telling me that all I needed to do was update my application with several other open positions and I'd be a nearly sure shot if I still wanted in.

Nowadays we're told the internet is the go-to resource for most everything, but two hours spent walking around town gave me better and more personable leads than days of internet searches and applications had. Sure, they still needed me to fill out applications online rather than in person, but for all its wonders and advantages, there are times when the internet simply can't compete with a little good old fashioned footwork.

And that is probably the most important job hunting tip for millennials I can imagine.

Melanie E.