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Been really grumpy recently as no job, thus no money, thus really worried about paying the mortgage, so have been applying for jobs alles uber der kaufhous.
Being a Brit in one of the more economically deprived area's of France, during a recession has clearly not helped my cause, but finally had a call for an interview.
It seemed too good to be true when I answered the phone and a French voice called me by my christian name, just not done here. Then proceeded to tell me how my CV caught his interest and would I come for a chat at my convenience. "This afternoon?" says I, desparate for work. All arranged.
Drove in to the family run business and called the mobile as agreed. A minute later 2 golf buggies arrive, front one driven by a bloke called Olivier (dont think its the one from the Vine) one of the owners.
"Bob, welcome, did you find us ok?" We spoke for about 30 seconds and he then asked me if I minded if we used "tu" as "vous" is just too formal. Couldnt believe my ears.
Walked down to the bit where I would be placed, and as we've walked through the door we're joking about something and, remarking that I'm clearly a happy bloke (if only he knew) can I start for a trial on Tuesday? Nice one!!
Its a family run poultry business, and he was explaining all the fowl they have, mentioned guinea fowl, and I licked my lips, my fave.
We then did a tour of the whole place, a customer arrived to buy some live birds, I'm introduced to the client as the new employee, by christian name again, and shown by Olivier how to catch them humanely, put them in boxes etc etc. Its all just contrary to all other French business' I've seen before.
Finally we go down to the little farm shop they have and I'm told how its been really difficult to get it off the ground, not because of people not wanting to buy it, but because of the incredibly complex laws in selling food. As we're walking round the shop he gets a guinea fowl out of the fridge, pops it in a bag with a jar of rillettes and tells me thats Sunday lunch, to make sure I'm fit and ready for work on Tuesday. What a great place, really felt welcome.
Its not the answer at all to my fiscal worries, as its only 15 hours a week initially, but quite clearly anything is better than nothing, all helps the piggy bank etc.
If all future interviews I have are like this one, I would be a happy bloke indeed.
Being a Brit in one of the more economically deprived area's of France, during a recession has clearly not helped my cause, but finally had a call for an interview.
It seemed too good to be true when I answered the phone and a French voice called me by my christian name, just not done here. Then proceeded to tell me how my CV caught his interest and would I come for a chat at my convenience. "This afternoon?" says I, desparate for work. All arranged.
Drove in to the family run business and called the mobile as agreed. A minute later 2 golf buggies arrive, front one driven by a bloke called Olivier (dont think its the one from the Vine) one of the owners.
"Bob, welcome, did you find us ok?" We spoke for about 30 seconds and he then asked me if I minded if we used "tu" as "vous" is just too formal. Couldnt believe my ears.
Walked down to the bit where I would be placed, and as we've walked through the door we're joking about something and, remarking that I'm clearly a happy bloke (if only he knew) can I start for a trial on Tuesday? Nice one!!
Its a family run poultry business, and he was explaining all the fowl they have, mentioned guinea fowl, and I licked my lips, my fave.
We then did a tour of the whole place, a customer arrived to buy some live birds, I'm introduced to the client as the new employee, by christian name again, and shown by Olivier how to catch them humanely, put them in boxes etc etc. Its all just contrary to all other French business' I've seen before.
Finally we go down to the little farm shop they have and I'm told how its been really difficult to get it off the ground, not because of people not wanting to buy it, but because of the incredibly complex laws in selling food. As we're walking round the shop he gets a guinea fowl out of the fridge, pops it in a bag with a jar of rillettes and tells me thats Sunday lunch, to make sure I'm fit and ready for work on Tuesday. What a great place, really felt welcome.
Its not the answer at all to my fiscal worries, as its only 15 hours a week initially, but quite clearly anything is better than nothing, all helps the piggy bank etc.
If all future interviews I have are like this one, I would be a happy bloke indeed.
) - or I could have come over and helped you with the quality control of their produce!!!!
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