Did I Get The Job Or Was I A Suck-Up? (Long, But Please Do!)

Decorating By nglez09 Updated 6 Feb 2007 , 8:59pm by onebigdogmama

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 12:38am
post #1 of 53

I called Baskin Robins, left my name, and then they called me yesterday. I missed the call, though. So today I called.

This is how to conversation went:

"Hello, I am calling in regards to the job opportunity that I'd seen advertised and I missed your call. . ."


"Oh, Nick? Yes, I called yesterday because I wanted to let you know that we got a lady in but I don't know how long she's going to last. So you can come in and fill-out an application."

"Oh, I see. . ."

"You take cake decorator class?"

"Yes, I have 'successfully' completed cake decorating classes."

"Oh that's great, so yes, come in and fill-out an application because I don't know how long this lady is going to last. You work before in cake decorating?"

"No, I haven't worked before; this would be my first time if you did so choose to give me this opportunity. What times are you usually in so I could drop by?"

"I'm usually in during the mornings. . ."

"Well I have school, but since next week on Monday is a holiday, how about I come in and fill one out and talk some more about the job?"

"Oh yes. That fine."

"Would you like me to bring in a portfolio of my work?"


"Oh yes, that would be great."

"Okay, thanks a lot (((SHOOT! I FORGOT HER NAME!!! Amanda? I think so. . .umm. . .Andy? Is that a woman's name too? CRAP! I have to remember the name of her now. . .now I'm going to have to ask my niece to call and ask for the name of the manager. . .))) [insert name], I'll see you next week."


"Okay, thanks a lot Nick. Buh-bye."


So now I have to actually make a portfolio. . .unless I 'borrow' some of my fellow CCr's pictures. . .icon_twisted.gif

What did she mean by "I don't know how long she'll last. . ."?

For any of you who have worked at Baskin Robins, could you PM me telling me about the job?

It's a perfect job for a minor. . .because I don't have to do any baking or other "hazardous" things. icon_rolleyes.gif

52 replies
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lilmisscantbewrg Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 12:50am
post #2 of 53

Nick,
I don't know why the lady would say the new employee wouldn't last. Who knows? But, I think you sounded like a respectful , well spoken young man. Those are good qualities when interviewing for any job. Baskin Robins sounds like fun!
Good Luck!!

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Derby Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:05am
post #3 of 53

Nick...you're awesome! My first job was when I was 14 and I went to apply at McDonalds. I was a nervous wreck! I got the job and worked into the management program by the time I was 16. Then I moved overseas, so that ended my McDonalds career.

You did GREAT! VERY well spoken. I'm sure that if you don't get the job it's just because the lady they do have did end up working out. If this job doesn't happen, just keep trying. Personally I think that your work is WAY better than most of the cakes that I've seen at Baskin Robbins.

Keep us informed!

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chaptlps Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:18am
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How many pictures of cakes do you have on hand?
Just go n get an empty scrapbook, print off your pics and get a glue stick and start glueing away. Write a brief description of each cake next to or underneath.
They would have to be your cakes hun, no fair using opp's LOL!!!
Be sure to make your portfolio have eye appeal. Whether it's formal and elegant or funky and fun. Just have it reflect your personality. Relax, you'll do just fine.

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:19am
post #5 of 53

Thanks. There was more to it, but I forget things quickly. icon_rolleyes.gif

I kinda want to kick the other lady out. . .but then again not because maybe she's supporting a family or something off of this job.

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:27am
post #6 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by chaptlps

How many pictures of cakes do you have on hand?
Just go n get an empty scrapbook, print off your pics and get a glue stick and start glueing away. Write a brief description of each cake next to or underneath.
They would have to be your cakes hun, no fair using opp's LOL!!!
Be sure to make your portfolio have eye appeal. Whether it's formal and elegant or funky and fun. Just have it reflect your personality. Relax, you'll do just fine.




None that I'm particularly proud of. . . icon_lol.gif I'm thinking I'm going to get some dummies and use some left-over fondant and crusting BC to make about 6 cakes. It's going to be a busy weekend. . .

LOL. I wouldn't steal anyone's pictures. Or would I? icon_twisted.gificon_lol.gif

I was thinking of taking in my report card, is that too umm. . .naive/childish/unprofessional?

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moydear77 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:33am
post #7 of 53

I think that if you present yourself well you will be fine! i ahve had a ton of jobs in my life so far. I apllied and follow up called all applications. Do you have other work experience like babysitting?? Get some references to take along with you.

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imartsy Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:33am
post #8 of 53

well they really haven't given you the job yet...... sounds kinda fishy with the "I don't know how long she'll last" part...... I"m not sure what kind of experience you'll get at Baskin Robbins as far as decorating - but good luck!

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mjs4492 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:43am
post #9 of 53

Nick,
I agree with taking some written down references along.
As far as your portfolio, why don't you do 2-3 (instead of 6) dummies done with your great style and tell the lady that your just starting out with your decorating. Really take your time and do a fantastic job! Tell her you've done others put sorry for not having any pictures?

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:47am
post #10 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by moydear77

I think that if you present yourself well you will be fine! i ahve had a ton of jobs in my life so far. I apllied and follow up called all applications. Do you have other work experience like babysitting?? Get some references to take along with you.




I have never babysat but I do tutor. The only bad thing is that the girl I tutor's family doesn't speak English.

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:50am
post #11 of 53

You think three will be sufficient? Should I do them in fondant or just regular icing?


So is a report card too unprofessional?

What kind of "small-talk" should I do when over there? Should I order something like an ice cream cone or something?

When it says on the application like "how much would you like to be compensated" how much more should I ask for since I have no experience?

Thanks everyone!

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SweetResults Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:53am
post #12 of 53

Maybe a referral from the teacher of the girl you tutor?

Hope you get the job!

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mjs4492 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:56am
post #13 of 53

I think 3 would be very good!! And if you can only do 2, then so be it!! Don't stress! I like the appearance of fondant personally but if you like doing buttercream, then do that!!
What about a reference from your instructor(s)?
Scope the lady out as far as pay... When she mentions pay, you could very professionally ask is there a possibility of an increase after 6 months, 9 months or a year? She will more than likely mention all of this to you!
Relax, have fun!!!!! Make millions and open a shop where all of your CC friends can come and work! thumbs_up.gif

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Valentinemommy2002 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 1:57am
post #14 of 53

My first job was at Baskin Robbins eons ago! It will be very simple decorating so I wouldn't stress out about your portfolio. They did on the job training back then at the store I worked at. The pay was terrible at the store that I worked at but it is a franchise so it probably varies. I believe min wage back then was $3.25 and that store paid $2 an hour plus 2 free scoops per shift!! I only stayed long enough to find another job!! I say don't take your report card. It really has nothing to do with what they need you for. You presented yourself very well in the phone conversation so hopefully that will take you far! Good luck.

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Valentinemommy2002 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:01am
post #15 of 53

I forgot to add....at the time the cakes were frosted in melted ice cream mixture and then a buttercream or royal icing details/trim. Not sure if that has changed but just so you know while your doing your dummies it may help.

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:09am
post #16 of 53

Thanks SweetResults!


Quote:
Originally Posted by mjs4492

I think 3 would be very good!! And if you can only do 2, then so be it!! Don't stress! I like the appearance of fondant personally but if you like doing buttercream, then do that!!
What about a reference from your instructor(s)?
Scope the lady out as far as pay... When she mentions pay, you could very professionally ask is there a possibility of an increase after 6 months, 9 months or a year? She will more than likely mention all of this to you!
Relax, have fun!!!!! Make millions and open a shop where all of your CC friends can come and work! thumbs_up.gif




I like the look of fondant too and their website had some fondant cakes. icon_biggrin.gif

A teacher's reference? Would that work?

But do I ask like (minimum wage is $7.50 here) I'd like $9.25 per hour? And then she lowers it or start higher? Thanks for the advice mjs4492, I'll be sure to ask.


THAT's the plan! thumbs_up.gificon_lol.gif

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:10am
post #17 of 53

Thanks ValentineMommy.

Well, as for the report card, I was thinking since I'm 15 she may not want "that". If I take my report card, that will show responsibility, or will it? icon_razz.gif

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adrisss Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:11am
post #18 of 53

Hello Nick, My wilton instructor used to work for baskin robins, and she told us that what they look for is for good, pretty quick buttercream roses, she told us that many times that is what the look for more than your portafolio, that they ask you to do a rose in front of them with their equipment, borders, etc, so I would practice more on the roses and borders to show them on site, and just show them your skills.

Hope the info helps!!!!

Good Luck!!!!!

icon_smile.gif

Adriana

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mjs4492 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:15am
post #19 of 53

In my opinion, references from your teachers would be more than acceptable since you are still a student.
I also think if you ask the questions about increases in pay like I mentioned, the lady will automatically know that you are very interested in getting the job and that you hope to work towards getting the raises.
And it also sounds like you could make up a batch of buttercream and make some roses, other flowers and play with borders on even a sheet of foam board and take pictures for the portfolio thumbs_up.gif

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:15am
post #20 of 53

Oh no! I can't make a buttercream rose to save my life!

You're from San Diego adriss?

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playingwithsugar Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:15am
post #21 of 53

Do not even think about using CC pictures in your own portfolio without written consent of the individual who made the cake. The members here are very, very protective when it comes to their rights as artists, and if they find out that you are using their work without consent, they will definitely let you know of their displeasure. I reference the woman a few months ago who had member's pics on her website, and the recent activity of another company which used Heath and Jackie's custom pictures to sell her own products.

Theresa icon_smile.gif

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:17am
post #22 of 53

I was just kidding tmriga. thumbs_up.gif

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adrisss Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:36am
post #23 of 53

Yes Nick I live in San Diego and Tijuana also, let me put here some videos an tutorials on buttercream roses please let me know if they help

Here they have a video

http://www.wilton.com/decorating/basic/roses.cfm

I was looking on another tutorial on buttercream roses but couldn't find one right know, is from an ebook they are selling on the web that have videos I think you can watch the video for free but not the full lenght version.

but I will continue looking and if I find one will post the link

icon_smile.gif

Adriana

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adrisss Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:54am
post #24 of 53

Found the other one I was talking about

http://www.cliksecrets.com/cake-videos.php


By the way those anyone purchase these ebooks that sell on the web, I am thinking on buying them but want to know if they are worth the 57.77 for both volumes??????

they sell them here in this link
http://cakesmadeeasy.com/

icon_smile.gif

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adrisss Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 2:57am
post #25 of 53

sorry nick the rose links is

http://www.cliksecrets.com/s1.htm

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 3:03am
post #26 of 53

Thanks.

That's cool, what part of SD are you from?

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adrisss Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 3:08am
post #27 of 53

East Chula Vista, and you?

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 3:16am
post #28 of 53

Rancho San Diego

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nglez09 Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 3:33am
post #29 of 53

WOOOOOOOOOOOOPS!

Almost forgot to ask. . .

Should I get my food handler's card NOW or until I get the job. The next class is Wednesday, but that'd mean I'd have to miss church. After that, the next one is the 20th.

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jamhays Posted 6 Feb 2007 , 3:40am
post #30 of 53

If you're a good student w/high grades, you could take your rept. card along w/you, but only show it, if she asks for it. A letter of recommendation from a teacher or other adult (like youth pastor or something) would probably work better.

My friend has been decorating ice cream cakes for about a yr. now. She told me, all they want is borders & roses & leaves...stuff like that. No fondant @ the stores she's worked at.

I wouldn't pay out of YOUR pocket for a food handlers license. If they hire you....THEY will pay for you to take the course.

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