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Source: (consider it) Thread: AS: Job Search Support Thread
Annichka
Shipmate
# 3897

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[tangent] Chast, it's great to hear from a fellow lunatic - err, English major. Have you had much success finding jobs that use it? I've only just graduated this month, and I must say I'm not finding many. [/tangent]

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The Lord is compassionate and merciful, longsuffering and of great goodness.

More Than You Should Want to Know About Annichka

Posts: 2073 | From: Portland, OR, USA | Registered: Jan 2003  |  IP: Logged
Gill H

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# 68

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When I graduated, the joke was "What do you say to a Swansea Uni English graduate?" "Big Mac and large fries, please."

It took me 10 years before I found a job that actually used my degree to any extent.

Or to quote a song on my current favourite CD - the Broadway musical Avenue Q - "What do you do with a BA in English?"

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*sigh* We can’t all be Alan Cresswell.

- Lyda Rose

Posts: 9313 | From: London | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
ChastMastr
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# 716

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quote:
Originally posted by Cassiel:
[tangent] Chast, it's great to hear from a fellow lunatic - err, English major. Have you had much success finding jobs that use it? I've only just graduated this month, and I must say I'm not finding many. [/tangent]

Well, with my 1989 BA I foolishly moved to my parents' in Naples, Florida (terrible mistake on many levels for me) -- where there were so few jobs at the time for someone with my degree that I alternated between completely unrelated work (bagging groceries, working at McDonald's, working as a bank teller) and, when the season allowed for it, proofreading for various places (the yearly-published city restaurant guide, for example).

Then I went to grad school with the plan of becoming an English Professor, and realized I didn't want to do that after all (did not want to fight deconstructionists the rest of my life), so got the MA and stopped. Then I worked first in a coffee shop (thought it would be a nice start), then as a newspaper copy editor, then (when the copy editing job became a bit too stressful -- nasty editor over me, unpaid overtime (successfully fought for our dept. to be paid the overtime we were being illegally denied -- er, which made the editor more unpleasant...)) became assistant manager at a bookshop. Then when Daddy died and I had no reason to stay in Florida, someone suggested a career in government where I've been 5 years now, as an editorial assistant for my agency's magazine. (All the proofreading and copy editing probably helped.)

David

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My essays on comics continuity: http://chastmastr.tumblr.com/tagged/continuity

Posts: 14068 | From: Clearwater, Florida | Registered: Jul 2001  |  IP: Logged
Ariel
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# 58

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quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
It took me 10 years before I found a job that actually used my degree to any extent.

Ho ho ho. It was 20 before I finally got to use part of mine.
Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
The Machine Elf

Irregular polytope
# 1622

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quote:
Originally posted by Ariel:
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
It took me 10 years before I found a job that actually used my degree to any extent.

Ho ho ho. It was 20 before I finally got to use part of mine.
I'm currently doing an OU pure math degree, partly to remind myself of the math I've forgotten, partly as I tried to do something hard and realised I haven't enough background for it, partly as I'd like to do a masters later, partly as I'm playing with the idea of becoming a maths teacher, and partly so I get to know the derivations of several of the results I learnt doing general engineering.

Two weeks ago, the course went over eigen values, with a video describing flutter analysis of an aeroplane as an example application. One weeks ago at work (for the first time in 15 years as a software engineer having anything to do with matrices, as I'm more a KR specialist), I was given the job of optimising the flutter analysis codes for a large aircraft currently in pre-production flight testing, as at the moment they cost ~1/2 million UKP in processor time to run. (though admittably my input is more in rearranging how the codes do things to minimise cache misses, and trying to move it onto PC idle-cycle processing rather than mainframe, rather than actually doing the math)


TME

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Elves of any kind are strange folk.

Posts: 1298 | From: the edge of the deep green sea | Registered: Oct 2001  |  IP: Logged
Flausa

Mad Woman
# 3466

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Just checking in to see how the hunts are going. I had an interview last night, and I think it went well, so I should hear back next week whether or not I make it to interview #2.

I also decided it was time to boost my job skills, so I've ordered a bookkeeping/software training course, to brush up on what I already know (this may also prove advantageous for a small business I might have a chance to help someone set up in the next couple of years). I've tried to get information from my temp agency about free training I'm entitled to, but they are being unhelpful as usual.

[you'd think with all the CV's and apps I've been doing that I'd remember to preview before replying]

[ 14. April 2005, 13:17: Message edited by: Flausa ]

Posts: 4610 | From: bonny Scotland | Registered: Oct 2002  |  IP: Logged
EnglishRose
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# 4808

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Anyone else job hunting at the moment?

I've decided that I simply have to find another job. I'm bored out of my brains, have been bored for years and am as miserable as sin. Apart from that, the job's okay [Devil]

There's just one slight problem. I haven't the faintest idea what to do next. My degree results don't reflect my abilities and I've been let down badly by various employers since graduation. Of recent times I've applied for several more senior jobs in different fields, got down to the last 2 out of over 300 applicants and then missed out because the other candidate had more experience in that particular field. I've also applied for junior jobs in different fields the hope of getting experience......only to be told that I'm overqualified for the job for which I've applied. I'm getting terribly cynical, haven't got a clue at what I'm good at and don't quite know where to turn.

Anyone else been through this and come out the other side? How on earth did you stay sane - especially when it's impossible to see a way out?

Posts: 544 | From: London | Registered: Aug 2003  |  IP: Logged
dorcas

Ship's florist
# 4775

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quote:
Originally posted by Curiosus:
Anyone else job hunting at the moment?

I've decided that I simply have to find another job. I'm bored out of my brains, have been bored for years and am as miserable as sin. Apart from that, the job's okay [Devil]


Oh dear! Are you a civil servant too?? [Snigger]

Lots (ok, most!) of my colleagues moan and groan about their jobs without ever actually doing anything about it, but I'm now in serious "job hunt mode" and have an interview on May 18th [Eek!]
Be careful what you pray for - you might get it!! [Big Grin]

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"I love large women - they supply warmth in the winter and shade in the summer!" (With thanks to Gort!)

Posts: 387 | From: The Curry Mile, Manchester | Registered: Jul 2003  |  IP: Logged
Mad Hatter
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# 5879

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quote:
Originally posted by Curiosus:
Of recent times I've applied for several more senior jobs in different fields ... missed out because the other candidate had more experience in that particular field. I've also applied for junior jobs in different fields the hope of getting experience......only to be told that I'm overqualified for the job for which I've applied

I'm job hunting and am also over qualified and under experienced. Doing masses of stuff - all unpaid, which although adding to my experience, seems to be giving me experience in the wrong areas for many jobs - unless you're fresh out of college (and I'm not) the concept of transferable skills just doesn't cut it!

I too would appreciate hearing from anyone with sanity saving advise and heartening stories - although I'd like to hear more from someone whose prepared to employ me [Help]

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www.fsscconference.org.uk - a conference for people whose faith informs their action for social change

Posts: 267 | From: Winchester | Registered: May 2004  |  IP: Logged
The Machine Elf

Irregular polytope
# 1622

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No advice to offer, but I do have an interview on Thursday that may shift me out of industrial aerospace and into university bioscience, which even if it's not any more senior on paper will at least be better paid and closer to the technologies I like playing with.


TME

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Elves of any kind are strange folk.

Posts: 1298 | From: the edge of the deep green sea | Registered: Oct 2001  |  IP: Logged
EnglishRose
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# 4808

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quote:
Originally posted by dorcas:
Oh dear! Are you a civil servant too?? [Snigger]


How did you guess???!

I'll be praying for those of you with interviews coming up. Hope all goes well.

Posts: 544 | From: London | Registered: Aug 2003  |  IP: Logged
Ariel
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# 58

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For years I was trapped in a dead-end job. I went through the entire gamut of negative emotions - despair, rage, frustration, indifference, and all the rest of it. I applied for jobs and over the years that followed my hope began to turn increasingly to cynicism. One interview followed another. Mostly they went well, but they were always followed by a letter that began with, "We regret that..."

There were times when I couldn't see any way out. I felt completely trapped. I didn't have the money to resign. I believed that I would never get another job, that I was unemployable. Sometimes I prayed not to wake up in the mornings as the thought of endless years, the rest of my working life, spent in this way was too much to think about. It felt like a living death.

At times I found that faith helped. Then there were times when it didn't and I was bitterly angry with the idea of God and that I was wasting my life in this way. There were times when I managed to get a perspective but it didn't last long: I didn't have the confidence, or the money, to have much of a life outside work, which would have helped. That I think is the key. You have to constantly remind yourself that there is a life outside of work and hopefully a better one. You have to put work into proportion (and I still haven't quite mastered the art). Whatever you do, try to avoid getting depressed and letting your interests go, as I did, so that work becomes pretty much the only thing in your life.

I was deeply cynical about interviews by now, and it became a sport that I didn't attach much importance to. Perhaps not being too stressed out in them helped, I don't know, but either way, to my total disbelief, I suddenly got a new job.

Like any job it's not perfect, and I will be moving on from this one, but at the time the feeling of liberation from years of being trapped was indescribable, as was the feeling that if this was possible, pretty well anything was.

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RuthW

liberal "peace first" hankie squeezer
# 13

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Thanks for that, Ariel, it's very heartening. I really cannot spend the rest of my life in my current job, but I feel like I've really painted myself into a corner. Living for things outside of work is pretty much all I can come up with to keep myself sane while I figure out what else I can do to earn a living, which could take a while.
Posts: 24453 | From: La La Land | Registered: Apr 2001  |  IP: Logged
ONUnicorn
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# 7331

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I'm not sure weather to shout for joy, or cry, or hide in terror.

My boss is interviewing another young lady next week, and wants me to spend next week training her.

In a way this is good - I think it will be better for everyone (Me, him, her, the building owners) if he hires someone on a permanent basis instead of keeping me through the temp agency.

At the same time, I wanted to leave on my own terms.

Then again, I hate it here and have been waiting for a new job to come along so that I could leave for a while.

Then again, if it's any length of time at all before I find another job I'm going to have some serious money problems.

I'm happy because I'll finally be out of here and can spend time looking for a job where I'll be happier.

I'm sad because, despite the fact that I've been miserable here, on some level I will miss it.

I'm absolutely terrified that I won't be able to find another job easily and my husband and I will get into trouble financially.

I just found out...

Pray for me. [Votive]

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"A pig's snout is NOT an electrical outlet."

Posts: 637 | From: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: Jun 2004  |  IP: Logged
ONUnicorn
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# 7331

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Before I didn't mention angry.

The anger is just begining to come.

Angry because I've willingly, and without complaint, worked past 6:00 every night this week.

Angry because when I first started here, for the first couple months, I really liked it here, and I really liked my boss.

Angry with myself for staying here so long, and letting my work ethic deteriorate to the point where I didn't care anymore if I was late or on time, if I did a good job or not, if I even worked at all.

I'm still happy. I'm still sad. I'm still scared. Now I'm angry too.

It's only been a couple of hours.

I wonder where it goes from here.

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"A pig's snout is NOT an electrical outlet."

Posts: 637 | From: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: Jun 2004  |  IP: Logged
ONUnicorn
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# 7331

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*sudden flash of panic - who will I use for references????*

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"A pig's snout is NOT an electrical outlet."

Posts: 637 | From: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: Jun 2004  |  IP: Logged
Trudy Scrumptious

BBE Shieldmaiden
# 5647

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ONUnicorn, sorry to hear you're going through this...hope the outcome produces something much better for you.

Well, I convocated Wednesday night so now I have an M.Ed. but no sign of a job. I attended a professional conference for 3 days last week and networked with a lot of former classmates (all employed) and realized that if I want to get the kind of job I would really like, then I am going to have to get a lot more aggressive about job-hunting. I am going to have to get in people's faces, be pro-active, and probably get involved in seeking out funding to finance a project or position --basically, help create a job for myself.

The only problem is I suck at all this. I lack contacts and have zero skills in the area of sourcing out funding. I'm not good at networking. I'm not enterpreneurial. In my ideal world, I will see a job ad in the paper, send in my kick-ass resume and get a kick-ass interview, and get the job. But in the sector I want to work in, for this kind of job, that virtually never happens. I have to create my own opportunities and (repeating self here) I suck at this. I'm trying to get myself all worked up and inspired and encouraged ... but I need lots of prayers.

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Books and things.

I lied. There are no things. Just books.

Posts: 7428 | From: Closer to Paris than I am to Vancouver | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
Flausa

Mad Woman
# 3466

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[Votive] for ONUnicorn and Trudy (and everyone else involved in job hunting.

I may actually be able to give up job hunting for a little while. I've recently started a 2-3 month temp contract for a specific excercise. I've only been there 3 weeks and will finish my part of the excercise this week. It's a government agency that's in the middle of some spending cuts, so they aren't hiring full-time employees, but the head of the department I'm in still has vacancies to be filled and suggested there might be a 10-month contract in it for me. This could be a very good thing, as it will mean that I'll come out on the other side with a great place to get a good in-country reference as well as meaning I'll have an easier time convincing people that an American most recently from Florida really intends to stay in "sunny Scotland" long-term. Plus it means I don't worry about job hunting for a few more months. Hoorah!

Posts: 4610 | From: bonny Scotland | Registered: Oct 2002  |  IP: Logged
ONUnicorn
Shipmate
# 7331

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[Yipee]

A large law firm that I temped with 2 summers ago that really wanted to make me a permanent employee, but couldn't afford the agency fees, just called to see if I was available to come work for them.

I LOVED working there!!!

I can't believe it!!!

I'm so glad that I'll be out of this place I hate and off someplace I'll (hopefully) be happy in!!!

And, if I'm done here at the end of this week, and the other place doesn't want me until June 20th, I'll have some free time to get some stuff done I've been meaning to do.

Wow.

I'm stunned.

I hate to put it this way, but this seems like an answer to prayer.

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"A pig's snout is NOT an electrical outlet."

Posts: 637 | From: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: Jun 2004  |  IP: Logged
Loquacious beachcomber
Shipmate
# 8783

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quote:
Originally posted by ONUnicorn:
[Yipee]

A large law firm that I temped with 2 summers ago that really wanted to make me a permanent employee, but couldn't afford the agency fees, just called to see if I was available to come work for them.

I LOVED working there!!!

I can't believe it!!!

I'm so glad that I'll be out of this place I hate and off someplace I'll (hopefully) be happy in!!!

And, if I'm done here at the end of this week, and the other place doesn't want me until June 20th, I'll have some free time to get some stuff done I've been meaning to do.

Wow.

I'm stunned.

I hate to put it this way, but this seems like an answer to prayer.

Congratulations and good luck!
Perhaps, though, this is an answer to prayer; The Almighty may want you to change your signature here on the Ship.

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TODAY'S SPECIAL - AND SO ARE YOU (Sign on beachfront fish & chips shop)

Posts: 5954 | From: Southeast of Wawa, between the beach and the hiking trail.. | Registered: Nov 2004  |  IP: Logged
ONUnicorn
Shipmate
# 7331

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quote:
Perhaps, though, this is an answer to prayer; The Almighty may want you to change your signature here on the Ship.
Why would he want that???

[Two face]

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"A pig's snout is NOT an electrical outlet."

Posts: 637 | From: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: Jun 2004  |  IP: Logged
EnglishRose
Shipmate
# 4808

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Congratulations! I'm so pleased that things have worked out for you. It's funny how these things happen sometimes - I think it was Julian of Norwich who said 'All shall be well'. How right she was!

I've just redrafted my CV and written a covering letter for another job. My life's been turned upside down yet again in the last couple of weeks and things seem to be going from bad to worse. A new job would give me some much-needed direction: I'm not sure whether this vacancy is the Right Thing but I've got to start somewhere. Prayers appreciated. I'm quite convinced that God has a plan for me, I just wish He'd hurry up and tell me what on earth He's doing [Roll Eyes]

Posts: 544 | From: London | Registered: Aug 2003  |  IP: Logged
Trudy Scrumptious

BBE Shieldmaiden
# 5647

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Congrats ONUnicorn, that's wonderful news!!

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Books and things.

I lied. There are no things. Just books.

Posts: 7428 | From: Closer to Paris than I am to Vancouver | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
EnglishRose
Shipmate
# 4808

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Well, my CV writing skills obviously aren't too rusty as I've got a telephone interview tomorrow [Yipee]

Actually, I probably should have used the [Help] icon. Interviews I can do, but telephone interviews??? What on earth is that all about? Has anyone here done one? Any thoughts/comments about what to do/what not to do?

Posts: 544 | From: London | Registered: Aug 2003  |  IP: Logged
Agent Smith
Shipmate
# 3299

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quote:
Originally posted by Curiosus:
Well, my CV writing skills obviously aren't too rusty as I've got a telephone interview tomorrow [Yipee]

Actually, I probably should have used the [Help] icon. Interviews I can do, but telephone interviews??? What on earth is that all about? Has anyone here done one? Any thoughts/comments about what to do/what not to do?

I had a telephone interview (I didnt get the job). I find them harder than an interview as you dont get to meet the person you could be working for, there are long embarrasing silences (where in a face to face one you can see their reactions). Also you dont get to feel any of the "vibes" in an office? (are the people looking on the web for thier next job - office a good environment? etc)

It may be an idea to have your CV (you sent) the job description in your mind when you are being interviewed. (But this goes for normal interviews anyway).

Dont smoke, eat or drink while on the phone - they will be able to hear you!.

Good luck anyway [Axe murder]

Just a quick update - I have a new job, which starts in two weeks time. I applied for this as a "wildcard" and managed to get it. I am looking forward to having a real job with a salary to match!

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"I'm so English, I am probably descended from a Cricket Bat and a cup of tea".

James May - 20th Century

http://www.flickr.com/photos/agentsmith1974/

Posts: 536 | From: Inside M25 | Registered: Sep 2002  |  IP: Logged
Trudy Scrumptious

BBE Shieldmaiden
# 5647

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I exchanged an email with a former co-worker from my internship site today and she told me there is "lots of buzz" about potential new projects that might mean job opportunities. She's not a person in any authority so I can't take this as overt encouragement but it's still good to hear as my internship site is my #1 choice of place to work if something were to open up there.

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Books and things.

I lied. There are no things. Just books.

Posts: 7428 | From: Closer to Paris than I am to Vancouver | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
Living in Gin

Liturgical Pyromaniac
# 2572

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Just checking in to offer support to all who are searching, and to give an update on my own situation.

After moving back home to Chicago and doing some freelance work for the past few months, I think I'm ready to start seriously looking for a permanent job with an architecture firm.

I was wondering if I could get some constructive feedback from my template form letter below (Proper nouns changed to protect the guilty):

quote:
10 June 2005

Mr. Bob Scroggins, AIA
Scroggins, Boggins, and Mobbins Architects & Associates
666 Lower Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60666

Mr. Scroggins:

Having looked at the projects on your firm’s website, I can see that we share many of the same ideas about how good architecture is created. I'm especially impressed by the creative use of colors and massing on the Gary, Indiana sewage treatment plant project. I enclose my resume as the first step in exploring employment opportunities with SB+M. I believe I would be an asset to your outstanding design team.

A little about my background: I have over nine years of professional experience working for various architecture firms while working my way through architecture school at Snoggins University at Doggins. The past few years I've been taking a break from school while spending time living and working in various cities. However, I’ve recently moved back to Chicago and have been doing various freelance projects while seeking permanent employment and preparing to resume classes at SU in the Fall of 2006.

I'd appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about employment possibilities at your firm for somebody of my qualifications. My nine years of experience – including over three years at Poggins & Woggins
[famous design firm in Chicago] -- have given me a unique perspective on the practice of architecture that few other candidates can match. During this time I have been widely recognized for skillfully maintaining the rare balance between design excellence and the pragmatic considerations of construction and budget.

I would appreciate the opportunity to show you some specific examples of my work, which I believe you will find exemplary. For your convenience, my design portfolio is available online at [URL to my online portfolio here].

I look forward to discussing my skills and experience in further detail with you, as I believe I have a great deal to offer your firm. I will give your office a call within a few days to inquire about any possible openings for somebody with my qualifications.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Living in Gin


Any helpful comments greatly appreciated...

And in the meantime, prayers for all others who are also looking for work. [Votive]

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It's all fun and games until somebody gets burned at the stake.

Posts: 1893 | From: Cincinnati, USA | Registered: Apr 2002  |  IP: Logged
Leetle Masha

Cantankerous Anchoress
# 8209

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Gin: maybe you could find another adjective other than "exemplary" to go with the "examples" of your work. Maybe "salient" or "illustrative"?

Best wishes,

Leetle M.
If I were that firm, I'd hire you!

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eleison me, tin amartolin: have mercy on me, the sinner

Posts: 6351 | From: Hesychia, in Hyperdulia | Registered: Aug 2004  |  IP: Logged
Living in Gin

Liturgical Pyromaniac
# 2572

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Good call... Thanks!

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It's all fun and games until somebody gets burned at the stake.

Posts: 1893 | From: Cincinnati, USA | Registered: Apr 2002  |  IP: Logged
Leetle Masha

Cantankerous Anchoress
# 8209

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My pleasure! Hope you get the job! [Votive] (if it suits you, of course.) You deserve a job where you'll be happy and well paid.

Leetle M.

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eleison me, tin amartolin: have mercy on me, the sinner

Posts: 6351 | From: Hesychia, in Hyperdulia | Registered: Aug 2004  |  IP: Logged
Living in Gin

Liturgical Pyromaniac
# 2572

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Well, I just sent an e-mail to my former boss/mentor at "Poggins & Woggins" asking if they have any positions open for somebody of my background.... Wish me luck. [Votive]

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It's all fun and games until somebody gets burned at the stake.

Posts: 1893 | From: Cincinnati, USA | Registered: Apr 2002  |  IP: Logged
Timothy the Obscure

Mostly Friendly
# 292

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I've been looking for a new job for about six months now, ever since it became clear that my boss really would not let me do my job because I wouldn't go along with some of his really questionable practices (we had a confrontation about it in a staff meeting and he has barely spoken to me since).

Unfortunately, I live in a place where there are not many opportunities for psychologists except private practice, which I don't really want to do and don't have the startup capital for anyway.

I've applied for five jobs since then, some more or less local, some hundreds of miles away. I've had four interviews, none of which panned out for various reasons (and one quite mysteriously--everything seemed to go well, and when I left they were saying "when--uh, I mean if you get this position"--and then when I called back with questions they wouldn't return my phone calls). This is particularly disconcerting because I know I generally interview well and historically, if I have managed to get an interview, more often than not I have been hired.

Anyway, I just sent off a resume for a position as director of a mental health clinic on a nearby Indian reservation. Wish me luck.

Timothy

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When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion.
  - C. P. Snow

Posts: 6114 | From: PDX | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
Lamb Chopped
Ship's kebab
# 5528

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Timothy--Hate to say it, but you prob. need to get your references checked. There are companies that do this. Or get a professional friend to do it, ASAP.

I had a bunch of hot interviews (as in "let's go show you where you'll be sitting") that fizzled the next day in just that way, and nobody would tell me why. Got my references checked and discovered my last employer was saying the most &*#$%#!@# things about me imaginable. (AFTER they offered me a salary raise to stay!)

Flat out lies and illegal to boot. But they did it anyway. But by the time I figured out what was going on, I had already applied to pretty much all the local job sources in my field, and they'd all gotten an earful from my former employer. So I can kiss my chances of being employed in this city goodbye (at least in that field, until they forget what was said about me).

Dang, if half of what they said was true, I wouldn't hire me either.

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Er, this is what I've been up to (book).
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down!

Posts: 20059 | From: off in left field somewhere | Registered: Feb 2004  |  IP: Logged
Trudy Scrumptious

BBE Shieldmaiden
# 5647

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Gosh, LambChopped, what a horrible thing to have happen! I'd never even thought of that as a possibility!

Timothy, as someone looking for work in a similar field you certainly have my sympathies and best wishes. Would you like the reservation job if you got it?

I have decided to abandon my plan of trying to find funding to create a job for myself because a) I hated trying to do it and b) it didn't seem to be getting anywhere. So I am back to sucking-up (ah...networking...that's the word isn't it?) to everyone I know in the field, plus applying for the few actual jobs I do see advertised. I have just sent off two applications, both of which are for jobs probably below my qualifications/acceptable-pay level, but getting an interview (particularly in one of the places) might be useful in bringing me to their attention in case a better job comes up.

The thread in heaven on how to dress for job interviews has been most thought-provoking!!

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Books and things.

I lied. There are no things. Just books.

Posts: 7428 | From: Closer to Paris than I am to Vancouver | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
Timothy the Obscure

Mostly Friendly
# 292

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I may check my references, though I don't think that's the problem, because they're people I've used in the past who I know have been positive. My paranoid idea is that they contacted my current employer (who hates me) even though they said they wouldn't (I acknowledged in the interview that I was looking for another job because of policy disagreements with my current boss).

The other ones I didn't get because in two cases they decided they couldn't offer me enough money, and in another, the direct supervisor of the position had an internal candidate he wanted, and even though an inside source told me the rest of the hiring committee preferred me, they deferred to him because he would be working most closely with the person (which is not completely unreasonable, but it's annoying).

I think the reservation job would be good, though it's a much longer commute. I haven't heard anything yet.

Timothy

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When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion.
  - C. P. Snow

Posts: 6114 | From: PDX | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
Lady A

Narnian Lady
# 3126

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I too am out to find my own place of happily-working-forever-&-ever place. So, I've decided to try for some positions in the area at libraries. Other than a life-long love of them, I really have no experience in actually working at them. Over the past year I've sent in several applications to our town library for various positions and decided to just keep applying until they hire me. I take in another app tomorrow, and it'll take them a few weeks to go through them and pick out the interview subjects, so prayers would be much appreciated!
Posts: 2545 | From: The Lion's Mane, Narnia | Registered: Aug 2002  |  IP: Logged
Ariel
Shipmate
# 58

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quote:
Originally posted by Timothy the Obscure:
(I acknowledged in the interview that I was looking for another job because of policy disagreements with my current boss).

Um, yeah. They may have thought afterwards, "possible trouble-maker, not going to accept the status quo, may do the same here". It's a difficult thing to present at an interview. My own way of dealing with this would be to leave it out entirely and use some other excuse.

In an ideal world it would be nice if we could all be honest at interviews and say, "My boss is a bastard and I hate the company so I want to work here instead. I'm attracted by the salary and the fact that you give employees cheap lunches." To which they could then reply with equal honesty, "Well, we don't much care whether you hate our organization or not, and you probably will when you've joined, and you won't get a pay rise for three years, but we need someone to fill this post, so as soon as the current postholder's cleared his desk, you can start."

But instead we all have to weave a little web of positive thinking and subterfuge. [Roll Eyes]

Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
Trudy Scrumptious

BBE Shieldmaiden
# 5647

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Well I'm off today to do some sucking-up (NETWORKING! -- why can I not remember that?!) at a place where they have no actual job advertised but I'm alert to the possibility that one may come up in future -- I emailed the person there to say I'm SOOO interested in this project they're doing (well, I am, and I was up-front about the fact that I'm interested from a potential employment perspective) and she made an appointment for me to come in. I'm glad, but not entirely sure how to conduct myself on this kind of "fact-finding mission." We'll see how it goes.

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Books and things.

I lied. There are no things. Just books.

Posts: 7428 | From: Closer to Paris than I am to Vancouver | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
Lamb Chopped
Ship's kebab
# 5528

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I'd like to know--what SHOULD you do if your past employer is saying sh*t about you to everyone who calls, you know absolutely that your current job possibility is going to call, and you have an interview with them? Do you say anything to defuse the situation ahead of time, and if so, what? (Thus running the risk of looking like a malcontent) Or do you just smile and smile and try to ace the interview, knowing that the reference check will almost certainly torpedo you?

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Er, this is what I've been up to (book).
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down!

Posts: 20059 | From: off in left field somewhere | Registered: Feb 2004  |  IP: Logged
EnglishRose
Shipmate
# 4808

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The telephone interview I mentioned a while ago went well and I got through to the final round of interviews. So, I polished my shoes, got out my best suit, took time off work and went to the interview.

That was two weeks ago and I've heard absolutely nothing since then. I'm guessing that I wasn't successful but it seems quite rude for a company not to bother sending a rejection letter after a candidate has attended an interview. Am I being unreasonable? Is this common behaviour? Has anyone else had a similar experience? I'm thinking about contacting the company to check up on the status of my application but I don't know how this would come across. I'm keen to get some feedback as I thought that the interview went well but I'm not sure whether I have the right to ask for feedback - whenever I've attended interviews in the past and been unsuccessful I've always received a rejection letter that has volunteered feedback.

Any thoughts/suggestions gratefully received!

Posts: 544 | From: London | Registered: Aug 2003  |  IP: Logged
Ariel
Shipmate
# 58

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It's not uncommon never to hear anything again after you've applied for a job, but if you actually go for an interview they should let you know either way.

I think after two weeks it's not unreasonable to ask what the situation is. This has happened to me a few times too. It usually means one of two things: either they've offered the job to someone else, and you're back-up in case they don't want it, or else the interviewers haven't managed to get their acts together and just haven't got round to making a decision. It could of course mean that they're just very rude, in which case, do you want to work for a company that treats people like that before they've even started?

The longest I was ever kept waiting for an interview result was nearly a month, by which time I had totally lost respect for the company and wouldn't have worked for them no matter how much they'd offered.

Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
Ms Lilith
Shipmate
# 1767

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I'm currently looking for work.

My last job ended quite badly which is proving an obsticle to getting another.

I've got an application form which asks what medicines I'm currently taking. Does anyone know if that is legal?

Posts: 266 | From: birmingham | Registered: Nov 2001  |  IP: Logged
Ms Lilith
Shipmate
# 1767

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quote:
Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
I'd like to know--what SHOULD you do if your past employer is saying sh*t about you to everyone who calls?

Sorry to double post. Ive just seen this. This is an email from a friend who emailed me about a similar situation

quote:
As an employer in my old job a couple of years ago, I was in touch with Acas a lot about refs.

By law - if your referee is asked a direct question like "is M a theiving git" and you nicked his pencils, then he can say "yes, M is a theiving git".

However, if they ask for a general reference but not specific questions - he has to endeavor to not paint you in a bad light.

In either case, he can also refuse to indulge them with info and just say Yes M worked here from 12/05/04 - 12/05/05, and yes she did that job that she said she did.

You also have the right to see the written refs, although some companies will make you pay a fee for it. In your case, it may be worthwhile getting a copy of the references, and responding to the specific points with the referee, or if that fails - get a soliciter/acas/union to look at it and see if it's a legal reference

I dont know where you are so this might only apply to England and not be that useful but might be so...
Posts: 266 | From: birmingham | Registered: Nov 2001  |  IP: Logged
Living in Gin

Liturgical Pyromaniac
# 2572

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Here in the US, many employers are paranoid about getting sued for defamation of character for providing a bad reference, so as a matter of policy they'll only verify factual information such as dates worked, salary, job title, etc.

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It's all fun and games until somebody gets burned at the stake.

Posts: 1893 | From: Cincinnati, USA | Registered: Apr 2002  |  IP: Logged
ken
Ship's Roundhead
# 2460

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That's common in Britain as well.

Of course its always possible for the interviewer to phone the referee and get an off-the-record verbal reference.

The importance of references seems to vary between kinds of workplace. There are different cultures in different organisations.

One place I worked - a large American company - we paid them no attention at all. We'd decide who to employ before even looking at them, and only take them up as a last check that the person really was who they said they were.

In higher education where I work now more stress is put on them, but they are unlikely to be decisive in a selection - at the most they will suggest topics to be discussed with the candidate.

Its worse in schools - I've known situations where one interviewer was in one room phoning not only referees but also previous employers and local education authority people while others were talking to the candidate in another. And on at least one occasion an interviewer brought up information about the private life of a candidate that they had got from a colleague.

In fields where there are few people, or work is very specialised, or people meet each other frequently, the chances are that the candidate will know someone who knows the interviewer anyway, or will have a reputation that preceded them - that's very common in higher education and research. Probably not so common in street sweeping.

And of course employer blacklists of trade unionists and political activists still exist, although everyone will always deny it. But again this is gpoing to be word-of-mouth stuff, noit a formal reference. Nothing you could be sued on.


I have interviewed

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Ken

L’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle.

Posts: 39579 | From: London | Registered: Mar 2002  |  IP: Logged
Lamb Chopped
Ship's kebab
# 5528

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quote:
Originally posted by Living in Gin:
Here in the US, many employers are paranoid about getting sued for defamation of character for providing a bad reference, so as a matter of policy they'll only verify factual information such as dates worked, salary, job title, etc.

Yes, I'm in the U.S. And there's at least one employer who SHOULD be paranoid about getting sued but isn't. [Mad] [Mad] [Mad] My lawyer said that since I'd stopped working there three years previously, there wasn't much that could be done anymore.

But who in the hell keeps badmouthing someone three years later? Particularly when it's all a lie, and the telephone responder barely knows me from Adam?

Gosh, you'd think I'd pissed on their teddybears.

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Er, this is what I've been up to (book).
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down!

Posts: 20059 | From: off in left field somewhere | Registered: Feb 2004  |  IP: Logged
Ms Lilith
Shipmate
# 1767

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quote:
Originally posted by Curiosus:
Any thoughts/suggestions gratefully received!

Ring them. To not give feedback or let you know after two interviews is rude. I always ring. I've had three interviews recently and they have all been really happy to give feedback and it was very helpful. I try to ring a person who was on the panel and say "hi my name is ... ..... you interviewed me last week and I'm just calling follow up on that" It doesnt presume you havent got the job but it lets them know that applicants expect to be notifed. If they then tell me I was unsuccesful I ask for feedback, or offer to ring back at an arranged time to hear feedback.

Everyone has been really nice about it. But I work in the charity sector so I suppose people might be bit more warm and cuddly than in some sectors.

Posts: 266 | From: birmingham | Registered: Nov 2001  |  IP: Logged
Living in Gin

Liturgical Pyromaniac
# 2572

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Well, I just got about half of my 65+ cover letters and resumes off in the mail to various architecture firms in the city. Wish me luck!

And just for shits and giggles, I also just applied online to become a railroad conductor for Union Pacific. (I have a thing for trains, you see.) Given my background I doubt I'll get a response, but it would be an interesting way to spend the next year before I go back to school to finish my degree. [Smile]

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It's all fun and games until somebody gets burned at the stake.

Posts: 1893 | From: Cincinnati, USA | Registered: Apr 2002  |  IP: Logged
Ariel
Shipmate
# 58

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You might as well go for something you've got an interest in and enthusiasm for - good luck!

I'm going all out for the job hunt now. I want to be out before the autumn, although I accept it may take longer. One application in already, another to go this week when I get the further particulars, if the salary's what I think it is, and will keep looking.

To be honest I'm getting very fed up with office work and the whole ethos of it altogether, and the way it eats into your time and indeed life for so little reward. There must be more to life than this, surely.

Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged
Trudy Scrumptious

BBE Shieldmaiden
# 5647

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Pray for me guys -- this weekend THE job, the one that would be perfect for me, was advertised in the paper. It's the perfect combination of working my field of interest, working the schedule I want to work (school hours) and excellent pay. I don't know if I have a snowball's chance in hell though since it's with the school board and I lost my seniority with them when I quit to be a stay at home mom 7 years ago. I am going to apply, write a killer cover letter, and then phone my friend who knows a bunch of people at the board and is a MAJOR suck-up, for advice on sucking up.

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Books and things.

I lied. There are no things. Just books.

Posts: 7428 | From: Closer to Paris than I am to Vancouver | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged



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