• JobHuntersBible.com, the companion website to the popular book by Dick Bolles, What Color is Your Parachute?
• WorkSearch: Selling Yourself to an Employer by Gary Will
• Paycheck Calculator by ADP. (Sorry, US only)

I've got a couple questions of my own, but I thought I would at least get the thread up and running for now.

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 824)

[ 28. May 2013, 14:31: Message edited by: Belisarius ]
 

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Posted by Living in Gin (# 2572) on :
 
Okay...

Due to some personal issues mentioned elsewhere, I've bumped around a lot between jobs in the past few years, without spending too much time at any one particular company. Also, some health issues have been a factor in me being let go from several jobs.

Is there a good way to put a positive "spin" on this either in my cover letter and/or during an interview without being misleading, yet without airing ten years worth of my medical history or personal dirty laundry?
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
In constructing the resume, one way to avoid drawing attention to employment gaps is to do a "functional" type of resume instead of a chronological one. Instead of starting with a list of jobs and job descriptions, write descriptions of your key accomplishments/achievements and then sort them into categories. For you as an architect, I imagine there would be categories like design, implementation, that sort of thing.

Just one quick thought off the top of my head...
 

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Posted by Linguo (# 7220) on :
 
A good idea for a thread, Living in Gin. I am a (recent) graduate doing a menial clerical job and living with my parents while I try and find work in publishing. It's not proving as easy as I naively imagined...

I can't offer resume advice, as I've no idea about conventions in the US (beyond that they're different to UK ones), but I hope you can find a way round it.

[ 25. February 2005, 09:11: Message edited by: Linguo ]
 

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Posted by Macgyver's Apprentice (# 603) on :
 
Living in Gin,

I agree with Mamacita about writing your CV to reflect your skills and experience, rather than writing a chronological list of jobs that you have had.

It is best to write a fresh curriculum vitae for each job you are applying for (or for each organisation you are sending a speculative CV to). This will allow you to place greater emphasis on the skills and experience you possess that you feel different employers are looking for.

This can be difficult if you are asked to complete an application form, as these will usually be chronological. In which case you will have to be honest but don't go into too much detail. Having been involved in recruitment and selection in the past, I can say that most employers really don't want to know about your 'personal dirty laundry' unless it has a direct impact on the job they want you to do. They recognise that people have lives outside the workplace that do not necessarily fit with their corporate image.

When you get to your interview you may wish to discuss health issues with the panel. This serves two purposes: 1. the employer may be able to accommodate any special needs that you have, 2. you can judge from the panel's response whether you will feel comfortable working in their organisation's culture.

It is important to let a prospective employer know about any health issues that could affect your ability to do your job BEFORE you start work. If an employer feels that you have misled them, you may find yourself out of a job very quickly. If on the otherhand, you are open about your needs you will be surprised how accommodating many organisations will be to support staff (that's my experience in the UK).

Remember that there is a skills shortage in many countries. This is not just about IT skills, plumbing etc.. but about transferable skills. As an example my organisation uses computers as a central part of its job but does not look for computer skills in potential employees. What it looks for are people who can work well in teams, communicate well with customers and colleagues, can take responsibility for their work, etc. If your CV provides specific examples of how you possess these skills (either in or out of the workplace), you will be on to a winner.

Sorry for the rambling reply. Good luck to everyone looking for a job.
 

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Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Just to say Ill be joining you in the quest...

wanted - meaningful employment that wont lead to nervous breakdown, that uses my skilss, with nice colleagues and enough pay to live on and relatively near nice peeps
 

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Posted by Linguo (# 7220) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Emma.:
wanted - meaningful employment that wont lead to nervous breakdown, that uses my skilss, with nice colleagues and enough pay to live on and relatively near nice peeps

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quote:

---

Foolishly hoped for by Emma.:
Wanted - meaningful employment that won't lead to nervous breakdown, that uses my skills, with nice colleagues and enough pay to live on and relatively near nice peeps

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quote:

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Originally posted by Emma.:
wanted - meaningful employment that wont lead to nervous breakdown, that uses my skilss, with nice colleagues and enough pay to live on and relatively near nice peeps

---

Come up to Scotland and job hunt with me. There's all sorts of different job opportunities, your money will stretch farther here, and the Scots are lovely people.

[ 25. February 2005, 16:23: Message edited by: Flausa ]
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Gambit:

quote:

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Foolishly hoped for by Emma.:
Wanted - meaningful employment that won't lead to nervous breakdown, that uses my skills, with nice colleagues and enough pay to live on and relatively near nice peeps

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Doesn't exist honey. When you get to Heaven perhaps, but not in this fleshy life. However, this fleshy life has fringe benefits.

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These jobs do exist, but there are so many people and so many jobs that coming across *your* job is a pretty remote chance.

Best option (which I once achieved, within a gnat's whisker) was to take a job that was close to what I wanted then alter the job from within by getting involved in areas of choice as the overall amount of work in our area grew. It collapsed when the work I enjoyed disappeared leaving only those tasks I didn't like - which had been hived off to colleagues!
 

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Posted by The Machine Elf (# 1622) on :
 
I've an interview tomorrow for something that seems really interesting- I've hurt my wrist so can't type much so was given some time at work to think about any skunkworks, and surfing around toolsmiths noticed one of the companies was hiring.

TME
 

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Posted by Foaming Draught (# 9134) on :
 
I'm a bit confused about why there are two adjacent threads running on the same topic?

As a general rule, I'd counsel that you don't apply for jobs which require you to fill in an online form, they're for lazy, undiscerning HR departments. In fact, I'd avoid HR departments like the plague until the happy day when a functional line manager wheels you in to fill in your pay details. Ditto recruitment firms, why put your future into the hands of someone who'd be doing your job themselves if they knew anything about it?
Be pro-active, do some research, find a mentor, and then approach employers directly without waiting to see a job ad. Send your CV to the manager next up the line from whoever runs the department you want to join. So if you're a new graduate mech eng, looking for a design engineer job at GM, find out who is the boss of the boss running the design department. The sheer exercise of research necessary to select your target is worthwhile in itself, and will impress a selector. And the armour-plating which you develop from taking the first few, or few hundred!, knock-backs is character-building. Write or e-mail to your pre-researched target with your CV and a cover-letter which highlights your building-block skills (team player, energy, quick mind, loyalty, whatever), say that you'll call in a couple of days or so to ask for a meeting (not too soon, give time to read and consider, not too late, no more than four or five days) and then CALL and ASK FOR A MEETING.
 

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Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
I think it partly depends on the job sector youre going for tho? (to above post)

and to flausa - hmmm lovely idea.

Ive decided to finish my pgce (if i can find placements ) which means my pgce and my accomodation finish in july...

after then im a free bird!
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
for all who are looking for work.

I for your interviews

and for your cover letters

and for you all to be guided to the people who know somebody who knows somebody who will get you in the right place at the right time for that job you enjoy.
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Now, for the other side of me to speak:

I understand many of you guys will know this stuff, but just a quick point.

What foaming draught is describing is a variation on what is called the informational interview. I guess in Australia, as in Canada, it really helps in finding a job. I don't want to suggest this technique is universally a good idea. But, it did help me decide what sort of job I wanted, and helped me to see the jobs that, although I thought I would really enjoy them, I found I would probably hate.
 

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Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
for all. And I'll be joining you all soon. I will, God willing, finish my TESOL PG Certificate in June, and then be off finding a job. After (only) six years in IT, I can't wait to get out -- but I'm a tad nervous about the career change now!

I'm hoping to get a job in Germany for a year or so; both for experience, and so I can attend friends' weddings over there! I think I better start the research soon so I can get everything in order.

[ 04. March 2005, 03:16: Message edited by: Ian Climacus ]
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Still hunting here (whilst temping to keep a bit of money coming in). I've actually had 3 additional offers for interviews, but they have either been for crap shift hours or not enough hours to justify the travelling time.

But it has been nice to find out that my qualifications/skills are interesting enough to warrant interviews. Oh, and the company that I did interview for but turned down (again because of bad shift hours), asked if they could please keep my information on file in case something more suitable comes up.

I have to say that something that's making this search easier is that I can be a bit selective and look for the best hours/location/pay for me. Hubby's being very supportive as well.
 

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Posted by ONUnicorn (# 7331) on :
 
Here's a question - What do people think about professional resume writers? Has anyone ever used one? Do they help? Are they worth the money they charge?
 

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Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
I think I'll hop onto this thread as I have recently been struck with the realization that graduation (for a Masters in my second career area) is only 2 months away and I have no clear idea what I want to do after that ... also, I have no actual job-hunting skills, as every job I've ever had in my life has been handed to me (someone I know calling up to say, "We have an opening, you should apply" sort of thing) as opposed to ever having to go out and look for a job. In this new field I have very few connections so I don't think jobs will be handed to me; my ultimate goal is to start my own business (private counselling practice) but I don't think it's practical to jump straight from grad school to private practice ... so I have to figure out how to sell myself to potential employers and get an actual job. Very daunting.
 

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Posted by Foaming Draught (# 9134) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by ONUnicorn:
Here's a question - What do people think about professional resume writers? Has anyone ever used one? Do they help? Are they worth the money they charge?

---

I'm a professional reader of CVs. A professionally-written one stands out a mile and makes me suspicious; why do this candidate's qualities need this cosmetic? Another problem with them is that each CV should be targeted for the post to which you're applying, there is no One Size Fits All.
And I look between the lines of a CV or cover letter to try to find a person, not an engineer or accountant or sales manager. A professionally written CV might hide that person.
Perhaps they're more use if you're applying speculatively to a company (or school or hospital) which isn't advertising. But even then, the CV should be edited for the target.
However, job-seekers need a confidence-boost, I know, and if feeling good about yourself because your CV is elegantly laid-out gives you that boost, perhaps the expenditure is worth it.
As with any other area of life, one knowledgeable, concerned lay friend is worth half a dozen detached professional advisers.
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
How soon is too soon to start looking for another job? The one I have is interesting, but the pay rises won't cover my bills for much longer, and the commuting is getting me down. (I don't earn enough to be able to relocate anywhere nearer.) I've done nearly 6 months in this one. Is it unreasonable to start applying now?

[ 05. March 2005, 04:44: Message edited by: Ariel ]
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
It's Monday...the day that many people lose jobs, or realise they have to look for work now after the weekend, or have realised once again they really hate their job and want to get out.

For all those facing employment issues,
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
OK. I've been wondering about retraining to go into IT support. I've been looking at some courses advertised on the web, but they seem phenomenally expensive. Also, I'm not sure what would be a good qualification to have. Any suggestions?

And how easy is it to get into IT support by way of a mid-life career change, anyway? I have no formal experience in this area, just years of being the first point of contact for troubleshooting in almost every job I've had.

Pros and cons please? Apart from users who don't want to remember what you tell them and possibly the working unsociable hours thing, I've found my limited experience of it interesting and rewarding.
 

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Posted by Foaming Draught (# 9134) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Ariel:
OK. I've been wondering about retraining to go into IT support.

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There is a worldwide shortage of good IT support people. Finding your way into a particular job after training might not be simple, so training with an outfit which has good employer contacts is important. This might not be a commercial organisation which says that it "guarantees" a job, it might be your friendly local college of further education. Career-change new entrants ought to be more sought-after than they are, they have maturity, a grasp of the business of which IT is just a tool and often they have battle-experience of desktop support in the real world.
Microsoft still dominate IT environments (not mine it doesn't), proof that evil flourishes, so a MCSE is always a useful qualification. Depending on your prior experience, a so-called A+ certificate is a good foundation for understanding hardware. I think that you'd find tuition for that at a local college, you don't have to fork out huge sums to a commercial training outfit.
Hardware is dead dependable nowadays (he says inviting a power-failure), so software, especially networking protocols and set-up, is the way to go.
Cisco courses will make you useful to IT departments. As Voice-over-IP (VOIP or VoiP)takes over from traditional PSTN telephony, Cisco people will be worth their weight in gold for voice communications alone.
Do you have any experience, even as a user, of Unix or its Linux-flavoured or Sun Solaris operating systems? Linux is making big inroads into business computing, and perhaps all that stops many firms from migrating is a shortage of support engineers. RedHat is the most frequently encountered Linux "distribution" for business, but once you've got a grip of any Unix variant, you can look after any of them.
Go for it, I'd say, mature entrants to IT have lots to offer. Does an online course allow you to earn money elsewhere while you're studying?
Microsoft (MCSE) certification is perhaps a more assured path to a job right now, Cisco certification will soon be a killer qualification, and Unix (or Linux or Sun Solaris) training will bring more personal satisfaction and the assurance that the organisation you're working for is deploying IT products from an ethical supplier
 

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Posted by aj (# 1383) on :
 
By no means wanting to appear exclusive in my focus...

I feel I should write a post in support of those who have skills, qualifications, and interests in working in the area of performing arts, media production, visual arts and the like.

If there are any people in this situation feel free to pipe up.

The entertainment production industry is quite unusual in that it has people working at high levels who don't possess much in the way of formal qualifications.
At times I feel I am the only one who understands what I do and that can be depressing, even though it's not true.

I work in sound production (mainly for television at the moment) and have side interests in photography and would love to do some writing of sorts.
Like many in the industry, I work as a freelancer, and there are times of feeling seriously underemployed, counteracted by periods of intense work. It has always paid the bills so far, and apart from a short stint working in retail, it is the only life I've known since embarking on the career. Making a living from an overgrown hobby is excellent (as long as you have other leisure interests that are not work-related). In the last year I've had something of a fairly stable and predictable work schedule with one particular employer. Other gigs that pop up I am usually able to fit around this.

Until you feel you are truly established and known around the place, it is necessary to do all sorts of gigs within the industry to pay the bills and build up experience.
The good thing about freelancing is that from time to time really interesting projects come up and it's wonderful for the ego to get a call asking for your involvement.
One of the downsides is that you have no official `leave' and organising financial affairs on unpredictable income is a challenge to be met.

The hard thing is that, on the surface at least, there are many more graduates from film school, or recording college or whatever than there are work positions, and this can be soul destroying when you are starting out. The better news is that if you are prepared to dig around a bit you can find all sorts of things to do. It's hard to be patient, with bills creeping in, and that job behind the counter at Borders looks pretty appealing to bring in some cash while you wait for prospects to improve.
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Many thanks FD, that was really useful. I did actually study the A+ course some years ago when it first came in, out of interest, but as nobody in our IT department at work had heard of it (two even asked if it was some sort of A level!) I didn't bother with the exam as I thought it wouldn't be any use.

Online courses are a good idea, it's just that I'm usually not fit for much after a full day at work, but I'll look into it anyway.
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Well, this coming week I'll be sending out another flurry of CV's. I was at a solicitor's this week getting some papers notorized, and I asked her thoughts about trying to use my experience to get a paralegal position here. She said that there are no special qualifications, and that mostly they look for people with good admin skills and any legal experience is a bonus. She encouraged me to do a mass mailing, including a letter to her firm. If any of them pan out it would be fab because most of the firms are in the middle of the shopping centre across from our flat!

Continued good wishes to others out there searching.
 

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Posted by bessie rosebride (# 1738) on :
 
I'm joining this thread because I really must find another job.

I need something more restful and less traumatic to my precarious mental health. I'm a nurse but have other good skills that I've picked up along the way in jobs outside my field. I've kept coming back to nursing because the pay is better and I took my present job seven years ago, in administration - foolishly thinking it would be less stressful. It is killing me.

I've been rather passively looking for alternatives, but the prospect of lower pay is positively scary. Plus I have a nice flexible schedule with lots of vacation, which I hate to forsake...but it must be done - I've become a freaking nervous wreck.
 

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Posted by Foaming Draught (# 9134) on :
 
bessie rosebride: Is it just the particular stress of yr present job which is killing you, or do you (like lots of folk) have difficulty in coping with stress anyway? If the latter, you might want to address that first, because, sadly, most work nowadays is stressful. I can't help on how to cope with stress I'm sorry, but it's a growing challenge to our well-being and my heart goes out to its victims.
But as for alternative occupations if stress isn't a general problem for you: Nurse tutoring, depending on your level of professional experience and qualifications? A complete career-shift to teaching any subject or age? An amalgamation of nursing and a new career, eg pharmaceutical sales? Or customer-support at a health IT supplier? Or shift to another para-clinical profession, eg physiotherapy, occupational therapy or radiology technician? There'll be an initial hit for the re-training cost, but afterwards, all of those roles pay better than nursing.
Or that most parasite-like of trades, recruitment, majoring in health roles?
Agency nursing, where you pick your hours?
Keep us posted.
FD

quote:

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Originally posted by bessie rosebride:
I'm joining this thread because I really must find another job.
I need something more restful and less traumatic to my precarious mental health. I'm a nurse but have other good skills that I've picked up along the way in jobs outside my field. I've kept coming back to nursing because the pay is better and I took my present job seven years ago, in administration - foolishly thinking it would be less stressful. It is killing me.
I've been rather passively looking for alternatives, but the prospect of lower pay is positively scary. Plus I have a nice flexible schedule with lots of vacation, which I hate to forsake...but it must be done - I've become a freaking nervous wreck.

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Foaming Draught:
bessie rosebride: Is it just the particular stress of yr present job which is killing you, or do you (like lots of folk) have difficulty in coping with stress anyway? If the latter, you might want to address that first, because, sadly, most work nowadays is stressful. I can't help on how to cope with stress I'm sorry, but it's a growing challenge to our well-being and my heart goes out to its victims.

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Thanks for your post! The answer is: yes, I am one eternally unnerved person - therefore I attempt to keep my life simplified in an effort to avoid stress - this job seemed fairly worry-free when I took it eight years ago - it has worsened and I have worsened.

It has occurred to me that I would be futile to attempt one of those "geographical cures" in which I just move my nerved-wracked self into a new position with orientation and whatever; that would further frazzle me - but on the other hand if I stay where I am, my mental health will just continue sliding further into the ditch.

It's a conundrum. (sigh...) I've already decided to get into some therapy for a bit, in an attempt to decompress and heal...ironically, psychiatry seems to be a field I should have looked into when I was younger - most of the clinics I've called are overbooked and the earliest appointment I can get with anyone, anywhere is 7 weeks away.
 

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Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
We're hunting for work in the San Francisco Bay area; I won't quit this job till I have one there to go to. Please pray!

David
 

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Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
Anyone have any opinions on how long a resume should be? I was priding myself on my ability to tighten everything up and get it all on one page, and then when it all was on one page, I thought, "Does this make me look like a lightweight: a one-page resume?" Not sure if I should expand a little more and go onto a second page, or keep it tight. Any opinions?
 

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Posted by Scott Knitter (# 6278) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you):
Anyone have any opinions on how long a resume should be? I was priding myself on my ability to tighten everything up and get it all on one page, and then when it all was on one page, I thought, "Does this make me look like a lightweight: a one-page resume?" Not sure if I should expand a little more and go onto a second page, or keep it tight. Any opinions?

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I just participated in interviewing three candidates for a job with our company, and all three had two-page resumes. I didn't see any problem with that. What's probably more important is to make sure the resume is scannable, so it can be easily faxed or scanned into a system where they can search for keywords (and make sure the right keywords are in your resume so you get picked up if they search).
 

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Posted by Macgyver's Apprentice (# 603) on :
 
'Expert' advice is that a resume (or C.V.) should be between 1 and 3 pages long. That's very helpful!

In practice a two page resume is the standard. It allows enough room to set out qualifications and experience without boring the reader. It also reduces the temptation to cram everything onto one page by reducing the font size, white spaces and content, to the point wheere the resume becomes unreadable.

However, I would also produce a one-page resume as these are sometimes specifically asked for by employers or recruitment agencies. There's no quicker way of losing out on a job than by sending in two pages when asked for only one.

For those coming out of school or university, a one page resume will probably suffice. Waffling is another cardinal sin that I commit all the time
 

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Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
I've just realized that the position(s) I'm applying for (it's a general application for all guidance counsellor jobs with the school district) requires a three-page application form, which actually duplicates a lot of the material that will be in my CV/resume. So I think I am going to go with the one-page resume and smokin' hot cover letter to attach with the application form, thus convincing them that despite having previously blown off a perfectly good permanent position with this board, I am worth re-hiring.
 

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Posted by ONUnicorn (# 7331) on :
 
Any advice on how honest to be in an interview?
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
It really depends but as a general rule I'd suggest 1) don't claim anything you can't substantiate, 2) never be rude about your last employer and the fact that you are totally disenchanted, 3) never mention money as a factor in wanting a job.

Also 4) don't lie to yourself, if things come up at the interview you're not happy about - the conditions of the job or maybe the way the interviewer came across - because if you get the job you will probably have to deal with these things on a day to day basis and they may ultimately bug you enough to form part of the reasons you will want to move on.
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
There's sitting down and sending emails, and letters and application forms.........
And there's getting out the there and doing the foot work and meeting the people.....
I favour the latter approach and wonder if anyone else take this view?
 

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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Also realise you are interviewing them. Your role in the interview is not just to sell yourself but also to suss out whether you want to work for these people. Ask awkward questions if they are important to you, if something sets you on edge not it, be prepared to ask about the company style and even whether you could meet other employees informally.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
I am feeling completely and utterly frustrated. My temp agency won't put me up for decent permanent positions (the perm person admitted to me that she didn't know what all my skills are after telling me I wasn't qualified for a position I asked about), and the temp side is just sending me to crap data entry or 2 week jobs.

My stack of "thanks for your CV, but we've got no openings" letters from solicitors is growing.

I am almost completely at my wits end and ready to give up. I hate, I hate, I hate job hunting! I won't to go back home where I know how to get a job.
 

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Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
What I've done in the past and am doing now is this: Rather than look in the want ads, I figure out what kind of job, at what kind of place, I'm looking for, and where. (Usually this has been local; this time it's cross-country.) Then I get the telephone directory and put about 5 or 6 places of that kind, in the right area, with their numbers on each piece of paper. (This gives enough room to write next to them.) Then I call them, one after the other, and, after introducing myself as politely and professionally as possible, ask:

• 1. Are you hiring?
• 2. May I send you my resume? (Whether for a job now or one coming up in future)
• 3. To whose attention should I send it?

and thank them very much. On the paper I put down that information, including the date, so I can say something like this in the cover letter:

Dear NAME:

As per our conversation of DATE, I am enclosing my resume for POSITION TITLE/any positions which may come available for which I may be qualified. Thank you for your help (etc.).

Sincerely,

ME with CONTACT INFORMATION

When I lived in Florida, I found the three jobs I had after grad school this way, though the government job I have here now I found via the gov't website. But this worked well; I don't even think two of them had put the jobs in the paper! And if something is not open yet, but is going to be coming up in a month, they may tell you about it.

David
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
A few things just skimming through:

Resume length is culturally specific.
Rumour has it New York is down to 1 page.
Canada is 2.
India is 2-7, from what I've been told.

IT support jobs are not prevalent here in Canada.

Most jobs on the internet have 4000 other people applying. If you are not one of the first 20 people who's key words fit the scan, you are not going to get looked at.



 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Flausa, your "Sorry, but no." letters back from employers:

They don't do that in Canada anymore. It takes too much time and is no longer expected.

[ 24. March 2005, 18:53: Message edited by: Og: Thread Killer ]
 

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Posted by A. Smith (# 3299) on :
 
I can sympathise with the temp jobs. I am currently in a long term temp job whicb is not in the field I want to be in (EVER).

Agencies (registered with most of the main ones (all rubbish) send me for jobs which sound quite good, and then I dont get the job because I HAVENT GOT THE EXPERIENCE! (Sorry bit of a rant there!).

Why waste my time (which is paid for by the hour - no work no pay) and send me for interviews which both the company and agency know I havent got a chance of getting!?

Any other ideas where to try, I am fed up with the agency route!

Prayers for all those looking for work because they have to be earning or want to be in a different one!
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
ChasteM...thanks, helpful.

[ 28. March 2005, 19:28: Message edited by: Ethne Alba ]
 

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Posted by Cassiel (# 3897) on :
 
ChastMastr, you're a genius. After reading this thread on Tuesday I pulled out my phonebook and started calling. The third call was a "actually, we do have an opening. Bring in your resume." Brought in the resume yesterday. Today I got called for a "working interview" - I've had one of those before, and IMO they tend to mean they're taking you seriously. We shall see.
My dilemma at this point is that this job would definitely send my career in a certain direction, but I am in DIRE need of the money, so I'll take it if they offer, regardless. My BA is in English Lit. This is a job as a veterinary hospital assistant. Very diverse fields.
 

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Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
Thank you! Any prayers for my own job-hunt would be great -- the biggest problem I am having with it is I am dead tired when I get home (which may really be a scheduling thing -- i.e., more sleep at night. My own apparent corneal abrasion comes back when I don't sleep enough too).

And I relate; my own degree is in English Lit.

[ 31. March 2005, 18:12: Message edited by: ChastMastr ]
 

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Posted by The Artisan (# 4277) on :
 
I was made redundant last November and have been looking for work since January. Actually I applied, interviewed and was offered a job in February. I went in for some briefing sessions but then the next week got a letter saying they were withdrawing their job offer - no explanations given. It was quite upsetting especially as I'd withdrawn from a couple of interviews because I'd accepted their offer. So now I am back on the "putting in applications" stage. I have a temporary part-time job at the moment but it's not enough to live on - just a bit better than jobseekers' allowance.

Flausa - have you tried your local government (city, metropolitan borough or county council) website - if it is anything like ours they have loads of admin jobs going and you may find something to suit your skills.

In the UK I'd always advise applying for posts that have actually been advertised rather than spending a lot of time on "on spec" letters. Then make sure you write your details, experience etc to match the person specification for the post as closely as possible.

While I was officially unemployed and claiming jobseekers allowance I was able to access something called "Jobshop" via my local job centre. I was able to get loads of useful advice on how to format my C.V and how to complete the skills and experience bit of an application form.
 

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Posted by Cassiel (# 3897) on :
 
[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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Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
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?"
 

---

Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 

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]

---

quote:

---

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

---

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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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
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 ]
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
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

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?
 

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Posted by dorcas (# 4775) on :
 

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

---

Oh dear! Are you a civil servant too??

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
Be careful what you pray for - you might get it!!
 

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Posted by Mad Hatter (# 5879) on :
 

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
 

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Posted by The Machine Elf (# 1622) on :
 
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
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by dorcas:
Oh dear! Are you a civil servant too??

---

How did you guess???!

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

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
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.
 

---

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by ONUnicorn (# 7331) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by ONUnicorn (# 7331) on :
 
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.
 

---

Posted by ONUnicorn (# 7331) on :
 
*sudden flash of panic - who will I use for references????*
 

---

Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
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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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
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!
 

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Posted by ONUnicorn (# 7331) on :
 


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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Posted by Jeremiah Gutzywuk (# 8783) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by ONUnicorn:


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.

---

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???


 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
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
 

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Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
Congrats ONUnicorn, that's wonderful news!!
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Well, my CV writing skills obviously aren't too rusty as I've got a telephone interview tomorrow

Actually, I probably should have used the 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?
 

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Posted by A. Smith (# 3299) on :
 

quote:

---

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

Actually, I probably should have used the 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

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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Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
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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Posted by Living in Gin (# 2572) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Leetle Masha (# 8209) on :
 
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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Posted by Living in Gin (# 2572) on :
 
Good call... Thanks!
 

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Posted by Leetle Masha (# 8209) on :
 
My pleasure! Hope you get the job! (if it suits you, of course.) You deserve a job where you'll be happy and well paid.

Leetle M.
 

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Posted by Living in Gin (# 2572) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
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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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
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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Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
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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Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
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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Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
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!
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 

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.
 

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Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
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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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
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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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
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!
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
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?
 

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Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 

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?

---

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

---

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. 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.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 

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.
 

---

Posted by Living in Gin (# 2572) on :
 
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.
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
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.
 

---

Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
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.
 

---

Posted by The Geezer (# 5521) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you):
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.

---

Here's praying for you, kiddo!
 

---

Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
for all those hunting, and particularly for Trudy this week. May God grant you the wisdom to know who's ass to kiss and when.
 

---

Posted by Mad Hatter (# 5879) on :
 
At last I have a job - only temporary for 5 or 6 months and it doesn't start until September but paid employment!

It's taken 18 months, 200 or so applications and nearly fifteen interviews!

to everyone out there still searching -
 

---

Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
Congrats, Mad Hatter!

I have two interviews coming up on Tuesday. Neither one of them is for Dream Job (the application for that goes in today). One is a short-term job that would not interfere with Dream Job should I get it; the other is a longer-term job that would eliminate the possibility of accepting Dream Job. I am wearing myself out analyzing which one I should take, if I were offered both -- and have to keep reminding myself that the cart is WAY before the horse; I should focus on doing well in the interviews, not about the hypothetical scenario of being offered both jobs!
 

---

Posted by Mad Hatter (# 5879) on :
 
Thanks and all the best TrudyTrudy.

I have to say that although my job isn't permenant it is my dream job which means I've been extra lucky
 

---

Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 
I'm graduating soon and have been applying for jobs for a while and signing up to different networks and graduate services, but it feels like an uphill struggle at the moment, so I may have to work unpaid for political organisations in order to get some more experience (I'm graduating in Politics with European Studies).

Ideally my plans is to work for a year and then to take my masters degree hopefully in International Studies, so we'll see what happens, but I would appreciate prayers for guidance, for work and direction at the moment.

Thanks a lot,
Off Centre View
 

---

Posted by Nunc Dimittis (# 848) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I'm reluctantly starting to job hunt - I'm in my Dream Job at the moment, but sadly my boss can't keep me on beyond the end of the month.

So far, the fudge shop looks interesting; an old friend who runs an archaeology company is looking for volunteers for a project - pay is probably optional, but it sounds like fun; and the local surgery wants part time admin.

Or, of course, someone will recognise my immense talent and I'll become a best-selling novelist!
Somehow I think the fudge shop sounds more likely....
 

---

Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
Well, Interview 1 of 2 is over for today, and while the interview went well, I won't be taking the job even if they offer it. The hours are exactly wrong for me and I couldn't afford to work for what they're able to pay (it would barely cover my childcare).

On to Interview #2 !!
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
Interview on Thursday with the Fellowship of Reconciliation an interesting job in a field where Ive a lot of experience. I think I have a good chance but I've thought that before and been unsuccesful. I've been unemployed for a few months now and if I dont get a job soon my brain will rot.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mad Hatter:
At last I have a job - only temporary for 5 or 6 months and it doesn't start until September but paid employment!

It's taken 18 months, 200 or so applications and nearly fifteen interviews!

to everyone out there still searching -

---

Well, I heard today that my references and CRB check are fine. So, I have almost certainly got the job I mentioned on another thread (Support Assistant for a well-known health charity). It is VERY unlikely that I will be turned down at this stage, although it is just possible still...

Still not been offered the job in writing...

It has taken one heck of a lot of applications and about twenty interviews, but it looks likely that I shall have paid, permanent employment before much longer.

I graduated in 2004, and have had spells of temporary work for job agencies mixed with spells of unemployment, so this is very good news indeed.

for everyone else.

[ 12. July 2005, 15:41: Message edited by: Papio. ]
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:
It is VERY unlikely that I will be turned down at this stage, although it is just possible still...

Still not been offered the job in writing...

---

Hope it goes well for you papio. My last job took ages to confirm in writing and I remember the "yea! but actually.. dont get too excited" limbo feeling.
 

---

Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Continuing to pray for those searching.

My temp job is rolling along quite nicely (well, except for the crap pay and crap holiday accumulation), and I've decided that even if it doesn't go beyond 10 months, the experience I've gained will be of great benefit in finding something more permanent locally.
 

---

Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
for everybody posting, and lurking, on this thread.

Just did one of our job searching workshops in a 2nd floor school with no AC - 35 degrees outside and not much less inside. Sapped me so I know this heat must be taking away the energy of the unemployed.

for all those looking for work during bad weather. It doesn't help.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:
It is VERY unlikely that I will be turned down at this stage, although it is just possible still...

Still not been offered the job in writing...

---

Hope it goes well for you papio. My last job took ages to confirm in writing and I remember the "yea! but actually.. dont get too excited" limbo feeling.

---

Thanks.

Yes, it's exactly that "probably...but only probably" limbo feeling.

It could be a LOT worse, but it could also be better.
 

---

Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
Supervisor from Interview #1 left a message on my machine this afternoon to call her back. Perhaps she's going to offer me The Job I Don't Want. Hope I have as much luck with the jobs I DO want.

All best wishes to the other job-hunters.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
I didn't get the job.

Don't what more I can do. I go to interviews. I know my field well. I give good answers. They smile they nod and then they say "unfortunately you were not successful on this occasion."
 

---

Posted by The Machine Elf (# 1622) on :
 
Having been looking for a while, thinking that my employer was underpaying me, I have gradually been ramping up the salary I've been asking for. I started asking 15K more, and I've suddenly got seven interviews in the next couple of weeks. I think I may just give my notice in on Friday, seven being a good number, and it would mean I can take a couple of weeks off at the end of August.


TME
 

---

Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
I'm looking for a job after spending 13 years at home with the kids.

Can anyone tell me what the interviewers want to hear when they say 'why do you want this job?' I can blag my way through most things as I'm an ex sales person and I have a degree in advanced blagging (PPE from a minor Oxford College) but this one stumps me every time.

The honest answer is that Mr P's company is going through a cash flow crisis and we need the cash and voluntary work is interesting but pays nowt.

I'm looking at support/research officer roles or coordinator jobs in education or charity work.

I've got myself an interview with an advocacy service at the end of the month because I applied by letter and I avoided the question of why I wanted the job. I just sold the fact that I could do it. Now I'm faced with an automated application form for a job in the local council that asks the quesiton 'why do I want the job?' and I would appreciate any help in understanding what they want to hear.
 

---

Posted by Foaming Draught (# 9134) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Poppy:
*snip*
The honest answer is that Mr P's company is going through a cash flow crisis and we need the cash and voluntary work is interesting but pays nowt. *snip*

---

Why not just tell 'em that? I don't mean it as flippantly as it reads, I think needing money is a good and honourable reason for anyone to look for work. Good success
(and for Mr P )
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
I didn't get the job.

Don't what more I can do. I go to interviews. I know my field well. I give good answers. They smile they nod and then they say "unfortunately you were not successful on this occasion."

---

(((Ms. Lilith))) That must be horribly dissapointing.

Hang in there.

 

---

Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
Thanks Foaming Draught. I've worked the need for cash into statment about using my skills in a move from voluntary to paid employment. I'm pretty worried about money situation and I don't want it to leak into the application form.

Ms Lilith

Been there, done that. I hate the moment in the interview when you've answered all their questions, asked relevant and inciteful questions, demonstrated all the skills that they are looking for and then the penny drops. They have already lined someone up for the job and they are interviewing because they have to. Either that or your face just doesn't fit. I've interviewed people who would have been very good at the job but wouldn't have fitted in with the team we already had. I have been tempted to sack the team we have and take on the new people but you can't do that.

Horrible, horrible, horrible.

[ 10. August 2005, 08:05: Message edited by: Poppy ]
 

---

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Poppy:

Hidden in that question, is a second subtler question which you might like to consider:

"Why have you applied for this job rather than another e.g. one as a sales executive?"

I can think of plenty of reasons:

• work hours (although this may not impress, as some RA work extremely long hours)
• curiousity, want to be learning new things (make it clear this is what they are investigating, not learning research skills)
• Wanting to be in an academic enviroment
• Want to put things back into society, but need income due to Mr Ps job
• a friend has worked there in the past an recommended it as a good place to work

Jengie

[ 10. August 2005, 09:48: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 

---

Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
I am currently at the near-suicidal-despair phase of the job hunt (swinging wildly between that and bizarre overconfidence everytime I apply for a job and start actually believing the self-hype in my cover letter). I was offered one job, which I literally could not afford to take because they were paying so little. For another I had an interview but someone else got the job. My other applications have so far produced no interviews, no response at all, including one for which I thought I had an extremely good chance. I know I'm a good candidate, I'm applying for a very few jobs available in a field crowded with good candidates, and that God is in control and ultimately wonderful things will happen in my life ... I just have moments when that perspective is a little hard to maintain.
 

---

Posted by sundog (# 8916) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Ms Lilith - I had a something like that (sort of) shortly after I graduated. A job that would have used my brain, benefitted others, paid a graduate salary, and given me excellent experience and training/professional qualifications. They told me I interviewed well and they liked me etc etc.

I didn't get it, though. Sometimes, I think they already have someone in mind for these things.

TrudyTrudy

and for everyone.

It turns out that the police had a query about my CRB check, which has hopefully now been rectified. The job is still there for me, and they have no intention of giving it to someone else. They are apparently as frustrated as I am by the delay, although they don't have to live off £50 a week in the meantime.

[ 10. August 2005, 12:30: Message edited by: Papio. ]
 

---

Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
Thanks for the good thoughts...they must've worked. I have an interview Monday, not for Dream Job, but for Possibly Quite Good Job (distinguished from Dream Job only by the fact that it pays less)...so continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

for all those still job-hunting.
 

---

Posted by sundog (# 8916) on :
 
Yay!
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Quick question: if one was looking for a job in the Birmingham, Leamington or South Warwickshire area, what would be good local papers to get?
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Time to familiarize myself with what's been going on with this thread. I heard today that I've been successful in my application for a voluntary redundancy package - my employer is willing to pay me nearly 2 years salary to leave the company, so I'm pretty happy to leave. But I have to leave on 31st Aug (less than two weeks away!) having been working there since 1984 - its a bit of a scary prospect stepping into the unknown.

I'd been pretty unhappy at work for a good while, and didn't like the way things were going with IT (my work area) so it seemed a good opportunity to leave with some money in my pocket. But although we have paid the mortgage off, and my husband has a reasonably well paid job now (senior lecturer) at 45 I will still need to find some sort of employment. And I've not had to apply for a job at a new place since my early 20's.... see what I mean about a scary prospect!
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
I havent looked at this for a while and have just seen all the nice replies. Thanks people.

Interview tomorrow. It a temporary job but would be interesting and stop me going wild with boredom and increasing lack of self confidence. It's not the thing Im most skilled at but they liked my application enough to interview me. Im going in thinking "nothing to lose" rather than "i really really want this"

There is a job coming up with the charity I worked for last which ended really badly. It's exactly the kind of work I want to do but Im not sure I want to do it with them. Any thoughts?
 

---

Posted by TrudyTrudy (I say unto you) (# 5647) on :
 
Best wishes Gracious Rebel, Ms. Lilith, and everyone else who's still hunting.

I got a job!!!!! And it's one I'm very happy about. It's a teaching position at the same alternative school where I did my counselling internship last year, a place I really love working. Although it's an instructional not a counselling position, I'll be working with at-risk youth and still have the opportunity to use a lot of the skills learned in my counselling program, and even continue my research into therapeutic uses of journalling and creative writing, since I will be teaching two writing courses. The job I originally interviewed for was a full-time position teaching English and Science -- the science would have been a bit of a stretch for me, and I didn't think I had much of a chance -- but they re-evaluated things a little after my interview, asked would I mind part-time instead of full-time (not at all!), and finally offered me a 3/4 time position teaching all English/writing courses. Ideal for me! The pay, while not as good as in the public school system, is more than adequate to improve our family finances.

The only hair-raising thing is that they told me I had the job yesterday at 4 p.m., and it starts on Tuesday, the same day my kids start school -- so with Monday being a holiday, I have only today to confirm arrangements for after-school childcare, etc (which I had applied for, but sort of left up in the air since I didn't know whether I'd be working or not).

Praise the Lord, I'm very glad to have this job and hope for such happy outcomes for all the other job-searchers.
 

---

Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
<does a little happy dance for Trudy> Many congratulations! May you find your new job richly rewarding.
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Great news Trudy!


Me, I'm applying for a few posts that interest me (I quite fancy working in libraries for some reason) and haven't got any further than that yet. But my previous job didn't finish until 2 days ago, so its early days yet.

Feels so weird to be 'unemployed' when I was in that last job since before I had kids (now teenagers) and before I was married even.... strange.

Just filled in a form to volunteer at Oxfam one day a week in the meantime - to support a favourite charity, give me something to do, and provide some 'customer service experience' for my job applications.
 

---

Posted by The Machine Elf (# 1622) on :
 
Following an interview on Tuesday, I got an offer today doing AI research at 30% above my current salary, and told my boss I'd be leaving for south Wales shortly. Have another interview Monday (chaos theory based modelling for traffic planning), but I think the AI one's the one.

No more Fortran 70 maintenance!!!


TME
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Yay for Trudy.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
well done trudy

I didn't get the temporary job I was going for.

I didn't really expect to. I rang for feedback and the woman was really nice. She said that out of the six she had interviewed there were three who were definitely appointable including myself. That I was clearly very strong on public speaking, that I used humour well and gave very thoughtful and thorough answers. Also, that being late had no bearing and she thought it was a real credit to me that I gave such a good interview when I must have been feeling terrible. (got very lost, ran around a church near there 3 times before finding the place, arrived ten mins late red faced and breathless) But that I wasn't really a fundraiser, was I? and I didnt have as much experience in that area than the person they appointed. I thought that was fair enough.

I said to her that I wished she could tell me something that I could fix, like "just paint your toenails a different colour and you'll be Ok" but she said yes that must be frustrating but really she wouldn't be afraid to tell me if there was something but she thought I was great.

While it's great being great I just wish there was something else I could do.

I applied for the job at the Charity I Cant Decide If I Want To Go Back To but still not sure if it is the right thing.
 

---

Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
Am still looking for a position working at a library. Sent off for a part time position at George Fox Uni. which would be wonderful for us. They'd like someone to start possibly next week. Lord D just started working in that same town, so we would move and eliminate the commute for him.

I am supposed to be back at my normal job starting Tuesday, but feeling very much like I'll be walking into Dante's seventh circle of Hell. I've tried in the past couple of years 5 times to get promoted in that company (including just last month) and still am at the same place I was. Part of that I must fess up is that I'm great at what I do, but my heart isn't in it.

It gets so frustrating to decide that this career or job (for me to work in a library) is what you'd finally like to do, and for various reasons, no one gives you a chance to do it. I also agree that in a lot of jobs, they already know who they want in that position and are just trolling to see what else might come into the net. I often feel like Donkey in Shrek, jumping up and down saying "Oh! Oh! Pick Me! Pick Me!"

Great news Trudy! What a miracle it is to have a job you really want and am excited about! That is really awesome!
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
I applied for the job at the Charity I Cant Decide If I Want To Go Back To but still not sure if it is the right thing.

---

Probably not, actually, from what you've said so far. If it ended badly as you say then you need to consider whether you'd be happy working in that environment again and possibly having daily contact with the people who were directly involved. Also, it's not entirely impossible that you might even end up working for one of them again.

If all this happened a few years ago and is a large organization then it could be OK, but if it's fairly recent, or a small company, then I have to say don't be surprised if you are not called for interview.

As for my own news - I had an interview last week. All was going reasonably OK until they sprang roleplay on me in the middle of it, which was my first experience of it. This was rather disconcerting, but I expect it was meant to be. Not surprisingly after that I didn't get the job, but on the other hand, they hadn't specified that acting skills were part of the role.

I can see why they do it, but at the same time, it does seem a bit childish in an interview situation to suddenly break into an overt game of "let's pretend".
 

---

Posted by Queen Mousie (# 9925) on :
 
I have been searching for a year now. Some very good interviews, but not one job offer.
Please, much appreciated!
Thanks Q.M.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ariel:

---

[/QUOTE]

Happened 5 months ago but it's in an organisation of several hundred people and in a different department at the other end of the country.

Have been called for interview on Thursday.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
I went for the interview. it went well and I was reasonably confident. The "why did you leave your last job?" question I was dreading didnt come up.

Then they phoned to tell me they didnt think I had enough youth work experience. Well duh. Ive worked with students for the last six years. You could tell that from the application form. If the 11-18s stuff was so important why on earth did you shortlist me?

And I gave a disapointing answer to the question about fundraising with youth and students. Well if fundraising is going to be your main priorty with students, good luck to you. It's pioneering work. No other charity in the student sector is doing it, its all campigning and education work, with good reason, but you carry on and much good may it do you.
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Just applied for a job as a Support Assistant at the local High School, which looks interesting. It's the first job I've applied for since I lost my bookshop job, so it's probably wildly optimistic to hope that I'll get it - but it would be nice....
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Well, I have still not recieved my CRB clearance, although I did get a call the other day to say it should only be another couple of weeks. Hurrah!

Because the CRB are not doing their job, I not only have no money but am in the incredibly unpleasent position of having to try and pursuade the dole that I am seriously looking for work (which, frankly, I'm not*) and that there is nothing on the horizon (which there is). I HATE having to do this, but I see no alternative.

The CRB fiasco has now gone on for so long that I will definately not under any circumstances have enough to last till I get paid.

Why oh why oh why can't they hurry up?

*Apart from anything else, anything I would be likely to get permanent-job-wise would require a CRB check, and the little office temping places claim not to have any vacanies.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
Thats grim Papio.

In my experience CRBs have always come through fairly quickly. I always think its daft that each place needs a new one. I have a number of letters from them informing me that i am not a criminal. I always think it would be better if you could apply for a card which could be updated fairly regularly as a CRB is only really any use on the day it's given anyway. You could do anything the day after. That way it could travel with you from job to job.

I understood that it was the place you were working that applied for it tho. does that mean you have a job to go to when it comes? And cant they ring up/write and chase it for you? Hope it works out soon.

Also living on JSA. Althougth they dont seem to care whether I am looking for something or not. Their stairs smell like a toliet,tho (just to add to the joys of going there) who is doing that? and why havent they cleaned it? does it happen regularly?
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
I have a job to go to when I get my CRB, which is another reason why I am not seriously looking at the moment. Pretty much as soon as I get it, I'm sorted as far as I can tell. I haven't got an offer in writing (which would mean I had to sign off) but have had repeated verbal offers and assurances from the charity in question. I know others who have worked for them, and am not too bothered about the verisimilitude of these verbal offers. I believe them.

Apart, that is, from the fact that I will have to wait a long time before I get my first paycheck and in the meantime I have faires to buy, food to buy and all the other bills.

Both I and the job are chasing them, but they do seem almost breathtaking laxidaisical, to be frank.

I agree with you about the stupidity of the system and for the same sort of reasons.

On at least two occasions when I have signed on, the person has not even looked at my so-called "Job Seeker's Diary". Not even glanced at it.

Given the fact that I write down that I did something does not mean I actually did do it, and that they again don't seem to care anyway, and that the idea that there will be 3 suitable jobs each week is just plain daft, I do not have a lot of faith in the system.

To a certain extent, I am stringing the dole along till I get my clearance. A bit dodge, I admit, but it is hardly my fault that this is taking so long and if they would get it sorted then I wouldn't have any need to take the tax-payer's money. I already have no desire to.

My job centre stinks of piss as well. I wonder if it is company policy? They do seem to go out of their way to make life unpleasent. I suppose that's because we are all dishonest workshy scum.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:
My job centre stinks of piss as well. I wonder if it is company policy? They do seem to go out of their way to make life unpleasent. I suppose that's because we are all dishonest workshy scum.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
Is that standard or is it just him?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eigon:
I'm beginning to realise, reading the posts here, how lucky I am to be signing on at my local Job Centre, which is clean, comfortable, and has pleasant and friendly staff.

---

It's good to know that they are not all unpleasent places to visit.

Then again, you would appear to live in Hay-on-Wye.

*Papio tries, and fails, not to be envious*
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
You live in book heaven and you get a clean job centre.

Why does nt this happen to me??? I'm a good person *wails at god*

There is a very nice Oxfam bookshop over the road from said job centre. I'm tempted to ask if they want help on Friday mornings and then going to the job centre wouldnt be so foul, but last time I was in they had two people reading at the till and didnt look they needed help at all. I got shy too.

Best of luck off centre view. What sort of thing are you looking for?
 

---

Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 
Hey folks, might have a job interview for a job working at a major recruitment company in Central London. I'd applied over the 'net a few days ago, and they gave me a phone call this morning (13th september), and sounded positive and the bloke told me that it pays well, so I can also see it helping to fund further studies that I'd like to undertake.

I've been told that they will contact me tomorrow to let me know some more details, so I will see if I've got an interview soon. Actually getting the job may be another matter, but things are looking up.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
You live in book heaven and you get a clean job centre.

Why does nt this happen to me??? I'm a good person *wails at god*

There is a very nice Oxfam bookshop over the road from said job centre. I'm tempted to ask if they want help on Friday mornings and then going to the job centre wouldnt be so foul, but last time I was in they had two people reading at the till and didnt look they needed help at all. I got shy too.

Best of luck off centre view. What sort of thing are you looking for?

---

They may still need some help some of the time.

Just because there are people on the till, it doesn't mean that anyone is out at the back actually sorting the books, for example.

Really, they can only say "no" can't they? Might be worth a try.

A word of warning though: I'm a book addict and I do the books at my local Oxfam. This is ok, but my personal library has grown so rapidly that I now have several very large (as in, each is several foot high) book piles on the floor next to my plural book cases as they won;t fit on.

Not sure whether to be or
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Off Centre View:
Hey folks, might have a job interview for a job working at a major recruitment company in Central London. I'd applied over the 'net a few days ago, and they gave me a phone call this morning (13th september), and sounded positive and the bloke told me that it pays well, so I can also see it helping to fund further studies that I'd like to undertake.

I've been told that they will contact me tomorrow to let me know some more details, so I will see if I've got an interview soon. Actually getting the job may be another matter, but things are looking up.

---

Excellent.

Best wishes from me and hope you get the job.
 

---

Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Off Centre View:
Hey folks, might have a job interview for a job working at a major recruitment company in Central London. I'd applied over the 'net a few days ago, and they gave me a phone call this morning (13th september), and sounded positive and the bloke told me that it pays well, so I can also see it helping to fund further studies that I'd like to undertake.

I've been told that they will contact me tomorrow to let me know some more details, so I will see if I've got an interview soon. Actually getting the job may be another matter, but things are looking up.

---

Excellent.

Best wishes from me and hope you get the job.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:
They may still need some help some of the time.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:
A word of warning… my personal library has grown so rapidly

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Off Centre View:
still haven't heard from them again yet, but am sure they will call me soon.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:
Saddened that the Guardian has gone tabloid

---

I simply cant let this pass. This is the best thing that has happened to me all week (but I am jobless and joyless at the mo so it doesn’t take much) And it has Not gone tabloid. I think you will find it has gone 'Berliner'
</tangent>
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
<On the tangent> I must admit that I by far preferred the broadsheet version, but there you go. It seems to me that we are now paying the same price for fewer stories which are shorter in length and I expect to see dumbing down in the near future. Maybe I am just cyncial.

And ok, "Berliner", but it still feels like buying a tabloid. Really not very happy about it, since there is now no daily broadsheet.

(Tangent)
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Ms Lilith - do you mean the Guardian is now a doughnut?

And Papio - you can never have too many books (well, okay, if you need to re-inforce the floor, maybe, but otherwise, no).
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eigon:
Papio - you can never have too many books (well, okay, if you need to re-inforce the floor, maybe, but otherwise, no).

---

I know, both on the ship and IRL, many people who have thousands and thousands of volumes, even tens of thousands in a few cases. A lady I work with at Oxfam has a large house with many rooms and each and every room is crammed with books. Her staircase is as well, as is her attic.

She seems to buy armfuls of books every time she comes in to work there, which is to say, about 3 times a week.

Given that I currently have just over 1000, I guess that I am hardly excessive.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
Mmmm doughnuts. But no I dont think they intended to speak German. But it's great. I used to read it online and when I had time to spread it over my coffee table and hover over it (like on Saturdays). When the independant and times went little I walied and moaned that you still couldnt read the guardian without either the coffee table or having your arms ache, or whacking unsuspecting strangers who were sat within three feet of you. I have long suspected that broadsheets were part of a plot by long armed interlectuals to keep the rest of our heads filled wih handbags and celeb divorces so we dont meddle in politics.

yesterday I bought a copy to Read On The Train. So chuffed.

I am procrastinating by posting on a job support thread about the Guardian instead of filling in a job application for a maternity cover post I'm not really interested in but would get me some money.

[ 15. September 2005, 11:23: Message edited by: Ms Lilith ]
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
I have long suspected that broadsheets were part of a plot by long armed interlectuals to keep the rest of our heads filled wih handbags and celeb divorces so we dont meddle in politics.

yesterday I bought a copy to Read On The Train. So chuffed.

---

Before the Independant and Times "went little" I bought the Indie. I then switched to the Guardian on the basis that A) It was still a broadsheet and B) I might as well admit that I'm a liberal-lefty at heart.

I like broadsheets.

Surely one of the prime factors that made a broadsheet preferrable to a tabloid was the fact that it was more intelligent? Plus, I have read broadsheets on trains loads of times. What is the problem?

If the Guardian dumbs down even fractionally then I will stop buying it. Frankly, I almost stopped buying it already since, as I say, it feels like buying a tabloid. I have no problem with people who would rather read a tabloid, but I don't really see why I should be denied the option of a daily broadsheet. I'm not sure if the Torygraph is still a broadsheet but, if it is, then that is crueller still.
 

---

Posted by Queen Mousie (# 9925) on :
 
Hi Gang,

I had a nice interview Tuesday for a data entry job at a YMCA ten miles east of here. It is a 6 hour day Mon.-Fri. the pay is okay, and if it is offered I am going to take it. Need the $! I must admit I was nervous going in, it has been a while since I have had a face to face interview. They will let me know Friday, it starts the 26th.
for all who are still looking, or are going thru difficult times at a job they have, or are in midst of change.
Queen Mousie
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Well I have an interview on Monday (which is not bad going when I've only been out of work for a couple of weeks). And its working in libraries, which is what I wanted.

However its a 'relief branch assistant' post for libraries in Mid Suffolk, which means places about 45 minutes drive away. Which wouldn't be so bad, just that in the meantime since applying for that, three other suitable (part time or relief) library jobs have come up in my local library. Which would of course be much better for me as less travel. But the closing date for those wasn't until yesterday - so I've no idea at this stage whether I'll also be shortlisted for one of those.

So my dilemma is, do I mention the fact at Monday's interview that I would really prefer one of the more local posts (they will know I've applied anyway I'm pretty sure, as it was through the same recruitment office) - or will that scupper my chances of being seriously considered for this one? The worst case scenario is where I might have been offered this job, but wasn't because I mentioned the others, but then I don't even get shortlisted for any of the other posts.

Or do I keep schtum, take the job if offered, then still hope that I get shortlisted for the other posts, then ditch this one if I get offered the other one?

My ideal scenario would be for this one just to act as interview experience (something I desperately need anyway, having been in my previous job for nearly 21 years), to help me to actually get one of the other jobs later in the month.

Ho hum, why is life so complicated?
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Well I didn't get the job today anyway, so that's the end of that dilemma.

For feedback I was told that:
1) I didn't know enough about libraries (something I guess I can remedy before the next interview, that's assuming I get shortlisted again)
2) I had little or no 'customer service' experience. Which is kinda true, but how on earth are you supposed to get the experience unless they let you do a job without previous experience?!
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gracious rebel:
how on earth are you supposed to get the experience unless they let you do a job without previous experience?!

---

At the risk of being patronising, I find that most of my work skills come directly from the voluntary sector. It might be worth finding out if there is something that you can do for free for, say, 15 hours a week and which will give you said experience, even if only a limited amount. There is often more out there then is immediately apparent and it shows employers that you are serious about getting your hands dirty. Esp if your volunatary work is related to the job you want them to pay you for doing.

I know that you may already have looked into this, and that there are drawbacks to voluntary work, but it is something that I have found useful.

Sorry you didn't get the job.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Queen Mousie:
Hi Gang,

I had a nice interview Tuesday for a data entry job at a YMCA ten miles east of here. It is a 6 hour day Mon.-Fri. the pay is okay, and if it is offered I am going to take it. Need the $! I must admit I was nervous going in, it has been a while since I have had a face to face interview. They will let me know Friday, it starts the 26th.
for all who are still looking, or are going thru difficult times at a job they have, or are in midst of change.
Queen Mousie

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gracious rebel:

For feedback I was told that:
1) I didn't know enough about libraries (something I guess I can remedy before the next interview, that's assuming I get shortlisted again)

---

quote:

---

2) I had little or no 'customer service' experience. Which is kinda true, but how on earth are you supposed to get the experience unless they let you do a job without previous experience?!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gracious rebel:
how on earth are you supposed to get the experience unless they let you do a job without previous experience?!

---

At the risk of being patronising, I find that most of my work skills come directly from the voluntary sector. It might be worth finding out if there is something that you can do for free for, say, 15 hours a week and which will give you said experience, even if only a limited amount. There is often more out there then is immediately apparent and it shows employers that you are serious about getting your hands dirty. Esp if your volunatary work is related to the job you want them to pay you for doing.

I know that you may already have looked into this, and that there are drawbacks to voluntary work, but it is something that I have found useful.

Sorry you didn't get the job.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eigon:
Went to the Job Fair at Hereford Town Hall today, which was interesting...

---

Hope something comes of it.

What sort of jobs do you get at a charity fair? I'm looking for graduate/charity/religious/do gooding leftie sort of stuff. The job points at the job centre are a bit of a waste of time for me. Although I shall have to think about temping soon.
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Got a phonecall yesterday to invite me to a 'recruitment day' at the County Library, for these three vacant posts that I'd applied for. As there are several posts (4 in total - there's a full time one as well that I'm not interested in) and many applicants, they are going to run 'team building' type exercises for all the candidates in the morning, then select people who did best at those to be interviewed in the afternoon.

Anyone had any experience of this style of recruitment? Anything I need to watch out for? Anyway it will be interesting to meet and work with the other candidates - at least I will know what I'm up againt!!

[ 22. September 2005, 07:49: Message edited by: Gracious rebel ]
 

---

Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 
Hello folks,
Just wanted to say that I have an interview for the major recruitment company as a trainee recruitment consultant on monday, so hopefully this will be the first in a series of interviews.

Even if this particular job is not exactly what I had planned to be doing, it will be good to get the job and to see what it's like to work in Central London for a bit, and if I don't get the job then doing an interview will have been great experience.

I'm hoping to get some other interviews soon as well, but this one will be a great job if I can get it.

Good luck to everyone else searching for jobs at the moment .

All the best,
OCV
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gracious rebel:
they are going to run 'team building' type exercises for all the candidates in the morning, then select people who did best at those to be interviewed in the afternoon.

Anyone had any experience of this style of recruitment?

---

I think I'd hate that. I haven't had experience of recruitment like that but I have led those team building exercises (against my better judgement). This might be telling you what you already know but..

Don’t get caught up in the task. Nobody actually cares if you can throw an egg from the car park with a carrier bag, some straws, string and a piece of blu tack - they are looking at how you interact with the other canditates. (So no stabbing them with the scissors )
Don’t try to be the sort of team player you think they want to see, be the kind you are. If they are any good they will spot that. Also, you need to know that you will be comfortable as yourself in the team you are placed in if successful.

Although it sounds to me like they are looking for someone who first and foremost fits in with their existing teams and then will see about your ability to do the job. This strikes me as slightly dodgy.

A friend of mine just met with ACAS to check that his recruitment processes were all above board and good practice. What I've learnt from him about this shocks me about how much bad practice there is out there.

Good luck tho. And to OCV
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've got an interview next week at the local high school, for Learning Support Assistant. It sounds interesting, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Eigon, I do something like that at University, basically providing support to students with a disability ranging from dyslexia, mental health probs, autism to physical disabilities.

It's a brilliant, rewarding job where you can learn a lot.

I mainly provide study support, help with organisation of work (and life), and do some study skills help.

If it's anything like the job your going for PM me, and I'll tell you the questions I got asked in my interview (in case they might help). If not good luck, and that goes out to all the job seekers!
 

---

Posted by GloriaGloriaGloria (# 8017) on :
 
Looks as though I'm going to be job hunting very, very soon. I work for a non-profit and we're having severe financial problems, and my job is one of the less essential ones.

*sigh*

I absolutely hate interviewing.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Well, despite their "complete assurance" that I would have started work before tomorrow, I have not done so.

This leaves me having to sign without having applied for anything, apart from any emials I can send this evening asking companies to send out application packs, and then to have a meeting with the jobcentre about Why I Haven't A Job under those same circumstances. Besides which, I still have no money and I do seriously mean that the £50 a week is all I have. No savings left.

If that were not bad enough, there is apparently a "for sale" notice outside the charity's head office.



They have pissed me about for too long now.

Tomorrow, the CRB will get a phone call informing them, yet again, what a difficult position they have put me into and making it VERY VERY clear indeed that Mr. Papio is Not A Happy Baboon.

The charity will recieve a call asking them for to either let me know what is going on or else forget the whole thing. This is not a step I want to take, but I simply cannot live on fresh air waiting for a job that may not materialise despite their "assurances". I just can't. Apart from anything else, I finished my degree over a year ago and have still not got a full-time job. This is not acceptable.

I am considering contacting my families lawyers over this with a view to suing the CRB, whom I think could not have handled my case more incompetantly if they had tried to do so. Right now, I am really very angry with both the CRB and the charity. Am I just supposed to put my whole life on hold until they get around to pulling their fingers out?
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Right.

I have, finally, managed to extract the story of What Is Going On from the CRB.

The charity originally gave the CRB an inaccurate date of birth for me which, as it clashed with the date I gave them, had to be sorted out with the Bureau of Births, Deaths and Marriages (or whatever it is called.)

The CRB then immediately informed the charity that they needed some more information from me. The charity then took about three weeks to inform me that I needed to give them more information. The charity said I had to give it to themselves rather than the CRB. I promptly Dropped Everything and ensured that the charity had the extra information on first day possible after I received the request. This was all well over two months ago.

Having just spoken to the CRB, one of the following seems to have happened:

• The charity forgot to send the information to the CRB
• The information got lost in the post
• The CRB lost it

Whatever.

The CRB have not got the information and have, after 4 months, precisely zero idea as to whether or not I have a criminal record. They ain't got the foggiest. After 4 months.

So, I am back to square one.

I have to do go through the CRB all over again anyway, and the charity have shown themselves to be incompetant.

So what now?

Do I tell the charity I am no longer interested (by the rules of my "job seeker's agreement" I am not allowed to turn down work and neither is anyone else in the UK so far as I know)?

Do I tell them to give me a definate start date and then either stick to it with no excuse or forget it?

What?


 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Ok, I suggest a several pronged attack.

1. Go to the charity and ask them what the deal is. Explain that your situation is beyond dire and you need to know now where you stand, job or no job. If they fail to give a conclusive answer, they are not providing you with a job.

2. Don't sue the CRB, I know they are useless at times but they will pass the buck as to who is to blame for your predicament and the situation may never be resolved. Besides wasting precious funding on solicitors might not be an idea either.

3. Go back to the job centre and ask for advice off your adviser person. Surely the point of the don't turn down a job rule is to get you off jobseekers asap. If this job is not happening, or likely to happen in the near future, then you are wasting time that you could be spending getting a real job that will exist.

I hope it works out for you. c x
 

---

Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 
Hey folks,
had the interview today. It took a bit of time, but both the interviewer and I realised it wasn't the right job for me, so am still searching.

All the best to everyone else still searching

Off Centre View
 

---

Posted by strathclydezero (# 180) on :
 
I've found the ideal job search website for you all:

http://www.jobs4christians.co.uk
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Hm, I've just had a look at that jobs4christians site, and got an awful lot of "Ooops, there are no matches" out of it.
 

---

Posted by strathclydezero (# 180) on :
 
If you look deep enough, they have 6 full time positions listed.
 

---

Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by strathclydezero:
If you look deep enough, they have 6 full time positions listed.

---

Just six?
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
I just thought "urgk". I haven't done a secular job yet but hate the idea of getting a job just because of my faith. The whole "I am a christian plasterer" really bugs me, I have no time for it.

[ 27. September 2005, 19:36: Message edited by: Ms Lilith ]
 

---

Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 
Hi folks,
in looking for jobs, I have also been in contact with an organisation who work in public policy, and working for them as a publishing assistant in Sunningdale. It sounds like an interesting role, and I spoke with the company on the phone this morning and have just emailed them a copy of my CV along with a covering letter.

I have been praying about getting a good job that interests me and I believe that this job could be an excellent one that would suit me.

All the best to everyone else still searching.
OCV
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
I went along to the Library recruitment/assesment day today. After doing the exercises in the morning and enjoying the free lunch, I was unfortunately one of the candidates who were sent home at that point, not being invited to stay for an interview. So its on with the search.

Was interesting to meet the other candidates though - there were 18 of us there after 4 posts.
 

---

Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Ive been accepted by a supply teaching agency....

all depends on how well the first few go tho, as to whether i get prioritised for more work etc... Very not dependable but would be fab if i can make it work
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Gracious rebel - at least you got the free lunch!
I've got my first interview tomorrow (slight gulp).
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Well, I've had the interview, and I just have to wait until Monday for the decision now.
Gosh, schools have changed since I was a pupil! But the girl who needs the special support seemed like a nice kid.
One slightly odd thing was that I knew the other person being interviewed today. We met on the way up to the school, on the bus, and wandered round the local garden centre for half an hour before it was time to go in for the interviews.
Two more people are being interviewed tomorrow.
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
And one of the other two got the job. Oh, well, at least I was in the final four.
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eigon:
And one of the other two got the job. Oh, well, at least I was in the final four.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Off Centre View:
I think I just have to wait!

---

Good luck.

Eigon - What Ms. Lilith said.
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Thanks, Ms Lilith and Papio.

I'm waiting to hear now from a couple of other jobs I've applied for, both office based.

Meanwhile, I'm still trying to wring some money out of the benefits agency. Eight months in Greece three years ago has really thrown a spanner into the works, even though two Job Centre people initially said it would all be fine and not to worry about it....
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
A friend called me today and persuaded me to go to this recritment and training thingmy.

So to bed with me as I've an early train to catch tomorrow.

It is also on on thursday. Bit short notice but thought it was worth a mention.
 

---

Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
I did first day supply teaching today.

it was a nightmare... i think i need a Real Job that isnt teaching asap!

or some better cattle herding skills.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Emma, do not despair! There is a supply teacher at our youngster's school who didn't enjoy the first few days/weeks etc at all. She is fine now though although she does have experienced shoulders to lean on.

Once you know who's who in a class, it pans out much better. Or so I am told.
 

---

Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
but theyre evil!!!!!! (i know you might well be right, ideally not going to different schools all the time and geting established somewhere might be A Good THing!)
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
A friend called me today and persuaded me to go to this recritment and training thingmy.

So to bed with me as I've an early train to catch tomorrow.

It is also on on thursday. Bit short notice but thought it was worth a mention.

---

Good Luck.

 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've got another interview next Tuesday!
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eigon:
I've got another interview next Tuesday!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Emma.:
UG i just want a job now..... *goes mad*

---

(Sings) "All I want for Christmas is me CRB, me CRB, see me CRB" (Sings).
 

---

Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 
still searching for a decent job, though am currently doing some temp work about 15 minutes walk from home, so that's good.

Haven't heard anything from this company I went on an interview to last week, though I did send them a nice email yesterday thanking them for the meeting and asking when I will know their decision. It's infuriating - I just want to know whether they want me or not, and they haven't replied yet, but they'll probably take their sweet time in getting back to me. And they may only get back to me after they've interviewed everyone else, and then let me know which way they are going.

I would appreciate a lot of prayer at the moment. I'm considering returning to university to study for a master's in something like International Studies, and I'm thinking of going back to Sweden and to possibly move out there as a student and then finding a job out there after my studies. I think that would be a good move for me. In that case, I will be happy to spend the year temping (with some time possibly doing some political internships in London) in order to a means to an end (funding my further studies).

On the other hand, if I find the right job, that may greatly change my plans, so I need prayer and guidance.

Thanks folks, and for those in the same boat as me:

OCV
 

---

Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
Must not leave application form till last minute ever again.

Must not get distrated reading ship when supposed to be scanning in form
 

---

Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Ive got an interview next wednesday for a lovely job. It would be quite high pressure tho, full time in a high achieving girls school. But such a fab job. Would love it - i think, if im up to it......

im one of 3.... am now sorting out what to wear etc...

In the meantime another days supply tomorrow- with scary boys. ug.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
If I were a young 'un again at a girls' school -- of course any girls' school I went to would be a high-achieving one --

I would want Emma for my teacher.

In the long run-- maybe the very long run -- an international oilfield-related company like mine is going to benefit from the recent disasters, because we'll have to much work coming in setting things right.

In the short term, though, I bet there may be lay-offs (even though we were assured by our national and hemispherical leaders that wouldn't happen).

So I think it's time to crank up the rez-oo-may.
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I didn't get the job in Talgarth, but it was really interesting to see what's happening with the old mental hospital and, because the bus dropped me off nearly two hours early, I was able to go up to the local nature reserve to have my packed lunch. It's a wonderful little wooded valley with a stream going over waterfalls, and while I was there I managed to plot out a short story for a writing competition, so it was a fruitful day.
 

---

Posted by StJerome (# 9276) on :
 
I finally have a job (after almost six months) so yay for me!

Prayers for all those still looking
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
My CRB check has been completed and is currently in the post, allegedly.
 

---

Posted by sundog (# 8916) on :
 
Yay! (and fingers crossed)
 

---

Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
im leaving for my interview with the nice school in an hour....
.
***nervous***
 

---

Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
Emmma, we're all behind you. Just make sure it's what you want... then go and shine
 

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Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
I GOT IT
 

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Posted by Caz... (# 3026) on :
 
Yay! Well done
 

---

Posted by sundog (# 8916) on :
 

 

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Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
When do you start? I want to know all about it.
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Yay for Emma- well done!
 

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Posted by Codepoet (# 5964) on :
 
I am pleased for you. I tried to give you a call, but I expect that you were too busy doing a victory lap around the town centre
 

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Posted by Legodude_uk (# 5671) on :
 
Well done Emma!!!

Do they really know what they've let themselves in for? have the rooms got re-inforced ceilings for the times when you get all ?
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Congratulations!!! It's about time that we had some good news on this thread. Hope the job turns out to be everything you want (and more!).
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Great news Emma! Well done girl.

I have another interview tomorrow morning by the way.
 

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Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
***bounce bounce bounce****

Stops for a cup of tea and breathes...

Its a girls grammar school (where i went) and the head of subject there is truly fantastic, hes very on the ball with the subject, and it will be a challenge for me (i have no memory...) to keep on the ball, and a lot of work.... still it will be a challenge

**bounces off***
 

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Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 
Uffff.

Have just been told that I didn't get the job I interviewed for a few weeks ago. They emailed me today, but it feels frustrating as all they've given me was the general "we had lots of great candidates, but you weren't right for the role, even though you were great."

Feels pretty gutting to be honest, they built my hopes up and then dashed them, but I guess that is par for the course though. My sister gave me some good words though - if a company turns you down you probably wouldn't want to work there anyway.

As for now, I think it's a sign to work for a time longer as a temp and then look to take up an internship for a time, earn some money temping and then return to Sweden to take a master's course there next autumn. Pretty much made up to do that now, and then I'll see what happens.

Dum Spiro Spero!
 

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Posted by Mad Hatter (# 5879) on :
 
well done Emma, and to add to the good news I'm now doctored and also got a job - breaks into 'dreams can come true.....' song ;oD
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Well done, Emma.
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Don't lose hope, OCV! You'll get there in the end!
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
well I had my interview this morning but it was more like a chat over a cup of coffee than a proper interview - I wasn't asked anything hard, or even asked to provide any evidence for what I'd said about myself in my CV and covering letter, she took it pretty much all at face value! (I mean its a job in an independent library and for instance I'd said in my letter that I was an avid book reader - well I thought the least she would do was to ask me about what books I'd read recently to check I wasn't making it up!!) Anyway, I've just had a phone call to say she wants to interview me again on the 31st. She told me this morning that she was interviewing 14 candidates, and hoped to whittle it down to three for the second interviews - so its pretty hopeful I suppose: just hope she manages to actually find more out about me next time!

Its a lovely job, working in this library that is a charitable foundation, and organising talks and visits for the members. They want someone to do Saturdays and a few hours during the week, with potential for taking on more hours and duties in the future. I don't particularly want to work Saturdays, but since I'm looking for part time work, so often it involves Saturday working.

Also got another one in the pipeline today as a GPs receptionist - once again they want someone to do 10 hours regular plus extra hours as and when to cover holidays sickness etc - I was pretty much interviewed over the phone when I called about this vacancy today (I felt they knew more about me than the woman at the library!) and I'll almost certainly get called for a proper interview I think (I need to send my CV next - the first step for this one was the phone chat, quite a nice way of vetting people I think).

I could probably manage to do both of these jobs should I get offered them both, as the days are different, and both have flexibility. That would suit me very well indeed, but I musn't count my chickens before they hatch!!
 

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Posted by Mad Cat (# 9104) on :
 
Well done Emma! Sounds like a fantastic job.

I'm about to start a three month sabbatical for health reasons. I was bullied in my previous job over a period of 2 1/2 years. I got out eventually - a new job and a new town, and I thought all my problems were behind me, but it's come back to bite me I'm afraid. I've been deteriorating over the last 6 months. I'm unable to trust any of my colleagues and have panic reactions before meetings, despite the fact that I'm in a much better working environment.

My boss has been good enough to suggest this extended leave, as the doctor is happy to sign me off sick with depression (I'm on the waiting list for a counsellor too). I'm now wondering if I should change professions. I love what I do, but my confidence is just shot to pieces. Praying for guidance.

for folks without work, waiting and hoping.

[ 20. October 2005, 14:38: Message edited by: Mad Cat ]
 

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Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
Well done Emma

And Gracious Rebel, second interview is good.

Sympathies, Mad Cat. I wouldn't go so far as to say I was bullied in my last job but my confidence was badly affected by some people's less than professional behaviour and I can appreciate that that can't be easy.

I have an interview!!! For a job I'd be really good at and that I think I would really enjoy. It is in a city that's quite far away from any of my friends but the job would be really interesting. I think I'm in with a good chance if they want someone like me, it's a job they might easily be looking to give someone older, or more academic, or ordained, or bearded. But I shall see. The interview sounds horrific tho, meeting this, a tour of that, meeting some other people, presenting about something else, and then an interview. Expect to be there the whole day. I suppose they have to be thorough but I'll be a nervous wreck by the end.

[ 20. October 2005, 23:47: Message edited by: Ms Lilith ]
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
I have an interview!!! For a job I'd be really good at and that I think I would really enjoy. It is in a city that's quite far away from any of my friends but the job would be really interesting. I think I'm in with a good chance if they want someone like me, it's a job they might easily be looking to give someone older, or more academic, or ordained, or bearded. But I shall see. The interview sounds horrific tho, meeting this, a tour of that, meeting some other people, presenting about something else, and then an interview. Expect to be there the whole day. I suppose they have to be through but I'll be a nervous wreck by the end.

---

Well, let me know what happens.

When is the interview?
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Does anyone here have any experience of submitting their CVs to online job sites such as TotalJobs? I'm seriously thinking about posting my CV but am a bit nervous about security. Also, I wonder about the effectiveness of such sites - do employers actually bother searching the site for suitable CVs or do they just sit back and wait for people to apply?
 

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Posted by rajm (# 5434) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Curiosus:
Does anyone here have any experience of submitting their CVs to online job sites such as TotalJobs? I'm seriously thinking about posting my CV but am a bit nervous about security. Also, I wonder about the effectiveness of such sites - do employers actually bother searching the site for suitable CVs or do they just sit back and wait for people to apply?

---

I've submitted my cv to a few of the computing biased job sites (e.g cwjobs.co.uk) - that's mainly been as a side effect of applying for a job advertised by an agency. I've had a few agencies contact me but - alas - no real employers.

R
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Bother! Just heard that the shop manager job I went for no longer exists, as the original manager has decided not to leave after all!
 

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Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
Bumping this up for a whinge.

I've been looking for jobs for around three months now and so far I've had two interviews and I have not been sucessful in getting either although the second interview went really well thanks to some advice by a shippie by PM .

It appears that I'm over qualified and underexperienced as I've been at home looking after the kids for a fair few years. The huge amounts of voluntary work that I have engaged in does not appear to count in today's market .

So I've lowered my sights and tried applying for admin type jobs but this is even worse as I don't even get an acknowledgement of my application form, let alone an interview. Thank heavens for online application forms and the gift to job hunters which is cut and paste so I haven't had to reinvent the wheel each time I apply for a 10 hour a week temporary job.

Friends have suggested that I try the graduate route into teaching which would at least use my degree although I'm not sure if I can manage the stress but it is worth a go. I'm off to the local university's open day next week to find out what the graduate trainee route is all about. The strangest thing is that they ask about learning support assistant experience on the application form but I can't get an LSA post becasue I'm over qualified so round we go again.

So it looks as if I'm going to have to try and blag some work experience in a local school, try and find my O level certificates to prove that I got decent grades nearly 20 years ago and be left in limbo about whether I've been accepted on the course until late spring.

Has anyone else gone on this route into teaching?
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
I have a busy week ahead - interviews on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday! Monday's is the second interview for the independent library job where I wasn't really questioned properly before - lets hope this time they have a bit more idea, so will be able to make an informed judgement about my suitability! Other two are for medical receptionist jobs, one in a GP's practice and one at a private osteopath place.
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
I have, in my hand, arrived today, at this very moment, written confirmation/proof that I do not have a criminal record. I have never been cautioned, or bound over, or accused/suspected of being a peodophile or a rapist or an axe-muderer. There is, and I now have the proof, no reason to suspect that I am unsuited for working with vunerable people. None at all.

Well done CRB. That has only taken you since the 23rd of June. I do hope your proud of the accomplishment.

One can only hope that is not now too late and that I shall be allowed to start my 6-month trial for the Mental Health Charity.

Wouldn't that be nice?

Will let you know what happens in that regard.

Papio.
 

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Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Hi, I'm just signing on as Looking For Work - though kinda not too hard. We moved to France (sorry, I'm so pleased about that I keep mentioning it wherever possible) and I am looking for TEFL work. I have been interviewed/chatted to by someone who thinks he may have work for me in the future, but he has made promises to two other people before me. He has given me another contact, but for some reason (laziness?) I have put off phoning her. These have been/will be in English.

I could also approach the 4 local schools. That, however, would be in French and I am feeling not confident enough for that yet. Although Mr D unhelpfully sighs and says "Yes but that's just you; when WILL you feel confident?" I could also put up a notice saying Private Lessons, somewhere, but I wonder whether "English Lessons" has the same connotations in France as "French lessons" does in England... Somehow I doubt it. Excuses, excuses....

In a way, I'm happy being a lady of leisure, surfing the Ship and making handmade cards. But I feel I ought to contribute to the Maison Des Etoiles financial pot somehow. Otherwise we could be uncomfortable when Mr D leaves London next June...

Motivate me, someone, please.
 

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Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Poppy I seriously dont recomend teaching as a "something to do" or anything compared to a 10- hour a week admin job!!!! I think with the teaching world as it is youd need to be pretty convinced you want to do it, rather than going in as a last resort.

If its something you want to do, then you will certainly need to have had recent experience in a school before applying. A weeks observing in a local school perhaps. Its also a worthwhiole thing to do to get a feel for schooling these days, chatting to teachers etc who will give you a better view of the job than the lovely govt adverts!!!

As for ways in - there are a number of different routes into teaching, each one now carrying a bursary - have a look at the various teacher training recruitment sites for adetails, theyre user friendly and explain the different options. Theyre also very pro "change of career" type entrants, but you will need to prove youve had recent experience in school and can work at a graduate level (i dont know you so am saying generally - not trying to assume or insult you!)
Anyway - the teaching sites are good

Good luck - and Pm me if youre stuck!!
 

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Posted by ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
If I may be so bold, Dormouse...

Do the scary things, practise the French, go and risk making a fool of yourself by advertising your services. A friend of mine was a teaching assistante in a French secondary school and got numerous jobs. Getting some sort of work will help you meet people, practise your language skills and make you feel more a member of the community...

ETA having read Emma's post: most people I know as TEFL teachers have few qualifications apart from their TEFL certificate. Even these aren't needed to be a French assistante, I think, and you may well get a few hours a week which will be all you need to start getting your confidence up!

[ 02. November 2005, 13:50: Message edited by: ferijen ]
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Just applied for a museum job, partly admin and partly 'Front of House', being hands-on with the public.
It's only part time, but it really is the sort of thing that's got me jumping up and down with my hand in the air going "Pick me! Pick me!"
 

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Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Thanks Ferijen. I know I do just need to "do it" but I am world expert at procrastination!
I do have 18 years Primary teaching experience behind me as well, which kind of sets me up quite well in the ecole maternelle & college in the town. Although English teaching qualifications aren't necessarily much use in France...
 

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Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
go for it doormouse!!!!

the qualification as such might not be, but the 18 years experience will count!!!!
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Dormouse, I've a friend in France who goes round companies teaching English to French executives. Not sure if she has a TEFL qualification or not. She has lived in France for over 20 years now, I grant you - and her French is pretty good, but I don't think that matters too much. If you like I can contact her to ask how she started off. I think she found work initially via a language school. She's only been doing it a few years - as a progression from teaching at a private Anglo/French maternelle. From what I can gather, she finds the adult teaching more time-consuming but infinitely less stressful; the executive being somewhat more motivated and co-operative than your average 4 year old!
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
Progress report:

I spoke to the charity this afternoon and, yes, there is a job for me - provided that the blokes I would be working for give me the thumbs up. It is possible, though unlikely, that they will not.

I am meeting blokes either tomorrow or Friday.

If that goes ok, I start work this coming Monday.

I'm not sure whether this would effect my presence at the Brum meet or not.

Feeling and at the same time. Does that make any sense?
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I hope it all goes well for you, Papio.
 

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Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
I have just applied again for a library job. I really need to get out of the kitchen. I'm so tired and stressed by the end of the day. So, here's hoping my letter of intent has fulfilled requirements, and I get a call for an interview. I have applied for 3 other jobs there, 2 of them at the library and just gotten a nice "thank you for applying...yada, yada, yada." A couple of weeks ago I drove up there, went in and introduced myself to the HR receptionist, the secretary at the library and at least got a notice from the librarian that it was becoming available, and it posted yesterday, so I drove up tonight after work and handed in a nice new application, letter of intent, and resume. It said they want someone to start asap so I volunteered to start weekends while I give at least a one week notice (though they often move people on a day's notice). I sat outside the library and prayed there for about 10 minutes before I left. Please pray!
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eigon:
I hope it all goes well for you, Papio.

---

Thank you.

My last final whatsit is now on Monday afternoon.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eigon:
I hope it all goes well for you, Papio.

---

It didn't go that well.

I was asked several questions that I had already answered several times and was told it was a problem that I do not drive. I had already told them, both at the application stage and during the first interview, that I do not drive.

To make matters worse, I was physically assualted by one of the residents who punched me and tried to tear my jacket. I had been told that he "could be difficult sometimes" but I was not expecting that! Perhaps I should have been.

Was also unimpressed that they repeatedly talked about the residents as if they were not there - which they were.

They have said they really want to employ me and will try me in another house.

But the longer this goes on, the less interested I think I am.

Just gotta do something. Obviously.
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Well I had my three interviews last week, but still no further forward to getting a proper job. At least two of them had the courtesy to get back to me as promised to tell me I had been unsuccesful. Wheras the third one, the one that had raised my hopes considerably by asking things like 'Can you start next week?', failed to even contact me afterwards even though they assured me at the interview that I would hear by the end of the week.

I went back to the Oxfam shop a couple of weeks ago, reminded them that I had volunteered at the beginning of September (having seen a sign in the window saying they were desperate for staff 2 weeks ago).... and still they have not contacted me!?

Think I'll apply to M&S to work there for Christmas.....
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Can I add my whinges to the rest, please? It's now eleven days since the close date for the job I'm trying for - and...nothing. I know they take up references for short-listed candidates prior to interview - and as I see one of my referees quite regularly and know she'd let me know if she'd been contacted, I think we can safely say that my resume is in the bin.

(If they knew what they've lost!)
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gracious rebel:


Think I'll apply to M&S to work there for Christmas.....

---

quote:

---

Thank you for taking the time to complete our online talent screener.
Unfortunately your talents do not match those that we are currently looking for.
You could re-apply if you are still interested in any similar vacancies with us in 6 months time.

Recruitment Department Marks & Spencer

---

I can't even get in at M&S or Oxfam ... what hope is there for me?!

Just have to concentrate on making money from eBay for the time being - I've made a profit of £250 so far from selling off junk since September!
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I haven't heard back from WH Smiths for a Christmas job either.

Maybe I worried them when I told them I thought my greatest achievement had been learning to swordfight!
 

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Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
interview tomorrow for a proper grown up job. Im going there tonight and staying over. Nervous now. Even tho I know Id be good at the job, it's not the same convincing a bunch of strangers that I'd be good at the job.

I have had a pep talk form a good friend who knows me really well, has worked in the same field and Knows I can do the job well. So I'm trying to think of that.
 

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Posted by Birdseye (# 5280) on :
 
Good luck Lilith... I'm desperately hoping I'll get an interview for a job I've applied for recently -I've got to get out of this one...for the time being though, I've purchased two small posable figurines of vogons (hitchhikers guide to the galaxy)to remind me it could be (slightly) worse.
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Miffy:
Can I add my whinges to the rest, please? It's now eleven days since the close date for the job I'm trying for - and...nothing. I know they take up references for short-listed candidates prior to interview - and as I see one of my referees quite regularly and know she'd let me know if she'd been contacted, I think we can safely say that my resume is in the bin.

(If they knew what they've lost!)

---

Ahem... How embarrassing. Received a letter this morning asking me to an interview on Monday! Typically, this came just after I'd given up and brought home some details about another vacancy, at our local museum this time. Eigon - if you're prepared for a very long commute each day, this sounds just up your street.

So, fingers (tch BITTWACWS)and legs crossed.

Poppy, I'm off up to the loft now to find my ancient, mouldering certificates.
 

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Posted by RainbowKate (# 9331) on :
 
There is a job in Boston that I've been lusting after for the past couple years. It's a logical step up the ladder; I have most of the skills they want and experience doing the job. It was just a matter of D leaving. Which she did November 1. So I spent a chunk of today working on my resume et al and finally finished it all to mail in tomorrow.

I'm trying not to get too hopeful and have wild fantasies about this all. It really is the "dream" job--doing work I love in a place that I can be totally open about my life, and best of all, marry my partner.

Being the rather anxious beast I am I'm already worrying/thinking/planning logistics when I haven't even sent stuff in yet. I feel that I have a pretty good chance of getting it, and my boss seems convinced that I'll get it. Trying not to let myself get carried away with hope.
 

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Posted by sundog (# 8916) on :
 
Good luck all
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
My exam certificates and birth certificate turned up!
When I went to my mother in law's funeral my brother in law gave them to me. He'd found them at the back of the wardrobe in the spare room. I must have left them there when we were storing stuff there, and forgotten all about them.
 

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Posted by maleveque (# 132) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eigon:
He'd found them at the back of the wardrobe in the spare room.

---

They'd been secretly hiding out in Narnia!

Hi all, I'm joining this thread because my evil supervisor has capriciously decided to not recommend me for permanent status after my one-year probationary period, which amounts to firing. This is almost never done and I will be fighting it, but I will also be job hunting in the meantime.
I have my resume in at a big think-tank, and they've called me for a phone interview once. Here's hoping they call back and schedule a real live interview.
Anne L.
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Now, if I could just get a job in Narnia, it'd be really easy to commute. After all, I already live in a place that's not quite in the Real World.

Does anyone think there might be an opening for a wood nymph (full training given)?
 

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Posted by maleveque (# 132) on :
 
Met with my union rep this morning - they are putting this on the front burner. My rep met with management's lawyer this morning after our meeting, and they (management) came back with a totally lame offer - basically, if I go away quietly in 60-90 days, they won't put anything nasty in my file. Told them no, I'll be fighting this, thank you. I have everyone's (union, husband, family) support on this. DH says that if they turned an offer around that fast, they're scared.
Anne L.
 

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Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
I didn’t get the job. I'm not even sure there was a job as the guy who has been doing it part time turned out to be one of the other candidates.

It was quite difficult. I lost it on a couple of the questions at interview. What I'm finding it difficult to come to terms with isn't not getting the job, which would have so been the wrong place for me anyway, but that I let myself down by selling myself short. I am perfectly capable of that job but I allowed the interview panel to make me feel like a silly little girl. And that's not good.

Is any one else finding the longer a job search goes on the harder and harder it is to believe in yourself, never mind get others to believe in you? Any tips for getting over this? Or at least not letting it ruin an interview.
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Sort of know what you're getting at Ms Lilith. My would- be place phoned while I was out today. They (rightly)wouldn't let on anything to my other half, but I have this feeling I know what the answer will be. So frustrating. Here we are - a job I'd love and know I'm more than capable of doing and it looks as if they don't think I can, whereas poor Mr Miff is stuck in one that's long since lost any sense of satisfaction for him, but they won't let him go.
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
And I was right. Ah well, back to the drawing board.
 

---

Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 
I, allegedly, start work on Monday.

Full-time.


 

---

Posted by Urbanita (# 10033) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio.:
I, allegedly, start work on Monday.

Full-time.

---

Brilliant news. Good luck.
 

---

Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
I also start work on Monday but only on a temporary contract for 3 months but horray it's a real job paying real money I went onto the temp list at the local council midweek at I got a phone call yesterday saying do I want to start work on Monday?

I'm hoping that once I've got my foot in the door I can keep the temporary contracts going until I sort out whether I'm going into teaching or not.

DId I say ?
 

---

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
I am perfectly capable of that job but I allowed the interview panel to make me feel like a silly little girl. And that's not good.

---

Please go back and think about this, it may not have been your fault. There are strategies that are known about, for interviewing someone and placing them in a no win situation in the interview. For example one of the classic ways of doing this would have been to ask a question about how you would cope with your home life and the job as a woman. It seems innoccuous but when analysed almost any response would put you in a bad light.

Jengie
 

---

Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
Yes! I have an interview next Wednesday at the library up at George Fox University!



Happy Feet! Happy Feet! Happy Feet!
 

---

Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Good Luck, Lady A
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Well it never rains but it pours. After several weeks of no promising leads at all, I now find myself having to turn down an interview appointment as it clashes with another one (I'm hoping that it can be changed to another day)

Had an interview yesterday for a Doctors receptionist post, nice job but rather a long way to travel for such a poorly paid job. Anyway they want me back for a second interview on Friday.

Then today I heard about the other two - a phone message about another selection day at the library (I was unsuccesful last time around but hopefully have learnt from the experience - at least I have been shortlisted again!) which is next Wednesday, and potentially all day (team activities in the morning afyter which certain candidates are selected to be interviewed in the afternoon - it was the second stage that I didn't get to before), and also had a letter from another doctors practice who want to interview me that morning for 3 posts I applied for there (a receptionist post and two dispenser posts). I've left a message for them asking if it can be resheduled.

The library pays the most, and is the job I want most of all, but I'm concerned about what to do should I get offered this first job after the 2nd interview on Friday. Can I ask to wait a few days before I accept the job offer?
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Strange how the passing of a few days can really change your perspective. I've just reread my previous post from a few days ago - there I was worrying what to do should I get offered the job from Friday, well today, having just received the letter in the post to say I was unsuccessful, I'm seriously pissed off about it now.

For they had given me the impression on Friday that the job was pretty much mine, and it was just a formality to receive a letter from the boss. The 'interview' was even less formal than the one I'd had earlier in the week with them, this was literally a cup of coffee with the assistant manager, and a 'do you have any questions?' chat - she never asked me anything at all that could seemingly be used to discriminate between me and another candidate, so on what basis have I failed? I'm getting quite down about this. It was a lovely friendly place, good hours that suited me well, etc etc plus the fact that I was led to believe that there was nothing I needed to do or say to persuade them that I was the best candidate.

OK I shouldn't really be so upset as I have 2 other interviews this week still, but I WANTED THAT JOB.

This probably doesn't make much cohherant sense, but I'm all alone at home since receiving the letter, and wanted to pour out my frustration to someone!!
 

---

Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
((Gracious Rebel)) Life's just not fair, is it. (on your behalf)
 

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Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on :
 
Gracious Rebel - I'm so sorry. But do ring them up and ask for feedback as to why you didn't get offered the job. It might be quite hard for you to do (I know that in these circumstance I generally just want to crawl under the duvet and not face anything) but should be helpful. If not you might want to point out in a letter that they need to improve their interviewing techniques!
 

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Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
Definitely worth a phone call - good HR practice suggests making notes about where candidates do and don't meet the requirements for the job. Some of these can be very subjective (e.g. job requires good personal manner, knowledge of subject matter - the successful candidate may score higher on these because the interviewers just liked them better, and they agreed with the interviewer's opinions on the subject!), but they should at least have been taking notes.
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Well I did call this afternoon, and asked to be put through to the manager who sent the letter. I was asked for my name, then waited a while while the receptionist supposedly tried that number and maybe even spoke to the manager, then she came back to me and said that she wasn't available and could she take a message. I said no, I'll try again later, but to be honest I can't face doing this. For all I know she told the manager who was calling and the manager said she didn't want to talk to me?! Or am I just paranoid? If only there had been an email address I would certainly have sent her an email (I feel much more comfortable with email for tricky situations).

Anyway that is behind me now. Would have been interesting to get the feedback of course, but never mind. Now I have a busy day ahead tomorrow where I have two interviews. There is the assesment day at the library (for 2 different part time library assistant posts, one is only for 4 hours a week, but may be a way of getting in to libraries), then I need to ask them to be able to leave early, (ie if I get as far as the interview stage after the morning team assesments, to have mine early in the afternoon) as my other interview appointment at another medical practice (for receptionist and dispenser posts) is now at 3.45pm (I wanted this to be another day but they cannot fit interviews in any other day unfortunately). It will be the second library assesment day I've attended (at least you get a free lunch!) so I do know roughly what to expect.

So its a total of 5 different posts I'm going for tomorrow - perhaps something will come out of that? If not I think I'll just give up jobhunting until after Christmas!
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Good luck, Gracious Rebel.

I went for an interview at a local mental health charity this morning. I think I did well to get as far as interview, as I have very little experience in that area - so I hope they liked my face! It certainly looked like an interesting place to work.

And, because I was wandering around like Love's Young Dream last week, I saved up all the application forms I sent off for until Monday morning, when I had 8 to fill in. Three of them I had to throw out straight away, as they required someone with a driving licence, but two of them were for archaeology posts. I've been out of the field for some years, except for some volunteer digging, but I used to be able to do everything they want, and I'm sure it wouldn't take me long to get back up to speed.
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Just had a phonecall to offer me a job! Its one of the library posts I went for, its only 4 hours a week (wed afternoon) at my local library (less than a mile away) .... OK its not many hours, but its a start. So that will be a total of me working (paid) 7 hours a week, as I'm doing 3 hours on Mon afternoon looking after my sisters children after school.

Really pleased to finally get my foot in the door with the libraries anyway. Having met the other candidates I didn't really think I stood too much chance, even for this little job, as one other woman going for this post was a retired social worker, who seemed much better at expressing herself in the group activities.

I had another interview later in the afternoon at another doctors practice for receptionist/dispenser posts, but I didn't get very good vibes from that one. Would much prefer the library anyway, even though the hours are so few.
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Well, the mental health charity liked my face enough to suggest that I volunteer, but don't think I have enough experience to actually pay me anything.

Back to the drawing board.
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
for all on here.


BTW, one way to deal with questions like the one about home-life work for a woman (a bit of a taboo question here in Canada, BTW) is to reframe it back to them in the light you want to be looked at.

If they probe beyond that...well, is that really a place you want to work at?
 

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Posted by Caz... (# 3026) on :
 
I got offered a job yesterday! V pleased as out of the 3 I went for it was the one I wanted most.

It's part time though; so later today I need to resign and give them the option of keeping me part time or not... I don't really want to stay to be honest, but it is good money here with a car, phone, etc. But I also have another interview next week for another PT job - so in theory I could do both the one I've got and this other one (if I get it) but that's quite a bit less £££.... which isn't everything but it is something...hmm.

Feel quite nervous about resigning...
 

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Posted by Dobbo (# 5850) on :
 
I have two interviews this week.

I have been out of work for a number of months after being made redundant.

All prayers greatly appreciated for tomorrow and Wednesday.
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
I haven't posted in ages as I've pretty much given up on the job hunting thing, but just wanted to let people know that I'm continuing to pray for others searching and rejoicing when people are successful.

for Dobbo and his two interviews this week.
 

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Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
I got a Job!!! I got an Job.

I just got the phone call an hour ago so I still dont know what to do with myself. Jumping around flat ringing people.

I start in the new year. I do have to move to Manchester which is a little scary as know nothing about Manchester. But i got a job
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Congratulations Ms. Lilith!

Dobbo, how did your interviews go?
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Congratulations, Ms Lilith!

(from one who moved away from Manchester so long ago, I don't know what it's like there any more)
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
I got a Job!!! I got an Job.

I just got the phone call an hour ago so I still dont know what to do with myself. Jumping around flat ringing people.

I start in the new year. I do have to move to Manchester which is a little scary as know nothing about Manchester. But i got a job

---

Ms Lilith - I am extremely pleased for you.
 

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Posted by Caz... (# 3026) on :
 
Well, I got the 2nd part time job so I resigned last week. They grovelled and offered me more money to stay and I still, very politely, said thanks but no thanks. On Friday my MD took me aside and growled at me for half an hour about how ungrateful I was being about the opportunity he had extended me. I said I would think about everything he had said over the weekend. On Monday I confirmed my intent to leave.

My MD hasn't spoken to me since.

Ah well.... nearly out of here. And it's the weekend. And after next week we're shut for a week over crimbo. Still though, I wish he'd grow up a bit.
 

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Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ms Lilith:
I got a Job!!! I got an Job.

I just got the phone call an hour ago so I still dont know what to do with myself. Jumping around flat ringing people.

I start in the new year. I do have to move to Manchester which is a little scary as know nothing about Manchester. But i got a job

---

He he he.... Another one joins the Manchester Posse!



J
 

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Posted by Ms Lilith (# 1767) on :
 
thanks for the warm wishes!

Hmmm shipmates. When Ive moved there i shall have to hint for a manchester shipmeet. I can can meet manchester people and contemplate making them into friends.

Have quite a few people in the north west and I'm chuffed to bits withthe thought of being within babysitting distance of my lovely goddaughter but no one in Manchester itself.
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I did have it in my mind that I'd surely have a job by Christmas - but the reality is that it's taking a lot longer than I expected, so I'm starting to look at volunteering.
The local Wildlife Trust needs someone to help put their magazine together, which sounds interesting.
I contacted the local organic farm, too. They built a Celtic roundhouse this year, and they do school parties, so I asked them if they'd like someone to do spinning and weaving with the kids, in costume. They sound quite keen (someone wants me!), so that's something to keep me out of mischief for the New Year.
 

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Posted by Off Centre View (# 4254) on :
 
Hello folks, just wanted to say that Istarted an internship on monday working for an MP up in London. It's been really interesting, and there is a good group there (one colleague is a Christian, which makes a lot of things easier).

For the first time in months I've been doing something that interests me and stimulates me mentally - as opposed to the temping work I've been doing, which paid okay money but really bored me.

Hopefully, this internship will be a route to bigger and better things, so I'm feeling very hopeful for the future!

Thanks and to all the others currently searching for a job

All the best,
Off Centre View
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Just bimping, I mean - bumping this one up. Happy job hunting 2006 everyone. How are we getting on? Sent off another application today. I just hope that the glowing description of Yours Truly wasn't too dimmed by the fact that I spent most of last night awake (A little incident with spilt hot chocolate and carpet cleaner fumes - don't ask!.) Spent far too long on it, of course. I'd meant to get through three or four other forms, but by the time I was done with the first it was well through the afternoon and poor Mr Miff was panting for a pint.

So, off it goes. Not sure how I'll do, as it was advertised with a second job which could be combined with the first,and I only feel able to apply for one of them. Never mind - Hope springs eternal!
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Sorry to haul this one up again. If you need an enhanced CRB check made before you can be employed somewhere, how long does it generally take to process? I know it would be required for at least one and probably both jobs I'm thinking of going for.
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
A near perfect job has just come up, right across the road from my house! It's only temporary, and part time, but it's being general assistant in the local book auction house. Since I know most of the booksellers locally, and the auctioneer knows just about everyone I've ever worked for in Hay, I think I'm in with a good chance.

If I'm really, really lucky, I'll be able to take my dog, too. She likes sliding on the parquet flooring....
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Miffy:
Sorry to haul this one up again. If you need an enhanced CRB check made before you can be employed somewhere, how long does it generally take to process? I know it would be required for at least one and probably both jobs I'm thinking of going for.

---

Not sure what an 'enhanced' CRB check is, but I was amazed how quickly mine came through for the (very part time) job I have at the library - it was less than a week before I got the results. Based on Papio's experience, I had expected it to be much longer.

I'm still half heartedly job searching for further work, but when you have one regular job for 4 hours on a wednesday afternoon, that you want to hang on to (and hopefully get some more hours in due course) it is surprising how few other jobs there seem to be that would fit around this!

Mind you last week I worked all day Friday as well, as someone was sick, so every little helps!
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Thanks, GR and to the shipmate who PM'd me. I'm in a similar sort of situation to you. I've a job that I love but ecomomics being what they are, really do need to pick up some more work around it. And yes, I'm finding it tricky finding anything that will allow for that. Of the two I'm thinking about atm, one will involve incredibly early mornings; (hints needed from shift workers as to how they adapt here.) I can imagine then needing caffeine on a drip to be able to carry on to job number one without collapsing. The second, OTOH will cover what I call the tea time slot - late afternoon til 6.30/7 ish. Much better, but will mean that I'm no longer able to act as a sanity preserver for Mr Miff by visiting dependent family members.
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Hi folks, I and Mr. Lamb are joining your ranks. I'm looking for something in writing/editing/publishing or instructional design; my husband is a pastor / counselor, and will have a heck of a time crossing over to something else, since he's got a really strong Vietnamese accent.

My question to you all: Do you know of any cautions we should take before posting our resumes on the Internet? It feels scary to me, but given the specialist nature of our skills, we may not hear about openings in more normal way. Help!

(Should add: as some of you know, we definitely have enemies who would love to do us a foul turn if they could. Don't see how much harm a resume without SSN, etc. could do us, but .... )
 

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Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Bumping this one up for the Lamb Choppeds. Also - bother me; just as I'm about to start on anti social hours Job number one - I find that number two has been readvertized. Never mind. Too late now.
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've just completed my first online application form, and I'm still grinding my teeth about it. Next time I'll say just send me the damn form through the post!

I have a job history that just doesn't fit in neat little boxes.
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Well, my time is almost up at my 10 month temp job. Which leaves me a month between that and the time I'd actually like to stop working pre-baby. There is the option of a 4-week extension for special circumstances, and my department has applied for this as we are in major flux over the next 2 months. It would be mutually beneficial for the department and myself if this was granted, so prayers for this are appreciated.

Continuing to pray for others still struggling to find work.
 

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Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
I'm joining this thread as I now find myself in the position of needing to look for a new job.

My current job is as a lay worker in the methodist church. These jobs vary hugely from church to church, but are basically a bit like a ministers job, but without the dog collar. Mine was a three year appointment initially, but I got so much positive feed back about the work I was doing (pastoral work with a struggling inner city church, and youth and childrens developemental work) that I got the impression that they would want to keep me on at the end of my contract. In fact, whenever I expressed concern about the review of my job, or about whether I would be kept on, my collegues and other church people told me not to be so silly and that they were bound to keep me on. Well, after you hear these things enough you start to believe them, so I was pretty upset when my Superintendent and one of the circuit stewards came to see me a month ago and told me that they had decided not to renew my contract.

Aparantly it has nothing to do with my performance in the job (they took great pains to make that clear) but is to do with there not really being enough work to sustain a full time post. I have issues with this, but issues aside, it means thats from September, I no longer have a job here.

The complication in this matter is that my job comes with a manse, so not only do I lose my job, I lose my home as well.

So, I am now looking for work. I want to continue working as a lay worker because I feel very strongly that I have a calling to ministry, and because I intend to candidate soon, and lay workers jobs are very good experience for ministerial training.

I know that I have alot of time to find a job (most lay workers jobs come with housing), but I am still panicking a bit because its not just a case of beng out of work - if I don't find something i'm homeless. Realistically I know that I interview very well, have alot of good experience and can write a damn good job application form, but that isn't stopping me from stressing about the whole process.

Along with all that, if you work in any area of ministry you have to go where the jobs are, which means I could end up anywhere in the uk and that I have to start building up my life all over again in another new place.

So, thats where i'm at at the moment. Sorry for long rambling post! I'm thinking about doing an application form for a job that needs to be sent in by the end of the week. I don't know that I really want this job, but I feel like I have to apply for things anyway...

Job hunting sucks, and is really sucking away at my morale and self confidence.

LMM

[ 22. February 2006, 14:30: Message edited by: Little Miss Methodist ]
 

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Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
grrrrr *hug*

Im so sorry to hear that LMM.

Uncertainty about Big Life Stuff is crap isnt it. Jobs and houses together really crap. So I think its understandable you feel unsettled and all that. ;(

good luck
 

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Posted by Emerald (# 11060) on :
 
Here's a question: With job change, so many people try for "living out their passion." How do you know what your passion is?

A recent small group at church asked the question "What is the gift you want to give to the world?" and I realized I have no answer. I know that I want to "accomplish things," and I know what my spiritual gifts and strengths are (like "leadership"), but those don't offer a whole lot of insight on how I WANT to carry out God's work in the world. How do you go about answering that fundamental question?

I can't find anything relevant with the search function here. Redirect me if I should start a new thread or go to a different forum. Gracias.

-Emerald, former lurker

[ 22. February 2006, 19:20: Message edited by: Emerald ]
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Emerald, that sounds like a really good topic for discussion in purgatory. Just as a quick answer here though, I'd say sometimes it's not easy to see how your "spiritual gifts" are being used in a job. Sometimes you don't see it until after you've moved to another job. Also, not every job that you are spiritually suited to is going to be a job that you get excited and passionate about. And you can use your "spiritual gifts" in a secular setting. Don't feel you have to go looking for a "Christian ministry" type of job. Though if you do feel called in that direction, there is a support thread here. I wish you well in your search!
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
A small piece of good news - one of the booksellers wants me to go in one day a week to do some cataloguing for her.
Of course, this means that when she pays me, I'll also get money knocked off my income support, so I won't actually be that much better off - but it's a start, and she's very tolerant about having my dog in the shop (my dog has been a bookshop dog for eight years now, and it's nice when she can come with me).
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Well, I was quite pleased about being phoned up this morning with a job offer - and then this afternoon I was offered an interview for a full time job I've just applied for, and it's also in bookselling. So fingers crossed for next Thursday.
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
That's great news Eigon! All the best for next Thursday.

Its been an interesting day for me too. Since I started my 4 hr a week library job over Christmas, there has been nothing else come up at all, that I could complement this with (its surprising the amount of part time jobs that involve working on a Wednesday afternoon - my regular shift at the library that I certainly don't want to lose). But today I see three possibilities on the horizon - I phoned up about 2 jobs in the paper, a receptionist at Relate (6 hrs a week) and a primary school admin assistant (3 hrs every weekday morning during termtime) ... and then I heard that there is to be a vacancy advertised at my own library for someone to work all day Tuesdays, so I must surely stand a chance with that one?! So its all got 'interesting' again.
 

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Posted by A. Smith (# 3299) on :
 
For all looking for work.

I am now back on the "job search" again. My contract came to a close and due to the "Dogbert" HR practices, the job is now vacancy and not a "fill in" role.

Feeling discouraged as no jobs are advertised in papers any more and are advertised in "agencies". I am fed up with being looked up and down as if i was something the cat bought in!. I have good office skills,decent typing speed (still cant type properly on here) with varied roles on my cv, so far I cant get a "basic" temp job.

Sorry to rant on. Fed up with "agencies"

Best wishes to all looking for work!
 

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Posted by lapensiera (# 4057) on :
 
Prayers would be much appreciated for me here too ... I've been hanging around SoF (variously active or lurking) for a few years - sorry I've been more lurk less active past year or two though ... anyway.

I should probably also post on the walking the discernment path thread if I could ever figure out whether I am or am not still attempting to do that! But - August '04 through May '05 I was in an internship program with some discernment aspects ... during that time I got in a relationship with a guy who was pretty good (compared to my previous suitors at least), and decided I liked him and this place (Omaha, Nebraska USA) well enough to stay up here after the internship ended. Besides, I found a dynamite spiritual director! But, intern program ended, I worked a little temporary stuff (took a while just to get that), the guy turned out to be just as immature and not ready for relationship as anyone else I've ever dated, and now I'm stuck 1000 miles away from home (Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA). Had gotten a good temp job for about four months, but that ended Friday before New Year's. I've been going on lots of interviews since - took the city civil service test, did well, and have been interviewing for tons of good full time positions paying $10+ USD/hour (which I kinda need to be making) plus bennies (which I also need), but the positions all get offered to other candidates. Talk about job search being hard on one's morale and self-confidence, right ... ...

I did have a good interview (my last for the foreseeable future with city jobs, as I haven't gotten any more phone calls for city interviews) yesterday for a position with the public library, an interview for something part time Thursday (was told I'd hear something on that yesterday and still haven't heard anything though), and a friend who has an interview for multiple temp-to-hire positions with one of the BIG employers in town is forwarding my resume to try and help me ... but things are just getting really, really hard. I have to start paying on student loans again in April, and my parents are constantly trying to convince me to give up and go back to Louisiana. I'm still trying to figure out how I managed to get dropped here in the first place - the nearest I can figure is, Someone decided I needed to learn to sink or swim on my own - but I can't explain that to my parents either.

Prayers ... please.
 

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Posted by Papio. (# 4201) on :
 

 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Did the paperwork for my new part time job today - I get to keep a whole £5.00, and anything above that is knocked off my benefits pound for pound. However, at least the bureaucracy is minimal and it is quite fun doing cataloguing of academic books rather than the children's books I'm used to doing.
And my dog can come to work with me.

And on Thursday afternoon, I have an interview for a full time job.
 

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Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Flausa:
There is the option of a 4-week extension for special circumstances, and my department has applied for this as we are in major flux over the next 2 months.

---

The extension was granted, although the email amused me as it stated quite firmly, "she has to leave after 8th April." Which works out perfectly!

Continuing in prayer for everyone else searching.
 

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Posted by lapensiera (# 4057) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by lapensiera:
I did have a good interview (my last for the foreseeable future with city jobs, as I haven't gotten any more phone calls for city interviews) yesterday for a position with the public library, an interview for something part time Thursday (was told I'd hear something on that yesterday and still haven't heard anything though), and a friend who has an interview for multiple temp-to-hire positions with one of the BIG employers in town is forwarding my resume to try and help me ...

---

Got a phone call yesterday turning me down for that last full time city position I interviewed for, and got turned down by letter for the part time thing today. The temp-to-hire position, at least, I do have an interview for in about eleven hours (9am US Central time) ... the lady sounds interested, but it's just a preliminary interview. I really, really, really, REALLY hope this one at least gets me hired for something, I'm very much at a low ebb from these two months of constant interview-and-turn-down ... I never thought one person with a college degree could be so useless!
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I didn't get the job I went for an interview for - which I don't really mind as it was first bus there, last bus home and basically moving boxes of books around in between.
However, I am now cataloguing books for one of the local shops part time, and the season will start shortly, so some of the bigger bookshops are starting to look for extra staff.
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
And I had two interviews this week - one of which I couldn't do because I was already working on one of the days they wanted me for, and the other one I'll hear about next week.

I also had a rather strange phone conversation with someone who put an advert in the local paper for a part time craftworker. First I had to ask what sort of craft, and he told me it was making things for doll's houses - and then he said "and I need help to fill in the application form. Can you help me with that?"
And then he invited me for an interview without giving his full address....Somehow I don't have very great hopes for this one.
 

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Posted by PerkyEars (# 9577) on :
 
I'm going to resurrect this thread to have a moan.

Wasn't shortlisted for the last job I applied for, which didn't surprise me, but still.

I HATE job hunting. Hate it, hate it, hate it. My CV is rubbish, because I've done nothing but temp for the last few years, and so I HAVE to get back into the decent job market, but I feel having acheived practically nothing in the last 10 years is going to count against me...

And I'm not very good at keeping going in the face of rejection. I'm already feeling like giving up after one.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Oh dear. Some time, (not very long) ago I expressed, with Kuru, an interest in a rather attractive assistant-to-a-senior ecclesiastical position, and was asked to put in an application. Now the senior ecclesiast has resigned, and I don't know what protocols to follow. Maybe I should just tell them that I/we are the best thing, Rowan Williams excepted, since sliced bread and they need us for the more senior position.



Nah. Rowan Williams included.
 

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Posted by Foaming Draught (# 9134) on :
 
Have you sought advice from the City of White-billowing-thingies, yet? With four computers in the house, it should be a simple matter to click "Send" Or phone said City for a chat. Or, and this would be my way of going about it, have Wankydilla-Chirpychirpsville declared a Province in the Anglican Church of Nigeria with you as its first Metropolitan and Kuru as Dean of the cathedral.

eta smiley

[ 21. April 2006, 03:19: Message edited by: Foaming Draught ]
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 


Ah the subtleties. I have emailed them (with one of the computers ) and will see what happens.
 

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Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
I've got an interview on Thursday next week for a job in Plymouth.

I currently live in Birmingham which is pretty much central England (give or take). Plymouth is south coast Devon - four hours on the train from where I live now.

The job is partly university chaplaincy, which I would love and have done before I moved for this job. Everything else being equal (job comes with a house) it sounds like a brilliant job...

...but Plymouth??

It's a long way from every one I know, a long way from my family and a much smaller place than i'm used to. Plus it's south, and I swore I wouldn't go south unless it was to London.

I'll see what it's like on Thursday I guess. They will let us know on the day if we are offered the job (which is great) so at least I won't have to wait long for the answer.

I've never been to a job interview and not been offered the job, and i'm trying hard not to think about that and about how that winning streak must surely end soon...

LMM
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I'm starting to get part time work locally now.
It seems that I almost never get a job "cold" by an interview, but lots of people who know me want me to work for them when they have the work available.
 

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Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
Still out looking to work in a library and finally got to get in some volunteer work for both our church library and the main city library. So, a job posted for the city library and this is the first time in months I've been asked to interview instead of the usual 'thank you for your application but...' letter. So, I interview this Wednesday! I've met and talked with some of the people who will probably be interviewing me, but the folks I work with have already nicknamed me "The Efficient One". I hope it helps!
 

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Posted by lapensiera (# 4057) on :
 
ok folks ... sorry, I gotta vent here. when I posted back in February, I thought I could see a light at the end of the tunnel. unfortunately, I only thought it was a light! so here it is, nearly the end of April - I was two months into job-hunting when I posted here before, now it's going into month FIVE ... y'know, I have a college degree. now I have the student loan debt (and every other kind of debt) to prove it. which means I have to pay bills. but - how in the h@)) do I pay for it with no job, what is wrong with me that I can't seem to get the jobs that would pay what I need, and why am I feeling more and more worthless because of this? I don't want just "you do have worth because everyone has worth because we're all children of God" or some such - I'm asking for bread here, and it feels like I've been handed a boulder. then I keep asking for the bread I needed to begin with and instead the rocks just keep piling up!

apologies for reviving a somewhat depressing thread in such a thoroughly depressing way, but ... my life is a total wreck right now, and looks like it's going to stay a wreck until a job materializes through which I can actually provide for myself. unfortunately I'm getting really tired of pulling it together to keep going on one interview after another, getting my hopes up and feeling good about my chances for a good position, only to get yet another rejection. not sure how much longer I can take it, yet I have no choice but to keep doing it.
 

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Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Little Miss Methodist:
I've got an interview on Thursday next week for a job in Plymouth...

---

Well, I went for my interview and I didn't get the job.

I'm actually very relieved because it didn't feel right and they were quite clearly looking for someone who was so much more evangelical than me (and lets face it, there are penguins at the South Pole that are more evangelical than me).

Also, they could only have offered me a flat and I need a house for my furniture and my cat.

I was sat on the train hoping they didn't offer it to me because I didn't want to have to make that decision, so it all worked out ok. Was a very long day though!

The only thing i'm dissapointed about is that i've never been to an interview and not got the job, so it spoils my record and I can't say that any more.

Still, on with the search. I've applied for a job alot closer to home, so fingers crossed for that one.

LMM
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
lapenseria - it took me 8 months to get my first job after college - and then it was a job I could have done straight from school at 16. I didn't get a job that had anything to do with my university degree until 4 years later, and then at poverty level wages (which is par for the course in archaeology).
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I have an interview next week at the local Museum - and for a job which is basically reception and a bit of light dusting, they want me to take all manner of stuff to prove who I am, including passport and utility bills!

It's a good museum, though, and puts on good exhibitions, so I'd quite like to get this one, despite the hour long bus journey each way and the headache of what I do with the dog during the day (she's always gone to work with me before now).
 

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Posted by eyeliner (# 4648) on :
 
Greetings, all-I've come to join the masses. Currently looking for part-time job so that I can actually afford to exist...I've had exactly one job interview (and yes, I do mean ever) and don't have much of a CV either.

Don't know if the interview I had yesterday was sucessful, but even if it was I shall still be looking for work on two other days of the week.

Ain't life grand?
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
I have an interview on Tuesday for an additional part time post at the library where i already work. I'm presenty only contracted to do 4 hours on wednesday afternoons (although most weeks I do get some overtime as relief work on other days), but this vacancy is for someone to do 6 hrs on a Tuesday. The previous person left about February, and since then other staff, myself included have been covering this post on a rota basis. They asked me if I was interested in applying, and when I said yes, they said they would only advertise it internally in that case. So it turns out that the only 2 people to be interviewed are myself and one other person who currently works part time at another library in the county.

Now I would think/hope I stand a fairly good chance of getting this job, as I already work there, am familiar with the location, procedures etc etc. But the other person is almost certainly more experienced (since I only started in December) so I guess I still need to impress the interview panel. There are 3 on the panel, one of whom is my own manager, someone whom I know well, and who knows me - not sure if thats an advantage or disadvantage.

Anyway it would be really great to get these extra hours on a regular basis. I absolutely love working in the library - I may be only earning half the hourly rate I got when I was in IT at BT, but here I have far more responsibilty, and I love working with people books and computers!!

[ 13. May 2006, 12:32: Message edited by: Gracious rebel ]
 

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Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 
I am going to start looking again.

See prayer requests for more details about the fact that I simply do not trust my employer.

for everyone else.
 

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Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
Well I got the job
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
well done!
 

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Posted by Tractor Girl (# 8863) on :
 
Congratulations GR
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Well done, Gracious Rebel!
I've just become the new Saturday girl at the Museum, which fits in quite nicely with what I'm doing during the week now - and I've just been introduced to a chap who is starting a new shop, and needs someone to price up his book collection for him. His area of expertise is rocks and fossils, which will be mostly what the shop will be selling.
He's already paid me £80!
And I have more good news on the Praise thread.
 

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Posted by neandergirl (# 8916) on :
 
for the good news
for those still waiting for good news
 

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Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 
Putting my hand up as "looking for work"

I am in a long term temp job, which I am enjoying, however want a permanent job whcih I can develop into.

Applying to get into some form of "Education" adminsitration as I am enjoying where I am now. However trying to convince future employers that 1) I will stay (not had a permanent job in 3 years due to travel and not finding a real job yet) and 2) that the skills I have are transferrable.

Have applied to a university for a role which I would enjoy, could do, would be challenged by etc. however previous experience in a different sector!.


To all those looking
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
An unexpected hitch in the Museum job - what I thought was the last bus home turns out not to run on Saturdays, so I'll have to check on the closing time of the museum before I accept the job.

On the plus front, I've just started some occasional work selling books for a chap who's opening a new fossils and rocks shop across the road from me - and I'm still waiting to hear from the owner of the Antiques Centre, who needs a manager.
 

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Posted by Littlelady (# 9616) on :
 
Another new jobseeker here. Just finishing my degree and I realised, as I picked up an application form for a job, that I'd totally forgotten how to apply for jobs!

I managed to get the application in with an hour to spare. I still think it reads more like an academic essay though.

Eigon - did you get your bus/work problem sorted?

Well done Gracious Rebel!

Good luck Papio. There's got to be someone better out there waiting for you!
 

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Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
Well, been looking for a bout six months or so, following Gwai's successful start with a publisher in a new city where I can't say I know that many people. Had a smattering of interviews with employers and recruiting firms, a few near misses and more extended misses. Now it looks like I might have something...granted its being a door to door fundraiser, but it's a start. I get to do an "observation" tomorrow and then start he following day.

Thanks be to God for the opportunity, and for the blessing of a working spouse.

for those still searching, possibly including myself depending on how this goes...
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Thanks for asking, littlelady - but no. No bus, no job. I complained bitterly at the Job Centre, but they didn't seem too bothered.

However, earlier this evening I got a phone call offering me an interview next Tuesday at the local Antiques Centre, full time, as manageress - and it's only 2 minutes walk away from home!
Which would be rather better.
 

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Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 
My long term (!) temp job finishes friday as they have now done the review. So a job which was going to finish in July has now finishing on Friday.
 

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Posted by Corpus cani (# 1663) on :
 
Applying for jobs is hard isn't it? I'd forgotten how hard. I was head-hunted for my present post so I haven't actually applied for a job for um... about fifteen years.

Every time I write a letter that "really sells" me, it sounds so horribly gushy and crap that I have to start again.

Can anyone think of a nice way of saying "I've been made redundant and I'm so desperate to find a job that I'll apply to any sh*t school..."?

Corpus
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Clergy-type moves are in many ways no different to any other job search ... I am in conversation with a faith community far, far away ... (Another place: another time). I always end up talking to faith communities that no-one else will have a bar of. Am I a fool or what? I don't want to let my present heavenly faith community down but there seem to be faint hints of God in this new possibility (and there is another possibility but that might just be my over inflated ego and ...) where is God in all of this?

Not that I expect an answer to a rhetorical question. This crops up every few years, and I'm not a believer in a signs in the sky sort of a god.

But it sure is kinda scary.
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Not a damn interview in six months, despite all my groveling. The black ball appears to be still in place. Either that or it's this albatross round my neck, aka PhD (which being interpreted means, "Trash the resume since she's going to want too much money.")

Should have stayed ignorant and salable. Now I can be wise and starve.

Does anyone know--is it "done" to write a cover letter that basically says, "forget the damned PhD, I'll sweep floors for immigrant pay, just hire me, please?"
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
I hate job applications, I'm so crap at selling myself, and I'm scared I'm not going to be able to do the job I'm applying for, and I don't meet all the desirables, so I am wondering whether it will be worth it or not.

It's such a draining waste of time...
 

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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
Not a damn interview in six months, despite all my groveling. The black ball appears to be still in place. Either that or it's this albatross round my neck, aka PhD (which being interpreted means, "Trash the resume since she's going to want too much money.")

Should have stayed ignorant and salable. Now I can be wise and starve.

Does anyone know--is it "done" to write a cover letter that basically says, "forget the damned PhD, I'll sweep floors for immigrant pay, just hire me, please?"

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Agent Smith:

Applying to get into some form of "Education" adminsitration as I am enjoying where I am now. However trying to convince future employers that 1) I will stay (not had a permanent job in 3 years due to travel and not finding a real job yet) and 2) that the skills I have are transferrable.

Have applied to a university for a role which I would enjoy, could do, would be challenged by etc. however previous experience in a different sector!.

---

I have an interview for this role next tuesday.

Now the worrying thing is that 1) I am in a temporary role whcih would mean i need the day off (not keen on doing this so quickly into a new contract!)

2) What are universities looking for in the way of information etc. (as I said I have not worked in "education" for long but would enjoy the post, be challenged etc!. Any views?

Pleased I have an interview NOT from an agency and for a real job paying real money (salary is quite good!)

all those still looking and losing confidence in themselves.
 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
Papio, sorry things didnt work out, but it was what you expected,do PM me with regards to this and other matters.
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Didn't get the job. Thought that the interview went really well but should have realised that it wouldn't work out - am never quite good enough to get the job. Quite cross with myself for getting my hopes up, makes the fall that much harder.
 

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Posted by The Kat in the Hat (# 2557) on :
 
Had an interview for the permanant teaching post that I have been temporarily doing for a year. Didn't get the job - am feeling gutted.

I think I didn't use the right buzz words, and probably didn't sell myself enough. I'm just not very good at stating my strenghts.
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Kat in the Hat:
am feeling gutted.

---

I know what you're going through and am thinking of you. What we both really need right now is a bottle of wine to go with the box of tissues
 

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Posted by The Kat in the Hat (# 2557) on :
 
I've cracked open the lager - I'm now feeling angry.
I've just spoken to my job-share partner, who confirmed what I thought. The job has gone to another NQT, who has done 2 TPs at the school, as well as temporary cover in Y3. She has very little experience in Y2, and had said to me that she wasn't keen on teaching the KS1 year group. Now I really want to know what I did or said that made her more desirable than me.
 

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Posted by Corpus cani (# 1663) on :
 
Applied for a job I really wanted - I mean really really - not just applied 'cos I need to find a job and anything'll do, but the sort for which I'd have applied even if I wasn't looking for a job. Spend hours honing my CV and letter to perfection and many pounds sending it by courier.

Didn't even get an interview. Didn't even get a letter saying I wasn't getting an interview. Just a weasly e-mail.

Naturally, I'm feeling depressed and disappointed and insecure and inadequate, but most of all I feel an entirely unjustifiable anger. How DARE they not want me for the job I wanted?!?!

Cc
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Cheer up, Corpus. It may not have been anything personal. It is depressing, but - better luck next time. You could contact them to ask why you weren't selected for interview, if sufficiently motivated, although you might get the "we had so many excellent candidates to choose from, it was extremely difficult" kind of response.

I too have wasted my time in the past in this way. And sometimes discovered afterwards that they had a suitable candidate in mind all along, and that it wasn't me, but that as they were legally required to advertise the job they had to go through the formalities. You rarely do know what's going on behind the scenes, or what the competition is like if it genuinely is an open market.

Meanwhile TICTH companies that send you maps of how to get to their offices that aren't to scale (very clever, you didn't actually say it was on a soulless industrial estate on the other side of town, it looks as if you're only a relatively short walk from the station), and present the truth about the job and the working conditions in such a way that, while not technically untrue, it's misleading. I can see why they do it - if they told it like it was most people wouldn't apply, but it does just waste both parties' time.

[ 17. June 2006, 10:37: Message edited by: Ariel ]
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Six months, not a single interview.

I don't know what's going on. Is it the d*&^& PhD? Is it the churchwork in my history? Am I still being blackballed by my employer of six years ago?


 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
LC, you might need to rethink your strategy, do you need to use your employer of six years ago, can you use a more recent referee instead? A good website to check out is the httP://www.JobHuntersBible.com

[ 19. June 2006, 11:08: Message edited by: les@BALM ]
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Are you applying for jobs that need a PhD? You may be coming across as over-qualified.

My own strategy would be not to mention it, and see if you get any further, but that's my own personal view.

Is the churchwork relevant to the jobs you're applying for? If not, you may have to look at what you've got out of it that could be used in the setting of whatever job you're applying for.
 

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Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 
LC - I find I have to just tell most jobs that I got a degree in order not to be "over-qualified" and even then I am sometimes seen as "over-qualified" - what are you applying for?

I have had employers ask me directly what i got in my degree, and I gave some of them a lower grade than what I actually got.
 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
Papio, I think you are doing a diservice to yourself by not giving you correct degree grade, it should be something that opens doors not closes them. Most employers would probably expect you to have a post grad, perhaps this is what you need to address
 

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Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 
I think so.

I am not sure what percentage of people with my degree grade go on to do post-graduate study or end up in academia. I think ken once said that it was a "significant proportion" but that could mean anything.

Employers who are less well educated do not like to employ people who may have a better standard of education then themselves.
 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
Papio, the answer is to choose your future employers with care, who will value you and your degree.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Having got a new job recently, I will pass on my experience - for any help it may be.

My main problems were: a) I'm a bit old and b)the job I was in was markedly more senior/well paid than the ones I was applying for and c) I was really desperate to leave where I was

I compiled a CV that categorised my Skills & Experiences - so I had Information Skills: Management and Administration: IT and Technical. I had an optional 4th which was stuff outwith formal work - writing, craftwork, theatre.

I had three or four lines to begin with, saying what I was really killer at (innovation, creative problem solving, originating & organising) - and to prove it - and then I would arrange my 3 groups with whichever I thought was the most relevant to that particular job at the top.

I would say that interesting as my present post was, I was getting a bit stale etc and was really looking for job satisfaction - which this particular post would so provide.

Of 4 applications, I got one inexplicable refusal, and 3 offers of interview. First one I didn't get (but didn't want, so that was ok), 2nd I did, and 3rd was after I had accepted No 2, so I don't know how that one would have gone.

I think the difference this time from other periods in my life (frequently running to months, years even) when I have been job hunting, is that I was a lot clearer on my selling points. I had enough perspective to see that in 30 odd years, I actually had done some good stuff. 30 years is also long enough to 'lose' some duff patches (quite a few directionless years in my 20s/30s).
 

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Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 
I am not sure how I say this, without sounding like an insufferable snob, but I have two problems with work that i don't know how to solve.

The first is that the jobs "at the bottom" tend to bore me to tears, at best, and I don't perform well simply because I am so crashingly bored out of my skull and because I am not giving a chance to use any of my real skills because they are considered above my pay grade. It's like the fact that I found my degree very considerably easier then my GCSEs - for the same sorts of reasons.

The second is that I tend to be working alongside people with very little education who are clearly lower working class and, I have been told, my middle-classness is rather apparent to most people.

Therefore, my face tends not to fit, I tend to have little in common with my co-workers and I tend to be so bored and grumpy that the management won't promote me even if I was doing a good job (which usually I am not) because I might "infect" the rest of the team.

I am not really sure what I can do about these things.
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
When I say "churchwork" I mean professional, paid church work--the kind of thing you can't leave off a resume without having embarrassingly huge wholes (like, years long). But I have a vague suspicion that "missionary" puts a few people off.

As for the PhD--it's true I'm applying for jobs that don't specify it, because the only ones that DO specify it are in higher ed--and I'm most unlikely to get those because I haven't paid my dues by teaching first as adjunct staff for several years (the normal career path). I could start now, of course, but it's much less than a living wage, because it's designed for people still living on grant money. No benefits. And this is a VERY competitive town, and I can't relocate.

The blackball is from a job I held for three years (thus can't omit) and the only job that doesn't involve a certain amount of self-employment.

I could leave the PhD off my resume, but here that's called "falsifying" and can get you the boot if you're discovered later. Which would not be a hard thing, if anyone bothered to google my real name. Advice?
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Papio--have you considered looking at this issue itself as a major challenge, to be solved creatively? You have a real challenge there, and not an easy one to solve. You have the brain to do it. And I suspect the challenge would keep you mentally busy enough that you'd have no time to feel bored--at least, until the promoted you for being an all-round nice guy.
 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
LC, you could rephrase missionary with the title of the role you had, i.e. Educator. Regarding the reference problem, isnt there someone else at the previous employment who would give you a reasonable reference, you have the choice who gives you the references from previous employment, can be tricky, but there are always ways round seemingly impossible problems.
Papio, you need to find a place of employment where you are happy to work. Do some evaluating now of who you are and what you want, and want to be, before launching yourself back into the job market.
 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
Papio, give the following a go. http://www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/index2.asp
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Papio, why are you looking for jobs at the bottom anyway? They don't seem to be all that easy to get.

I bottom-jobbed for a long time (in my case, secretarial work). I didn't look for work in the profession I had a qualification in because I thought Oh, I've forgotten all that stuff. Then I got one via a temping agency, discovered I could do it on the basis of native wit and general experience, and the rest is history. Later, in the same line of work, I went for an interview, was asked 'Why didn't you work in # for 10 years?' replied cheerfully 'Just lucky, I guess' and got away with it...

So, go for non-bottom jobs: what's to lose?
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
When I say "churchwork" I mean professional, paid church work

---

quote:

---

I could leave the PhD off my resume, but here that's called "falsifying" and can get you the boot if you're discovered later.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
I could lump that under "publications" or "education" but the name of the organization I worked for is a dead giveaway that I was in Christian mission service.

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
I think my CV was more effective when I extracted the actual skills and then only mentioned the context they were developed in second. (The actual employers I worked for were all listed in my job history at the end, but not necessarily in the headline information).

---

Can I ask how you structured this? I've been advised (as I( have a 8 year employment gap) to do this sort of CV but am not sure how to actually structure it.

Thanks.
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
I'd love to know too.
 

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Posted by neandergirl (# 8916) on :
 
moi aussi
 

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Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
This might be of interest to you.

Skills Based CV

PM me for more info.

J
 

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Posted by obble (# 10868) on :
 
My turn to dive into this thread...

My current job in the Chaplaincy finishes at the end of August, so from the beginning of September I am currently jobless. As my accommodation is provided with the job, I'm loosing that too, though I could move back in with my parents if I have to (but would rather not).

So far have managed to get one interview for more work in the same field, but didn't get the job
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
To all those who asked about skill-based CV:

Opening Statement - about 4 lines - in which I summed myself up. eg 'I am a skilled information manager with a wide experience in print and electronic media. Adept at creative problem solving, I have particular strengths in setting up new projects...'

I would say, DO NOT BE MODEST at this point. You have skills and achievments: sell them.

Then consider what the main types of work you have done, and what the essential skills were that enabled you to do it.

What do you know most about?

What, in generalised terms, are the big things you have done?

I think you will be surprised at just what you can justly lay claim to. Don't think 'church work' so much as the activities and roles - teaching? writing? managing? organizing? administering?

Words like 'flexible', 'versatile', 'innovative', 'creative', 'energetic', 'committed', 'dedicated' - if you can honestly apply them to yourself, so so unsparingly.

By the time I had finished my CV even I felt I would employ me - I just sounded so good.
 

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Posted by neandergirl (# 8916) on :
 
Many thanks to both Obble and Firenze!
 

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Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
Thank you Firenze and Jenny Ann.I found what you had to say very useful as this is a completely new way of looking at a CV for me and didn't really know where to start.
 

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Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
DO NOT BE MODEST

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
DO NOT BE MODEST

---

Ok.

"blah blah I'm great everyone loves me I am highly intelligent and breezed my degree and I am not a bad guitarist either blah blah manager X thinks I was fantastic at Y and Dr Z thinks I could be a Dr myself if I wanted and blah blah waffle waffle employ me 'cos I rule blah blah"

Will that do?

---

I think you might want to lose the note of defensive insecurity.

You have a degree - is that something everyone has? Chances are you've even read a book - several probably. Lots haven't. In short, you are literate, educated and intelligent.

You've had jobs, done tasks, taken responsibilities - learnt things, formed judgments, made decisions.

To summarise those things concisely and positively is not immodest, merely truthful.
 

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Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 
I dunno, I find that employers don't want someone who is literate, educated and intelligent.

They want a mindless droid who will do things without thinking, asking questions or raising objections, who finds it easy to concentrate on tasks of mind-numbing, soul-destroying vacouity and who is good at all the important but rather uninteresting basic, daily things that the less academically able do tend to be good at. In all honestly, I am not good at those things. I tend not to notice if the carpet needs hovering (well, until it really *does* need hovering. Then I notice) or that a label is on a bit squint. Then again, I will notice if what Smith says on Page 146 of his treatise on Hick's Theodicy is not easy to square with what Hick said on page 32 of "Evil and The God of Love", or if Jones is using a re-hash of a discredited argument in page 328 of her "Towards a Feminist Anarcho-Communitarianism". I don't think I am better, or worse, than someone who will notice a bit of dust but wouldn't make it past the first page of Jone's work (or would not even consider picking it up in the first place) but the fact remains that the other person is the sort of person employer's want. They do not want people like me.

Unless my friends are right when they say I will only be truly happy in academia and the best thing I can do is get on an MA, MPhil or possibly Ph. D asap and try and keep myself alive as best I can until then. Perhaps they are. I am not quite sure why I am fighting this idea, but maybe I do need to stop fighting it and got on with my proposal. Close friends and family assure me, and would probably assure you if you asked them, that I tend to be too laid back, not terrifically interested, and to "walk around with my head in the clouds" - until I am asked about books, ideas, theories (or, tbh, popular music) when I suddenly become alert and interested. I am the sort of person who can write a First class essay without too much of a strain (provided there is a spell-checker handy), but walks past the end of my street or takes half an hour to find his keys. People regularly say they saw me in the street, but that I appeared so deep in my own thoughts/own little world that I walked straight past them without noticing. They are probably right - at any rate I never recall seeing them or hearing them shout my name at me. I have looked up from a book I was reading on the train, and found that I was several stations (or more) past the one I had intended to alight at. I got called a nutty professor before I even had an undergraduate degree. (Why am I telling you lot all about this?)

My last job seriously expected me to believe that you can't know someone or get on with them unless you know their brother's birthday off the top of your head and you know exactly what school they went to. I am sorry, but that is bullshit.

I am aware that I sound like a snob and a loser. Perhaps I actually AM a snob and a loser - although I very much hope otherwise.



My secret fear is that I am not very bright, and wouldn't be capable of a Ph. D. What I would do then, I truly do not know. It would probably involve becoming the drunk at the end of the bar whom everyone wishes would just piss off and leave them alone.
 

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Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 
On the other hand, the charity shop manager where I volunteered for a year, quickly noticed the fact that I love (almost worship, frankly ) books and put me in charge of them. I trippled sales of books (and profits on books) within the first six months.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Papio, it sounds to me as though you've been going for the wrong sort of jobs so far. You need something where intellectual nuttiness is postively encouraged You mentioned that you did really well selling books: have you thought about working for a specialist bookseller or as an editor for a small publishing house? I'm not talking about Waterstones or Penguin but somewhere that really values specialist knowledge. The pay wouldn't be great but you might enjoy the work and perhaps even meet like-minded colleagues?
 

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Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 
If Oxfam would pay my bills, without a penny left over, I would go and do the books there again tomorrow and never come out ever again. Unless I ever get 'round to that Ph. D proposal......

[ 26. June 2006, 13:52: Message edited by: Papio ]
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
If that's the case, why don't you start a serious search for a job as a specialist bookseller or a trainee editor? Your charity shop experience will look really good on the CV - make sure that you actually put down "tripled book sales in six months". Potential employers like to see quantifiable evidence that you can do the job as it helps them to visualise what you can do for their business.

Have a look at The Bookseller's job page to see what's about. You might have to work part-time to start with but it might just get your foot in the door. You could even combine PhD research and part-time bookselling at some point in the future......

[ 26. June 2006, 14:03: Message edited by: Curiosus ]
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Papio:
I dunno, I find that employers don't want someone who is literate, educated and intelligent.

---

quote:

---

They want a mindless droid ...[snip]

---

quote:

---

Unless my friends are right when they say I will only be truly happy in academia

---

quote:

---

People regularly say they saw me in the street, but that I appeared so deep in my own thoughts/own little world that I walked straight past them without noticing.

---

I've got one at home like that. So you too could go from absent-minded geographer with musical leanings to leading scientist.
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Okay, maybe they don't want mindless droids, but I'm finding that in my field (writers and editors) they seem to prefer people without advanced degrees. All the notices say "BA", "some college" or even (god forbid) "high school diploma."

I can't UN-get my PhD. I'm afraid I'm starting to leave it off my resume (bad Lambie). But I can't leave the master's off as well, since it's clear from my job history that I taught at university, and they all know what that means.

I wish there was some proper way of saying to people, "Look, I know I've got the damned degree, but will you just forget about it please and offer me whatever money you choose? Stop trashing my resume before you ever contact me because you're so sure that I would want too much." Meanwhile the desperate PhD goes off to work at McDonald's....
 

---

Posted by Papio (# 4201) on :
 
What does "some college" mean?

I assume it doesn't mean "went to uni but lost interest and/or was too thick to get the BA" so what it means I cannot tell.
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Actually, that's exactly what it means. Took some college classes but for whatever reason, came away without a degree.

Of course, there might be better reasons for that.
 

---

Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on :
 
One job hunting tip is to network, network, network...!

Seriously, I lived in the Far East for years and it's second nature to me now but I'm surprised that back here in the UK almost no-one seems to do it.

If you know what kind of work you want to go get in touch with people already doing it at interesting organisations/companies/institutions. Doesn't matter whether there's a job going there or not. Say you'd really appreciate some of their time telling you what the job/company is like.

They may then remember you if they hear of an interesting opportunity and pass the details on to you. Or recommend you if someone asks them if they need any good people. Or they may think of other useful people you can talk to. And so the chain leads on.

It's not about getting a job through the back door (though than can happen and very unfair it is too to other candidates) but may just mean that your application form is looked at just that little bit longer / you get to know about jobs you may not otherwise have spotted the ads for...etc etc
 

---

Posted by FreeJack (# 10612) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
Actually, that's exactly what it means. Took some college classes but for whatever reason, came away without a degree.

Of course, there might be better reasons for that.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Curiosus:
If that's the case, why don't you start a serious search for a job as a specialist bookseller or a trainee editor? Your charity shop experience will look really good on the CV - make sure that you actually put down "tripled book sales in six months". Potential employers like to see quantifiable evidence that you can do the job as it helps them to visualise what you can do for their business.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
So, go for non-bottom jobs: what's to lose?

---

quote:

---

One job hunting tip is to network, network, network...!

Seriously, I lived in the Far East for years and it's second nature to me now but I'm surprised that back here in the UK almost no-one seems to do it.

If you know what kind of work you want to go get in touch with people already doing it at interesting organisations/companies/institutions. Doesn't matter whether there's a job going there or not. Say you'd really appreciate some of their time telling you what the job/company is like.

They may then remember you if they hear of an interesting opportunity and pass the details on to you. Or recommend you if someone asks them if they need any good people. Or they may think of other useful people you can talk to. And so the chain leads on.

It's not about getting a job through the back door (though than can happen and very unfair it is too to other candidates) but may just mean that your application form is looked at just that little bit longer / you get to know about jobs you may not otherwise have spotted the ads for...etc etc

---

[edited for clarification]

[ 27. June 2006, 20:54: Message edited by: mirrizin ]
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
(apologies for double post)


*steps up to the podium*

*clears throat*

(apologies for TMI)

[RAMBLING SORTA-RANT]
Well, I tried the DNC gig (mentioned a couple pages ago) and while I am certainly capable of going door to door and raising $$$ for dem Dems, I didn't relish doing so from 1-9PM with a bunch of college kids...no disrespsect, of course I'd have jumped at the chance for something like this a few years ago, but I'm a grownup now, not to mention that I like having time with the wife in the evening. So, that was an out, though it's nice to know that if it came down to it, one is capable of doing something.

Since then, a couple interviews with law firms that, while they were very nice, didn't give me the job. I'm getting to hate that "do you have any questions?" question they ask when they've just explained the position exhaustively. One realizes cognitively that it's a subtle "feeler" question you're supposed to answer in some deeply meaningful way, but all one wishes to say after the explanatory monologue is "well, you explained that excellently, I really can't think of anything you haven't covered. I'm really excited about the position now." Then when you don't get the position all you get is this vague email congratulating your accomplishments and saying that they're sure you'd be perfect for a similar position elsewhere.

Eh, I shouldn't be so mean. They're always impeccably courteous. Which, while frustrating, does demonstrate good professionalism and legal sense.

Still, I just had another such interview for another downtown position that felt pretty good, as good as one feels after spending half an hour with someone giving you the inexpressively passive mirror-stare while you attempt to sell your feeble accomplishments. I know I'm the sort of guy they're looking for, just wonder how many of that sort of guy there are in the world and how I measure up next to them.

And then my old boss from Cleveland calls and says he wants to move to Chicago and can I start working for him again. I like him, I really do, but I don't want to become a sign and awning salesman, long term, and I don't want to feel pressured into commitment that, on a gut level, I don't want to make. So I called some real estate agents for him and photoed some local signs and awnings in attempt at "market research." He'll probably come up Saturday and I'll show him what little I know of the town. I wanna help him, but I don't want to feel stuck or obliged, and I really don't know enough about small business to be what he wants me to be.

And finally I get to speak with another nice guy from a staffing firm who thinks I'm great for one of their temp-to-perm jobs. The way he describes it you temp for a while and, long as you don't foul anything up, you get hired (most of the time). Fantastic. I've tried a couple who have either offered me jobs below my abilities, again, I could but I don't want to get "stuck." Maybe if this goes on another month I'll bite the bullet and take one, but then again, hope springs eternal, yatta yatta.

Blaergh. It's been 8 months already. Since wifey works, I don't desperatley need work, but dammit, I'm tired of feeling like a bum!
[/RAMBLING SORTA-RANT]

Thank you for your time. I just wanted to get that out of my system.


 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Had an interview today for a job that I really wanted. And what happens? I screw up.

I know you can only say what you think is right at the time. I'd prepared for this interview, I knew my facts before I went in, I know them now, but they deserted me at the actual moment when I needed them and I looked like a fumbling incompetent and now I've missed my chance to prove that actually I did know the answer to a key question which was kind of central to the job.

bugger.

Oh well, on to the next, chalk it up to experience, there will be others, you get the job you're meant to have and other platitudes of a similar nature. Tomorrow is another day and I still have a job, anyway.

Aargh, the whole job hunting/interview thing is hopeless really. You write a glowing self-recommendation about how you'd be perfect for a job that someone else is usually disenchanted enough with to leave, you are interviewed for half an hour or so by people who know nothing about you, and who aren't the people you'll be working directly with, then they ask a few people they've never met and know nothing about to write in support of your wonderful application. Roll on retirement.
 

---

Posted by Littlelady (# 9616) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:
Gwai has an english degree and has found an excellent job in editing. I'm not sure if that's something you're into, or if it's a possiblity in your town, but I think they really go for English majors.

---

Yes, I like the thought of editing. My dissertation supervisor recommended I try to find something which involved copious amounts of writing because he thought I was very skilled at it, and I've had a few comments about my spontaneous editing skills. Unfortunately, my city doesn't have much in the way of such jobs available. I also think they may prefer a journalism degree to an English one, but I don't know for sure. Still, it's something to keep in mind. Thank you for the feedback.

Ariel - are you sure you performed as badly as you think you did? Or is it post-interview anxiety speaking? It's really hard to judge after the event exactly how we came across. Since you seemed to really want the job I hope it's good news, in spite of how you feel.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
My job search has been fruitless for such a long time that I'm beginning to wonder if I'm looking at the wrong things Yes, I've had interviews for competitive jobs and done extremely well but I've not actually been successful. I've had my CV checked by professionals and I don't think there's anything wrong with my interview performance (I recently went through a v. rigorous interview for a weekend job in a posh bookshop and got the job). So perhaps God is trying to tell me that my talents lie elsewhere? The trouble is that I haven't got the foggiest clue where/what that might be
 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
Curiosus, sounds to me you're doing nothing wrong, but I think you've answered your own question. Perhaps God is wanting you to use your skills in a new and exciting direction. You might want to at your skills and ask which are transferable and then start to ask in which direction this might be. A brainstorming session of just writng out all your skills then all possible occupations/roles could be a useful exercise. PM me if you would like to discuss this further, I've been through a couple of career changes to do what I'm doing now.
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Another "no interview for you" letter arrived on my doorstep this morning. Grrrrrrrr. I hate job hunting...
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
So do I. I got a very nicely worded rejection letter - one of the nicest I've had - but even so it still says I didn't get the job. Back to square one again.
 

---

Posted by obble (# 10868) on :
 
I've got an interview!

Which is extra surprising considering that I rushed the application form as I needed to send it back the same day it arrived, so probably still has lots of spelling mistakes etc. in it...

for everyone who isn't getting interviews and everyone who, like me, seems to be able to get the interview but not the job.
 

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Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
Just got back from another interview with another law firm, only to check in with the last one and once again get that nice bland "I think they chose someone else for that position...we'll keep your resume on file and call you if anything comes up" spiel. But, eh, far as I can tell the new interview went pretty well and I'm going to have the real meeting with the attorney on Monday morning.

Thing is, I know I'm fully qualified for this position based on their specs. The trick is how do I separate myself from the restless hoards of college grads who are all clambering for exactly the same spot?

Such is life. I'll second obble's
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I had an interview this evening for a charity shop manager job, which seemed to go well - they fitted me in at the last minute after I called them and I took my application form in with me.
It would be something I'd enjoy - I've been in more charity shops over the years than most people have had hot dinners - but I do worry a bit about leaving my dog on her own at home all day. For the past eight years she's always come to work with me.
 

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Posted by Quinine (# 1668) on :
 
Hello all.

I am a solicitor rather tired of soliciting, and looking into alternative jobs, whether connected or not to law, I'm not sure. I'm thinking (perhaps) of legal publishing, or research, or web design, or perhaps something creative in an entirely different field. Or standing in a field counting ducks. My job-hunting is only at an early stage, but I thought I'd drop in on you all.

Good luck to everyone engaged in this gruelling process. And if I can assist with advice on finding a job as a lawyer (yes, that job I don't want any more...) then please shout.
 

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Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 
Me again!

Have had a few interviews recently, and received the thanks, but no thanks letter.

I dont think there is anything wrong with my Cv either (apart from the contract work - 6 months here and there), mainly because I made the mistake of thinking that travelling would look good on my CV.

So how do I get it into employers thick heads that I can do the job, work hard and stick around. I have only done contract work because there was nothing else available.

I have now dumbed down my skills, so that I am not percieved as "wont stick around!"

Any advice?
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Quinine!!! Welcome back, good to see you!

I think counting ducks in a field sounds like a good idea. It might be more emotionally rewarding than squinting blearily at the incomplete fields of a database with tiny black text on a cold grey background and motivating myself to enter more data into it, or clicking Yes No Yes No alternately for a while.

You've motivated me to look through the small ads in the local paper to see if there are any vacancies for duck counters. I'll get back to you.
 

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Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
If we have a job but want another one, can we post here?

David
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
I think that's what many of us are doing.
 

---

Posted by Fool of a Took (# 7412) on :
 
A job ad landed in my inbox today that got me thinking that, for the right job, it's getting close to go-back-to-work time.

So I spent an hour staring at an email, wondering how to ask an old friend for more information about the job when, if she thought I was remotely qualified, she could have mentioned this plum of a position to me when we were together recently.

How do you sell yourself in a resume, cover letter, or interview, to people who already know about all the weaknesses you'd normally try to de-emphasize.
 

---

Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ariel:
I think that's what many of us are doing.

---

Note to self, read thread before posting. But I just re-noticed it now...

We desperately want to move back down to Florida as soon as we can. Some nibbles but nothing definite thus far. Please pray. We have been trying to relocate away from DC for a couple of years at this point but before it was to San Francisco. Florida is home for me, though (native of it, and six years away is enough). But finding a job from 1000 miles away is not as easy...

David
 

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Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I didn't get the charity shop, but today I was just across the road in the attic of the local newspaper offices, being interviewed for the post of receptionist, which sounds like fun (but which also sounds like the sort of job they'd want to offer to someone just starting out, rather than middle-aged me).
 

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Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 
Quick Question - I am currently going for roles the "next step up" from office dogsbody. One question which is coming up often is "how do you deal with demands of three managers" - I have said that I am flexible etc, but need a really good answer for this question.

I know I have balanced three - four managers before but my answers obviously havent got me the job.

Any suggestions? - I am getting interviews, so obviously I have enough to do the job, but want to be the best person on the day!
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Maybe tell them that you thrive on chaos, and are never happier than when you're working flat out?

Okay, that's a bit much, but something in that spirit....
 

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Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
The biggest nibble is with a Tampa Bay area magazine whose folks-in-charge are in New York right now through early next week sorting things out. I want this job so much! I may very well know one way or the other by early- to mid-next week. Please please please pray.

HUGS

David
 

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Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Agent Smith:
..... One question which is coming up often is "how do you deal with demands of three managers" - I have said that I am flexible etc, but need a really good answer for this question.

I know I have balanced three - four managers before but my answers obviously havent got me the job.

Any suggestions? ...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quinine:


Good luck to everyone engaged in this gruelling process. And if I can assist with advice on finding a job as a lawyer (yes, that job I don't want any more...) then please shout.

---

Might take you up on that Quinine.
I've just graduated and am doing training contract applications at the moment. I'm getting a bit fustrated with all the 'why do you want to do law', 'why do you want to work for us' type questions, any advice on what kind of things stand out from the crowd on those type of questions? My answers at the moment seem to be rather boring when I reread them.

The next one I'm doing skips all those though and just has a problem question. Yay
 

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Posted by Quinine (# 1668) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Manda:
I've just graduated and am doing training contract applications at the moment. I'm getting a bit fustrated with all the 'why do you want to do law', 'why do you want to work for us' type questions, any advice on what kind of things stand out from the crowd on those type of questions? My answers at the moment seem to be rather boring when I reread them.

The next one I'm doing skips all those though and just has a problem question. Yay [/QB]

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ariel:
Quinine!!! Welcome back, good to see you!

I think counting ducks in a field sounds like a good idea. It might be more emotionally rewarding than squinting blearily at the incomplete fields of a database with tiny black text on a cold grey background and motivating myself to enter more data into it, or clicking Yes No Yes No alternately for a while.

You've motivated me to look through the small ads in the local paper to see if there are any vacancies for duck counters. I'll get back to you.

---

Wow, thank you for the welcome back, Ariel...

My current plan is to look into duck-counting on a voluntary basis as my partner knows a former colleague who actually did this locally. I will keep you posted.
 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
My advice is if you're not happy then change, I did so, and have no regrets I went from Retail Management into Teaching, and now Manager of an Ecumenical learning organisation, money isnt everything, nor is the career ladder.
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
I've just sent off yet another application. Honestly, this job hunting lark takes up so much time! I'm not even convinced that I really want the job as it's pretty much the same as my current job, but at least it would get me out from where I am now.

I'm still mulling over the idea of having a complete career change. The trouble is that I really don't know a) what I want to do and b) what I'd be good at. I've done all of the 'What Colour is Your Parachute' type quizzes, both online and in books, and am still none the wiser. I just can't imagine myself doing anything that's suggested I can't afford to take a major pay cut and retraining would take too long - I want to be out of my current job NOW. It's all too stressful.
 

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Posted by obble (# 10868) on :
 
I didn't get the job I was interviewed for last week, so back to square one...

And I'll light another for everyone.
 

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Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
More applications, a few callbacks, more turndowns. Got an interview for a part time office stint with an architectual firm downtown on Thursday. Not my first choice, but dammit, it'd be something.

That, and I've concluded that temp firms are the agents of Satan.


 

---

Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:

That, and I've concluded that temp firms are the agents of Satan.

---

Totally agree on that one! (Unable to get a temp job at the moment and agencies suck!. Unless you have exactly what they are looking for then you will not get any further than the round file!

Perhaps this should be on the consign to hell thread.

to all those looking and without a job.
 

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Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
Well I have got an interview on Monday evening thanks I'm sure to the advice on here re Skills based CVs.

It's for 3 half days tutoring a dyspraxic 16 year old in basic maths and English.

This would be pretty good. At the moment I am home educating my children but hubby works 4 flexible days so we could happily fit in 3 half days. I don't want to get back into primary teaching (what i'm trained for) but want to get into basic skills education for adults. I think this could be a useful stepping stone without putting too much pressure on our home life.

I know nothing about dyspraxia really though, so will just have to come over as generally competant and very willing to learn.
 

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Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
...and I got the job. Which is great. It's hard to get a good part time job. Now to juggle hubby's time and other child care.
 

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Posted by Fool of a Took (# 7412) on :
 
So I bit the bullet... and applied for a job today. On the one hand, it's a good job for a great organization and I really hope it works out. On the other hand, not-working is pretty brilliant too, and it would be a horrid commute. And I'll probably be ok if it doesn't work out.

If I get this worked up over every resume I submit, it's going to be a long, anxious time before I work again.

[ 26. July 2006, 01:50: Message edited by: Fool of a Took ]
 

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Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
Suzywoozy, well done.

Fool of a Took, make life easy for yourself make templates for everything including CV/resume, letter of application, application statement and covering letter, you need only then tweak them for each job you are applying for, saves reinventing the wheeel.
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
I've got an interview this afternoon for a job that I really, really want. It's not quite what I had in mind originally but it's working in a field that I've wanted to get into for ages. It also comes at a time when my current job is particularly tricky and I'm absolutely desparate to escape. Prayers would be much appreciated that a)I'm offered the job and b)the salary offered is managable.
 

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Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 

quote:

---

If I get this worked up over every resume I submit, it's going to be a long, anxious time before I work again.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Fool of a Took:
On the one hand, it's a good job for a great organization and I really hope it works out. On the other hand, not-working is pretty brilliant too, and it would be a horrid commute.

---

I can sympathise a bit with the mixed feelings.


I love being at home and I feel a little apprehensive about going back to work even just the little I am.

I can't quite believe I have been completely at home since I had my last child, I haven't worked for about 5 years. Before that hubby and I did a mix of jobs and studying around our older two. So we are kind of going back to that and it always seemed to work then.
 

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Posted by Freelance Monotheist (# 8990) on :
 
I (pretty much) officially have my first ever job after leaving uni in June 2004! It's not at all related to my degree, which is in French & Spanish (with Italian)... After Uni I returned home, got a TEFL qualification, couldn't find work, applied for a PGCE in Swansea for Sept 2005, to teach Secondary, got on the course but coouldn't do it and then totally failed to get a job over there, so came home a month or so ago and decided seeing as I love little kids and have a ton of experience (babysitting since the age of 13, wanted to do a Primary PGCE, but no Science GCSE, so can't get on any of the courses) it was decided (with my Mum's help/advice) that I should look into nannying.
So come the end of August, I'll be looking after a four year old boy, I'll have my own place in Paris, separate from the family's flat and though the pay won't be great, it's a start and I'm very excited! I only had two other interviews too, so that's quite impressive really!
I'm going to be doing the odd morning and afternoon with Adrien (with his parents around) just so he gets used to me and me to him and we settle into his routine, before I start properly. It's going to be for at least a year, so if it continues as it's started, I'll be tired but happy!

It's only recently that I realised that not everyone is good with kids-I always assumed it was 'cause I figured if I can do it, anyone can, but apparently I have a special gift... So I'm thrilled that it's going to be put to good use!
Good luck to everyone else who's looking, feel free to PM me if you want a listening ear for the 'aarrrgh' moments, I've definitely had some of those!
 

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Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Congratulations! That's really fantastic news, FM. Hope you enjoy it and settle into the new job quickly.
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
Have to run soon, but just wanted to say in an odd twist of fate I might actually gett hired directly by a headhunting firm downtown, doing data entry and possibly some calling. Definitely not a long term deal, but it'd be something while I'm still pursuing my dream of working for one of the downtown law firms.

Also, seconding congratulations to FM and to all who are still searching.
 

---

Posted by Ginga (# 1899) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:

Blaergh. It's been 8 months already.

---

I graduated in 2001 and finally started my dream job last month. The last few months were the worst because I'd finished my masters (which I did part-time so it took two years), I'd got my visa, all my obstacles, my "well I'll worry about it when..." were gone.

Those five years have been spent doing secretarial which I hate but at which I am very, very good. So when people weren't even offering me interviews for secretarial positions, I really did get pretty close to rock bottom. It didn't help that my dream job doesn't come up very often, either.

Anyway, I finally got an interview for a secretarial post and got the job, after five years of longing for permanent, salaried work. Finally! Thing is, by then I had two interviews for 'dream job' positions, so I had to turn down the secretarial (and on my birthday as well) because it wasn't fair to take a job when I was praying I'd have a different one in a fortnight. Then I had the first 'dream job' interview and was given the job before 10am the next day.

I don't have any job-hunting tips as such because I'm quite clearly not the world's best job-hunter, having taken half a decade to get to here. In fact, I'm mostly posting because I thought it might make you feel a bit better knowing that some of us take so long to get our lives on track.

Also, you can put a positive spin on almost anything. My eighteen months of temping while sorting out visas turned into "a period of flexibility and adaptability that taught me a lot about the organisation of the State and gave me many useful contacts, especially in the health sector and local government". Navigating the immigration department also makes me look good.

In terms of making yourself stand out, do you have any hobbies you can play up? I got into my uni course because the first year tutor had two viola players in the family and their chamber orchestra needed another one A point of common interest makes you stand out a whole lot better than yet more top-tier grades.

The final thing I'd say in my 'not having any job hunting tips' ( ) is that my employment here is, I'm sure, due in large part to three months' casual work I did last year at a major science museum, doing science shows around the state. I wrote a show, got my picture in the paper performing it, and included the cutting with my CV. That show and the contacts I made at the museum (which contacts turn out to be the major players in all science communication work in the state) made me extremely interesting to the people interviewing me. So working for fifteen bucks an hour on a casual basis landed me a three-year, full-time contract on considerably more than fifteen bucks an hour.

I'm not sure there's a law roadshow you could join - although some aspects of law could probably benefit from some smiley people in brightly-coloured t-shirts doing demos in the school theare - but it's worth looking at all opportunities in the light of what they might get you, particularly if yours isn't the only income and you can afford a bit of casual work. You're probably doing that already though.

I'll stop typing now.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Well, the interview I went to the other day was very strange. I got the impression that they'd made up their mind before I walked through the door, although I'm not sure whether they want me or not. The interview only lasted 15 minutes and the interviewer asked very few questions about my experience, suitability etc. I suspect that the interviewer doesn't have much experience of recruitment. In the end I spent most of my time trying to create opportunities to mention key skills so that they'd have something concrete to refer to when they make their decision. Very odd. Hopefully I'll hear the results today or Monday.
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
And so it gets interesting...

At the particular firm I'm applying to as a Docket Clerk, I've had meetings with the junior HR gal and with the docket manager. The docket manager decided I should meet with the docket assistant on Thursday. I just got a call from HR gal saying she'd like me to meet the Director of Office Management.

Honestly, I'm terrified. After so many turndowns one has a distinct feeling one should never EVER get one's hopes up, but why the heck would they put me in front of "Director of Office Management" unless they were serious?

Wish me luck, I guess...

to all who are still searching.
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Don't know if I'm on my head or my heels. Two interviews this week, one with a gentleman for a position that would use my skills and teach me more, but it's a million mile commute, and I'm not sure he would be happy with me--he's what they call a "strong" personality. With the best will in the world, I'm not sure I could stay on his good side. Others have failed before me, I gather. But the money would be okay, and it might look good on a future resume.

The other interview would be safe and secure, little stretching involved in the job, and not a huge amount of money (less than job #1), but they have all the normal benefits (like paid holidays, sick days, etc.) and I think I could probably manage to make them quite happy. I would also probably get normal accomodation for real life (think sickness, bereavement, etc.)

But I haven't officially been offered either position yet. Color me partially panicked....
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
for all looking for work
for all with interviews and/or descisions
 

---

Posted by ladyinred (# 10688) on :
 
Glad this thread's back

...SO frustrated - have had one interview for a job that I REALLY really want (an admin job doing international university applications in a bilingual school, twenty minutes walk from my house) but now everyone's on holidays so I have no idea when the second interview will be. And it has to be soon enough that I can do the training (haven't used the database / program before) before the term starts

I have to have a job by September, in a country where finding gainful employment is notoriously hard to do - or face being homeless, foodless and quite a lot of other stuff-less...


 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
Well, I survived the interview. Don't feel like I passed with flying colors, but don't feel like I failed either. Like most higly trained professionals of my experience, the woman I spoke to was politely inscrutable. Apparently I'm one of three applicants they are considering, and she says they'll reach a decision tomorrow.

If not this, I have another interview next Tuesday. Makes me think of slammed doors and cracked-open windows.


 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Another two rejection letters for interviews this morning, but also an interview letter- woo yay!

Come tuesday 11.55, I'll be on the serious panic mode.

At least it's progress though.

I hope you get the job Mirrizin.
Good luck everyone.
 

---

Posted by Corpus cani (# 1663) on :
 
for lir, mirrizin and catrine... If you can only get out of the trough of applying, things get better. Or so I'm told...

My God, but it's so f*cking depressing.

I've lost count of the number of forms I've filled in online. Even the ones that allow you to upload your CV still ask you to fill in all the same details that are on the CV.

Then there are the supporting letters. "Why do you want to work in this field?" What's a polite way of saying, "I don't, but I need some money until I find a job I do want?"

The company responsible for this area can't/won't process my application to join the supply pool until I have (i) a new CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) Enhanced Disclosure - even though my last one is only thirteen months old and (ii) registered with the GTC (General Teaching Council). The latter is not necessary in Independent Schools, so I've never done it.

Now I have to register with the GTC (£33 and six weeks min.) and get a new CRB check (£36 and - wait for it - an eight week backlog!

In order to do either of these things, I have to send away various personal documents in their original form - just when I need to send them all away to have my address changed - or I have to send photocopies certified by a school to show they have seen the originals. Right. My school's closed for good, all the other schools are closed for at least another three weeks - always assuming any of them will be kind enough to help out by verifying my documents and there's no reason why they should.

So, current school doesn't count because it doesn't exist any more. Three week wait for another school who may help, 8+ week wait for CRB / GTC results, at least three weeks for the agency to process my application. I might (only might) be eligible for supply teaching in time for the Christmas holidays.

Meanwhile, back to the online forms (assuming I can keep using the net, because I'm now unemployed and on the verge of bankruptcy, so I can't pay the bill for much longer...)

>Do you have QTS?< Yes

>What is your QTS certificate number?< Don't have one. All I have is my degree certificate - "Special degree of Bachelor of Arts with Joint Honours... blah blah blah... with Qualified Teacher Status"

>If you don't have one, we need to see your original degree certificate.< OK, but I need to send that to the GTC and the website won't let me continue with my application unless I put in the QTS certificate number that I don't have. "Please call .... for assistance..."

>Have you completed an induction year?< Yes.

>What is the number of your Induction Certificate?< Don't have one. Official Induction Courses in the maintained sector didn't exist, let alone an overlap between the maintained and independent sectors. My Headmaster wrote a report on me, sent it to someone somewhere and sent me a nice letter telling me he hated me and thought I was crap, but had no choice but to accept my passing the probationary year because I had fulfilled the criteria. And heaven knows where that letter is now. (Possibly stuffed up said HM's *rse if my wishes were granted...) Hmmm. Website won't let me continue without certificate number. "Please call .... for assistance..."

And don't even get me started on trying to claim benefits. Apparently, trying to register with Supply Agencies doesn't count as "actively seeking work" and one must be "actively seeking work" to claim the benefits to which I am "entitled".

Paying full whack into the system for twenty years doesn't allow me to claim back the pittance they're prepared to give out. Oh, and my new house is too expensive for them to pay the rent. "You may need to think about downsizing." I'm downsizing from three-bedrooms with ¼ acre garden and boarding house attached to two bedroom and tiny garden. In this town, I can't downsize much further (in terms of money paid in rent at least) because (i) there aren't many places cheaper and (b) when they are cheaper, they won't accept Canis cani. So what do I do? Perhaps next time, I shall take the dog with me and leave him in jobcentreplus(their grammar). "There, now I can move somewhere cheaper and you can have the dog put down and pay my rent."

One really can understand people giving up hope, because what's the point of trying to carry on? It's all well and good to think about the job "you will get", but what's the point if one has starved or been forced onto the streets before one gets it?

You may gather that I'm feeling a bit down at the mo, having spent the morning online and achieved precisely nothing. I guess that's what "support threads" are about; by golly I need to vent, but please don't let it put off those of you who have lights in the tunnel. There's hope. Sometimes it's just difficult to see the glimmers of hope amidst the profusion of darkness. I'm sure they're there though. Keep seeking.

Corpus.
[ is the closest one gets to a "losing hope" smiley.]
 

---

Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Corpus - nonsense, the GTC is not a 6 week minimum for registering - we often have them done within 10 working days! Choosing August, when all the new NQTs register doesn't help, but we have enough people maligning us out there without someone reasonable like you getting the wrong idea!
 

---

Posted by ken (# 2460) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Corpus cani:
"Why do you want to work in this field?" What's a polite way of saying, "I don't, but I need some money until I find a job I do want?"

---

quote:

---

at least three weeks for the agency to process my application.

---

quote:

---

Apparently, trying to register with Supply Agencies doesn't count as "actively seeking work" and one must be "actively seeking work" to claim the benefits to which I am "entitled".

---

Then "actively seek work".

If its as hard to find jobs in your area as you imply that it is, you won't be offered one in a hurry so you will get the benefits without having to do any more work. If it isn't and you are then at least you can pay your Internet bill and carry on telling us all about morning coats.

If you get offered a job you don't want you can walk out of it the day the supply agency finds you a teaching job. Which they almost certainly will. And in the incredibly unlikely chancve that you get offered a job and find you like it, than everyones a winner.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Ken has replied with much more practical advice, but try to keep positive Corpus. Red tape is such a b*tch, the education system is full of it (universities, schools the lot). Some of it is justified and some of it complete crap to cover backs and obscure ones at that.

In addition, going into a jobcentreplus is probably one of the most soul destroying experiences, although, I acknowledge that it must be pretty tough for the staff sometimes too.

Here's hoping tomorrow brings better things for you.
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
My sympathies, CC. That sounds positively dreadful, and a far cry worse than sending resumes and cover letters through craigslist and careerbuilder. All of this digital speaking into the void makes me think of that quote (can't remember whose originally):

quote:

---

"I Exist!" man cries out to the universe.
"That," replied the universe, "does not create in me a sense of obligation."

---

Eh, had an interview yesterday that felt pretty good. I think I gave him the impression that I was capable and eager even though I was somewhat short on experience.

Today's interview didn't feel so hot. The interviewing attorney seemed to be going for maximum intimidation with minimum time expended, so I got mildly flustered and didn't really say very much. If I get a callback on this one I'll be surprised, though on the other hand if he always treats his employees like that I'm not sure I'd want to work for him anyway.

Another interview tomorrow for an HR drone position, which leaves me wondering about CC's question of how one answers the "why do you want to work here" question without being too honest (aka - I'm just looking for a job so I can tell my next interviewer that I'm not currently unemployed).

It'd be easier if I could just give up hope, say screw it, and become a permanent house husband, or just bite the bullet and enter law school having no experience at all in law. But then, I really want to know what I'm doing before I jump into doing it, if you catch my drift.

Ah well, at least I'm getting interviews. I suppose there's some blessing in that and I suppose it means I'm employable to somebody.

to all, particularly Corpus Cani and Catrine
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:
Another interview tomorrow for an HR drone position, which leaves me wondering about CC's question of how one answers the "why do you want to work here" question without being too honest (aka - I'm just looking for a job so I can tell my next interviewer that I'm not currently unemployed).

---

This is what really bugs me. The hypocrisy of it. Most people apply for jobs more because they need the money than anything - not many people wake up in the morning and think "What I really want to do with my life is be a filing clerk" - yet you're obliged to go through the pretence that money is absolutely the last thing on your mind.

But I suppose if we were all honest in interviews it would go something like this:

"Good morning Ms Sprite. Can you tell us why you applied for the job?"

"Yes, I had a friend who did temporary work here and she said she worked for some really attractive man who for once wasn't married or gay. Also, I hear your staff canteen has some interesting meals at very reasonable prices and there is a staff microwave."

"Absolutely. But what about the job?"

"Well, it sounds very boring to be honest, but I'm tempted by the fact that it doesn't sound too onerous and I'll probably be able to get away with an extra long lunch hour every day and some free biros with the company name on."

"That sounds fine. Do you have any questions for us?"

"Yes, it says in the job description you supply free tea and coffee to staff, is the coffee filter coffee or would I need to bring my own?"
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
I'm first reserve candidate for the interviewed job on Tuesday, so it's woo but not quite yay. The waiting continues for another week......

...Another no interview letter today too. Grrrrrr
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
You get responses from companies that decide not to interview you? Never happens to me...only time I hear anything is when they want to schedule. And then you only get a follow-up if they decide to hire or do a second (or third) interview. If you're not on their "A" list, all you get is silence. I can understand the reasons, but it's still irritating.

[VENT]Speaking of irritation, had another interview today with a staffing firm. The interview was for an internal position (basically an HR Drone), but I'm now in their system of working stiffs as well. Things went fine until they showed me this somewhat complicated document and basically said "you have 15 minutes to recreate precisely this form using Word." Well, I got about 2/3 of the thing roughly exact, another small bit "close enough for gov't work" as the saying goes, and didn't even get to try to do the last bit.

I'm sure at least someone they're interviewing is a Word Wizard. The most annoying thing is that most of this stuff, I'm sure, can be learned in a matter of minutes; it's just that nobody usually ever bothers to make columns with that degree of obsessive precision.[/VENT]

Ah well, back to the old drawing board, as they say


 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:
You get responses from companies that decide not to interview you?

---

Aye, it's commonplace over here. Either that or the grapevine knows that I'll be ringing them to find out whether I have an interview or not.

for all the hunters...
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Catrine:

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:
You get responses from companies that decide not to interview you?

---

Aye, it's commonplace over here. Either that or the grapevine knows that I'll be ringing them to find out whether I have an interview or not.

---

And either your uncle is in The Lodge, or your brother-in-law knows a fella works there, or his mother's cousin was my father's aunt, or they both went to Methody, or sure he comes from round Clogher or - Norn Irland's not the place it used to be.

[ 17. August 2006, 20:57: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 

---

Posted by Manda (# 6028) on :
 
I know it was a while back, but thanks Quinine for the advice. It's such a relief to be done with training contract application forms and I had two letters arrive the other day asking me to interview , which is twice what I got last year. Hopefully I won't totally screw up, but I now have to figure out how to stand out from a roomful of equally capable people :S, and if I don't get a training contract then work out what Career Plan B will be
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Catrine:

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:
You get responses from companies that decide not to interview you?

---

Aye, it's commonplace over here. Either that or the grapevine knows that I'll be ringing them to find out whether I have an interview or not.

---

....or sure he comes from round Clogher or - Norn Irland's not the place it used to be.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Catrine:

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:
You get responses from companies that decide not to interview you?

---

Aye, it's commonplace over here. Either that or the grapevine knows that I'll be ringing them to find out whether I have an interview or not.

for all the hunters...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:
You get responses from companies that decide not to interview you?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Manda:
I know it was a while back, but thanks Quinine for the advice. It's such a relief to be done with training contract application forms and I had two letters arrive the other day asking me to interview , which is twice what I got last year. Hopefully I won't totally screw up, but I now have to figure out how to stand out from a roomful of equally capable people :S, and if I don't get a training contract then work out what Career Plan B will be

---

You're welcome. Well done on getting the interviews.

Do as much research as you can about the firms before interview but don't worry too much - half the battle is just appearing friendly, intelligent and someone you wouldn't mind working with. Lawyers are a conservative lot on the whole.

Good luck.

Mirrizin - if earning enough to hold body and soul together isn't an urgent concern, have you considered voluntary work in the legal field? In the UK we have Citizen's Advice Bureaux and (in major cities) Law Centres where people can get free legal advice (usually on debt, housing and such-like) where advisors are trained (and are often non-lawyers) and work on a voluntary basis. In the US there is an organisation called Streetlaw which has various projects going on - I haven't examined it in great detail but it looks quite interesting.

As for myself, I have finally got round to doing a 'skills-based CV' for a legal publishing vacancy and I have an expression of interest 4 days after e-mailing it. This is rather cheering. Whether or not it comes to anything, I feel less stuck in a rut.

As for the duck-counting, more at a later date, I hope.

Best wishes to all (I don't have time to post much but I'm checking in regularly),

Q.
 

---

Posted by Corpus cani (# 1663) on :
 
My Headmonster sent out brief details of those of us still searching for new jobs to all the schools in this district of the ISC. Had a call this morning from a school with a job to fill at short notice - the man they appointed had a heart attack and died.

They're taking up references on Monday and I'm going to see them on Thursday. Not ideal (50 miles away and I've just signed the lease on the new house! ) but it's a job. Fingers crossed.

Corpus
 

---

Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
All the best CC - thinking of you ...
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
That sounds promising - wishing you all the very best for Thursday, and keep us posted!

Even if you don't get the job, an interview is still an interview and it's good for morale after writing a spate of unsuccessful application letters.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Good luck Corpus
 

---

Posted by ladyinred (# 10688) on :
 
STILL waiting for my second interview. Why does this whole flipping city have to shut down in the summer?

frustrated, frustrated, frustrated
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Anyone else getting bored of talking about themselves and their career over and over again. Honestly, if I have to give a quick summary of my career and aspirations once more, I think I might just scream!
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
I've got to the point where I'm absolutely sick of filling in application forms with exactly the same stuff over and over again.

Of course you can't lie on them or vary them in any way, the facts are what they are, but it's just so damn monotonous filling in the same answers to the same questions all the time. You get tempted either to make up something or else to snarl at an indifferent universe, "I told you that already".

I'm currently in the state of mind where I get as far as buying papers for the job section but feel too jaded to open them and look at them, and they get thrown away unread a week later when they're out of date. This isn't helping.
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Amen, Amen, Ay--Ay---MEN.

What I hate are the people who request your resume and THEN expect you to fill out exactly the same information on their stupid proprietary form ALL OVER AGAIN--and of course, the form never has sufficient room for anybody with handwriting bigger than 4 pt. print.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
On my job, I suspect that I am told to make applicants do that because at least part of the application form is tied into stuff the Federal government wants to find out about my company's hiring practices.
 

---

Posted by Corpus cani (# 1663) on :
 
Interview this morning, offered the job and accepted. Nearly as much money as I was getting before, but without it being a resident post.

Where's the sigh of relief smiley? Thanks for all your prayers and kind words.

for those still seeking.

Corpus
 

---

Posted by fabula rasa (# 11436) on :
 
Corpus, I've been following this thread and am really pleased for you. I hope it works out well.

And for all those dealing with job issues, whether they post here or not.
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Corpus!!
 

---

Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Congratulations Corpus - I'm glad it seems to have worked out for you!
 

---

Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
Congratulations, Corpus!

Was the big grin because it's non residential or because it's a job?
 

---

Posted by Corpus cani (# 1663) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ann:
Was the big grin because it's non residential or because it's a job?

---

Hmmmm... Need to ponder...

It's going to be so weird commuting (petrol costs and huge waste of time ) but having evenings and weekends to myself will be just as weird, though maybe more pleasant. Well, maybe for a while...

Thanks everyone.
Cc
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Congratulations Corpus!
 

---

Posted by ladyinred (# 10688) on :
 
FINALLY have a second interview tomorrow

for the job i reallyreallyreally want...
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Good luck ladyinred.
 

---

Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
Congrats Corpus

to all still looking. I know close to home how frustrating the process can be.
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
Speaking of the devil...

Thanks for the advice Quinine, I'll look into it.

Don't think I landed any of the jobs recently referred to, including the HR drone one (though one did email me back). Did get the joy of telling a lady regarding a commisson-only sales racket that I wasn't interested, as I intend to attend law school either next fall or soon after (depending on work situation). Also got an interview tomorrow for a part-time data entry position. Not exciting, but at this point I'll take what I can get.

Congratulations, CC!


 

---

Posted by Corpus cani (# 1663) on :
 
Thanks again chums - meetings all day tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday. SBs return Wednesday then it's in at the deep end...

Good luck to all those on the verge and continued for those still looking.

It's the second time I've been made redundant in twenty years of teaching, so it was a painful reminder of just how soul destroying it is to be unable to find work. (I can at least count my blessings - when the school closed our "new" security manager was made redundant for the twelfth time in twenty years. ) It's a long and lonely road, but the thoughts and prayers of one's friends are a great comfort.

Thanks to you all,
Corpus
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Congratulations Corpus!

And my continued for all searching. God bless.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
CC - congratulations! Am thrilled that things have finally worked out for you.

LiR - good luck with the i/v. Will keep fingers crossed that things work out for you.
 

---

Posted by sparkly_h (# 7997) on :
 
Hi all,

Much sympathy for all your situations! I'm feeling particularly rubbish about job hunting at the moment. I've just finished my degree which qualifies me to be a Speech and language therapist. I know what you're thinking "Well they're crying out for speech therapists - she should have no problems getting a job" (apologies if that is not what you're thinking, it is however what everybody says to me about my situation). The thing is in spite of there being a hideous shortage of SLTs leading to long waiting lists and much distress for clients and their families, nobody can afford to hire newly qualifieds. Or nearly nobody. There are few adverts and even fewer (e.g. none) in the area I live.

I feel like I should be being really proactive but am paralysed by fear that the people I'm proactive with won't want me (does that sound mad?), at least when responding to an advert you know they actually have funding for a post.

People keep on telling me I should enjoy my time until I get an SLT job (it's not like I'm not working, so mercifully finance is not such a pressure)but I just want to get on with the career I've trained for for the last four years.

Sorry for the rant.

H.x
 

---

Posted by obble (# 10868) on :
 
Today was my last day working in the Chaplaincy, so, as of 5.00 this evening, I am now unemployed.

Once I've sorted out moving out of the house which goes with the job,and back to my parents' place, I will now be really stepping up the form-filling!

for everyone.

[edited typo - I don't live in a hose!]

[ 31. August 2006, 16:35: Message edited by: obble ]
 

---

Posted by eyeliner (# 4648) on :
 
May I leap into the fray?

Having completely screwed up academically, I now need to find a job to coast me over until next summer, when I can have another shot. The only qualifications I have are GCSEs and my experience is minimal... (a few years voulenteering for London City Mission, which involved cafe work!)


 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by eyeliner:
May I leap into the fray?

---

Good luck with the hunt eyeliner

for everyone searching.
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
More interviews, thank you notes. Setting my sights a bit lower now. We'll see if that helps.


 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
It's been a strange fortnight. I registered with a job website a couple of weeks ago in sheer desperation at my situation. I really didn't want to have to go down that route for various reasons but it's worked far better than I had anticipated. Seven interviews with agencies last week, which led on to three interviews with potential employers yesterday and two more on Monday. My CV's also been put forward for a number of other promising roles. The phone hasn't stopped ringing. After years of struggling with job application after job application I'm totally astonished that so many people want to talk to me! The roles aren't quite what I'd originally hoped to do but some look reasonably interesting.

Of course, I'm still deeply skeptical about the job hunt - I'm quite convinced that I'll have a whole heap of rejection letters in the near future. But it would be so lovely if something worked out for a change.
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
Apparently it does help . I just got offered a part time receptionist position with a document company near downtown. $11/hour, 20hrs/week. It's not what I was aiming for, but it's experience, future references, seconday income, and honest work for the time being, and probably into the fairly distant future.

After about 10 months of living off my wife's income, I'm still trying to adjust to the paradigm shift.

to all who are still searching.
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I had an interview with the local Red Cross shop yesterday (for the job of manager). This would be ideal for me - just round the corner, alternate weekends off.

I should know if I've got it early next week.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Good luck with the interview Eigon.
 

---

Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Please may I join in?

Living in France, I've enjoyed being unemployed for a year, while Mr D brings home the bacon by working in London & commuting out here every ten days or so. And then working from home. However, that is getting too onerous for him, as well as the fact that he is getting fed up with the work, & the travelling.

I therefore need to get a job. I am registered with a Language school type place (I'm a trained TEFL teacher) but nothing has come from there yet. I went for what I thought was a chat about a job that I had been offered & had accepted (that's what you get for not speaking French very well!) but discovered that it was in fact an interview for the job - and I didn't get it! I am feeling a bit down & at the same time very unmotivated...

As I say I have enjoyed being unemployed and A Kept Woman and although I know that I need to find something so Mr D doesn't need to keep killing himself working where he's not happy, I can't get excited about it (Sorry, that's a bit unfair on those who are unemployed & not enjoying it.)

I'm also worried that if he does give up, what pittance I might earn won't really keep our heads above water!

I don't really know what support I need from you Lovely People - but I think I need something!
 

---

Posted by ladyinred (# 10688) on :
 
So the job I reallyreally wanted kept me waiting and hanging on for SIX BLOODY WEEKS - and then gave it to someone else (also screwing the recruitment agency, as far as I can tell)

Was a couple of days ago, now

And I have to start all over again...
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Mine just did the same, just when I thought it was in the bag. Bad reference from SIX YEARS AGO (and untrue, forsooth) strikes again....
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I didn't get the job I wanted, either, though it was less traumatic than Lamb Chopped or ladyinred.
However, the lady at the wool shop may have an interesting idea about producing craft packages for schools.
 

---

Posted by ladyinred (# 10688) on :
 
I have a job starting tomorrow

One of the boys from church has found me a secretarial job in his company (they make cartoons)

The money's going to be CRAP for the first couple of months, but there'll be a raise after that if they like me (which of course they will, because I'm going to go out of my way to make them like me... can't possibly afford to stay on the minimum wage for long)

Not the amazingest job ever, but nonetheless it's gainful employment, so I'm pretty happy

Red x
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Congratulations Red!
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Brilliant, ladyinred!
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Prayers for my son and heir (hah!) who has decided on teaching and has an interview on Thursday.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Congrats to LinR and prayers for SS's offspring.

The recruitment agencies are driving me absolutely crackers at the moment - I've had a total lack of communication/feedback on a couple of second interviews I attended a week ago. I presume I didn't get either of the jobs but it would be nice if someone actually returned my calls or replied to my emails. They're quick enough to hound me every 5 mins when they want to put my CV forward for an utterly unsuitable job
 

---

Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Curiosus:
Congrats to LinR and prayers for SS's offspring.

The recruitment agencies are driving me absolutely crackers at the moment - I've had a total lack of communication/feedback on a couple of second interviews I attended a week ago. I presume I didn't get either of the jobs but it would be nice if someone actually returned my calls or replied to my emails. They're quick enough to hound me every 5 mins when they want to put my CV forward for an utterly unsuitable job

---

Agencies are part of the useless third of the planet! - short answer is that they are unlikely to ever give you feedback, and I think they only put people forward (however small the chances of them getting the job) because they have to put a certain number of people forward.

Quick Update for me, - I am currently working in a long term temp job in the NHS . I have an interview tommorrow which would be nice to get (dont want to raise my hopes up), as it is a 15 min commute, 35 hours per week which would give me 90 minutes a day that I currently dont have due to travelling etc.

The only issue is that it is in the colllege I trained at over 10 years ago, and some of the lecturers will remember me (for positive things!)
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Here's a confession to make you laugh. The job situation and working 7-day weeks, amongst many other things, has been causing quite a bit of stress lately. I knew that the pressure was building up but I didn't realise just how bad things were until I glanced down at my feet just now. Somehow I've managed to get through the entire morning without noticing that I'm wearing odd shoes. Yes, really. In my defence one is black and the other is very dark navy. But they've got different heels and different toes. How on earth could I have not noticed when I left for work I think someone might be trying to tell me something.......
 

---

Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I picked up a form for Christmas work at WH Smiths today.
I'm not going to do what I did last year. The form asked "What is your greatest achievement?" and I answered, quite truthfully, "Learning to swordfight."

I think I'll find another greatest achievement this year - like knitting, maybe.
 

---

Posted by Malin (# 11769) on :
 
Perhaps you should say your greatest achievement is learning to read ...
 

---

Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 
I am in that awkward time of "waiting to hear", however I have just had a message from home that the company are trying to get hold of me.

I am hoping that this is for the "offer" rather than "dont ever darken our doors again" .

Hate waiting, wanting to be able to have a leaving date for this one, but at least I have some kind of work, which I am grateful for.

 

---

Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 
Unintentional Double Post

I GOT THE JOB!

There were two posts, one which was part-time (which I didn't really want) and the other is a PA role (Not administrator, secretary, general dogsbody) but a proper PA with the title as such.

I am likely to start in two weeks! YAY!

I dont have any tips for those still looking, as I felt the interview didnt go as well as I thought! (I was talking about disability discrimination and equal opportunities, and I didnt think I told them waht they wanted to hear!). I also think that there was some "unofficial referencing" going on as it was the college I studied catering at, and some of the lecturers are still teaching.


 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
After an informal interview and look round the school eldest son has been invited back to observe pending a formal interview in November! If that works out he starts in January but he and all of are very encouraged as the school gets to make the decision for himself.

Keep the prayers coming, they're woking well so far. Thank you.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Congratulations Agent Smith! Hope it all goes well for you in your new job.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Congratulations Agent Smith! So glad that things have finally worked out for you. Hope you're going to celebrate in true SoF style....
 

---

Posted by Jenn R (# 5239) on :
 
I've been off sick for 10 months now, and I am hoping to get back into employment. My sick note runs out on 10th Oct ish i think, so I am starting to look out for jobs. I've found one I want, but I think it is going to be difficult to get anyone to trust me. This is a nice job, part time, not critical. Please pray - I need to get back into work!

Jenn
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Good luck with it Jenn, I hope it works out for you.
 

---

Posted by AnnaF (# 10606) on :
 
I had a job interview yesterday for something I really, really want to do. The interview had some good moments and some not so good moments - I have no idea which way they're going to decide, but it would be nice to think that if anyone had a spare bit of prayer or luck going they might send it this way.
 

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Posted by The Thirteenth Duke (# 11216) on :
 
Had a good one recently...
Applied for job, had receipt acknowledgement which said they would let me know either way. Then it all went quiet. I contacted them asking what was happening and was told, "Oh, you were one of three shortlisted and we have filled the post." To which I replied, "How can you interview me if you don't let me know?" ie I was not contacted at all for interview.

Hmmm...
 

---

Posted by Freelance Monotheist (# 8990) on :
 
I've got one week left of my trial month, please pray I'm kept on, as there have been a couple of minor glitches recently, so I'm hoping the fact that Little Boy and I get on brilliantly and that he's making lots of progress in English already outweigh them and that I stay... I really want to, but am expecting the worst, hoping I'll be pleasantly surprised! Bosses keep talikng about getting a long term travel card and various future events, but I'm still not sure they want me... Must stay confident and positive!
 

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Posted by Jenn R (# 5239) on :
 
The job I want isn't part time enough, it seems. I feel very sad about this. I hope something else comes up at some point.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Had one very good interview yesterday & have been called back for a second round next week.

V. strange experience today though. Turned up at a company for a 1230 interview. Waited 5 minutes and then the receptionist came over to tell me that xxx couldn't see me after all. I explained that I had an interview with xxx and asked who I'd be seeing instead, only to be told that they were expecting me at 1200 and wouldn't see me as I was late. Luckily I always carry written confirmation with me so I showed the receptionist my letter proving that I was expected at 1230. Still no joy. No-one would see me or even come out to explain what was going on. So I left.

The agency consultant who put me forward for the job double-checked the files and my interview was definitely scheduled for 1230. She'd even spoken to the employer 15 minutes beforehand. Something odd's definitely going on. I suspect that the employer interviewed someone else at 1130 and decided to give them the job without even seeing me. I'm furious. I had to take time off work, spent time preparing and getting psyched up etc, and they didn't even have the courtesy to tell me face-to-face what had happened. I HATE job hunting
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Whilst I'm sure it is little consolation given that you have wasted your time today, at least you find out about the inner politics of the company now, rather than when you have been hired by them.

Good luck with the continued hunt
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Curiosus

1) Bill the bastards for wasting your time. At their rates.

2) Do you really want to work for a firm like that?

3) Good luck you only want one job after all

[edit: x-posted with Catrine]

[ 21. September 2006, 13:44: Message edited by: Sioni Sais ]
 

---

Posted by AnnaF (# 10606) on :
 
Yay! I got the job and just have to negotiate a start date now.

Best of luck to all still searching through the uncertainty.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Congratulations Anna.

I've just found a great job, in a great location, but I can't do the interview date. Grrrr! Will have to phone tomorrow to check whether there are any other options.
 

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Posted by The Artisan (# 4277) on :
 
I hope it's OK for me to join this thread. I am trying to start a business doing tutoring (Primary plus Maths and Science to GCSE). I have 2 tutees and I am doing some agency temping work but I'm not making enough money to live on (yet!). I have an advert going in 2 local papers this week (at a grand cost of about £125!!!) Please pray that I'll get appropriate responses to make up my tutoring hours as I can't keep living off savings.
 

---

Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Agent Smith:
Unintentional Double Post

I GOT THE JOB!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Catrine:
Congratulations Anna.

I've just found a great job, in a great location, but I can't do the interview date. Grrrr! Will have to phone tomorrow to check whether there are any other options.

---

Thanks. I hope you manage to sort out a better interview date. You never know, visiting them on a different day away from all the other candidates might be a good thing in helping to make you stand out more.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Survived the second round interview and have been called back for the third & final session first thing tomorrow morning. I've now decided that I really, really want this job so prayers would be appreciated.
 

---

Posted by Stevie Boy Wonder (# 11869) on :
 
I've only just found this thread, otherwise I'd have come here a bit sooner, no doubt.

I'm at a bit of a crossroads at the moment, been in a job since last December but finding it increasingly hard to keep up with the workload and apply myself. I've always thought I couldn't see myself in an office job for the forty-odd years until I can retire, but I'm now wondering if I've gone as far as I can in an office environment.

So, I've got the "what to do now" thing combined with being off work with stress (I've been signed off for two weeks, although there's a bit of confusion as to when those two weeks actually started). I'm not sure what to think and am finding it really hard to hear God in all this. Plus, since I've joined the Ship I've spent a lot of time that would otherwise have been used to sort through some of this stuff, just arsing about on the boards.

I'm off to London for a couple of days to see some wise relatives/fellow Shipmates, hoping God might clear some of the fog in my mind while I'm there. Prayers would be much appreciated. Sorry I've rambled on.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Good luck Curiosus!

Stevie boy wonder- I'm sure God has a plan, have a good weekend with your friends and hope that things become clearer for you.

praying for employment!
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
I've done it. I've actually done it. I've finally got a job offer Not only that, it's a jolly good offer with a fantastic firm. It's incredible.

So far the offer's only verbal and subject to references, written contract etc so there's still the potential for things to go horribly wrong (not that I'm deeply suspicious after years of jobhunting.....) But I've actually got an offer and a start date. I'm in shock. I can't get my head around this at all. It doesn't seem real!

Thanks to everyone here for their prayers. It obviously worked. I'm praying for those of you who are still hunting
 

---

Posted by Malin (# 11769) on :
 
Well Done!!!
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Nice one Curiosus!
 

---

Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on :
 
I think I need to look for a new job. My team is being restructured and my post will disappear. My manager has lined up people he wants for the new posts to be created. Redundancy was mentioned. However I was then told there would be no money for redundancy (but they don't know what they will give me to do). I suspect this is game of who holds out longest and they hope I'll leave. I'm quite tough, so I might not! But - I have just been contacted out of the blue about a possible opening in a field which is completely new to me. Since I need to earn enough money to eat, I am definitely interested. Please remember me in your prayers as I go for a first discussion tomorrow.
 

---

Posted by Curiosus (# 4808) on :
 
Do you have free legal advice with your household insurance? It might be worth checking out the legal position on redundancy so that you have all your facts to hand. The very best thing would be for you to get redundancy and the new job that you're due to discuss tomorrow

Good luck.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Good luck Landlubber, I hope the meeting is positive for you.
 

---

Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
Just sent off the application form for a job I really want. I'd just about given up looking for permenant work. There is nothing out there and had resigned myself to lots of temp jobs when here comes a brilliant job, really interesting, good hours. It is too good to be true and knowing my luck someone has been lined up for it and the advertisment is just to comply with employment legislation.

Keeping everything crossed.....
 

---

Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on :
 
Curiosus

Thanks for the idea of using the legal insurance, it would never have occurred to me. (In fact, when all becomes clearer, I do have a Union, so I'll try them.)

Thanks, too, all here for previous advice on CVs because I rewrote mine after lurking here and I'm sure it helped; the interviewer had it in front of him today. They are going to let me know ...

Poppy - Go for it - good luck. Do your preparation so you are ready if they want to see you.
 

---

Posted by StJerome (# 9276) on :
 
I just got fired today! No notice because I'm a temp! Is that even legal?

Capitalism is so rubbish!

My david brent of a boss didn't even tell me to my face!
 

---

Posted by neandergirl (# 8916) on :
 
StJerome
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
That's well harsh St Jerome, get on to your temping agency (I know nothing of employment laws, but it might be a violation of the contract between the agency and the employer)

Poppy good luck with the job.
 

---

Posted by Agent Smith (# 3299) on :
 
Unfortunately there is unlikely to be any comeback with an agency and employer. think of agencies as legalised pimps and you get the idea! The agency will say something like the "nature of the job changed" rather than saying "your face didnt fit/you knew more than the manager (who was a two faced cow anyway!). I may be wrong but having worked for agencies between jobs I take everything they say with a pinch of salt.

Which is why i prefer contract posts or permanent. It is more difficult to get rid of you on spurious reasons!

Sorry St Jerome, you have been on the nastier side of agencies. I have never had a good agency who was putting me forward for relevant enjoyable jobs!
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
ooooo, I've got a job interview for friday week. They also want me to do a stupid assessment centre test (YAWN) for 2.5 hours. I ought to remind them that this is for a part-time research post lasting 6 months. Very little wonder why there is no money for the NHS and other things when government are wasting money on this kind of craic.

Other than that, I'm rather excited (about everything except the assessment centre)- it's been a while since a positive letter came through the post.
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by StJerome:
I just got fired today! No notice because I'm a temp! Is that even legal?

---

quote:

---

employers also have the flexibility to finish temporary work without being liable for unfair dismissal or redundancy pay

---

Years ago, before I had children, I used agency work to stop the gaps between jobs, but I don't think I was ever employed permanently through an agency - I just used them as a way of not getting too much in debt while I was job hunting and to advise me on sorting out my CVs and interview techniques.

A lot of employers won't use them as they cost a fortune to place someone - at least a month's salary last time I had anything to do with them - and there are enough on-costs involved in employment.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Went to an assessment centre this morning, was really bricking it, but it went ok. I had to write a report and do a group exercise, and I think it went alright.

I've got the interview on friday....
 

---

Posted by StJerome (# 9276) on :
 
Got another temp job. Its better than the old one anyway - its in local government. They have a proper lounge just like BBC's "Smoking Room" comedy! Pity you can't actually smoke there cos of some health blah blah.
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
eek! Got another interview for friday, that'll be one at 10 and one at 11. Got to see if I can change the times/dates, I don't think that I can do 2 interviews in such quick succession (they are about 15/20 mins apart.

Gosh, after interview drought, comes interview torrent.
 

---

Posted by StJerome (# 9276) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Catrine:
eek! Got another interview for friday, that'll be one at 10 and one at 11. Got to see if I can change the times/dates, I don't think that I can do 2 interviews in such quick succession (they are about 15/20 mins apart.

Gosh, after interview drought, comes interview torrent.

---

Good luck with those. I once did 3 interviews on the same day! I got confused with two of them and started talking about job 3 in interview 1. not good - didn't get that job!
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
3 interviews on the same day- that's hardcore jobhunting.
 

---

Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on :
 
Thanks for your encouragement - I have been offered the job I was interviewed for!

I'll drop by still to pray for you. I have no advice that has not come from here already: network, do a functional cv if trying to move sectors, prepare well.

Now all I have to do is deliver what I promised, but that's a worry for another day!
 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
I got one of the jobs I interviewed for on Friday. I am now an equality researcher (civil service post) for 20 hours a week- I'm a PhD student for the remaining 148 hours per week...

... Good luck everyone!
 

---

Posted by Pure Sunshine (# 11904) on :
 
Congrats Catrine!!
And good luck to the rest of you (okay, us) who are looking for jobs!
 

---

Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on :
 
Catrine

Well done! Good luck when you start.
 

---

Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
Hello everyone.

It appears that I am combining moving with finding some partime work.

All before Christmas.

All advice greatly fully recieved!
 

---

Posted by Carys (# 78) on :
 
Well having submitted my PhD at the start of September, the world of work beckoned. Well maybe. I'd tried for various Lay Pastoral Assistant posts since January with no luck. Positive feedback, but no job

So, since the start of October I've been job hunting. By Wednesday, I was fed up, only responses I'd had was rejection letters and the others said they would say if your weren't shortlisted. That evening, I registered at Monster. Then yesterday morning, I came down to a letter inviting me to interview on 14th Nov then that afternoon I got a phonecall from someone from a temp agency who'd noticed my details on monster and had a possible (temp) job for me and wanted an English version of my CV which I sent a cuople of hours later.* Haven't heard any more, but I'm a bit confused about etiquette. The temp job is only til the end of December so the other would be better, but if I could start the other one first do I take it? What if I get offered the other?

Carys

*I'd been meaning to do stuff to my CV all through October but procrastinated because I hate doing CVs
 

---

Posted by Pure Sunshine (# 11904) on :
 
I've never understood the etiquette of temp jobs either. Is it for a fixed term?

Sent in an application today ...
 

---

Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
*bump*

Charlotte
 

---

Posted by Pure Sunshine (# 11904) on :
 
Took me a while to find this! We've slipped down to p. 3!!

Phoned up a personnel dept. yesterday to enquire about 2 jobs I'd applied for - I've not been shortlisted for either. Grr. Sometimes I wish I could have a rejection letter - better than not being told at all! But I suppose it's to save on paper and time and so on.

Well - next week I'll have to keep trying!
 

---

Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
Found a part time job!

I am picked up from my home and returned to my home.
(Glory)

I work when I want to and not when I don't.

Apparently they want me.
But there's no interview until I actually move.

So waiting...........
 

---

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :
 
Hi all. Just been told I've got 4 months before my job disappears. Feeling seriously pissed off ATM, but it looks like I'll have to dig my CV out, tart it up and start applying for absolutely any job going.
 

---

Posted by Carys (# 78) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Great Gumby:
Hi all. Just been told I've got 4 months before my job disappears. Feeling seriously pissed off ATM, but it looks like I'll have to dig my CV out, tart it up and start applying for absolutely any job going.

---

quote:

---

Phoned up a personnel dept. yesterday to enquire about 2 jobs I'd applied for - I've not been shortlisted for either. Grr. Sometimes I wish I could have a rejection letter - better than not being told at all! But I suppose it's to save on paper and time and so on.

---

Last time I was doing the job search thing I noticed that the employers who I sent Thank You notes to were the only ones who sent me rejection letters, almost to a one. I don't know if that's your experience, or if you are sending them, but it might make a difference if you're not. And yes, I hate writing them, and they had no effect on my eventual employment (as I was picked up after the first interview).

Hmm... I'm thinking of changing jobs in the foreseeable future (nothing particularly horrible about current job aside from it being part time and kind of dead-end). I'm also not sure I'm cut out to be a typist.
 

---

Posted by Pure Sunshine (# 11904) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirrizin:
Last time I was doing the job search thing I noticed that the employers who I sent Thank You notes to were the only ones who sent me rejection letters, almost to a one. I don't know if that's your experience, or if you are sending them, but it might make a difference if you're not. And yes, I hate writing them, and they had no effect on my eventual employment (as I was picked up after the first interview).

---

Thank you notes? I'm not sure I know what you mean. Thanking them for what?

Perhaps my total ignorance of this is why I'm not getting anywhere ...

[ 04. December 2006, 19:18: Message edited by: Pure Sunshine ]
 

---

Posted by Carys (# 78) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Great Gumby:
I'd apply anyway. I don't know how it works in general, but local government jobs usually have a clause about the role being subject to reasonable adjustments. I also know of someone who applied for and got a job in the NHS which specifically required a car and licence, despite having neither. That job involves a lot of travel, and I think it's all being done by public transport.

Basically, if you're the best candidate, I think a lot of (most?) employers will find a way round it, DDA or not.

---

Well I did apply and got rung to say I'd been shortlisted within 3 hours of submitting the application. Interview tomorrow. I have said I'm going to re-start driving lessons (and I've got as far as sorting out my licence which had gone when my wallet and mobile where stolen in May). Their reasoning is that the job involves a certain amount of travelling and given the state of public transport in Wales, it is not always feasible to do it by public transport, but they noted that for the temporary post travel might be less of an issue.

Rejection letters (or lack thereof is annoying). One application I did last week said they preferred emailed applications and then said that they didn't send rejection letters although they'd like to because the cost was prohibitive. If we are expected to email applications, why can't they email rejections? Similarly with online application forms. Surely there the process could be automated even!

Carys (who ought to go to bed or she won't be with it for the interview)
 

---

Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Carys - how did it go?

I had an interview today too..I don't think I disgraced myself, so it's all down to how good I am compared to the other candidates.
Prayers for all in times of waiting...
 

---

Posted by Pure Sunshine (# 11904) on :
 
Good luck Carys and Bittersweet!

I'm seeing someone about temp work tomorrow, so ...
 

---

Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Didn't get mine - haven't dared ring up for feedback yet either...I hate failing!
 

---

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :
 
((Bittersweet))

I hate getting feedback about interviews, but I was talking to someone in HR yesterday about how much information you can get if you ask the right questions. If there's an area you're worried about, ask "Did you think I was too x", or "Was my answer to y OK?" I'm going to give that a go next time I have an interview (hopefully before long!)

Any news, Carys?
 

---

Posted by Pure Sunshine (# 11904) on :
 
I have temp work sorted out for early January.
Hopefully I'll be able to get more when it comes to an end.

[ 21. December 2006, 13:54: Message edited by: Pure Sunshine ]
 

---

Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Carys (# 78) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Great Gumby:
Any news, Carys?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carys:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Great Gumby:
Any news, Carys?

---

Once again, `it was a difficult decision but you didn't get it'.

---

I hate that phrase. for the other irons in the fire.
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carys:
*Which took until this morning though on Tuesday they'd said they'd hoped to make the decision that day and in fact the letter implies that they did. They just did not bother to phone the unsuccessful candidates.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Catrine:
Hoping for some more opportunities around the corner Carys.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Carys:
I'm typing this from work!

---

 

---

Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Nice one Carys!
 

---

Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on :
 
Ooh! Ooh! I got the job!



Just in time for me to be able to relax with a new little baby.
 

---

Posted by les@BALM (# 11237) on :
 
I'm currently looking for work in Canada, but coming against the proverbial catch 22, without a work permit I can't get a job, without the offer of a job I can't get a work permit. But I keep trying.....
 

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Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Well done Carys and GG!
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Congratulations TGG, on both counts!
 

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Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
Welp, just lost the job I'd had for the past six months. Since I think it was a bad fit from the start and a short term fix in general, I don't feel particularly despondent, though that could easily change if nothing happens for the next two or so weeks.

It's funny, as I was riding the train downtown so I'd have something to do before going home, I was even daydreaming about joining seminary as I didn't think I could be good for much else (and I mean that with no disrespect for anyone else on the boards, honest!

It's all kind of confusing right now. I really need to figure out what it is that I want to do so I can just get my rear out there and do it instead of try to find work "in the meantime."

All prayers and advice deeply appreciated.

to those who have found, to those who are looking, and good luck to all!
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Ouch.


Just had a job interview of my own, please, please God.... it would make all the difference to my family's finances. The job I currently have has no benefits at all, not even sick days. I try to think of it as a paid internship...
 

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Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 
Don't feel bad. Your current position sounds a lot like my last position.
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Praying for you both mirrizin and LC, and for all those others looking for jobs atm
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Thank you!
 

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Posted by Fool of a Took (# 7412) on :
 
I've just put together an application for a job from the weekend paper that seems perfectly crafted to match both my skill-set and career goals.

I hate this. Getting turned down for jobs for which I'm only marginally qualified isn't so much of a sting.

When nothing comes of this, it's going to hurt.

(Way to think positive, Took!)
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Fingers crossed Took!
 

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Posted by Henry Troup (# 3722) on :
 
I've been laid off, after six years, since the previous lay-off. I'm keeping a positive attitude, updating the resume, working with a top-notch resume coach, who happens to be my wife, and not taking it too seriously this time.

So far, I've resolved six years of work into a page-and-a-half - needs to be tightened up. I'm writing a profile, but it's too much "I'm half horse and half alligator" right now. Maybe that's good - it's a brag, but one that I can support...

Henry
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Still waiting to hear re the interview (I was the first candidate to be interviewed). Most Unpleasant at work--my boss is pitching fits about this, that and the other miscellaneous trivialities, such as who moved the heater (himself, but hey....). I'm pretty sure they just contacted him for a reference, and he's suddenly realized he could lose me. If only they'd pay me decently! Baby needs new shoes.... health insurance, sick days, etc. etc.

Oh please Lord.
 

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Posted by mirrizin (# 11014) on :
 

 

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Posted by Henry Troup (# 3722) on :
 
I've sent out some resumes, and have an interview tomorrow. Keep me in your prayers, as you are in mine.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
Thanks for bumping this thread up, Henry! I hope to post on it more.

Prayers ascending.

Charlotte
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Any word Lamb chopped?
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Family and friends are on the job trail. Is this the season?

Mrs Sioni is applying for a job at a local school which will mean term-time work and get her off her feet.

Elder daughter has an interview on Thursday after next which would get her out of the shop job she does now. She feels taken for granted there and all the "management training" promised has not materialised.

Finally a friend of hours has been working in a lab which is doing his health no good at all. We have prevailed upon him to get his CV out, to at least make people aware that he and his talents are out there.

For all of these
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Further to the above:

As soon as my daughter could she asked for the time off, as a part of her holiday/leave allowance and the manager met this with a firm "no" on the grounds that she had made out the staff rota and there was a delivery due that day. Manager's comment was then "Get *them* to change the date and time of the interview" but with no suggestion about when would be suitable. Daughter had arranged for someone else to cover for her, but manager won't budge.

Daughter needs, at most two hours off next Thursday (15 Feb) so the period of notice is well over the "2*time-off" guideline.

Is this manager being unreasonable or what? I've told my daughter that if the manager refuses to give this time off as paid holiday time she should offer to take it unpaid (she suspects the manager is worried about her precious bonus) but does anyone have any suggestions, apart from prayers to soften this manager's heart?

Daughter, who really wants this job, and her manager.
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Catrine:
Any word Lamb chopped?

---

Still waiting! Rumor is that they haven't been able to meet with the third candidate yet. Please, Lord....

Meanwhile, my present boss is out of his snit (Thank you, Lord!!!) and I rather suspect he thinks it's been long enough that I've been turned down, and his team is safe for a few more months. Still hoping he'll get a Dreadful Shock soon....
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Dispute between daughter and her manager resolved.

Daughter went in to talk to manager and heard manager on 'phone to recruitment agency about her own possible move to another chain in the same business! Daughter explained, in the firm, clear manner we have come to recognise (don't know where she gets it), that she isn't going to miss the interview, realising that in the circumstances, her manager didn't have a leg to stand on; not without some "storytelling" at the very least.

Many thanks for prayers which have brought about what sceptics may call serendipity.
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
I popped on here briefly last autumn-
exited almost at once as managed to find a suitable job quite quickly.

However.............!

One disasterous move
+
One operation later
=
I won't be going back to anything like my previous type of employment.

Currently have another 3-4 weeks where I cannot work, even were i to be able to find something.

Physios and occupation therapists advise me to "use this time to consider".

Been in Social Care and Education for 20+years.
High on experience,
Low on qualifications.

Working through a resume book from Mr Alba is proving interesting...it appears i DO have specific skills that are transferable to..."something else".

So, "Hello all!"
and
"Help!"

+ a specific question:
Has anyone here HAD to learn to drive for their employment?
like, really wanted to do something and that has provided to impetus to succeed with the driving lessons?

thanks
 

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Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Dunno, but I'm getting to the point where I think I might have to - I'm sick of not getting jobs just because I haven't a driving licence and "might be expected to travel"...even though, given a chance, I'm great at getting around on public transport.

Anyway, off for an overnighter and early interview today, so all thoughts apreciated!
 

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Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ethne Alba:

I won't be going back to anything like my previous type of employment...

---

I can't help about learning to drive, but I can be encouraging about radical changes of job.

After 30 years in one line of work, late last year I followed all the advice on this thread (did the CV carefully, was honest at interview about what I did not know but stressed how I could draw on my previous experience etc) and it worked! What is more, it's all true. I've been in the job for three weeks now and although the sector is new, there really are parallels in every aspect of the work. It can be done!

So thanks again all here and good luck to those of you now looking.
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
30 yrs...?

if you can do it
then surely i can as well.

Phoned Learn Direct today
[ all the usual reason why i didn't want to...blah blah]...
and they were REALLY helpful!

Ended up with an individual advisor
who listened a lot
talked a bit
and then [kindly and politely]
pointed out my skills at torpeado-ing my work life so far.
bless 'im!

So very helpful indeed.

i have a manageable list
of very sensible things to do;
and some of which had never crossed my mind to date.
 

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Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on :
 
Well done, Ethne Alba!
 

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Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Eep! Got an offer - for something very exciting and very different. Again, was honest about what I did not know, but (and I quote) "it was felt, taking into account your many other attributes, that you had the potential to grow into the role".

Prayers for all still waiting, or who do not yet know if they have been successful...
 

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Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bittersweet:
Eep! Got an offer - for something very exciting and very different. Again, was honest about what I did not know, but (and I quote) "it was felt, taking into account your many other attributes, that you had the potential to grow into the role"...

---

Bittersweet, well done. Carry that thought with you as a confidence-booster when you start - and enjoy it!

PS Growing into a role is a shared responsibility; they chose you, so I'm sure they'll help you.
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
Hi folks.

As some may know from other threads: finishing dissertation, made redundant today after being notified of such a couple of weeks ago. Job sucked anyway.

In a nutshell, I can't really handle the triple-whammy of working full-time AND job-hunting AND degree-studying.

1 major lead (waiting), 1 minor lead (waiting), 1 minor-ish contact (we'll see if anything ever comes up), 1 lead suitability of which remains to be seen, 10 CVs sent out a week ago to agents who have lost them all already, 3 sent out this week to agents who are elusive.

Groan. Make it go away. I hate this.
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Congratulations Bittersweet, they sound pretty reasonable as far as employers go!

Try and keep positive Telepath, you are making all the right moves and effort and here's praying that you find the right job soon.

As for me, I'm half way through my 6 month contract and have been told it's not for renewal. If anyone knows anyone else who needs a substance use researcher with statistical leanings, please let me know!
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
Off to an Open Day for something I've always wanted to do!

But can I?
and ...but...what if...and all that!
 

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Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Ethne Alba - I hope you feel you can do whatever it is you want to do - enjoy your open day!
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
Open Day wonderful.
Offered an interview for next week.

Minus points:
* it's not paid,
* the training can last up to a year,
* am scared!

Plus ones:
* two days per week only,
* recognised qualification on completion,
* strong possibility of future employment,
* an area I've always wanted to move into,
* reputable non govermental organisation,
* mentoring and supervision offered,
* they appear to want me and are even talking about where I'd be based (were I to want to join etc etc)

For the first time in absolutly years I am able to consider this.

Am going to need casual work to suppliment the household coffers though.
It's kinda one step forward and one back all at the same time!
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
thank you for your encouragement Bittersweet.

It's rather lovely when people look at us and say kind things about our "attributes" and "potential for growth" and stuff isn't it?

Don't know about anyone else but I find I need those sort of Outside Objective Interventions every now and then.
Or I just stay on the same-old, same-old tram lines as before.
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Sounds great EA!
 

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Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
You're right Ethne Alba. I'm really rather scared (as well as very excited) by this new post, but knowing that they really seemed to see something in me makes me think differently about my ability to do this, and to make it really work!

Your opportunity sounds fab - I pray for the mundane work to support your training etc, and encourage you to take the long view - it sounds as though if you do go for this, in a couple of years you could well be in a much better position...
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
how much of this is about our perception
of ourselves
being not entirely accurate.

for myself i fear that's been a long term sticking point..........
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
Ethne, just find the mundane work and you're away! Yes, it IS possible that you could end up doing the work you actually want to do!

Bittersweet - what are the odds that you'll actually screw up? You probably won't, will you? You'll probably find a way of doing it even if it is by the skin of your teeth at first, right?

Major prospect left me a voicemail AND an email today! Minor prospect seems to have dissipated to nothing.
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
Just discovered that failing my maths O level all those years ago was NOT a huge joke after all.

This won't effect the training I hope to start,
but it shows me in a light I'm not everso keen on.

Numeracy Level 2 does anyone know anything about it?

(gulp!)
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
I think this is Numeracy Level 2.

I had an initial phone screen with the major prospect and I don't feel good about it.

I talked too much and too long and too dourly. There were planes flying overhead and motors roaring because the only semi-private place to talk is the loading bay outside the office.

The recruiter said she'd look at their graduate opportunities. This implies that, if they had anything for me, it would quite likely be at the entry level, which would be depressing after 8 years in the industry and 15 years in employment.

And yet I've got friends advising me that I'd be an idiot to turn them down even if it meant taking a pay cut! My salary is well below the industry standard now, and it doesn't even meet my expenses!

Not that they'll have anything for me, I suppose.
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
Bit of post-interview negativity syndrome there, I think.

I didn't hear a "no" in her voice, so I think it could go either way at this point. You usually can hear the "no" from the very beginning IME.
 

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Posted by Henry Troup (# 3722) on :
 
A surprise interview tomorrow, and one I worked for on Wednesday. Pray for me.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
Prayers ascending, Henry!

I'm finally moving along more seriously in the "looking" department, after three months-plus doing not much in the job search department. It does feel much better.

Got some little nibbles last week, hope to get more this week as people "go through the stack".

Charlotte
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
An offensive interaction with an agent today. All the usual stuff for agents, but it's also the usual stuff of my life, and it tempts me into my usual fear that I'll never succeed.

Taking into account my 8 years' experience as an analyst programmer and my MSc in Software Engineering from Flashy University:

- he asked which was my main programming language (Java is the one I'm best at), and asked when I last used it (last year on a uni assignment, since in my day job they said "but if we let you use Java, you'll get a better job and leave!") and waxed unimpressed by the total number of years' experience I'd had in Java, and, by extension, by my experience overall.

- said I was a DBA because I have most recently used SQL, but he couldn't help me because he doesn't have any DBA roles.

- demanded to know how much I'm getting paid in my present job. I declined to answer. (A figure well below the industry standard, of course.)

- demanded to know how much I want in my next job. Asked if that was more than I'm getting in my present job. Sneered, "So you think you'll get that, do you?"

- demanded to know the names of the companies I was waiting to hear from "so he didn't make himself look stupid by contacting them." Yeah, right. As if I'm going to answer that one.

- demanded to know if I was married or single.

I know this is all the usual stuff for agents, and it shouldn't get me down. I'm trying to decide whether to keep calling him or not. At least I could get in his face.

My next call was to a much more positive-sounding agent, who (of course) had lost my CV so I agreed to re-send it. I came home to find a message saying it had bounced. Umpteen attempts later, it's still bouncing. Anyone care to lay odds on this guy answering the phone tomorrow?

Meanwhile, the big flashy prospect has not said no yet. The trouble is, I can't think why, since my skillset does seem to be orthogonal to what they need, and their interview process, should I get that far, is famously rigorous. I am not trying to put myself down here, it's just that everything I've read suggests that I shouldn't even have got as far as the initial screening.

The trouble is, they're the only ones who've shown any real interest so far.

So all the ordinary Joes are disparaging my skills and experience as not amounting to a hill of beans, whereas I still haven't had a "no" from a spectacular company whose reasons for even talking to me are genuinely hard to fathom.

I hope they continue not to say no, though. I said I'd call on Friday if they hadn't called back by then.

Tomorrow I'll have to suspend my DVD rentals and gym membership, against the lean years.

Pants.
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
A Friend of mine is having the same problem with agents.

One has phones permenently engaged (9-5)
another on constant ansa-phone,
another doesn't appear to have a functioning fax,
fourth employs people who don't pass any messages on
a fifth who never, but never returns phone calls, even if it's in their advantage to so do...?!

How he is still sane is beyond me.
I'd be up for multiple homicde by now.

Prayers for your situation Telepath. Hope you have some encouragement along the way soon.

Interview went well, I think.
Being left in a (very) small room for nearly an hour was an... interesting start.
I had about a thousand files for company and five books of legislative procedure.
So I now know why one shouldn't enter a polyganmous marriage if one is hoping to get state pension.
[never know when these things might come in useful]

Usual raft of probing questions but as the folk doing the interviewing were lovely people it was a pleasant way to spend the second hour.
They will let me know.

Numeracy assessment ........OMGG

I have such gaps it's a wonder I ever return from the grocery shop with the correct change.
Nightmare.
Without giving too much away can I just say that I won't be starting at level two.

Lent was ignored yesterday & a bottle of badgers best was bought on the way home.
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
Well, major prospect turned out to be a "no". I was right when I thought my (software engineering) skillset was not what they were looking for (hardcore computer scientists).

They did say (convincingly) that things might change over the medium term and that I should keep an eye on their website and call again in six to twelve months if not sooner. They sure made rejection an encouraging experience - really, no kidding. It puts the attitude problems of quite a few so-called "recruitment consultants" into perspective.

They do get a heckuva lot of applications - tens of thousands per month, rather than thousands. So they could've just laughed in my face, or ignored me altogether; instead it seems they gave careful consideration to how they might use me.

To be fair, I've got one agent with a single, but definite lead; and at least two are talking to me now. Plus I just printed out two dozen CVs for a job fair on Wednesday, and I am armed with a snazzy set of business cards. Tomorrow's special theme is going to be "What Color Is Your Parachute?"

EA, sorry about your numeracy woes. I'm pretty sure your adult education system will have remedial classes available throughout the year. There are always tons advertised where I live.

If it's any consolation - even if you had a snazzy line in mathematical logic and stochastic process algebra, you could still get knocked back for not knowing big-O notation. In all seriousness, it isn't possible to know everything, and in life, what you don't know can bite you in the butt. All you can do is learn what you can, when you can. So don't give up. By definition, when you're learning something, you don't know it already.
 

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Posted by EnglishRose (# 4808) on :
 
Well, I didn't think I'd be back on this thread quite so soon, but I could really do with some support/advice. Some of you may remember that I spent most of last year jobhunting. It was an utterly depressing process but I eventually got what looked like my dream job.

Sadly things don't appear to be working out as well as I'd hoped and I may well need to start looking elsewhere in the near future. But I just don't know what to do or where to start. Is anyone going to look at me when I've only spent five months in my current role? How on earth do I take time off for interviews without alerting my current boss to what's going on? And I'm really worried about references - I know that I've done a good job but the personality fit with my boss isn't great, and I'm just beginning to discover that there are some really odd office politics going on under the surface.

Honestly, I'm so worried I don't know what to do for the best. I fancy a complete career change - but don't ask me what I want to do instead, because I don't know! What else can a PA do without spending huge amounts of time and money retraining? Any thoughts welcomed!
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Telepath:
In all seriousness, it isn't possible to know everything, and in life, what you don't know can bite you in the butt. All you can do is learn what you can, when you can. So don't give up.

---

I'm loving this quote, makes so much sense. I'm hoping that the fair brings some positive changes Telepath. EA, keep on in there!

EnglishRose, it doesn't look bad that you were only somewhere for 5 months. You can get references from previous employers if necessary, and try not to panic about taking time out for interviews either. I'm not sure if you have any flexi-time policies in your role, if so use them to your advantage. If not, you may still be able to do them in your lunch break (possibly by moving your lunch break till earlier) or by doing them over the telephone. Keep positive!
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
EnglishRose - no career-changer should be without "What Color Is Your Parachute", by Richard Nelson Bolles. It sounds exceptionally applicable to your situation. If I were you, I'd order a copy right this minute.
 

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Posted by Treedreamer (# 10127) on :
 
Hi English Rose

You don't say for what reasons you think you'll soon have to move on, but if you are about to be made redundant, the next employer will understand that I'm sure - sometimes people do have bad luck.
If you are not, I would advise sitting tight for a few more months if you can. Take your time to look around, visit a careers advisor (and have you ever done a myers-briggs personality test?), volunteer for things related to jobs you think you might enjoy or take a few short evening courses. Take the time to daydream about what you would do if you could do anything - it's a good starting point.
If things really get too much, I am sure you would consider temping. After all, a PA position in a good company is a good route into the building and other jobs within the company/organisation.
Good Luck.
 

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Posted by Carys (# 78) on :
 
Well, my temporary job has been going reasonably well, but it runs out in a month's time so I need to be considering options. The part I've enjoyed most is translating so I'm looking at heading that way. I'm considering sitting the exams for basic membership of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru (Society of Translators) and have spent the afternoon getting contact details of companies who do translation in Cardiff. I've not seen many adverts for jobs in the sector, but there are quite a lot of companies at least one of which welcomes speculative CVs. I might also be able to get something in that line with my agency. I must talk to them.

It's actually my intention to have a couple of weeks off after this job, partly because of Easter and partly because of PhD. Things might become clearer on the vocation front then too (in that the diocesan stage might tell me to wait a bit) which in some ways would make applying easier as I'd be around for at least 18 months not 6.

Carys
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
As we move into Spring, I will have been with my company for 3 years.

That is, I would have been, if they had hired me. They consider the switchboard operator/receptionist position a ground-level, train-up-a-greenhorn sort of position and have determined it will never be a company position. Thus I was considered a "permanent temp", a contractor.

I suppose it was more realistic, categorizing the position that way, a few years ago when they created the job. The facility was half its current size, with half the departments and half the employees. I bet an average day was maybe 75 to 100 calls, tops. Security wasn't as tight then. And the switchboard/receptionist, back then, did not care for the office supply stockroom and the first aid/safety room.

Not being granted access to the sacred company webiste, I often didn't know about potentially dangerous people, disgruntled fired workers, etc. And I sure did not have access to the information I needed to keep up various training classes and to gather "points" for my incentive gifts.

I could not perform certain aspects of several of my duties -- little things like confirming a person's employment status before allowing him into the facility.

This was stupid. We are a locked-down, Fort Knox sort of place, with radioactive and explosive and poisonous materials. Everyone carries an I.D. badge that opens doors he's qualified to open, and creates a record of where he's been that day.

So there I was, front line of the tighest security in the area (besides the jails), yet I had to make folks wait and twiddle their thumbs while I made phone calls to actual Company Employees who had access to the company website, to verify the status of the person petitioning me for entrance, so I could decide what sort of access to give him.

That's assuming I could find such an employee. The ones I was supposed to bother with this were not always available.

There I sat every day, being a personal assistant to 300 people, answering about 300 phone calls daily. There I was handling sensitive information about the company and about employees' personal lives. I know where the skeletons are buried, I know who owes multiples thousands of dollars to whom.

I have blended the perfect balance of tact, steely businesslike sternness, and bubbly pleasant warmth to get the job done. I think I'm damned good at what I do. Yet the one and only little raise I got was when they feared I was leaving, I suppose, back when I first signed up with a second temp service. There were references checked, I guess. Scared them. Hee hee.

They simply did not want to hire me -- even tho people doing my same job in other locations in the region were company employees. This was apparently a decision made by crusty long-entrenched personnel people, who will have to retire before it can change.

The route to other jobs in other departments that was supposed to make me "temp to hire" was
a) very slow, you have to pretty much wait for people to die in the traces -- and
b) they kept hiring from outside anyway, so much for hiring me!

So, for the past year or so, I have been in touch with that second temp service -- since my current temp agency boss apparently did not take me seriously when I asked her to let me know of other jobs that came up.

The second service courted me and tested me to evaluate my skills with the usual computer programs. They, unfortunately, never found me anything worth leaving the current job for -- either the pay was about the same miserable small amount, or if it was nice pay the job wasn't steady. No good leaving one temp slot for another.

I was coming back into town after yet another fruitless interview set up for me by this second staffing agency, when I saw a sign re: an industrial supply company hiring an Admin Assistant. What did I have to lose?

I applied -- gave them the only resume I had on me, the very barebones basic one set up by the second temp company -- apparently not too many others applied, and those few were more interested in the warehouse than running the front office --

They made me an offer -- I countered with needing more pay -- they jumped thru hoops with their superiors and got me the higher pay --

So now I start March 1st with this new company.

I called my agency boss, told her about the offer, and gave site boss exactly 2 weeks' notice. He did ask about things they might do to sweeten my deal & get me to stay -- but his superiors couldn't do anything.

Higher pay at the new company -- better benefits -- better vacation, better retirement investment --

And actual employment BY the company, no nasty temp status. I need to access a computer re: some company person or policy, bam! there I am! Yay!

I will have the same duties there that I had before -- minus the rigid site security stuff, yay! -- Plus I will take over payroll for my location and one in a nearby town --

And they will reimburse me my tuition as I take college classes to complete my degree! Woo-hoo! Could do some classes during the day even, adjust my schedule at work, they said.

I had met some of the sales staff already, when they called on the procurement folks at my current job. The lady in the office, from whom I'm taking over the payroll work, I had met before because we both once worked for the same auto parts retailer.

They all seem like really nice people.

And I am encouraged to wear denim every day if I like. Much less formal atmosphere.

If I had refused to give the second temp agency another chance -- if I had not gone out to that interview -- I never would have accidentally found the good job I'm now going to.

I guess the moral of the story is to keep your ear to the ground while your nose is to the grindstone.

[ 25. February 2007, 00:24: Message edited by: Janine ]
 

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Posted by Catrine (# 9811) on :
 
Woo Janine! what a story, well done! I hope the new job is great.


 

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Posted by Henry Troup (# 3722) on :
 
Second interview Friday for one job. So far, everything that's produced even interviews has been my extended personal network.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Personal networks and happy accidents seem to find more jobs than professional agencies...
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
Reporting back.

So far I have one training post with a Non Govermental Agency.
Voluntary at first, when trained should be paid.

Another v. minor volunteer post, but one with supervision and training.

Numeracy course started.

Furher training identified and starting next week.

All I need now is two days paid work each week.
Only two.
And always on the same days.

So....decision time:
Do I sneak back into a kinda watered-down version of what I did before, the safe route?
Or
Do I branch out, stride forth and conquer, find a new way?

( not that those words give anything away about my thoughts on the matter or anything)

Telepath, sounds like a right royal rollercoaster you're on.
Hope something a bit firmer than a 'maybe' turns up soon.

don't know about you, but I can handle a 'no'. It's the faffing about I can't do very well.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Yeah. I am firmly convinced God has everything in hand and His will will be done in the end.

It's the getting there that drives me nuts.

I have been sitting around grinning about my new job having little or no site security crap. Can't say I will miss administering such a program.

Of course as of Thursday, in the new job, I will be vulnerable to any nutjob who wants to walk in and cause trouble. In the old job, anyone who wanted to cause trouble had to get through tempered glass and metal bars and my decision to buzz open the door.

I suppose it's a trade-off.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
p.s. Ethne Alba -- I may be the last person to advise "go for the gusto!" -- since I just sat almost 3 years in a dead-end job, waiting for something better --

But there is a lot to be said about looking for work that will satisfy your soul as well as your bank account. I will miss the interpersonal parts, the soul-satisfying parts, of my old job -- the parts that kept me sane there while I was underpaid and (by some) underappreciated.

So in some ways the stretching out and taking on new realms is as important as the paycheck.
 

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Posted by neandergirl (# 8916) on :
 
Yay! Janine - and may you be 'contagious' to all those still looking.
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Well, as some of you know already, they are re-advertising the job I've been in the running for, for six months so far. (It's a leisurely process.) Apparently the other three candidates who made it thus far have all decided to withdraw, leaving me the only candidate. So instead of hiring me, they are going fishing again.

On the good side, I haven't been told "no." Indeed, they have thrown me a little free-lance work, which I'm assuming is another test of sorts. I'm nervous about it, having never done anything quite like it before... spare a prayer?
 

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Posted by Bittersweet (# 10483) on :
 
Lamb Chopped - on this side of the pond, many companies (esp. Governmental and NGO's) would not be allowed to hire if only 1 candidate remained - it would not be deemed to be a fair appointment. Is there a possibility that the company, despite liking you (ie, the freelance work) is simply being cautious about being accused of unfair hiring practices, and so wants a larger pool of candidates?
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Daughter had her interview a few weeks ago and she was successful! She doesn't start immediately but goes on a list and as vacancies crop up, people are offered jobs. As the number on the list is about half that of the vacancies at that level last year, she ought to be in soon, so she will be able to tolerate her current job.

Thanks be to God.
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
SS...congrats to your daughter!
Such a relief all round.

I start my training on 15th March.

OMGG......argh.....wheeeeeeeeeee!
erhumph.......sorry about that.

Now.
Where was I?
Oh yes.
Maths. "Numeracy".zzzzzzzzzzzzz
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Bittersweet:
Lamb Chopped - on this side of the pond, many companies (esp. Governmental and NGO's) would not be allowed to hire if only 1 candidate remained - it would not be deemed to be a fair appointment. Is there a possibility that the company, despite liking you (ie, the freelance work) is simply being cautious about being accused of unfair hiring practices, and so wants a larger pool of candidates?

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I DO hope you're right. I'm not really sure, though, that anyone not "in house" would even be aware that there was only one candidate remaining. Thanks for the cheerful thought!
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
EA, something to look forward to! Yeah!

Lamb Chopped - please do not lose heart. Really. For all you know, their objection (if there is one) could be "we'd hire Lamb Chopped, but he just doesn't seem to fancy his chances."

As for myself - I haven't got time to do much more than use the Well Known Job Boards right now, and they are dominated by agencies playing buzzword bingo.

They start by discounting my skills, experience, and qualifications, then they demand that I justify my achievements without reference to my achievements, 'cos they just discounted them.

I have a phone screening on Tuesday for something that looks ABSOLUTELY BLOODY PERFECT, and it's a direct hire, no agent. Meaning, no buzzword bingo. And they are a software company, meaning that they actually understand what developing software is like. A chance! A chance!

I hope we like each other because if I have to talk to another agent, I swear...
 

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Posted by Henry Troup (# 3722) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Telepath:
And they are a software company, meaning that they actually understand what developing software is like. A chance! A chance!

I hope we like each other because if I have to talk to another agent, I swear...

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Speaking as a software guy myself; how can anyone hire developers without talking to them themselves? Are they using these "agents" as screeners? Seems unbelievable. We used to have the HR department (at last employer, that's one person) read resumes and refer sensible ones to us, then interview with real developers. How else can you get results?

Two interviews today, both seemed to go well.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
I have to say that my experiences working with non-technical agents (etc.) have been pretty bad. They see "computer" and start asking me about software dev or DBA jobs (I'm a sysadmin - the skill sets are very different).

I am happy to report that I finally managed to avoid procrastinating today and sent off some resumes and cover letters. I have a backlog of listings to go through, but no huge plans for the weekend, so I might have the cover letters taped by Monday.

Charlotte
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
Henry, fingers crossed & prayers for your two interviews.

You might even find yourself choosing between two offers - wouldn't that be delectable?
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
Just went on the job board to see if anyone else is trying to steal the job I'm being screened for on Tuesday.

The job is coming up "unable to display"!

I sincerely hope this means they did the sensible thing and stopped looking once they heard from me.

What it probably, realistically means, is that the posting has lapsed and not been renewed, by intent or by oversight.

The worst-case scenario is that the job has been filled and they haven't bothered telling me and I'll find out on Tuesday when they don't phone me!

However, they don't strike me as that type of uncommunicative jerks, so I think we can discount the last possibility.

Aaaagh! I really like the look of this one! It just seems to fit neatly in an unforced way, from my point of view. I will be especially crushed if I don't get it!

Tuesday, people... please keep praying!
 

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Posted by EnglishRose (# 4808) on :
 
Thanks to all for the career suggestions. I think I've got some serious reading to do in the weeks ahead.

One of the main problems in my current job is that my boss and I just haven't "clicked". It's very difficult to work as a PA if you can't read your boss inside out, and even more so in a company where "team fit" is emphasised constantly.

I was supposed to be seeing the PA manager last week to discuss my situation. However, the appointment's been postponed three times as she's off sick, and I'm still in limbo. I really should be getting my CV out to a few agencies but I'm very good at procrastinating. As I said before, I'm also having a real debate about whether I'm cut out to be a PA long-term. However, I haven't got any transferable skills, so I don't see how I could possibly start a new career without retraining (which I can't afford). It's all a bit of a worry.

How's everyone else getting on?
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
English Rose....don't suppose you'd consider doing a sideways move into the NHS and rescue the poor consultants ( and their patients) would you?
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
English Rose, I think there are a great many jobs requiring administrative skills - the difference is that they are deployed for the sake of a group or a project, rather than an individual, which to me is a whole lot more satisfying that supporting an individual.

Besides the NHS, have you looked at schools, colleges and universities?
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
Originally posted by EnglishRose:

quote:

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I'm very good at procrastinating

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Okay. Aunty Telepath is going to have to get a bit stern now. Those of a nervous disposition, look away.

S
T
E
R
N
N
E
S
S

S
P
A
C
E

.
.
.
.
.
.

Looking for work is a full-time job in itself, requiring a lot of commitment and dedication. So, if you're very good at procrastinating, you might as well forget the idea that you'll ever get another job, and accept that you're going to stay where you are until you're removed from your job by some external event. Whereupon, I guess, you'll have a second career lying under your duvet smoking Gauloises and telling yourself "Actually, what I'd really like to do is direct!"

Now I must admit, if that career path appeals to you, I would have trouble working out what was wrong with it...

quote:

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I haven't got any transferable skills

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ethne Alba:
Poor english rose is going to feel got at here!

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Yes, but I think that's exactly what I need right now I don't want to end up under the duvet smoking Gauloises!

I've made a start this evening by ordering some of the books that people have suggested (including "What Colour..." as it seems to get the general thumbs up). However, things are dicey at work and I really can't make up my mind whether to just dive into applying for PA jobs to rescue me from my current position or whether to wait until I've figured out What To Do With The Rest of My Life. I don't think I'm a terribly good administrator, which limits the options somewhat....

Anyway, enough about me for the time being! How's everyone else getting on at the moment? Any interviews in the pipeline?
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by EnglishRose:
I don't think I'm a terribly good administrator, which limits the options somewhat....

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Good grief, what are you doing as a PA then? 'Administration' is simply doing stuff. Have you ever arranged travel? ordered stationary? checked invoices? made appointments? circulated papers? taken minutes? done a mailshot? booked a room?

It is sort of housework with paper.
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
EnglishRose, if you're afraid you're going to get fired, maybe you should register with a temping agency, and quit with the excuse that you're going to "find yourself". Imply that you are going to spend time in a monastery in Tibet; no-one needs to know you'll be taking shorthand in Camberwell unless they ask straight out, do they?

As for me, I've got the phone screening tomorrow morning at 11 GMT, that's 11 GMT, people

What if I don't get it?!? What if I do get it?!?

I really really want it. It's a cool product. It's a direct hire with no buzzword bingo. Only 2 other people have applied (that I know of, they may have another source of applicants as well). The job has expired off the job board.

Ohwhyohwhyohwhy don't they just pick me? Oh let them pick me!

I bet my two rivals both have Harvard Ph.Ds in Three-Coupled Retrowanglesprockets, and are fortuitously in the area looking for work just at the same time a Three-Coupled Retrowanglesprocket company is setting up shop. I bet they are all Birkenstock-wearing hippies with trust funds, who eschew materialism and are happy to take the job at the bottom of the pay range. Without a thought for me! Who do these pseudo-philanthropic nebbishes think they are, anyway?
 

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Posted by EnglishRose (# 4808) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Telepath:


I bet my two rivals both have Harvard Ph.Ds in Three-Coupled Retrowanglesprockets, and are fortuitously in the area looking for work just at the same time a Three-Coupled Retrowanglesprocket company is setting up shop. I bet they are all Birkenstock-wearing hippies with trust funds, who eschew materialism and are happy to take the job at the bottom of the pay range. Without a thought for me! Who do these pseudo-philanthropic nebbishes think they are, anyway?

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quote:

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maybe you should register with a temping agency, and quit with the excuse that you're going to "find yourself".

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I'm seriously considering this as an option, not because of the risk of being fired (in my realistic moments I have to admit that I really haven't goofed that badly!), but because it would give me time to explore new options. Is anyone temping at the moment? Any dos or don'ts about temping? How do I work out an hourly rate of pay roughly comparable to my current salary? In the longer term, does a spell of temping look bad on the CV?
 

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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on :
 
EnglishRose, to work out a comparable hourly rate, divide your yearly gross salary by 48 (the four weeks is to allow for bank holidays and Xmas shutdowns). Then divide the result by 38 (maximum number of hours per week you're likely to be working).

No, temping doesn't look bad on your CV.

Sign up with a bajillion agencies, and phone each of them every day that you're out of work.

As for me - the interview went well, I was a bit shy and tense but I think we all were... I reckon the two guys I spoke to are not unlike me.

The company is being taken over and is going through due diligence, so the interviewer explained that he will not be able to make any formal job offers until the end of the month. That must be why the ad is no longer up on the job board. He said he was perfectly confident that it would all go through smoothly; I felt no reason to doubt him.

He also said they weren't necessarily looking for someone perfect, so they didn't mind that I didn't have experience in their sector. That's good for me, because I match every one of the points in their advertisement except experience in their sector, which the ad said "the ideal candidate" would have.

We didn't go into any depth, I said I'd made a "wide and shallow" application of my skills in my present job; I hope I didn't blow it by saying that, I don't think so.

They asked me what my salary expectations were (it's actually visible +-10% on the job board), and I said that I'd prefer to talk about that later, once we'd decided that we liked each other; and that I was liking what I saw so far.

So, we've got another phone interview on the 20th, whereupon a face-to-face interview will be arranged (if they decide to...).

The discussion was mostly in the realm of future possibilities, which is an excellent sign

AND they're looking for two developers, not just one. Double the chances!!!

I sent thank-you notes, same wording to each guy, and I sent them special delivery because it wasn't clear which office they were phoning from. So I sent them to the head office, the special delivery was to make sure the letters don't get lost.

Damn, I love their product. I would so love to be working for them. Everybody else just looks like David Brent in comparison.

Two weeks' wait!
 

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Posted by DaisyM (# 9098) on :
 
Great interview, Telepath!!
And now, you can breathe!!
Looking for a job may take a lot of time; however, you also need to enjoy life a bit.
Life is going on, whatever you are doing.
(So easy to give advice to someone else rather than follow it myself )
 

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Posted by EnglishRose (# 4808) on :
 
Am so glad that things went well for you, Telepath. It sounds so promising, especially the fact that the interviewers seemed like your sort of people. That's so important. I hope the wait isn't too painful. Have you got anything else in the pipeline?

I've got my pile of books and will start reading this evening (honest!) My meeting with the PA manager gave me a lot of food for thought too. I'm still seriously questioning my future there and have six weeks to make a decision. I think I might try to get a short term contract elsewhere, preferably close to home, and then do some serious long-term thinking. So, I need to put together a smart PA CV and get it out to some local employers this week. I guess the obvious places would be the local hospital & the local uni. Any thoughts as to which format would be better - functional or chronological?
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Telepath:
EnglishRose, to work out a comparable hourly rate, divide your yearly gross salary by 48 (the four weeks is to allow for bank holidays and Xmas shutdowns). Then divide the result by 38 (maximum number of hours per week you're likely to be working).

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quote:

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Most decent employers pay you monthly and the payment per month is generally a fixed rate no matter how many days, holidays or bank holidays there happen to be in that month, unless you take unpaid leave or have the sort of contract that means if you aren't there you don't get paid for it.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Telepath:
If you want a raw equivalent hourly rate, then do as Ariel says. That may be more realistic.

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