I sent out some responces to Craigslist postings. Most have resulted in scam e-mails telling me to go to a website that they linked to so you can get your credit scores or take an IQ test. Aside from the e-mail links showing a diffrent site when you hover the mouse over them, the e-mail addresses they were sent from will not accept responces.
First, if they send you a link hover your mouse over it. Is it sending you to a different site? Is it one of the shorted links? Then it is more then likley a scam.
Most companies will only require a credit check when they are looking to hire you, if at all. They will never do one before they do an interview. They might have you fill out a PDF of an application to bring in with you at most.
Most notably beyondjobs.com is the biggest scam I have seen. I tried them, then my spam folder started filling up. Since then I always avoid them. Because there are jumping through hoops and then there is handing over every bit of information about you. If you do sign up with them you will find an insane increse in spam mail. they also work under diffrent guises. Engenerjobs.com being another of their sites.
The only thing you can really do Is look for postings that give you a good deal of information to work with. If you get an e-mail asking you to follow a link, take a test and then give them your score they are probably not real. Send them a polite e-mail explaining that you don't feel comfortable with their request. If you get anything other then a return notice then you are very lucky.
If you suspect a job posting might be a scam then don't waste your time applying for it. If they are promising a great deal of money for an entry level position then don't waste your time with it. They can be found on any job site that allows public posting and never seem to give up.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Advice on Applying for a Job in Another City
This is not a set in stone type of plan. As a list it covers a lot of basics that can sometimes be over looked in your job search or when you are actually moving. They are things you always want to keep in mind.
Some things to keep in mind:
1) Where you live now.
You need to specify in your cover letter that you are living in your current city/state and that you are planing to move to your new city/state. This way they should be able to take it into consideration and possibly eliminate you right away. If you are looking for an entry level position chances are they will pass you by for a local candidate.
2) When you can interview.
Specify when you will be in the city to possibly meet with them.If they know you have plans to be near them then they won't feel like you are asking to be flown out there on their dime.
3) When you will be moving.
They will ask you when you plan on moving to the new city. Tell them your plan of action. If you are going to be moving to your new city with or with out a new job then you should tell them when that will be. Tell them that you will be available in that city starting after your settled. Do not set an appointment for the same day as your move.
If you can't move there unless you have a job let them know. Let them know that to start your new time is negotiable. If you have to be there sooner then you expected you can always put your items into a storage place and have them moved later.
4) Before moving to your new city.
When you are looking for a new job call your local moving company and find out how quickly they can pick up your items and if they will be entering their busy season in the coming months. Find out if they can pick up your items within two weeks of seeing them. Find out if they can store your items and then deliver them at a later date.
5) Have someplace to stay for your first few weeks.
Make sure you have someplace to stay. If at a friends, family member, hotel or have an apartment have every thing set up beforehand. Find out if you can have items mailed there before you arrive. It you can/are going to be staying long term find out if you can change your mailing address to their address. If not, find a post office and set up a PO Box. Hotels will generally accept packages for you but you will need to set up a PO Box for bills and other mailings.
6a) When moving to your new city by plane/train/bus.
Put the items you will need right away in your suitcase and mail the anything else that you might need to the place you are staying. Don't mail yourself things you can easily buy there. Purchasing a cheep set of dishes, utensils and other items like detergent, dish soap, ect. This will keep you going until your other items get there.
6b) When moving to your new city by car.
Pack your car with immediately needed items first then see how much room you have left in your car. If you filled your car think about what you are taking and what you really need to have. If you have space think about what you might like to have and then try adding them. If you feel you would like to have more clothing 'just in case' you can stuff some in around your other items. If you are taking contaners think about filling them with other items to save space.
7) Your move in date.
Make sure your new job knows your moving date if you need to be there. If you can not take the day off make sure you have someone there to supervise for you. A good moving company will not move you in with out someone being there. This is for your own good so work with it. If necessary check to see if your apartment super or real estate agent can be there in your place and don't get upset if things are not in the right place. Complaining because you either could not be there or chose not to be there for delivery will probably not get you sympathy. Just accept it and move things around.
8) If bringing pets you will want to take food, litter, some toys, beds and other necessary things with you. You might not be able to find a pet supply store right away. This will make their trip less stressful. Also talk to your current vet or look online for vets in your new city prior to moving.
Some things to keep in mind:
1) Where you live now.
You need to specify in your cover letter that you are living in your current city/state and that you are planing to move to your new city/state. This way they should be able to take it into consideration and possibly eliminate you right away. If you are looking for an entry level position chances are they will pass you by for a local candidate.
2) When you can interview.
Specify when you will be in the city to possibly meet with them.If they know you have plans to be near them then they won't feel like you are asking to be flown out there on their dime.
3) When you will be moving.
They will ask you when you plan on moving to the new city. Tell them your plan of action. If you are going to be moving to your new city with or with out a new job then you should tell them when that will be. Tell them that you will be available in that city starting after your settled. Do not set an appointment for the same day as your move.
If you can't move there unless you have a job let them know. Let them know that to start your new time is negotiable. If you have to be there sooner then you expected you can always put your items into a storage place and have them moved later.
4) Before moving to your new city.
When you are looking for a new job call your local moving company and find out how quickly they can pick up your items and if they will be entering their busy season in the coming months. Find out if they can pick up your items within two weeks of seeing them. Find out if they can store your items and then deliver them at a later date.
5) Have someplace to stay for your first few weeks.
Make sure you have someplace to stay. If at a friends, family member, hotel or have an apartment have every thing set up beforehand. Find out if you can have items mailed there before you arrive. It you can/are going to be staying long term find out if you can change your mailing address to their address. If not, find a post office and set up a PO Box. Hotels will generally accept packages for you but you will need to set up a PO Box for bills and other mailings.
6a) When moving to your new city by plane/train/bus.
Put the items you will need right away in your suitcase and mail the anything else that you might need to the place you are staying. Don't mail yourself things you can easily buy there. Purchasing a cheep set of dishes, utensils and other items like detergent, dish soap, ect. This will keep you going until your other items get there.
6b) When moving to your new city by car.
Pack your car with immediately needed items first then see how much room you have left in your car. If you filled your car think about what you are taking and what you really need to have. If you have space think about what you might like to have and then try adding them. If you feel you would like to have more clothing 'just in case' you can stuff some in around your other items. If you are taking contaners think about filling them with other items to save space.
7) Your move in date.
Make sure your new job knows your moving date if you need to be there. If you can not take the day off make sure you have someone there to supervise for you. A good moving company will not move you in with out someone being there. This is for your own good so work with it. If necessary check to see if your apartment super or real estate agent can be there in your place and don't get upset if things are not in the right place. Complaining because you either could not be there or chose not to be there for delivery will probably not get you sympathy. Just accept it and move things around.
8) If bringing pets you will want to take food, litter, some toys, beds and other necessary things with you. You might not be able to find a pet supply store right away. This will make their trip less stressful. Also talk to your current vet or look online for vets in your new city prior to moving.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Cranky Hiring Agents in New York City pt2
Last night I spoke with a third New York City hiring agent. She called while I was stuck in traffic but I figured what the hey?
She was very eager to actually talk with me. But I could hear her sails deflating when I explained the whole 'not living in the city right now' thing to her. She did try and wiggle out of the conversation as soon as she heard that but when pressed answered my questions.
When I ask about the possablity of jobs with out an inperson meeting she shot it right down.
She also had no intention of possably saying something that could be held over her. A clear sign to me that someone had done that to her before. She did say that an interview for a job the same week i meet with her could happen but it depended on how many opening came her way. I told her I wasn't looking for a guarantee but just to see how I might schedule my time needed to be there. She was a little startled but went with it.
This was all I was looking for.
So, now I know that hiring agents in New York City, and possibly in general, do not read cover letters. They are just looking for people they can use to get a better turn over for their commission. Which is fine, but I am amazed that they would waste so much time talking with people they could have quickly eliminated as candidates. I also found that they have no idea were my city is and possibly never hear/read the news.
But! It gave me a very good out look of the time line needed to set interviews for a trip. It also confirmed the fact that I am a dime a dozen. A degree would give me the edge I need for the job market so I can make some headway.
She was very eager to actually talk with me. But I could hear her sails deflating when I explained the whole 'not living in the city right now' thing to her. She did try and wiggle out of the conversation as soon as she heard that but when pressed answered my questions.
When I ask about the possablity of jobs with out an inperson meeting she shot it right down.
She also had no intention of possably saying something that could be held over her. A clear sign to me that someone had done that to her before. She did say that an interview for a job the same week i meet with her could happen but it depended on how many opening came her way. I told her I wasn't looking for a guarantee but just to see how I might schedule my time needed to be there. She was a little startled but went with it.
This was all I was looking for.
So, now I know that hiring agents in New York City, and possibly in general, do not read cover letters. They are just looking for people they can use to get a better turn over for their commission. Which is fine, but I am amazed that they would waste so much time talking with people they could have quickly eliminated as candidates. I also found that they have no idea were my city is and possibly never hear/read the news.
But! It gave me a very good out look of the time line needed to set interviews for a trip. It also confirmed the fact that I am a dime a dozen. A degree would give me the edge I need for the job market so I can make some headway.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cranky Hiring Agents in New York City
I know they can be a wonderful way of finding employment, but if you are not living in the city they will not be able to do much for you. And if they did contact you then they probably did not read your cover letter that says you don't like in the area. Also you need a think skin when dealing with them.
But let me start again.
I sent out some responces to Craigslist postings. Most have resulted in scam e-mails telling me to go to a website that they linked to so you can get your credit scores or take an IQ test. Aside from the e-mail links showing a diffrent site when you hover the mouse over them, the e-mail addresses they were sent from will not accept responces. I have accepted this challenge and pass them by.
However, silly me thought that the real companies would actually take a moment to look at my cover letter. In which I state that I do not live near the city and can't meet for an interview without some planing. I figured that they would read this in consideration or that they would delete the e-mail. I had no idea they would actually call me and expect me to see them the same day for an interview for their hiring agency with out reading the cover letter.
I have had contact with two agents so far. The gentleman hemmed and hawed a little and complained that i wasn't living in the city. The conversation lasted maybe five minuets and had many little red flags waving at me. I sent him a polite e-mail saying I understand this, would understand that nothing would come my way and that at some point later in time when I will be out there I will pop him a message to see if he'd like to talk again. I knew it wasn't going to work out and gave him the best out possable.
I have mixed feeling about this. I am boggled by the lack of grammar skills and that he bothered to send a separate e-mail response, possibly by blackberry. I am pissed because it seems like an slap in the face but most of all I just can't grasp that he would waist the time to send this pointless e-mail to state what we spoke about.
The woman... I have changed my oppinion of her.
She used one - two word sentences in e-mails from her black berry. Red Flag one.
When she requested I call her, then tell me on the line 'e-mail' then quickly rattled off that she was on the line with three other calls and to e-mail her when to meet. Red Flag two.
I took this all as a sign that I should look elsewhere.
I sent the same e-mail to her as the other gentlemen (actually, i e-mailed her first and then used it for him.) thinking that was it and that she would probably be relived. Imagine my shock when I find an e-mail from her asking me to let her know when I'm in the city next.
Now, I'm probably looking into this with rose colored glasses, yet it's still a nicer response then the other guy. I will be dropping her a line when I get a chance to be in the city.
Interpretation has a lot to do with it. Both side of a conversation could be hearing different things. The guy could be telling me not to waste my time contacting him again or he could be trying to explain why it could take a long time to get back to me. Like wise the woman could be trying to keep connected or she could just be sending it to be polite. In the digital age I just can't be sure.
So... I'm going to hope for the best.
But let me start again.
I sent out some responces to Craigslist postings. Most have resulted in scam e-mails telling me to go to a website that they linked to so you can get your credit scores or take an IQ test. Aside from the e-mail links showing a diffrent site when you hover the mouse over them, the e-mail addresses they were sent from will not accept responces. I have accepted this challenge and pass them by.
However, silly me thought that the real companies would actually take a moment to look at my cover letter. In which I state that I do not live near the city and can't meet for an interview without some planing. I figured that they would read this in consideration or that they would delete the e-mail. I had no idea they would actually call me and expect me to see them the same day for an interview for their hiring agency with out reading the cover letter.
I have had contact with two agents so far. The gentleman hemmed and hawed a little and complained that i wasn't living in the city. The conversation lasted maybe five minuets and had many little red flags waving at me. I sent him a polite e-mail saying I understand this, would understand that nothing would come my way and that at some point later in time when I will be out there I will pop him a message to see if he'd like to talk again. I knew it wasn't going to work out and gave him the best out possable.
For some odd reasion he responded. This is his entire e-mail:
And though it is not easy you are not unique to us
I will do my best
I have more of an obstacle with the time of year versus your location
I have mixed feeling about this. I am boggled by the lack of grammar skills and that he bothered to send a separate e-mail response, possibly by blackberry. I am pissed because it seems like an slap in the face but most of all I just can't grasp that he would waist the time to send this pointless e-mail to state what we spoke about.
The woman... I have changed my oppinion of her.
She used one - two word sentences in e-mails from her black berry. Red Flag one.
When she requested I call her, then tell me on the line 'e-mail' then quickly rattled off that she was on the line with three other calls and to e-mail her when to meet. Red Flag two.
I took this all as a sign that I should look elsewhere.
I sent the same e-mail to her as the other gentlemen (actually, i e-mailed her first and then used it for him.) thinking that was it and that she would probably be relived. Imagine my shock when I find an e-mail from her asking me to let her know when I'm in the city next.
Now, I'm probably looking into this with rose colored glasses, yet it's still a nicer response then the other guy. I will be dropping her a line when I get a chance to be in the city.
Interpretation has a lot to do with it. Both side of a conversation could be hearing different things. The guy could be telling me not to waste my time contacting him again or he could be trying to explain why it could take a long time to get back to me. Like wise the woman could be trying to keep connected or she could just be sending it to be polite. In the digital age I just can't be sure.
So... I'm going to hope for the best.
Friday, December 10, 2010
A Battle of Cover Letters
Which I will be sending out tonight. I should have sent some out last night but I didn't want to stay up late. I was also chased out of the kitchen by the latest Indiana Jones movie. And the last thing I want to do is try and drive to my current job in the snow on a small amount of sleep.
But this time there seem to be more openings nearer to me. Which is good because if I can get a closer job I will save on gas. Which will let me save up and pay other small bills.
I am probably jinxing myself now but I found the perfect job in New York City for myself. This is the one I should have applied to last night. I am not going to bed tonight until I do. It will require a completely different kind of cover letter then I am used to writing because I think I have figured out what I did wrong.
What I didn't put in my letter was why I was trying to move.
It seems like a small non-essential detail but it actually says quite a bit. It lets the company know that I do have an immediate place to stay and that there is a plan to get there. It also implies that this isn't a frivolous job search but a serious hunt. As well as availiblity to travle out there for interviews.
On the down side if not written right it will sound like I'm desperate and trying a sob story.
The second idea I had was to apply with a hiring agency that was in the city. The bad said is most of the jobs they can offer would be temp to hire. I'm more then terrified of that kind of position.
So tonight I wrack my brain and try not to worry too much that I sound stupid.
But this time there seem to be more openings nearer to me. Which is good because if I can get a closer job I will save on gas. Which will let me save up and pay other small bills.
I am probably jinxing myself now but I found the perfect job in New York City for myself. This is the one I should have applied to last night. I am not going to bed tonight until I do. It will require a completely different kind of cover letter then I am used to writing because I think I have figured out what I did wrong.
What I didn't put in my letter was why I was trying to move.
It seems like a small non-essential detail but it actually says quite a bit. It lets the company know that I do have an immediate place to stay and that there is a plan to get there. It also implies that this isn't a frivolous job search but a serious hunt. As well as availiblity to travle out there for interviews.
On the down side if not written right it will sound like I'm desperate and trying a sob story.
The second idea I had was to apply with a hiring agency that was in the city. The bad said is most of the jobs they can offer would be temp to hire. I'm more then terrified of that kind of position.
So tonight I wrack my brain and try not to worry too much that I sound stupid.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Continuing The Search
So, last week I had what I thought was a good interview.
However he did all the talking. and I do mean all. I did learn everything about the job. but I wasn't able to sell myself. I managed to mention a few things and that I would love to be able to work there. It was the perfect setup for me. I would have thrived there.
He said he would be contacting 2-3 people this week and possibly doing a second interview. I thought that since he told me this that I was in the running. Apparently I'm not one of them. I wish he had not said that so I wouldn't keep hoping and waiting for a call back.
The included apartment would have been awesome.
However he did all the talking. and I do mean all. I did learn everything about the job. but I wasn't able to sell myself. I managed to mention a few things and that I would love to be able to work there. It was the perfect setup for me. I would have thrived there.
He said he would be contacting 2-3 people this week and possibly doing a second interview. I thought that since he told me this that I was in the running. Apparently I'm not one of them. I wish he had not said that so I wouldn't keep hoping and waiting for a call back.
The included apartment would have been awesome.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Planing In The Event That I Loose My Job
In this day and age I don't see this as a bad thing. It's possibly one of the things you should do because of the current economy. Either way, having a plan for the 'just in case' is always a good thing.
I would like to think I have a very good plan.
If I happen to loose my current job I would start out with setting up for unemployment. If I am truly lucky it will cover all my bills until I can find a new job. At the most it would help me with my car payments.The car being my more important thing to worry about. Second would be old credit card bills that won't go away.
Which would lead to the next item on my list which would be to call my credit card companies and explain what's going on and if they could lower my interest rate. Actuly, I should do that anyhow.
Go back to school full time. Possibly go to an advanced speed school that can assist me with getting school loans. I would probably not be able to be on unemployment at the time. If I plan right I could probably get enugh from the loans to pay off the rest of my car and a few bills. A good dream to have.
Then would come the job hunt of insanity. Since I would have free time I would be able to go to a hiring agency and attempt to gain employment through them. With an open schedule I would be able to get to their interviews as well as accept temp to hire and contract positions. Both of which I am currently not comfortable with taking while I have a full time job.
I could look into moving to a new city. This would be a very, very interesting thing to try. I would only be able to try the cities that I have friends and family living in right now, but that gives me some pretty good options. California, NYC, Michigan, Iowa and Connecticut. If I can afford to drive to the locations that would also help me out.
This could also force me to go out and sell my jewelry to people I have never met. Going into salons and such to try and get them to either purchase it or get a good commission for it. At the very least I could make more postings to Etsy per day and look into shows and the like.
At the most extream I could ask my parents to take up part of my car payment and use the older car. That would be desperation on my part. But after that? I have no idea what I would be able to do to get on with my life.
I would like to think I have a very good plan.
If I happen to loose my current job I would start out with setting up for unemployment. If I am truly lucky it will cover all my bills until I can find a new job. At the most it would help me with my car payments.The car being my more important thing to worry about. Second would be old credit card bills that won't go away.
Which would lead to the next item on my list which would be to call my credit card companies and explain what's going on and if they could lower my interest rate. Actuly, I should do that anyhow.
Go back to school full time. Possibly go to an advanced speed school that can assist me with getting school loans. I would probably not be able to be on unemployment at the time. If I plan right I could probably get enugh from the loans to pay off the rest of my car and a few bills. A good dream to have.
Then would come the job hunt of insanity. Since I would have free time I would be able to go to a hiring agency and attempt to gain employment through them. With an open schedule I would be able to get to their interviews as well as accept temp to hire and contract positions. Both of which I am currently not comfortable with taking while I have a full time job.
I could look into moving to a new city. This would be a very, very interesting thing to try. I would only be able to try the cities that I have friends and family living in right now, but that gives me some pretty good options. California, NYC, Michigan, Iowa and Connecticut. If I can afford to drive to the locations that would also help me out.
This could also force me to go out and sell my jewelry to people I have never met. Going into salons and such to try and get them to either purchase it or get a good commission for it. At the very least I could make more postings to Etsy per day and look into shows and the like.
At the most extream I could ask my parents to take up part of my car payment and use the older car. That would be desperation on my part. But after that? I have no idea what I would be able to do to get on with my life.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Amazed in a Bad Way.
The current job market just astounds me.
I have heard stories about companies looking for people with higher degrees for entry level jobs. I can't explain how much it shocks me to see a job requiring a front desk reception to have a bachelors or masters. A legal secratary I could understand, but byond that? I can understand grabbing a grad fresh out of college but that's cutting out everyone that could have years of experience just for a little piece of paper.
I just can not figure out how someone can work a 8-5 job, have a car payment and pay to go to school full time. I can't even imagine how they find the time to attend their classes. It just boggles my mind. However to the people that can do it you rock.
I hate to say it but I have a bad feeling the economy is going to crash again and soon.
I have heard stories about companies looking for people with higher degrees for entry level jobs. I can't explain how much it shocks me to see a job requiring a front desk reception to have a bachelors or masters. A legal secratary I could understand, but byond that? I can understand grabbing a grad fresh out of college but that's cutting out everyone that could have years of experience just for a little piece of paper.
I just can not figure out how someone can work a 8-5 job, have a car payment and pay to go to school full time. I can't even imagine how they find the time to attend their classes. It just boggles my mind. However to the people that can do it you rock.
I hate to say it but I have a bad feeling the economy is going to crash again and soon.
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Thank You Letter
Sending a Thank You letter is a must when searching for a job. Even if it just a dinky little note via e-mail saying a quick thank you. Why?
It shows that you are interested, better yet, it brings your name to mind.
Personally, I do not send out a thank you until the next day. Not that I have many chances to send one, but my reasoning is that it will strike them with an 'Ah-ha!' thought. The hope being that they will suddenly think that I am the perfict fit for the position. this senario is probably a pipe dream in this day and age.
But the fact remains that I will never not send thank you notes/letters after an interview. I feel that if you don't show even that little bit of concern for the position, and the people interviewing you, then you might be finding yourself stuck in the bottom on the list for job offers. This goes dubbel for an agent at a hiring agency.
It shows that you are interested, better yet, it brings your name to mind.
Personally, I do not send out a thank you until the next day. Not that I have many chances to send one, but my reasoning is that it will strike them with an 'Ah-ha!' thought. The hope being that they will suddenly think that I am the perfict fit for the position. this senario is probably a pipe dream in this day and age.
But the fact remains that I will never not send thank you notes/letters after an interview. I feel that if you don't show even that little bit of concern for the position, and the people interviewing you, then you might be finding yourself stuck in the bottom on the list for job offers. This goes dubbel for an agent at a hiring agency.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Giving a Hiring Agency a Try
In my job hunt I have been attempting to avoid a hiring agency, but as of late it seems every opening for my area of choice is going through an agency of some kind.
So upon finding out that a position I applied for was using one I decided to meet the agent. I could only meet her on my lunch which she said was fine. Then that day I had to call and push it back, I was so worried, but she said it was fine as well.
I have never met someone so helpful before. She was very adamant about helping me out and finding me something. She e-mailed me the tests to take on the weekend. When we talked about them, she was completely understanding at how I am used to a newer version then the one she sent for the test she said my results were good but she wanted me to take it again with a newer version.
She also had a lot to say about my resume. She wanted to make a lot of changes to it and she went over why she wanted to in great detail. I agreed totally with her changes and she said she would be sending me a revised copy. Which is good because it has not been revised for some years.
Prior to leaving she told me to check her companies website and to e-mail her any positions i might be interested in. I just can not explain how helpful she has been.
So I am changing my stance on hiring agencies, people should give them a chance. But ask questions! The woman I met with gave me a great deal of information and was extremely understanding of my situation. Most of the questions I could not remember she volunteered information on. This is the type of person you will want to work with. I would only say that if they are not actively trying to help you out they might not be the company for you.
So upon finding out that a position I applied for was using one I decided to meet the agent. I could only meet her on my lunch which she said was fine. Then that day I had to call and push it back, I was so worried, but she said it was fine as well.
I have never met someone so helpful before. She was very adamant about helping me out and finding me something. She e-mailed me the tests to take on the weekend. When we talked about them, she was completely understanding at how I am used to a newer version then the one she sent for the test she said my results were good but she wanted me to take it again with a newer version.
She also had a lot to say about my resume. She wanted to make a lot of changes to it and she went over why she wanted to in great detail. I agreed totally with her changes and she said she would be sending me a revised copy. Which is good because it has not been revised for some years.
Prior to leaving she told me to check her companies website and to e-mail her any positions i might be interested in. I just can not explain how helpful she has been.
So I am changing my stance on hiring agencies, people should give them a chance. But ask questions! The woman I met with gave me a great deal of information and was extremely understanding of my situation. Most of the questions I could not remember she volunteered information on. This is the type of person you will want to work with. I would only say that if they are not actively trying to help you out they might not be the company for you.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Updateing Your Resume
This isn't as easy as it sounds unless you are getting out side help. Or at least an opinion from someone who hasn't been starring at your resume for more then 10 minuets. (Hint: you)
Back when I was attempting a second job I was asked about my past job experiences. When I explained I was a temp back then, the wonderful woman interviewing me asked why I didn't bold the words 'temporary position'. She explained that it looked like I had jumped jobs when I hadn't.
Having since altered my resume as such I have gotten one call back and a few non-ding letters.
This might not seem like a big improvement, but to me it's amazing. Just by bolding a few spots I have gone from no answers & dings to a few positive responses. It makes me wonder what kind of responses I could have had if I had done this years ago.
Oh well, better now then never.
Back when I was attempting a second job I was asked about my past job experiences. When I explained I was a temp back then, the wonderful woman interviewing me asked why I didn't bold the words 'temporary position'. She explained that it looked like I had jumped jobs when I hadn't.
Having since altered my resume as such I have gotten one call back and a few non-ding letters.
This might not seem like a big improvement, but to me it's amazing. Just by bolding a few spots I have gone from no answers & dings to a few positive responses. It makes me wonder what kind of responses I could have had if I had done this years ago.
Oh well, better now then never.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
New Round of Applications.
I just sent out a few applications. Unfortunately this is mostly because there were very few companies looking for people in my field of choice. A growing trend.
One is for more of a second shift position. Which could turn out very well for me because I could take a class during the day if i get really ambitious. Getting my degree would be a very good thing.
So.. Time to play the waiting game. With luck I will get a offer for an interview. :3
One is for more of a second shift position. Which could turn out very well for me because I could take a class during the day if i get really ambitious. Getting my degree would be a very good thing.
So.. Time to play the waiting game. With luck I will get a offer for an interview. :3
Friday, October 1, 2010
Ding Letters Expanded
Ah... The fabled ding letter. Once many moons ago my Mother-of-much-yelling had warned me of such wonders. "Beware!" she said, "They will come'th and take that which you hope for!"
Well, she didn't really say it like that. When I first started working my mom did warn me not to get disappointed when I get them. To just keep trying and soon I would find a job just for me. For all the e-mail applications I have sent out I have gotten maybe five ding letters. This is counting the one I got yesterday.
This only surprises me because companies are suggesting they they don't care enough to let you know you didn't make the cut. I'm not saying they should spend money on stamps and paper but when they have your e-mail on file? That is pure inconsideration.
And this is a growing trend. It pains me almost as much as getting a voice mail to call them only to be told that no, they are not interested and blah blah blah.
It just amazes me that some people just don't care enough to send a auto reply that the position is filled.
Well, she didn't really say it like that. When I first started working my mom did warn me not to get disappointed when I get them. To just keep trying and soon I would find a job just for me. For all the e-mail applications I have sent out I have gotten maybe five ding letters. This is counting the one I got yesterday.
This only surprises me because companies are suggesting they they don't care enough to let you know you didn't make the cut. I'm not saying they should spend money on stamps and paper but when they have your e-mail on file? That is pure inconsideration.
And this is a growing trend. It pains me almost as much as getting a voice mail to call them only to be told that no, they are not interested and blah blah blah.
It just amazes me that some people just don't care enough to send a auto reply that the position is filled.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Ding Letter
I will admit, I got this letter a lot faster then I expected.
And while I would love to believe that they have me on a black list or some such nonsenses, I find myself hoping that I just didn't meet with what they had been looking for. It doesn't mean I like it but such is life.
I let my friend know that I got it so they wouldn't keep hoping. I think we will be meeting up to chat soon so it's just as well. But still...
At least they sent the damn letter this time.
And while I would love to believe that they have me on a black list or some such nonsenses, I find myself hoping that I just didn't meet with what they had been looking for. It doesn't mean I like it but such is life.
I let my friend know that I got it so they wouldn't keep hoping. I think we will be meeting up to chat soon so it's just as well. But still...
At least they sent the damn letter this time.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Re-applying for a Job
Once again I got word that an opening at a company I love is back. So I sent my res and updated my cover letter... But since a former co-worker tried to burn my bridges for me I have a feeling that they will just toss my information the moment they see my name.
Fortunately another former co-worker really wants me to return. They always keep me up to date with any potential openings and always puts in a good word for me. So much so that I have warned them not to get into trouble trying to get me back.
I keep telling myself that I won't try again with this company, but every time I'm told there is an opening for this one position I crumble. It is so close to were I live, competitive pay and I really loved the people there. I could save almost $60 a month just on gas if I was hired back.
The down side would be that they have seen me leave before when the going got tough. The Floor Manager apparently has doubts about me and I have no idea if it was because of something that was told to him or because he didn't get my two week notice letter. Unfortunately I do believe that the person that was the reason I left would be petty enough to make sure my letter was never received.
Here is hoping I can at least get an interview.
Fortunately another former co-worker really wants me to return. They always keep me up to date with any potential openings and always puts in a good word for me. So much so that I have warned them not to get into trouble trying to get me back.
I keep telling myself that I won't try again with this company, but every time I'm told there is an opening for this one position I crumble. It is so close to were I live, competitive pay and I really loved the people there. I could save almost $60 a month just on gas if I was hired back.
The down side would be that they have seen me leave before when the going got tough. The Floor Manager apparently has doubts about me and I have no idea if it was because of something that was told to him or because he didn't get my two week notice letter. Unfortunately I do believe that the person that was the reason I left would be petty enough to make sure my letter was never received.
Here is hoping I can at least get an interview.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Saving Money
Back to the saving money bit.
If, like me, you are looking into getting a job in another city/state you will need at least $10,000 - $15,000. Why? Because some leasing companies will not rent to you unless you have that much saved up. They want to make sure that should you loose your job that you will be able to pay them. It also shows that you can pay them.
Makes sense? I didn't think so.
To them you are an investment. If they have to evict you that will cost them a good deal of money and they do not like loosing money. (I heard locally there is about 3 months of non-payment prior to eviction.) So they want to make sure that they won't have to evict you. They will possibly also run a credit check and background check. So don't be surprise if they present you with these forms.
If in 6 years I end up getting a better job locally(fat chance but a possibility) I might use my saved money for a down payment on a house. The housing market here is not all that good right now. But in a few years? who knows. It's a possibility I have to keep in mind.
If, like me, you are looking into getting a job in another city/state you will need at least $10,000 - $15,000. Why? Because some leasing companies will not rent to you unless you have that much saved up. They want to make sure that should you loose your job that you will be able to pay them. It also shows that you can pay them.
Makes sense? I didn't think so.
To them you are an investment. If they have to evict you that will cost them a good deal of money and they do not like loosing money. (I heard locally there is about 3 months of non-payment prior to eviction.) So they want to make sure that they won't have to evict you. They will possibly also run a credit check and background check. So don't be surprise if they present you with these forms.
If in 6 years I end up getting a better job locally(fat chance but a possibility) I might use my saved money for a down payment on a house. The housing market here is not all that good right now. But in a few years? who knows. It's a possibility I have to keep in mind.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Et too Second Job?
So that didn't last very long.
The place is wonderful and the people are wonderful. I love the owner to bits but I just do not want to be a barista. :-( I really do Love the owner, she is so sweet and understanding, I just can't do it.
I did find out that I don't mind washing dishes or busing tables. I guess that's a plus?
Back to the old drawing table.
The place is wonderful and the people are wonderful. I love the owner to bits but I just do not want to be a barista. :-( I really do Love the owner, she is so sweet and understanding, I just can't do it.
I did find out that I don't mind washing dishes or busing tables. I guess that's a plus?
Back to the old drawing table.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Second Job
So, I took the plunge and have possibly gotten myself a second job. We are going to see how well I take to it tonight then we will be going from there. :3 With luck I will be working Saturday and Sundays with possible nights if needed. Provided traffic and travel time isn't a problem.
I am terrified of jinxing myself.
I also forgot, in all my giddy happiness, to ask what the uniform was. Even with minimum wage this is going to help a lot. Saturday is almost 14hrs so that will be interesting. I should be fine as long as there isn't the lull of doom. I might be a little too happy/bouncy for this but who knows? The owner is very nice and understanding.
And I really don't know why my mom said "Don't try and take over the coffee shop. At least wait until your more secure." I'm really not like that. I will admit that if she offered me full time at my current rate I would jump at it.
I am terrified of jinxing myself.
I also forgot, in all my giddy happiness, to ask what the uniform was. Even with minimum wage this is going to help a lot. Saturday is almost 14hrs so that will be interesting. I should be fine as long as there isn't the lull of doom. I might be a little too happy/bouncy for this but who knows? The owner is very nice and understanding.
And I really don't know why my mom said "Don't try and take over the coffee shop. At least wait until your more secure." I'm really not like that. I will admit that if she offered me full time at my current rate I would jump at it.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
High Cost of Living
So, I mentioned my last post to my mom & aunt over the weekend and they thought that $2,000 was far too much for a studio. They then commandeered my laptop and proceeded to show me what they were talking about. There was in fact a studio apartment for $1,250. They also said I would need about $500 for food because they insist that I would be eating out a lot. I was about to tell them 'maybe after I found friends' when they said my cousins would probably kidnap me all the time.
But! I can't really trust their numbers because not only are they, my mom and aunt, not living in the city right now. But they also are basing spending money on my sis and cousin. both of which have very active social lives. It crazy just how many people my sister knows.
Regardless I still need to save up $10,000 - $15,000 before I can consider moving. :-(
But! I can't really trust their numbers because not only are they, my mom and aunt, not living in the city right now. But they also are basing spending money on my sis and cousin. both of which have very active social lives. It crazy just how many people my sister knows.
Regardless I still need to save up $10,000 - $15,000 before I can consider moving. :-(
Apartments in New York City
Every once in a while I will poke around to look at floor plans for New York City apartments. It's like an addiction. Fortunately it's an addiction I don't have to pay for yet.
Tribeca Green My favorite so far.
The Brodskyorg Organization This one seems to have a lot to choose from.
The Avalon Communities Interesting floor plans.
Yeah, I dream big. And yes these are primarily managed apartments
Tribeca Green My favorite so far.
The Brodskyorg Organization This one seems to have a lot to choose from.
The Avalon Communities Interesting floor plans.
Yeah, I dream big. And yes these are primarily managed apartments
Friday, September 3, 2010
What to do?
While looking at placement adds for New York City (the main city I would like to live in) it occored to me that I would have to pay rent while I'm out there. I thought 'ok, no big deal. How much could it be?' so I wasn't all that worried. I know people out there and they have said they would put me up for a month or so.
So I did a little math.
A studio, just you, in a decent area would run about $2000 a month.
Assume:
$200 for food
$300 utilities + cable + cell/blackberry
$350 current car payment
$350 parking garage
$100 car insurance
$100 fun money
$90 gas
That's $3,190 a Month or $38,280 a Year. So I would have to make at least $40k a year after taxes to survive and have something saved up incase of an emergancy. Even knowing my numbers are higher because I'm not sure what the utilities would be, this is still a good punch to the gut.
Rehashing the numbers I took out the parking ($34,080yr). Then the cars payments ($29,880yr). This is assuming that I can park on the street and don't have to get my car Which gave me a much better number. Until I looked at the average pay for someone like me ($20,000 - $45,000yr).
As of right now I don't have very much saved up. I defiantly do not have enough to attempt to move to the city. Maybe if my family put me up for half a year I could make ends meet but do not want to do that to them. To successful I think I would need at least $10,000 - $15,000 in the bank. Unfortunatly right now there is no way I can save up that kind of money at my current job and with my car payments. My job is the harder part to fix, no one is hiring right now for my job position. My car payments will be done in three years, so that's right out.
Right now, assuming I stay at my current job, it will probably take 6 years to save up what I need. That is a long time and I will be 34 years old. This is not a happy thought. Perhaps if I skip out on family trips I could shave a year off that total... maybe if I got a second job I could save more faster. I'll have to look into it more.
So I did a little math.
A studio, just you, in a decent area would run about $2000 a month.
Assume:
$200 for food
$300 utilities + cable + cell/blackberry
$350 current car payment
$350 parking garage
$100 car insurance
$100 fun money
$90 gas
That's $3,190 a Month or $38,280 a Year. So I would have to make at least $40k a year after taxes to survive and have something saved up incase of an emergancy. Even knowing my numbers are higher because I'm not sure what the utilities would be, this is still a good punch to the gut.
Rehashing the numbers I took out the parking ($34,080yr). Then the cars payments ($29,880yr). This is assuming that I can park on the street and don't have to get my car Which gave me a much better number. Until I looked at the average pay for someone like me ($20,000 - $45,000yr).
As of right now I don't have very much saved up. I defiantly do not have enough to attempt to move to the city. Maybe if my family put me up for half a year I could make ends meet but do not want to do that to them. To successful I think I would need at least $10,000 - $15,000 in the bank. Unfortunatly right now there is no way I can save up that kind of money at my current job and with my car payments. My job is the harder part to fix, no one is hiring right now for my job position. My car payments will be done in three years, so that's right out.
Right now, assuming I stay at my current job, it will probably take 6 years to save up what I need. That is a long time and I will be 34 years old. This is not a happy thought. Perhaps if I skip out on family trips I could shave a year off that total... maybe if I got a second job I could save more faster. I'll have to look into it more.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Getting a Responce
If I could make a company send me a ding letter if they didn't like me then I would.
Personally I find it only fair. we spend the time to write the cover letter and set up our resumes, the least they could do is pop out an automatic ding letter. Or e-mail even. Considering that most companies get resumes e-mailed to them they have no reason not to do a mass ding letter send out.
I had an interview with Geico and I never heard from them. It's a little discerning to see how much companies care. And unfortunately this seems to be the norm for this day and age.
Personally I find it only fair. we spend the time to write the cover letter and set up our resumes, the least they could do is pop out an automatic ding letter. Or e-mail even. Considering that most companies get resumes e-mailed to them they have no reason not to do a mass ding letter send out.
I had an interview with Geico and I never heard from them. It's a little discerning to see how much companies care. And unfortunately this seems to be the norm for this day and age.
Stress at Work
I can never tell how stressed I am until something mundane from work pops into a dream. At which point in the dream that mundane job duty I can never seem to finish and bosses & co-workers are freaking out at me. It's even worse when I can't remember that it was a dream. then I'm all paranoid at work and it's just not fun.
It's usually running late to work to the point that work is closed and it's late at night. Once it was falling alseep at my desk only to wake up and find myself locked in. This past time was about filing the same file because i kept finding it while trying to do something else and then being fired because i didn't get the other things done.
If I could find a away to never have these kinds of dreams I would be all to happy.
Job stress I can deal with. Stress about my job in my sleep? Jury says no.
It's usually running late to work to the point that work is closed and it's late at night. Once it was falling alseep at my desk only to wake up and find myself locked in. This past time was about filing the same file because i kept finding it while trying to do something else and then being fired because i didn't get the other things done.
If I could find a away to never have these kinds of dreams I would be all to happy.
Job stress I can deal with. Stress about my job in my sleep? Jury says no.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thinking Back & Forth.
I'm happy for what I have, yet I can't help but be sad for what could have been. But lately I have been thinking back on things I should have stuck through and it hurts.
Unfortunately no matter how much help is out there, if you don't have the will/knowledge to use it it doesn't do you a lick of good. There is no simple answer to anything. Nor is the need to accomplish things easily obtained.
This is also known as 'procrastination' and I am very good at this.
I have an e-mail that i sent my self chock full of links to jobs that I may or may not qualify for. I do this so I won't have to go back and search job sites with the hope of finding it again. I do this all the time. But mostly i do it so I can avoid writing cover letters right on the spot.
Because cover letters are the bane of my existence.
The secondary problem I have is most of the job postings I am looking at right now are out of state. Unfortunately most do not say if they are or are not accepting non-local applicants.
I have been spending a lot of time reading Ask a Manager because there is boat loads of information and advice.
Sometimes she links on her blog to articles she wrote that were posted on other sites. This one she wrote in USNews Money titled What to Do When You're Frustrated at Work because I am totally there right now.
Right now I am perusing her blog looking for cover letter advice. So far I have found these:
marital status in cover letter Which is not strictly what I was looking for, but I love the woman's wording about why she is looking for a job in another state.
How a Cover Letter Can Make the Difference
What does a good cover letter look like?
Objectives: Leave Them Off Your Resume It's over a year old but I think I'm going to try it unless the company states that they want an objective.
the point of a cover letter
I also need to try the advice in her article the #1 question your resume should answer. Because right now I should go over that to try to find what I have done wrong.
Unfortunately no matter how much help is out there, if you don't have the will/knowledge to use it it doesn't do you a lick of good. There is no simple answer to anything. Nor is the need to accomplish things easily obtained.
This is also known as 'procrastination' and I am very good at this.
I have an e-mail that i sent my self chock full of links to jobs that I may or may not qualify for. I do this so I won't have to go back and search job sites with the hope of finding it again. I do this all the time. But mostly i do it so I can avoid writing cover letters right on the spot.
Because cover letters are the bane of my existence.
The secondary problem I have is most of the job postings I am looking at right now are out of state. Unfortunately most do not say if they are or are not accepting non-local applicants.
I have been spending a lot of time reading Ask a Manager because there is boat loads of information and advice.
Sometimes she links on her blog to articles she wrote that were posted on other sites. This one she wrote in USNews Money titled What to Do When You're Frustrated at Work because I am totally there right now.
Right now I am perusing her blog looking for cover letter advice. So far I have found these:
marital status in cover letter Which is not strictly what I was looking for, but I love the woman's wording about why she is looking for a job in another state.
How a Cover Letter Can Make the Difference
What does a good cover letter look like?
Objectives: Leave Them Off Your Resume It's over a year old but I think I'm going to try it unless the company states that they want an objective.
the point of a cover letter
I also need to try the advice in her article the #1 question your resume should answer. Because right now I should go over that to try to find what I have done wrong.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Time management or lack there of.
Yeah... Time management is a very important life lesson that I seem to have missed. Oh my god did I miss it because there is only so much I can claim is ADD. I mean, I know the little bit of glitter in the carpet is sparkly & all and that patterns can be twitched out of it but it can not possibly be so enthralling to take up 2hrs of my life when I was younger.
While I am no longer that bad I'm still worried that it might effect my work.
This past weekend I could have written over a dozen cover letters. Did I? No. Instead I made zucchini bread and ran around doing returns for my mom at the mall.
The only productive thing I did was apply for a part time job at Barnes and Noble. Even then I think I screwed myself. When I turned it in the guy I handed it to took it and wandered away. I didn't know if I should have followed him or what. So I booked it.
I probably should have asked him if I was set.
I think later today, essentially after work, I am going to make a to do list to post here and to my g-mail account. Because something has to be done.
While I am no longer that bad I'm still worried that it might effect my work.
This past weekend I could have written over a dozen cover letters. Did I? No. Instead I made zucchini bread and ran around doing returns for my mom at the mall.
The only productive thing I did was apply for a part time job at Barnes and Noble. Even then I think I screwed myself. When I turned it in the guy I handed it to took it and wandered away. I didn't know if I should have followed him or what. So I booked it.
I probably should have asked him if I was set.
I think later today, essentially after work, I am going to make a to do list to post here and to my g-mail account. Because something has to be done.
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Trials of a Hiring Agency.
And they can certainly be a trial to work with if you find the wrong one.
I have worked through two in the past. The second one was a delight that landed me a full time job. The first was something else.
The closest office had bitter women working there. I had not known this when I started, people that I met on jobs even told me their own stories of that office. They had even gone so far as to flat out lied to me twice about a job.
A friend at a potential job told me that there were openings and that they only hired through this one company. This is how I originally started there. I signed up and then they told me after that the position had been filled. I was ok with that and they set me up with something else.
They would call me with little 2-3 day jobs or once a job that I didn't feel safe accepting. But they had something almost every time I spoke with them.
Skip to almost two years later and my friend again says that they are looking for people. At the time a temp job had just finished so I stopped by the office and asked. They said no flat out. I left but it felt fishy so I went back in. This time my mom followed me in (big no no!) and she insisted they call and check. this time I also said that my friend that works for the company just told me about it.
Their story? It's being filled from a different office. I asked which one and finally got them to call the office and it was set up. This royally pissed off the two women at my local office.
So, one year of bliss later that contract was up and I let my local office know. I call in every few days and they say they have nothing for me. Eventually they tell me that they will call me if something is available. A big change from what I was used to.
Almost eight months later I get a call from the local office. It was a new woman introducing herself. She helped me get a new position right away. Later that day I was telling a friend about it and asking him if he thought they had black listed me and his eyes lit up.
He had a story for me.
It seems that a week before as he was delivering the mail to their office, he came in to find all new people there. He schmoozed a little and found out that the main woman there had been upsetting everyone and had gotten fired. Apparently she made some kind of small scene as she left. Then he was told that the other woman that she worked with just got up and walked out on her job either that day or the following day.
Ouch.
I honestly feel bad for the two women. Now that is, back then I was thrilled that they got what they had coming to them. I was very bitter about my treatment then. Now I realize that there is potential for that to happen no matter were I go or who I talk to.
I know that recommendations are now one of the better ways to go when dealing with a temp or hiring agency. My dad recommended a woman to me a few months ago. I need to sit down and call her to see if she can help me. Hopefully it's not too late.
I have worked through two in the past. The second one was a delight that landed me a full time job. The first was something else.
The closest office had bitter women working there. I had not known this when I started, people that I met on jobs even told me their own stories of that office. They had even gone so far as to flat out lied to me twice about a job.
A friend at a potential job told me that there were openings and that they only hired through this one company. This is how I originally started there. I signed up and then they told me after that the position had been filled. I was ok with that and they set me up with something else.
They would call me with little 2-3 day jobs or once a job that I didn't feel safe accepting. But they had something almost every time I spoke with them.
Skip to almost two years later and my friend again says that they are looking for people. At the time a temp job had just finished so I stopped by the office and asked. They said no flat out. I left but it felt fishy so I went back in. This time my mom followed me in (big no no!) and she insisted they call and check. this time I also said that my friend that works for the company just told me about it.
Their story? It's being filled from a different office. I asked which one and finally got them to call the office and it was set up. This royally pissed off the two women at my local office.
So, one year of bliss later that contract was up and I let my local office know. I call in every few days and they say they have nothing for me. Eventually they tell me that they will call me if something is available. A big change from what I was used to.
Almost eight months later I get a call from the local office. It was a new woman introducing herself. She helped me get a new position right away. Later that day I was telling a friend about it and asking him if he thought they had black listed me and his eyes lit up.
He had a story for me.
It seems that a week before as he was delivering the mail to their office, he came in to find all new people there. He schmoozed a little and found out that the main woman there had been upsetting everyone and had gotten fired. Apparently she made some kind of small scene as she left. Then he was told that the other woman that she worked with just got up and walked out on her job either that day or the following day.
Ouch.
I honestly feel bad for the two women. Now that is, back then I was thrilled that they got what they had coming to them. I was very bitter about my treatment then. Now I realize that there is potential for that to happen no matter were I go or who I talk to.
I know that recommendations are now one of the better ways to go when dealing with a temp or hiring agency. My dad recommended a woman to me a few months ago. I need to sit down and call her to see if she can help me. Hopefully it's not too late.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Eagerness Vs Desperation
Eagerness Vs Desperation in the search for a new job can be a little hard to tell apart. I find that while I sound desperate, I am really just eager. I have found that his can be a very tricky thing to explain to anyone.
At one point, just prior to the economy taking a dive) I had been desperate to find a new job while I had been working at an old one. I had been put in a very bad situation that ended with people burning bridges that I had hoped to keep intact after i turned in my two week notice. I had known that a particular person was doing everything they could to passively get me fired. while he did a very good job of it, one person did see this and support me. Their confirmation that 'this was actually happening' made me feel much better and she encouraged me to start looking.
I am positive that had I not gotten a new job that they would have fired me. From here-say and Linkedin I have found that two people involved are no linger at that company. Knowing that did and does not make me feel good. I have a sinking suspicion that the main manager did not get my letter talking about my two week notice. Even worse, he was a gentlemen that I loved working with. Now he has doughts about me and will never let me be hired back.
The job that I switched to? I took a pay cut, travel farther and they have stated that they think they are paying too much for my position. which is almost saying that I will never get a raise. Which I haven't.
But... It's stable.
It's very slow, and has been getting slower, for the business right now. which leaves me with far too much time to think on 'what if's' and other less happy things. There has even been talk of closing an office.
I know from listening that they go through people in my position like water through a siv. One fellow employee has actually asked me on more then one occasion why I was still here. I will admit, this is not the type of setup that I want to spend my life in.
I think that I will have to try a recruiting agency. I have worked with two employment agencies before. I am leery but I will try. With luck I will be able to meet with them after my shift is over.
So, while there is a darkness looming in the distance, I do have some hope.
At one point, just prior to the economy taking a dive) I had been desperate to find a new job while I had been working at an old one. I had been put in a very bad situation that ended with people burning bridges that I had hoped to keep intact after i turned in my two week notice. I had known that a particular person was doing everything they could to passively get me fired. while he did a very good job of it, one person did see this and support me. Their confirmation that 'this was actually happening' made me feel much better and she encouraged me to start looking.
I am positive that had I not gotten a new job that they would have fired me. From here-say and Linkedin I have found that two people involved are no linger at that company. Knowing that did and does not make me feel good. I have a sinking suspicion that the main manager did not get my letter talking about my two week notice. Even worse, he was a gentlemen that I loved working with. Now he has doughts about me and will never let me be hired back.
The job that I switched to? I took a pay cut, travel farther and they have stated that they think they are paying too much for my position. which is almost saying that I will never get a raise. Which I haven't.
But... It's stable.
It's very slow, and has been getting slower, for the business right now. which leaves me with far too much time to think on 'what if's' and other less happy things. There has even been talk of closing an office.
I know from listening that they go through people in my position like water through a siv. One fellow employee has actually asked me on more then one occasion why I was still here. I will admit, this is not the type of setup that I want to spend my life in.
I think that I will have to try a recruiting agency. I have worked with two employment agencies before. I am leery but I will try. With luck I will be able to meet with them after my shift is over.
So, while there is a darkness looming in the distance, I do have some hope.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Game that wasn't.
Jonathan Miles Fingerjig Typing Game is the best thing in the world if you are looking to improve not only your typing, but also you vocabulary. It is also the signal most evil thing in the world. Because if you are confidant about your typing you will be crushed by this game.
Basically it pulls words out from it's massive library and has you type them. they start out short like mot and ennobling. then they test you on one side of the keyboard then the other. But then they whip out words like Prenominations, overdecorates, and epigrammatizers. And when your racing the timer, it's just not very nice.
Fortunately at the end of every section they show you what words you typed and if you click on a word it will send you to it's definition. Very handy.
I introduced this to my mom one day while practicing my typing. She got upset because I kept shushing her and told me it couldn't be that hard. My evil smile at the time should have tipped her off that she was in for a world of hurt. :3 I got such an evil glare from her when I pointed out that she was shushing me while she typed. :3
Since I started playing this game, barley once a week, I have noticed an improvement in my typing and it's speed. Seeing as how every job I look at says the want a minimum typing speed of 40-60wpm and mine is a lowly 28wpm.(up from 24) I have some hope.
Basically it pulls words out from it's massive library and has you type them. they start out short like mot and ennobling. then they test you on one side of the keyboard then the other. But then they whip out words like Prenominations, overdecorates, and epigrammatizers. And when your racing the timer, it's just not very nice.
Fortunately at the end of every section they show you what words you typed and if you click on a word it will send you to it's definition. Very handy.
I introduced this to my mom one day while practicing my typing. She got upset because I kept shushing her and told me it couldn't be that hard. My evil smile at the time should have tipped her off that she was in for a world of hurt. :3 I got such an evil glare from her when I pointed out that she was shushing me while she typed. :3
Since I started playing this game, barley once a week, I have noticed an improvement in my typing and it's speed. Seeing as how every job I look at says the want a minimum typing speed of 40-60wpm and mine is a lowly 28wpm.(up from 24) I have some hope.
First Post can be the Worst Post?
So, I have been working through out most of my 28th year alive doing the same thing every day. Every day I thought that that was what I wanted.
It's not.
Yet the feeling that 'something wasn't right' with how I was feeling didn't really strike until a few weeks ago. And by 'strike' I mean 'freaking the hell out to my parents & sister'. My sister was helpfull enugh to point out that on my last trip to visit her i had done something similar yet more calm.
So, what dragged this to the surface? School.
As in; I am still attending college part time. The math says that even if I could handle 2 night classes a week every semester, while also taking an extra class during the summer, I will not get my Associates Degree for another 6 years. That's right, it would take me 6 years to get a 2 year degree. To give this a little more weight I started college back in 2000.
I do know the biggest mistake i ever made was not activly looking for a job when I tried to move back to California. I had never gotten a job, didn't know how to go about it and worst of all I didn't have a license at the time. Two weeks into living out there I realized I was in over my head. It took me another two weeks to get on a plane home. (Don't fly stand-by.) I was very, very lucky to have such a great friend. not only put up with this frustrating situation but is still friends with me today.
The second biggest mistake I ever made was not getting a student loan. At the time my mom had total control over my finances so I trusted her. she said I would be in debt forever and that was that. (She claims none of this happened.) Thus why I have been working full time to pay as I go with school.
So, right now I am working in a job that might dissipate due to the economy and no one seems to want to hire a person with out a bachelors in my current field. My mom is working two jobs and my dad could retire in another 4 years. My sister is in NYC with her own predicament. This all leaves me on my own for the first time ever.
I am 28 and I am totally screwed.
It's not.
Yet the feeling that 'something wasn't right' with how I was feeling didn't really strike until a few weeks ago. And by 'strike' I mean 'freaking the hell out to my parents & sister'. My sister was helpfull enugh to point out that on my last trip to visit her i had done something similar yet more calm.
So, what dragged this to the surface? School.
As in; I am still attending college part time. The math says that even if I could handle 2 night classes a week every semester, while also taking an extra class during the summer, I will not get my Associates Degree for another 6 years. That's right, it would take me 6 years to get a 2 year degree. To give this a little more weight I started college back in 2000.
I do know the biggest mistake i ever made was not activly looking for a job when I tried to move back to California. I had never gotten a job, didn't know how to go about it and worst of all I didn't have a license at the time. Two weeks into living out there I realized I was in over my head. It took me another two weeks to get on a plane home. (Don't fly stand-by.) I was very, very lucky to have such a great friend. not only put up with this frustrating situation but is still friends with me today.
The second biggest mistake I ever made was not getting a student loan. At the time my mom had total control over my finances so I trusted her. she said I would be in debt forever and that was that. (She claims none of this happened.) Thus why I have been working full time to pay as I go with school.
So, right now I am working in a job that might dissipate due to the economy and no one seems to want to hire a person with out a bachelors in my current field. My mom is working two jobs and my dad could retire in another 4 years. My sister is in NYC with her own predicament. This all leaves me on my own for the first time ever.
I am 28 and I am totally screwed.
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