I'm amazed that two months have passed since my last posting. I had previously mentioned an interview with a manager who was previously employed with my former employer. Our interview went well and I also interviewed with five other people, some of which I had also known from my former place of employment. I thought I had an excellent chance at getting the position, but it was offered to another candidate.
When I mentioned the scenario noted above with a recruiter, he mentioned that if there was no personality conflict, then the only other reason would be that a former associate was making derogatory remarks against me or my work. I was truly devastated. Searching for employment during a recession is difficult enough without having a former associate---someone with whom I worked closely and successfully for so many years---undermine my efforts. Although I can't relate to how someone would be so cruel, I know enough about human behavior to know that I shouldn't be surprised.
Soon after, I had yet another interview with a different group of writers at the same company. I had interviewed with three wonderful people. I was so sure I would be offered the position that I started looking for a new apartment in the area. The next day, I was informed by the recruiter that the position was offered to another candidate. It didn't make any sense.
I recently read that with so many qualified people vying for a single position, an employer must simply pick a person out of the bunch. As such, it's not that I might be doing anything wrong during an interview; it's more likely due to chance resulting from an overabundance of candidates. The rationale doesn't help me make my mortgage payment, but it does convince me not to take things personally. As Stuart Smalley says, "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!" Perhaps next time, I'll be the lucky one who is selected for the job.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Art or Science---Either Way, It Seems I Need a Tutor
During my last post, I mentioned a telephone interview with the manager of a higher learning institution. I was so excited about the prospects of being part of this institution. I thought it would have been a great fit.
I had a total of four interviews, three of which (I believe) went very well. I felt confident, qualified, and personable. Unfortunately, the organization proved to be highly dysfunctional and chaotic. In a two-week time frame, no two people of the six possible interviewers were able to coordinate their schedules at any single time. Although I was supposed to interview with the final two, it never happened. It seems clear why the existing contractor wanted "out."
I soon realized that the fit was no longer a great one, and ironically, I would receive no tuition reimbursement, which is one of my top priorities. Had I been hired, I would have been able to attend classes at no charge, but my area of study wasn't offered, so educational benefits would have done me no good.
Back to the drawing board.
Yesterday, I had a telephone interview with a former associate from my previous place of employment. We had a good interview (although I've been known to misjudge in this area). The position is for a six-month contract, which could be extended to 12 months. If I take this position, I will continue in my job search endeavors, but I would at least be back in the work force and again perceived as marketable.
This manager and my former manager were peers, which forced me to mention that my former manager and I had a disagreement during the end of our time together. I was forced to exercise the open-door policy, which involved HR and upper management. The resulting decision was found in my favor. The resulting decision is also what forced me to take early retirement, as my former manager chose to dissolve my position instead of allowing me to stay on board.
I try not to wish him ill will---that he should have to experience what it's like to search for work in this hostile environment. I have enough negativity in my life right now. I don't need more, but sometimes those thoughts are hard to avoid. Fortunately, I have the fortitude to devote most of my energy, which is positive, toward moving forward and focusing on my future successes.
I just spoke with another recruiter about a FT writer job. My resume will be forwarded to the employer. They want someone with experience writing about RFID (radio frequency/wireless technology) which is something I don't have specifically, but something that can be perceived as related to my area of expertise. I could definitely use a tutor in the interviewing process to help me put a positive spin on this scenario.
Calling all tutors. If you're out there, please give me a holler.
I had a total of four interviews, three of which (I believe) went very well. I felt confident, qualified, and personable. Unfortunately, the organization proved to be highly dysfunctional and chaotic. In a two-week time frame, no two people of the six possible interviewers were able to coordinate their schedules at any single time. Although I was supposed to interview with the final two, it never happened. It seems clear why the existing contractor wanted "out."
I soon realized that the fit was no longer a great one, and ironically, I would receive no tuition reimbursement, which is one of my top priorities. Had I been hired, I would have been able to attend classes at no charge, but my area of study wasn't offered, so educational benefits would have done me no good.
Back to the drawing board.
Yesterday, I had a telephone interview with a former associate from my previous place of employment. We had a good interview (although I've been known to misjudge in this area). The position is for a six-month contract, which could be extended to 12 months. If I take this position, I will continue in my job search endeavors, but I would at least be back in the work force and again perceived as marketable.
This manager and my former manager were peers, which forced me to mention that my former manager and I had a disagreement during the end of our time together. I was forced to exercise the open-door policy, which involved HR and upper management. The resulting decision was found in my favor. The resulting decision is also what forced me to take early retirement, as my former manager chose to dissolve my position instead of allowing me to stay on board.
I try not to wish him ill will---that he should have to experience what it's like to search for work in this hostile environment. I have enough negativity in my life right now. I don't need more, but sometimes those thoughts are hard to avoid. Fortunately, I have the fortitude to devote most of my energy, which is positive, toward moving forward and focusing on my future successes.
I just spoke with another recruiter about a FT writer job. My resume will be forwarded to the employer. They want someone with experience writing about RFID (radio frequency/wireless technology) which is something I don't have specifically, but something that can be perceived as related to my area of expertise. I could definitely use a tutor in the interviewing process to help me put a positive spin on this scenario.
Calling all tutors. If you're out there, please give me a holler.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Art of Interviewing...or is it a Science?
I have had a few interviews since my last posting. None of them resulted in an offer, but, in all honesty, none of the positions really got me excited anyway. I simply wanted to end the dreaded job search process, which is grueling, often demeaning, and extremely exhausting.
Interview #1 was for an enterprise organization that was very similar to that of my former employer. I was being considered at first for two positions. One was a contract position and the other was full-time. The contract position was a better fit, but I had initiated contact with regard to the full-time position first and was supposedly being considered for a second round of interviews. After hearing that bit of information, the manager overseeing the contract position decided to bow out and seek another candidate.
I don't think I was ever a real consideration for the full-time position. My telephone interview didn't seem to go all that great and I was actually surprised when I was contacted to participate in the next round of interviews.
As soon as the hiring manager met me in the lobby, I knew right then and there that I was not what she was looking for. She was not at all impressed and I could see it on her face and in her demeanor. The interview process lasted three hours. I knew when I left that I was not a consideration.
Interview #2: About a month later, I was contacted about a writer position at a start-up company. In preparation for the interview, I had to prepare a presentation to be given to a panel of interviewers, after which, I would be interviewed by each person separately. The interview process lasted six hours.
I thought I did very well during the interview, but wasn't sure if I wanted the job if it were offered to me. The money wasn't great and the benefits were not enough to compensate for the lower salary. After doing the math, I realized that I couldn't pay my bills on what was being offered. It turns out, I didn't have to worry about whether or not to take the position, as it was offered to another candidate.
One of the interviewers was kind enough to offer feedback and tell me why I didn't get the job. She had mentioned that prior to the interview, I was their number #1 choice based on my writing samples. During the interview, however, I was exhausted and nervous, which was interpreted by interviewers as a lack of self-confidence, verging on negativity.
I had to laugh because in my mind, I felt more at ease at this interview than at any of my previous ones. I thought I had come across as both knowledgeable and congenial, and was a strong candidate. Her feedback was most helpful.
Interview #3: I had a telephone interview the other day with the hiring manager at a higher-learning institution. The interview went very well and I am being scheduled for another round of interviews with system architects and the director. This is a position I can finally get excited about. I really want this job. The only thing standing in my way is the interview process. I know I can do this. I have to get this right, because unless I get the interview process down to a science, I can pretty much kiss future employment good bye.
Wish me (good) luck and stay tuned.
Interview #1 was for an enterprise organization that was very similar to that of my former employer. I was being considered at first for two positions. One was a contract position and the other was full-time. The contract position was a better fit, but I had initiated contact with regard to the full-time position first and was supposedly being considered for a second round of interviews. After hearing that bit of information, the manager overseeing the contract position decided to bow out and seek another candidate.
I don't think I was ever a real consideration for the full-time position. My telephone interview didn't seem to go all that great and I was actually surprised when I was contacted to participate in the next round of interviews.
As soon as the hiring manager met me in the lobby, I knew right then and there that I was not what she was looking for. She was not at all impressed and I could see it on her face and in her demeanor. The interview process lasted three hours. I knew when I left that I was not a consideration.
Interview #2: About a month later, I was contacted about a writer position at a start-up company. In preparation for the interview, I had to prepare a presentation to be given to a panel of interviewers, after which, I would be interviewed by each person separately. The interview process lasted six hours.
I thought I did very well during the interview, but wasn't sure if I wanted the job if it were offered to me. The money wasn't great and the benefits were not enough to compensate for the lower salary. After doing the math, I realized that I couldn't pay my bills on what was being offered. It turns out, I didn't have to worry about whether or not to take the position, as it was offered to another candidate.
One of the interviewers was kind enough to offer feedback and tell me why I didn't get the job. She had mentioned that prior to the interview, I was their number #1 choice based on my writing samples. During the interview, however, I was exhausted and nervous, which was interpreted by interviewers as a lack of self-confidence, verging on negativity.
I had to laugh because in my mind, I felt more at ease at this interview than at any of my previous ones. I thought I had come across as both knowledgeable and congenial, and was a strong candidate. Her feedback was most helpful.
Interview #3: I had a telephone interview the other day with the hiring manager at a higher-learning institution. The interview went very well and I am being scheduled for another round of interviews with system architects and the director. This is a position I can finally get excited about. I really want this job. The only thing standing in my way is the interview process. I know I can do this. I have to get this right, because unless I get the interview process down to a science, I can pretty much kiss future employment good bye.
Wish me (good) luck and stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
In The News
In the news was information about changes to unemployment benefits and COBRA subsidies. Previously, at least in the State of California, "Someone who receives their last payment on their regular UI claim for a week that ends after Saturday, March 27, 2010 will not be eligible to start one of the four federal extensions currently available because the filing deadline for the first extension in the chain is Sunday, March 28, 2010. Such a situation would apply to someone who started a typical 26-week regular state claim any time after September 20, 2009."
My last day at my former place of employment was September 24th. I opened my UI claim September 25th. I missed the automatic extensions by five days. As such, I was to receive NO extensions. The other day, however, the law was amended and extensions were to be made available to those who previously did not qualify. This is excellent news for those of us whose UI ran out.
More good news relates to COBRA subsidies, which were previously allowed for nine months, but have been extended for 15 months, through December 31, 2010. Also great news for those of us still striving to find work but not quite lucky enough to do so.
I'm hopeful good luck will come my way soon. I am being considered for two positions at a global enterprise in the Bay Area. One position is FT; the other is for a 6-month contract. I have had my first interview for each position and am considered a strong candidate for each. I am in the process of scheduling additional interviews for the FT position. I confessed my candidacy for the FT position to the interviewer of the contract position. Upon hearing that I was being recommended for a second round of interviews for the FT position, the interviewer decided to search for someone else for the contract position. I let her know that I was still interested in the position, especially if the employer was slow in hiring, because I really want to get back into the work force, but I don't know if I'll still be considered. If my interviews for the FT position don't go well, I'll no longer be a candidate for either position, which makes me very nervous.
It appears that my resume is gaining attention with the addition of a Bay Area address in place of my former, remote address. According to the stats on LinkedIn, search results on my resume have just about doubled, which gives me added hope. But hope won't pay the bills, so, for now, I'll just continue to send out resumes and follow-up contacts, and hope something comes my way.
My last day at my former place of employment was September 24th. I opened my UI claim September 25th. I missed the automatic extensions by five days. As such, I was to receive NO extensions. The other day, however, the law was amended and extensions were to be made available to those who previously did not qualify. This is excellent news for those of us whose UI ran out.
More good news relates to COBRA subsidies, which were previously allowed for nine months, but have been extended for 15 months, through December 31, 2010. Also great news for those of us still striving to find work but not quite lucky enough to do so.
I'm hopeful good luck will come my way soon. I am being considered for two positions at a global enterprise in the Bay Area. One position is FT; the other is for a 6-month contract. I have had my first interview for each position and am considered a strong candidate for each. I am in the process of scheduling additional interviews for the FT position. I confessed my candidacy for the FT position to the interviewer of the contract position. Upon hearing that I was being recommended for a second round of interviews for the FT position, the interviewer decided to search for someone else for the contract position. I let her know that I was still interested in the position, especially if the employer was slow in hiring, because I really want to get back into the work force, but I don't know if I'll still be considered. If my interviews for the FT position don't go well, I'll no longer be a candidate for either position, which makes me very nervous.
It appears that my resume is gaining attention with the addition of a Bay Area address in place of my former, remote address. According to the stats on LinkedIn, search results on my resume have just about doubled, which gives me added hope. But hope won't pay the bills, so, for now, I'll just continue to send out resumes and follow-up contacts, and hope something comes my way.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Success is More Than Just a Paycheck
Hello dear readers (all two of you),
Over the past few weeks, my resume has gotten some recognition. I have had a few telephone interviews and two face-to-face interviews.
The telephone interview of interest is a place where I would really love to work. The company develops video tutorials for hundreds of software applications. The opening for which I applied was not the most ideal fit for me, as the requirements warranted a person with less experience than myself, but I wanted to get my foot in the door and try to advance from within. Both the recruiter and I realized, however, that the time was not right, nor was the salary, so I offered an alternative plan for down the road. Although I have yet to hear from the recruiter, I haven't given up, and although I would prefer the recruiter's assistance, I can always go directly to the people in charge to express my interest in a future position.
Now for the face-to-face interviews. Just over two weeks ago, I interviewed with a huge enterprise in the Bay Area. The division within the company, however, was tiny. As such, the staff was very low-key and unstructured in their processes for producing their product support documentation. I interviewed with the two writers comprising the Doc Dept. We seemed to have good chemistry and one of the interviewers even mentioned that I would likely be forwarded to the final two interviewers. Apparently, she misspoke, because I have yet to hear from anyone regarding a second interview, even after attempting follow-up contact with the HR recruiter.
I suspect the reason why I wasn't chosen was due to the fact that my interests lie in keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies to continually expand my own skill sets and also improve the end-user experience. My interests did not seem to parallel with those of the department, however. One interviewer claimed she had no time to even consider changing their methods because it took all their time to keep up with their current needs. Ironically, that's precisely the reason why they should try to find better methods and tools. I feel certain I could have helped their situation and eased their workloads, but it appears I won't be given the chance to prove that.
My next interview was for a contract position in the L.A. area. Although I desire a full-time, salaried position with a company, this position would be a great opportunity for me. This position would enable me to develop video tutorials, which is exactly what I need to position myself for a future opportunity with the company I mentioned earlier. This position would require that I relocate to L.A. during the work week, but I am requesting a four-day work week in an attempt to lessen my overhead expenses. The shorter work week would also allow me one day each week to continue my job search efforts, without interfering with my responsibilities to the contract employer.
This week, I was also contacted for a contract position that requires I work remotely as an editor and illustrator. I just sent samples of my work and hope to hear something soon. The samples I sent were of artwork created from school assignments at my online learning institution. I hope the designs are good enough to show my knowledge of the software application from which they were created.
In support of my potential contract positions, I am going to file a fictitious business statement, which I will note on my LinkedIn profile. I am in the process of teaching myself the DreamWeaver application so I can create a website for a local business. Noting these items on my LinkedIn profile as current are beneficial, as they suggest that I am actively employed. As we all know, an employed candidate is more appealing to potential employers than an unemployed candidate, and I am pulling out all the stops to make myself more marketable.
It has recently come to my attention that I need to remove my current address from my resume. Although I note on my resume and cover letters that I am ready and willing to relocate at my own expense, potential employers don't see past the notation of the remote town in which I live. As a result, my resume address changes depending on where I am applying for a position. Although my mobile phone still suggests an area code out of the area, the fact that it is a mobile phone makes it more acceptable.
This week, I applied to two very promising positions and am relying on my LinkedIn contacts to bring my resume to the top of the pile for consideration. "They" say that 75% of all jobs opportunities are the result of networking, so we'll see how it goes.
Although I'm still very much unemployed, I have to feel proud of myself for my strides forward. I have become a very creative problem solver and I am finding strengths I didn't realize I had. These newly found traits might not bring in a paycheck, but they are successes just the same and I feel proud.
Over the past few weeks, my resume has gotten some recognition. I have had a few telephone interviews and two face-to-face interviews.
The telephone interview of interest is a place where I would really love to work. The company develops video tutorials for hundreds of software applications. The opening for which I applied was not the most ideal fit for me, as the requirements warranted a person with less experience than myself, but I wanted to get my foot in the door and try to advance from within. Both the recruiter and I realized, however, that the time was not right, nor was the salary, so I offered an alternative plan for down the road. Although I have yet to hear from the recruiter, I haven't given up, and although I would prefer the recruiter's assistance, I can always go directly to the people in charge to express my interest in a future position.
Now for the face-to-face interviews. Just over two weeks ago, I interviewed with a huge enterprise in the Bay Area. The division within the company, however, was tiny. As such, the staff was very low-key and unstructured in their processes for producing their product support documentation. I interviewed with the two writers comprising the Doc Dept. We seemed to have good chemistry and one of the interviewers even mentioned that I would likely be forwarded to the final two interviewers. Apparently, she misspoke, because I have yet to hear from anyone regarding a second interview, even after attempting follow-up contact with the HR recruiter.
I suspect the reason why I wasn't chosen was due to the fact that my interests lie in keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies to continually expand my own skill sets and also improve the end-user experience. My interests did not seem to parallel with those of the department, however. One interviewer claimed she had no time to even consider changing their methods because it took all their time to keep up with their current needs. Ironically, that's precisely the reason why they should try to find better methods and tools. I feel certain I could have helped their situation and eased their workloads, but it appears I won't be given the chance to prove that.
My next interview was for a contract position in the L.A. area. Although I desire a full-time, salaried position with a company, this position would be a great opportunity for me. This position would enable me to develop video tutorials, which is exactly what I need to position myself for a future opportunity with the company I mentioned earlier. This position would require that I relocate to L.A. during the work week, but I am requesting a four-day work week in an attempt to lessen my overhead expenses. The shorter work week would also allow me one day each week to continue my job search efforts, without interfering with my responsibilities to the contract employer.
This week, I was also contacted for a contract position that requires I work remotely as an editor and illustrator. I just sent samples of my work and hope to hear something soon. The samples I sent were of artwork created from school assignments at my online learning institution. I hope the designs are good enough to show my knowledge of the software application from which they were created.
In support of my potential contract positions, I am going to file a fictitious business statement, which I will note on my LinkedIn profile. I am in the process of teaching myself the DreamWeaver application so I can create a website for a local business. Noting these items on my LinkedIn profile as current are beneficial, as they suggest that I am actively employed. As we all know, an employed candidate is more appealing to potential employers than an unemployed candidate, and I am pulling out all the stops to make myself more marketable.
It has recently come to my attention that I need to remove my current address from my resume. Although I note on my resume and cover letters that I am ready and willing to relocate at my own expense, potential employers don't see past the notation of the remote town in which I live. As a result, my resume address changes depending on where I am applying for a position. Although my mobile phone still suggests an area code out of the area, the fact that it is a mobile phone makes it more acceptable.
This week, I applied to two very promising positions and am relying on my LinkedIn contacts to bring my resume to the top of the pile for consideration. "They" say that 75% of all jobs opportunities are the result of networking, so we'll see how it goes.
Although I'm still very much unemployed, I have to feel proud of myself for my strides forward. I have become a very creative problem solver and I am finding strengths I didn't realize I had. These newly found traits might not bring in a paycheck, but they are successes just the same and I feel proud.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Against All Odds
It's been a while since I checked in. I tried updating my blog a week or so ago, but was having difficulties with the site. I do apologize.
My readership is expanding. Welcome my new friend. Thanks to you, my follower list has just doubled. :>)
It's been five months since my departure from my former place of employment. My resume is finally starting to get some action. I've had a few recruiters contact me for both full-time and contract positions. I also had my first interview about a month ago. Unfortunately, the interviews didn't result in an offer, but I knew going in that the odds were against me. Gotta keep on truckin' as they say.
School has been keeping me very busy. Although a huge drain on my finances and a huge consumer of my time, I'm so thankful to have school as a diversion from job search. It keeps me feeling productive and thus offers hope in such a downtrodden economy.
Ironically enough, my former employer is now hiring. They are again thriving and boast of wanting to hire 2000-3000 people, although they confess that most of the positions are to be filled outside of the United States. I have to block them out of my thoughts. It does no good to dwell on the past and all it does is make me feel ill.
I miss being employed. I wonder how long I can remain positive. I hope a change for the better comes my way soon. I could use some good news for a change.
I wish you all well.
My readership is expanding. Welcome my new friend. Thanks to you, my follower list has just doubled. :>)
It's been five months since my departure from my former place of employment. My resume is finally starting to get some action. I've had a few recruiters contact me for both full-time and contract positions. I also had my first interview about a month ago. Unfortunately, the interviews didn't result in an offer, but I knew going in that the odds were against me. Gotta keep on truckin' as they say.
School has been keeping me very busy. Although a huge drain on my finances and a huge consumer of my time, I'm so thankful to have school as a diversion from job search. It keeps me feeling productive and thus offers hope in such a downtrodden economy.
Ironically enough, my former employer is now hiring. They are again thriving and boast of wanting to hire 2000-3000 people, although they confess that most of the positions are to be filled outside of the United States. I have to block them out of my thoughts. It does no good to dwell on the past and all it does is make me feel ill.
I miss being employed. I wonder how long I can remain positive. I hope a change for the better comes my way soon. I could use some good news for a change.
I wish you all well.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year - Here's to 2010
Happy New Year, everyone. It's the first Monday of Year 2010. Time to start fresh, move forward with life, and for me to continue on my journey and my search for new employment.
Over the past two weeks, I have applied to more technical writing positions than weeks prior. I'm feeling more prepared, more confident, and ready to again be on a company's payroll. I want to turn a less-than-wonderful circumstance (being downsized by my former employer) into something positive so that all the stress and fear I felt was worth it.
I just realized I have been without work for 3 months, which was a complete surprise to me. They say time flies when you're having fun. Although "fun" is not quite apropos, keeping busy with the demands of school, job search, and end-of-year holiday celebrations has made time fly. Time to get crackin'.
I have decided to consider the use of temporary placement services in an effort to locate work. I was opposed to this idea at first due to the cost and commitments involved in my relocating to another area, but that's a risk I think I must take. The longer I am without work, the more difficult it will be for me to become gainfully employed on a full-time basis.
I must continue my training, stay focused, and be dilligent in my job search endeavors. With improved skill sets, a marketing plan, and a positive outlook, a great opportunity will come my way.
Over the past two weeks, I have applied to more technical writing positions than weeks prior. I'm feeling more prepared, more confident, and ready to again be on a company's payroll. I want to turn a less-than-wonderful circumstance (being downsized by my former employer) into something positive so that all the stress and fear I felt was worth it.
I just realized I have been without work for 3 months, which was a complete surprise to me. They say time flies when you're having fun. Although "fun" is not quite apropos, keeping busy with the demands of school, job search, and end-of-year holiday celebrations has made time fly. Time to get crackin'.
I have decided to consider the use of temporary placement services in an effort to locate work. I was opposed to this idea at first due to the cost and commitments involved in my relocating to another area, but that's a risk I think I must take. The longer I am without work, the more difficult it will be for me to become gainfully employed on a full-time basis.
I must continue my training, stay focused, and be dilligent in my job search endeavors. With improved skill sets, a marketing plan, and a positive outlook, a great opportunity will come my way.
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