Well it has taken a while as I have got settled into my new role but tonight I have finally created a new blog. If you are interested in my thoughts and ideas, or just what how my life is going then I would love to see you there.
http://trialsntrivialisations.blogspot.com/
I hope that this blog is truly at an end and that my unemployment troubles are over. If you stumble across it some time in the future please do not hesitate to contact me if you so desire. I know how hard it can be and am happy to chat/share insight.
Alternatively enjoy my journey through 6 months of rejections, bearacrucy and learning.
Monday 5 July 2010
Sunday 23 May 2010
To work
Well tomorrow is my first day in my new job. It also signals the end of this blog. I will start a new one shortly but the title and purpose of the blog no longer fits with my life.
I hope that those who have read have enjoyed doing so and maybe even gained something from this experience. Also should someone stumble across it in the time to come I will be happy to discuss any posts or views and offer any advice if wanted.
Otherwise thanks for sharing the experience with me. Now I must embark on an entirely new one.
Anthony
I hope that those who have read have enjoyed doing so and maybe even gained something from this experience. Also should someone stumble across it in the time to come I will be happy to discuss any posts or views and offer any advice if wanted.
Otherwise thanks for sharing the experience with me. Now I must embark on an entirely new one.
Anthony
Friday 21 May 2010
Annoying to the last
No-one can be sure what the affect of the new government will be on the job centre and its approach and overall performance. I for one cannot possibly see how it can be worse.
I have blogged many times about the failings of the Job Centre, my run in with the staff there and the uselessness of their job search facility. Well now I can add another service to my list of abysmal showings. When you go back to work you are given a number to call, presumably to end your benefit in a simple and easy way. I put aside half an hour for this, expecting it to be long enough.
I called the number to find it engaged, repeating this process many times over a period of around 20 minutes. At one point I did actually get through only to confuse some poor girl in Winchester's Environmental department, a short and embarrassing conversation revealed I had misdialled by a digit.
After about 20 attempts finally the phone was answered by an automated robot..telling me the Job Centre was closed and urging me to call back during its opening times of 9am-5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Now correct me if I am wrong, it is FRIDAY. So why is the centre giving me such a retarded message. I have decided given I have spare time before my meeting with my employer later, that I will go down to the job centre, even though it is not my appointed time and see if they can succeed where their hopeless phone service fails.
I cannot wait to be rid of anything to do with the Job Centre and hope that the new coalition seriously reforms it to actually be of some use.
I have blogged many times about the failings of the Job Centre, my run in with the staff there and the uselessness of their job search facility. Well now I can add another service to my list of abysmal showings. When you go back to work you are given a number to call, presumably to end your benefit in a simple and easy way. I put aside half an hour for this, expecting it to be long enough.
I called the number to find it engaged, repeating this process many times over a period of around 20 minutes. At one point I did actually get through only to confuse some poor girl in Winchester's Environmental department, a short and embarrassing conversation revealed I had misdialled by a digit.
After about 20 attempts finally the phone was answered by an automated robot..telling me the Job Centre was closed and urging me to call back during its opening times of 9am-5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Now correct me if I am wrong, it is FRIDAY. So why is the centre giving me such a retarded message. I have decided given I have spare time before my meeting with my employer later, that I will go down to the job centre, even though it is not my appointed time and see if they can succeed where their hopeless phone service fails.
I cannot wait to be rid of anything to do with the Job Centre and hope that the new coalition seriously reforms it to actually be of some use.
Thursday 20 May 2010
What I learned : Hints and Tips
The job of finding employment is an arduous one and certainly far from easy while we continue to be suffering in a recession. Over the course of the last 6 or so months I have got some things right, made many mistakes, but ultimately followed a path which has gained me work in my chosen sector. I like to think then that these hints and tips may be able to do the same for others in my situation. Without further ado:
3 Important Tips
1. Set a maximum of 2 Criteria- At the start of searching you will be probably have fairly narrow criteria. You will have a job you wish to do, an industry you wish to work in, location, pay, benefits, prospects. Soon it becomes clear this is unrealistic. Rank the criteria in order of importance and work out what is the most important thing to you. Some things may be forced up on you. I.E - location, if your tied to a rental contract, but by picking a wide, but targeted approach you have a better chance of finding the right job.
2. Experience is Key - A sad truth but in all but the graduate programs(and even some of them) experience is the key to success, not academic qualification. If you have experience then you stand a much better chance. If you don't do whatever it takes to get it. Temping is the best option, but also will not hire non experienced workers, work trials, working for free is always an option but the best I believe is to volunteer.
3. Volunteer - Probably the most important factor that has helped me find work has been my volunteering with the Solent Credit Union. I had not even thought of volunteering till a friend suggested it, don't assume that the right role is not there for you. Again, repeat step 1 and search for the best place for you. I looked for marketing and ended up with the S.C.U. I knew nothing about them at the time, but now am passionate about their success. It does not necessarily matter if you know the charity, there are hundreds of worthy courses out there in need of skilled workers, and unlike paid work, they are often not as picky. If this is something which interests you check out the do-it website.
And some hints
1. Identify your key sites - Most of job searching is conducted online now and there are literally thousands of sites to choose from. Do not expect to find the ideal sites for you straight away but rule out ones that do not hit the right buttons and keep searching. If you are not finding the jobs you need, try new sites and eventually build up a portfolio. For any budding marketers out there I advise the following:
Graduate Jobs South
Only Marketing Jobs
Daily Echo (Fish4jobs)
Jobsite
totaljobs
CV-Library - A brilliant discovery in the last few months
Gumtree
Marketing Job Boards
Reed.co.uk
2. Identify who will receive your application - Covering letters can make a real difference but they are time consuming and it is a good idea to keep templates for various jobs which can be adjusted. With many jobs though, the recipient is an agent representing the company. In my experience they do not read covering letters and I had a higher success rate when I stopped sending them with the C.V. Instead applying was a simple three click process in many cases and made applying for all sorts of jobs much easier.
3. Proof read any communications - Whether true or not it has been suggested that C.V's and applications are often thrown in the bin for grammar or spelling mistakes. This would seem a bit extreme but careless errors will not make you a stand out candidate for the job.
4. Be Confident and relaxed - An interview tip here. My best interviews were relaxed affairs, including the one where I got the job. Try and be relaxed and confident and honest. If you cannot answer a question state so, don't get hung up on the fact. The few rigid interviews I had were much harder and ultimately left me disliking the company anyway. Adhere to the criteria set for you but don't panic or worry. There are plenty more jobs in the...job sea? For more on interview techniques see this older post
5. Consider which benefits you are eligible for - The benefits process can be downright depressing and frustrating but don't rule it out because of pride. In particular look at Council tax and Housing benefit. Put up with the Job Centre for as long as you can. In the 6 months I was there they only did one thing to help me, and that was because I had reached the 6 month mark.
7. Consider anything which will enhance your employability - Keep an open mind and take any opportunity you can get your hands on. Think outside the box as well, if you have the money to do so learning to drive is one of the things which makes you more employable and gives you a greater reach for jobs.
8. Post your C.V on every job site you come across - Okay you do not have to religiously use the job site but if your C.V is there employers/agents can find you. I had a little success down this avenue but as always anything which makes the job easier has to be worthwhile.
9. Be cordial with agents but don't expect a lasting relationship - If your C.V begins to look impressive you will begin to receive calls from job agencies. Be polite and willing to discuss any role although also be ready to turn down opportunities. Agents will often come with jobs they are desperate to fill even if they are clearly not what you are interested in.
10. Beware the scams - Beware Scams and jobs which mislead as to what they actually involve. If possible try to avoid even applying for them. Asking for you to be self employed should flash a warning light as should salary being based entirely on OTE. (On Target Earnings) For more on marketing specific ones see here or here
Well there we go. A gigantic post which has shown some of the main things I have learned and wish to pass on. Happy hunting!
3 Important Tips
1. Set a maximum of 2 Criteria- At the start of searching you will be probably have fairly narrow criteria. You will have a job you wish to do, an industry you wish to work in, location, pay, benefits, prospects. Soon it becomes clear this is unrealistic. Rank the criteria in order of importance and work out what is the most important thing to you. Some things may be forced up on you. I.E - location, if your tied to a rental contract, but by picking a wide, but targeted approach you have a better chance of finding the right job.
2. Experience is Key - A sad truth but in all but the graduate programs(and even some of them) experience is the key to success, not academic qualification. If you have experience then you stand a much better chance. If you don't do whatever it takes to get it. Temping is the best option, but also will not hire non experienced workers, work trials, working for free is always an option but the best I believe is to volunteer.
3. Volunteer - Probably the most important factor that has helped me find work has been my volunteering with the Solent Credit Union. I had not even thought of volunteering till a friend suggested it, don't assume that the right role is not there for you. Again, repeat step 1 and search for the best place for you. I looked for marketing and ended up with the S.C.U. I knew nothing about them at the time, but now am passionate about their success. It does not necessarily matter if you know the charity, there are hundreds of worthy courses out there in need of skilled workers, and unlike paid work, they are often not as picky. If this is something which interests you check out the do-it website.
And some hints
1. Identify your key sites - Most of job searching is conducted online now and there are literally thousands of sites to choose from. Do not expect to find the ideal sites for you straight away but rule out ones that do not hit the right buttons and keep searching. If you are not finding the jobs you need, try new sites and eventually build up a portfolio. For any budding marketers out there I advise the following:
Graduate Jobs South
Only Marketing Jobs
Daily Echo (Fish4jobs)
Jobsite
totaljobs
CV-Library - A brilliant discovery in the last few months
Gumtree
Marketing Job Boards
Reed.co.uk
2. Identify who will receive your application - Covering letters can make a real difference but they are time consuming and it is a good idea to keep templates for various jobs which can be adjusted. With many jobs though, the recipient is an agent representing the company. In my experience they do not read covering letters and I had a higher success rate when I stopped sending them with the C.V. Instead applying was a simple three click process in many cases and made applying for all sorts of jobs much easier.
3. Proof read any communications - Whether true or not it has been suggested that C.V's and applications are often thrown in the bin for grammar or spelling mistakes. This would seem a bit extreme but careless errors will not make you a stand out candidate for the job.
4. Be Confident and relaxed - An interview tip here. My best interviews were relaxed affairs, including the one where I got the job. Try and be relaxed and confident and honest. If you cannot answer a question state so, don't get hung up on the fact. The few rigid interviews I had were much harder and ultimately left me disliking the company anyway. Adhere to the criteria set for you but don't panic or worry. There are plenty more jobs in the...job sea? For more on interview techniques see this older post
5. Consider which benefits you are eligible for - The benefits process can be downright depressing and frustrating but don't rule it out because of pride. In particular look at Council tax and Housing benefit. Put up with the Job Centre for as long as you can. In the 6 months I was there they only did one thing to help me, and that was because I had reached the 6 month mark.
7. Consider anything which will enhance your employability - Keep an open mind and take any opportunity you can get your hands on. Think outside the box as well, if you have the money to do so learning to drive is one of the things which makes you more employable and gives you a greater reach for jobs.
8. Post your C.V on every job site you come across - Okay you do not have to religiously use the job site but if your C.V is there employers/agents can find you. I had a little success down this avenue but as always anything which makes the job easier has to be worthwhile.
9. Be cordial with agents but don't expect a lasting relationship - If your C.V begins to look impressive you will begin to receive calls from job agencies. Be polite and willing to discuss any role although also be ready to turn down opportunities. Agents will often come with jobs they are desperate to fill even if they are clearly not what you are interested in.
10. Beware the scams - Beware Scams and jobs which mislead as to what they actually involve. If possible try to avoid even applying for them. Asking for you to be self employed should flash a warning light as should salary being based entirely on OTE. (On Target Earnings) For more on marketing specific ones see here or here
Well there we go. A gigantic post which has shown some of the main things I have learned and wish to pass on. Happy hunting!
Monday 17 May 2010
What to do with a spare week?
Well job is all confirmed and I start on Monday 24th. I am looking forward to finally taking my first steps in paid work and eagerly await the challenge.
This has left me with a spare week and I admit to being at a little bit of a loss as to what to do with it. A certain part of me wants to spend the week doing very little, playing Dragon Age, relaxing and socialising. Another part thinks that I should be more productive and make the most of the free time for good rather than pure procrastination.
At the moment neither side is winning. Having agreed upon a compromise of some relaxation, some chores/work. So far today I have done the food shopping, looked up article ideas for Fubra and matched my socks. (No longer will I wear odd socks...not until I do the washing again at any rate!) I have also played some dragon Age and watched the latest American Dad.
I plan to write two more articles for Fubra, (thus meaning I can be paid) Undertake some Research for my job, have a driving lesson and tie up loose ends including benefits. I have more training Wednesday night and a meeting on Friday but other than that and the above, my week is entirely free. I also intend to write several more blog posts, including what I have learned and advise for others in my situation.
Any ideas or advice? What should I do with my last week till I begin full time employment?
This has left me with a spare week and I admit to being at a little bit of a loss as to what to do with it. A certain part of me wants to spend the week doing very little, playing Dragon Age, relaxing and socialising. Another part thinks that I should be more productive and make the most of the free time for good rather than pure procrastination.
At the moment neither side is winning. Having agreed upon a compromise of some relaxation, some chores/work. So far today I have done the food shopping, looked up article ideas for Fubra and matched my socks. (No longer will I wear odd socks...not until I do the washing again at any rate!) I have also played some dragon Age and watched the latest American Dad.
I plan to write two more articles for Fubra, (thus meaning I can be paid) Undertake some Research for my job, have a driving lesson and tie up loose ends including benefits. I have more training Wednesday night and a meeting on Friday but other than that and the above, my week is entirely free. I also intend to write several more blog posts, including what I have learned and advise for others in my situation.
Any ideas or advice? What should I do with my last week till I begin full time employment?
Thursday 13 May 2010
One Step Closer
Well after the third attempt I finally managed to get an answer out of learning links who have offered the position to someone else. I am not surprised as the job description including a lot of design elements, something I have little experience with. In the last two days I have been offered (and turned down) two other interviews and it seems highly likely I will take the job with Super Fun Days Out. It has been nice to have a few days where job searching has not been at the top of my priority list and also to realise that I have reached a point now where even just sitting back relaxing, I am receiving invitations to interview for jobs. It has led me to analyse why.
I noticed a sudden change about 2 weeks ago. What was special then? Very little, I made one little alteration to my C.V (to include the social networking training) and a few more jobs appeared. Oh and we entered May. This suggested that either in May everyone suddenly becomes job happy and desperate to help graduates, or that my volunteering role had hit the 3 month mark. 3 months of experience suddenly made me interesting, whereas 2 months, 30 days left me reeling in obscurity. It is an odd system when this is the case. I did not become a better marketer on the 30th April, nor did I level up. It was an entirely unremarkable day on my calender. I can sort of understand why 3 months experience becomes attractive but it has to lead to criticism of the process, after all the potential and skills of an individual does not change on that single day, even if in the eyes of the employer, they are suddenly eminently more attractive and ready to enter the world of the professionally employed.
Hopefully this can only mean good things, and if the 3 month contract on offer ends at that point, that I won't be left floundering and lost for long.
I noticed a sudden change about 2 weeks ago. What was special then? Very little, I made one little alteration to my C.V (to include the social networking training) and a few more jobs appeared. Oh and we entered May. This suggested that either in May everyone suddenly becomes job happy and desperate to help graduates, or that my volunteering role had hit the 3 month mark. 3 months of experience suddenly made me interesting, whereas 2 months, 30 days left me reeling in obscurity. It is an odd system when this is the case. I did not become a better marketer on the 30th April, nor did I level up. It was an entirely unremarkable day on my calender. I can sort of understand why 3 months experience becomes attractive but it has to lead to criticism of the process, after all the potential and skills of an individual does not change on that single day, even if in the eyes of the employer, they are suddenly eminently more attractive and ready to enter the world of the professionally employed.
Hopefully this can only mean good things, and if the 3 month contract on offer ends at that point, that I won't be left floundering and lost for long.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Job Offer
Last week I went for an interview with a young company based in Southampton. The company in question advertises fun days out. (from zorbing to paintball to clay pigeon shooting and white water rafting) It is a small organisation run by dedicated shareholders and they are looking for someone to come in and manage the roll out of a range of new services to their existing customers. The role is an internship, initially running for 3 months with the potential for a full time longer role to be put in place after that period.
I was impressed with my interviewer (The C.E.O) and the company and although the role involves more sales and telephone usage than I would like it was certainly an interesting one. However, not wanting to hedge my bet on securing a longer term job I asked to see the business plan and projections which would give me an idea of the liklihood of securing a long term role. That for me is after all key. I do not want to end up back unemployed in 3 months time.
This morning the C.E.O rang me..at 8:40, after some confusing questions he offered me the job and suggested we could pen to paper at the early part of next week. I thanked him for the offer but felt it was only fair to notify him I was waiting to hear back from other companies about other roles both of whom should get back to me by the end of this week. He agreed albeit relunctantly to put a deadline of Saturday to accept the offer.
So now I have 4 days after which I will hopefully be employed. It is possible that he may choose to pull out and offer the role to someone else, which would be very disappointing. But I simply felt I had to keep my options open. The other roles potentially on the table are not set contracts and therefore provide stability. If I take the job I would need to find somewhere to live in Southampton until the end of August but most rental contracts run for a year. Potentially then, I could be tied to Southampton for another 10 months after the role finishes, something not to be entered into lightly. On the other hand given my increased success in gaining interviews recently, I would hope to be unemployed for a much shorter period. I also have to consider then, what the role could do for my C.V and the role offered will not verse me in new software or provide me with any major new skills, where the others involve training.
I am expecting that I will take the job, having failed to secure a role with Learning links, but whatever the outcome, at the end of this week I will have a decision to make, and then hopefully, the search will finally be at an end.
I was impressed with my interviewer (The C.E.O) and the company and although the role involves more sales and telephone usage than I would like it was certainly an interesting one. However, not wanting to hedge my bet on securing a longer term job I asked to see the business plan and projections which would give me an idea of the liklihood of securing a long term role. That for me is after all key. I do not want to end up back unemployed in 3 months time.
This morning the C.E.O rang me..at 8:40, after some confusing questions he offered me the job and suggested we could pen to paper at the early part of next week. I thanked him for the offer but felt it was only fair to notify him I was waiting to hear back from other companies about other roles both of whom should get back to me by the end of this week. He agreed albeit relunctantly to put a deadline of Saturday to accept the offer.
So now I have 4 days after which I will hopefully be employed. It is possible that he may choose to pull out and offer the role to someone else, which would be very disappointing. But I simply felt I had to keep my options open. The other roles potentially on the table are not set contracts and therefore provide stability. If I take the job I would need to find somewhere to live in Southampton until the end of August but most rental contracts run for a year. Potentially then, I could be tied to Southampton for another 10 months after the role finishes, something not to be entered into lightly. On the other hand given my increased success in gaining interviews recently, I would hope to be unemployed for a much shorter period. I also have to consider then, what the role could do for my C.V and the role offered will not verse me in new software or provide me with any major new skills, where the others involve training.
I am expecting that I will take the job, having failed to secure a role with Learning links, but whatever the outcome, at the end of this week I will have a decision to make, and then hopefully, the search will finally be at an end.
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