Today I applied for two jobs.
I received two bites.
Actually I was only going to count one bite as the other one was for the contract in Prague. From my experience that's like being bitten by an Alsation ... who has forgotten to put its dentures in.
("My experience", that is, of trying to get a job with this company, not of being bitten by Alsations with dental implants)
Anyway, two bites feels better than one and it's not like anyone is going to audit my figures.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Toilet
I briefly went to the toilet this afternoon and when I returned someone had phoned and left a message on my mobile phone's voice mail.
I phoned back and he was on another call. Hmm.
But a few minutes later he called me again. He was phoning as I'd emailed him in response to an advert for a freelance relocation project manager in Birmingham.
Had a good chat and he said he'd forward my c.v. to the client. He said he'd also send a job description but so far hasn't.
Still it's a bite.
I phoned back and he was on another call. Hmm.
But a few minutes later he called me again. He was phoning as I'd emailed him in response to an advert for a freelance relocation project manager in Birmingham.
Had a good chat and he said he'd forward my c.v. to the client. He said he'd also send a job description but so far hasn't.
Still it's a bite.
Prague
For probably two years, maybe more, I had been working with an agency about a role with a very large multi-national company based in Prague.
In fact, they even flew me out for an interview. And a few months ago they called me, out of the blue, about flying me about again.
I've heard nothing since. Which was fair enough as I've kinda given up on them. The money wasn't that great. Well, it was for Czech standards but any trips back to England would be very expensive.
Also, I wasn't too sure about working full-time for a company who were so disorganised. They didn't encourage any feelings of confidence.
But yesterday I saw an advert for freelance project managers in Prague. It was advertised by the same agency and I suspected it was for the same company.
I phoned them today and was proved to be right.
The agent recognised me and said she'd put my name on the top of the pile.
I'm more relaxed about a contract role with this company. The money would be better and I wouldn't be stuck in Prague on an indefinite basis.
But I'm not holding out, oh no.
In fact, they even flew me out for an interview. And a few months ago they called me, out of the blue, about flying me about again.
I've heard nothing since. Which was fair enough as I've kinda given up on them. The money wasn't that great. Well, it was for Czech standards but any trips back to England would be very expensive.
Also, I wasn't too sure about working full-time for a company who were so disorganised. They didn't encourage any feelings of confidence.
But yesterday I saw an advert for freelance project managers in Prague. It was advertised by the same agency and I suspected it was for the same company.
I phoned them today and was proved to be right.
The agent recognised me and said she'd put my name on the top of the pile.
I'm more relaxed about a contract role with this company. The money would be better and I wouldn't be stuck in Prague on an indefinite basis.
But I'm not holding out, oh no.
Straightforward advert of the week 2
"... You must be technically averse to large scale migration projects ..."
No idea what this meant.
Apart from anything else it was advertised by the agency who, er, misled me over rates for a contract with a company who wanted to employ me.
I didn't apply.
No idea what this meant.
Apart from anything else it was advertised by the agency who, er, misled me over rates for a contract with a company who wanted to employ me.
I didn't apply.
Straightforward advert of the week 1
"The trick with infrastructure is that it needs management and hence we have created this unique and original position for an Infrastructure Manager. Whoa Nelly, you might say, keep that crazy new-age stuff away from me! But Infrastructure Manager is the way of the future, we're telling you now, and wouldn't you like a slice of piping hot future pie? Of course you would. Are you fluent in the ways of Networking, Systems (Linux/Unix administration, MS Windows (2003) network management. Active Directory, NW topology). Strong experience in n-tier distributed application architecture technologies in the Microsoft environment as well as Security? Do you seek recognition in the form of a well-paying position with a high profile client in a nice building in Australia's best City, Melbourne? We are looking for talented Systems/Networking/Security Engineers with proven experience working on large scale infrastructure projects. You will be working within a dynamic team environment and will possess the professionalism, leadership, and interpersonal skills necessary to take charge and get things done with a minimum of fussing and wailing. The networks we mentioned are large-scale, covering the entire gamut from intranets to internets and everything in between. You'll need plenty of online experience to succeed. The systems we mentioned are primarily Linux, Solaris and Unix. So you'll need some experience in those then and the security we mentioned, well, nothing really specific."
It was in Australia - I don't normally look at jobs for this country but this one stood out - and I didn't apply.
It was in Australia - I don't normally look at jobs for this country but this one stood out - and I didn't apply.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Today
The day after a break - like for an interview - I find it difficult to restart hunting.
After all, I have to trawl through 48 hours of job postings, twice the usual amount.
I sometimes suspect that my disinclination means I overlook possibly suitable adverts.
Nevertheless today I managed to apply for four jobs.
After all, I have to trawl through 48 hours of job postings, twice the usual amount.
I sometimes suspect that my disinclination means I overlook possibly suitable adverts.
Nevertheless today I managed to apply for four jobs.
The question
A friend sent me an email yesterday:
"... Just read your blog - all a bit new to me but apparently it's all the rage now.
Do you read any interesting/famous blogs? ..."
Er, so this isn't an interesting/famous blog then?!
In a few days time I may add to my list of sites to be read ... who knows, I may even add famous and interesting blogs.
"... Just read your blog - all a bit new to me but apparently it's all the rage now.
Do you read any interesting/famous blogs? ..."
Er, so this isn't an interesting/famous blog then?!
In a few days time I may add to my list of sites to be read ... who knows, I may even add famous and interesting blogs.
The interview
Yesterday I went to Soho (London) for an interview with a web design agency. I was recommended to them by a friend.
The invitation stated that dress was informal and hence I went there dressed like an American in Europe (or rather an American business-man in Europe) rather than in my usual City suit and silk tie. I still wore my extremely polished shoes.
Although the interview was only slated for half-an-hour it lasted for 40 minutes. Near the end the interview tried to find the MD so I could have a chat with her. She wasn't around, however, as the interviewer feared, and in anycase she hadn't been booked in to see me.
Did it go well?
I think it went alright. I'd rather like to do this line of PM work. Actually think I'd do it rather well.
The interviewer stressed that they'd have to see if I'd match any upcoming requirements from clients. So it be could next week, next month or further out before they'd find such a match. We'll see.
The invitation stated that dress was informal and hence I went there dressed like an American in Europe (or rather an American business-man in Europe) rather than in my usual City suit and silk tie. I still wore my extremely polished shoes.
Although the interview was only slated for half-an-hour it lasted for 40 minutes. Near the end the interview tried to find the MD so I could have a chat with her. She wasn't around, however, as the interviewer feared, and in anycase she hadn't been booked in to see me.
Did it go well?
I think it went alright. I'd rather like to do this line of PM work. Actually think I'd do it rather well.
The interviewer stressed that they'd have to see if I'd match any upcoming requirements from clients. So it be could next week, next month or further out before they'd find such a match. We'll see.
Jeans
I didn't wear jeans yesterday as I'd bought a pair of chinos - a nice compromise between formality and informality within a business context.
In fact I wrote that I wasn't going to wear jeans yesterday. Nevetheless, right now, there are a lot of jeans adverts on the top of the blog.
In fact I wrote that I wasn't going to wear jeans yesterday. Nevetheless, right now, there are a lot of jeans adverts on the top of the blog.
Search
This morning I saw a job which asked for "deployment" experience.
I applied for a similar sounding job a few weeks ago. So I used Microsoft's desktop search tool to find all occurrences of "deployment" on my PC. It was very quick.
I found an email I'd sent to another agency with that word. It's contents, including the attached c.v. matched this new agency's requirements.
So I re-addressed the email and sent it off to this agency.
Microsoft's desktop search works fine. I'm not even going to try out Google's equivalent: I don't need the adverts and the invasion of privacy.
I applied for a similar sounding job a few weeks ago. So I used Microsoft's desktop search tool to find all occurrences of "deployment" on my PC. It was very quick.
I found an email I'd sent to another agency with that word. It's contents, including the attached c.v. matched this new agency's requirements.
So I re-addressed the email and sent it off to this agency.
Microsoft's desktop search works fine. I'm not even going to try out Google's equivalent: I don't need the adverts and the invasion of privacy.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Hunting
As always.
Today I applied for three jobs. I received no bites but did pick up a pair of chinos. Oh, and some contact lenses.
Today I applied for three jobs. I received no bites but did pick up a pair of chinos. Oh, and some contact lenses.
Shopping
This afternoon I went to a nearby town to:
- pick up some more contact lens
- find some trousers.
Tomorrow I'm off to London for an informal interview. The recruiter said to dress informally and there lies the problem.
Normally I either wear a suit (too formal) or jeans (probably too informal).
So, I needed chinos.
The town where I, er, live wouldn't do anything as trendy as chinos. So I went to a nearby town which is slightly more upmarket. Not only did they do chinos, they also had contact lenses.
Don't get me wrong. This is a town where old people go to die. It really is dismal. The fact that it sells chinos is just a mistake in some marketing executive's national plan for retail outlets.
So tomorrow I'll probably be dressed like an American in Europe: chinos, blazer, tie-less shirt and brogues. And the people I meet - a web design company - will probably be dressed in ripped jeans, desert boots, bare mid-riffs and cleavage exposing tops.
Well, I hope so.
- pick up some more contact lens
- find some trousers.
Tomorrow I'm off to London for an informal interview. The recruiter said to dress informally and there lies the problem.
Normally I either wear a suit (too formal) or jeans (probably too informal).
So, I needed chinos.
The town where I, er, live wouldn't do anything as trendy as chinos. So I went to a nearby town which is slightly more upmarket. Not only did they do chinos, they also had contact lenses.
Don't get me wrong. This is a town where old people go to die. It really is dismal. The fact that it sells chinos is just a mistake in some marketing executive's national plan for retail outlets.
So tomorrow I'll probably be dressed like an American in Europe: chinos, blazer, tie-less shirt and brogues. And the people I meet - a web design company - will probably be dressed in ripped jeans, desert boots, bare mid-riffs and cleavage exposing tops.
Well, I hope so.
c.v. quandry
Bother.
Today I applied for a job which wanted skills and experiences including relocation project management and investment banking.
Me, me, me.
I later called the recruiter.
She wanted more details about my last role. This was the interim manager job where I received an award for my project management of the company's relocation of IT.
Well, I dutifully amended my c.v. but it went over two pages. She was fine about this - four pages were her maximum.
It would have gone to 2 1/2 pages but by careful spacing I stretched it to 2 1/4 pages.
I dunno. I so much prefer two pages but it's difficult to fit in everything. Three pages and it seems a bit too spaced out. And in any case I prefer succinctness.
In a few days time I might play around with my c.v. a bit more - have a three-page version just for PM jobs.
Today I applied for a job which wanted skills and experiences including relocation project management and investment banking.
Me, me, me.
I later called the recruiter.
She wanted more details about my last role. This was the interim manager job where I received an award for my project management of the company's relocation of IT.
Well, I dutifully amended my c.v. but it went over two pages. She was fine about this - four pages were her maximum.
It would have gone to 2 1/2 pages but by careful spacing I stretched it to 2 1/4 pages.
I dunno. I so much prefer two pages but it's difficult to fit in everything. Three pages and it seems a bit too spaced out. And in any case I prefer succinctness.
In a few days time I might play around with my c.v. a bit more - have a three-page version just for PM jobs.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Another day not at work
Couldn't find any jobs today. Well, that's Mondays for you.
Did, however, manage to apply for four jobs yesterday.
After looking through web sites today I phoned agencies I've contacted recently.
As usual a lot hadn't received any responses from agencies.
Some jobs had gone on hold - I've had so many of those.
One agency, to whom I had sent an email yesterday, was very interested. I seemed to tick all his boxes. He said he'd send my c.v. to his client. So, despite a dismal day I had one bite.
Did, however, manage to apply for four jobs yesterday.
After looking through web sites today I phoned agencies I've contacted recently.
As usual a lot hadn't received any responses from agencies.
Some jobs had gone on hold - I've had so many of those.
One agency, to whom I had sent an email yesterday, was very interested. I seemed to tick all his boxes. He said he'd send my c.v. to his client. So, despite a dismal day I had one bite.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Office slang
This is so good I had to link to it even though I try not to have anything to do with job hunting on a Saturday.
I'm sure more could be added to this.
I'm sure more could be added to this.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Summary
Wind down, round up:
This week I applied for 18 jobs.
I received four bites.
It's the weekend now and I really must spend more time with my wine.
This week I applied for 18 jobs.
I received four bites.
It's the weekend now and I really must spend more time with my wine.
Winding down
Well, it's been another day in paradise ... for someone else.
As usual I phoned people I emailed during the week. One was an agent who hadn't received my email. So, it's always useful to call.
In fact, here's a list of why it's always good to call:
I've found that the less hair I have, the more haircut I need. Through terrible trial and error I determined that Toni and Guy are the most consistent hairdressers for me. They have an international reach - so important in a trans-national manager and business man - plus an 80's feel to their salons - so important for someone who use to read Blitz magazine.
There's nothing like this in my town so I had to take a train trip to a larger town, actually a city, for the appointment. So that was this afternoon spent.
After my haircut ("short") I found a message on my mobile. It was an agency who called whilst I was in the salon! They wanted to chat about the application I made to them yesterday. They also added that they were now leaving the office so I should call them on Monday.
Great, so not only do I now have a sharp hairstyle, I also have another bite.
Today I applied for one job.
As usual I phoned people I emailed during the week. One was an agent who hadn't received my email. So, it's always useful to call.
In fact, here's a list of why it's always good to call:
- they may not have received your email. This happens quite a bit now that job sites have their own email addresses for every advert. Often, they don't forward promptly, or at all, to the actual agent. Also some companies filter out types of emails. For example, a few agencies' email systems don't like the fact that my Reply To: address doesn't match my Sent From: address. I do this - as do a lot of people - so that I can redirect my email as I wish. Really, these companies should sack the boss of the network administrator and appoint me. Problems (note the plural) solved.
- your email may have got through but been lost in the fog of applications. Phoning, may help you stand out.
- it helps you to differentiate because of the personal touch ... what am I talking about here? I mean this: I have a funny foreign surname which may deter some recruiters. But my spoken English is such, that I wouldn't be surprised if they stood up when they heard me on the other end of the phone. (This was probably a gross disadvantage in my earlier career but nowadays it's kinda appropriate - n.b. I don't actually say "kinda" on the phone).
- now they know you, they may consider you for other jobs, not necessarily the one they advertised. You never know.
I've found that the less hair I have, the more haircut I need. Through terrible trial and error I determined that Toni and Guy are the most consistent hairdressers for me. They have an international reach - so important in a trans-national manager and business man - plus an 80's feel to their salons - so important for someone who use to read Blitz magazine.
There's nothing like this in my town so I had to take a train trip to a larger town, actually a city, for the appointment. So that was this afternoon spent.
After my haircut ("short") I found a message on my mobile. It was an agency who called whilst I was in the salon! They wanted to chat about the application I made to them yesterday. They also added that they were now leaving the office so I should call them on Monday.
Great, so not only do I now have a sharp hairstyle, I also have another bite.
Today I applied for one job.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Business cards
Early on, when I started this blog, I wrote about the importance of having your own business cards.
Done right, they're not cheesey. They're certainly more effective than trying to beam data from one PDA to another (my preferred choice).
A few weeks ago, when I was flying to Tallinn, I started talking to the occupant of the seat on my right. He knew Tallinn very well and gave us some good advice.
He was also developing a business and we talked a bit about business in the Baltics and Nordics.
Anyway, we exchanged details. In my case I handed over my business card. He didn't have one so had to wait whilst I wrote details into my Palm Pilot.
My business cards include my web site's URL. And my web site includes a PDF version of my c.v.
Yesterday I received a "hello, nice to meet you" email from him. Plus, he's seen my c.v. and wondered if he could send it to some business contacts he has.
You never know, so that's why it's important to carry business cards and to have an on-line c.v.
Done right, they're not cheesey. They're certainly more effective than trying to beam data from one PDA to another (my preferred choice).
A few weeks ago, when I was flying to Tallinn, I started talking to the occupant of the seat on my right. He knew Tallinn very well and gave us some good advice.
He was also developing a business and we talked a bit about business in the Baltics and Nordics.
Anyway, we exchanged details. In my case I handed over my business card. He didn't have one so had to wait whilst I wrote details into my Palm Pilot.
My business cards include my web site's URL. And my web site includes a PDF version of my c.v.
Yesterday I received a "hello, nice to meet you" email from him. Plus, he's seen my c.v. and wondered if he could send it to some business contacts he has.
You never know, so that's why it's important to carry business cards and to have an on-line c.v.
And ...
I phoned an agency to whom I sent a c.v. yesterday.
It was for a PM role in a "tier 1" investment bank.
The agent said he hadn't actually gone through the c.v.s as the job hadn't yet gone live! Well, he then looked at my c.v. - whilst on the phone - and said he liked it.
He said he'll shortlist it and send it to the bank as soon as the job goes live.
This is good news, of course. It's a bite, naturally, and it shows - once again - that my c.v. is good.
(With all humbleness it should be. I've spent many hours on it, attended c.v.-related seminars, had it reviewed by friends, re-worked it then re-worked it again).
But I must admit I'm a bit peeved. "Live" jobs often get put on hold "indefinitely". All the agent has done so far is lined up people for a job that may not exist. And each application I write takes about half an hour.
Anyway, I'm only a bit peeved. I'm more glad that he liked my c.v. and has shortlisted me.
Today I applied for three jobs and received one bite.
It was for a PM role in a "tier 1" investment bank.
The agent said he hadn't actually gone through the c.v.s as the job hadn't yet gone live! Well, he then looked at my c.v. - whilst on the phone - and said he liked it.
He said he'll shortlist it and send it to the bank as soon as the job goes live.
This is good news, of course. It's a bite, naturally, and it shows - once again - that my c.v. is good.
(With all humbleness it should be. I've spent many hours on it, attended c.v.-related seminars, had it reviewed by friends, re-worked it then re-worked it again).
But I must admit I'm a bit peeved. "Live" jobs often get put on hold "indefinitely". All the agent has done so far is lined up people for a job that may not exist. And each application I write takes about half an hour.
Anyway, I'm only a bit peeved. I'm more glad that he liked my c.v. and has shortlisted me.
Today I applied for three jobs and received one bite.
Good
But actually my interview last week wasn't a waste of time.
As you may recall, after the interview I met a friend who asked for my c.v. Then his company sent me an email asking me about my medium-term aspirations.
I displayed great levels of will-power not to write:
I wasn't too sure about "continue doing what I do ...". Felt it could be read as being cocky (though it certainly wasn't written in that way).
Anyway, I had a reply today asking me to attend a first interview with them on Wedneday!
And their email added that it should be informal dress!
I've never been interviewed in casual dress before. But I think it's great. Although I look smart in a suit I much prefer to work casually dressed. In anycase, I think I can look smart without a tie. My casual shoes are Loakes and I'll wear chinos, a blazer and a Muji shirt. Should be fine. Must remember, however, to buy a pair of chinos!
As you may recall, after the interview I met a friend who asked for my c.v. Then his company sent me an email asking me about my medium-term aspirations.
I displayed great levels of will-power not to write:
- just get some sort of employment
- to earn enough to spend it on vast quantities of beer and chocolate (the Oktoberfest is now on, if I went tomorrow it would be my sixth or seventh visit)
- take an MBA and then leave the company for a better paying position (these days I'm glad I didn't waste time and money on one of these)
I wasn't too sure about "continue doing what I do ...". Felt it could be read as being cocky (though it certainly wasn't written in that way).
Anyway, I had a reply today asking me to attend a first interview with them on Wedneday!
And their email added that it should be informal dress!
I've never been interviewed in casual dress before. But I think it's great. Although I look smart in a suit I much prefer to work casually dressed. In anycase, I think I can look smart without a tie. My casual shoes are Loakes and I'll wear chinos, a blazer and a Muji shirt. Should be fine. Must remember, however, to buy a pair of chinos!
Bad
This afternoon I was called by the agency who had interviewed me last week.
Apparently my name was already with their client but submitted by another agency. This meant that this agency couldn't continue handling my application.
I had checked my database and there was no record of an approach to this company.
But I then checked my written notes and this helped me recall something. An agency had called me out of the blue about a PM role with this company, or one of its subsidaries. Some of the details do seem different. What's more the agency never got back to me about this so I didn't record this as an approach. I think I was waiting for feedback from the agency's account manager before they would go to the next step, or a confirmation email or something.
(Nowadays a few agencies send you an email outlining the job, the client and require you to send an agreement by reply - an "I agree" in the subject line suffices. This way everyone knows that they're handling your application to their client.)
I was so appalled that I mentioned this agency by name to the agent who called me today by enquiring: "It wasn't H...?". She replied that it was and that the client seemed to be having general problems with this agency. A few years ago I read a Usenet forum about contractors also having problems with this agency. Well, contractors moan in the same way that other people breathe so I disregarded it at the time.
Anyway, it means that my interview last week was a waste of time.
Apparently my name was already with their client but submitted by another agency. This meant that this agency couldn't continue handling my application.
I had checked my database and there was no record of an approach to this company.
But I then checked my written notes and this helped me recall something. An agency had called me out of the blue about a PM role with this company, or one of its subsidaries. Some of the details do seem different. What's more the agency never got back to me about this so I didn't record this as an approach. I think I was waiting for feedback from the agency's account manager before they would go to the next step, or a confirmation email or something.
(Nowadays a few agencies send you an email outlining the job, the client and require you to send an agreement by reply - an "I agree" in the subject line suffices. This way everyone knows that they're handling your application to their client.)
I was so appalled that I mentioned this agency by name to the agent who called me today by enquiring: "It wasn't H...?". She replied that it was and that the client seemed to be having general problems with this agency. A few years ago I read a Usenet forum about contractors also having problems with this agency. Well, contractors moan in the same way that other people breathe so I disregarded it at the time.
Anyway, it means that my interview last week was a waste of time.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
At last
onError="this.onError=null; this.src='http://www.meetomatic.com/images/clustrmaps-back-soon.jpg'; document.getElementById('clustrMapsLink').href='http://clustrmaps.com/'">The above should, soon, display a map showing where this blog is read around the world.
Usual situation
Although it's been a good week, today I've felt a bit dismal. Maybe it's the tummy rot. Or maybe it's not having a job. Or maybe it's because I'm living where I'm living. Still.
I was longing to be called from an agency - any damn agency - to break the monotomy and to give me a feeling of progress. Did my mobile phone bleep?
I even phoned the agency I called yesterday - the one who said he'd phone back in 10 minutes.
He remembered me and apologised for not phoning back. No worries. We discussed the role he advertised. But, strangely, the company involved uses quite a few agencies plus their own recruitment system. Once you're on their system via one agency another agency can't submit your details - even if it's for a job no-one else is handling for the company.
Anyway, he said I had one of the more "promising c.v.s" he's seen (damn right it was) and he'd call me back later this afternoon to discuss other possible roles with other clients.
Did my mobile phone bleep?
I was longing to be called from an agency - any damn agency - to break the monotomy and to give me a feeling of progress. Did my mobile phone bleep?
I even phoned the agency I called yesterday - the one who said he'd phone back in 10 minutes.
He remembered me and apologised for not phoning back. No worries. We discussed the role he advertised. But, strangely, the company involved uses quite a few agencies plus their own recruitment system. Once you're on their system via one agency another agency can't submit your details - even if it's for a job no-one else is handling for the company.
Anyway, he said I had one of the more "promising c.v.s" he's seen (damn right it was) and he'd call me back later this afternoon to discuss other possible roles with other clients.
Did my mobile phone bleep?
Alcohol
Today my tummy has had that feeling you get after drinking over a bottle of white wine (or two bottles when I'm on form).
Which is an extra pity as I didn't have much to drink yesterday and none today.
So, it's probably some little infection.
Pity again as today, for the first time in a few weeks, I had enough time to go to the gym.
Anyway, I didn't go.
Instead I applied for three jobs. So far, this week, it's been good: a total of 14 applications and another two days to go. Plus I've had good, positive feedback.
But, after over three months, I'm now really fed up with job hunting and being stuck away from any decent metropolitan, cosmopolitan environment.
Which is an extra pity as I didn't have much to drink yesterday and none today.
So, it's probably some little infection.
Pity again as today, for the first time in a few weeks, I had enough time to go to the gym.
Anyway, I didn't go.
Instead I applied for three jobs. So far, this week, it's been good: a total of 14 applications and another two days to go. Plus I've had good, positive feedback.
But, after over three months, I'm now really fed up with job hunting and being stuck away from any decent metropolitan, cosmopolitan environment.
Couple of web sites
When I'm not busy job hunting, learning German, studying XP or building a business I like to sit on my arse (what else?) and read other blog sites.
From Lifehacker blog today I saw links to:
From Lifehacker blog today I saw links to:
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
National voicemail morning
Why didn't anyone tell me?
It turned out that this morning was "National Voicemail Morning". This means that every recruitment agent you call is on voicemail.
I wonder if this is connected with "National Have Another Pint in the Morning" morning.
It turned out that this morning was "National Voicemail Morning". This means that every recruitment agent you call is on voicemail.
I wonder if this is connected with "National Have Another Pint in the Morning" morning.
More of the same
Last evening I applied for a very highly paid job. Much higher than jobs to which I can normally apply. But this one seemed to fit quite well.
I eventually got through to the agent.
He asked if he could call me back in 10 minutes.
Now, I know 10 minutes hardly ever means 10 minutes. (I mean, have you ever waited when a girl says she'll be five minutes? I once waited when a girl said she'd be 15 minutes. I'm not doing that again unless I've just eaten. A big meal.)
But that was 4pm and now it's close to 7pm.
Not surprised but a bit disappointed.
Today I applied for four jobs. I received one bite.
I eventually got through to the agent.
He asked if he could call me back in 10 minutes.
Now, I know 10 minutes hardly ever means 10 minutes. (I mean, have you ever waited when a girl says she'll be five minutes? I once waited when a girl said she'd be 15 minutes. I'm not doing that again unless I've just eaten. A big meal.)
But that was 4pm and now it's close to 7pm.
Not surprised but a bit disappointed.
Today I applied for four jobs. I received one bite.
Oh ...
I'm still not getting through to people, am I? How many times have I written here that I shouldn't be called unreasonably early?
Well, I was called this morning at 8:30! For goodness sake!
!
Fortunately my mobile was set to sensible mode so I wasn't woken by it.
When I did wake up, just after 9am I found I had a voice mail from a recruitment agent.
He was responding to an email I'd sent at 8pm last night. As he couldn't get through to me he was sending my c.v. over to the client, and sending me a link to his client's website.
Great, so that's a bite.
... fuck
Except that on Friday I was called by an agency in response to an application I'd made. This agent didn't tell me the name of the company but it sounds very much like the same company handled by the agency who called me this morning.
So that means two different agencies have forwarded my details to the same company, for the same role.
And the second one did this without talking to me first. Naughty. Admittedly, as the first agency hadn't told me the name of the client it would have been difficult for me to definitely identify the company. Especially as I'd just woken up.
But nonetheless it may cause problems down the line ...
... if there is a line.
As I mentioned yesterday this job seems to be advertised by quite a few agencies. I called another one to whom I'd also applied. He mentioned an angle to the job which hadn't been emphasized before. Not too strong on this angle, me. Nevertheless he would have forwarded my c.v. to his client until I confirmed that he was advertising the same job as the other two (and more) agencies.
Well, I was called this morning at 8:30! For goodness sake!
!
Fortunately my mobile was set to sensible mode so I wasn't woken by it.
When I did wake up, just after 9am I found I had a voice mail from a recruitment agent.
He was responding to an email I'd sent at 8pm last night. As he couldn't get through to me he was sending my c.v. over to the client, and sending me a link to his client's website.
Great, so that's a bite.
... fuck
Except that on Friday I was called by an agency in response to an application I'd made. This agent didn't tell me the name of the company but it sounds very much like the same company handled by the agency who called me this morning.
So that means two different agencies have forwarded my details to the same company, for the same role.
And the second one did this without talking to me first. Naughty. Admittedly, as the first agency hadn't told me the name of the client it would have been difficult for me to definitely identify the company. Especially as I'd just woken up.
But nonetheless it may cause problems down the line ...
... if there is a line.
As I mentioned yesterday this job seems to be advertised by quite a few agencies. I called another one to whom I'd also applied. He mentioned an angle to the job which hadn't been emphasized before. Not too strong on this angle, me. Nevertheless he would have forwarded my c.v. to his client until I confirmed that he was advertising the same job as the other two (and more) agencies.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Kick off
This could be the start of a bumper week.
Yesterday I applied for one job. But today I applied for six jobs. I do, however, have the slight suspicion that five of them were for the same job but advertised by different agencies (and what's more I might already have applied for that job last week).
Today I also got a bite from an agency to which I applied last week. When I called them on Thursday the agent wasn't available. I left my number and forgot about it.
But around 6pm today he called. And he really liked my c.v. In fact he thought his client's rate would be too low for me. I'd like to think so too but the reality is it's fine.
He also knew the last company I worked for - he even knew one of my colleagues at the company.
He hasn't put my name forward to the company as he's still working through the c.v.s sent to him but I'm on the shortlist.
I also got a bite from the company where my friend works. They sent me an email. My mobile phone picks up text messages to alert me when I get an email. Handy but these only display the sender's name and the subject line.
I was out when the email was sent and I had a sinking feeling that the email would be a straight-out rejection.
When I returned home, however, I found it was asking for more details. Specifically about my medium-term aspirations.
I'm too tired now but tomorrow morning I'll have to think of a succinct, appropriate response.
Yesterday I applied for one job. But today I applied for six jobs. I do, however, have the slight suspicion that five of them were for the same job but advertised by different agencies (and what's more I might already have applied for that job last week).
Today I also got a bite from an agency to which I applied last week. When I called them on Thursday the agent wasn't available. I left my number and forgot about it.
But around 6pm today he called. And he really liked my c.v. In fact he thought his client's rate would be too low for me. I'd like to think so too but the reality is it's fine.
He also knew the last company I worked for - he even knew one of my colleagues at the company.
He hasn't put my name forward to the company as he's still working through the c.v.s sent to him but I'm on the shortlist.
I also got a bite from the company where my friend works. They sent me an email. My mobile phone picks up text messages to alert me when I get an email. Handy but these only display the sender's name and the subject line.
I was out when the email was sent and I had a sinking feeling that the email would be a straight-out rejection.
When I returned home, however, I found it was asking for more details. Specifically about my medium-term aspirations.
I'm too tired now but tomorrow morning I'll have to think of a succinct, appropriate response.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Friday, September 16, 2005
Quickie
Well, although it's Friday I still want a job.
Trawling through the usual job sites I managed to apply for two, yes two, jobs.
There was one which really seemed to match. I fired off a c.v. and covering email and determined to phone the agency after lunch.
But 10 minutes later there was the happy sound of my mobile phone ringing. It was the agency! The first thing the agent said was she really liked my c.v. and, in particular, my covering email. She said it was great to receive an application where there was a summary of why I was suitable for the role.
Oh.
I got this approach from an ex-girlfriend (she wasn't an ex at the time but, boy, was she working at it). And she got it from a recruitment consultant.
Basically, this is what you do:
- read the advertisement (well, thanks babe - not that I'd call her "babe" as I like my testicles where they are)
- pickout the key attributes from their advertisement
- state how you meet these attributes
- er, that's it.
Apparently that worked for her every time and was nothing with her being a gorgeous blonde honey.
Despite us splitting-up and her, therefore, being wrong about everything, she was right about this.
I was really pleased to hear this positive response from the recruitment agent. It vindicates my succinct approach to job hunting.
Moreover, after our chat she said she'd put my name forward to her client. Great, a bite.
Today I applied for two jobs.
This week I applied for 10 jobs. I received two bites and attended one interview.
Trawling through the usual job sites I managed to apply for two, yes two, jobs.
There was one which really seemed to match. I fired off a c.v. and covering email and determined to phone the agency after lunch.
But 10 minutes later there was the happy sound of my mobile phone ringing. It was the agency! The first thing the agent said was she really liked my c.v. and, in particular, my covering email. She said it was great to receive an application where there was a summary of why I was suitable for the role.
Oh.
I got this approach from an ex-girlfriend (she wasn't an ex at the time but, boy, was she working at it). And she got it from a recruitment consultant.
Basically, this is what you do:
- read the advertisement (well, thanks babe - not that I'd call her "babe" as I like my testicles where they are)
- pickout the key attributes from their advertisement
- state how you meet these attributes
- er, that's it.
Apparently that worked for her every time and was nothing with her being a gorgeous blonde honey.
Despite us splitting-up and her, therefore, being wrong about everything, she was right about this.
I was really pleased to hear this positive response from the recruitment agent. It vindicates my succinct approach to job hunting.
Moreover, after our chat she said she'd put my name forward to her client. Great, a bite.
Today I applied for two jobs.
This week I applied for 10 jobs. I received two bites and attended one interview.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Thursday
I got back a bit late last night and three beers heavier than usual.
If you include my friend's referral then today I made three applications. One, however, turned out to be for a job which was advertised by accident and was no longer available.
If you include my friend's referral then today I made three applications. One, however, turned out to be for a job which was advertised by accident and was no longer available.
Bit of a trip
Okay, so it's not every interview which gets me to central Europe.
For example, yesterday I went to St Albans for an interview.
Because I'm now living in the south coast it took me a few hours. Nonetheless I got there early as none of the trains were delayed - a rare event in the UK.
In fact I arrived so early I wandered around the town, found somewhere to eat, then meandered a bit more before turning up at the office.
There were two of them interviewing me, one of whom I'd spoken to on the phone about the role.
The other one was the account manager.
The interview was very much a case of repeating what was said on the phone. Half-way through the account manager said he'd be happy to put my name forward to their client. We spoke a bit more. I reiterated my minimum salary requirements. I felt there was a bit of tension there but it wasn't news to them and they didn't make too much of an issue.
Anyway within half-an-hour the interview was over. Handshakes and I was away, back on the train, and heading towards London.
There I did a little bit of shopping: some jeans and a box of CD-RW. The latter is arse-chlenchingly important. My current CDs are very difficult to write to. And that's a big deal as it means I can't backup my PC. I suspect it's the CDs and not my PC's CD-drive. Probably find out tonight.
After this exciting bout of shopping I met up with friends in Soho.
Whilst drinking beer one of the friends asked me to remind him what I did. I told him, and when asked if I had a c.v. gave him a spare one which I had with me (and had taken for the interview earlier).
Anyway this morning he emailed me. He'd spoken to his boss who was keen on seeing a copy of my c.v. So I emailed him the c.v. He mentioned that they were looking for project managers to take assignments in Sydney for six months. That would definitely suit me.
We'll see what happens but is shows ... not only is important to make those phone calls, it's also important to drink beer. You never know.
For example, yesterday I went to St Albans for an interview.
Because I'm now living in the south coast it took me a few hours. Nonetheless I got there early as none of the trains were delayed - a rare event in the UK.
In fact I arrived so early I wandered around the town, found somewhere to eat, then meandered a bit more before turning up at the office.
There were two of them interviewing me, one of whom I'd spoken to on the phone about the role.
The other one was the account manager.
The interview was very much a case of repeating what was said on the phone. Half-way through the account manager said he'd be happy to put my name forward to their client. We spoke a bit more. I reiterated my minimum salary requirements. I felt there was a bit of tension there but it wasn't news to them and they didn't make too much of an issue.
Anyway within half-an-hour the interview was over. Handshakes and I was away, back on the train, and heading towards London.
There I did a little bit of shopping: some jeans and a box of CD-RW. The latter is arse-chlenchingly important. My current CDs are very difficult to write to. And that's a big deal as it means I can't backup my PC. I suspect it's the CDs and not my PC's CD-drive. Probably find out tonight.
After this exciting bout of shopping I met up with friends in Soho.
Whilst drinking beer one of the friends asked me to remind him what I did. I told him, and when asked if I had a c.v. gave him a spare one which I had with me (and had taken for the interview earlier).
Anyway this morning he emailed me. He'd spoken to his boss who was keen on seeing a copy of my c.v. So I emailed him the c.v. He mentioned that they were looking for project managers to take assignments in Sydney for six months. That would definitely suit me.
We'll see what happens but is shows ... not only is important to make those phone calls, it's also important to drink beer. You never know.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
So so sort of day
Today I managed to apply for two jobs.
That's ok as it brings my total for this week - so far - up to my target of five applications.
And although it's only Tuesday I'm off for an interview tomorrow, north of London, so I won't be able to job hunt.
What's more I got a bite. Moreover the agency phoned me, rather than me phoning the agency and then getting a very positive response.
The agent is going to put me forward for two roles with his client. They seem to be very similar jobs - freeland project management of relocations - and I seem suitable for both.
He said he hasn't seen other c.v.s with so much relocation experience. Which is ironic as I've mainly done these as part of general IT management roles.
That's ok as it brings my total for this week - so far - up to my target of five applications.
And although it's only Tuesday I'm off for an interview tomorrow, north of London, so I won't be able to job hunt.
What's more I got a bite. Moreover the agency phoned me, rather than me phoning the agency and then getting a very positive response.
The agent is going to put me forward for two roles with his client. They seem to be very similar jobs - freeland project management of relocations - and I seem suitable for both.
He said he hasn't seen other c.v.s with so much relocation experience. Which is ironic as I've mainly done these as part of general IT management roles.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Blog review
Some of you who know me may be aware that I write blogs (you're reading the main one now).
Maddox writes an interesting review of the blogging movement here. A bloxicon, if you like, although I do wish he'd get off the fence for once.
Elsewhere there's an article about how blogging can hinder your job hunting efforts. But I'm not scared. In anycase hardly anyone seems to read this blog, sob sob.
Maddox writes an interesting review of the blogging movement here. A bloxicon, if you like, although I do wish he'd get off the fence for once.
Elsewhere there's an article about how blogging can hinder your job hunting efforts. But I'm not scared. In anycase hardly anyone seems to read this blog, sob sob.
It pays to call
Today I phoned up some of the agencies I had emailed near the end of last week.
I couldn't get through to some of them - they'll be in tomorrow.
But two I did contact were interested and said they'd put my name forward; those are bites.
In fact one asked if I could be interviewed by them on Wednesday. Absolutely. They're in St. Albans and are holding the first round of interviews on behalf of their client.
Great, not only a bite but an interview.
It always pays to phone. In this case, the agent hadn't retrieved my original email. So I resent it and pointed her in the direction of my web site. When she'd seen my c.v. she called back.
Today I applied for three jobs.
I couldn't get through to some of them - they'll be in tomorrow.
But two I did contact were interested and said they'd put my name forward; those are bites.
In fact one asked if I could be interviewed by them on Wednesday. Absolutely. They're in St. Albans and are holding the first round of interviews on behalf of their client.
Great, not only a bite but an interview.
It always pays to phone. In this case, the agent hadn't retrieved my original email. So I resent it and pointed her in the direction of my web site. When she'd seen my c.v. she called back.
Today I applied for three jobs.
Big round-up
Guess it's time for a big round-up. But first ...
Last week
Last week I applied for 18 jobs. This eventually resulted in five bites.
Two of these bites were received today but they resulted from applications made last week, so I included in last week's totals. Like it really matters.
Last three months
Here's the big one. I've been unemployed since June 1st. That's just over three months.
So, let's see how I've done:
Last week
Last week I applied for 18 jobs. This eventually resulted in five bites.
Two of these bites were received today but they resulted from applications made last week, so I included in last week's totals. Like it really matters.
Last three months
Here's the big one. I've been unemployed since June 1st. That's just over three months.
So, let's see how I've done:
- 164 applications which is roughly 47 applications per month
- I've received 39 bites which means an application to bite ratio of c 4:1, not bad, not bad at all
- so far, I've attended 6 interviews, that is a bite to interview ratio of c 7:1
- I also received one offer which I rejected as the agency didn't correctly (let's put it like that) communicate the rate
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Still here
Despite the paucity of entries for this week (er, like none until now) I have been hunting.
I have, however, had to deal with some other things (not fun things either, by any means, nor progressive things like business builing or studying) which has left me with very little opportunity to hunt.
Nevertheless, so far this week I've managed to apply for 15 jobs.
And I managed to receive one bite. It was one of those joyous occassions when an agency calls a few minutes after I've sent an email to them. But after a few words with me I felt they were no longer interested. Nevermind. It's the first bite after returning from Tallinn.
I have, however, had to deal with some other things (not fun things either, by any means, nor progressive things like business builing or studying) which has left me with very little opportunity to hunt.
Nevertheless, so far this week I've managed to apply for 15 jobs.
And I managed to receive one bite. It was one of those joyous occassions when an agency calls a few minutes after I've sent an email to them. But after a few words with me I felt they were no longer interested. Nevermind. It's the first bite after returning from Tallinn.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Back
BTW mobile phones work fine in Tallinn. So there was no reason for agencies not to call.
One waited until I had landed back in England, yesterday late afternoon, and was just about to go through passport control.
You're not supposed to use mobile phones as you go through these check points and, considering how trigger-happy our security forces are, it'd be suicide not to comply with this.
So, I asked the agency to call back in 10 minutes.
This morning he called. He had a role, or rather roles, for project managers. It all sounded good although he did say I didn't have the size of budget responsibility for which they were looking. Nevertheless I seemed to match every other criterion.
Oh, except that I'd need SC level security clearance. No problems getting this, I've never been naughty. However, I know it can take six months to get this clearance so most recruiters prefer people who already have it.
He'll get back to me.
One waited until I had landed back in England, yesterday late afternoon, and was just about to go through passport control.
You're not supposed to use mobile phones as you go through these check points and, considering how trigger-happy our security forces are, it'd be suicide not to comply with this.
So, I asked the agency to call back in 10 minutes.
This morning he called. He had a role, or rather roles, for project managers. It all sounded good although he did say I didn't have the size of budget responsibility for which they were looking. Nevertheless I seemed to match every other criterion.
Oh, except that I'd need SC level security clearance. No problems getting this, I've never been naughty. However, I know it can take six months to get this clearance so most recruiters prefer people who already have it.
He'll get back to me.
Tallinn
For various reasons I couldn't job hunt Tuesday morning and in the afternoon I went to the airport then, eventually, flew to Tallinn, Estonia.
I had a fun couple of nights there.
Let's start with the important things:
Food
I guess no-one goes to Tallinn to eat. If Chirac had been rude about Estonian food we'd all have nodded and sympathised that he'd ever tried some. Far too much salt for start.
However, on the second day there I found a very good restaraunt. So good that rather than write home about it, you'd send a telegram. If the UK had a telegram service and you could be arsed, that is.
Drinking
The beer is as good as Finland's - that is, very good.
Girls
On the whole very nice. One thing though: they do like to dye their hair blonde. And badly too. It really must be the blonde hair-dye capital of the world.
Now, I can spot dyed blondes at 50 yards, in the dark, with my eyes closed. But even less discerning people could spot that there are no real blondes in Tallinn.
Nevertheless there were a lot of gorgeous women there.
Langauge
Both Finns and Estonians tell me that although their languages share the same unique root, they're not that similar at a functional level.
What's the Finnish for "bollocks"? I bet it's the same as Estonian.
Cost of living
Well, it all seems cheap. Excluding hotel and airfare I spent £50 over two nights and I was pushing the boat out.
Internet
If I end up with cancer it's because I suffered two days' exposure to radiation from WiFi spots which are in every cafe (not just internet cafes), hotels and other places around the city.
City ambiance
Felt like I was in Prague again.
Employment
I'd definitely work there, though not on a local salary.
I had a fun couple of nights there.
Let's start with the important things:
Food
I guess no-one goes to Tallinn to eat. If Chirac had been rude about Estonian food we'd all have nodded and sympathised that he'd ever tried some. Far too much salt for start.
However, on the second day there I found a very good restaraunt. So good that rather than write home about it, you'd send a telegram. If the UK had a telegram service and you could be arsed, that is.
Drinking
The beer is as good as Finland's - that is, very good.
Girls
On the whole very nice. One thing though: they do like to dye their hair blonde. And badly too. It really must be the blonde hair-dye capital of the world.
Now, I can spot dyed blondes at 50 yards, in the dark, with my eyes closed. But even less discerning people could spot that there are no real blondes in Tallinn.
Nevertheless there were a lot of gorgeous women there.
Langauge
Both Finns and Estonians tell me that although their languages share the same unique root, they're not that similar at a functional level.
What's the Finnish for "bollocks"? I bet it's the same as Estonian.
Cost of living
Well, it all seems cheap. Excluding hotel and airfare I spent £50 over two nights and I was pushing the boat out.
Internet
If I end up with cancer it's because I suffered two days' exposure to radiation from WiFi spots which are in every cafe (not just internet cafes), hotels and other places around the city.
City ambiance
Felt like I was in Prague again.
Employment
I'd definitely work there, though not on a local salary.
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