Here's my summary for my first month without work ...
No. of applications: 66
No. of bites: 20
No. of interviews: 3
No. of offers: 1 - although I was misled about the rate which turned out to be unacceptable.
This is encouraging. The ratio of bites to applications (BA) is just over 1:3. Much, much better than a BA of 1:10 which use to be the norm.
The ratio of interviews to bites (IB) is 3:20, which is again better than the usual IB of 1:10.
And the ratio of offers to interviews (OI) is 1:3. I don't data for the OI ratio in the past but I'm sure it's much better.
Mind you, I still don't have a job yet.
A diary based on my latest attempts to get a job; this time in Munich. I'm an engineering graduate (and chartered engineer) with more than 10 years' experience in IT. Over five of these years have been spent in team leading and project management roles both in the UK and abroad.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Much better
Today I started my job search quite late in the morning for several reasons. Mind you, I can only think of one reason and that involved getting up quite late.
Nevertheless I managed to apply for six jobs. And from these I've already received two bites.
So, my total for this week is 12 applications and five bites.
That's very good, especially considering it was initially a bad start to the week, no applications could be made on Monday. And the bite to application ratio is good too - just under 1:2.
Nevertheless I managed to apply for six jobs. And from these I've already received two bites.
So, my total for this week is 12 applications and five bites.
That's very good, especially considering it was initially a bad start to the week, no applications could be made on Monday. And the bite to application ratio is good too - just under 1:2.
Favourite agency
Because they once got me a contract job.
They were advertising a job today so I called them rather than send an email. They already had my c.v. on their system.
We had a good chat and they agreed to consider me for two jobs with their client.
They were advertising a job today so I called them rather than send an email. They already had my c.v. on their system.
We had a good chat and they agreed to consider me for two jobs with their client.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Well, er,
the slight improvement, well ...
This afternoon I couldn't find any jobs to which I could apply.
I did, however, phone an agency to whom I'd applied this morning. Fruitful chat really. They were going to put my name forward for the role they'd advertised. Also, the agent is going to talk to his colleagues on their European desk - they're looking for PMs for work on mainland Europe. So, that's another good bite.
Then again, I called the agency who were going to recommend me for an interview - assuming my salary requirements met their client's budgets. Turns out my minimum requirements are £10k more than what they're willing to pay.
Thanks for calling back guys.
It's all a bit turbulent at the moment. Some jobs are offering loads, others are ridiculously low.
This afternoon I couldn't find any jobs to which I could apply.
I did, however, phone an agency to whom I'd applied this morning. Fruitful chat really. They were going to put my name forward for the role they'd advertised. Also, the agent is going to talk to his colleagues on their European desk - they're looking for PMs for work on mainland Europe. So, that's another good bite.
Then again, I called the agency who were going to recommend me for an interview - assuming my salary requirements met their client's budgets. Turns out my minimum requirements are £10k more than what they're willing to pay.
Thanks for calling back guys.
It's all a bit turbulent at the moment. Some jobs are offering loads, others are ridiculously low.
Slight improvement
This morning I found a job to which I could apply.
Great. Including the two jobs on Sunday that brings my total applications for this week, so far, up to the psychologically important five applications.
I then found another job to which I could apply. Wow, I'm on a roll.
Even better, they phoned up a short while later and are sending my c.v. to the client. That's a need-six-stitches-and-a-blood-transfusion-please-nurse bite.
Great. Including the two jobs on Sunday that brings my total applications for this week, so far, up to the psychologically important five applications.
I then found another job to which I could apply. Wow, I'm on a roll.
Even better, they phoned up a short while later and are sending my c.v. to the client. That's a need-six-stitches-and-a-blood-transfusion-please-nurse bite.
Professional nightmares
This is a list of things which should keep IT managers awake at night, and during the day as well for that matter.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Afternoon
I phoned the agency about the job to which I applied this morning.
He said he'd get back to me but hasn't.
I then saw another job advert. Possibly for the same job but I'm not sure. It was run by another agency. I emailed and then phoned the agent.
He said he didn't know "what the heck" his client was talking about in their requirements but would get back to me tomorrow when he has more details.
I also received a call from an agency to whom I had applied on Sunday. They cut to the quick and asked me my salary requirements. If it's within their client's budget then they'll want to interview me. They said they'll get back to me. So that's a bite.
He said he'd get back to me but hasn't.
I then saw another job advert. Possibly for the same job but I'm not sure. It was run by another agency. I emailed and then phoned the agent.
He said he didn't know "what the heck" his client was talking about in their requirements but would get back to me tomorrow when he has more details.
I also received a call from an agency to whom I had applied on Sunday. They cut to the quick and asked me my salary requirements. If it's within their client's budget then they'll want to interview me. They said they'll get back to me. So that's a bite.
Oh
I spent this morning much like yesterday morning: scrolling through hundreds and hundreds of jobs which weren't suitable (or were suitable but in Australia, see entry below).
Then I stumbled across a suitable job in the UK. I had become so use to just scrolling through the pages that I almost missed it.
That's one application.
Then I stumbled across a suitable job in the UK. I had become so use to just scrolling through the pages that I almost missed it.
That's one application.
Australia
I see adverts for jobs in Australia which are posted on the JobServe overnight. This is because I make a very broad search of IT jobs so as not to miss anything relevant.
I saw one job for an IT relocation project manager. Contract too. In Sydney, which I hear is rather nice.
In fact my last company had quite a few Aussies in it and were, in fact, setting up offices there.
Although I'd prefer to work in Europe I was tempted to apply. I'd also heard that if you're there for less than six months you don't need a work visa.
But I checked on the Australian government's web site and that doesn't seem to be the case. For a professional like me, there seems to be no way to take a contract.
Well, the only way would be:
1. meet an Aussie girl
2. talk to her for more than half-an-hour, in fact, probably a lot longer
3. marry her [there may be a few more steps required before this one]
4. convince the Australian immigration service that it isn't simply to get a six-month contract there. Kids might suffice as proof.
Looking around my bedroom there's a definite shortage of Aussie girls.
If you're an Aussie girl and would like to apply, please bear in mind that you'd need to be:
Meanwhile, back to looking for a job in Europe...
I saw one job for an IT relocation project manager. Contract too. In Sydney, which I hear is rather nice.
In fact my last company had quite a few Aussies in it and were, in fact, setting up offices there.
Although I'd prefer to work in Europe I was tempted to apply. I'd also heard that if you're there for less than six months you don't need a work visa.
But I checked on the Australian government's web site and that doesn't seem to be the case. For a professional like me, there seems to be no way to take a contract.
Well, the only way would be:
1. meet an Aussie girl
2. talk to her for more than half-an-hour, in fact, probably a lot longer
3. marry her [there may be a few more steps required before this one]
4. convince the Australian immigration service that it isn't simply to get a six-month contract there. Kids might suffice as proof.
Looking around my bedroom there's a definite shortage of Aussie girls.
If you're an Aussie girl and would like to apply, please bear in mind that you'd need to be:
- cute
- non-smoking
- extremely non-vegetarian
- natural blonde would help, oh, so much
- pretty smart
- not want a dog
- not mind returning to the UK after six months.
Meanwhile, back to looking for a job in Europe...
Monday, June 27, 2005
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Not good
Today is the 26th day of June. So it's very likely that I'll be out of work for the whole of June.
This is a bummer. I really wanted to be somewhere lively (like London) during the summer.
Anyway, I need a break. And as recruiters, like most people, now go on holiday, I should do the same.
I keep looking at lastminute.com but it doesn't really seem to do last minute deals. I'll keep looking at it and other sites.
Anyway, at the end of July I'm off to Helsinki as it's my godson's big 03 birthday.
This is a bummer. I really wanted to be somewhere lively (like London) during the summer.
Anyway, I need a break. And as recruiters, like most people, now go on holiday, I should do the same.
I keep looking at lastminute.com but it doesn't really seem to do last minute deals. I'll keep looking at it and other sites.
Anyway, at the end of July I'm off to Helsinki as it's my godson's big 03 birthday.
EverNote
Last year I took out a trial on Microsoft's OneNote. In my view it's an excellent tool.
But there are a few reasons not to buy the full product now that my trial period has ended. 79 reasons in fact.
So, I'm trying EverNote instead. It's probably as good as OneNote, may be even better. We'll see.
But there are a few reasons not to buy the full product now that my trial period has ended. 79 reasons in fact.
So, I'm trying EverNote instead. It's probably as good as OneNote, may be even better. We'll see.
Start of the week
After my evening meal on Sunday I start the job hunting week. This goes on until Friday afternoon.
I load up JobServe and the first job I see seems suitable.
That's one application.
Several pages on and I see another job which seems suitable.
I'll call them tomorrow, probably/hopefully in the morning.
So, that's two applications already. I then go through Monster and IT Job Board but don't see anything.
I load up JobServe and the first job I see seems suitable.
That's one application.
Several pages on and I see another job which seems suitable.
I'll call them tomorrow, probably/hopefully in the morning.
So, that's two applications already. I then go through Monster and IT Job Board but don't see anything.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Round up
Right, here goes ...
This week I applied for 20 jobs. Christ.
And this week I received four bites. That gives a ratio of 1:5. Not as bad as my traditional 1:10 but until this week it was recently running at 1:3 - happy days.
I had one interview this week. Which resulted in one offer. But at a stupidly low rate, below what had been earlier agreed. So I couldn't take it.
This week I applied for 20 jobs. Christ.
And this week I received four bites. That gives a ratio of 1:5. Not as bad as my traditional 1:10 but until this week it was recently running at 1:3 - happy days.
I had one interview this week. Which resulted in one offer. But at a stupidly low rate, below what had been earlier agreed. So I couldn't take it.
Perfect c.v.
As you can imagine I now have the world's best-ever c.v. Two pages of solid, knicker-dropping sales material. All in 12pt TimesRoman.
And it covers in two pages what others would cover in three or more pages, I'm sure.
Yet, it doesn't work for everyone. One agent, today, said it didn't "grab him" even though it specifically mentioned things he was looking for.
So, I made major amendments and resent it to him. He also was a "three-pager", you know, one of those recruiters who prefer a c.v. to cover three pages (what else would "three-pager" mean?).
Well, I'm a svelte "two-pager" and my c.v. tends to appeal to "two-pager" recruiters. They're the types who would never turn to a third page. I guess my minimalistic approach appeals to them and, it seems, often their clients.
Anyway, it's really difficult to extend my c.v. to three pages without it looking all wrong. So I made my amendments within my standard two-pages. I hope it works for him.
Co-incidentally this was one of the few agencies who don't like my email format. My Reply-To address is different from my Sent From address and their system won't take it. Not that it gives a bounce message. I had to go to my Yahoo account to send it.
And it covers in two pages what others would cover in three or more pages, I'm sure.
Yet, it doesn't work for everyone. One agent, today, said it didn't "grab him" even though it specifically mentioned things he was looking for.
So, I made major amendments and resent it to him. He also was a "three-pager", you know, one of those recruiters who prefer a c.v. to cover three pages (what else would "three-pager" mean?).
Well, I'm a svelte "two-pager" and my c.v. tends to appeal to "two-pager" recruiters. They're the types who would never turn to a third page. I guess my minimalistic approach appeals to them and, it seems, often their clients.
Anyway, it's really difficult to extend my c.v. to three pages without it looking all wrong. So I made my amendments within my standard two-pages. I hope it works for him.
Co-incidentally this was one of the few agencies who don't like my email format. My Reply-To address is different from my Sent From address and their system won't take it. Not that it gives a bounce message. I had to go to my Yahoo account to send it.
Encouraging
Over the last few days I've noticed some shockingly low rates. Much lower than I expected.
In fact one recruitment agent I called said that the role he was advertising was at a very low rate. He told me and I agreed. It wouldn't be economical to take that rate.
And of course on Monday I was messed around by an agency who tried to get me to agree to a rate well below my minimum.
I was talking to another agent today about this - he's happy for me to call him weekly to check if anything has cropped up. I told him my minimum rate and he was surprised and thought I was selling myself low! :-) Just what I like to hear.
In fact one recruitment agent I called said that the role he was advertising was at a very low rate. He told me and I agreed. It wouldn't be economical to take that rate.
And of course on Monday I was messed around by an agency who tried to get me to agree to a rate well below my minimum.
I was talking to another agent today about this - he's happy for me to call him weekly to check if anything has cropped up. I told him my minimum rate and he was surprised and thought I was selling myself low! :-) Just what I like to hear.
More slogging
Today I applied for six jobs.
From these I got two bites.
One was from an agency to whom I'd just sent an email. They liked my c.v. - thought I was ideal - but had just learnt that the client wanted someone with broadcasting experience. Well, I can't even say a lot of people read this blog. The agent didn't think it was necessary to have broadcasting experience and neither do I. If he can he'll send my c.v. to the client.
I count as a bite the other agency's response because it was positive although cursory. When I phoned up the agent he confirmed he'd received my c.v., said it looked good but couldn't look at it any more as he was so busy.
It counts because it indicates that my c.v. gives a positive first impression.
From these I got two bites.
One was from an agency to whom I'd just sent an email. They liked my c.v. - thought I was ideal - but had just learnt that the client wanted someone with broadcasting experience. Well, I can't even say a lot of people read this blog. The agent didn't think it was necessary to have broadcasting experience and neither do I. If he can he'll send my c.v. to the client.
I count as a bite the other agency's response because it was positive although cursory. When I phoned up the agent he confirmed he'd received my c.v., said it looked good but couldn't look at it any more as he was so busy.
It counts because it indicates that my c.v. gives a positive first impression.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Blimey
Today I applied for seven jobs.
From these I received two bites.
One - and this was an agency who phoned me back (rather than me phoning them and getting a positive response) - was recruiting for a company where I'd worked before. It was a very similar role to one applied for a few weeks ago, via another agency. So, it looks like this agency won't be able to help me: the other agency has "bagsie" for the next six months on any approach I make to that company.
But it's still a bite. And until today I hadn't received any bites this week. Just bad news from two places where I'd recently interviewed.
Until this week my ratio of applications to bites was 3:1. An all-time high. This week it's running at 7:1. Maybe things will improve tomorrow but I'll be despondent if the ratio goes back to 10:1.
[That is, for every 10 applications I get one bite - that's a positive response, not an necessarily an interview.]
From these I received two bites.
One - and this was an agency who phoned me back (rather than me phoning them and getting a positive response) - was recruiting for a company where I'd worked before. It was a very similar role to one applied for a few weeks ago, via another agency. So, it looks like this agency won't be able to help me: the other agency has "bagsie" for the next six months on any approach I make to that company.
But it's still a bite. And until today I hadn't received any bites this week. Just bad news from two places where I'd recently interviewed.
Until this week my ratio of applications to bites was 3:1. An all-time high. This week it's running at 7:1. Maybe things will improve tomorrow but I'll be despondent if the ratio goes back to 10:1.
[That is, for every 10 applications I get one bite - that's a positive response, not an necessarily an interview.]
On-line apps
Quite a few companies post the adverts and invite an on-line application.
I always thought these were pants. I much prefer sending emails.
Well, I phoned two agencies to whom I had recently made on-line applications. They hadn't received them. So I confirmed their email addresses and sent them my c.v. in the usual way.
I always thought these were pants. I much prefer sending emails.
Well, I phoned two agencies to whom I had recently made on-line applications. They hadn't received them. So I confirmed their email addresses and sent them my c.v. in the usual way.
Oops
I tailor my c.v. for every application.
These days, however, the tailoring is slight. I mainly apply for project management, support management or release management roles. If the role is within the financial industry I put that fact in. If it's in Europe, I put the fact that I've worked in the Continent and had pan-European responsibility on the front page of my c.v.
I also use a near-standard covering e-mail. This highlights the pertinent facts in bullet points.
Today I saw a job to which I could apply with one of my usual set of bullet points. So I copied and pasted them into the covering email.
Perhaps I was bit too over-enthusiastic in this. I also pasted in the salutation, "Dear Kelvin" when the recipient was a Ross.
These days, however, the tailoring is slight. I mainly apply for project management, support management or release management roles. If the role is within the financial industry I put that fact in. If it's in Europe, I put the fact that I've worked in the Continent and had pan-European responsibility on the front page of my c.v.
I also use a near-standard covering e-mail. This highlights the pertinent facts in bullet points.
Today I saw a job to which I could apply with one of my usual set of bullet points. So I copied and pasted them into the covering email.
Perhaps I was bit too over-enthusiastic in this. I also pasted in the salutation, "Dear Kelvin" when the recipient was a Ross.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Bad day
OK, today I applied for two jobs. So, that's not too bad.
However, one only had an 0870 number and you know I won't call them.
I did call the agency handling the other job for which I'd applied. All she could say was that she had been inundated with applications for the job.
I also called some agencies I had emailed yesterday for specific jobs. They said the same. They all had masses of applications they were wading through. They had no time to go through mine. Quite a few agencies had already made a shortlist before I could even phone them.
Oh dear.
Worse. I called a former colleague who was handling my application for a contract role in Amsterdam. Apparently, the client wasn't going forward with it. He did warn me that the client had a habit of suddenly changing their mind. Nevertheless, it's a "no".
Yesterday morning I had two live possibilities (having been interviewed on Friday and Monday). Now I have none.
To amuse myself I called the agency handling my application for a job in Duesseldorf since April 2003. We had a very good chat (although we have had those before, quite a few times). He'll resubmit my name for a couple of roles there. It seems their client (a very large company) has an on-going rolling restructuring programme which throws things up in the air a bit.
Then, to amuse myself some more, I contacted the agency handling my application for a PM role in Prague since October 2003. I hadn't spoken to him for about three or four weeks. When we last spoke he advised me that the client wanted to see me soon in Prague.
Anyway, I phoned him today but found he had left the recruitment company! Before getting me a second interview - the slacker! I managed to get through to a colleageau with whom I had spoken about the role before. She said she'd get back to me.
However, one only had an 0870 number and you know I won't call them.
I did call the agency handling the other job for which I'd applied. All she could say was that she had been inundated with applications for the job.
I also called some agencies I had emailed yesterday for specific jobs. They said the same. They all had masses of applications they were wading through. They had no time to go through mine. Quite a few agencies had already made a shortlist before I could even phone them.
Oh dear.
Worse. I called a former colleague who was handling my application for a contract role in Amsterdam. Apparently, the client wasn't going forward with it. He did warn me that the client had a habit of suddenly changing their mind. Nevertheless, it's a "no".
Yesterday morning I had two live possibilities (having been interviewed on Friday and Monday). Now I have none.
To amuse myself I called the agency handling my application for a job in Duesseldorf since April 2003. We had a very good chat (although we have had those before, quite a few times). He'll resubmit my name for a couple of roles there. It seems their client (a very large company) has an on-going rolling restructuring programme which throws things up in the air a bit.
Then, to amuse myself some more, I contacted the agency handling my application for a PM role in Prague since October 2003. I hadn't spoken to him for about three or four weeks. When we last spoke he advised me that the client wanted to see me soon in Prague.
Anyway, I phoned him today but found he had left the recruitment company! Before getting me a second interview - the slacker! I managed to get through to a colleageau with whom I had spoken about the role before. She said she'd get back to me.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Today
I applied for five jobs.
I didn't get any bites, and because of being messed around yesterday, some of the jobs for which I belatedly applied were no longer available.
I was offered one job but at a rate I could not accept.
Oh, I also applied for two jobs on Sunday evening.
I didn't get any bites, and because of being messed around yesterday, some of the jobs for which I belatedly applied were no longer available.
I was offered one job but at a rate I could not accept.
Oh, I also applied for two jobs on Sunday evening.
The result
After the interview yesterday I received a phone call today from the agency.
The client really liked me and wanted to offer me the interim job.
Great.
But ...
Apparently they hadn't been told the rate I'd agreed with the agency. There's no way I could go down to the client's rate. It wouldn't be economical.
(I'm not just being uppity about the rates. Because it's only a three-month contract I can't rent a flat [in the UK the minimum rental period, by law, is six months]. So, that means I'd have to stay in a hotel or apart-hotel. And being in the high season they'd now be really costly.)
Either the agency got confused or ...
So, that's annoying. I get offered a job but at a rate which doesn't make it viable. And this was after re-confirming the rate with the agency.
Even more annoying is that it meant I couldn't job trawl yesterday. I caught up this morning but the jobs had gone by this afternoon (and one was right up my street). That's more annoying than the costs to travel up to London.
Grrr.
The client really liked me and wanted to offer me the interim job.
Great.
But ...
Apparently they hadn't been told the rate I'd agreed with the agency. There's no way I could go down to the client's rate. It wouldn't be economical.
(I'm not just being uppity about the rates. Because it's only a three-month contract I can't rent a flat [in the UK the minimum rental period, by law, is six months]. So, that means I'd have to stay in a hotel or apart-hotel. And being in the high season they'd now be really costly.)
Either the agency got confused or ...
So, that's annoying. I get offered a job but at a rate which doesn't make it viable. And this was after re-confirming the rate with the agency.
Even more annoying is that it meant I couldn't job trawl yesterday. I caught up this morning but the jobs had gone by this afternoon (and one was right up my street). That's more annoying than the costs to travel up to London.
Grrr.
Straight forward requirement
Saw an advert in today's JobServe which required "min 8 years hard yakka experience."
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Round up
OK, I should have done this on Friday but I was too busy enduring the London heat in a suit (i.e. I had an interview).
Last week I applied for 11 jobs. These resulted in four bites. I also had one interview, for a job for which I did not apply!
Last week I applied for 11 jobs. These resulted in four bites. I also had one interview, for a job for which I did not apply!
Saturday, June 18, 2005
IM
Read an article in Wired magazine about people who use instant messenger to get jobs. Not sure how well it would work in the UK.
Hot day
Yesterday morning I phoned the guy I was hoping to meet in London. We confirmed the meeting time, 2pm. Then I got the train up to London.
It was actually in Canary Wharf but that's only 20 minutes from central London thanks to the new Jubilee tube line.
The interview went well but I won't know the outcome for a few working days as he's going to interview others as well. It would be an 18 month assignment in Amsterdam which would be ideal.
Anyway, on Monday I have an interview for an interim IT management assignment in central London. First come, first served.
It was actually in Canary Wharf but that's only 20 minutes from central London thanks to the new Jubilee tube line.
The interview went well but I won't know the outcome for a few working days as he's going to interview others as well. It would be an 18 month assignment in Amsterdam which would be ideal.
Anyway, on Monday I have an interview for an interim IT management assignment in central London. First come, first served.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Chasing up
This afternoon I sent the director at my last employer a quick email asking if he'd heard anything from their client needing a PM in Amsterdam.
He sent a quick email back saying he hadn't.
Then, around 7pm UK time I received a phone call from one of his colleagues in Amsterdam. The client would like to see me tomorrow in London. Great. That's an interview. I'll get confirmation of the time tomorrow morning (most likely it's an afternoon interview) and I've already got one job description.
He sent a quick email back saying he hadn't.
Then, around 7pm UK time I received a phone call from one of his colleagues in Amsterdam. The client would like to see me tomorrow in London. Great. That's an interview. I'll get confirmation of the time tomorrow morning (most likely it's an afternoon interview) and I've already got one job description.
More slogging
After lunch my Digimemo thing arrived.
But I didn't look at it straight away as it was just after 2pm.
And that's when I phone people I've emailed in the morning.
I got through to one person who was advertising for a "co-ordinator", rather than a project manager, for a contract role with a major bank. I wasn't sure if the job was too junior for me so I asked him what rate they would pay. He told me and that indicated it was senior enough (it was significantly more than I was earning in the last role). I asked him to put my name forward and he agreed. So that's a bite.
Another advertiser had an 0870 number. I couldn't find a normal number for his particular office. But I did find a normal number for the agency's London office. So I phoned that. They didn't have a non-0870 number for him. So, I told him I didn't want his 0870 number and I wasn't going to leave contact details for him to call me. I find it so low to use this number. Quite a few, if not most, people using it will be out of work.
I also phoned a few recruitment agents I've spoken to in the last weeks - just to keep contact. A couple didn't have any news for me regarding jobs for which I've applied. Way it goes.
Then I looked at my Digimemo. It's quite good and I'm sure will be useful when I get another job.
But I didn't look at it straight away as it was just after 2pm.
And that's when I phone people I've emailed in the morning.
I got through to one person who was advertising for a "co-ordinator", rather than a project manager, for a contract role with a major bank. I wasn't sure if the job was too junior for me so I asked him what rate they would pay. He told me and that indicated it was senior enough (it was significantly more than I was earning in the last role). I asked him to put my name forward and he agreed. So that's a bite.
Another advertiser had an 0870 number. I couldn't find a normal number for his particular office. But I did find a normal number for the agency's London office. So I phoned that. They didn't have a non-0870 number for him. So, I told him I didn't want his 0870 number and I wasn't going to leave contact details for him to call me. I find it so low to use this number. Quite a few, if not most, people using it will be out of work.
I also phoned a few recruitment agents I've spoken to in the last weeks - just to keep contact. A couple didn't have any news for me regarding jobs for which I've applied. Way it goes.
Then I looked at my Digimemo. It's quite good and I'm sure will be useful when I get another job.
Slog
This morning I must have seen around 5,000 jobs.
It sounds - it is - disheartening. But actually from these 5,000 I managed to apply for three jobs. Which is quite respectable.
It sounds - it is - disheartening. But actually from these 5,000 I managed to apply for three jobs. Which is quite respectable.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Bullish
For the next few weeks I'm being quite choosy.
I'm not applying for jobs all over the place. Only metropolitan areas will do. And I'm not applying for jobs which don't pay more than I was earning in my last assignment (pro rata-ed up to an annual salary, which was quite a lot).
Some of these jobs are, of course, contract assignments so they tend to pay quite a bit (relatively) any way.
My bullishness is a result of two things:
Today I applied for three jobs and had two bites.
I'm not applying for jobs all over the place. Only metropolitan areas will do. And I'm not applying for jobs which don't pay more than I was earning in my last assignment (pro rata-ed up to an annual salary, which was quite a lot).
Some of these jobs are, of course, contract assignments so they tend to pay quite a bit (relatively) any way.
My bullishness is a result of two things:
- Thing no. 1 - a general improvement in the job market for IT people
- Thing no. 2 - I just finished an interim assignment where I received a directors' award - both these facts look good on my c.v.
Today I applied for three jobs and had two bites.
Remote access
Occassionally I felt it would have been useful to be able to remotely connect to my PC at home.
For example, nearing the end of my last role I started applying for jobs, entering the details into my own laptop's Access database.
When I wanted to call the recruiters about these applications, I then had to bring the laptop into work.
Last night I installed LogMeIn. It allows me to remotely control my PC using a standard web browser. The security is good. There's three authentication points. And the second one requires a entering a once-only passcode, which is emailed to me.
I tried it out today. It works. The screen display isn't great but I think part of that is down to the crappy CRT monitors they use in the local library. But it's more than adequate.
Truthfully, I don't think it'll make too much of a difference. Just now and then it'll help. It'll also help with my business venture. It means I don't have to lug my PC over to Finland or other places just to get at information there.
All this and the basic version (which is all I need) is free!
For example, nearing the end of my last role I started applying for jobs, entering the details into my own laptop's Access database.
When I wanted to call the recruiters about these applications, I then had to bring the laptop into work.
Last night I installed LogMeIn. It allows me to remotely control my PC using a standard web browser. The security is good. There's three authentication points. And the second one requires a entering a once-only passcode, which is emailed to me.
I tried it out today. It works. The screen display isn't great but I think part of that is down to the crappy CRT monitors they use in the local library. But it's more than adequate.
Truthfully, I don't think it'll make too much of a difference. Just now and then it'll help. It'll also help with my business venture. It means I don't have to lug my PC over to Finland or other places just to get at information there.
All this and the basic version (which is all I need) is free!
Favourable
This job advert, for an infrastructure PM, mentioned that "Planit ADEO is desirable and experience of the Insurance industry is highly favourable..." so favourable in fact that it goes on that "Project Managers who do not have this experience will not be considered."
Reluctant
It's been a dull day, both in terms of weather and in terms of job hunting.
Yesterday I saw a job for a PM in the west of England. I really don't fancy working there again. But it was advertised again today and, as I couldn't see any other suitable jobs today, I thought, well, why not? I'll give them a call after lunch.
Yesterday I saw a job for a PM in the west of England. I really don't fancy working there again. But it was advertised again today and, as I couldn't see any other suitable jobs today, I thought, well, why not? I'll give them a call after lunch.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Ordered it
Finally got round to ordering the Digimemo physical+electronic notepad.
I had some trepidation as it looked like it would be bothersome for left-handers. But then again what isn't? I actually phoned them up and their advice was helpful. It should arrive in a couple of days.
I had some trepidation as it looked like it would be bothersome for left-handers. But then again what isn't? I actually phoned them up and their advice was helpful. It should arrive in a couple of days.
This afternoon
After looking through another few thousand jobs on the Internet I managed to squeeze off another application.
It doesn't feel like it's been a great day. However, so far this week (that is yesterday and today) I've applied for five jobs, which is my weekly target.
And I've had one bite. Plus I've had confirmation for my interview on Monday next week.
It doesn't feel like it's been a great day. However, so far this week (that is yesterday and today) I've applied for five jobs, which is my weekly target.
And I've had one bite. Plus I've had confirmation for my interview on Monday next week.
More things that annoy
3. overenthusiastic mail controllers - these are the ones that reject my emails because my Reply To email address is different from my Sent From address.
Fortunately only a few recruiters have this stupid configuration set.
The reason I use a different Reply To address is so that I propogate my life-time address. This way, I never have to change my contact address (hopefully).
The service actually redirects to several addresses: my home address (depending upon ISP), my work address (when I have a job) and my mobile phone email address. The last is particularly useful. It means I get an SMS message on my phone when I receive an email.
When I'm out and about I can then use my Palm Pilot to retrieve the email message (using Bluetooth to connect to the mobile, which then sets up a GPRS channel to actually retrieve the message). So, effectively I have a push-email service.
This service is free - part of my mobile phone package.
The email redirection service is US $20 per year.
Fortunately only a few recruiters have this stupid configuration set.
The reason I use a different Reply To address is so that I propogate my life-time address. This way, I never have to change my contact address (hopefully).
The service actually redirects to several addresses: my home address (depending upon ISP), my work address (when I have a job) and my mobile phone email address. The last is particularly useful. It means I get an SMS message on my phone when I receive an email.
When I'm out and about I can then use my Palm Pilot to retrieve the email message (using Bluetooth to connect to the mobile, which then sets up a GPRS channel to actually retrieve the message). So, effectively I have a push-email service.
This service is free - part of my mobile phone package.
The email redirection service is US $20 per year.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Walking
"Cows, countryside, fresh air ... bollocks" - as Harry Enfield's Loadsamoney character once said.
When I go on holiday I don't like looking at palaces, old buildings, museums etc. They're old stuff. So, why should I want to look at hills etc. They're even older. Mountains, damn it, are millions of years old.
When I went to Vancouver a few years ago I went up their mini-CNN tower and had a good view of the city's skyline. The only thing ruining it was the mountains in the background.
If God had wanted us to walk he wouldn't have invented cars, or planes, or indeed the Internet. No, wait, Al Gore invented that one. Then again, if God does exist he should come right round and apologise now.
...
...
He hasn't turned up yet. Where was I. Oh yes, walking. If you're walking to the cake shop, that's ok. If you're walking back from the cake shop, carrying a big Beglian milk chocolate cake which you're going to share with your blonde girlfriend (although red-heads may also apply via my usual email address), that's even better.
But if you're going for a walk just for the sake of it, and worse, in the countryside, sorry, the bloody countryside, well ... don't get me started.
Today I was forced to go for such a walk. I don't want to talk about it.
Whilst out there my mobile phone rang. It was a recruitment agent. Not only that, it was the agent to whom I had spoken last Thursday. He was recruiting for an interim IT manager for his West End client. But, it eventually turned out that my minimum rate was well above their maximum.
Today, he phoned as it seems the client would now accept my mimimum. Not surprising; you can't get an interim for less. I certainly wouldn't get out of bed for less. In fact this week I've applied for job offering £100-£200 per day more. That's the whole point of interims, they are, by nature, costly.
He said the client would like to see me on Monday, probably the afternoon, and he'll get back to confirm details. All this was over a few phone calls as the mobile signal kept disappearing. Why? Because I was in the bloody countryside.
When I go on holiday I don't like looking at palaces, old buildings, museums etc. They're old stuff. So, why should I want to look at hills etc. They're even older. Mountains, damn it, are millions of years old.
When I went to Vancouver a few years ago I went up their mini-CNN tower and had a good view of the city's skyline. The only thing ruining it was the mountains in the background.
If God had wanted us to walk he wouldn't have invented cars, or planes, or indeed the Internet. No, wait, Al Gore invented that one. Then again, if God does exist he should come right round and apologise now.
...
...
He hasn't turned up yet. Where was I. Oh yes, walking. If you're walking to the cake shop, that's ok. If you're walking back from the cake shop, carrying a big Beglian milk chocolate cake which you're going to share with your blonde girlfriend (although red-heads may also apply via my usual email address), that's even better.
But if you're going for a walk just for the sake of it, and worse, in the countryside, sorry, the bloody countryside, well ... don't get me started.
Today I was forced to go for such a walk. I don't want to talk about it.
Whilst out there my mobile phone rang. It was a recruitment agent. Not only that, it was the agent to whom I had spoken last Thursday. He was recruiting for an interim IT manager for his West End client. But, it eventually turned out that my minimum rate was well above their maximum.
Today, he phoned as it seems the client would now accept my mimimum. Not surprising; you can't get an interim for less. I certainly wouldn't get out of bed for less. In fact this week I've applied for job offering £100-£200 per day more. That's the whole point of interims, they are, by nature, costly.
He said the client would like to see me on Monday, probably the afternoon, and he'll get back to confirm details. All this was over a few phone calls as the mobile signal kept disappearing. Why? Because I was in the bloody countryside.
Round-up
Today I applied for three jobs.
This was after a trawl of maybe 4,000 or more jobs posted since Friday afternoon (I hadn't looked over the weekend as I was too busy packing etc).
One job was for a German-based company and would be located somewhere in Europe. Ideal, so I applied. A few hours later I received a reply that they had already recruited someone. Since posting the advert on Friday. That's German efficiency for you.
Another job was for a release manager and it was posted by a recruitment agent to whom I had spoken in September. I emailed and phoned him again after seeing this advert. It was for the same company! He said he'd send the job specification - that's a bite. But so far I haven't received anything. I'll chase him tomorrow.
The third advert was looking for someone with relocation and banking experience. Me, me, me.
I called the agent, had a good but quick chat, and she said she'd look through all the c.v.s and get back to me later today. She hasn't.
This was after a trawl of maybe 4,000 or more jobs posted since Friday afternoon (I hadn't looked over the weekend as I was too busy packing etc).
One job was for a German-based company and would be located somewhere in Europe. Ideal, so I applied. A few hours later I received a reply that they had already recruited someone. Since posting the advert on Friday. That's German efficiency for you.
Another job was for a release manager and it was posted by a recruitment agent to whom I had spoken in September. I emailed and phoned him again after seeing this advert. It was for the same company! He said he'd send the job specification - that's a bite. But so far I haven't received anything. I'll chase him tomorrow.
The third advert was looking for someone with relocation and banking experience. Me, me, me.
I called the agent, had a good but quick chat, and she said she'd look through all the c.v.s and get back to me later today. She hasn't.
Almost job of the day
In the JobServe today an agency was looking for someone with a "profound knowledge of all SAP-modules".
I don't know SAP but I suspect that having a knowledge of all modules would be asking a lot, let alone asking for someone with a profound knowledge of them.
I don't know SAP but I suspect that having a knowledge of all modules would be asking a lot, let alone asking for someone with a profound knowledge of them.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Handy for Handies if I go abroad
"Handies" being German for mobile phones "because zey are wery useful, ja".
Saw this on this blog: might be very useful if I go abroad. It may keep the costs down of using my UK mobile number abroad. You see, I've used this mobile since the mid-90s as my primary contact number. For most people it's the only number they know to contact me.
However, if I do get a job abroad I'll probably also get a SkypeIn UK number. That way, UK people can call me without them (or me) paying international rates.
Saw this on this blog: might be very useful if I go abroad. It may keep the costs down of using my UK mobile number abroad. You see, I've used this mobile since the mid-90s as my primary contact number. For most people it's the only number they know to contact me.
However, if I do get a job abroad I'll probably also get a SkypeIn UK number. That way, UK people can call me without them (or me) paying international rates.
Sunday, start of the job hunting week
Not, though, if you've been moving flat.
I spent all of Friday job hunting. Then I spent just about all of Saturday packing and cleaning my flat.
I had a lot more to move as this time, for the first time ever, I had things like bedding, crockery and cutlery to more.
In all there was only about 2 cubed meters of stuff to pack. But it took a while. Plus I wanted to clean the flat thoroughly. I saw my landlord this morning and he returned my deposit without doing an inspection. After all that.
Around 11am a man with a van came along and took me and my posessions to a town in the southern coast of England, my family home. I'll be staying there until I get another job.
Staying in the crappy seaside town is a big incentive to get another job. But now I'm too tired.
And tomorrow I really must also read up about the client, to whom my previous employer has recommended me, plus the technology they want implemented. Plus look through probably over 1,000 job adverts.
I spent all of Friday job hunting. Then I spent just about all of Saturday packing and cleaning my flat.
I had a lot more to move as this time, for the first time ever, I had things like bedding, crockery and cutlery to more.
In all there was only about 2 cubed meters of stuff to pack. But it took a while. Plus I wanted to clean the flat thoroughly. I saw my landlord this morning and he returned my deposit without doing an inspection. After all that.
Around 11am a man with a van came along and took me and my posessions to a town in the southern coast of England, my family home. I'll be staying there until I get another job.
Staying in the crappy seaside town is a big incentive to get another job. But now I'm too tired.
And tomorrow I really must also read up about the client, to whom my previous employer has recommended me, plus the technology they want implemented. Plus look through probably over 1,000 job adverts.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Job of the day
Saw these requirements yesterday for a job in Europe:
Co-incidentally I read yesterday an article on the BBC news web site about a Briton who had to totally Anglicise his name in order to get another job. It's probably not something I would do (my surname is Asian) for a couple of reasons: I'd get totally confused and I don't feel it's right to do. In my view my funny foreign surname is not English, not least because I am.
However, if I ever suffer another bout of long term unemployment then I might give it a go.
Oh, and going back to the job advert, I wouldn't apply for a job with such a daft requirement as "sunny disposition".
- Sunny disposition
- Asian background would be helpful
Co-incidentally I read yesterday an article on the BBC news web site about a Briton who had to totally Anglicise his name in order to get another job. It's probably not something I would do (my surname is Asian) for a couple of reasons: I'd get totally confused and I don't feel it's right to do. In my view my funny foreign surname is not English, not least because I am.
However, if I ever suffer another bout of long term unemployment then I might give it a go.
Oh, and going back to the job advert, I wouldn't apply for a job with such a daft requirement as "sunny disposition".
Friday, June 10, 2005
End of the week
This week I've applied for 14 jobs. These resulted in four bites.
Since leaving my last employer at the end of May I've applied for 21 jobs and have had 7 bites. That's a ratio of 3:1. In recent times my ration has been around 10:1.
And these recent statistics haven't included the job one of my ex-directors is recommending me for.
Since leaving my last employer at the end of May I've applied for 21 jobs and have had 7 bites. That's a ratio of 3:1. In recent times my ration has been around 10:1.
And these recent statistics haven't included the job one of my ex-directors is recommending me for.
Forgot to mention
Yesterday I contacted the director at my last employer who wanted me to take a contract role in Amsterdam.
He advised me that it turned out that someone else had applied before he'd heard of the job. My application was too late.
Oh well, there we go.
Today he phoned. Not sure why but things have changed and he wanted to put my name forward. Exactly what I wanted and my c.v. will go to the client on Monday.
They may want to meet me in London first but if it all goes well (big "if") then I could start quite soon.
He advised me that it turned out that someone else had applied before he'd heard of the job. My application was too late.
Oh well, there we go.
Today he phoned. Not sure why but things have changed and he wanted to put my name forward. Exactly what I wanted and my c.v. will go to the client on Monday.
They may want to meet me in London first but if it all goes well (big "if") then I could start quite soon.
Blimey, that was quick.
Half-an-hour after halfheartedly sending my c.v. for a role I wasn't sure about the recruiter called me back.
She then sent the job spec. But it was even more focussed on security than the advert.
Now, although I guess I've been responsible for the integrity of networks I don't have any direct security experience. So, I called her to advise her of this inadequacy. But she said client wasn't that bothered any more.
She then sent the job spec. But it was even more focussed on security than the advert.
Now, although I guess I've been responsible for the integrity of networks I don't have any direct security experience. So, I called her to advise her of this inadequacy. But she said client wasn't that bothered any more.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
The hot chocolate index
I've been meaning to do this for a while.
For public safety reasons I can no longer drink coffee (plus it gives me a migraine) but no-one in the medical profession, police or armed services, have said anything about hot chocolate.
Here's the ranking so far for hot chocolate outlets:
For public safety reasons I can no longer drink coffee (plus it gives me a migraine) but no-one in the medical profession, police or armed services, have said anything about hot chocolate.
Here's the ranking so far for hot chocolate outlets:
- Apostrophe - "hot chocolate" is exactly what they give: chocolate so hot it's in the liquid phase
- Tinderbox in Islington - found it today whilst I was taking a break from job hunting and trying to look cool. Very chocolaty but not hot, should be called "very warm chocolate". Still good though.
- Place near bank tube. No idea where it is but it was quite chocolatly.
- Starbucks - perfectly standard issue hot chocolate although better if you accept their kind offer to dollop loads of cream on top.
- Sequel in Islington - almost as good as Starbucks but to be honest these last two are way down the list compared with the first two.
One application, two bites
Last Friday I rushed off an application for a PM role in the Thames Valley.
Unusually I didn't phone the agent.
I saw what looked like the same advert today so phoned him. Turns out they were for two seperate jobs. And the agent liked the sound of me (another reason why it's important to phone) and said he'd put my name forward for both jobs.
He's on holiday next week so there'll be a bit of a pause.
Today I applied for four jobs and got three bites.
Unusually I didn't phone the agent.
I saw what looked like the same advert today so phoned him. Turns out they were for two seperate jobs. And the agent liked the sound of me (another reason why it's important to phone) and said he'd put my name forward for both jobs.
He's on holiday next week so there'll be a bit of a pause.
Today I applied for four jobs and got three bites.
Things that annoy me
- Writing a very long job description in English and right at the end putting "Fluency in Finnish required."
- 0870 numbers. Some agencies are doing this now. Although I think it's important to phone every time you send an email I won't if it's an 0870 number.
In case you don't know, companies with 0870 numbers get a fee from every call they receive. Quite a few companies use these numbers, including those handling queries and complaints.
There's a service which gives the non-0870 equivalent numbers for these. However, it doesn't catch every number.
Quick turn-around
This morning I saw a job for an interim manager in central London.
I sent off my c.v., waited, then phoned the agency.
It's important to phone everytime. When the agent answered my call, he looked at his email in-box and was aghast at all the applications that had been sent to him. "Well, ignore the others," I said, "and just look at mine".
He did, liked my c.v. and wanted to send it to their client. Funnily enough this was for a property consultancy who used to work with me at a company a few years ago.
About an hour later he phoned back. The client liked my c.v. too but my desired rate was too high for them. To be honest, my rate is pretty low and they won't get an interim for lower.
These days it's turning around. People are talking about rates going back to 1999 levels.
I sent off my c.v., waited, then phoned the agency.
It's important to phone everytime. When the agent answered my call, he looked at his email in-box and was aghast at all the applications that had been sent to him. "Well, ignore the others," I said, "and just look at mine".
He did, liked my c.v. and wanted to send it to their client. Funnily enough this was for a property consultancy who used to work with me at a company a few years ago.
About an hour later he phoned back. The client liked my c.v. too but my desired rate was too high for them. To be honest, my rate is pretty low and they won't get an interim for lower.
These days it's turning around. People are talking about rates going back to 1999 levels.
Bitten
I spent most of yesterday trying to get through to an agent to whom I had re-sent my c.v. in the morning.
By the end of the day I felt she'd never call back. This sometimes happens.
Anyway I phoned her today. She liked my c.v. and sent me the job details. From this she wanted a one page summary of my suitability to do the job. This I churned out. I spoke with her after lunch and she said she was going to send my details to her client.
Moreover the job can be in one of two places: Netherlands or somewhere up North. I asked that I'd prefer to relocate to Europe.
By the end of the day I felt she'd never call back. This sometimes happens.
Anyway I phoned her today. She liked my c.v. and sent me the job details. From this she wanted a one page summary of my suitability to do the job. This I churned out. I spoke with her after lunch and she said she was going to send my details to her client.
Moreover the job can be in one of two places: Netherlands or somewhere up North. I asked that I'd prefer to relocate to Europe.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
No change though
Another day not at work.
I've a horrible feeling this will go on for ages as well, just like before.
It's almost certain now that I'll leave the flat at the weekend. A big pity as I was really hoping to spend the summer here. It's a good area.
Today I applied for three jobs. I also saw an advert to which I'd applied (using an on-line feature of that particular web site) a few days ago. I phoned the agency but the agent didn't have my c.v.
Today, she'd given her email address so I mailed the c.v. to her. I then spent the rest of the day (every so slight exaggeration) phoning and leaving messages for her. She never called back.
I've a horrible feeling this will go on for ages as well, just like before.
It's almost certain now that I'll leave the flat at the weekend. A big pity as I was really hoping to spend the summer here. It's a good area.
Today I applied for three jobs. I also saw an advert to which I'd applied (using an on-line feature of that particular web site) a few days ago. I phoned the agency but the agent didn't have my c.v.
Today, she'd given her email address so I mailed the c.v. to her. I then spent the rest of the day (every so slight exaggeration) phoning and leaving messages for her. She never called back.
Grogging
After meeting the recruitment manager I met up with an old flat mate for a few drinks.
After a few drinks we some more drinks. And after the meal at a Chinese restaraunt we had a bottle of champagne.
Amazingly I didn't have a hangover today but it was close.
After a few drinks we some more drinks. And after the meal at a Chinese restaraunt we had a bottle of champagne.
Amazingly I didn't have a hangover today but it was close.
Slight networking
Yesterday afternoon I had coffee with a recruitment manager for an IT company working in the City. A friend who works there suggested I contact her.
Although they weren't recruiting right now they may, just may, have a role utilising my PM and ITIL knowledge. But they have to utilize their existing people if at all possible.
Anyway, we had a good chat and I had a very chocolaty hot chocolate drink (I don't drink coffee - there aren't enough armed police in the City if I did).
She's of the opinion that two pages is enough for a c.v. I agree, but I'm finding it difficult to put in key achievements.
Although they weren't recruiting right now they may, just may, have a role utilising my PM and ITIL knowledge. But they have to utilize their existing people if at all possible.
Anyway, we had a good chat and I had a very chocolaty hot chocolate drink (I don't drink coffee - there aren't enough armed police in the City if I did).
She's of the opinion that two pages is enough for a c.v. I agree, but I'm finding it difficult to put in key achievements.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
The early bird catches FA
Got up relatively early.
Tried to spend an hour going through jobs posted yesterday evening and today.
Couldn't find any.
So, I went to the gym just around the corner. Bit of exercise and use of the sauna.
Came back and phoned a couple of recruitment consultants I had used last year. They were of the good sort and had actually got me interviews. Spoke to one and left a message for the other.
Then went through JobServe, Monster and IT Job Board again.
Couldn't find a single thing worth an application.
In a little while I'm off to see a potential recruiter. She's warned me that they're not recruiting at the moment but may do later on.
Then I'm going to see a friend and hopefully a few glasses of alcohol and a few plates of food.
Tried to spend an hour going through jobs posted yesterday evening and today.
Couldn't find any.
So, I went to the gym just around the corner. Bit of exercise and use of the sauna.
Came back and phoned a couple of recruitment consultants I had used last year. They were of the good sort and had actually got me interviews. Spoke to one and left a message for the other.
Then went through JobServe, Monster and IT Job Board again.
Couldn't find a single thing worth an application.
In a little while I'm off to see a potential recruiter. She's warned me that they're not recruiting at the moment but may do later on.
Then I'm going to see a friend and hopefully a few glasses of alcohol and a few plates of food.
Jobs of the day
One recruiter wanted a "Project Manager - Infrastructure Deplotments - South UK".
A few years ago I didn't know what ITIL or PRINCE 2 were. Now I have qualifications in these areas. Maybe one day I'll have qualifications in deplotments.
Another recrutier wanted an "IT & Networking Genius". I know the difference between a router and switch but I'm not sure that's sufficient.
A few years ago I didn't know what ITIL or PRINCE 2 were. Now I have qualifications in these areas. Maybe one day I'll have qualifications in deplotments.
Another recrutier wanted an "IT & Networking Genius". I know the difference between a router and switch but I'm not sure that's sufficient.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Monday
Today it really feels that I haven't got a job.
I spend quite some time looking at the JobServe and Monster. As JobServe had some problems earlier on I also looked at the IT Job Board web site.
My result: one application.
I also took a phone call from the agency handling the interview in Hull. The client's feedback was more or less the same as mine. Which I'm quite pleased about.
I also phoned a couple of agencies with whom I spoke on Friday. In both cases they were going to put my c.v. to their client. So that means that from last week's 11 applications I had two bites. Not bad.
One of the agencies was handling a job I had done before. In fact done before for the same company. They've moved on quite a bit and I'm sure things have changed. So after a bit of oohing and aaaring I agreed that my c.v. could go forward.
I spend quite some time looking at the JobServe and Monster. As JobServe had some problems earlier on I also looked at the IT Job Board web site.
My result: one application.
I also took a phone call from the agency handling the interview in Hull. The client's feedback was more or less the same as mine. Which I'm quite pleased about.
I also phoned a couple of agencies with whom I spoke on Friday. In both cases they were going to put my c.v. to their client. So that means that from last week's 11 applications I had two bites. Not bad.
One of the agencies was handling a job I had done before. In fact done before for the same company. They've moved on quite a bit and I'm sure things have changed. So after a bit of oohing and aaaring I agreed that my c.v. could go forward.
Sunday
Because Saturday is a day off.
Managed to squeeze off a couple of applications - both for jobs in mainland Europe. Then went and drank some wine in a nearby bar.
Managed to squeeze off a couple of applications - both for jobs in mainland Europe. Then went and drank some wine in a nearby bar.
Friday
A near standard day without work.
Get up when I wake up. Not too late but by no means early.
Job hunt. Manage to squeeze off six applications.
I spoke to a couple of agencies and they both had technical problems. This reminds me to update my c.v. on my web site so that it can be used when agencies' email systems have failed.
Get up when I wake up. Not too late but by no means early.
Job hunt. Manage to squeeze off six applications.
I spoke to a couple of agencies and they both had technical problems. This reminds me to update my c.v. on my web site so that it can be used when agencies' email systems have failed.
Hull
Thursday: Hull.
I had an interview in Hull. On paper it was an ideal job specification for me.
I've never been to Hull before and am not entirely sure where it is.
A few years ago I flew to Vancouver for a friend's son's christening. I didn't think too much about the timings and certainly didn't look at a map to see where Vancouver was ("was" - well, as I far as I know it's still there so maybe that should be an "is"). Why should I? It's not as if the pilots would get lost. And even if they did they'd be unlikely to come and find me in the economy section and ask me if I knew which way to fly. In any case, I had a vague notion of where it was.
Flew from London and it was five hours before we reached the coast of Canada. I then tightened my seatbelt and made my chair straight, readying for the landing. But the plane just carried on going. For another five hours. Turns out my vague notion was un-vaguely wrong: Vancouver is on the west coast of Canada.
It was only a train ride to Hull. In fact it was an unusually uneventful train journey. It wasn't delayed. It didn't crash. It just went there. For three and half hours as advertised.
Although Hull is a city in the UK, and has a reasonably respected University, there aren't that many trains going there from London. So, I got there quite early.
This gave me an opportunity to check out the town/city centre. It was like practically every other town centre in England.
I checked and I had mobile phone signal so my needs were mainly covered.
After a boring 90 minutes I got a taxi to the company's head office. Walked into the reception and then found I had been given the wrong address. Grrr.
Fortunately their other office wasn't that far away so I could easily get a taxi to the correct office and turn up on time.
Unlike the interviewer who was late.
As I shook hands with the interviewer in his office my arm knocked off an attachment to a whiteboard which held the board swipe and marker pens. Not a good start but I don't get phased by these things.
Although the interview went, in some respects, well, there were quite a few pregnant pauses.
And I felt that what was discussed didn't suit me as well as what had been written. Nothing definitive, just nuances.
After the interview I managed to catch the last direct train back to London. By the way, that's a 1706 train.
I had an interview in Hull. On paper it was an ideal job specification for me.
I've never been to Hull before and am not entirely sure where it is.
A few years ago I flew to Vancouver for a friend's son's christening. I didn't think too much about the timings and certainly didn't look at a map to see where Vancouver was ("was" - well, as I far as I know it's still there so maybe that should be an "is"). Why should I? It's not as if the pilots would get lost. And even if they did they'd be unlikely to come and find me in the economy section and ask me if I knew which way to fly. In any case, I had a vague notion of where it was.
Flew from London and it was five hours before we reached the coast of Canada. I then tightened my seatbelt and made my chair straight, readying for the landing. But the plane just carried on going. For another five hours. Turns out my vague notion was un-vaguely wrong: Vancouver is on the west coast of Canada.
It was only a train ride to Hull. In fact it was an unusually uneventful train journey. It wasn't delayed. It didn't crash. It just went there. For three and half hours as advertised.
Although Hull is a city in the UK, and has a reasonably respected University, there aren't that many trains going there from London. So, I got there quite early.
This gave me an opportunity to check out the town/city centre. It was like practically every other town centre in England.
I checked and I had mobile phone signal so my needs were mainly covered.
After a boring 90 minutes I got a taxi to the company's head office. Walked into the reception and then found I had been given the wrong address. Grrr.
Fortunately their other office wasn't that far away so I could easily get a taxi to the correct office and turn up on time.
Unlike the interviewer who was late.
As I shook hands with the interviewer in his office my arm knocked off an attachment to a whiteboard which held the board swipe and marker pens. Not a good start but I don't get phased by these things.
Although the interview went, in some respects, well, there were quite a few pregnant pauses.
And I felt that what was discussed didn't suit me as well as what had been written. Nothing definitive, just nuances.
After the interview I managed to catch the last direct train back to London. By the way, that's a 1706 train.
A day not at work
Great. No alarm clock rings (ok I use a mobile phone and my Palm pilot as alarm clocks rather than just the one). Get up, get some pastries for breakfast from the very good pastry shop a few doors down from where I live.
Now. Er.
I don't have a job. And I'm in an expensive flat in London.
I soon get into the swing of using JobServe and Monster.
I don't see any jobs until around 4pm. It wasn't easy but I manage to squeeze out one job application.
Now. Er.
I don't have a job. And I'm in an expensive flat in London.
I soon get into the swing of using JobServe and Monster.
I don't see any jobs until around 4pm. It wasn't easy but I manage to squeeze out one job application.
End of work
Tuesday 31st was my last day at work.
Afterwards a few of us went to the local wine bar. Not as heavy as Friday, thank goodness.
Went back home (I live in central London not far from the City) and met up with friends.
Hadn't really sunk in that I'd finished work.
Afterwards a few of us went to the local wine bar. Not as heavy as Friday, thank goodness.
Went back home (I live in central London not far from the City) and met up with friends.
Hadn't really sunk in that I'd finished work.
Bit of a whirl
What with one thing, then another - but mainly another - I've been a bit busy. Not only job hunting but developing the business in Finland. Not that we're trading yet.
Anyway, I've finally got into the swing of job hunting again. And I'm hoping I've got back into the swing of regularly blogging.
Anyway, I've finally got into the swing of job hunting again. And I'm hoping I've got back into the swing of regularly blogging.
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