It’s past 6pm now, which means it’s past 7pm in Germany.
No phone calls from them.
Come on guys, I don’t want to tidy up my stuff for no reason.
I kinda job hunted today. I let an RSS reader (KlipFolio) alert me for any suitable jobs from JobServe.
As a result I spotted a suitable job and applied. This RSS reader doesn’t produce the same results as a search direct from JobServe’s site. But for today it’s good enough.
Around 5pm my mobile phone rang. It was an agency responding to one of the applications I made yesterday. I had applied for a contract project managing an IT relocation. He recognised the fit so it’s a bite.
He’ll know more on Thursday, by then maybe I’ll know more about whether or not I’m going to Munich.
I wonder what the German is for “you snooze, you lose”?
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
It's the waiting I can't stand
I’m not exactly sitting waiting for the phone to ring.
Well, I am, but I’m also doing other stuff – mainly clearing out rubbish and slight organising of things.
I’ve been told I should hear about the Munich job today (I’ve already been told I’ve got it, but it should clear the purchasing department today).
I know these things drag out but I have to bear in mind that flight costs will start to increase. And I have to buy some things before leaving as well (like a suitcase).
So, despite best intentions, I’m extra keen to get it done and dusted.
Till then, I sit and wait
Well, I am, but I’m also doing other stuff – mainly clearing out rubbish and slight organising of things.
I’ve been told I should hear about the Munich job today (I’ve already been told I’ve got it, but it should clear the purchasing department today).
I know these things drag out but I have to bear in mind that flight costs will start to increase. And I have to buy some things before leaving as well (like a suitcase).
So, despite best intentions, I’m extra keen to get it done and dusted.
Till then, I sit and wait
Monday, January 30, 2006
Other activities
I hadn’t even gotten out of bed before my mobile rang.
It was an agency seeing if I was interested in a permie job in England.
Well, as I don’t have the Munich job squared off yet, the answer has to be “Ja wohl”.
A few hours later, when I was safely out of bed, the mobile rang again. It was another agency seeing if I was interested in a contract job in London. “Aber natuerlich”.
Actually I explained the situation to both of them.
Two bites.
In the afternoon another agency sent me an email to see if I was interested in a relocation project. “Das ist sehr nett von Ihnen”. In this case, not quite a bite.
In all, including these, I made four applications.
Now, I’m dead keen to get this job in Munich. But I know all too well how things can go wrong. So I’m hedging.
It was an agency seeing if I was interested in a permie job in England.
Well, as I don’t have the Munich job squared off yet, the answer has to be “Ja wohl”.
A few hours later, when I was safely out of bed, the mobile rang again. It was another agency seeing if I was interested in a contract job in London. “Aber natuerlich”.
Actually I explained the situation to both of them.
Two bites.
In the afternoon another agency sent me an email to see if I was interested in a relocation project. “Das ist sehr nett von Ihnen”. In this case, not quite a bite.
In all, including these, I made four applications.
Now, I’m dead keen to get this job in Munich. But I know all too well how things can go wrong. So I’m hedging.
Another day not in Munich
Limited news.
An email from the agency: the recruiting manager still wants me, as soon as possible, preferably next Monday, but my contract is still with the purchasing department.
Oh well, I knew it would drag.
We actually haven’t confirmed things like rate – which could end up causing loads of disappointment. The agent does, however, have my ballpark figure.
I’m hanging in there.
But I’m not going to spend lots of money on things until the contract is signed.
An email from the agency: the recruiting manager still wants me, as soon as possible, preferably next Monday, but my contract is still with the purchasing department.
Oh well, I knew it would drag.
We actually haven’t confirmed things like rate – which could end up causing loads of disappointment. The agent does, however, have my ballpark figure.
I’m hanging in there.
But I’m not going to spend lots of money on things until the contract is signed.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Trawling
Restarting my hunt has been harder than expected. And I’ve only had a few days’ break from it.
In the end I could only look through jobs posted over the weekend; I couldn’t bring myself to hunt further into last week.
Anyway I’m hoping this is totally unnecessary; I really should get confirmation early next week that I’m to start in Munich.
But I’m aware how these things work. There could be a delay due to one thing or another. Then the job goes on hold for a week or two. Then it eventually disappears. Or worse, the remuneration offered is much less than acceptable.
See, I can be cynical.
I shouldn’t hang around. Despite really wanting this job I should work on a “first-come, first served basis”.
Well, I didn’t find any jobs today. I’ll look tomorrow whilst hoping I get that happy phone call and email.
In the end I could only look through jobs posted over the weekend; I couldn’t bring myself to hunt further into last week.
Anyway I’m hoping this is totally unnecessary; I really should get confirmation early next week that I’m to start in Munich.
But I’m aware how these things work. There could be a delay due to one thing or another. Then the job goes on hold for a week or two. Then it eventually disappears. Or worse, the remuneration offered is much less than acceptable.
See, I can be cynical.
I shouldn’t hang around. Despite really wanting this job I should work on a “first-come, first served basis”.
Well, I didn’t find any jobs today. I’ll look tomorrow whilst hoping I get that happy phone call and email.
Other things (2)
Before today’s trawl I decided to make some more changes to my home page, concentrating on the “other stuff” page.
However, I’m still not happy with some of the design element, particularly the yellow.
However, I’m still not happy with some of the design element, particularly the yellow.
Other things (1)
About three years ago I took the APMP – that’s the APM Professional. That’s the Association for Project Managers core exam.
I did this without going on the course.
A few weeks before I had finished a PRINCE 2 course (which I passed, I’m a practitioner) but felt there was more I could learn about project management.
So, I eventually decided that the APMP was a suitable syllabus.
I phoned up the association and they told me that there was an open exam in a couple of weeks. Great, I was loathed to dish out more money on another five-day course; not cheap, especially when you’re not earning.
But they advised me that I had to enrol for the exam immediately.
Right. I jumped in my car and drove to their headquarters (quite a way out of London).
Once I arrived I realised I hadn’t asked how much the exam would cost. Most exams I’ve taken have been around £100. This one, it turned out, was £300.
Crumbs.
I wrote out a cheque.
Back at home I looked at their website and reviewed their reading list. I went to a couple of libraries. One was a general one and the other was in the Institute of Electrical Engineers. The British Computer Society shares their library, which makes sense as most of the books seem to be about computing.
I borrowed what books I could. Quite a few were by authors on the reading list but not the actual books that the list mentioned. I also bought a book on the subject.
I then went through each entry in the syllabus and tried to find each subject in the five books.
Not easy.
After a few days I decided it was going to be too difficult (I was job hunting at the same time).
I phoned the association and asked if I could post-pone the exam.
“Sure” they eagerly replied.
Just to be sure, I checked that I’d get my money back or that it would be used as payment for a later exam.
“No”, they eagerly replied.
The rest of the two weeks were spent learning and revising the contents of the syllabus from books, most of which weren’t on the reading list. Oh, and trying to find a job.
The day came and I took the exam.
It was hard. It was the hardest thing since finals which I’d taken 20 years ago. Worst, there were compulsory questions.
I’m not an exam-person. Can’t stand them.
Nevertheless I managed to pass.
About a year ago I heard about and bought “Project Management Pathways”. This more or less covers the whole APMP syllabus and would have made my study much easier.
Having bought it I used it to keep dust off the shelf.
As I didn’t have too much else to do last week I decided to read it. At last. I’m still going at it (it’s not a short read).
I did this without going on the course.
A few weeks before I had finished a PRINCE 2 course (which I passed, I’m a practitioner) but felt there was more I could learn about project management.
So, I eventually decided that the APMP was a suitable syllabus.
I phoned up the association and they told me that there was an open exam in a couple of weeks. Great, I was loathed to dish out more money on another five-day course; not cheap, especially when you’re not earning.
But they advised me that I had to enrol for the exam immediately.
Right. I jumped in my car and drove to their headquarters (quite a way out of London).
Once I arrived I realised I hadn’t asked how much the exam would cost. Most exams I’ve taken have been around £100. This one, it turned out, was £300.
Crumbs.
I wrote out a cheque.
Back at home I looked at their website and reviewed their reading list. I went to a couple of libraries. One was a general one and the other was in the Institute of Electrical Engineers. The British Computer Society shares their library, which makes sense as most of the books seem to be about computing.
I borrowed what books I could. Quite a few were by authors on the reading list but not the actual books that the list mentioned. I also bought a book on the subject.
I then went through each entry in the syllabus and tried to find each subject in the five books.
Not easy.
After a few days I decided it was going to be too difficult (I was job hunting at the same time).
I phoned the association and asked if I could post-pone the exam.
“Sure” they eagerly replied.
Just to be sure, I checked that I’d get my money back or that it would be used as payment for a later exam.
“No”, they eagerly replied.
The rest of the two weeks were spent learning and revising the contents of the syllabus from books, most of which weren’t on the reading list. Oh, and trying to find a job.
The day came and I took the exam.
It was hard. It was the hardest thing since finals which I’d taken 20 years ago. Worst, there were compulsory questions.
I’m not an exam-person. Can’t stand them.
Nevertheless I managed to pass.
About a year ago I heard about and bought “Project Management Pathways”. This more or less covers the whole APMP syllabus and would have made my study much easier.
Having bought it I used it to keep dust off the shelf.
As I didn’t have too much else to do last week I decided to read it. At last. I’m still going at it (it’s not a short read).
Small numbers
Despite my best intentions I was destabilised by last week’s news that I was going to be offered a job in Munich. And that severely affected my job hunting efforts.
As a result I only applied for nine jobs.
Nine!
In recent weeks my number of applications has been in double figures.
Anyway, I took three bites.
And more importantly, I was told about this pending job.
Well, I’m still waiting for confirmation.
It’d be such a blow if it doesn’t happen (and there’s lots of reasons why it shouldn’t, the main one being “life is shit”) that I better get back into job hunting just in case.
As a result I only applied for nine jobs.
Nine!
In recent weeks my number of applications has been in double figures.
Anyway, I took three bites.
And more importantly, I was told about this pending job.
Well, I’m still waiting for confirmation.
It’d be such a blow if it doesn’t happen (and there’s lots of reasons why it shouldn’t, the main one being “life is shit”) that I better get back into job hunting just in case.
Friday, January 27, 2006
More intelligence
You know, I haven’t been sitting on my arse all day doing an intelligence test.
Oh no.
I’ve also been doing the second part of the intelligence test – quite a bit harder.
If you’ve been reading these posts then you’ve clearly got nothing better to do so you may as well do this one as well.
Oh no.
I’ve also been doing the second part of the intelligence test – quite a bit harder.
If you’ve been reading these posts then you’ve clearly got nothing better to do so you may as well do this one as well.
Intelligence test
I haven’t just been sitting around the last two days waiting for the phone to ring to tell me if I’ve absolutely got the job in Munich.
Oh no.
I’ve been doing this intelligence test.
It’s one of those tests which soon gets you and you can’t leave it alone. So it’s just as well I’ve stopped job hunting (for the rest of this week at least).
If you’ve got nothing to do then have a go yourselves. And feel free to add the answers to the comments.
Oh no.
I’ve been doing this intelligence test.
It’s one of those tests which soon gets you and you can’t leave it alone. So it’s just as well I’ve stopped job hunting (for the rest of this week at least).
If you’ve got nothing to do then have a go yourselves. And feel free to add the answers to the comments.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
CV review
Here’s a review of apparently genuine resumés.
Actually, I have a copy of the worst c.v. in the world. I interviewed the chap before I could see it. He came across as suitable. But when I got a chance to look through the c.v. it was so bad – and I mean really bad – that I had to reject him.
One day I’ll probably scan it in and post it (with identity removed).
But not today (not least because I don’t have a scanner).
Actually, I have a copy of the worst c.v. in the world. I interviewed the chap before I could see it. He came across as suitable. But when I got a chance to look through the c.v. it was so bad – and I mean really bad – that I had to reject him.
One day I’ll probably scan it in and post it (with identity removed).
But not today (not least because I don’t have a scanner).
Limbo
This waiting for confirmation is a pain.
There’s things I could do but I don’t want to expend effort and resources until I definitely know I’m going. And then I’ll probably be rushed.
For example, I’ve found that my laptop’s battery now only lasts four minutes. Fair enough, it is three years old.
As I’ll probably be using WiFi links in cafes and hotel lobbies for a while in Munich I need a reliable battery.
But I don’t want to buy one now and then find the job’s been killed.
Similarly, I should buy a WiFi card. But I don’t want to buy loads and loads of things on a false assumption.
There’s things I could do but I don’t want to expend effort and resources until I definitely know I’m going. And then I’ll probably be rushed.
For example, I’ve found that my laptop’s battery now only lasts four minutes. Fair enough, it is three years old.
As I’ll probably be using WiFi links in cafes and hotel lobbies for a while in Munich I need a reliable battery.
But I don’t want to buy one now and then find the job’s been killed.
Similarly, I should buy a WiFi card. But I don’t want to buy loads and loads of things on a false assumption.
Not busy
Didn’t apply for any jobs today.
Instead I received an email from the agent, confirming what he’d already said but congratulating me on getting the job.
It hasn’t, however, gone through the company’s purchasing department. In fact I may not hear until next week.
Nevertheless I’ll feel bad applying for jobs when one seems so sorted out. Also, I’ve recently become so fed up with job hunting that it’s a good break.
So I’ve been tidying up a few things, slowly getting ready on the assumption I’ve got the job.
Now, that is a very dangerous assumption. If I don’t hear anything by tomorrow I’ll start hunting again on Monday.
Instead I received an email from the agent, confirming what he’d already said but congratulating me on getting the job.
It hasn’t, however, gone through the company’s purchasing department. In fact I may not hear until next week.
Nevertheless I’ll feel bad applying for jobs when one seems so sorted out. Also, I’ve recently become so fed up with job hunting that it’s a good break.
So I’ve been tidying up a few things, slowly getting ready on the assumption I’ve got the job.
Now, that is a very dangerous assumption. If I don’t hear anything by tomorrow I’ll start hunting again on Monday.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Busy?
Look, sorry to all you who have checked this blog throughout the day, hoping for a report on my job hunting activities, maybe even a “job of the day” posting.
But I didn’t look today.
The reason?
It’s a good one.
In fact, it’s the best.
I couldn’t be arsed.
I know I should be all cynical and accept that until you’ve got the contract signed, you haven’t got the job. And even then it can be canned at any moment.
Nevertheless today I didn’t look. Okay, I trawled through Monster but that doesn’t really count. I seldom see suitable jobs in Monster and it doesn’t take long to trawl anyway.
Instead I tidied some stuff up and got a few, very few things together which I’d need in Munich.
I also looked on the web for advice about German tax and residency issues.
Oh dear.
There’s no way I can work out all the nuances. According to Wikipedia 65% of legal writings about tax in the world are about German tax.
And I also don’t have enough details to make any decisions just yet.
In fact, I definitely need professional guidance on this but fortunately already have a couple of contacts.
But I didn’t look today.
The reason?
It’s a good one.
In fact, it’s the best.
I couldn’t be arsed.
I know I should be all cynical and accept that until you’ve got the contract signed, you haven’t got the job. And even then it can be canned at any moment.
Nevertheless today I didn’t look. Okay, I trawled through Monster but that doesn’t really count. I seldom see suitable jobs in Monster and it doesn’t take long to trawl anyway.
Instead I tidied some stuff up and got a few, very few things together which I’d need in Munich.
I also looked on the web for advice about German tax and residency issues.
Oh dear.
There’s no way I can work out all the nuances. According to Wikipedia 65% of legal writings about tax in the world are about German tax.
And I also don’t have enough details to make any decisions just yet.
In fact, I definitely need professional guidance on this but fortunately already have a couple of contacts.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
More Munich
The agent handling my application for a freelance role in Munich called near the end of the afternoon.
Basically he confirmed that there was a definite role, I was wanted for it and it was just a case of getting the company’s purchasing department to sort things out.
So, it’s almost, practically in the bag.
Sure, things can go wrong. They can go wrong even once it’s all signed off.
But it’s looking good.
At the moment (Tuesday evening) I’m failing to resist the temptation to chill out for once.
Basically he confirmed that there was a definite role, I was wanted for it and it was just a case of getting the company’s purchasing department to sort things out.
So, it’s almost, practically in the bag.
Sure, things can go wrong. They can go wrong even once it’s all signed off.
But it’s looking good.
At the moment (Tuesday evening) I’m failing to resist the temptation to chill out for once.
Just the one
The big trawl of this afternoon resulted in one application.
Oh well, I’ve applied for four today. No bites though.
Oh well, I’ve applied for four today. No bites though.
That was quick
Yesterday I ordered a spare folder and pen for my Digimemo.
Digimemo is like a fat clipboard. Although you write on normal paper it stores the images in flash and these can be transferred to your PC.
Useful? You bet.
I bought the device last year but held back from getting accessories for it in case I didn’t like it.
Well, Digimemo and I are real close now so I decided to get a folder for it and a spare pen. It’s almost inevitable that I’ll lose the original pen. There’s not much in my life that I haven’t misplaced.
I’m also prone to dropping things – again, there’s not much in my life that I haven’t dropped – so a protective folder would be useful for it.
The folder is made out of imitation leather although I don’t think anyone would be duped into thinking it was leather. It looks a bit plasticy (real word Microsoft so don’t try to spell check it) but actually I think it’s more durable than leather.
Whilst I was checking prices for the folder I came across a Cyberpad. This seems like the Digimemo but is A4 format rather than A5.
Oh, oh.
Must resist. Besides it’s double the price of a Digimemo and is very new and only available in the USA.
I reckon I could always sell my Digimemo on ebay if I ever upgrade to an A4 system or, even better, upgrade to a tablet PC.
Anyway I ordered it yesterday on el-cheapo (a word Microsoft seems quite happy about) three-day delivery terms but it arrived today. Superb.
Digimemo is like a fat clipboard. Although you write on normal paper it stores the images in flash and these can be transferred to your PC.
Useful? You bet.
I bought the device last year but held back from getting accessories for it in case I didn’t like it.
Well, Digimemo and I are real close now so I decided to get a folder for it and a spare pen. It’s almost inevitable that I’ll lose the original pen. There’s not much in my life that I haven’t misplaced.
I’m also prone to dropping things – again, there’s not much in my life that I haven’t dropped – so a protective folder would be useful for it.
The folder is made out of imitation leather although I don’t think anyone would be duped into thinking it was leather. It looks a bit plasticy (real word Microsoft so don’t try to spell check it) but actually I think it’s more durable than leather.
Whilst I was checking prices for the folder I came across a Cyberpad. This seems like the Digimemo but is A4 format rather than A5.
Oh, oh.
Must resist. Besides it’s double the price of a Digimemo and is very new and only available in the USA.
I reckon I could always sell my Digimemo on ebay if I ever upgrade to an A4 system or, even better, upgrade to a tablet PC.
Anyway I ordered it yesterday on el-cheapo (a word Microsoft seems quite happy about) three-day delivery terms but it arrived today. Superb.
Oh, the excitement
As well as emailing me this morning, the agency handling my application for a job in Munich just called.
It was basically a repeat of the message he’d sent me, but it was good to talk.
In short, the recruiting manager is still interested and positive and is considering me for another, more suitable role. Moreover, he’s actively considering me for this role in that he’s talking to the appropriate people in his very large conglomerate, effectively seeking sign-off.
If I wasn’t so jaded with job-hunting I’d be excited.
Actually, I am a bit excited.
Must go back to cynical-mode though.
It was basically a repeat of the message he’d sent me, but it was good to talk.
In short, the recruiting manager is still interested and positive and is considering me for another, more suitable role. Moreover, he’s actively considering me for this role in that he’s talking to the appropriate people in his very large conglomerate, effectively seeking sign-off.
If I wasn’t so jaded with job-hunting I’d be excited.
Actually, I am a bit excited.
Must go back to cynical-mode though.
Another morning not at work
It’s been a while since I’ve posted during the day-time, mid-trawl so to speak.
Well, it’s close to lunchtime now and I’ve already applied for three jobs.
Well, it’s close to lunchtime now and I’ve already applied for three jobs.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Flattery
Plagiarism, as we know, is the sincerest form of being an unimaginative, thieving bastard.
I’ve just tried out a supposed plagiarism-checker against this blog-site.
To my horror I’ve found that no-one has copied it.
In the slightest.
The bastards.
I’ve just tried out a supposed plagiarism-checker against this blog-site.
To my horror I’ve found that no-one has copied it.
In the slightest.
The bastards.
Compare and contrast
An agency called me at the end of the afternoon.
It was in response to an advert I made on Friday. The agent asked mainly general questions.
She said she’d send me an email and … she did.
See, it can be done.
It was in response to an advert I made on Friday. The agent asked mainly general questions.
She said she’d send me an email and … she did.
See, it can be done.
Ring ring
This morning I had to do something other than job hunting but equally boring.
It involved sitting in a car.
Whilst doing this my phone rang.
Hurrah.
It was an agency calling to see if I was interested in a contract role in London.
Nice chat and he said he’d send my details to his client.
Goodly, goodington.
He also said he’d send an eight page job specification to me.
I’m sure I’ve got better things to do than read an eight page document. Well, I better get on and do one of those things as he didn’t send the document.
Still counts as a bite though.
But why am I so trusting? Whenever an agency calls – when I’m out – and says they’ll send me an email I believe them. Rather, I should get their full name and contact phone number.
It involved sitting in a car.
Whilst doing this my phone rang.
Hurrah.
It was an agency calling to see if I was interested in a contract role in London.
Nice chat and he said he’d send my details to his client.
Goodly, goodington.
He also said he’d send an eight page job specification to me.
I’m sure I’ve got better things to do than read an eight page document. Well, I better get on and do one of those things as he didn’t send the document.
Still counts as a bite though.
But why am I so trusting? Whenever an agency calls – when I’m out – and says they’ll send me an email I believe them. Rather, I should get their full name and contact phone number.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
And we're off
Day one of the job hunting week and I’ve already applied for three jobs.
Let’s hope my mobile rings tomorrow.
Let’s hope my mobile rings tomorrow.
1, 2, 3 ...
… 21, 22, 23, 24, 25.
Yes.
Last week I applied for 25 jobs.
I received six bites.
And I attended one interview, which still might, just might, turn out positive.
Yes.
Last week I applied for 25 jobs.
I received six bites.
And I attended one interview, which still might, just might, turn out positive.
Any CRM recommendations?
I’ve posted the query on openBC’s message board, and I’ve also tried to post it on My LinkedIn Power Forum’s message board (but Yahoo won’t let me post at the moment) so I may as well post it here as well:
“Dear All,As a busy job hunter and networker I've been looking for a s/w tool to assist me.Basically I think it needs to be a CRM product which would allow me to keep track of jobs to which I've applied and people I've contacted.I've looked at NovoCM but that doesn't quite seem to fit my needs.Basically such a product needs to be:- Windows compliant- able to integrate with Outlook- probably able to integrate with Access, or use Access as its database engine- tailorable for personal rather than corporate use- free or at least less than €100.Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations?”
What I didn’t mention is that if I can’t find an appropriate CRM then I may have to write one myself. In fact I’m already using one I crudely knocked up in Access.
“Dear All,As a busy job hunter and networker I've been looking for a s/w tool to assist me.Basically I think it needs to be a CRM product which would allow me to keep track of jobs to which I've applied and people I've contacted.I've looked at NovoCM but that doesn't quite seem to fit my needs.Basically such a product needs to be:- Windows compliant- able to integrate with Outlook- probably able to integrate with Access, or use Access as its database engine- tailorable for personal rather than corporate use- free or at least less than €100.Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations?”
What I didn’t mention is that if I can’t find an appropriate CRM then I may have to write one myself. In fact I’m already using one I crudely knocked up in Access.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Saturday is a web day
Today hasn’t been all sitting on my arse, in a pub, drinking strong German lager.
In fact, I only did that during lunchtime.
Before and after I was doing job-hunting-related activities.
This was mainly spent updating my web-site. And this is relevant, as it contains all my professional details.
First of all I fixed some rendering problems. A few of the pages had the apostrophe rendered as an unknown character.
This was brought to my attention a few months ago (three months, actually, thanks Simon). I did have a quick look then but couldn’t see the cause.
Today, however, I had a slower, closer look and found that sometimes I used a different apostrophe character and it was that one which rendered badly. Quite a subtle cause.
Now fixed.
I also fixed a grammar mistake and made a few other minor changes.
I then had a good think about the colour scheme. Using colormatch.dk and Colorblender I found some better matching colour schemes.
Now, no-one would excuse me of design ability. But, I do think the site is clean and reasonably well laid out. I am a bit concerned about the yellow used for the links. So, I may revise it again one day.
But I do have to bear in mind that very few people have ever looked at this site.
I’m hoping to change this. Taking the hint from my “Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters” book I added some META tags. I also entered details about this site on Dmoz. So, maybe, just maybe, next time someone is looking for an IT team or project manager they’ll do a Google search and find my web site comes out at the top.
I won’t sit back and wait though.
In fact, I only did that during lunchtime.
Before and after I was doing job-hunting-related activities.
This was mainly spent updating my web-site. And this is relevant, as it contains all my professional details.
First of all I fixed some rendering problems. A few of the pages had the apostrophe rendered as an unknown character.
This was brought to my attention a few months ago (three months, actually, thanks Simon). I did have a quick look then but couldn’t see the cause.
Today, however, I had a slower, closer look and found that sometimes I used a different apostrophe character and it was that one which rendered badly. Quite a subtle cause.
Now fixed.
I also fixed a grammar mistake and made a few other minor changes.
I then had a good think about the colour scheme. Using colormatch.dk and Colorblender I found some better matching colour schemes.
Now, no-one would excuse me of design ability. But, I do think the site is clean and reasonably well laid out. I am a bit concerned about the yellow used for the links. So, I may revise it again one day.
But I do have to bear in mind that very few people have ever looked at this site.
I’m hoping to change this. Taking the hint from my “Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters” book I added some META tags. I also entered details about this site on Dmoz. So, maybe, just maybe, next time someone is looking for an IT team or project manager they’ll do a Google search and find my web site comes out at the top.
I won’t sit back and wait though.
Friday, January 20, 2006
That Friday feeling
Despite going to the gym in the afternoon I still managed to apply for five jobs today.
Which is rather good considering that:
No bites though.
One agency I spoke to really did like the sound of me. But not my minimum rate. Far too high for his client.
The agency handling the client with the extremely urgent need for project managers didn’t call back. I’m not sure how they’re going to fill any roles next week.
I didn’t hear anything more about the contract job in Munich. But I guess that’s because the agency hasn’t heard anything from the recruiting manager.
It’s the weekend now and I’m going to try out Moveable Type (which may mean a whole new look and feel for this blog …. one day).
Which is rather good considering that:
- it is the end of the week
- I couldn’t find any jobs yesterday
- I wasn’t looking for the whole day as usual.
No bites though.
One agency I spoke to really did like the sound of me. But not my minimum rate. Far too high for his client.
The agency handling the client with the extremely urgent need for project managers didn’t call back. I’m not sure how they’re going to fill any roles next week.
I didn’t hear anything more about the contract job in Munich. But I guess that’s because the agency hasn’t heard anything from the recruiting manager.
It’s the weekend now and I’m going to try out Moveable Type (which may mean a whole new look and feel for this blog …. one day).
Damn
I didn’t sneeze today – damn.
And the agencies who said they’d call didn’t (and weren't likely to) – damn.
And it was Friday so I could leave the afternoon’s job hunting trawl to Sunday – damn.
So, er, I went to the gym.
And the agencies who said they’d call didn’t (and weren't likely to) – damn.
And it was Friday so I could leave the afternoon’s job hunting trawl to Sunday – damn.
So, er, I went to the gym.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
More Munich
The agent who called me yesterday, just to say he hadn’t heard from his client about the Munich job (the one I interviewed for on Monday) called me today.
He’d spoken to the recruiting manager. This manager confirmed that I had interviewed and come across very well but didn’t have the experience needed in such large and complex projects. And after all, I hadn’t actually applied for that job.
Anyway, although he hasn’t reached a decision, there is another role emerging for which I may be more suitable. Probably, hear about it tomorrow.
He’d spoken to the recruiting manager. This manager confirmed that I had interviewed and come across very well but didn’t have the experience needed in such large and complex projects. And after all, I hadn’t actually applied for that job.
Anyway, although he hasn’t reached a decision, there is another role emerging for which I may be more suitable. Probably, hear about it tomorrow.
Funny sort of day (3)
Last year I flew to Munich for a second interview. But I didn’t get the job.
And no-one else did either.
Ever since I occasionally see the job advertised on Monster. Sure, I hadn’t come across the technology they were using. But by now I would be lecturing about it at Munich’s technical university.
Ahem.
Anyway today I received a phone call from the recruitment agent who had arranged the interview.
The company is getting a bit stretched now, seeing as they haven’t yet found a suitable project manager. The agent wondered if I’d be happy to be reconsidered by them.
“Doch ja”
And no-one else did either.
Ever since I occasionally see the job advertised on Monster. Sure, I hadn’t come across the technology they were using. But by now I would be lecturing about it at Munich’s technical university.
Ahem.
Anyway today I received a phone call from the recruitment agent who had arranged the interview.
The company is getting a bit stretched now, seeing as they haven’t yet found a suitable project manager. The agent wondered if I’d be happy to be reconsidered by them.
“Doch ja”
Funny sort of day (2)
On Tuesday I applied for a PM job with an internet company.
The agent for the client only gave an 0870 telephone number. I refuse to call these as they cost more and are used as an additional revenue source by the company.
Anyway, this afternoon I received an email from the agent. He wondered if I was interested in a PM job with an internet company. The description was exactly the same as in the advert.
So, I sent exactly the same email application back to him with exactly the same c.v.
He hasn’t called.
The agent for the client only gave an 0870 telephone number. I refuse to call these as they cost more and are used as an additional revenue source by the company.
Anyway, this afternoon I received an email from the agent. He wondered if I was interested in a PM job with an internet company. The description was exactly the same as in the advert.
So, I sent exactly the same email application back to him with exactly the same c.v.
He hasn’t called.
The reason(s)
This morning I called an agency who had contacted me on Tuesday about an assignment that needed filling very quickly. They want people to start next week, preferably Monday.
So, as I hadn’t heard anything yesterday I thought I’d give him a call.
He said he might have heard from his client this afternoon.
Damn. So that means I’d better stay by the phone rather than go to the gym. I know you know I’ve got a mobile phone but it’s not ideal taking a call with loads of gym-type background noises.
In case he called early in the afternoon, leaving me time to still go to the gym, well, I did sneeze twice today, so had better not go anyway, just in case I’m getting a cold.
So, as I hadn’t heard anything yesterday I thought I’d give him a call.
He said he might have heard from his client this afternoon.
Damn. So that means I’d better stay by the phone rather than go to the gym. I know you know I’ve got a mobile phone but it’s not ideal taking a call with loads of gym-type background noises.
In case he called early in the afternoon, leaving me time to still go to the gym, well, I did sneeze twice today, so had better not go anyway, just in case I’m getting a cold.
Funny sort of day (1)
Well, I’ve looked and looked but couldn’t find any jobs to which I could apply.
Not that there weren’t jobs posted, just none suitable (or in the wrong place, or working for the government or something).
Anyway, as mentioned before, I already applied for loads of jobs this week.
Not that there weren’t jobs posted, just none suitable (or in the wrong place, or working for the government or something).
Anyway, as mentioned before, I already applied for loads of jobs this week.
Early start
After two days of frantic job hunting I started today’s trawl early. Well, earlier than usual.
By going through jobs posted in the JobServe and Monster since 3pm yesterday I managed to apply for no jobs whatsoever.
This would normally result in a slight panic. But so far this week I’ve applied for 20 jobs and received six bites. And besides, I’ll be looking again this afternoon.
By going through jobs posted in the JobServe and Monster since 3pm yesterday I managed to apply for no jobs whatsoever.
This would normally result in a slight panic. But so far this week I’ve applied for 20 jobs and received six bites. And besides, I’ll be looking again this afternoon.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Another busy day not at work
Today I managed to apply for seven jobs.
This means that I’ve applied for 20 jobs so far this week and I wasn’t looking on Monday! Plus, I’ve got two more days to go.
This means that I’ve applied for 20 jobs so far this week and I wasn’t looking on Monday! Plus, I’ve got two more days to go.
German chill
The agency called me this evening (after
The recruitment agent thinks he’ll hear more tomorrow.
It pays to call
I really like it when agencies call me in response to applications I've sent them.
But it doesn't always have happen.
So, today I called agencies whom I emailed over the last couple of days.
Quite a result.
In all, this resulted in four bites. That's right, four bites in one day.
One bite was quite quick. I called the agency, had a very brief chat and they said they'd send my c.v. to their client. I prefer longer chats but in the end it doesn't really matter.
But it doesn't always have happen.
So, today I called agencies whom I emailed over the last couple of days.
Quite a result.
In all, this resulted in four bites. That's right, four bites in one day.
One bite was quite quick. I called the agency, had a very brief chat and they said they'd send my c.v. to their client. I prefer longer chats but in the end it doesn't really matter.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
-
Yesterday morning I visited the local print/copy shop to get a hard copy of my c.v. before going on to the station and on to my interview.
I glanced at the document and found a little typo.
In one sentence I had used the phrase “… internal, client- and supplier stakeholders …”
Damn: “client” had a hyphen, the other members of the list didn’t.
No big deal, probably no-one but I would spot the inconsistency but still annoying.
Actually a bit more annoying. This phrase was in the section summarising my communication skills.
Damn and a side helping of bugger.
I glanced at the document and found a little typo.
In one sentence I had used the phrase “… internal, client- and supplier stakeholders …”
Damn: “client” had a hyphen, the other members of the list didn’t.
No big deal, probably no-one but I would spot the inconsistency but still annoying.
Actually a bit more annoying. This phrase was in the section summarising my communication skills.
Damn and a side helping of bugger.
Back to the slog
Today I had to trawl through job adverts for both today and yesterday.
Big slog.
It resulted in 13 applications.
My first bite occurred after my 10th application.
I’d phoned the recruiting agent but he was on the phone.
Just after I hanged up my mobile rang.
It was him. Pure coincidence that he called me just after I’d tried to call him.
My background was a very good fit for his client. They have an urgent requirement for a lot of project managers on a contract/freelance basis. I have an urgent requirement not to sit on my arse all day job hunting.
He’s sending my c.v. to his client and hopes to get back to me very quickly. They’re looking for a start date of next Monday. I’m up for it although I’ll be very surprised if they did move that fast.
A bit later another agency called about my application I’d sent a few hours before. He’s sent it to his client; another bite.
Big slog.
It resulted in 13 applications.
My first bite occurred after my 10th application.
I’d phoned the recruiting agent but he was on the phone.
Just after I hanged up my mobile rang.
It was him. Pure coincidence that he called me just after I’d tried to call him.
My background was a very good fit for his client. They have an urgent requirement for a lot of project managers on a contract/freelance basis. I have an urgent requirement not to sit on my arse all day job hunting.
He’s sending my c.v. to his client and hopes to get back to me very quickly. They’re looking for a start date of next Monday. I’m up for it although I’ll be very surprised if they did move that fast.
A bit later another agency called about my application I’d sent a few hours before. He’s sent it to his client; another bite.
Bracknell is undead
… as once seen written on the one of the many subway walls in that town.
It still is.
As always I had planned a lot of contingency time for my trip to Bracknell.
And thanks to our national railway system not one second was used up.
That’s very unusual.
So I was left with quite a lot of time before my interview.
What to do?
In Bracknell?
“Leave” is the usual answer.
But in this case I needed to eat lunch.
Many years ago I worked in that town for a few months. Sadly, not much has changed. I was hoping that there would be at least some minor change, for example, maybe they could have a Pret A Manger sandwich shop in the high street or Mall. Everywhere else has at least one.
Pret A Manger, however, would be too progressive for Bracknell. In fact, I didn’t even stumble across a Starbucks. I’m not saying that there isn’t a Starbucks in the town. That would be too unlikely. But I didn’t notice one and that is very unusual (not that I wanted to go to Starbucks).
Eventually I found a reasonable sandwich shop.
After eating there I walked to the office where I was going to be interviewed.
The office wasn’t actually in the town and would normally warrant a taxi ride but I did have a lot of time to kill.
I still arrived early and walked around the industrial estate for a while.
Anyway, when the time was due I went and had the interview.
It immediately transpired that the job spec. I was given was totally wrong. Damn, I’d been reading up on SAP over the weekend.
The recruiter was looking for a project manager, more a programme manager really, to help deliver a massive (and I mean massive) service implementation.
Well, I have some experience in the service delivery field plus, of course, project management. But the scale and complexity of this initiative was much larger than anything I have come across.
This was clear, indeed clear from my c.v. (which he had seen a few days before) and he said that this was his concern. Which is fair enough.
Still, the interview wasn’t too negative. I debriefed the agency immediately afterwards (another expensive call to Germany). It’s possible the recruiter will still want me. And, as I’m sure I interviewed well (especially as it wasn’t the spec. I’d expected), he may keep me in mind for other assignments. We’ll see.
Afterwards I went into London, met up with a few friends and had a few beers. Oh yes.
It still is.
As always I had planned a lot of contingency time for my trip to Bracknell.
And thanks to our national railway system not one second was used up.
That’s very unusual.
So I was left with quite a lot of time before my interview.
What to do?
In Bracknell?
“Leave” is the usual answer.
But in this case I needed to eat lunch.
Many years ago I worked in that town for a few months. Sadly, not much has changed. I was hoping that there would be at least some minor change, for example, maybe they could have a Pret A Manger sandwich shop in the high street or Mall. Everywhere else has at least one.
Pret A Manger, however, would be too progressive for Bracknell. In fact, I didn’t even stumble across a Starbucks. I’m not saying that there isn’t a Starbucks in the town. That would be too unlikely. But I didn’t notice one and that is very unusual (not that I wanted to go to Starbucks).
Eventually I found a reasonable sandwich shop.
After eating there I walked to the office where I was going to be interviewed.
The office wasn’t actually in the town and would normally warrant a taxi ride but I did have a lot of time to kill.
I still arrived early and walked around the industrial estate for a while.
Anyway, when the time was due I went and had the interview.
It immediately transpired that the job spec. I was given was totally wrong. Damn, I’d been reading up on SAP over the weekend.
The recruiter was looking for a project manager, more a programme manager really, to help deliver a massive (and I mean massive) service implementation.
Well, I have some experience in the service delivery field plus, of course, project management. But the scale and complexity of this initiative was much larger than anything I have come across.
This was clear, indeed clear from my c.v. (which he had seen a few days before) and he said that this was his concern. Which is fair enough.
Still, the interview wasn’t too negative. I debriefed the agency immediately afterwards (another expensive call to Germany). It’s possible the recruiter will still want me. And, as I’m sure I interviewed well (especially as it wasn’t the spec. I’d expected), he may keep me in mind for other assignments. We’ll see.
Afterwards I went into London, met up with a few friends and had a few beers. Oh yes.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
A quick trawl
I start the job hunting week with a trawl on Sunday. This is to catch jobs posted since Friday mid-afternoon.
Often it turns up suitable jobs.
Not today though.
Tomorrow I'm off to Bracknell for an interview, then London for some beers.
So, you'll be very lucky if you see a posting tomorrow. As I've mentioned before, best to get an RSS reader.
Often it turns up suitable jobs.
Not today though.
Tomorrow I'm off to Bracknell for an interview, then London for some beers.
So, you'll be very lucky if you see a posting tomorrow. As I've mentioned before, best to get an RSS reader.
Another week at work
I know you've been waiting for this round up.
Here it is.
Last week I applied for 23 jobs.
I also received five bites.
Moreover, despite the volume of applications, I managed to get a haircut and read one book.
Here it is.
Last week I applied for 23 jobs.
I also received five bites.
Moreover, despite the volume of applications, I managed to get a haircut and read one book.
Americans
Yesterday I received the book "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters" (I also received The Economist's "Style Guide" but haven't read it yet which is why I'm still using quotes rather than italics for book names. Probably.).
This afternoon I finished the Guerilla book. Well, some people speed read, others skim... I speed skim.
What do you think?
I think it's a very good book.
Having read it, would you buy it?
Absolutely not. I've already got it, why would I want to buy another copy?!
Er, okay, having read it, would you recommend it?
Yes.
But with caveats.
Sod caveats, with cautions. Caveats are for dead Romans.
Basically, you need to remember that this book is written by Americans for North Americans.
Some of the enthusiasm and assertiveness ... well, we English have medications for that sort of enthusiasm. And if necessary we have cruising armed police officers who would deal with that sort of assertiveness with extreme prejudice, not to mention extreme stupidity.
One story the book relates is of a near-destitute job-seeker who conned her way into a school to use the IT to create a c.v.
This was mentioned as a laudable act.
My view is that her actions were unethical, fraudalent and most probably criminal (deception and theft).
In the UK these days you'd end up either facing the camera lens of a photographer from the Daily Mail or the muzzle of a homicidal policeman*. Most likely, the latter would be preferable.
But ignoring these American-isms it is a very good book. I'll be reading it again, slightly slower, and utilizing a lot of its recommendations.
*We're admired throughout the world because our police are not routinely armed. Actually, it's just as well they're not.
This afternoon I finished the Guerilla book. Well, some people speed read, others skim... I speed skim.
What do you think?
I think it's a very good book.
Having read it, would you buy it?
Absolutely not. I've already got it, why would I want to buy another copy?!
Er, okay, having read it, would you recommend it?
Yes.
But with caveats.
Sod caveats, with cautions. Caveats are for dead Romans.
Basically, you need to remember that this book is written by Americans for North Americans.
Some of the enthusiasm and assertiveness ... well, we English have medications for that sort of enthusiasm. And if necessary we have cruising armed police officers who would deal with that sort of assertiveness with extreme prejudice, not to mention extreme stupidity.
One story the book relates is of a near-destitute job-seeker who conned her way into a school to use the IT to create a c.v.
This was mentioned as a laudable act.
My view is that her actions were unethical, fraudalent and most probably criminal (deception and theft).
In the UK these days you'd end up either facing the camera lens of a photographer from the Daily Mail or the muzzle of a homicidal policeman*. Most likely, the latter would be preferable.
But ignoring these American-isms it is a very good book. I'll be reading it again, slightly slower, and utilizing a lot of its recommendations.
*We're admired throughout the world because our police are not routinely armed. Actually, it's just as well they're not.
Done it
There was a bit of procrastination (well I'm a type B person, although a type B person who writes a blog) but I finally renewed my LinkedIn subscription.
I went for the full year renewal because I get two months free. So it only cost $150.
"Only" not being the word when you don't have an income.
As well as the free months I also get a free polo shirt. With a LinkedIn logo.
Er.
Not sure why they included it - if anything it put me off renewing for the full year.
Anyway I'm sure I'll be using LinkedIn for a long time.
I went for the full year renewal because I get two months free. So it only cost $150.
"Only" not being the word when you don't have an income.
As well as the free months I also get a free polo shirt. With a LinkedIn logo.
Er.
Not sure why they included it - if anything it put me off renewing for the full year.
Anyway I'm sure I'll be using LinkedIn for a long time.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Preparation
How do you prepare for an interview?
Well, I go and get a haircut. I'm a bit choosy about my hairdresser as I've found that the less hair you have the more haircut you need.
It's Friday 13th but I'm not scared. It's not like I could end up with a perm.
So this afternoon was spent getting my haircut (well it's an hour's journey, by train, just to get to the city).
In view of this I spent this morning in a frenzy of job hunting. In total I applied for four jobs.
Very respectable.
I was a little bit disappointed that no-one called in response but that's probably just as well. I'm a bit highly strung so if my mobile had rung whilst I was in the salon I'd probably now be in Brighton hospital having some scissors removed from head.
Well, I go and get a haircut. I'm a bit choosy about my hairdresser as I've found that the less hair you have the more haircut you need.
It's Friday 13th but I'm not scared. It's not like I could end up with a perm.
So this afternoon was spent getting my haircut (well it's an hour's journey, by train, just to get to the city).
In view of this I spent this morning in a frenzy of job hunting. In total I applied for four jobs.
Very respectable.
I was a little bit disappointed that no-one called in response but that's probably just as well. I'm a bit highly strung so if my mobile had rung whilst I was in the salon I'd probably now be in Brighton hospital having some scissors removed from head.
Awesome Outlook tip
... from Lifehacker.
And as you know, I seldom use the work "awsome".
There are some further tips here and here.
And as you know, I seldom use the work "awsome".
There are some further tips here and here.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Compare and contrast
Yesterday I applied for 14 jobs.
Today I applied for one job.
I also received one bite and had one interview confirmed.
Today I applied for one job.
I also received one bite and had one interview confirmed.
Excitement
Late yesterday afternoon I applied for a contract job - project managing a relocation for a bank.
Quite up my street.
But I forgot about it until late this morning.
I then phoned the agency who was very impressed, indeed excited. I'd sent a generic c.v. but he wanted more quantitative details. I have such a c.v. ready to go.
He also made a few other suggestions which I incorporated and then sent to him.
After lunch we spoke some more.
He was now concerned that I hadn't worked since end of May and that this wouldn't look too good. Less excited now.
I was a bit miffed about this: I'm doing my best to get a job but "you cannot fight an economy".
Anyway, I emailed an apologia:
I phoned another agency about a job for which I applied yesterday. I asked him how he was finding the market. He said it was buyount. I explained that I've found it rather erratic and he then recalled that the summer time was particularly bad.
That was more reassuring.
He also said I had a really good c.v. Which was nice. But he didn't have a suitable job for me.
Bugger.
A few hours later the other agency phoned back. He'd spoken to his manager and they were going to put my name forward to their client.
Phew. A bite.
Quite up my street.
But I forgot about it until late this morning.
I then phoned the agency who was very impressed, indeed excited. I'd sent a generic c.v. but he wanted more quantitative details. I have such a c.v. ready to go.
He also made a few other suggestions which I incorporated and then sent to him.
After lunch we spoke some more.
He was now concerned that I hadn't worked since end of May and that this wouldn't look too good. Less excited now.
I was a bit miffed about this: I'm doing my best to get a job but "you cannot fight an economy".
Anyway, I emailed an apologia:
"... This is what I've been doing since end of May:
- not working and resting after an intense interim assignment
- travelling, I've visited Helsinki, Tallinn and Munich
- studying Windows XP
- learining some Javascript
- building a business in Finland, it's registered and we hope to be trading soon
- applying for jobs, I've attended interviews and received one offer which I rejected as the agency misled me and the client about rates...."
I phoned another agency about a job for which I applied yesterday. I asked him how he was finding the market. He said it was buyount. I explained that I've found it rather erratic and he then recalled that the summer time was particularly bad.
That was more reassuring.
He also said I had a really good c.v. Which was nice. But he didn't have a suitable job for me.
Bugger.
A few hours later the other agency phoned back. He'd spoken to his manager and they were going to put my name forward to their client.
Phew. A bite.
Munich
Just before I put the jam (strawberry) on my toast my mobile phone rang.
I could see his caller ID, he was phoning from Germany.
So, the caller was an hour ahead. But I wasn't and I was still trying to have breakfast.
Oh well, I supposed I'd better answer it.
It was the agency I contacted last week about a job in Munich.
We had another nice chat, this time about the weather. At least this time it was his phone call, not mine.
Eventually he got round to the point. His client wanted to see me.
Great. Should I break out the lederhosen and brush down my hunter's jacket?
Er, no.
Turns out the recruiter is in England next week and can see me there.
O ... K.
And the recruiter will be in ...
Bracknell.
So on Monday, I'm going to Bracknell for an interview for a job in Munich.
Ironically, when I left Munich (I used to work there) I went to work in Bracknell for a few months (although I was living in London).
First interview of the year.
I could see his caller ID, he was phoning from Germany.
So, the caller was an hour ahead. But I wasn't and I was still trying to have breakfast.
Oh well, I supposed I'd better answer it.
It was the agency I contacted last week about a job in Munich.
We had another nice chat, this time about the weather. At least this time it was his phone call, not mine.
Eventually he got round to the point. His client wanted to see me.
Great. Should I break out the lederhosen and brush down my hunter's jacket?
Er, no.
Turns out the recruiter is in England next week and can see me there.
O ... K.
And the recruiter will be in ...
Bracknell.
So on Monday, I'm going to Bracknell for an interview for a job in Munich.
Ironically, when I left Munich (I used to work there) I went to work in Bracknell for a few months (although I was living in London).
First interview of the year.
Reading
Harry Hutton, or rather his posts, describe the perils of Reading, including confusion over its pronounciation.
I went to the University of Reading and have experienced the pronounciation problem by funny foreigners.
I went to the University of Reading and have experienced the pronounciation problem by funny foreigners.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Busy
When I talk to people and they say they're busy I remind them that "busy is good".
Although you can be busy without being in employment which isn't good.
Like today.
Today, I managed to apply for 14 jobs.
14.
Fourteen.
!
And I started the day fearing there would be a dearth of jobs, like yesterday and Monday.
It seems I wasn't the only one being busy.
Quite a few agencies I called today said they were inundated with applications. Whilst I was talking to one agent about a job she received three more applications for it.
I phoned every agency to whom I applied today, and received, in total, three bites.
Although you can be busy without being in employment which isn't good.
Like today.
Today, I managed to apply for 14 jobs.
14.
Fourteen.
!
And I started the day fearing there would be a dearth of jobs, like yesterday and Monday.
It seems I wasn't the only one being busy.
Quite a few agencies I called today said they were inundated with applications. Whilst I was talking to one agent about a job she received three more applications for it.
I phoned every agency to whom I applied today, and received, in total, three bites.
Where?
This morning, just before I finished breakfast, I received a call from an agency. But at least I was out of bed when he called.
It was for a job in Hell. Well, that's might have been what he said but he then gave the name of the company - who are rather well known - and they are based in Hull.
Same sort of thing probably.
I've been to Hull. Er, it's ok, in a Northern-town/city sort of way. And boy is it Northern.
Well, the job's a contract and, well, it's a bite.
It was for a job in Hell. Well, that's might have been what he said but he then gave the name of the company - who are rather well known - and they are based in Hull.
Same sort of thing probably.
I've been to Hull. Er, it's ok, in a Northern-town/city sort of way. And boy is it Northern.
Well, the job's a contract and, well, it's a bite.
The question
"Are you a hands-on manager?"
This was included in the specification for a job I'm quite qualified to do.
So I sent the usual covering email but added, near the end, "And, yes, I am a hands-on project manger."
I then phoned him. But by then, he had already sent his quota of c.v.s, so he'll hold mine in reserve.
This was included in the specification for a job I'm quite qualified to do.
So I sent the usual covering email but added, near the end, "And, yes, I am a hands-on project manger."
I then phoned him. But by then, he had already sent his quota of c.v.s, so he'll hold mine in reserve.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
RSS at last
Finally, I've installed an RSS reader, Klipfolio.
I'm principally going to use it for JobServe feeds. And, if I can get it to work, Monster.
Although Klipfolio itself is very good, I'm not sure about the feeds. I'll try it out for a few days.
Anyway, it's been a bit useful already (and it is free): it bleeped when JobServe was updated and there was a role to which I could apply. So I did.
That's the only application for today. No bites.
I'm principally going to use it for JobServe feeds. And, if I can get it to work, Monster.
Although Klipfolio itself is very good, I'm not sure about the feeds. I'll try it out for a few days.
Anyway, it's been a bit useful already (and it is free): it bleeped when JobServe was updated and there was a role to which I could apply. So I did.
That's the only application for today. No bites.
Something different
I've ordered a couple of books from Amazon: Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters and The Economist Style Guide.
The former may give me some ideas, or at least help me think differently about my job hunting apporach.
I brought the latter so that I'd get free delivery on the first book (it took the total order over the £15 threshold for free delivery); but actually I've been meaning to buy this book for years.
The former may give me some ideas, or at least help me think differently about my job hunting apporach.
I brought the latter so that I'd get free delivery on the first book (it took the total order over the £15 threshold for free delivery); but actually I've been meaning to buy this book for years.
Handy
The company I emailed yesterday, on-spec, were acting shy today.
I tried a few times this morning but couldn't get through. Even to their main number (which was given as a sales number)!
Eventually, I got through and found that the person mentioned on their web site for job enquiries had left.
I was given another name and their direct email address.
That was handy as I could correct the error I made yesterday and resend the email.
I then tried to call, on the new number given, her but couldn't get through.
I tried a few times this morning but couldn't get through. Even to their main number (which was given as a sales number)!
Eventually, I got through and found that the person mentioned on their web site for job enquiries had left.
I was given another name and their direct email address.
That was handy as I could correct the error I made yesterday and resend the email.
I then tried to call, on the new number given, her but couldn't get through.
Monday, January 09, 2006
More new approach
As you can tell from the letter I wrote to the company it represents a slightly different approach:
- for a start it's an on-spec letter as I couldn't find out who would be a good recipient for it
- it's punchier than I'd normally write, certainly the subject and opening line are punchier
- it's more sale-sy than I'd normally write and there's more text than usual
Plus the c.v. I attached ("my details") was in PDF format. I normally send a Word file in RTF but for this application I thought I'd see how PDF is treated by the company. I think it looks much better. (Incidentally I use www.gobcl.com for free conversion to PDF).
The advice I was given from at least one career consultancy was to print out such letters and send them by post.
I've done this a few times before but I simply emailed this one. Well, it's a high-tech very 21C company and I just don't think a posted letter would be well received.
Did you spot the error in the covering letter?
?
I put my last salary as £xx p.a. It should, of course, be £xx k p.a. though why it isn't £xxx k p.a. is nothing short of a national scandal.
Oh well, it's a minor blimp. I actually added that line just before sending and guess I did it a bit too quickly. The rest I'd proof read - aloud - several times.
- for a start it's an on-spec letter as I couldn't find out who would be a good recipient for it
- it's punchier than I'd normally write, certainly the subject and opening line are punchier
- it's more sale-sy than I'd normally write and there's more text than usual
Plus the c.v. I attached ("my details") was in PDF format. I normally send a Word file in RTF but for this application I thought I'd see how PDF is treated by the company. I think it looks much better. (Incidentally I use www.gobcl.com for free conversion to PDF).
The advice I was given from at least one career consultancy was to print out such letters and send them by post.
I've done this a few times before but I simply emailed this one. Well, it's a high-tech very 21C company and I just don't think a posted letter would be well received.
Did you spot the error in the covering letter?
?
I put my last salary as £xx p.a. It should, of course, be £xx k p.a. though why it isn't £xxx k p.a. is nothing short of a national scandal.
Oh well, it's a minor blimp. I actually added that line just before sending and guess I did it a bit too quickly. The rest I'd proof read - aloud - several times.
Deja phoned
I received one phone call today.
It was an agency who wondered if I was interested in a PM contract role.
As he went through the details I started to recall - and could check against my jobs database - his name and agency.
Indeed, he'd phoned on Thursday. He'd clear forgotten about this. Although the job details he gave were similar to the ones given last week it was actually for another company.
That's a bite.
So, although I didn't see any jobs to which I could apply, nevertheless today amassed two applications.
It was an agency who wondered if I was interested in a PM contract role.
As he went through the details I started to recall - and could check against my jobs database - his name and agency.
Indeed, he'd phoned on Thursday. He'd clear forgotten about this. Although the job details he gave were similar to the ones given last week it was actually for another company.
That's a bite.
So, although I didn't see any jobs to which I could apply, nevertheless today amassed two applications.
How may I help?
Last few job hunting days (though, of course, every day is a job hunting day) I've been looking into an interesting up and coming company.
It's been impossible to find out key financial information about it over the web but I feel I'd like to apply.
Being a paid-up member of LinkedIn and openBC I checked who would be good contacts within the business. Unfortunately I couldn't find anyone suitable.
Looking at their web site they gave a jobs@ ... email address and a phone number. I couldn't get through to anyone on that number.
I really wanted a name to address the email, but as I couldn't get through I went ahead with the email. Here's what I put.
Subject: How can I help? ...
... Well, I have skills and experience in managing teams and projects within national and multi-national business ventures.
I thought that using this style I'd get around the problem of using Dear Whoever
In particular this background includes:
- Project management: I’ve managed the delivery of numerous and varied IT-related projects. Some of these have been vital to companies’ on-going success and some have had to be completed within very tight deadlines. My qualifications include PRINCE 2 Practitioner and the APMP (the UK’s core qualification in project management).
- People and team management: For over five years I have led and developed people and teams, dealing with personnel issues, recruiting, setting objectives, assigning training, coaching, conducting appraisals etc. As a result of my leadership and coaching staff and their managers have received recognition and promotion. They have also achieved very high levels of service and project delivery, within demanding and complex situations.
- Multi-national experience: As a manager I was based in Munich for a year. During and since that time I have worked closely with colleagues in the UK, Europe and the USA, delivering services and projects.
- Innovative activities: I have built a specialised IT service from scratch, grown teams and brought control to various operations. Currently I’m co-establishing a business in Finland (although this is very much a side-activity).
I’m flexible regarding working locations and mode of assignment (i.e. permanent, interim or contract).
In my last role, an interim assignment, my remuneration was equivalent to £xx p.a.
Having researched [Name of Company] I would very much like to contribute to your company’s venture in [the key activity of the company] in the UK and Europe.
Please let me know how I can help; my details are attached.
With best regards,
etc etc
In my email signiature I included my Skype contact. Well, they're the sort of company who might appreciate this (they're actually in an alliance with them amongst others).
It's been impossible to find out key financial information about it over the web but I feel I'd like to apply.
Being a paid-up member of LinkedIn and openBC I checked who would be good contacts within the business. Unfortunately I couldn't find anyone suitable.
Looking at their web site they gave a jobs@ ... email address and a phone number. I couldn't get through to anyone on that number.
I really wanted a name to address the email, but as I couldn't get through I went ahead with the email. Here's what I put.
Subject: How can I help? ...
... Well, I have skills and experience in managing teams and projects within national and multi-national business ventures.
I thought that using this style I'd get around the problem of using Dear Whoever
In particular this background includes:
- Project management: I’ve managed the delivery of numerous and varied IT-related projects. Some of these have been vital to companies’ on-going success and some have had to be completed within very tight deadlines. My qualifications include PRINCE 2 Practitioner and the APMP (the UK’s core qualification in project management).
- People and team management: For over five years I have led and developed people and teams, dealing with personnel issues, recruiting, setting objectives, assigning training, coaching, conducting appraisals etc. As a result of my leadership and coaching staff and their managers have received recognition and promotion. They have also achieved very high levels of service and project delivery, within demanding and complex situations.
- Multi-national experience: As a manager I was based in Munich for a year. During and since that time I have worked closely with colleagues in the UK, Europe and the USA, delivering services and projects.
- Innovative activities: I have built a specialised IT service from scratch, grown teams and brought control to various operations. Currently I’m co-establishing a business in Finland (although this is very much a side-activity).
I’m flexible regarding working locations and mode of assignment (i.e. permanent, interim or contract).
In my last role, an interim assignment, my remuneration was equivalent to £xx p.a.
Having researched [Name of Company] I would very much like to contribute to your company’s venture in [the key activity of the company] in the UK and Europe.
Please let me know how I can help; my details are attached.
With best regards,
etc etc
In my email signiature I included my Skype contact. Well, they're the sort of company who might appreciate this (they're actually in an alliance with them amongst others).
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Dull and grey
It’s been raining all day today - I think the correct term is “raining like a bitch” - but you can see that from the weather pixie on the right. Glad she’s not wearing her usual top - she could have caught a chill.
To suit the mood of the day I couldn’t find any jobs to which to apply.
More hunting adventures tomorrow.
To suit the mood of the day I couldn’t find any jobs to which to apply.
More hunting adventures tomorrow.
Poor
I’m offended.
Last year I sent a very nice LinkedIn message to someone working in a large, multi-national organisation for whom I’m interested in joining.
As always, I wrote the message myself and tailored it to the individual (who I didn’t know but could see his details). In it I asked for any advice or names within his organisation who I could contact.
I received no reply for a few weeks and LinkedIn suggested that I withdraw the message. However, I thought that holidays and other things may have intervened.
Today, though, I received a decline message. No explanation, just a “Not Interested”.
What’s the point in being in a networking forum, and suggesting you can always be contacted (which he does) then ignoring such a contact? Plus, I have quite a few of my own contacts (members of my immediate network), in fact more than him, which he could find useful one day.
Last year I sent a very nice LinkedIn message to someone working in a large, multi-national organisation for whom I’m interested in joining.
As always, I wrote the message myself and tailored it to the individual (who I didn’t know but could see his details). In it I asked for any advice or names within his organisation who I could contact.
I received no reply for a few weeks and LinkedIn suggested that I withdraw the message. However, I thought that holidays and other things may have intervened.
Today, though, I received a decline message. No explanation, just a “Not Interested”.
What’s the point in being in a networking forum, and suggesting you can always be contacted (which he does) then ignoring such a contact? Plus, I have quite a few of my own contacts (members of my immediate network), in fact more than him, which he could find useful one day.
Round up
Yesterday afternoon I double-checked: No, I wasn’t going to be asked to be the next leader of the Liberal Democrat Party. So I had another beer.
It was Bavarian beer and very nice. Though, if I was in Munich I would be drinking it in heterosexual measures.
BTW I find the name Liberal Democrat very off-putting. It’s mad. It suggests that you could have a Liberal Totalitarian Party.
What’s wrong with calling it the Liberal Party? After all, it was – for a long time - the party of Churchill and he could drink.
Apart from not being asked to lead a major political party I applied for 12 jobs. I also received four bites.
Not bad for the first week of the new job hunting year.
It was Bavarian beer and very nice. Though, if I was in Munich I would be drinking it in heterosexual measures.
BTW I find the name Liberal Democrat very off-putting. It’s mad. It suggests that you could have a Liberal Totalitarian Party.
What’s wrong with calling it the Liberal Party? After all, it was – for a long time - the party of Churchill and he could drink.
Apart from not being asked to lead a major political party I applied for 12 jobs. I also received four bites.
Not bad for the first week of the new job hunting year.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Quieter
Well, I guess it is the first job hunting Friday of the new year.
In total I applied for just two jobs. And unlike yesterday I didn’t receive any calls from recruiters.
In total I applied for just two jobs. And unlike yesterday I didn’t receive any calls from recruiters.
Quick call
This morning I applied for a contract PM job in Munich.
And this afternoon I phoned the recruiting agent, who was English but working in Frankfurt.
I phoned the agency on my mobile.
We had a good chat. Quite a chat actually, a bit longer than you’d normally like for a trans-national mobile phone call.
Anyway, it’s only money.
He’ll get back to me next week.
And this afternoon I phoned the recruiting agent, who was English but working in Frankfurt.
I phoned the agency on my mobile.
We had a good chat. Quite a chat actually, a bit longer than you’d normally like for a trans-national mobile phone call.
Anyway, it’s only money.
He’ll get back to me next week.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Busy day
Phone rang quite a few times today.
One was an agency calling on spec and he's sending my c.v. to this client - a bite.
In all I applied for five jobs today.
One was an agency calling on spec and he's sending my c.v. to this client - a bite.
In all I applied for five jobs today.
Interesting job of the day
This job appeared several times today on the Monster board.
Now, I'm in now way suggesting that this isn't an advert by Accenture.
But it lacks a certain finesse.
For example:
- no logo, Accenture caused a bit of a stir in the sensible world when they revealed their logo. What was that greater than (>) sign doing over the "t"? In fact they caused a bit of stir when they revealed their new, rebranded name, having split from Arthur Andersen. Well, if you've got a daft name, you may as well have a daft logo I suppose. Pity they haven't used it here.
- a non-Accenture domain name. Come on guys, that looks so suspicious. Use your own domain name. There's no shame working for Accenture these days, apparently.
- a non-landline contact number. Look, I only use a mobile phone number but I'm cool. If you can't afford a landline telephone then I'm not sure I want to work for you (if I did, which I don't).
- non-standard layout. Just look at the Accenture web site, go on, I dare you. Follow its look and feel.
Well, for various reasons I didn't apply.
For a start I'm not totally convinced it's actually an advert on behalf of Accenture. But even if it was I wouldn't apply. I don't want to work in Africa and I don't want to work for Accenture.
If this is a scam do they really think IT people would fall for it? After all, we're the people who got other people, people with ponytails and/or goaty beards, to use Apple Macs.
I wonder how many responses they'll get.
ACCENTURE CONSULTING LTD CROWN HOUSE 51-52 THE ALDWYCH LONDON WC2B 4AX TEL: +44 (0) 791 427 7810 FAX: +44 (0) 20 7844 4443 ATTENTION: INTRODUCTION ACCENTURE CONSULTING LTD, pursuant to the service contract with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) in their Bonga Field Development Project (BFDP), intends to Invite experienced and reputable persons having prime experience and capable of providing IT technical support services (as individuals or in a team). The ideal candidates will have commercial acumen and people skills, and must be forward thinking, flexible, committed and passionate. Must demonstrate previous experience from within a similar role. MS Access skills are desirable. Excellent spoken and written English is essential. Previous Change Management experience connected with SAP would be a plus. DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The main responsibility is IT infrastructure design, planning and Implementation, development, execution and maintenance of a Comprehensive infrastructure/ Management. Incorporate liaison work with one or more Design Project Team, the appropriate user communication and principally with the pertinent Readiness and/or Steering Committee, Senior Managers and other key influencers. Among the deliverables of this are: . Preparation of Business Impact Analysis, Stakeholder Analysis, Organizational Risk Assessment/ systems audit, review across infrastructure and platforms of the project, Communication Plan, Sponsorship Plan and Education Requirements. . Liaising with IT and project teams in respect of the approval and risk assessment on implementation and systems projects. . Advice on IT projects, risks and security matters. Other Duties to be performed in brief includes but not limited to; 1·Computer hardware installation and installation of selected software. 2.Application development/maintenance for duration of contract. 3.System Engineering. 4.IT strategy and planning. 5.Comprehensive networking throughout pertinent project facilities 1. Will include; installation of 700/or more desktop computers (Compaq, 21", P3, 766Mhz, 10.3GB, 128 Ram PCs). . Installation of all servers and UPS-Quantity installed will be based on complexity, volume and number of agreed upon resources. . Installation of all other IT facilities as required for the project, This will include firewalls and databases. . Applications to be installed on hardware above are: Norton Antivirus 2002,Adobe Acrobat Reader 5, Board land C++, Microsoft office XP,Windows XP/professional. . Accessories to be installed: CD writer 128mb DVD/Rom, UPS: APC 2. Will include; project web page development . Other software development within the scope and project assumptions. 3. Will include; various system engineering tasks for the contract duration and within the scope and project assumptions. 4. Will include; various IT plans within contract duration. . High level IT strategy . Other needs identified shortly after project commencement and within the scope and project assumptions. 5. will be through all related project IT facility The team to be selected will include: Project manager, Network Systems programmers, Field Engineers, Computer Operators, Network/security Engineers, Systems administrators, Data Manager/analyst, Application designers/developers, system support administrators. This programme would be carried out within the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO); . ACCENTURE CONSULTING LTD. As contractor for provision of technical support personnel, will Require qualified personnel to execute the aforementioned work at the Joint venture’s operational bases in Port Harcourt and Lagos, which is situated 100 miles South East of Lagos. The current contract duration forecast is approximately Six (6) months, for IT technical support personnel, with an optional six (6)months extension or a duration of “6+6” months. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Salary indication (individual) - (US$20 000.00 monthly). Position type - Contract Contracts will be renewed only as necessary. ACCENTURE CONSULTING LTD. Will be responsible for recruitment and only persons found suitably qualified Shall be invited. NOTIFICATION/INTEREST: All relevant information/notification of intention should be Sent to the below address ASAP. Interested Candidate should send their CV/ Resumes to the Contract Administrator via e-mail as follows: TO : SHELL Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Bonga Field Development Project C/0 Accenture Consulting Ltd Contract Administrator Name of contact: Garry Webb Via Email: accenture_consulting@myway.com Contract terms and conditions will be sent on demand. Head of Recruitment Accenture Consulting Ltd | |
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Daft requirement of the day
"For immediate consideration, please send a text (ASCII) or HTML version of your resume to ..."
I've never been asked to send a c.v. in this format before. I'm not sure I'd really want to. It looks great as it is, in either RTF or PDF format.
I know what they would do with it - read it into a database and loose all my lovely formatting.
I wasn't going to apply anyway.
Payback
I like some American phrases, they can be so apt in so few words, despite being initially obsure.
For example: "Payback is a motherfucker".
(BTW this post is NSFW).
There's an example below. Jobs get outsourced to Ireland. Then they get outsourced to India. Celtic tiger my arse.
Of course the jobs won't stay in India. They'll migrate to even cheaper sources of educated labour in a few years. In fact, it's already happening.
There's another problem with Indian labour. It's getting far too educated. At the moment there are master graduates in engineering who are competing to get into call centres, as helpdesk monkeys.
And these aren't graduates from former polys in Northern England, the sort who can't design a second-order feedback system or draw Nyquist diagrams. No, these graduates could beat the pants off a lot of UK and US graduates and could probably design state-variable feedback systems if they weren't answering the phone advising Westerners on how to how to switch on their PCs.
Immediate start required for project manager with 3 years experience who will be looking after the transition of a call centre fromIreland to India India
For example: "Payback is a motherfucker".
(BTW this post is NSFW).
There's an example below. Jobs get outsourced to Ireland. Then they get outsourced to India. Celtic tiger my arse.
Of course the jobs won't stay in India. They'll migrate to even cheaper sources of educated labour in a few years. In fact, it's already happening.
There's another problem with Indian labour. It's getting far too educated. At the moment there are master graduates in engineering who are competing to get into call centres, as helpdesk monkeys.
And these aren't graduates from former polys in Northern England, the sort who can't design a second-order feedback system or draw Nyquist diagrams. No, these graduates could beat the pants off a lot of UK and US graduates and could probably design state-variable feedback systems if they weren't answering the phone advising Westerners on how to how to switch on their PCs.
Immediate start required for project manager with 3 years experience who will be looking after the transition of a call centre from
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Slight revision
As it's a new year I've slightly changed my accounting method.
I used to count bites in the week when the applications were made.
This could be misleading as often I'd get interested responses from recruiters a week (or sometimes longer) after applying. As a result I could receive several bites in a week but then report, at the end of the week, that I had received none.
So, I've made an amendment to my jobs database and now datestamp bites.
This will make no difference to you (you're probably not interested, unless you're an auditor) or me but I'm doing it anyway.
Hence, today I applied for three jobs. I also received three bites today although two of these resulted from applications made in December.
I used to count bites in the week when the applications were made.
This could be misleading as often I'd get interested responses from recruiters a week (or sometimes longer) after applying. As a result I could receive several bites in a week but then report, at the end of the week, that I had received none.
So, I've made an amendment to my jobs database and now datestamp bites.
This will make no difference to you (you're probably not interested, unless you're an auditor) or me but I'm doing it anyway.
Hence, today I applied for three jobs. I also received three bites today although two of these resulted from applications made in December.
Fourth call
Four calls in one day? It's true I tell you.
The fourth call was actually in response to a call I made a few minutes before.
In early December I applied for a job and then phoned the agency. The agent said that actually the job was sort of on hold. He'd call me back if it came back on line.
Being the diligent job hunter I saw the advert reposted on one of the job web sites this morning.
I called him but he needed to remind himself of my details so said he'd call back in a few minutes.
Yeah right.
But he did.
Despite a slight reservation about the size of my experience he's putting my name forward to his client.
The fourth call was actually in response to a call I made a few minutes before.
In early December I applied for a job and then phoned the agency. The agent said that actually the job was sort of on hold. He'd call me back if it came back on line.
Being the diligent job hunter I saw the advert reposted on one of the job web sites this morning.
I called him but he needed to remind himself of my details so said he'd call back in a few minutes.
Yeah right.
But he did.
Despite a slight reservation about the size of my experience he's putting my name forward to his client.
Third call
Just before lunch (I think) I received a call from the agent I called yesterday - the one who had recently been ill but promised to call this afternoon.
Instead she called a couple of hours ahead of time - a rare event in the recruitment world.
We had a good chat about the role - a very well paying permanent job - and she said she'd forward my details to her client.
Instead she called a couple of hours ahead of time - a rare event in the recruitment world.
We had a good chat about the role - a very well paying permanent job - and she said she'd forward my details to her client.
Second phone call
A little while after the last call another agency called.
He was phoning about a contract job in East Anglia (another region of the UK where the police can't benefit from DNA testing).
The client and job description was similar to another couple of jobs for which I've been recently considered. But the client, a rather large company, has a lot of similar initiatives going so the recruiter will check, but it's unlikely there'll be a clash.
Rather annoyingly I forgot to ask for his details (and a job reference number). Fortunately, however, a bit later I found what looks like an advert posted by him for this job and garnered the details from there.
He was phoning about a contract job in East Anglia (another region of the UK where the police can't benefit from DNA testing).
The client and job description was similar to another couple of jobs for which I've been recently considered. But the client, a rather large company, has a lot of similar initiatives going so the recruiter will check, but it's unlikely there'll be a clash.
Rather annoyingly I forgot to ask for his details (and a job reference number). Fortunately, however, a bit later I found what looks like an advert posted by him for this job and garnered the details from there.
Early start
I had only just woken up when my mobile rang. Don't worry, it has a timer so that it will only ring after my waking time.
I picked up the mobile but dropped it knocking it out.
I switched it back on and found I had a voice mail from an agency. In fact the one who said they'd call yesterday but didn't.
So, I called her back and had a quick chat about the role. It was quick because a "preferred" option was security clearance.
I know, I know. In recruiter speak "preferred" means mandatory.
Worst, it turns out that the recruiter was a government department (the agent didn't say which one). And unlike private sector recruiters government departments seem to take much longer in vetting (and not just for high security jobs).
I pointed out that I had worked at an investment bank, so had been vetted, and hadn't been naughty since. But this wouldn't make any difference - they needed security cleared candidates.
I picked up the mobile but dropped it knocking it out.
I switched it back on and found I had a voice mail from an agency. In fact the one who said they'd call yesterday but didn't.
So, I called her back and had a quick chat about the role. It was quick because a "preferred" option was security clearance.
I know, I know. In recruiter speak "preferred" means mandatory.
Worst, it turns out that the recruiter was a government department (the agent didn't say which one). And unlike private sector recruiters government departments seem to take much longer in vetting (and not just for high security jobs).
I pointed out that I had worked at an investment bank, so had been vetted, and hadn't been naughty since. But this wouldn't make any difference - they needed security cleared candidates.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
One more
It’s been a slow start to job hunting in 2006.
Quite a few agencies I called today weren’t in. OK, I guess it’s only the first day back at work so some recruiters won’t be in the office yet. Maybe they’ve chosen to have a longer break; maybe they’ve forgotten where they work.
I applied for one job today. I didn’t notice that the only phone number they gave was their fax number.
Who uses a fax machine these days? The fax machine was invented before the telephone. With scanners and emails there’s very little need really.
Quite a few agencies I called today weren’t in. OK, I guess it’s only the first day back at work so some recruiters won’t be in the office yet. Maybe they’ve chosen to have a longer break; maybe they’ve forgotten where they work.
I applied for one job today. I didn’t notice that the only phone number they gave was their fax number.
Who uses a fax machine these days? The fax machine was invented before the telephone. With scanners and emails there’s very little need really.
Another one
As well as the agency below I phoned another recruitment agent to whom I had sent a c.v. (for a specific job) before Xmas.
The agent asked if she could call back within the hour once she’d read through the details.
“Absolutely” I said, not adding “oink oink, flap flap”.
No-one should be surprised to read that she didn’t call back.
The agent asked if she could call back within the hour once she’d read through the details.
“Absolutely” I said, not adding “oink oink, flap flap”.
No-one should be surprised to read that she didn’t call back.
Fair excuse
I’m very use to recruitment agencies saying they’ll call back and then not doing so.
For example, the day before Xmas Eve I spoke to an agent who said she’d look through my details and call me back the next day.
She didn’t.
I didn’t call her as I didn’t see the point: as the festivities approach it’s unlikely a recruitment agent would even remember which way to sit on a toilet let alone remember to contact a highly experienced and qualified candidate.
Anyway I called her today.
I tried to avoid mentioning that she had promised to call me but she immediately apologised. Apparently she was taken ill on Xmas Eve.
Ah.
It’s her first day back at work so she said she’d call me tomorrow.
For example, the day before Xmas Eve I spoke to an agent who said she’d look through my details and call me back the next day.
She didn’t.
I didn’t call her as I didn’t see the point: as the festivities approach it’s unlikely a recruitment agent would even remember which way to sit on a toilet let alone remember to contact a highly experienced and qualified candidate.
Anyway I called her today.
I tried to avoid mentioning that she had promised to call me but she immediately apologised. Apparently she was taken ill on Xmas Eve.
Ah.
It’s her first day back at work so she said she’d call me tomorrow.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Another year not at work
My first trawl of 2006 started this afternoon.
Despite the New Year break quite a few jobs had been posted.
None asked for someone who is a whizz at using Excel to analyse data (see below).
I did, however, find one advert for someone with experience within an energy trading environment.
Me, me, me.
Although, it was only for a year and that was a few years ago.
Nevertheless I sent my c.v.
Despite the New Year break quite a few jobs had been posted.
None asked for someone who is a whizz at using Excel to analyse data (see below).
I did, however, find one advert for someone with experience within an energy trading environment.
Me, me, me.
Although, it was only for a year and that was a few years ago.
Nevertheless I sent my c.v.
Graph
Below is a nice graph of applications made per week since 1st June 2005.
You can see how erractic it is even though the number of jobs I've managed to apply to is better than in previous years.
I was going to also chart the number of bites per week but didn't because:
You can see how erractic it is even though the number of jobs I've managed to apply to is better than in previous years.
I was going to also chart the number of bites per week but didn't because:
- it's far too erractic to show any trend
- you're not interested anyway (though probably jealous that I can do this sort of analysis)
- I accidentally closed the spreadsheet I was working on without saving (tsch)
Massive round up
Guess how many jobs I've applied for since 1st June 2005.
Go on guess.
Well, it's 352.
That's an average of 11.4 jobs per week with a standard deviation just under 7.
These resulted in 102 bites, which is a good ratio.
This gives an average of 3.3 bites per week with a standard deviation of 2.6.
From these bites I had 10 interviews. I received one offer which I rejected because the agency messed around with the rates.
Go on guess.
Well, it's 352.
That's an average of 11.4 jobs per week with a standard deviation just under 7.
These resulted in 102 bites, which is a good ratio.
This gives an average of 3.3 bites per week with a standard deviation of 2.6.
From these bites I had 10 interviews. I received one offer which I rejected because the agency messed around with the rates.
Round up
Last week I managed to apply for four jobs. No bites but it was the week between the festive events.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Worrying
Report on BA's safety culture.
I strongly believe - though I don't have empirical evidence - that a good culture is vital to safety.
It's not enough to fix the specific faults, you have to step back and review the whole culture around the issues.
Disasters seldom happen in isolation, there tends to be a few near misses beforehand. These, in retrospect, can be seen as warnings. This applies not just in aviation but in nearly all endeavours. In fact, catching and acting upon "near misses" is a major activity of safety conscious organisations in all fields.
I don't know how BA's safety record compares to others - in the light of this report - but until I feel that they've made great improvements in their safety culture I'll avoid flying with them.
Big deal? Well, I do fly at least once a year and often much more when I'm in work.
I strongly believe - though I don't have empirical evidence - that a good culture is vital to safety.
It's not enough to fix the specific faults, you have to step back and review the whole culture around the issues.
Disasters seldom happen in isolation, there tends to be a few near misses beforehand. These, in retrospect, can be seen as warnings. This applies not just in aviation but in nearly all endeavours. In fact, catching and acting upon "near misses" is a major activity of safety conscious organisations in all fields.
I don't know how BA's safety record compares to others - in the light of this report - but until I feel that they've made great improvements in their safety culture I'll avoid flying with them.
Big deal? Well, I do fly at least once a year and often much more when I'm in work.
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