just a nibble

Recently I was talking to my boss about the general dissatisfaction at work. 

But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

So, as long as there is some hope, I told my boss, I am not looking for another job.

But - and I hope I didn't have to say this - I do get occasional calls.

Like the one I had today.

Although I couldn't talk when they called me - I was sitting next to my boss at the time - I later sent them my c.v.

an entry about moo

Great name for a card company:

"Nice cards Jobhunterwithnoname, where did you get them from?"

"Moo"

I reordered my cards today.

Made a slight change - my name is now in bold. Before - although people said it looked nice - my name was a bit hard to read.

an entry about job hunting

I responded to a comment in my last entry by replying on the writer's own blog - they were looking for advice about job hunting.

It is, of course, very hard to give advice across cultures but this is what I wrote:

"...I am sorry to read about your plight but I know it well as I once had two years' unemployment. Hopefully I am an example of things getting better.

Practical advice is difficult as I don't know the job market too well in your region but here goes:

- set yourself daily objectives, especially looking through online job boards
- set yourself weekly targets, for example mine was five applications per week (which was easier as I am in IT)
- but recognise that whatever target you set isn't always attainable - we all have bad luck weeks
- job hunting and applications should be harder than a full-time job: get up early, job hunt till late
- but take breaks. An hour for lunch and dinner. And take the weekends off.
- you must tailor your c.v. or resume and covering letter for every application you make
- these must be perfect. Read them out aloud (seriously, don't sub-vocalise, ALOUD). 
- use hidden tables for your c.v. so that everything lines up nicely
- yes your applications must be perfect but forgive yourself when you later realise you have made a mistake.
- also forgive yourself for the occasional lapses in discipline during your search (as long as they are occasional)
- the Internet and other distractions are only for rewards or needy breaks after several hours of hunting. Having said that you must have other interests so keep up your food blog (in your spare time).
- no later than a day after sending an application phone them. You must. Most people won't so you will stand out.
- you have good English - I'm not being patronising, it's not perfect but it is good (I have interviewed people from your region) - and that is a skill you can exploit. Target US and British companies and other multi-nationals (because they will operate in English).
- back to your c.v (resume): most people are careless with these. Make yours stand-out. Everything must be nicely lined up (with those hidden tables). The wording must be crisp. Use textual embellishments sparingly. Don't use this exercise as an excuse not to apply to jobs. It may take weeks of research (on ideas etc.) during which you must still send out applications with your existing - but improving - c.v.
- attend business talks, networking events, Toastmasters etc. They probably won't get you an interview but it will help you develop your self-presentation and keep you relaxed amongst others. Oh, and they can be fun too.
- if you can then get some business cards made. You never know into whom you might bump. But if you do meet someone it is essential that you get their card.
- get on LinkedIn. Post full details and a photograph. I got one job after being found on that site.
- GET ON LINKEDIN
- if you can, go for job interviews if only just to get the experience
- remember that it is easier to get a job if you already have a job so that job advert you don't like may be worth going for
- also remember that the first thing that changes in a job is the job description. Often on the first day. This has happened to me so often.
- your people, organisational, project and leadership skills - along with metric tonnes of hard work - will take you much further than any schooling or initial employment position.

And finally, the harder you work the luckier you get so job hunt hard and good luck!"

I hope it was useful.