The job situation seems to be getting grimmer and grimmer. Recently, I have become educated about "head hunters". They call me out of the blue, saying they saw my resume on Monster or another site, and they get me all pumped up about a potential job. They call me daily to let me know that it is still open, for about a week, then nothing. And, recently, I ran into a situation that I hadn't experienced before. One guy had me sign an agreement stating that I wouldn't apply to this job through another employment agency. The very next day, I got a call from another employment agency and they were looking for someone for the same job but they titled it differently - instead of Buyer, it was Purchasing Agent. But the description was identical, word-for-word. The day after that, I saw yet another posting from a different company with the same description, but more money. What a game that is.
I received a letter from the Unemployment people about Pell Grants being available to the unemployed who might want to continue their education. I completed my FAFSA form and now I just have to meet with an advisor from the college. From what I understand, if I qualify, I may be able to go to school full-time, while still collecting unemployment, but I am not required to apply for jobs, and it may be paid for. We'll see how that works. Just getting through the application process is nuts. I would at the very least like to earn my Associate's Degree before the end of 2012.
November 15, 2011
September 22, 2011
"How Do You Prefer to be Contacted?"
Received a phone call from a recruiter early last week about a job in downtown Cincinnati. We had a good conversation and he was sure I was perfect for the job. I was set up for a phone interview with the hiring manager. The interview was conducted on a cell phone in speaker mode with very obviously construction going on in the background. The man mumbled, on top of everything else. I know I blew the interview. I kept having to ask him to repeat what he was asking. Later, I discussed it with my husband and we agreed that it speaks to his degree of professionalism if he didn't realize the situation. I don't think I'll hear from him again and I don't think I will lose any sleep over it.
I got quite a few phone inquiries this past week. Temp jobs, consulting jobs,"real" jobs. Jobs I would really like. I'm working on getting them what they need. (My high school diploma?) I became motivated to apply to more jobs. Because I'm collecting unemployment, I am required to apply to two jobs per week. I exceed that requirement every week.
August 26, 2011
I'm Starting to Get a Little Irked . . .
The emails seem to come in waves. For days, nothing. Then, I get several bites. But, I've been doing this long enough to recognize who to pay attention to and who to ignore. There's the one guy from a consulting company who is very, very difficult to understand, and judging by the fact that he calls late at night or at odd times, I believe he may be located in India. The first time he called me, I got very excited about the possibility of having a telephone interview with his client. The first time I dialed in to the call, no one was there. I got a phone call later informing me that his client wished to reschedule. This happened a week later. I was finally honest with him and told him I didn't care to waste my time. He called me again 2 weeks ago about another position. I emailed him details of my qualifications and answers to several questions he had emailed me. He assured me that he would call me the next Tuesday. He didn't. I received an email today from him about another position. I am lukewarm about responding.
And, I've just about had it with these short-term positions. "Client needs someone from 1/1/12 to 4/1/12. Contract will be extended depending upon performance." Thanks, but no. I worked for a consulting company long enough to know I simply don't want to play that game anymore. They don't follow the same rules as other companies. It's ridiculous. Why should I commit to your company if you won't commit to me?
I know I'm supposed to be thankful to be considered for a job. I'm not. I'm almost insulted that they think I'm that stupid.
There used to be manners around the job search process. Companies used to contact a candidate and let them know when someone else had been hired. Not anymore. Too busy. Whatever.
Am I mad? You bet I am. I am sick and tired of the rudeness in this dog-eat-dog world and I'm afraid I'm going to speak my mind to some unsuspecting non-English-speaking person whose morning is my nighttime. I may be looking for a job, but I am not going to work my schedule around yours if you are not going to take this whole thing seriously. I will not let unemployment DEFINE me.
And, I've just about had it with these short-term positions. "Client needs someone from 1/1/12 to 4/1/12. Contract will be extended depending upon performance." Thanks, but no. I worked for a consulting company long enough to know I simply don't want to play that game anymore. They don't follow the same rules as other companies. It's ridiculous. Why should I commit to your company if you won't commit to me?
I know I'm supposed to be thankful to be considered for a job. I'm not. I'm almost insulted that they think I'm that stupid.
There used to be manners around the job search process. Companies used to contact a candidate and let them know when someone else had been hired. Not anymore. Too busy. Whatever.
Am I mad? You bet I am. I am sick and tired of the rudeness in this dog-eat-dog world and I'm afraid I'm going to speak my mind to some unsuspecting non-English-speaking person whose morning is my nighttime. I may be looking for a job, but I am not going to work my schedule around yours if you are not going to take this whole thing seriously. I will not let unemployment DEFINE me.
August 22, 2011
Nine Percent and Counting
A mazing how the economy affects the number of jobs out there. Within the last couple of weeks, I have seen a remarkable difference. The stock market did a couple of dives and now there are slim pickin's. No one has the confidence to fill the positions they had out there just yesterday. I heard someone say on the news that this just might be something we will have to get accustomed to. Of course, that person wasn't unemployed . . . obviously. That person wasn't among the 9%. I love that figure. It is always reported as either "up to" 9% or "down to" 9%. Either way, it seems like a double negative.
August 16, 2011
My Many Hats
One day I'm a mother, One day I'm a lover, What am I supposed to do?
HATS!
Working' for a livin', All because I'm driven To be the very best for you.
I'm currently helping my daughter plan her wedding. The wedding date is less than two months away. Being a wedding planner is not something I would consider doing for a living, but I can certainly appreciate the advantage of hiring one!
I help out with babysitting my granddaughters, either planned or as a backup when their regular sitter backs out. On the days that I babysit, I am reminded of how much energy children have and how exhausting it is to have the responsibility to assure that they don't get into mischief. Yes, people do this for a living as well, and I certainly did my share of babysitting other folks' children when my children were young.
I am cooking more meals at home. Reminder: I hate to cook. Always have, always will. I hate to eat my own cooking. I find it very boring. I am not very creative. I hate the planning, the shopping, the cleanup. However, I am doing it. I'd rather die than do this for a living.
I am the landscaper for our home. I have learned what poison ivy looks like (the hard way . . . ) and I have discovered that there are special tools for pruning rose bushes. I have trimmed trees and bushes and I have learned how to use the lawnmower. I know there are lawn care services out there but we are discontinuing ours soon, so I will be spreading stuff I don't know about on our lawn.
And, of course, there are the tasks I perform whether I'm employed or not. The dishes, the laundry, the cleaning, the pet care, the taxi services. The maid service.
But, most importantly, my #1 duty and responsibility, the one that should be, and is, right there at the top of the heap of hats, is my parenting. It is my role as a Mother that I am most proud of, most willing to give everything up for. Whether the unemployment rate is 9% or 10%, whether I am working outside the home or not, I will always be my kids' mother and my husband's wife. For these reasons, I am willing to find a way to "live within our means".
Glo
August 8, 2011
Learning the Lingo
We all know someone who is good at tooting their own horn. She (or he) works with you and performs the same tasks but somehow her resume makes her look so much better than your resume makes you look. She transforms the simplest task into a project worthy of recognition.
I'm learning how to market myself and my accomplishments. It's all a matter of keeping an eye on what employers are looking for (using their terms) and constantly changing the way I present myself. This time around (my 2nd stint of unemployment), however, I am a lot more sure of myself. I have a lot to offer. Instead of trying to twist my skills around to meet their needs, I am perfectly comfortable with the fact that many positions will not be a good fit for me. I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. I will not accept bad or ugly.
I learned, also, that sticking with a job that I realized early on was not a good fit is the best way to make for a very stressful life. The days crawl by. Spiders begin to weave webs in my brain folds. Even for good money I couldn't do it. I certainly tried. Lesson learned.
I'm learning how to market myself and my accomplishments. It's all a matter of keeping an eye on what employers are looking for (using their terms) and constantly changing the way I present myself. This time around (my 2nd stint of unemployment), however, I am a lot more sure of myself. I have a lot to offer. Instead of trying to twist my skills around to meet their needs, I am perfectly comfortable with the fact that many positions will not be a good fit for me. I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. I will not accept bad or ugly.
I learned, also, that sticking with a job that I realized early on was not a good fit is the best way to make for a very stressful life. The days crawl by. Spiders begin to weave webs in my brain folds. Even for good money I couldn't do it. I certainly tried. Lesson learned.
July 15, 2011
Good Grief! What a Relief!
Phew! That's over. My exit interview was this morning. Sad, to say the least, that "doing the right thing" netted a discontinuation of my employment. That someone else's bad behavior is allowed to continue without repercussions. Oh, well, it was a "take this job and shove it" situation, and I felt that way all along. This exit was easier than my first one. Only six months into the job, it was apparent that it was the job (really, let's be real here, it was a person - one person) or my sanity. I value my sanity, having come close in the past to losing it for good. Not pleasant at all.
Until today, my job search has been limited to posting my resume and applying for jobs on Monster and Indeed and CareerBuilders. I use others like Juju and SimplyHired and USAJobs. This afternoon, however, I interviewed with an employment company and they assured me that I have good "soft skills". (I assume most companies value that; I know some that do not - firsthand.) Could it possibly be that my "soft skills" can make potential employers overlook the fact that I am degree-less??
I'm learning that a job is not just a job.
Vacation. I didn't imagine that not all companies award vacation days the first year of employment. Some don't give vacation days until after a year of employment. After all those years of using vacation days for kids' stuff (my turn to volunteer for a field trip; my turn to bring cookies for the Star of the Week; my turn to stay home with the chicken pox-ed kid) and not for a real vacation, I want one whole week and then some occasional days. For God's sakes, isn't it enough that you spend more of your awake time at work than at home? Nobody should be married to their job.
Health Insurance. Some pay your premium, some don't. Most claim that they have a decent plan. The problem I have found with this is that it is very difficult to determine if it is a decent plan until you are on it and have to use it. I prefer to stay on my husband's plan, pay the penalty, and have the company pay me what it would cost them to insure me.
Flexibility. Most companies say that they are flexible when they are hiring. However, their definition of flexible may be different from your definition of flexible.
Sick Days. See "Flexibility" above. Ditto.
I've applied for unemployment again. Not sure if I qualify. The unemployment site is not very wordy. (They don't seem to have "soft skills". Hmmmm.)
Until today, my job search has been limited to posting my resume and applying for jobs on Monster and Indeed and CareerBuilders. I use others like Juju and SimplyHired and USAJobs. This afternoon, however, I interviewed with an employment company and they assured me that I have good "soft skills". (I assume most companies value that; I know some that do not - firsthand.) Could it possibly be that my "soft skills" can make potential employers overlook the fact that I am degree-less??
I'm learning that a job is not just a job.
Vacation. I didn't imagine that not all companies award vacation days the first year of employment. Some don't give vacation days until after a year of employment. After all those years of using vacation days for kids' stuff (my turn to volunteer for a field trip; my turn to bring cookies for the Star of the Week; my turn to stay home with the chicken pox-ed kid) and not for a real vacation, I want one whole week and then some occasional days. For God's sakes, isn't it enough that you spend more of your awake time at work than at home? Nobody should be married to their job.
Health Insurance. Some pay your premium, some don't. Most claim that they have a decent plan. The problem I have found with this is that it is very difficult to determine if it is a decent plan until you are on it and have to use it. I prefer to stay on my husband's plan, pay the penalty, and have the company pay me what it would cost them to insure me.
Flexibility. Most companies say that they are flexible when they are hiring. However, their definition of flexible may be different from your definition of flexible.
Sick Days. See "Flexibility" above. Ditto.
I've applied for unemployment again. Not sure if I qualify. The unemployment site is not very wordy. (They don't seem to have "soft skills". Hmmmm.)
June 22, 2011
Facing Unemployment Once Again
Here I am facing unemployment once again. I have been given a deadline and it is not too far off. This time, however, it is much more complicated. Let's just say the job was not a good fit for me. I, who believe that things happen for a reason, am glad to move on. It isn't as if, given the choice to stay, I would choose to do so. It is simply the fact that I don't want to be unemployed again.
About three weeks ago, immediately after I posted my resume on Monster, I received a call from an HR person who had an opening for a "purchasing person". The salary was too low for my needs. She told me she would keep me in mind for other opportunities. Much to my surprise, I got another call from a different HR representative from the same company about 2 weeks later. She asked me to come in and take an aptitude test. When I was first presented the 4-page test, I almost panicked. "Word problems? Oh, no, not word problem! I should have paid more attention in math class!" After completing it, though, I was excited. The content was very much tailored to the procurement knowledge I was familiar with. It told me that this position might be right down my alley. When I left, I was told that I would probably receive a call within 2 weeks. I received a call the following Monday (4 days later), and I was asked to return for an interview. The interview with a VP went well. I was getting a sense that I liked this company and that the position would be so much more in line with my experience, talents, and interests. I returned for a 2nd interview with the Operations Manager last Thursday. I liked her a lot. I am so encouraged about this job. And, now I wait.
But, I know how these things go. Companies have to give all candidates a chance. Perhaps someone internally wants to move up. Perhaps someone with a degree (which I don't possess) is also interviewing and also aced the test. Perhaps someone younger and with more potential to move up is interviewing. I absolutely HATE this part - the waiting, the wondering, the doubting.
And, I also know it is all a matter of timing. Sometimes, there are so many positions out there for which I qualify. Other times, there are very few. Every once in awhile, something comes up that I am sure I would love. I get feedback to substantiate that. I interview. I get an email telling me that another candidate was chosen.
What's neat about the job market this year compared to last year is the fact that employers are much better this year about 1.) acknowledging that they have received your resume, and 2.) getting back with me when a position has been filled. I have dozens of submissions pending today.
About three weeks ago, immediately after I posted my resume on Monster, I received a call from an HR person who had an opening for a "purchasing person". The salary was too low for my needs. She told me she would keep me in mind for other opportunities. Much to my surprise, I got another call from a different HR representative from the same company about 2 weeks later. She asked me to come in and take an aptitude test. When I was first presented the 4-page test, I almost panicked. "Word problems? Oh, no, not word problem! I should have paid more attention in math class!" After completing it, though, I was excited. The content was very much tailored to the procurement knowledge I was familiar with. It told me that this position might be right down my alley. When I left, I was told that I would probably receive a call within 2 weeks. I received a call the following Monday (4 days later), and I was asked to return for an interview. The interview with a VP went well. I was getting a sense that I liked this company and that the position would be so much more in line with my experience, talents, and interests. I returned for a 2nd interview with the Operations Manager last Thursday. I liked her a lot. I am so encouraged about this job. And, now I wait.
But, I know how these things go. Companies have to give all candidates a chance. Perhaps someone internally wants to move up. Perhaps someone with a degree (which I don't possess) is also interviewing and also aced the test. Perhaps someone younger and with more potential to move up is interviewing. I absolutely HATE this part - the waiting, the wondering, the doubting.
And, I also know it is all a matter of timing. Sometimes, there are so many positions out there for which I qualify. Other times, there are very few. Every once in awhile, something comes up that I am sure I would love. I get feedback to substantiate that. I interview. I get an email telling me that another candidate was chosen.
What's neat about the job market this year compared to last year is the fact that employers are much better this year about 1.) acknowledging that they have received your resume, and 2.) getting back with me when a position has been filled. I have dozens of submissions pending today.
November 21, 2010
The End of Gloria's Unemployment
Well, it is time to say good-bye. I am gainfully employed now. I begin my second week tomorrow.
The offer came. It was perfectly acceptable. Of course, I accepted.
It is intense. It is professional. It is exciting. It is everything I desired in a job. It is a longer drive than I was used to, but I'll get used to it. We'll see how the winter goes.
October 30, 2010
Keeping My Fingers Crossed
I fully expect to not hear anything this coming week. I'm familiar enough with how companies work to know that groups have to put their heads together, then they have to decide how much to offer me, and then decide how it is initially presented - on the phone, by email, by letter.
I have taken some time to do a little bit of research on the subject of the salary negotiation process. First and foremost, I wanted to find a way to determine what I was worth and that I wasn't setting my sights too high. Well, I found a formula and it fit just right. So, I'm prepared for the next step.
In the meantime, I am getting more and more comfortabe in this temp job and I just know I will be sad to leave this company. By anyone's standards, this company is awesome. There is a relaxed atmosphere, no one is breathing down your neck, employees are treated with respect and understanding, there is ample communication throughout the company, and there is an air of professionalism about the company. Very, very much in contrast to The Company I was released from in April.
Life is good.
I have taken some time to do a little bit of research on the subject of the salary negotiation process. First and foremost, I wanted to find a way to determine what I was worth and that I wasn't setting my sights too high. Well, I found a formula and it fit just right. So, I'm prepared for the next step.
In the meantime, I am getting more and more comfortabe in this temp job and I just know I will be sad to leave this company. By anyone's standards, this company is awesome. There is a relaxed atmosphere, no one is breathing down your neck, employees are treated with respect and understanding, there is ample communication throughout the company, and there is an air of professionalism about the company. Very, very much in contrast to The Company I was released from in April.
Life is good.
October 20, 2010
Thoughts About the Unemployment Experience
When I began writing this blog, I vowed to make the task of looking for a job fun ! I envisioned myself creating a brilliant resume which would result in offers from large corporations for my services. I also vowed that I would not stress about being unemployed.
Well, that latter part I thoroughly accomplished. I did not stress during those 6.3 months. I drank in the sunshine, and I enjoyed the lazitude (I don't know if that is a word, but it means lazy attitude to me . . . ), and I took inventory of my home, and I talked to my children, and I watched The Price Is Right before lunch, and I babysat my granddaughters, and I went to lunch with friends, and slept until 11:30 a.m. one sunny morning.
But . . . . the offers from large corporations for my services? Well, let's just say this: that didn't happen. I was collecting unemployment benefits, and I was required to apply to at least two job postings per week. I consistently filled those requirements, many weeks applying to 10 or more. As October approached, I did some serious thinking about how I was presenting myself. I began to study the job descriptions on the postings I was interested in, and I also began to study other people's resumes. I realized I was selling myself short. I "automated" my job search and expanded to other job search sites.
And, one morning a job posting popped up on the top of a job search site that caught my eye. It made me excited! "I can do this", "I can absolutely do this"! I thought. I immediately applied, and they called me immediately. The ball started rolling.
This temporary job had already fallen in my lap. Coincidentally, I went for my first job interview for this job I really, really want on the Friday before I began this temporary position. Second interview was four days ago, and third interview was two days ago. Drug testing this week. I think it's a go.
So, seeing as how businesses are extremely slow with the hiring process, I am not stressing about not being able to fulfill the duration of this temp position. I think I will be able to at least get a lot done while I am there. And, I don't want to burn any bridges. I love this company I am currently temping for. If a position were offered to me right now, there would be cause to seriously pause and consider it.
But, chickens being what they are, I don't want to count them before they hatch. I'm happy to not be idle while I wait . . . . and pray . . . . and appreciate my current employment.
What on earth was I thinking?
Fun? Looking for a job can be fun? I don't think so. It is a good way to put you in your place, that's for certain. But, fun? Not on your life . . . .
Well, that latter part I thoroughly accomplished. I did not stress during those 6.3 months. I drank in the sunshine, and I enjoyed the lazitude (I don't know if that is a word, but it means lazy attitude to me . . . ), and I took inventory of my home, and I talked to my children, and I watched The Price Is Right before lunch, and I babysat my granddaughters, and I went to lunch with friends, and slept until 11:30 a.m. one sunny morning.
But . . . . the offers from large corporations for my services? Well, let's just say this: that didn't happen. I was collecting unemployment benefits, and I was required to apply to at least two job postings per week. I consistently filled those requirements, many weeks applying to 10 or more. As October approached, I did some serious thinking about how I was presenting myself. I began to study the job descriptions on the postings I was interested in, and I also began to study other people's resumes. I realized I was selling myself short. I "automated" my job search and expanded to other job search sites.
And, one morning a job posting popped up on the top of a job search site that caught my eye. It made me excited! "I can do this", "I can absolutely do this"! I thought. I immediately applied, and they called me immediately. The ball started rolling.
This temporary job had already fallen in my lap. Coincidentally, I went for my first job interview for this job I really, really want on the Friday before I began this temporary position. Second interview was four days ago, and third interview was two days ago. Drug testing this week. I think it's a go.
So, seeing as how businesses are extremely slow with the hiring process, I am not stressing about not being able to fulfill the duration of this temp position. I think I will be able to at least get a lot done while I am there. And, I don't want to burn any bridges. I love this company I am currently temping for. If a position were offered to me right now, there would be cause to seriously pause and consider it.
But, chickens being what they are, I don't want to count them before they hatch. I'm happy to not be idle while I wait . . . . and pray . . . . and appreciate my current employment.
What on earth was I thinking?
Fun? Looking for a job can be fun? I don't think so. It is a good way to put you in your place, that's for certain. But, fun? Not on your life . . . .
October 8, 2010
Renewed Confidence
Despite my waning sense of self-worth, resulting from a deplorable lack of response to my submission of resumes to two million companies nationwide, things turned around today. I went for an interview for a job that caught my attention immediately and made me excited for my profession again! The people, the job, the company. All of it. It fits. I only hope they feel the same toward me.
I have a second interview in a week, and, knowing how companies work, they probably have other candidates to interview as well. I imagine it will take weeks before any kind of offer is made. In the meantime, I still have to realize that I may not be the one to receive this offer, and so I will be fortunate to be in at least a temporary job. On Monday, I will begin that temporary job. I am not concerned about my ability to complete this assignment. And, I am looking forward to it!
I have a second interview in a week, and, knowing how companies work, they probably have other candidates to interview as well. I imagine it will take weeks before any kind of offer is made. In the meantime, I still have to realize that I may not be the one to receive this offer, and so I will be fortunate to be in at least a temporary job. On Monday, I will begin that temporary job. I am not concerned about my ability to complete this assignment. And, I am looking forward to it!
October 4, 2010
The Future (Short-Term)
OK, so today I'm thinking about how I'm too darn old to go to school and earn (finish) a degree. Whaaaat? I'm 55 years old. My grandmother lived to 90. Why not shoot for 90? Or 100? Then, being 55 just ain't so bad. What is wrong with our society that we are made to believe we cannot plan to function beyond age 62? I'm mad now and I'm just not gonna take it anymore!
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