Monday, January 25, 2016

Job update

Last Friday was the day that things started to turn around.  The kids and G-man were home due to the storm (which to us wasn't anything, but I get that the state isn't equip for ice and snow).  Bossy came down with a cold, so he was on the couch most of the day.  Sassy was working on the make up work that she didn't tell us about prior to Christmas break.

But for me....I finally started to get some interest in the resumes I have been submitting!  I started applying the first week in January and was a little bummed I hadn't heard anything.  We haven't had a full month of pay for both of us since October, and we are feeling it.  I was starting to get to the point where any job that paid just about anything would be better than nothing.

It started with a phone call from a staffing agency in Michigan.  I had applied for a position, and while it was advertised as a full time position, that wasn't quite accurate.  This position was actually for a 6 month contract position (but full time during the contract period) doing something I am interested in pursuing.  The person I was speaking with was not knowledgeable about the position and unfortunately was not a native English speaker and didn't understand what I was asking.   In fact, he called me several times that day to ask me the same questions over and over.  We eventually worked it out, but I am not holding out that this is something that will pan out. The upside to this position was it was good money and would give me 6 months to "test out" if this is something I really want to pursue.  The downside was that it was for a limited time (thus, I would have to find something in a few months) and there were no "benefits" (I don't need the insurance, but 6 months without time off isn't terrific).

Later that day, I got an e-mail regarding another project coordinator position (an actual Full Time position) that they would like to do a phone interview, which is now scheduled for Tuesday.  Aspects that I like about this job include conducting trainings, a variety of tasks, and growth potential.  I have no idea what the salary is, so that could be an issue if I find out the salary is too low.  But I am not in a position right now to turn down any opportunity.  The company does Energy Management....which I am not even sure I understand....but I have a skill set that translate to the core position.  We will see how it goes.

Then on Saturday, I got a phone call from a staffing agency regarding another position (again...they advertise it as Full Time, then tell you is contracted through the agency).  This one is doing Benefits....which I did years ago!!  I was honest with this woman....I did do this type of work, but not recently.  She wasn't concerned and actually thought that since I had any experience, I was ahead of the game.  Plus, she liked that I had "tenure" with my last job (she said she almost never sees 8 years with a company).  The job is for 6 months, but the company is looking to hire at the end of the contract (basically...they are trying out an employee before making a commitment).  The money is very good.  The "typical" rate is $3-$7 higher per hour than I was making, and she said since I had experience, I could ask for what I wanted and she would bring it back to the company (who could accept or counter-offer).  And, there is alot of opportunity for overtime, at 1.5x rate.  She sent me a detailed job description and told me to let her know if I was interested in interviewing.

While I am still not entirely happy about the chance this would only be for 6 months, and not really in an area I have a passion for....again, 6 months is better than nothing, and this at least has a higher chance of becoming permanent.  From a salary standpoint, if they are paying $X to the staffing agency, I would make at least as much as the staffing agency paid, plus benefits.  PLUS...the office is about 15 min from home, and one exit away from G-man's office (I told him we could carpool....he didn't seem fond of that idea....but at least lunch once in a while would be possible).  They are setting interviews up for later in the week.

So, I at least have some progress!  I have applied for about 20 jobs in the past 3 weeks, and while a response rate of 15% isn't great...it is better than zero.  Wish me luck!

12 comments:

  1. Applying for jobs is so frustrating. I actually think a 15% response rate is really good. Mine was much lower than that.

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    1. Thanks. It is hard not knowing if you even had a slight chance.

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  2. When our daughter was out of work she took a temporary job to give herself breathing room and before the 6 months was up, and they wanted to keep her, she found a job closer to home that she actually wanted. Not having to drive far is a real benny.

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    1. Thanks. I would love to have a job right out of the gate that is the ONE....but 6 months breathing room is good.

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  3. I think you will find something you really like. I am so happy with your move. Things will keep getting better and better you just watch.

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    1. I am happy with the move as a whole...but starting all over with everything is intimidating.

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  4. Many companies hire on a temporary basis these days. At least you could get your foot in the door. I hope one of the jobs pans out for you.

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    1. I am finding this out. More and more jobs I look at are through a staffing agency.

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  5. Finger crossed and nothing but the best thoughts for you!

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  6. My job was eliminated back the first week of December. The first thing I did was buy the book, "What Color is your Parachute 2016?"

    It's a great tool for job seekers! From the purchase of the book until a job offer was 21 days. I know that is probably not exactly typical, but it's an awesome book that may help you figure out what you want to do, and be able to articulate what you have to offer. It was 11.99 on Kindle.

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  7. That is so wonderful!! Honestly wonderful!

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