I don't normally write that much about my daughter but I couldn't stop myself today. She's 14; so yeah, it's starting to get interesting. Although I have thus far seemingly won the war on boys (as in thinking of dating them) and I have managed to keep her in tank tops under crop tops (and in a Catholic school they can't change once they get there because it would be inappropriate); today, she sent me a copy of this: "I like this" she wrote.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=bella+swimmie&rlz=1C9BKJA_enCA693CA693&hl=en-US&prmd=imvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj87d_R_svNAhUP-mMKHSt-B10Q_AUIBygB&biw=1024&bih=653#hl=en-US&tbm=isch&q=tipsy+gypsy%2C+bella+swimmie&imgrc=ycetUOEzVITQIM%3A
I wouldn't be the first mum to freak out a little at the thought of her daughter going out in that. "Not until you're 25!!" I replied. Just when I thought I enough on my plate, my daughter has to go and discover her sexuality.
Now maybe I sound like a prude (I can be) and maybe I'm over-reacting (doubt it) but the thought of allowing my daughter to wear that makes me physically ill. I knew this day would come (unlike many fathers I suppose) but I'm not impressed that it's arrived. Nor am I thrilled that this is the VERY beginning (because that's all it is).
I will take deep breaths. I will continue to monitor, warden-like, my daughter's wardrobe. But holy hell, I do believe this snuck up on me. I remember my cousin (Trace!) came to stay with us when I was about 13 (oh no). She picked me up from school in a black trans am. She was quite possibly wearing her zippered bikini (the memory is fuzzy but I know she had one and I know I wanted one). Perhaps because all the boys who saw her pick me up knocked heads in delirium. Perhaps because how can that not look really cool (to junior high students, and every guy who saw Tracie, in the early 90's)?!
Ugh. Now I have to do it. I will admit I lucked out though. I only have one daughter and she's a first born so every rule and every fear applies to her. I will make it. I will make it. I will make it...
Tuesday 28 June 2016
Wednesday 22 June 2016
The Circle of Life
Disclaimer: The title is wayyyyy deeper than the content.
I'm not exactly sure when I was given my first record player. It was red and white. I like to think it was a step up from Fisher Price, but it might have been exactly that. I do remember getting my first record (maybe it was at the same time) and it was Sesame Street. "C is for Cookie" was on it; likely a billboard number one for the six and under set at the time.
My mom loved music and she loved her vinyl. I may have grown up in the eighties and nineties but my music was 70's Rock (and Sesame Street). My first "grown up" record was Micheal Jackson. Then Corey Hart. And then we moved to cassettes and I am one hundred percent certain that I have never purchased an actual record.
Yesterday, my fourteen year old daughter sent me a photo, of a record player. "I want this" she wrote. I laughed. "Hahahahaha". "Why?" She asked, "what's wrong with it?" I took some time to think about my answer. There's nothing wrong with it, per se. I don't currently have a record player but I did buy my mom one for Christmas a couple of years ago; because she has records still.
I mean, really, she doesn't own a CD let alone a record. She downloads music from iTunes. When they want to watch a video they don't have to sit restlessly waiting to see if Video Hits will, by chance, play the one video they're waiting to see; they go to YouTube. Heck, even I go to YouTube.
I attach a cord to my phone that is connected to my car and I can play my own playlist. I turn on Galaxy or whatever is on my satellite channels. I can still use my phone. I can stream radio if I have an internet signal. What on earth does she need a record player for? "There's nothing wrong with it," I wrote back, "but it's not like vinyl is easy to come by nowadays." For some reason I thought that might be the end of it but it wasn't. "What's vinyl?" She asked. I rest my case.
I'm not exactly sure when I was given my first record player. It was red and white. I like to think it was a step up from Fisher Price, but it might have been exactly that. I do remember getting my first record (maybe it was at the same time) and it was Sesame Street. "C is for Cookie" was on it; likely a billboard number one for the six and under set at the time.
My mom loved music and she loved her vinyl. I may have grown up in the eighties and nineties but my music was 70's Rock (and Sesame Street). My first "grown up" record was Micheal Jackson. Then Corey Hart. And then we moved to cassettes and I am one hundred percent certain that I have never purchased an actual record.
Yesterday, my fourteen year old daughter sent me a photo, of a record player. "I want this" she wrote. I laughed. "Hahahahaha". "Why?" She asked, "what's wrong with it?" I took some time to think about my answer. There's nothing wrong with it, per se. I don't currently have a record player but I did buy my mom one for Christmas a couple of years ago; because she has records still.
I mean, really, she doesn't own a CD let alone a record. She downloads music from iTunes. When they want to watch a video they don't have to sit restlessly waiting to see if Video Hits will, by chance, play the one video they're waiting to see; they go to YouTube. Heck, even I go to YouTube.
I attach a cord to my phone that is connected to my car and I can play my own playlist. I turn on Galaxy or whatever is on my satellite channels. I can still use my phone. I can stream radio if I have an internet signal. What on earth does she need a record player for? "There's nothing wrong with it," I wrote back, "but it's not like vinyl is easy to come by nowadays." For some reason I thought that might be the end of it but it wasn't. "What's vinyl?" She asked. I rest my case.
Thursday 16 June 2016
Unemployment: Interviews
I have to say that I've been on a few interviews over the past year. One was for a position I really wanted but was three and half hours from where I lived. Another was for a career practitioner at the local high school and even though I didn't get it, I realized how easy it was to interview for when I was truly interested in the work. That helped inform my decision to make a career change by the way.
The third position I interviewed for was for the job I'd had for the past year. One would think that should have been a slam-dunk. It was not. I realized after I was told I was unsuccessful in my bid for it that I had focused on what the position could be, not what it was. Lessons learned.
Now it's not often the case that you get a chance to really prepare for an interview to the full extent (like I could have for my own job...) but I was pretty lucky. Having spent the past week learning about what work was performed at the agency as well as having two full days of interview prep the week previously, I was in pretty good shape; right after I corrected a grave mistake.
I stopped in to see the manager the day before the interview (because it feels like I'm part of the team already) and when she mentioned my resume I asked to see it. When I asked to volunteer, she had asked me to forward a copy of my updated resume. I had sent her one that I had used to apply somewhere else (because it was just for informational purposes, I thought). The cover letter was attached! I told her I would send her an updated resume (and cover letter) that night. Yeesh - I can't believe that almost happened!
I remembered one of the other recommendations to prep for an interview: it's not all about you. Why do you want to work there? What do you know about what their company does? I did my research on the company and also what information I could get about the new program as it had been running in another area and there was information on the website. I had my great examples to answer behavioural questions... I was ready.
IT WENT FABULOUSLY. I knew the answers, I used the STAR (situation, task, actions, result) method to answer the behavioural questions. I talked about the previous week. I asked about how easy it would be to make changes to some of the presentation material because a couple of issues had been identified with the new group. They were open and happy I'd mentioned it. I also told them that I love to be in the classroom providing workshops and they said they had the flexibility to allow me to do both. Seriously? I was thrilled! Flexibility, creativity.... And in my interest area??
Oh, and I also found out that there are actually two positions; one is full-time and one is part-time. Since I didn't realize there was a full-time position, I made plans around the possibility of part-time. Full-time would be so much easier, and I have a plan if I get that too.
I stopped by later that week to talk about a schedule for volunteering the following week. I wasn't going to ask about the interview because that's probably not fair. The manager mentioned that my interview had gone really well so that's good news. She figures I will hear something early next week so my fingers are crossed.
The third position I interviewed for was for the job I'd had for the past year. One would think that should have been a slam-dunk. It was not. I realized after I was told I was unsuccessful in my bid for it that I had focused on what the position could be, not what it was. Lessons learned.
Now it's not often the case that you get a chance to really prepare for an interview to the full extent (like I could have for my own job...) but I was pretty lucky. Having spent the past week learning about what work was performed at the agency as well as having two full days of interview prep the week previously, I was in pretty good shape; right after I corrected a grave mistake.
I stopped in to see the manager the day before the interview (because it feels like I'm part of the team already) and when she mentioned my resume I asked to see it. When I asked to volunteer, she had asked me to forward a copy of my updated resume. I had sent her one that I had used to apply somewhere else (because it was just for informational purposes, I thought). The cover letter was attached! I told her I would send her an updated resume (and cover letter) that night. Yeesh - I can't believe that almost happened!
I remembered one of the other recommendations to prep for an interview: it's not all about you. Why do you want to work there? What do you know about what their company does? I did my research on the company and also what information I could get about the new program as it had been running in another area and there was information on the website. I had my great examples to answer behavioural questions... I was ready.
IT WENT FABULOUSLY. I knew the answers, I used the STAR (situation, task, actions, result) method to answer the behavioural questions. I talked about the previous week. I asked about how easy it would be to make changes to some of the presentation material because a couple of issues had been identified with the new group. They were open and happy I'd mentioned it. I also told them that I love to be in the classroom providing workshops and they said they had the flexibility to allow me to do both. Seriously? I was thrilled! Flexibility, creativity.... And in my interest area??
Oh, and I also found out that there are actually two positions; one is full-time and one is part-time. Since I didn't realize there was a full-time position, I made plans around the possibility of part-time. Full-time would be so much easier, and I have a plan if I get that too.
I stopped by later that week to talk about a schedule for volunteering the following week. I wasn't going to ask about the interview because that's probably not fair. The manager mentioned that my interview had gone really well so that's good news. She figures I will hear something early next week so my fingers are crossed.
Unemployment: Interviews
I have to say that I've been on a few interviews over the past year. One was for a position I really wanted but was three and half hours from where I lived. Another was for a career practitioner at the local high school and even though I didn't get it, I realized how easy it was to interview for when I was truly interested in the work. That helped inform my decision to make a career change by the way.
The third position I interviewed for was for the job I'd had for the past year. One would think that should have been a slam-dunk. It was not. I realized after I was told I was unsuccessful in my bid for it that I had focused on what the position could be, not what it was. Lessons learned.
Now it's not often the case that you get a chance to really prepare for an interview to the full extent (like I could have for my own job...) but I was pretty lucky. Having spent the past week learning about what work was performed at the agency as well as having two full days of interview prep the week previously, I was in pretty good shape; right after I corrected a grave mistake.
I stopped in to see the manager the day before the interview (because it feels like I'm part of the team already) and when she mentioned my resume I asked to see it. When I asked to volunteer, she had asked me to forward a copy of my updated resume. I had sent her one that I had used to apply somewhere else (because it was just for informational purposes, I thought). The cover letter was attached! I told her I would send her an updated resume (and cover letter) that night. Yeesh - I can't believe that almost happened!
I remembered one of the other recommendations to prep for an interview: it's not all about you. Why do you want to work there? What do you know about what their company does? I did my research on the company and also what information I could get about the new program as it had been running in another area and there was information on the website. I had my great examples to answer behavioural questions... I was ready.
IT WENT FABULOUSLY. I knew the answers, I used the STAR (situation, task, actions, result) method to answer the behavioural questions. I talked about the previous week. I asked about how easy it would be to make changes to some of the presentation material because a couple of issues had been identified with the new group. They were open and happy I'd mentioned it. I also told them that I love to be in the classroom providing workshops and they said they had the flexibility to allow me to do both. Seriously? I was thrilled! Flexibility, creativity.... And in my interest area??
Oh, and I also found out that there are actually two positions; one is full-time and one is part-time. Since I didn't realize there was a full-time position, I made plans around the possibility of part-time. Full-time would be so much easier, and I have a plan if I get that too.
I stopped by later that week to talk about a schedule for volunteering the following week. I wasn't going to ask about the interview because that's probably not fair. The manager mentioned that my interview had gone really well so that's good news. She figures I will hear something early next week so my fingers are crossed.
The third position I interviewed for was for the job I'd had for the past year. One would think that should have been a slam-dunk. It was not. I realized after I was told I was unsuccessful in my bid for it that I had focused on what the position could be, not what it was. Lessons learned.
Now it's not often the case that you get a chance to really prepare for an interview to the full extent (like I could have for my own job...) but I was pretty lucky. Having spent the past week learning about what work was performed at the agency as well as having two full days of interview prep the week previously, I was in pretty good shape; right after I corrected a grave mistake.
I stopped in to see the manager the day before the interview (because it feels like I'm part of the team already) and when she mentioned my resume I asked to see it. When I asked to volunteer, she had asked me to forward a copy of my updated resume. I had sent her one that I had used to apply somewhere else (because it was just for informational purposes, I thought). The cover letter was attached! I told her I would send her an updated resume (and cover letter) that night. Yeesh - I can't believe that almost happened!
I remembered one of the other recommendations to prep for an interview: it's not all about you. Why do you want to work there? What do you know about what their company does? I did my research on the company and also what information I could get about the new program as it had been running in another area and there was information on the website. I had my great examples to answer behavioural questions... I was ready.
IT WENT FABULOUSLY. I knew the answers, I used the STAR (situation, task, actions, result) method to answer the behavioural questions. I talked about the previous week. I asked about how easy it would be to make changes to some of the presentation material because a couple of issues had been identified with the new group. They were open and happy I'd mentioned it. I also told them that I love to be in the classroom providing workshops and they said they had the flexibility to allow me to do both. Seriously? I was thrilled! Flexibility, creativity.... And in my interest area??
Oh, and I also found out that there are actually two positions; one is full-time and one is part-time. Since I didn't realize there was a full-time position, I made plans around the possibility of part-time. Full-time would be so much easier, and I have a plan if I get that too.
I stopped by later that week to talk about a schedule for volunteering the following week. I wasn't going to ask about the interview because that's probably not fair. The manager mentioned that my interview had gone really well so that's good news. She figures I will hear something early next week so my fingers are crossed.
Unemployment: Interviews
I have to say that I've been on a few interviews over the past year. One was for a position I really wanted but was three and half hours from where I lived. Another was for a career practitioner at the local high school and even though I didn't get it, I realized how easy it was to interview for when I was truly interested in the work. That helped inform my decision to make a career change by the way.
The third position I interviewed for was for the job I'd had for the past year. One would think that should have been a slam-dunk. It was not. I realized after I was told I was unsuccessful in my bid for it that I had focused on what the position could be, not what it was. Lessons learned.
Now it's not often the case that you get a chance to really prepare for an interview to the full extent (like I could have for my own job...) but I was pretty lucky. Having spent the past week learning about what work was performed at the agency as well as having two full days of interview prep the week previously, I was in pretty good shape; right after I corrected a grave mistake.
I stopped in to see the manager the day before the interview (because it feels like I'm part of the team already) and when she mentioned my resume I asked to see it. When I asked to volunteer, she had asked me to forward a copy of my updated resume. I had sent her one that I had used to apply somewhere else (because it was just for informational purposes, I thought). The cover letter was attached! I told her I would send her an updated resume (and cover letter) that night. Yeesh - I can't believe that almost happened!
I remembered one of the other recommendations to prep for an interview: it's not all about you. Why do you want to work there? What do you know about what their company does? I did my research on the company and also what information I could get about the new program as it had been running in another area and there was information on the website. I had my great examples to answer behavioural questions... I was ready.
IT WENT FABULOUSLY. I knew the answers, I used the STAR (situation, task, actions, result) method to answer the behavioural questions. I talked about the previous week. I asked about how easy it would be to make changes to some of the presentation material because a couple of issues had been identified with the new group. They were open and happy I'd mentioned it. I also told them that I love to be in the classroom providing workshops and they said they had the flexibility to allow me to do both. Seriously? I was thrilled! Flexibility, creativity.... And in my interest area??
Oh, and I also found out that there are actually two positions; one is full-time and one is part-time. Since I didn't realize there was a full-time position, I made plans around the possibility of part-time. Full-time would be so much easier, and I have a plan if I get that too.
I stopped by later that week to talk about a schedule for volunteering the following week. I wasn't going to ask about the interview because that's probably not fair. The manager mentioned that my interview had gone really well so that's good news. She figures I will hear something early next week so my fingers are crossed.
The third position I interviewed for was for the job I'd had for the past year. One would think that should have been a slam-dunk. It was not. I realized after I was told I was unsuccessful in my bid for it that I had focused on what the position could be, not what it was. Lessons learned.
Now it's not often the case that you get a chance to really prepare for an interview to the full extent (like I could have for my own job...) but I was pretty lucky. Having spent the past week learning about what work was performed at the agency as well as having two full days of interview prep the week previously, I was in pretty good shape; right after I corrected a grave mistake.
I stopped in to see the manager the day before the interview (because it feels like I'm part of the team already) and when she mentioned my resume I asked to see it. When I asked to volunteer, she had asked me to forward a copy of my updated resume. I had sent her one that I had used to apply somewhere else (because it was just for informational purposes, I thought). The cover letter was attached! I told her I would send her an updated resume (and cover letter) that night. Yeesh - I can't believe that almost happened!
I remembered one of the other recommendations to prep for an interview: it's not all about you. Why do you want to work there? What do you know about what their company does? I did my research on the company and also what information I could get about the new program as it had been running in another area and there was information on the website. I had my great examples to answer behavioural questions... I was ready.
IT WENT FABULOUSLY. I knew the answers, I used the STAR (situation, task, actions, result) method to answer the behavioural questions. I talked about the previous week. I asked about how easy it would be to make changes to some of the presentation material because a couple of issues had been identified with the new group. They were open and happy I'd mentioned it. I also told them that I love to be in the classroom providing workshops and they said they had the flexibility to allow me to do both. Seriously? I was thrilled! Flexibility, creativity.... And in my interest area??
Oh, and I also found out that there are actually two positions; one is full-time and one is part-time. Since I didn't realize there was a full-time position, I made plans around the possibility of part-time. Full-time would be so much easier, and I have a plan if I get that too.
I stopped by later that week to talk about a schedule for volunteering the following week. I wasn't going to ask about the interview because that's probably not fair. The manager mentioned that my interview had gone really well so that's good news. She figures I will hear something early next week so my fingers are crossed.
Wednesday 15 June 2016
Unemployment: Cover Letters
Resumes weren't as difficult to redo as the cover letter, I found. Sure, I might add certain things to match a particular job posting but for the most part, it stayed the same. Cover letters are a different story.
In my opinion the cover letter is the only place that gives you the opportunity to be creative and try to show a potential employer who you really are. Unless otherwise specified, the cover letter is your opportunity to tell the employer why you are the best person for the job, aside from your skills and experience. For instance, you want to be able to answer questions an employer might have before they meet you.
If you're changing your career, why did you decide to do that? Why are you interested in this position? Why are you interested in this company? If you have a lengthy history of experience in a particular field and you're looking to continue in that field, you want to try to answer the question in this way: I want to bring my unique combination of skills and experience to Company because...
Because the cover letter has to be specific to each position with each company you apply for, and to do it properly you need to research each place, this can be a very big task. Again, it is easier if you are applying for a particular field or industry all of the time. (I addressed the "just looking for a job" seekers in a previous post, Unemployment: Resumes 2).
I've written some very difficult cover letters, mostly for federal government jobs. They specifically request that you outline in your cover letter how your experience meets the skill requirement of the posting. It reads about as interestingly as a resume. Adding to the difficulty is that you have to figure out how to make full sentences and proper paragraph structure out of each disjointed statement. Not my favourite.
In most cases, the cover letter is your chance to express your interest, your goals and show why you are the best candidate. Take advantage of that. "Cover Letter Magic" by Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark has an absolute array of examples, as do some Alberta government publications you can access on the ALIS website.
Be sure to read the posting closely. If they have a specific request, such as having a reliable vehicle or willing to travel up to 90% of the time, it's a good idea to address this in your cover letter. Obviously your resume won't mention whether you have a vehicle and don't expect that because your last three jobs required extensive travel that they'll assume you have one. Every little detail counts when demand for jobs is greater than the supply and it's sad to think your resume could get passed over for someone who did mention they had a vehicle.
Basic do's: cohesive formatting, spell check, coherent sentences, expressive of interest and passion.
Do not's: pictures, incorrect addressee, misspelt company name or addressee
Also, if you are using a job posting app, like Indeed, there is often a button at the bottom to view the job posting. I recommend looking at the original posting because I think Indeed might have a character limit and not everything appears as it was intended. Lastly, take your time (if you can).
Although it might feel better to send it and be done with it, I've had many occasions where I thought about it a day later and realized I didn't add something I should have. If you have time, write it up and leave it overnight, read the posting again in the morning and then your cover letter and resume. Try to think of it from the hiring manager's point of view. What would you want to see? Is it there? Then send it.
In my opinion the cover letter is the only place that gives you the opportunity to be creative and try to show a potential employer who you really are. Unless otherwise specified, the cover letter is your opportunity to tell the employer why you are the best person for the job, aside from your skills and experience. For instance, you want to be able to answer questions an employer might have before they meet you.
If you're changing your career, why did you decide to do that? Why are you interested in this position? Why are you interested in this company? If you have a lengthy history of experience in a particular field and you're looking to continue in that field, you want to try to answer the question in this way: I want to bring my unique combination of skills and experience to Company because...
Because the cover letter has to be specific to each position with each company you apply for, and to do it properly you need to research each place, this can be a very big task. Again, it is easier if you are applying for a particular field or industry all of the time. (I addressed the "just looking for a job" seekers in a previous post, Unemployment: Resumes 2).
I've written some very difficult cover letters, mostly for federal government jobs. They specifically request that you outline in your cover letter how your experience meets the skill requirement of the posting. It reads about as interestingly as a resume. Adding to the difficulty is that you have to figure out how to make full sentences and proper paragraph structure out of each disjointed statement. Not my favourite.
In most cases, the cover letter is your chance to express your interest, your goals and show why you are the best candidate. Take advantage of that. "Cover Letter Magic" by Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark has an absolute array of examples, as do some Alberta government publications you can access on the ALIS website.
Be sure to read the posting closely. If they have a specific request, such as having a reliable vehicle or willing to travel up to 90% of the time, it's a good idea to address this in your cover letter. Obviously your resume won't mention whether you have a vehicle and don't expect that because your last three jobs required extensive travel that they'll assume you have one. Every little detail counts when demand for jobs is greater than the supply and it's sad to think your resume could get passed over for someone who did mention they had a vehicle.
Basic do's: cohesive formatting, spell check, coherent sentences, expressive of interest and passion.
Do not's: pictures, incorrect addressee, misspelt company name or addressee
Also, if you are using a job posting app, like Indeed, there is often a button at the bottom to view the job posting. I recommend looking at the original posting because I think Indeed might have a character limit and not everything appears as it was intended. Lastly, take your time (if you can).
Although it might feel better to send it and be done with it, I've had many occasions where I thought about it a day later and realized I didn't add something I should have. If you have time, write it up and leave it overnight, read the posting again in the morning and then your cover letter and resume. Try to think of it from the hiring manager's point of view. What would you want to see? Is it there? Then send it.
Tuesday 14 June 2016
Unemployment: Resumes 2
I grew up with the chronological resume. I like it. When I was looking for work back in 2013 I used the e-resume service on ALIS more than once and they kept trying to get me to change to a skill-based resume. Not only did I not like it, I refused to use it (and I hate to think that's why I was only offered 5 interviews out of more than one hundred applications... That's not a guesstimate by the way).
Having been through the most recent workshop (twice) with my volunteer work, I have finally discovered the benefit of a skill-based resume (actually, there are a few).
#1: Where you worked is not the focus of your resume.
This makes sense if you are applying for work in a completely different industry. One of my other theories about why my resumes received so little attention in '13 is because my experience was very industry-heavy. Without it, I hadn't worked in 6 years but I could tell it wasn't doing me any favours. As one interviewer asked "coming from that background, do you think you have the ability to think creatively?" I was highly insulted. Then I worked for the organization again and I was like, oh, right, that's not exactly a strong point here...
#2: The skills you obtained/used and your accomplishments are the focus.
This resume allows you to highlight skills from any of the experience you use. One position, still on my resume but just hit a decade old, is at the end of my experience. Some of the things I did there are really important and if it's the last thing a hiring manager sees, it's definitely not highlighted. With a skill-based resume, you can highlight the specific skill/accomplishment up high, where it belongs.
#3: WHEN you worked is no longer the focus.
If you have gaps in your resume, a chronological resume highlights this. Again, the information is still there but it is at the bottom of your resume. The skills you have are important, not when you started getting them.
#4: Even if you don't use a skill-based resume (it's not right for everyone, in my opinion) write one up.
The reason for this is that I had a fabulous "a-ha" moment when I did mine: Interviews. If you've been asked the dreaded "behavioural" questions, you know it takes planning to answer them well. I chose three headings for my skill-based resume; Problem Solving, Marketing and Business Development. Just to put that into perspective, the three most recent job titles on my resume are, "Stakeholder Engagement Advisor", "Program Advisor" and "Sales Manager" (the latter I also switch out with "Meeting and Event Coordinator" though the former was my official title).
When you have unintelligible titles, it's difficult for people to see the relevance from your previous work to the work they want you to perform. That's the other reason why you should look to see what else may be a better description. But back to the interview. By writing my resume up this way, I found that I instantly had three examples under each heading that I could use to answer a targeted interview question
I'd also like to explain why I don't believe this format is best for everyone. My ex is a chef and before I ever had any formal knowledge of these things I remember looking at his very lengthy resume and saying, really? He told me that in his industry it was very important WHERE you had worked. So if that is the case for you, don't change it up on my account.
Also, if your most recent experience is especially relevant (you currently work for the organization or it's a similar position somewhere else), I think it should be the focus. Additionally, if your resume shows progressive experience well, I think chronological is better. Again, just my opinion, do what's right for you.
Having been through the most recent workshop (twice) with my volunteer work, I have finally discovered the benefit of a skill-based resume (actually, there are a few).
#1: Where you worked is not the focus of your resume.
This makes sense if you are applying for work in a completely different industry. One of my other theories about why my resumes received so little attention in '13 is because my experience was very industry-heavy. Without it, I hadn't worked in 6 years but I could tell it wasn't doing me any favours. As one interviewer asked "coming from that background, do you think you have the ability to think creatively?" I was highly insulted. Then I worked for the organization again and I was like, oh, right, that's not exactly a strong point here...
#2: The skills you obtained/used and your accomplishments are the focus.
This resume allows you to highlight skills from any of the experience you use. One position, still on my resume but just hit a decade old, is at the end of my experience. Some of the things I did there are really important and if it's the last thing a hiring manager sees, it's definitely not highlighted. With a skill-based resume, you can highlight the specific skill/accomplishment up high, where it belongs.
#3: WHEN you worked is no longer the focus.
If you have gaps in your resume, a chronological resume highlights this. Again, the information is still there but it is at the bottom of your resume. The skills you have are important, not when you started getting them.
#4: Even if you don't use a skill-based resume (it's not right for everyone, in my opinion) write one up.
The reason for this is that I had a fabulous "a-ha" moment when I did mine: Interviews. If you've been asked the dreaded "behavioural" questions, you know it takes planning to answer them well. I chose three headings for my skill-based resume; Problem Solving, Marketing and Business Development. Just to put that into perspective, the three most recent job titles on my resume are, "Stakeholder Engagement Advisor", "Program Advisor" and "Sales Manager" (the latter I also switch out with "Meeting and Event Coordinator" though the former was my official title).
When you have unintelligible titles, it's difficult for people to see the relevance from your previous work to the work they want you to perform. That's the other reason why you should look to see what else may be a better description. But back to the interview. By writing my resume up this way, I found that I instantly had three examples under each heading that I could use to answer a targeted interview question
I'd also like to explain why I don't believe this format is best for everyone. My ex is a chef and before I ever had any formal knowledge of these things I remember looking at his very lengthy resume and saying, really? He told me that in his industry it was very important WHERE you had worked. So if that is the case for you, don't change it up on my account.
Also, if your most recent experience is especially relevant (you currently work for the organization or it's a similar position somewhere else), I think it should be the focus. Additionally, if your resume shows progressive experience well, I think chronological is better. Again, just my opinion, do what's right for you.
Monday 13 June 2016
Unemployment: Resumes
I spent so much time writing and rewriting resumes in 2013 that I was mentally and emotionally drained every day. Workshops and counsellors will tell you to focus on a particular industry or type of work. Yeah, that's great, but when you desperately need work??
I've been there; it was exhausting. It was also depleting my confidence at such a fantastic rate that my mood was about as predictable as a yo-yo. Part of the reason I only received 5 interviews out of over 100 applications is probably also due to the fact that I was applying everywhere. One of the reasons the career planning workshop and "What Colour is Your Parachute" were so helpful is because they made me focus on what I really wanted to do with my skills. Constant rejection makes you start to think you don't have any and that's not a positive place to be when you're writing resumes.
I'm lucky enough to not be desperate yet, but because I was before (and could be again) and it was such a waste of my time, I want to offer some advice: settle down, breathe and focus. What are you after? A good job? A better job? A paycheque? Figure that out before you drive yourself nuts.
Here are some tips for getting work; not necessarily for getting your dream job, but just getting a job that can get you a paycheque.
#1: Downplay your skills/experience/awesomeness
This can be painful. Right after graduation, in 2013, I applied for a job and felt it would be better to remove my education. I cried. I was almost 40, had just worked my ass off in university and now I was applying for something I needed "some high school" for. The point is that if you are desperate for work, you will need to adjust your resume accordingly. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes. Even if you have zero interest in working your way up, if you are more qualified for the manager's job than they might be, do you think you'll get an interview? Would you bring in you to possibly take your job away in the future? Not likely.
#2: You don't always need a resume.
I answered an ad in '13 by showing up. A motel in town was looking for someone to work the front desk and in my patchwork quilt employment history, I have also worked the front desk at a hotel. I walked in to inquire about the posting and was told to bring my resume to another person on Monday morning. I showed up again (having forgotten to bring it) and talked with the manager about my experience. She asked when I was available for training and boom, I had a job. Never discount the importance of face-to-face interaction.
#3: Be ready to work.
Whatever you're applying for, especially if you're stopping in, be ready to work. If you need safety boots and a tool belt, show up at 7:45am in that. I brought in a resume to the first hotel I worked at where I got my front desk experience dressed for an interview. The person who took my resume asked me if I had time to wait and she came back with the general manager. "It must have been pretty important" he told me "to pull me out of a meeting". That lack of putting me at ease aside, I had waitresses in a large hotel before so I had some experience in the industry. He interviewed me then and there, asked what shifts I could work (having already done my due diligence with day care availability) I informed him I could be available six days per week from 7:00am until midnight. He said he could work with that and asked when I could start. I had a job.
#4: Talk to people.
It wasn't my dream job but my mom worked at the post office. I did not want to work there. However, I had turned down a job and been unsuccessful getting the one I wanted, already given notice at the motel and now I needed one. It was a cover-off position but they had someone out on medical leave so it was full-time. I stayed for seven months, through Christmas and I applaud anyone who does this job because it's not as easy as it looks and very few people respect the fact that you do it. (Oh, and it pays less than $40 grand a year, in some cases much less, so quit with the "they make so much money" BS.)
I've been there; it was exhausting. It was also depleting my confidence at such a fantastic rate that my mood was about as predictable as a yo-yo. Part of the reason I only received 5 interviews out of over 100 applications is probably also due to the fact that I was applying everywhere. One of the reasons the career planning workshop and "What Colour is Your Parachute" were so helpful is because they made me focus on what I really wanted to do with my skills. Constant rejection makes you start to think you don't have any and that's not a positive place to be when you're writing resumes.
I'm lucky enough to not be desperate yet, but because I was before (and could be again) and it was such a waste of my time, I want to offer some advice: settle down, breathe and focus. What are you after? A good job? A better job? A paycheque? Figure that out before you drive yourself nuts.
Here are some tips for getting work; not necessarily for getting your dream job, but just getting a job that can get you a paycheque.
#1: Downplay your skills/experience/awesomeness
This can be painful. Right after graduation, in 2013, I applied for a job and felt it would be better to remove my education. I cried. I was almost 40, had just worked my ass off in university and now I was applying for something I needed "some high school" for. The point is that if you are desperate for work, you will need to adjust your resume accordingly. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes. Even if you have zero interest in working your way up, if you are more qualified for the manager's job than they might be, do you think you'll get an interview? Would you bring in you to possibly take your job away in the future? Not likely.
#2: You don't always need a resume.
I answered an ad in '13 by showing up. A motel in town was looking for someone to work the front desk and in my patchwork quilt employment history, I have also worked the front desk at a hotel. I walked in to inquire about the posting and was told to bring my resume to another person on Monday morning. I showed up again (having forgotten to bring it) and talked with the manager about my experience. She asked when I was available for training and boom, I had a job. Never discount the importance of face-to-face interaction.
#3: Be ready to work.
Whatever you're applying for, especially if you're stopping in, be ready to work. If you need safety boots and a tool belt, show up at 7:45am in that. I brought in a resume to the first hotel I worked at where I got my front desk experience dressed for an interview. The person who took my resume asked me if I had time to wait and she came back with the general manager. "It must have been pretty important" he told me "to pull me out of a meeting". That lack of putting me at ease aside, I had waitresses in a large hotel before so I had some experience in the industry. He interviewed me then and there, asked what shifts I could work (having already done my due diligence with day care availability) I informed him I could be available six days per week from 7:00am until midnight. He said he could work with that and asked when I could start. I had a job.
#4: Talk to people.
It wasn't my dream job but my mom worked at the post office. I did not want to work there. However, I had turned down a job and been unsuccessful getting the one I wanted, already given notice at the motel and now I needed one. It was a cover-off position but they had someone out on medical leave so it was full-time. I stayed for seven months, through Christmas and I applaud anyone who does this job because it's not as easy as it looks and very few people respect the fact that you do it. (Oh, and it pays less than $40 grand a year, in some cases much less, so quit with the "they make so much money" BS.)
Sunday 12 June 2016
Unemployment: Volunteering 2
The week has flown by and something very exciting happened! I mentioned that the group we were facilitating the workshops for were new to the counsellor (and me by default) and she was great. I'm not sure how anyone else would handle this experience but I joined in, fully. I played both sides, learner and leader, and she was very supportive.
The workshops were on resumes and cover letters the first day and interview skills the second day. I did the same work the participants were asked to do and was vocal about what I discovered and its relevance to my own work search. They were surprised when I told them I was volunteering and not getting paid to be there but in my opinion it was great role-modelling. Sometimes these sessions (I've attended a few) are full of questions like "does this really work?" And "how is this going to work for me?" I was able to answer these from a current view and they seemed to find it helpful.
On the day I was in office the manager told me she would like me to interview for their upcoming position!! I didn't realize they were that close to actually getting the position! She booked me in for Tuesday and I can hardly believe this has moved along so quickly.
Now I have to address something else. I have been using Indeed and Canada job bank to look for positions and I always look at my home town. I also look in the local paper each week. I never saw an advertisement for this position and if they're already setting up interviews, I have to wonder how I missed it. I made my decision near the end of March so I was already focusing my job search back then; now we're into May.
I'm not sure if I can offer a more perfect example of what Bolles ("What Color is Your Parachute") said about the untapped opportunities available outside of advertised vacancies. While it's certainly a possibility that I could have volunteered and they did not have a position, I still had a plan for that. I volunteered to learn. What I was planning to do with that was look into the possibility of developing a workshop on my own and marketing it. I still had a plan even if there hadn't been a position and I learned a lot from the four days I spent with the two groups. The first thing I learned is that I did know a lot but some things had changed. I will be doing a resume tip blog next because I did learn something about career changers and why you should change up your resume if you are one.
The workshops were on resumes and cover letters the first day and interview skills the second day. I did the same work the participants were asked to do and was vocal about what I discovered and its relevance to my own work search. They were surprised when I told them I was volunteering and not getting paid to be there but in my opinion it was great role-modelling. Sometimes these sessions (I've attended a few) are full of questions like "does this really work?" And "how is this going to work for me?" I was able to answer these from a current view and they seemed to find it helpful.
On the day I was in office the manager told me she would like me to interview for their upcoming position!! I didn't realize they were that close to actually getting the position! She booked me in for Tuesday and I can hardly believe this has moved along so quickly.
Now I have to address something else. I have been using Indeed and Canada job bank to look for positions and I always look at my home town. I also look in the local paper each week. I never saw an advertisement for this position and if they're already setting up interviews, I have to wonder how I missed it. I made my decision near the end of March so I was already focusing my job search back then; now we're into May.
I'm not sure if I can offer a more perfect example of what Bolles ("What Color is Your Parachute") said about the untapped opportunities available outside of advertised vacancies. While it's certainly a possibility that I could have volunteered and they did not have a position, I still had a plan for that. I volunteered to learn. What I was planning to do with that was look into the possibility of developing a workshop on my own and marketing it. I still had a plan even if there hadn't been a position and I learned a lot from the four days I spent with the two groups. The first thing I learned is that I did know a lot but some things had changed. I will be doing a resume tip blog next because I did learn something about career changers and why you should change up your resume if you are one.
Tuesday 7 June 2016
"Wait, I'm an Indian?"
Actually, he's Metis, but I certainly wasn't going to try to explain the racist, bureaucratic feeble-mindedness that brought that about. We spent the afternoon at a park, a water park, a school park and another school park. My ten year old wanted to take his shirt off while we were walking from the park to the water park and I told him he could do that right now if he so desired. He did and then remarked "people tell me I'm too white". "You are" I said, "it's pretty hard to tell you have Indian in you."
He stopped. My handsome little guy, with his blond hair and blue eyes looks at me, looks at his semi-tanned arms and overly white torso and says "Wait, I'm an Indian? How?" Ah, the million dollar question. "Well, you know your great-grandma looks kind of like an Indian" I said. "Really?" Came his shocked reply, "I thought she was just tanned!" (All year round)...
"But how am I Indian?" He asks again. The story great-grandma tells us is that her grandmother was traded for a sack of flour. Her grandmother married an Indian and they had a son, who married a white woman who had her. (I could so use "begat" here but I'd like you to follow along :)). Great grandma married great grandpa who is white. They had grandpa, who married grandma, who is white. Dad married me. "Because you're white?" He inquired. "NO, just because."
"Is that why I can't talk to Sage? Because she's white?" OMG, I wish I could see the printout of his thought process. Sage is a girl he fell in love with in grade one and apparently he can talk to other girls without issue but has difficulty talking to her. Considering it's been four years, you'd think he would have figured out a way. Or maybe I want him to continue having issues until he's 20. Probably that.
"So, do I have to marry someone who is white?" Was the next question. "No, skin colour doesn't matter, you marry someone you love" I told him. "Oh, okay" he says "can I ride Ethan's bike?"
Maybe later I'll tell him he's also Russian, German and Scottish. That should be fun.
He stopped. My handsome little guy, with his blond hair and blue eyes looks at me, looks at his semi-tanned arms and overly white torso and says "Wait, I'm an Indian? How?" Ah, the million dollar question. "Well, you know your great-grandma looks kind of like an Indian" I said. "Really?" Came his shocked reply, "I thought she was just tanned!" (All year round)...
"But how am I Indian?" He asks again. The story great-grandma tells us is that her grandmother was traded for a sack of flour. Her grandmother married an Indian and they had a son, who married a white woman who had her. (I could so use "begat" here but I'd like you to follow along :)). Great grandma married great grandpa who is white. They had grandpa, who married grandma, who is white. Dad married me. "Because you're white?" He inquired. "NO, just because."
"Is that why I can't talk to Sage? Because she's white?" OMG, I wish I could see the printout of his thought process. Sage is a girl he fell in love with in grade one and apparently he can talk to other girls without issue but has difficulty talking to her. Considering it's been four years, you'd think he would have figured out a way. Or maybe I want him to continue having issues until he's 20. Probably that.
"So, do I have to marry someone who is white?" Was the next question. "No, skin colour doesn't matter, you marry someone you love" I told him. "Oh, okay" he says "can I ride Ethan's bike?"
Maybe later I'll tell him he's also Russian, German and Scottish. That should be fun.
Thursday 2 June 2016
Unemployment: Success!!
The manager called me at 3:30 pm to offer me the position!! Even though I had been 90% certain that I would be offered a job, when the second interview came up, I was only about 30% sure. I wondered if I had done something wrong, strayed off my path in some way; I doubted myself. Let's face it, when you hear "you were not the successful candidate" or don't even hear back, doubt can creep up on you. However, I no longer have to wonder, so let's recap;
February 29: My last day of work
March 24, 25 & 27: I attended a career planning workshop.
March 25: I borrowed "What Color is Your Parachute?" (Richard N. Bolles) from the library.
April 7: First information interview with a Career Planning Facilitator.
April 8: I order career counselling books from Amazon to keep learning.
April 11: Asked manager at career and employment agency if I could volunteer.
April 18: Talked with career counsellor at my kids' school about volunteering.
April 29: Received the go ahead from career and employment agency, scheduled volunteer hours for the full next week.
May 2 &3: Went out to workshops as a volunteer; participated fully in facilitating :)
May 4: Sat with career coaches in the office. Manager tells me she would like me to interview for a position they have coming up. Interview is scheduled for May 10.
May 5 & 6: Attended workshops.
May 10: First interview.
May 20: Second interview requested.
May 26: Second interview.
May 30: Job offer.
It certainly wasn't an overnight success. One of the concerns I'd had after the second interview was requested was that I had spent a lot of time on this one endeavour. What if it hadn't worked out? What was the plan? My plan was to get as much information as I could (which I did, handily, during the week I volunteered) and then I was going to design my own workshop and market it to someone else. Plan A was what I just mentioned; Plan B was to volunteer at the school, Plan C was to go back to school if still unemployed at the end of August. Plan D was that either the school or the career and employment agency would have a job for me. I actually didn't bank on Plan D.
Let me also reiterate what Bolles says in his book; People who use the following methods of job search, by:
"Looking for employer's job postings on the Internet"; Success rate: 4%
"Posting or mailing out your resume to employers"; Success rate: 7%
"Answering local newspaper ads"; Success rate: 5-24% (because, local)
"Private employment agencies or search firms"; Success rate: 5-28%
"Answering ads in professional or trade journals, appropriate to your field"; Success rate: 7%
"Job Clubs"; Success rate: around 10%
"State or federal employment office"; Success rate: 14%
"Going to places where employers pick up workers"; Success rate: 22% (for short-term employment)
"Asking for job leads (from friends, family members, connections)"; Success rate: about 35%
"Knocking on the door of any employer, office, or manufacturing plant"; Success rate: 47%
"Using the Yellow Pages (to call prospective employers and ask for a meeting)"; Success rate: 65%
"The Parachute Approach (combining reaching out to contacts, information interviews, networking etc); Success rate: 86%.
I've done most of these, but my tactic to find this job was solely The Parachute Approach. Can I say that I got lucky? I believe so, yes. I mean, what were the odds that they would have a job at the ready? But I can say this for certain: if I Had not taken the risk of going after what I wanted, reaching out to contacts I had made, the job wouldn't be mine now. The last time I was looking for work I wrote a tweet that said: "Looking for a job now is different than the old days. It's not like you have to leave your house; or put on pants". Well, I was wrong; leave your house... and for goodness sakes, wear pants.
February 29: My last day of work
March 24, 25 & 27: I attended a career planning workshop.
March 25: I borrowed "What Color is Your Parachute?" (Richard N. Bolles) from the library.
April 7: First information interview with a Career Planning Facilitator.
April 8: I order career counselling books from Amazon to keep learning.
April 11: Asked manager at career and employment agency if I could volunteer.
April 18: Talked with career counsellor at my kids' school about volunteering.
April 29: Received the go ahead from career and employment agency, scheduled volunteer hours for the full next week.
May 2 &3: Went out to workshops as a volunteer; participated fully in facilitating :)
May 4: Sat with career coaches in the office. Manager tells me she would like me to interview for a position they have coming up. Interview is scheduled for May 10.
May 5 & 6: Attended workshops.
May 10: First interview.
May 20: Second interview requested.
May 26: Second interview.
May 30: Job offer.
It certainly wasn't an overnight success. One of the concerns I'd had after the second interview was requested was that I had spent a lot of time on this one endeavour. What if it hadn't worked out? What was the plan? My plan was to get as much information as I could (which I did, handily, during the week I volunteered) and then I was going to design my own workshop and market it to someone else. Plan A was what I just mentioned; Plan B was to volunteer at the school, Plan C was to go back to school if still unemployed at the end of August. Plan D was that either the school or the career and employment agency would have a job for me. I actually didn't bank on Plan D.
Let me also reiterate what Bolles says in his book; People who use the following methods of job search, by:
"Looking for employer's job postings on the Internet"; Success rate: 4%
"Posting or mailing out your resume to employers"; Success rate: 7%
"Answering local newspaper ads"; Success rate: 5-24% (because, local)
"Private employment agencies or search firms"; Success rate: 5-28%
"Answering ads in professional or trade journals, appropriate to your field"; Success rate: 7%
"Job Clubs"; Success rate: around 10%
"State or federal employment office"; Success rate: 14%
"Going to places where employers pick up workers"; Success rate: 22% (for short-term employment)
"Asking for job leads (from friends, family members, connections)"; Success rate: about 35%
"Knocking on the door of any employer, office, or manufacturing plant"; Success rate: 47%
"Using the Yellow Pages (to call prospective employers and ask for a meeting)"; Success rate: 65%
"The Parachute Approach (combining reaching out to contacts, information interviews, networking etc); Success rate: 86%.
I've done most of these, but my tactic to find this job was solely The Parachute Approach. Can I say that I got lucky? I believe so, yes. I mean, what were the odds that they would have a job at the ready? But I can say this for certain: if I Had not taken the risk of going after what I wanted, reaching out to contacts I had made, the job wouldn't be mine now. The last time I was looking for work I wrote a tweet that said: "Looking for a job now is different than the old days. It's not like you have to leave your house; or put on pants". Well, I was wrong; leave your house... and for goodness sakes, wear pants.
Wednesday 1 June 2016
Unemployment: The Second Interview
Perhaps I'm wrong, but should the second interview not cause less angst than the first? It wasn't that way for me. I said to my husband; "I'm not a very likeable person" and he looked at me like I had grown a second head. So, that was a positive, right?!
The manager had told me that the interview was to address "fit" and I was concerned from the start. What if the new coordinator didn't like me? If it's just "fit" then that's an acceptable reason to say "thanks again, but we've decided to go in another direction." I once interviewed at a place where they told me I was expected to be available at all hours of the night because the program dealt with international students and their parents may call when it's convenient for them. I asked if I had to be available by phone or in the office and she rolled her eyes and snidely remarked "well of course you have to be available by phone, this is a 24 hour job". I figured if that was the type of response I received for asking for clarification, I was probably going to get used to not asking and getting in trouble for doing things wrong. That, and I figured somewhere within the previous 15 minutes, she decided she didn't think much of me.
All I'm saying is, you never know what you're going to get and although my first interview had been an absolute smash, I was concerned about the second. As it turned out, it was okay. I say okay because the coordinator (who I was supposed to fit with) stumped me with a question. "What, specifically, would you bring to the facilitation process?" She asked. "What special skills do you have that you could use to make it enjoyable for the participants? For instance one of the facilitators makes smoothies when she's talking about nutrition." Special skills?? Holy crap!!
I talked about how I think of these types of workshops as an opportunity to entertain the group in some way, either through anecdotes or additional information. I talked about how I've been able to entertain groups with very limited material, just to keep them interested. I bombed. "At least, that's what's at the top of my head" I said. There was laughter. "If you're anything like me," said the coordinator, "it will come to you at 3:00 am". It came to me as I was driving home.
I wrote an email to the manager, who I knew was heading into a meeting directly after my interview. In the subject line I wrote "It only took 10 minutes". You see, in addition to the many things I have rolling around in my head, I've also been working on some cooking stuff (so "smoothies" should have triggered my response). I told her what I'd been thinking of doing with that. Maybe she'll mention it to them. Maybe it will still turn out okay. FFS.
The manager had told me that the interview was to address "fit" and I was concerned from the start. What if the new coordinator didn't like me? If it's just "fit" then that's an acceptable reason to say "thanks again, but we've decided to go in another direction." I once interviewed at a place where they told me I was expected to be available at all hours of the night because the program dealt with international students and their parents may call when it's convenient for them. I asked if I had to be available by phone or in the office and she rolled her eyes and snidely remarked "well of course you have to be available by phone, this is a 24 hour job". I figured if that was the type of response I received for asking for clarification, I was probably going to get used to not asking and getting in trouble for doing things wrong. That, and I figured somewhere within the previous 15 minutes, she decided she didn't think much of me.
All I'm saying is, you never know what you're going to get and although my first interview had been an absolute smash, I was concerned about the second. As it turned out, it was okay. I say okay because the coordinator (who I was supposed to fit with) stumped me with a question. "What, specifically, would you bring to the facilitation process?" She asked. "What special skills do you have that you could use to make it enjoyable for the participants? For instance one of the facilitators makes smoothies when she's talking about nutrition." Special skills?? Holy crap!!
I talked about how I think of these types of workshops as an opportunity to entertain the group in some way, either through anecdotes or additional information. I talked about how I've been able to entertain groups with very limited material, just to keep them interested. I bombed. "At least, that's what's at the top of my head" I said. There was laughter. "If you're anything like me," said the coordinator, "it will come to you at 3:00 am". It came to me as I was driving home.
I wrote an email to the manager, who I knew was heading into a meeting directly after my interview. In the subject line I wrote "It only took 10 minutes". You see, in addition to the many things I have rolling around in my head, I've also been working on some cooking stuff (so "smoothies" should have triggered my response). I told her what I'd been thinking of doing with that. Maybe she'll mention it to them. Maybe it will still turn out okay. FFS.
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