Career Improvement Check-in

[rubytue]

I think I missed last week, but since it the first day of the work week for many of us - let's hear all the awesome goals coming up. And interview updates? And warm fuzzies and cheers for folks struggling.

[monsterz]

This could be an interesting week. Two phone interviews today. Final in person interview tomorrow and a first round interview as well for a position in Boston. If things go well I may have to make a decision about my future.

[bernergirl]

I had a great call with a recruiter last week about a position, and she said she's going to recommend me for the next round. I also had another good introduced call with a different recruiter, and made a networking contact. Fingers crossed that the company wants to interview me

[rubytue]

May 26, 2015 9:52:39 GMT -5 carrotsmakemefat said:

No updates.

Doing these reminds me how SLOW the fed process is.

FWIW - I put in for an ops research and a quality assurance positions. I'm kinda meh on them, but I want to explore options and reach out a bit. So I'm giving it a shot.

[tacom]

I got a job. Yay! In Chicago. Boo!

I had to turn it down but it's a good reminder that I'm employable!

[steph96]

No updates. I will be getting one of my CPA section scores back tomorrow, so I'm hoping that I will pass and then I can use that as an excuse to follow up with them.

[rubytue]

Good luck steph96! I've been wondering when your scores would come back!

[starlily]

I'm down to one last question, but it's the Big Essay. I should be submitting my completed application online and mailing out my supplemental materials by this Saturday. Then the infinite waiting begins.

In addition, a friend reached out to me via Linked In about an interesting-sounding opportunity in a neighboring county. The recruitment should be posted in a couple weeks, so I'm oolong forward to finding out more details. The commute would be terrible, but the pay could be up to $70k more than my current salary.

[ijack]

I have a phone interview tonight for a job (outside this shit hole) that I applied for!!! Phone interviews make me nervous because I never know if they're just a screening call or if they're going to ask real questions.

[ssmjlm]

My director just put out an opportunity for a temp gs-14 while they recruit for someone retiring. I don't know if I should apply or not though.

[rubytue]

May 26, 2015 14:00:10 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

My director just put out an opportunity for a temp gs-14 while they recruit for someone retiring. I don't know if I should apply or not though.

Things I've learned in the past month. Terminology matters. A term position has no fallback rights, so if its term be careful. But there are plenty of other NTE options.

And yes, go for it. Always apply

[ddi741]

Trying to make a decision on whether I should start looking or not. I know my job is pegged for relocation next year. I know I am not relocating. There is a slim chance they will let me WFH full time. However I'm starting to wonder if I want to stay long term. I'm not sure how I feel about the direction the company is taking (lots of outsourcing, constant reorgs). But I just don't know about giving up before I know if I can wfh full time. Right now I work from home 40% of the time and the thought of going back to a 5 day in office work week is depressing.

[jwright]

I haven't posted in this thread before, but I applied for a job on a whim a couple of days ago. I was immediately invited to a second interview at the end of the first interview and the second interview is Thursday. I think I want to take my name out of consideration because the job doesn't sound like something I'd be interested in doing, but I kind of want to see how much the salary offer is. Either way, I'm following through with the second interview to meet the Director of Finance and some other HR people.

[dreamcrisp1]

You know how everyone says negotiating never hurt anyone? They lied.

Back to the job search. Yay.

[hulley]

Good luck to everyone!

I just hit submit on an application for a similar position to the one I currently am in. It probably a step down in title, but I think the salary will be similar and am hoping it is benefits eligible. We are currently paying $800 OOP per month between HSA contributions and premiums through DHs employer, and that is for a crappy, high deductible plan. My district only offers benefits to full-time teachers, and I fall short of being full time by half an hour. Womp, womp

If teaching doesn't work out, I am beginning to seriously explore options in higher ed. I don't have a master's degree but there are some schools that don't require it, and I do plan to begin a master's program soon. I found a particular position that works with adults with developmental and/or learning disabilities and helps them acclimate to the college experience, as well as helps faculty know how to service them. It's everything I love to do, and the pay is great. I'm going to apply. It'll be a reach, but no harm in trying!

[rubytue]

May 26, 2015 15:36:39 GMT -5 dreamcrisp1 said:

You know how everyone says negotiating never hurt anyone? They lied.

Back to the job search. Yay.

Oh no!!! Does that mean what I think it means how terrible. ((((Hugs)))) They suck!

[Deleted]

Really great!

I'm 2 weeks into my business class and it's amazing.

My eblast had a 46% open rate.

I have 2 new proposals to draft this week. And 2 to follow up on.

I'm accepting a new board position for a npo.

I'm in talks to do a video for a npo in exchange for sponsorship.

Yay!! I'm loving this thread. Reading others and writing my own helps me stay focused and optimistic.

[steph96]

@246baje dreamcrisp1 ugh. Hugs to both of you.

[dreamcrisp1]

I was so professional in all my emails and I was extremely polite. I backed off pretty much when she said it was firm. Then, today, I had to call her and she said that the offer was off the table because "there seemed to be gaps in my expectations and the role." When I asked her to elaborate, she couldn't. And she even lied and said she tried to call my (cell) phone and a gentlemen answered and said I wasn't home.

The best part of all her in professionalism is they are a firm specializing in human capital management. Lol.

I know I am better off but I am disappointed.

[rubytue]

dreamcrisp1 wow. That sucks. Especially the bit where she tried to cover herself and lied. Sounds like you did everything right and I fall back to they suck!

[xokell2]

I'm still waiting to hear

[ijack]

Hard to tell how it went. It seemed like more of a screening call just because the woman interviewing me didn't really engage in dialog, it was more question and answer. But the questions were more than just screening questions.
We'll see I guess.

[steph96]

Can someone help me with the wording on this? I'm having a hard time thinking of a way to phrase it...

On my second interview (5/6), they mentioned having me come back to meet the department head after I returned from vacation (so after 5/18). I haven't heard anything so I would like to follow up. What do I say? Who do I send it to? The hiring manager from the 1st interview or the hiring manager's boss (2nd interview was with her)? The hiring manager is the one that set up the 2nd interview.

[Deleted]

May 27, 2015 15:31:45 GMT -5 steph96 said:

Can someone help me with the wording on this? I'm having a hard time thinking of a way to phrase it...

On my second interview (5/6), they mentioned having me come back to meet the department head after I returned from vacation (so after 5/18). I haven't heard anything so I would like to follow up. What do I say? Who do I send it to? The hiring manager from the 1st interview or the hiring manager's boss (2nd interview was with her)? The hiring manager is the one that set up the 2nd interview.

Send it to the hiring manager.

Dear Manager,

It was a pleasure meeting you and Boss. I wanted to follow up regarding meeting Department Head as discussed. I am available anytime (or give available times) and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Steph96

[awkwardpenguin]

I have a lot of things just in the waiting phase right now. I'm supposed to have an in person interview for one position but they've been really slow about scheduling it. I heard back from a position I really wanted today and I didn't get it. I'm not surprised because the hiring manager told me in the interview she thought it was too junior a position for me, which was weird based on the job description and required experience.

I also suspect I'll hear this week from another job and they may extend an offer, but I'm not going to accept. It became clear to me in the interview process that the job probably isn't a great fit.

[LoveTrains]

I had an interview yesterday and one today. Hopeful I hear something soon.

[steph96]

May 27, 2015 15:53:01 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

May 27, 2015 15:31:45 GMT -5 steph96 said:

Can someone help me with the wording on this? I'm having a hard time thinking of a way to phrase it...

On my second interview (5/6), they mentioned having me come back to meet the department head after I returned from vacation (so after 5/18). I haven't heard anything so I would like to follow up. What do I say? Who do I send it to? The hiring manager from the 1st interview or the hiring manager's boss (2nd interview was with her)? The hiring manager is the one that set up the 2nd interview.

Send it to the hiring manager.

Dear Manager,

It was a pleasure meeting you and Boss. I wanted to follow up regarding meeting Department Head as discussed. I am available anytime (or give available times) and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Steph96

Oh wow that was way simpler than what I drafted! Thank you!

[Deleted]

May 27, 2015 17:16:34 GMT -5 steph96 said:

May 27, 2015 15:53:01 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

Send it to the hiring manager.

Dear Manager,

It was a pleasure meeting you and Boss. I wanted to follow up regarding meeting Department Head as discussed. I am available anytime (or give available times) and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Steph96

Oh wow that was way simpler than what I drafted! Thank you!

Anytime!

[LoveTrains]

How about "I'm following up regarding meeting Department Head."

One thing v mentioned in a post a while ago, and I have tried to use this myself, is to refrain from the phrase "I wanted" or "I just wanted".

[steph96]

May 27, 2015 18:47:09 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

How about "I'm following up regarding meeting Department Head."

One thing v mentioned in a post a while ago, and I have tried to use this myself, is to refrain from the phrase "I wanted" or "I just wanted".

I must have missed that post. What is the reasoning? I use it all the time at work. I feel like it makes my requests to other departments seem more polite.