Bring It On!!

I have seven applications out there this week!!

I actually got two interviews this week, one on Tuesday for an Administration Assistant, made it to the top three applicants, but didn't get it. I was really down on Wednesday, it was a great job, but the training would have been really rushed, only one week to learn the ropes. But keep hoping the other person won't work out and they will call me back. Mean ha? But it is dog eat dog out there. But I'll leave it in the hands of the universe.

Anyway the second one was Sales Marketer, and I may get a decision today. That job is full time and involves weekend work. Offering a days trial, then one weeks trial, then a three month trial. Boy that's some trial!!!

Last weeks applications haven't all responded as yet, although two of them did respond which is good. Most people have the decency to let you know, but still there are some that don't.

Well I feel I'm getting closer to my goal. Bring it on.........

Bye for now.

New Network Agency

I started at my new agency this week, I can't believe what a difference.

They treat you so nice, and really care about you as a person, no pushing you into jobs just to get placements. They focus on what you need in the way of training, what skills you already have and if you need to refresh and improve. They offer you training. Now thats my idea of an Agency, there to help you.

Instead of three days per week, I only go two days for an hour. They offer you lollies to which I thought was very nice. They have the latest equipment, and you only have a couple in the room at one time. They do a lot more for you, instead of leaving you to fen for yourself.

They work on an Holistic view, rather than a dictatorship, they are very different to all the other Agencies as they are religiously based. Yes I am going to tell you who...Centacare, trust me, don't waste your time with any others, these guys are very conducive to creativity and productivity. They will help you map your career.

I have spent all afternoon, searching, producing applications and emailing to Employers only managed to get four off today compared to eight the other week, but I put a lot of work into it. I was not successful with the previous applications, I think there is still two I haven't heard back from yet. So lets hope I atleast get an interview from my efforts for today. Here is a list of todays jobs:-

Casual Receptionist PT - Physiotherapy Practice
Administration Part-Time - Motor Industry Body Works
Office Administration PT - Manufacturing Company
Office Administration ? - The ad didn't say what type of company it was

It's a shame they are all part-time, except the last one is filling in for the Manager in a two person office, so it could be full-time.

Aside from today's, Centacare has forwarded my resume to an Employer that has an anticipated vacancy, and the feed back is good, so I hope to get an interview with
them soon.

It's really hard work doing job applications and phone calls constantly, I look forward to obtaining a position soon, so I can have a rest from it. LOL

It would be so great to find a good office position and actually be earning a decent wage, I so look forward to it. I really miss being able to shop and buy nice things, but I always have to say, "no" I can't afford that, must pay phone bill first. By the time you pay bills and food there is never anything left for clothes.

It must happen eventually, I so hope it is a decent wage so I can catch up and get some money behind me. I know money is not the most important thing, but it sure seems that way, when you haven't had an abundance for so long!!

Wish me luck!!

Over & Out For Now.

Positive & Happy

What a relief, finally a solution. I feel like a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders.

The breaching decision went in my favour, so they obviously found out I was telling the truth.

Centrelink have been very helpful and supportive to me, so I am very greatful for their input.

I spoke to the customer service assistant about the stress and worry I had recently sufferred as a result of someone wrongfully breaching me, and how I would have coped financially if I had been disconnected from my payments for eight weeks. She was understanding of the damage that had been caused, offerring me advice as to what I could do about it, not to let it go unoticed but bring it to the attention of those who could put a stop to this sort of thing happenning. she told me an interesting story. Many years back she was working on the main enquiries counter, when she spotted a lady crying and in great distress. Immediately she took the woman aside and began to comfort her, explaining that she may not be able to give her an immediate solution to all her problems, but she would try her hardest to do all she could to help her. Taking the time to calm her down, endeavouring to investigate her situation.

Some years after she was at a training course and a lady stood up and said, as she pointed at her, "That lady saved my life". To the shock of the service assistant, she then explained that she was the distressed and crying person that had received help from her at centrelink so long ago, explaining how she couldn't cope with her circumstances any longer and planned to take her life, deciding that she would try getting some help from centrelink as her last ditch effort.

After hearing that, she had to go outside and have a cry, as it had never occurred to her the impact she made on that ladies life that day.

In this circle of life, what we put out does tend to come back around.....

Isn't This The Cutest Cat You Have Ever Seen!!! What A Face!

Such Funny Naughty Cats!!

clipped from video.google.com Cute crazy cats 1 min 11 sec - 26/09/2006

Toxic Network Agency

I recently had a bad experience with my Network Agency, in fact it is still not resolved. They put me forward for an office position, I was successful and excepted the job. A rate was never mentioned during the interview, so I asked what rate they were offering. Because the position required Myob skills I assumed it would be a reasonably decent hourly rate.

I was told it was based on a level one clerical rate, so I asked if they were hiring me on a 3 mth trial period, and was told no, which meant that after proving myself I wouldn't be entitled to a pay rise. I proceeded to negotiate a rate of $1.oo per hour more with the Employer and she said she would have to check it out with the Director.

UNEMPLOYED HAVE NO RIGHTS:
All hell broke lose when my Government Network Agency found out what happened, they were angry that I even questioned the rate.

The Network Agency called me and demanded I attend their office immediately, and I informed them I was unable to accommodate their wishes due to the fact I had soil all over my feet from gardening that morning and would need to shower and dress before presenting myself at their office, this did not go down well, as the Manageress jumped on the phone, and she was so angry at me, after receiving a stripping down from her, I informed her I would attend her office in the afternoon.
I then called the Employer to make sure they knew I was still interested in accepting the job no matter what the outcome.

I was told they were still interested and wanted me to start the following Monday. At no time did I ever refuse the job in fact I would still be happy to take the job.

After speaking with the Agency the Employer rang me and said she was no-longer interested in offering me the job, as she was worried I might hit her up for a pay rise.(Her exact words)

When I attended my meeting with the Agency Manageress, she told me she was disconnecting me from her Agency, but what she didn't tell me - was she was Breaching me with Centrelink on the accusation that - I refused a job. This is an outright untruth, because that's not what happened. It was the Employers decision, to change their mind, not my refusal.

If you are found to be in breach, by refusing a job, you are disconnected from Centrelink unemployment payment for a period of eight weeks, which is a fine of approximately $2000. The damage that causes to your life is irreparable as someone in her position is well aware of.

Frankly, just being unemployed and on a pittance, is a struggle enough, without being subject to this kind of stress in your life. Can you imagine how you would feel if suddenly your income was cut off for a period of two months, especially if you had not done anything to deserve it?

The matter now goes to the Centrelink Resolutions Department and they are presently investigating. I told them they can put the matter to rest by calling the Employer and she can confirm what I have told them. They were trying to call on a mobile number and don't know who gave it to them, but they were unable to reach anyone. I have since given them the Company phone number and I am waiting for their response.

I would like to think that someone in her position, (Manageress Government Network Agency)would be rapped over the knuckles for the trouble she has caused. I worry about others that may be be subject to her anger. She was aware that I did not refuse the job, I did inform her that I had taken her advice and called the Employer back to explain that I was definitely interested in accepting the job.

In the mean time I have to wait for a decision, while my life hangs in the balance.
If I had committed a crime, its unlikely that I would even be fined $2000.

I have found another Network Agency, and they are really nice people, they have assured me they will never treat me in that manner. I am looking forward to continuing my job search with them.

I feel I must speak out and inform others about the unjust system we have to suffer in Australia, this situation should never have occurred. I am treated like a criminal because I asked for one dollar an hour more. I have committed no crime except to try to secure a decent wage for a decent days work, where's the crime in that. If the Government was doing its job properly, they would be training people to give them more skills so they can succeed in obtaining work. They also should be creating more jobs not trying to force people into part time jobs they themselves would never do.

I hope others will speak out about their experiences. If you can relate to this or wish to comment on what you think about the situation please drop me a line on my site or email me at caroscom.blogspot.com@gmail.com.

I will keep you informed of the outcome.

Loveable Fury Creatures

 

 

Eight Ways To Age Proof Your Resume

Preparing a resume that emphasizes your value is a good first step to preparing for your search. Here are eight ways to age-proof your resume:

1. Don’t provide your complete work history: This is the number one mistake job seekers make. If it’s before 1990, employers probably don’t care. Hiring managers are most interested in what you did recently, so concentrate on your recent career. If you feel compelled to delve into earlier experiences, create a section called “Early Career” and provide just the highlights and no dates.

2. Watch your language: Avoid age-revealing statements such as “35 years of experience” or age-defining clichés such as “seasoned professional.”

3. Stick to a “combination” resume style, leading with a strong “Career Summary” section: You may have been advised to mask your years of experience with a functional resume format. But employers do not like to see functional resumes because they are often used by candidates who are trying to hide something. You don’t want employers reading your resume and searching for a possible problem. Unless your work history is extremely spotty or you are completely changing careers, stick to a chronological format.

4. Show that you’re current with technology and industry trends: Are you proficient with Wang or an expert at BASIC programming? While these programs were once cutting-edge, they have been replaced with new technology. Show that you’ve kept up with the times by removing antiquated equipment, programs, and tools, and highlight your knowledge of modern technology.

5. Consider dropping dates of education: This is a tough call, because hiring managers who want to know a person’s age will go right to the “Education” section and do the math. If your education occurred in the 1970s or earlier, it might be in your best interest to eliminate graduation dates.

6. Keep your school names updated: If you graduated from a school that has since changed its name, include the new name. If you are concerned about discrepancies in case an employer asks to see a transcript, write the former name of the school in parentheses.

7. Show that you’ve been continually learning or taking on new roles: The key is to demonstrate that your skills are fresh and in demand. It is important that you show that you are flexible and willing to adapt to organizational changes.

8. Quantify and expand on your achievements: As a professional with a long work history, this is your chance to accentuate the positive. You have what younger workers may lack — years of practical experience. Provide examples of how your performance contributed to your employers’ goals, mission, and bottom-line results.

Mutual Obligation - Job Interview

Centrelink Obligation- Must go for any jobs available. Looking for office work or retail. Job vacancy in food shop must apply not allowed to refuse job. Hate sound of job oh what to do??

Network agency put me forward for it, oh no she wants to interview me. My worst nightmare - can't tell her I hate the job, don't want to lie, how do I remain true to myself, yet fulfill my obligations?

Arrive at interview, shop is so hot can barely stand the heat, must be 50 degrees inside this shop. Young girl dripping with sweat serves me - poor thing how does she cope? I know I could never survive working in these hot conditions.

This lovely soft eyed lady steps out introduces herself, what a sweet women so nice, wish I could tell her the truth instead of wasting her time and mine. No must fulfil my O..... here comes that word again!!!

She takes the time to review my resume, commenting throughout how my previous skills meet the position description, then she asks me the big question ???? I notice you have office training and previous experience, did you want to make a career change? What to say here comes the crunch can't lie - can't be honest. Look blankly at her - look blankly around - she waits for a response - then asks, you just looking for a job any job. My reply, "well yes I guess I am", oh what have I done, been true to myself. No I didn't get the job of course.

I think it's sad really she wanted a worker, I wanted a job but what a miss match. Why are we being forced to apply for jobs that are totally unsuitable? I have a friend at the same job network who is looking for a job just like that, she has the previous skills in that area and she would love that job, why wasn't she put forward for it? Nobody knows! They call these jobs survival jobs, but how many employer's have to waste their previous time training up people that are forced to apply just to start all over again when they leave for the job they really wanted. No-one really cares, it must be just me that gives a dam!

Movie Tickets For Free - Yippee

I was asked to say in twenty five words or less how to prepare for a job interview, with the opportunity to win two free movie tickets to see " The Pursuit of Happiness". Through -

My Career Site, job feeds.

I did it, so excited ..... I really wanted to see that movie, looks really good.

Interview Tips

It's really important to find out all you can about the Company so firstly I type the company name into the Google Tool Bar, most large co.'s have their own employment opportunities tab allowing you to source all the positions posted. Research all you can about them, when they started, what they sell, I also check out their product lists to get familiar with them. Most important is to get familiar with the Mangers names and their Title, they often have photo's of them so you know who will be conducting the interview before you meet them. I find having prior knowledge helps me feel more confident at the job interview, it also shows them that you have researched their company, you can give them feed back on the presentation of their site if they ask for it.

Highlight Skills

Before you attend the interview make a list of your skills and achievement's. Put some thought into it, think of how you can adapt them to the position your applying for. Use past experience and give them an example of how you saved the day by using your problem solving skills to solve a last minute emergency or whatever applies to you. When they ask you to tell them a little about yourself, tell them about your interests, sport achievements, how you enjoy keeping fit, and direct the conversation toward your list of skills that you have previously prepared.




Link

Mature Aged Workers

Is there such a thing, here on the Sunshine Coast?

Seems to me your over the hill at 30 - not my opinion though. Do Employers consider all the plus factors when considering an older employee for their vacancies. Well maybe we have a few extra wrinkles, but hey that's because we are wiser. No, seriously we are the ones attending work each day, because we're not out raging, calling in sick the next day. We have had the rough edges smoothed by time, so we can relate to others and their pain, you won't find us insulting, the sometimes, grumpy customers - No, we have learnt to bite our tongue, just another one of the many skills we have developed over time.

I remember when I was younger it was a very rare thing to apply and be unsuccessful for a job. Now it seems to be the norm.

I think the Government needs to reassess the situation, maybe some sort of incentive should be offered to help us more mature ones to secure permanent employment.

I am really so over this............... What are your experiences with the unemployment and job-network situation at present.