Monday, February 27, 2012
Update: Bilingual ESL content specialist
Despite having a MA in TESL, being trilingual, and being an expert in curriculum design, I apparently do not meet their needs. Crap.
Update: Sales Director for Higher Education: online learning co
Apparently you have to actually have some sales experience in order to be the sales director. Makes sense to me, and I have to say, John Zwieg wrote me one of the nicest rejection emails ever. Of course, I am pretty sure I searched for "entry level" positions, so I am not sure why it turned out to be a Director-level position. C'est la vie. I am impressed, though -- John somehow managed to make me feel good about getting rejected. Wow!
Job 51: Internal Promotion at current employer
So they're creating a half and half position -- half teaching, half administrative work. It's a great opportunity to learn all about the field I'm currently in, and if they offered it to me, I would take it in a heartbeat! Unfortunately, all of us have to compete for it, and I don't feel good about competing with people I like. But not to the point that I wouldn't do it. I want it!
Update: After-school program
Had the interview today. I think I really nailed it. The good: really nice people, really nice facility, and very fulfilling work. Oh, and great benefits! The bad: low pay. Sigh. We'll see what they say, though. Aside from the money, it would really be a great place to work.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Update: Chartis Insurance
Chartis Insurance doesn't want me as a file clerk. Dang. I like to think that I'm qualified and that they just had someone else already picked out.
Statistics? Who needs 'em?
I talked with the boss. She told me that they have a 78% success rate with the WIA program. Sweet!
Job 50: Contact Representative, SSA
Working with angry people to clarify why their Social Security benefits have been cut? Yes, please!
East Bay Works / Federal WIA Program
I went to the Tri-Cities Career Center to see what they could do for me jobwise. They wanted me to sign up for a federally-funded program called WIA -- they do workshops about job hunting. And if you ever want to get one-on-one job counseling, you have to go through this program. Here's my conversation with the receptionist:
Receptionist: "So would you like to sign up for the WIA program?"
Me: "Well, how successful is it?"
R: "Oh, very successful!"
Me: "So... like... 50% of the participants find jobs?"
R: "We have to reapply for the grant every year, and we keep getting it, so I'd say it's pretty successful!"
Me: "Okay, so... 90% of the people get jobs?"
R: "I don't think they would keep renewing our grant unless we helped people find jobs!"
Me: "I see. So you don't actually keep statistics on how many people in the program actually find jobs?"
R: "Of course we keep statistics! It's a federal requirement!"
Me: "Okay, so what percentage of participants find jobs?"
R: "Well, that number changes every year. You see, we have to report yearly data."
Me: "Okay. So in 2011, what percentage of participants found jobs?"
R: "A lot!"
Me: "Like... 25%? 75%?"
R: "I dont' have that data right in front of me."
Me: "Okay, does someone in the office have that data?"
R: "My boss."
Me: "Can I talk to your boss?"
R: "I can give you her email address."
Me: "Okay, thanks."
R: So would you like to sign up for the WIA program?"
Me: "I think I'd like to find out how successful it is, first."
R: "Okay. Are there any other questions I can help you with today?"
Me: "Thanks, but I'm good for now."
Receptionist: "So would you like to sign up for the WIA program?"
Me: "Well, how successful is it?"
R: "Oh, very successful!"
Me: "So... like... 50% of the participants find jobs?"
R: "We have to reapply for the grant every year, and we keep getting it, so I'd say it's pretty successful!"
Me: "Okay, so... 90% of the people get jobs?"
R: "I don't think they would keep renewing our grant unless we helped people find jobs!"
Me: "I see. So you don't actually keep statistics on how many people in the program actually find jobs?"
R: "Of course we keep statistics! It's a federal requirement!"
Me: "Okay, so what percentage of participants find jobs?"
R: "Well, that number changes every year. You see, we have to report yearly data."
Me: "Okay. So in 2011, what percentage of participants found jobs?"
R: "A lot!"
Me: "Like... 25%? 75%?"
R: "I dont' have that data right in front of me."
Me: "Okay, does someone in the office have that data?"
R: "My boss."
Me: "Can I talk to your boss?"
R: "I can give you her email address."
Me: "Okay, thanks."
R: So would you like to sign up for the WIA program?"
Me: "I think I'd like to find out how successful it is, first."
R: "Okay. Are there any other questions I can help you with today?"
Me: "Thanks, but I'm good for now."
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Another call from Brilliant Advertising
They called again. Why can't you just answer my question!?!?! Is it or is it not a full-time, salaried, benefited position? The fact that you're being so secretive about it suggests very strongly that it's not. And you're wasting my time!
Check out this blog:
http://entryleveljobscamsblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/brilliant-advertising-inc-san-jose-ca.html
Check out this blog:
http://entryleveljobscamsblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/brilliant-advertising-inc-san-jose-ca.html
Chartis Insurance Update: weird.
"Thank you for your voluntary cooperation."
Weird. They wanted another form regarding my ethnicity. Even though I had already done it once online. Who designs these HR departments!?
Weird. They wanted another form regarding my ethnicity. Even though I had already done it once online. Who designs these HR departments!?
Update to 14 jobs in one day: OFJCC
Got a call back for an interview to run an after-school program with the OFJCC. I would love this -- I had a blast doing this in Ecuador, and it's important work! Wish me luck!
Update on Job 42: Brilliant Advertising
Apparently it's a scam. There are websites out there detailing how Brilliant gets you to come in for an interview, then explains that you're basically going to be doing door-to-door cold calls, working on straight commission. Please. Just because you could work full-time if you wanted to doesn't mean that's a "full-time" job. Deceptive!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Job 48: Administrative Assistant at BioRad
Come on -- it has "Rad" in its name.
This is a temp job. I used to not apply to temp jobs, but then someone told me that if you do a good job, they can often turn into permanent positions. Or perhaps lead to lateral transfers. And for benefits, I'll take that risk.
This is a temp job. I used to not apply to temp jobs, but then someone told me that if you do a good job, they can often turn into permanent positions. Or perhaps lead to lateral transfers. And for benefits, I'll take that risk.
Job 47: Management Trainee at Cintas
Sweet, management! A foot in the door!
I never understand why they request a resume AND make you fill in all those fields, though. Sheesh.
I never understand why they request a resume AND make you fill in all those fields, though. Sheesh.
Job 43: Administrative Assistant with Manpower.
I don't know if this is with Manpower itself, or if Manpower is looking for an AA for another company. Regardless, the application process was easy. We'll see!
Job 42: CSR with Brilliant Advertising
Their job description is what got me: creative thinking, willing to go outside of comfort zone, and a few other things that were... unusual. I like the unusual angle.
Job 41: Program Specialist with the VA, specializing in PTSD
I had totally done about 95% of the things in the questionnaire! Plus, have dealt with PTSD myself, I know a little bit about just how much it can mess up your life!
Hope I get it!
Hope I get it!
Job 40: Claims Adjuster with Progressive
I have insurance experience already. I have a critical, problem-solving, answer-seeking mind. And I might just get to travel with this position!
a simple question...
If you're looking for someone who has a proven record of exceeding goals, wouldn't that mean that the goals are set too low to begin with?
Job 38: Social Services Program Assistant
Another one for the county. Yeah, I'd have to learn some new programs, but I can do that!
Idea: the application party
Sure, there are some logistical hurdles to... hurdle. But one, what an opportunity for job seekers! And two, what a great PR move on the company's part. And three, who knows -- they might just find some talent they can use themselves right there!
Job 37: Medi-Cal Program Assistant.
Nobody ever says to themselves, "When I grow up, I want to be a Medi-Cal Program Assistant for the county." But you know what? I would do that, and do it well.
Job 36: Innovation Advisor with Kaiser
This is a kind of "out there" job, but it might be a good match for me. The Innovation Advisor works with innovators who are trying out new ideas and approaches and helps them plan and think through their ideas at whatever stage in the process they're at. It's a kind of amorphous role that requires a great deal of ad-libbing and on-the-spot decision making. But I do that every day already. Here's to hoping!
Job 34: Corporate Trainer at RingCentral
I've been doing training and corporate training for years. No, they don't sell wedding rings.
Job 33: Administrative Assistant to Confidential Company in San Mateo
Google? Facebook? Other? I may never know.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Jobs 29, 30, and 31: Cake Decorator, Cake Decorator, and Meat Cutter
Whole Foods has great benefits. I'm sure they would want to hire a cake decorator with no experience, right?
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Jobs 22-28: Stanford.
From Administrative Assistant to the Grounds Department to Research Assistant for a Law Professor, I applied for a bunch. Will something hit? I dunno. But I sure hope so.
Plus, the chance to do a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics?! The chance to go to Law School? Awesome!
My Indeed.com Day: 14 jobs in one sitting.
Indeed.com has a nifty feature whereby you can upload your resume and then send it to selected positions that accept resumes via indeed.com. Were they personalized? No. Were they long-shots anyway? Yes. But it was so easy to send them out, why not throw them all to the wall and see what sticks? I know the odds are low of landing a job like this, but the odds would be lower if I never tried in the first place.
It's kind of a balancing act -- if it's a job that is a really good match, I'll certainly take the time to craft the perfect resume and cover letter. If, on the other hand, it's not a perfect match, I'm happy to throw my hat into the ring, but I don't necessarily expect a call.
It's kind of a balancing act -- if it's a job that is a really good match, I'll certainly take the time to craft the perfect resume and cover letter. If, on the other hand, it's not a perfect match, I'm happy to throw my hat into the ring, but I don't necessarily expect a call.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Letting Go of Power and Control: When “Chaotic Trust” is the Best Choice
“So what do you guys think?”
No response.
“Seriously, folks – do you think that pollution is really as bad as the author makes it sound?”
Nothing.
The lesson was a disaster. You can’t have an interactive classroom if there’s no interaction. I had tried prodding with this class. I had tried pleading. I had tried anger, scare tactics, and even tossing a basketball around to get whoever was holding the ball to participate. I had tried every trick in the book. Except one.
“Okay. I’m going to step outside for five minutes. Discuss the questions. When I come back, I want you to have all the answers.”
They stared at me as if I were insane, and I wondered if I was as I strode to the door. I closed the door behind me and listened.
Silence.
And then a voice. And another. And before ten seconds had passed, it sounded like an argument was getting started. Yes! They were arguing about pollution!
When I came back into the classroom, they fell silent again – but they looked… proud. “Well,” I asked, “Did you come up with some answers?”
“Yes,” one of them said with a smile.
“Great! Let’s hear ‘em!” and the rest of the lesson went swimmingly.
The empty vessel model of education is dead; we now know that when students interact with each other, the teacher, and the material, they learn it a whole lot better than when they simply sit and listen to a lecture. Yes, it’s more work for students to do something active and take initiative and responsibility for their own learning, but that’s where we’re headed – because it works. And so, part of our job as educators is to come up with creative lesson plans that force students to manipulate the target material themselves. My students were so used to teachers simply feeding them the answers that they had stopped trying to figure them out. My attitude is this: I already know the answers, and I don’t impress myself by showing my students that I know the answers. Instead, I want them to figure it out for themselves.
My class and a friend’s class were collaborating on performing a play and creating the sets. I was watching from a distance as one group struggled to figure out how best to use their limited supply of cardboard and paint. My friend saw their confusion and started giving them instructions. I stepped in and asked her to just wait and let them figure it out on their own. They did, and in the end, the sets looked like they had been made by third-graders, not adults. But they sure were proud of what they had done, and I was, too. Years later, my friend told me that that was a formative experience in her teaching career, and that she always goes back to it when she finds herself wanting to intervene in the spirit of helpfulness. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our students is to leave them alone!
I overheard a student complaining to another student: “Mr. Heller doesn’t even teach; he makes us do all the work ourselves.”
Exactly. I create scenarios in class that make students learn. That’s a whole lot more effective and rewarding than lecturing for an hour. Sometimes, the best thing a teacher can do is to let students struggle through the process of learning. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not at my desk checking the stock market; I’m circulating through the classroom the entire time, keeping an eye on students’ progress. I might ask an occasional leading question or mildly suggest a different approach, but it is essential to me that students are not simply passive receivers of information, and instead are active participants in control of their own education. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our students is to let go of our need to control.
Job 6: Product Analyst: Math and Language Arts: Applied
San Mateo-based company. Design educational programs. Sound groovy!
A dangerous strategy?
Some people have been asking me, "Kevin, don't you think it's a bad plan to be so public with your job search? Won't your boss get mad?"
No. My boss is awesome! He's told me from the beginning that he knows that my current position is less than ideal. I want full-time work, and due to the crummy economy and budget cuts, there just is no realistic way that my current position is ever going to turn into a full-time job. And, I am 100% confident that he is doing everything he can to change that. However, the reality is that he's not God -- while he can do a lot, he can't do the impossible.
Actually, if there was a way to turn my job into full-time, I would sign on in a heartbeat! I love my job, I get along really well with my boss, my colleagues are super, my students are great, and the location is ideal. The only two downsides are the lack of full-time-ness and the lack of benefits. Other than that, I would want to stay forever! Here's to hoping for a miracle -- that it DOES become full-time!
No. My boss is awesome! He's told me from the beginning that he knows that my current position is less than ideal. I want full-time work, and due to the crummy economy and budget cuts, there just is no realistic way that my current position is ever going to turn into a full-time job. And, I am 100% confident that he is doing everything he can to change that. However, the reality is that he's not God -- while he can do a lot, he can't do the impossible.
Actually, if there was a way to turn my job into full-time, I would sign on in a heartbeat! I love my job, I get along really well with my boss, my colleagues are super, my students are great, and the location is ideal. The only two downsides are the lack of full-time-ness and the lack of benefits. Other than that, I would want to stay forever! Here's to hoping for a miracle -- that it DOES become full-time!
Job 5: Applied for.
I'd be great at this job! It is somewhat annoying, however, when the application process requires you to cut-and-paste your resume, then upload your resume, and then complete one of those 300-fields-of-text forms for each job you've had -- especially when they already have your resume! Sheesh!
Ah well --here's to hoping!
Ah well --here's to hoping!
Job 5: NWEA is seeking a Content Specialist with expertise in English Language Arts and ESL/ELL
Oh yeah! This has my name written all over it! BA in English? MA in TESL? Interest in curriculum design? Experience in curriculum design? Experience in teaching? Experience in web editing? Experience in working remotely? This is all me, baby!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Job 4: Secretary for the IRS
I could totally do this. It's stable, it's honest, and I would make my boss look good.
I doubt I'll get it, though -- I have no Vets Preference!
I doubt I'll get it, though -- I have no Vets Preference!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Job 3: Legal Assistant with the Social Security Administration: APPLIED!
Back on track with a job a day!
Have a taken a college course on oral communication? Shoot, I've TAUGHT that course!
Have a taken a college course on oral communication? Shoot, I've TAUGHT that course!
Job 3: Silly Government Rules
"Check the box if you want to provide demographic information."
I left it unchecked.
"Sorry -- your application cannot be processed until you check all the boxes."
I checked the box.
Now I can proceed.
WEIRD.
I left it unchecked.
"Sorry -- your application cannot be processed until you check all the boxes."
I checked the box.
Now I can proceed.
WEIRD.
Job 3: Legal Assistant with the Social Security Administration
Right up my alley: it's law, it's government, it's important, it makes a difference, it's stable. Sign me up!
Job #2: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein: APPLIED!
Application done. Cover letter done. CV done. Me: not done. I have another app to do.
Tomorrow: mail it.
Tomorrow: mail it.
Job #2: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein FAIL
Got home at 9:30 last night. Made zero progress on this application. I guess I just need to do two jobs today to make up for it!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Job #1. Application: Delivered!
"Dude," you might be saying to yourself. "It's only an application. What are you so excited?"
To which I would reply, "There's enough negativity in the world already -- dropping off a completed application and having HR tell me it's complete is a good enough reason for me to celebrate!"
And speaking of HR, I can report that I interacted with three Ohlone HR people this morning -- and they were great! I have had some unpleasant encounters HR people in the past, and I know a lot of other people have, too (Dilbert, for example). But these folks? They're great!
To which I would reply, "There's enough negativity in the world already -- dropping off a completed application and having HR tell me it's complete is a good enough reason for me to celebrate!"
And speaking of HR, I can report that I interacted with three Ohlone HR people this morning -- and they were great! I have had some unpleasant encounters HR people in the past, and I know a lot of other people have, too (Dilbert, for example). But these folks? They're great!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Job #2: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein: advocates for justice and NPR sponsors.
Okay, I admit it -- before I heard that they were sponsoring a challenge grant at my local NPR station, KQED, I had never heard of them. Oh, I had heard of justice. And I love me a good fight. I just never had heard of these folks. But I checked them out online, and they look like the real deal. I'm not a lawyer, but you can bet I can support a lawyer pretty well. And heck, if I'm lucky, maybe they'll even help me go to law school in the evenings! Is that too much to hope for? I don't think so. IF I get a job, and IF they turn out to be nice people to work with, I'm pretty sure that they'll want a hard-working and creative lawyer on their team.
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. First step: get the job. Heck, get A job.
Idea: Showing up to the interview with a dozen cupcakes. Unusual? Yes. Could backfire? Sure. But it's Valentine's Day Eve, I'm baking a pear cake right now, and I am reflecting upon baked goods and their power to win friend and influence people. I mean look -- nobody wants to be thought of as an ass-kisser. On the other hand, how many people show up to an interview with cupcakes for the office? You can bet they'll be talking about you for a long time after... I guess you do need to make sure that the cupcakes a good, though. And probably it's best if they're boutique, not homemade. Would you eat a stranger's cupcakes? Especially a stranger who brought a dozen cupcakes to a job interview? Me either.
Actually, perhaps I should put this cupcake plan on hold for a bit... the job application can go in, though.
Okay, I admit it -- before I heard that they were sponsoring a challenge grant at my local NPR station, KQED, I had never heard of them. Oh, I had heard of justice. And I love me a good fight. I just never had heard of these folks. But I checked them out online, and they look like the real deal. I'm not a lawyer, but you can bet I can support a lawyer pretty well. And heck, if I'm lucky, maybe they'll even help me go to law school in the evenings! Is that too much to hope for? I don't think so. IF I get a job, and IF they turn out to be nice people to work with, I'm pretty sure that they'll want a hard-working and creative lawyer on their team.
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. First step: get the job. Heck, get A job.
Idea: Showing up to the interview with a dozen cupcakes. Unusual? Yes. Could backfire? Sure. But it's Valentine's Day Eve, I'm baking a pear cake right now, and I am reflecting upon baked goods and their power to win friend and influence people. I mean look -- nobody wants to be thought of as an ass-kisser. On the other hand, how many people show up to an interview with cupcakes for the office? You can bet they'll be talking about you for a long time after... I guess you do need to make sure that the cupcakes a good, though. And probably it's best if they're boutique, not homemade. Would you eat a stranger's cupcakes? Especially a stranger who brought a dozen cupcakes to a job interview? Me either.
Actually, perhaps I should put this cupcake plan on hold for a bit... the job application can go in, though.
Job application #1: DONE!
Whew! Finally done! Transcripts, cover letter, list of references, list of courses taught and descriptions, miniscule writing on the official application, and a few other minor details.
The cover letter is always tricky -- do you say what you THINK they want to hear? Do you just be yourself? A blend of the two? In the end, I settled on sincerity -- just put myself out there, and they can either take me or leave me. But this I know: if they pick me, I'll do a darn good job for them!
The cover letter is always tricky -- do you say what you THINK they want to hear? Do you just be yourself? A blend of the two? In the end, I settled on sincerity -- just put myself out there, and they can either take me or leave me. But this I know: if they pick me, I'll do a darn good job for them!
This job hunt thing takes some serious time...
Four hours into this application, and I am reminded of how a job hunt is a full-time job. Couple that with a hungry five-year-old, and you've pretty much got to give up sleep. C'est la vie!
365 jobs
The goal: apply to 365 different jobs in a year and blog about it.
The other goal: have one of those applications turn into an offer of employment and accept it.
The method: using my powers of creative problem solving, unique perspectives, commitment to teamwork, sense of justice, inherent gratitude, and amusing sense of humor, I will land a job.
The mood: upbeat.
The weather: rainy.
The snack I just had: a tropical fruit cup, no sugar added.
The tie I'm wearing: black with orange squares.
The present I bought my wife: a cow-tipping coffee mug from Iowa.
The present I got my daughter: the hotel soap (in the shape of a seashell).
The other goal: have one of those applications turn into an offer of employment and accept it.
The method: using my powers of creative problem solving, unique perspectives, commitment to teamwork, sense of justice, inherent gratitude, and amusing sense of humor, I will land a job.
The mood: upbeat.
The weather: rainy.
The snack I just had: a tropical fruit cup, no sugar added.
The tie I'm wearing: black with orange squares.
The present I bought my wife: a cow-tipping coffee mug from Iowa.
The present I got my daughter: the hotel soap (in the shape of a seashell).
The First Post
I have applied for jobs in the past. But now I'm documenting them.
Today starts with Job #1: English Professor at Ohlone College.
I would love this job -- in one of my writing classes, a student asked me, "Mr. Heller, why didn't they teach us this stuff in high school?" It's a good question, but I didn't have a good answer. But that was some serious job satisfaction right there -- it was a little reminder about why I went into this field in the first place.
This job is somewhat unique in the field, because they don't require letters of recommendation right off the bat. This is a very good thing! Look at it this way: they're going to get hundreds of applications for this job. Let's keep the math simple and say 100. That means that 100 people are going to ask 300 other people to write them a letter of recommendation, just create fake letters, or some combination of both. When you require letters of rec in the first round, you're just BEGGING for people to lie to you. Sheesh.
Ohlone's approach makes far more sense -- get your applicants, pick the ones you think are the best candidates, and THEN ask for letters of recommendation. Saves hundreds of people time, money, and resources!
Today starts with Job #1: English Professor at Ohlone College.
I would love this job -- in one of my writing classes, a student asked me, "Mr. Heller, why didn't they teach us this stuff in high school?" It's a good question, but I didn't have a good answer. But that was some serious job satisfaction right there -- it was a little reminder about why I went into this field in the first place.
This job is somewhat unique in the field, because they don't require letters of recommendation right off the bat. This is a very good thing! Look at it this way: they're going to get hundreds of applications for this job. Let's keep the math simple and say 100. That means that 100 people are going to ask 300 other people to write them a letter of recommendation, just create fake letters, or some combination of both. When you require letters of rec in the first round, you're just BEGGING for people to lie to you. Sheesh.
Ohlone's approach makes far more sense -- get your applicants, pick the ones you think are the best candidates, and THEN ask for letters of recommendation. Saves hundreds of people time, money, and resources!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)