If anyone reading this is interested in positions in higher education, here are a couple I recommend. www.higheredjobs.com and www.chronicle.com The second link is for the Chronicle of Higher Education. These have sorting capabilities - by state, type of position, and are very good resources.
Happy hunting!
Later,
EM
Monday, June 29, 2009
Resume updating on the horizon?
I subscribe to a job search email list, and today's topic was updating your resume. Now, this is one of those businesses that wants you to subscribe to their service BEFORE you can see the postings for those $100K + jobs (and no, I am not a dermatologist!).
It was interesting though, as one of the principals in the company had not updated his resume since he had started with the company over 5 years ago. So he was the guinea pig! His resume was quite impressive, I mean, after all, their company is in the business. But it gave me pause to wonder if mine is as GOOD as it possibly can be. I think that I am going to do a bit of retooling.
And as a sidebar, I was reminded again over the few days how fortunate I am to have a strong support network. Had lunch with some friends today which really brought into focus that I am very blessed.
so, with that said....here's to an awesome new resume in the next few days!
Later,
EM
It was interesting though, as one of the principals in the company had not updated his resume since he had started with the company over 5 years ago. So he was the guinea pig! His resume was quite impressive, I mean, after all, their company is in the business. But it gave me pause to wonder if mine is as GOOD as it possibly can be. I think that I am going to do a bit of retooling.
And as a sidebar, I was reminded again over the few days how fortunate I am to have a strong support network. Had lunch with some friends today which really brought into focus that I am very blessed.
so, with that said....here's to an awesome new resume in the next few days!
Later,
EM
Friday, June 26, 2009
More opportunities await
I have discovered that it takes a lot of time to look for a job! I know that sounds silly, however it does. Search for postings online, research the company/college/business, write an appropriate cover letter and tweak the resume if needed, and then create an account with the company/college/business.
Yesterday there were several new positions posted across Indiana at colleges and universities. I had forgotten how cyclical higher education can be. With graduation - trailing spouses depart, and eureka! jobs open up! So it is back to the application grindstone...and something will come of it I'm sure!
As an aside, had lunch today with my son. He can polish off a cheeseburger in no-time flat!
Until later,
Elaine Marie
Yesterday there were several new positions posted across Indiana at colleges and universities. I had forgotten how cyclical higher education can be. With graduation - trailing spouses depart, and eureka! jobs open up! So it is back to the application grindstone...and something will come of it I'm sure!
As an aside, had lunch today with my son. He can polish off a cheeseburger in no-time flat!
Until later,
Elaine Marie
Thursday, June 25, 2009
When do you say YES, I want that job?
Yesterday afternoon I had a singularly wonderful experience: someone actually WANTED me, almost begged me to apply for a job. That brought on a very warm-all-over feeling.
It is a position with a not-for-profit, and has a mission that I believe in very much. It would provide me an opportunity to use skills that I haven't used for some time, and to develop and hone new skills. It would allow me to stay in Lafayette, and become even more active in the community. It would be working in an environment that is very affirming for all who are involved.
So, why haven't I said "YES, I want that job?" Well, there are a couple of downsides. And it is early in the process of my search, and I don't want to take something and then something better presents itself. That is the fear - the unknown. I wish that I had a crystal ball in which I could see the future - don't we all??? So the question of the day is when to say yes?
In the meantime, I plan to apply, and if it is meant to be, it will be. Time will tell.
Later,
Elaine Marie
It is a position with a not-for-profit, and has a mission that I believe in very much. It would provide me an opportunity to use skills that I haven't used for some time, and to develop and hone new skills. It would allow me to stay in Lafayette, and become even more active in the community. It would be working in an environment that is very affirming for all who are involved.
So, why haven't I said "YES, I want that job?" Well, there are a couple of downsides. And it is early in the process of my search, and I don't want to take something and then something better presents itself. That is the fear - the unknown. I wish that I had a crystal ball in which I could see the future - don't we all??? So the question of the day is when to say yes?
In the meantime, I plan to apply, and if it is meant to be, it will be. Time will tell.
Later,
Elaine Marie
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Stay at home Mom makes 6 figure salary
Okay, so I read at cnn.com that a woman who was a stay-at-home mom, and when her husband was laid off...she started a marketing firm at home, and now makes over 6 figures....
I pasted the link below.
So it makes me wonder I could start my own business???? hmmm....something to think about....however I would seriously need to figure this blogging thing out....
I pasted the link below.
So it makes me wonder I could start my own business???? hmmm....something to think about....however I would seriously need to figure this blogging thing out....
Socially speaking..or should I say social networking?
Just set up a Twitter account, and will now be adding Tweeting to my repertoire! It used to be socially speaking...or what was socially acceptable. Now it is social networking! Out with the old, in with the new!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Checking IDs...or checking for jobs?
Saturday night the most random thing happened. Our local Taste of Tippecanoe (37 music groups, 42 restaurant booths, fireworks, beer/wine, etc.) was last Saturday night. A friend coordinates volunteers for a couple of the beer tents, and I said "Sign me up!"
As I was at the gate checking IDs (why is it that now the people who are 21 look 12?) and a former student employee said hello. He has gone on to a very successful position with a local company that does software development. Anyway, long story short - he said they are in search of a project manager. Not to write code, but to help manage relationships with key clients and business partners. Again, I said "Sign me up!" Well, not quite, but we did talk today and there is some real potential in the position.
So I invested $5 in a temporary beverage server permit, and may wind up with a whole lot more!
As I was at the gate checking IDs (why is it that now the people who are 21 look 12?) and a former student employee said hello. He has gone on to a very successful position with a local company that does software development. Anyway, long story short - he said they are in search of a project manager. Not to write code, but to help manage relationships with key clients and business partners. Again, I said "Sign me up!" Well, not quite, but we did talk today and there is some real potential in the position.
So I invested $5 in a temporary beverage server permit, and may wind up with a whole lot more!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Moving, almost accomplished!
I am almost done with my move - thankfully! I am happily ensconced in my new home!
Here's a funny....I am such a cat lover, and I now have several cats as "roommates". This morning, I heard this tap, tap, tap on my bedroom door. Thought it was shut and latched, but obviously not...as Gracie LEAPT on my bed! I shooed her out, and went back to bed laughing. I'll make sure the door is latched!
Moving has taken time away from being hard at work at the job search, but have continued to look. Some promising postings for me to work towards on Monday.
And in the meantime, I'm hard at "work" at my class!
Later,
EM
Here's a funny....I am such a cat lover, and I now have several cats as "roommates". This morning, I heard this tap, tap, tap on my bedroom door. Thought it was shut and latched, but obviously not...as Gracie LEAPT on my bed! I shooed her out, and went back to bed laughing. I'll make sure the door is latched!
Moving has taken time away from being hard at work at the job search, but have continued to look. Some promising postings for me to work towards on Monday.
And in the meantime, I'm hard at "work" at my class!
Later,
EM
Friday, June 19, 2009
Jobs????
Since I entitled this my Job Search Journey, I think I should provide an update here on my status. Nothing earth shattering, however I did get in response to a request for an update "we're close to making a decision is all I can provide you right now". Hmmm....doesn't sound very promising.
the other response to a request for how the process would be undertaken: "your information has been forwarded to the search committee which will review resumes for two weeks. we will keep you posted as the process progresses." Now that sounds a bit better.
Time will tell!!
the other response to a request for how the process would be undertaken: "your information has been forwarded to the search committee which will review resumes for two weeks. we will keep you posted as the process progresses." Now that sounds a bit better.
Time will tell!!
Life without the Internet
Moving is daunting. Taking classes can be daunting. The job search can be daunting...and overwhelming at times. However, all those things together - wow. Serious overload.
But that isn't the worst thing! I killed my Internet access yesterday - by accident - and so I haven't been able to blog, read my email except on the 2 x 3 screen on my mobile device, check for new job postings, do the research I need to do for my thought paper (don't want it to be a thought"less" paper!), watch episodes of Royal Pains, on and on, and that was only in a period of 24 hours! Think what it would be like without Internet access for a week. Can't imagine. Starvation.
So I am working at a friends' house right now. Watching a baby squirrel right outside the window which is enjoying the morning sun. A bit of nature.
But that isn't the worst thing! I killed my Internet access yesterday - by accident - and so I haven't been able to blog, read my email except on the 2 x 3 screen on my mobile device, check for new job postings, do the research I need to do for my thought paper (don't want it to be a thought"less" paper!), watch episodes of Royal Pains, on and on, and that was only in a period of 24 hours! Think what it would be like without Internet access for a week. Can't imagine. Starvation.
So I am working at a friends' house right now. Watching a baby squirrel right outside the window which is enjoying the morning sun. A bit of nature.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Can't finish quickly enough
Wow...I may need to speed up the rate at which I'm taking classes. A couple of really awesome looking job postings - advanced degree required. I'm glad that I started when I did. At least I'm that much farther down the path towards the MASTERS. I worried when I started that I was 45. Well, as a couple of people pointed out to me, if I had waited to start, I would just be 46. Good point. I'm 46, and have 12 credit hours completed, and before I'm 47, will have 15!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
'Tis the Season
for universities to post positions! There are several today that look promising, and many are in the Midwest.
For those of you who might be following this, a good reference for creating a resume and other supporting documents is the Purdue University Center for Career Opportunities.
www.cco.purdue.edu/common/CCOJobSearchManual.pdf
Later.
EM
For those of you who might be following this, a good reference for creating a resume and other supporting documents is the Purdue University Center for Career Opportunities.
www.cco.purdue.edu/common/CCOJobSearchManual.pdf
Later.
EM
June 16, 2009
While it's not truly part of my job search, the class that I am taking - Journalism 7700 from the University of Missouri - is helping me to learn things that are SURE to be beneficial to me as I go out in the workforce again. Just this morning I figured out - with the help of some of my classmates - how to put a counter on my blog. Now that may seem like a minimal thing, but for someone who HATES to read directions and just wants to DO something, it is an accomplishment!
Today I'm packing to move. One of the downsides of not having a job is the challenge of signing a lease for an apartment. The lease where I am has ended, and so I will be living with 2 dear friends. I am blessed that they are helping me out. When I get settled in I will post some pictures.
As an aside, I am thinking about what my topic should be for this week's "thought paper" for my class. I read an article this morning in the paper about research that says that increased Internet usage has cut into family time. DUH. However I'm going to let that simmer in my mind as I wrap my trinkets in the more traditional form of journalism - the newspaper!
Later!
Today I'm packing to move. One of the downsides of not having a job is the challenge of signing a lease for an apartment. The lease where I am has ended, and so I will be living with 2 dear friends. I am blessed that they are helping me out. When I get settled in I will post some pictures.
As an aside, I am thinking about what my topic should be for this week's "thought paper" for my class. I read an article this morning in the paper about research that says that increased Internet usage has cut into family time. DUH. However I'm going to let that simmer in my mind as I wrap my trinkets in the more traditional form of journalism - the newspaper!
Later!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 15
Interesting development on the job front this weekend. I can't go into lots of details as it is confidential, however it is a business opportunity that might work for me. No, it isn't Amway or any other business such as that. (Nothing wrong with Amway - great products and I know some people who have made lots of money with it!)
Anyway, I would need to create a business plan, go to the bank, borrow the money and then get to work. However, working for yourself adds a whole new dimension - no insurance, no retirement plan (unless you are very disciplined and create your own), no paid vacations or sick leave. BONUS - you are your own boss and can make choices on your own!
I think it is a back burner, Plan B situation. Something to think about though. And if God means for me to do it - He will make it clear to me.
Today I am reworking my resume a bit to apply for a job that is alumni relations/event planning. I need to "sell" my experience in that area. Just read an email from a recruiting firm (of course they want you to pay to see their postings) and the writer reminded his readers that it is important to sell the BENEFITS of what you bring to the job, not the FEATURES.
Until later.
EM
Anyway, I would need to create a business plan, go to the bank, borrow the money and then get to work. However, working for yourself adds a whole new dimension - no insurance, no retirement plan (unless you are very disciplined and create your own), no paid vacations or sick leave. BONUS - you are your own boss and can make choices on your own!
I think it is a back burner, Plan B situation. Something to think about though. And if God means for me to do it - He will make it clear to me.
Today I am reworking my resume a bit to apply for a job that is alumni relations/event planning. I need to "sell" my experience in that area. Just read an email from a recruiting firm (of course they want you to pay to see their postings) and the writer reminded his readers that it is important to sell the BENEFITS of what you bring to the job, not the FEATURES.
Until later.
EM
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 12
Am making a list today of the jobs to which I've applied, and hopefully by the end of the day will be adding to that. Right now I'm struggling with whether I put in applications at Wal-Mart, McD, etc. to tide me over until I find a professional position. However I am moving next week, which will take some time as well. I think that I need to focus on the tasks right in front of me and then after the 22nd, look for something that might help to tide me over.
One of the biggest challenges about looking for jobs is the time that it takes to apply! With so many online sites - each one requires an account to be set up. That's great and it isn't difficult - it takes time! and I have to remember account information. What I've started doing is writing on the job posting the account info so that it is right "there". What would be better would be a spreadsheet with all the info. Is that akin to alphabetizing the spice rack?????
Yesterday morning I listened to one of my son's best friends make a presentation for Cutco knives. His parents are close friends, too. He did a great job! He was very polite when he asked me if it was okay for him to inquire about my job search. I gave him the update, and then he told me that he clould probably get me a job with Cutco! Not sure I want to do that at this point, however, who knows?
One of the biggest challenges about looking for jobs is the time that it takes to apply! With so many online sites - each one requires an account to be set up. That's great and it isn't difficult - it takes time! and I have to remember account information. What I've started doing is writing on the job posting the account info so that it is right "there". What would be better would be a spreadsheet with all the info. Is that akin to alphabetizing the spice rack?????
Yesterday morning I listened to one of my son's best friends make a presentation for Cutco knives. His parents are close friends, too. He did a great job! He was very polite when he asked me if it was okay for him to inquire about my job search. I gave him the update, and then he told me that he clould probably get me a job with Cutco! Not sure I want to do that at this point, however, who knows?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 11, 2009
Finally have completed almost all the tasks - mostly volunteer and family commitments - that were standing in my way of really working hard at finding work. That's a good feeling, and I'm ready to continue my search of Web sites for available positions. Nothing new posted today at Purdue that is in my area of expertise.
Looking for a position makes me think of shopping for clothes. No matter what size you wear - the pair of jeans that you want never seems to be available in your size. Somewhat like a job - today I wish I were a nurse as there are several positions available. Last week I needed to have a degree in marketing.
I'm staying positive and know that something will come up!
Looking for a position makes me think of shopping for clothes. No matter what size you wear - the pair of jeans that you want never seems to be available in your size. Somewhat like a job - today I wish I were a nurse as there are several positions available. Last week I needed to have a degree in marketing.
I'm staying positive and know that something will come up!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
One Month out of the Office
As of yesterday (June 8, 2009) I have been out of the office for one month. I find that I am wondering where the month went...and no job in sight. However, in that month I have planned, prepped and helped host a graduation party for my son; scanned over 200 photos in preparation for a graduation video and two presentations for the choir in which I sing, applied for at least 6 jobs, written a final project for my Masters program, (got an A on the project and in the class)...and I think that there are a few other things completed, too.
So while I haven't found a job, I have marked a few things off the "to-do" list. Today was spent getting ready for a big performance for my choir - setting up the stage decorations - and working on a special project for my former supervisor. Tomorrow - the choir show...and Thursday will find me hard at work on the job search.
Until then...I'm trying to figure out a way to get paid for volunteer work!
So while I haven't found a job, I have marked a few things off the "to-do" list. Today was spent getting ready for a big performance for my choir - setting up the stage decorations - and working on a special project for my former supervisor. Tomorrow - the choir show...and Thursday will find me hard at work on the job search.
Until then...I'm trying to figure out a way to get paid for volunteer work!
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