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DaDancingPsych

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  • Birthday 10/20/1980

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  1. There are certainly differences, but I don't know that they are produced from any physical characteristics of your co-workers. My example story: At my previous job, I worked the front desk at a busy insurance company downtown. Those who worked there varied greatly in age, position in life, hobbies, lifestyles... you name it! One would think that I would have associated best with those most like myself (young, single, childless... those who would want to go to the bar for a drink afterwards!) Nope, my best friend there was a woman my mother's age who was married with children my age!!! (BTW, we enjoyed dessert after work!) Our personalities just matched best! So in short, social environment is important, as AussieSuomissa has pointed out. But it's difficult to determine if it's a match for you just by noting characteristics. I recommend trying to get a "feel" for the company. I arrive at interviews a bit early in the hopes that I can walk around somewhat. If this is possible, I try to observe such things as do I see people mingling and chatting. Are they gossiping or just being social? What's my gut feeling? In the very least, pay attention to what goes on when you are sitting and waiting for the individual to interview you. People will come and go, so try to observe things. Pay attention to the adminstrator (the "gate keeper") and the sort of ways that she/he interacts with others. It's not an exact science, but if I leave the place sensing a lot of tension between employees, that may not be a good sign. Good luck!
  2. I haven't participated in ToastMasters, but I had a friend who's first language wasn't English and she had moved to this country for school. She joined the club to help with her English speaking skills (and I think it really helped!) I have heard only good things about the organization! I think you should attend a meeting and see for yourself, but I have a feeling you have found the right place to help.
  3. How important is your current job to your future? If this is an organization that you will want to return to and grow into, think how leaving is going to effect that. Although disappointed, would they be willing to understand and welcome you back? Especially if you told them of your absense now versus closer to summer? If you really can find it in your budget, I wouldn't worry about the money and study Italy. This is the sort of experience that becomes more difficult to get as we move deeper into our careers. Good luck with your decision!
  4. I would call or drop in personally. Say, I wanted to check-in and see if you needed anything additional for my leter of recomendation being that the due date is on XYZ.
  5. On the other hand, I have had a great experience with a small business boss! As was said, crazy doesn't discriminate! *wink* I think the key is to try to find an environment (your boss is part of that equation) that you can work in. (Or we just work hard to drive our crazy bosses even crazier!!!)
  6. You never know what may have happened, so I wouldn't panic too much. If she doesn't return your call by tomorrow morning, I would again attempt her at the office and then her cell. If you are unable to reach her, see if you can speak to someone directly at her office. They may be able to give you more insight to what is going on and may be willing to take down a message. I would then also follow-up with the original manager and let him know that you have tried to reach her to let her know that you would like the position. I think leaving too many messages appears annoying. They got in touch with you originally, so if you made an error with your cell phone number, they must have some way of reaching you. Plus, checking in with the original manager may come accross as "telling" on the other manager. Maybe she had to be out of the office for some unexpected reason... I know I hate when others go over my head before I have been given sufficient time to get back to them!
  7. I would recommend showing concern for things occurring in the business. Use your best judgement, but why not ask people (in a caring rather than nosey manner) how specific things are going. Ask how various projects are progressing or if certain problems were resolved. Again, this takes some judgement calls as to whether it is appropriate to ask about certain things (also taking into consideration your timing, present company, and even the manner you do so.) But I think this shows a general interest. Also, know about the company. Take the time to read and know what's going on. If you are clueless of certain things, it may read to your supervisors that you don't care. I would also think that it's acceptable to ask questions when discussing things. "Now is this related to the project just completed last year?" Rather than knowing just enough to do what you need to do, make sure you understand the whole system. Finally, I think it's hard to know what area we are interested in. Would it be unappropriate to be honest with your boss? "I am not sure which area interests me more, but can I try a project in area X to get a better feel?" And in the end, Scout is right. If nothing excites you, maybe this isn't the right company for you!
  8. Although there are no dumb questions (please ask away here), there are some things that I would not ask a potential employer. Rather than asking for someone's gender, ask who should you address your resume to. Hopefully, they will tell you "Mr. Harry Smith", but if you get something like "Jamie Green", I would not ask whether Jamie is male or female. Instead, I would do some investigative work on my own. Check the website for any clues or sometimes I will call the company after hours and listen to the individual's voicemail recording. If I can no figure it out or if there's any doubt, I drop the title and address it to simply "Jamie Green". If all things fail and I have no name, it to "Recruiting Director" or the title that I want to read my resume or as the previous poster has suggested "To Whom It May Concern" covers all your bases!
  9. I agree, do ask (intelligent) questions. If you are unsure of what sort of questions to pose, there are TONS of job interview books available. Although they may list questions that you would want to ask during an interview, you can adapt these into email questions.
  10. Thank you both for your replies; they are helpful! I tend not to follow my resume up with an email, simply because I tend to actually email the resume. (I have heard that this is the preference of most companies now.) Plus, I think a follow-up phone calls makes me a person rather than just a resume. I will continue trying to make these calls during my lunch break. I have just found it difficult to find a place away from the phone that is quiet. But, we do what we have do, right? But it sounds like a voicemail message might be a second best alternative. Thanks!
  11. I work as a recruiter and I find that a good deal of people do use the email as their cover letter. However, these individuals are applying for technical jobs where their writing skills are less important. But I find this to be completely appropriate. Personally, I use the email as a mini-cover letter. I address the person I'm sending it to, explain the reason/position for the email, and use it as an opportunity to once again include my contact information. However, the real cover letter is an opportunity to present my abilities to write a neat looking cover letter. (Emails get messed up when they are sent to various places.) Rather making two attachements, I send the cover letter/resume as one. Page 1 is the cover letter, page 2 starts the resume. So, I believe either way to be acceptable.
  12. I have been told that placing a follow-up call after you have sent your resume to a potential employer is a smart thing to do. However, I find it difficult when I am working a day job. Do you think it's inappropriate to call and leave a voicemail message for the person after hours? Would there be a time that would be considered inappropriate to leave a message? 6pm? 8pm? 10pm? Midnight? Never? If all I can do is leave a voicemail message, would it be best to not follow-up at all? I am curious as to your insight on the matter. Thanks!
  13. I agree! You are still in training and although I understand your nerves, it's a lot worse when your manager doesn't help and doesn't watch you at all!!! Imagine trying to guess how to do your job. While she's standing over you, I'm sure that there are many other employees who she isn't hovering over. Soon enough you will become one of them, just be patient with her. Whenever possible, try to reassure her. Let her know what duties you feel comfortable with. And before she jumps at a job, say something like "I'll give that a try" or "Do you want me to do that?" It is quite possible she is unaware that you are starting to feel comfortable with certain things. Hang in there!
  14. If there's one hard lesson to learn in life it's that no one will help you, but yourself! Don't expect others to come along and scrap you off the bottom, you've got to do that for yourself. I hear a lot of excuses. I can't get a second job, because my current employer won't let me. I put an ad up for renting a room, but no replies. My eBay business failed. Ect. There's no problem that isn't fixable, but that doesn't mean that the first solution is the right answer. It's time to consider a new job. Hopefully one that will pay more, but certainly one that will allow you outside employment. (BTW, I don't know the laws here or there, but I'm aware of certain laws that prevent employers for putting such restrictions on their employees. May be something to look into.) Renting out a room is a great idea, but one ad isn't going to cut it. Sometimes 20 doesn't. Consider your audience and really think through who would want to rent a room. (Most of the time, it's students and young professionals.) And consider your network of friends, family, and coworkers... someone typically knows someone else who has what you need (a renter). It seems to me that you do a go job at taking that first step to fix a problem, but something gets in your way and you stop. Keep working through the problem and finding a new solution for it. Finally, you won't get help, unless you ask for it! See what services are available for you! Good luck! We are all pulling for you!!!
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