Job Seekers thread Mark 2

[CaptainCrunch]

Interview with as many companies that you can. Treat your search like a sales job, the more meetings, the more opportunities to close. That way you have a choice when it comes down to it. There's also a leverage and impressions impact when you talk to either recruiters or hiring managers. "Yes sir I'm working on 8 opportunities, 3 that are moving to offer stages, So if you're interested in me, time is in play".


Its worked for me in the past, where I'm a A candidate in terms of removing obstructions and slow downs.


Just an FYI, while I'm working multiple contracts, things are slowing down a bit over the next two weeks so if anyone needs help with resumes, cover letters and interview prep, let me know. I want to help.

[J pold]

I'm a Managing Director at a commercial real estate brokerage that's new to Calgary but large in the US & Europe, & we are looking to hire a junior broker early next year.

Ideally, they are a recent university grad with some internship experience in the corporate world. The role is a combination of business development, market research, & supporting senior staff with business development being the most important for longevity. Already having your real estate license is a big plus but not a requirement. There would be an expectation you would get licensed as quickly as possible, which normally takes 3-4 months.

It's a very young & dynamic office with nearly everyone being under 40. We have a strong 'work hard play hard' (cliche I know) culture so fit is important. Normally this type of roll is filled by kids who didn't get good enough grades to get into IB or have connected parents but I'm trying to break the mold a bit and thought CP would be a good place to try.

PM me for more details.

[lazypucker]

I've got a call from Higher Landing (through EI application) this afternoon about a seminar they are having in a couple of weeks. Anyone know anything on what to expect?

[CaptainCrunch]

I know a little bit about it, its career transition training via seminars and training. So for people that are stuck in a currently tough or struggling segment, its not a bad idea, and its also probably a really good network opportunity.

They also have the Grizzly Den where you can work on your pitches, or interview skills with business leaders in Calgary.

I don't think it can hurt to polish how you market yourself and do asymmetrical job searching. I've heard some good things about their outplacement services for companies that are laying off and want to offer career transition help.

Expect a lot of coaching outside of the usual resume and interview skills polishing. More around the idea of tearing yourself down and finding what you really want to do, how you can create your narrative to get there and how to get your name out. I've heard that their training can be pretty intense and heavy on self diagnosis and reflection.

But the government is paying for it, so there's no harm in doing it.

[flamesfan1297]

Got an offer with a company today, sort of. They said they really liked me and will hire me on as soon as a position opens up and I can expect to hear from them again within a couple weeks. Hope this works out and I can hired sooner rather than later

[CaptainCrunch]

Great news, make sure you keep some control of the narrative, ask for permission to follow up if you don't hear from them within a couple of weeks so that you can keep in the loop. That will also tell you how serious they are about their timeline and not just trying to get you to sit on the bench.


Also and just my 2 cents, don't stop applying, with the uncertainty out there, never assume anything.


Best of luck though.

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Great news, make sure you keep some control of the narrative, ask for permission to follow up if you don't hear from them within a couple of weeks so that you can keep in the loop. That will also tell you how serious they are about their timeline and not just trying to get you to sit on the bench.
Also and just my 2 cents, don't stop applying, with the uncertainty out there, never assume anything.
Best of luck though.

Agreed. Until you actually have job and agreement... you don’t. I’ve been strung along since July by one org. I get it. Times are tough and they’re awaiting work too and maybe perhaps at some point their resource review will end with Dagnabbit we MUST hire that RichieRich guy. Since then I’ve continued looking, interviewing, and even had a short contract. But I’m still staying in touch for networking and just in case...

[Maccalus]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

I've got a call from Higher Landing (through EI application) this afternoon about a seminar they are having in a couple of weeks. Anyone know anything on what to expect?

I went through the Higher Landing program back in Jan-Mar. It is a fairly intensive program of resume review, Interview preparation and marketing tips to help find alternative job paths. They were structured in a way to create a valuable cohort of people to act as a good starter network as well, but I do not know how that has translated to post covid world. The "Grizzly Den" is a nice experience to get yourself in front of some interesting decision makers as well, and it is excellent panel interview practice in a more high pressure, unique environment. I did meet a couple people who got hired off the impression they made at the grizzly den.

I would say that if you can get in through the EI sponsored program, it will help to build or reinforce those skills for your career. I wouldn't spend the money that they charge on it. I found some value for me in the resume review, Linkedin review and general marketing tips.

If you would like to know more, I can answer some questions.

[RichieRich]

So early in the new year, yet still quiet. Whilst I am eager to get after networking and job postings and "pounding the pavement" it seems most folks either are still on holidaze or very very slowly ramping up. With oil up today (just shy of $50/bbl WTI USD at time of writing), along with the overall markets, here's to hoping for a return to free capital for infrastructure investments, upgrades, optimizations, debottlenecking, and expensed coffees (lunches to come later).
https://www.marketwatch.com/investin...-%20electronic

[CaptainCrunch]

Work wise on my one project, its a little quiet, I expect that with last week's holidays and with the extended school breaks home schooling that a lot of people extended their holidays.


However on my second project which is recruiting for the government, I'm going full guns on interviewing.



So it could be a mixed bag. I've always found though that first week or two after New Years that people are slow to respond or their sense of urgency isn't as high as they get their heads around the new year.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by RichieRich

So early in the new year, yet still quiet. Whilst I am eager to get after networking and job postings and "pounding the pavement" it seems most folks either are still on holidaze or very very slowly ramping up. With oil up today (just shy of $50/bbl WTI USD at time of writing), along with the overall markets, here's to hoping for a return to free capital for infrastructure investments, upgrades, optimizations, debottlenecking, and expensed coffees (lunches to come later).
https://www.marketwatch.com/investin...-%20electronic

Active Canadian rig count about to hit 150, don't remember the last time we saw that number, Jan 2019?

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

Active Canadian rig count about to hit 150, don't remember the last time we saw that number, Jan 2019?

https://www.dailyoilbulletin.com/


Scroll down a couple pages for the Alberta Drilling Summary and select Rigs

[CaptainCrunch]

So I guess I need some sage advice from the CP brain trust.

8 months or so ago I took on a contract that involves me working with Startup companies, its interesting and intense work, as I help them in terms of gaining knowledge and solutions around product development, marketing, and even personal decisions. While its been great, I've reduced the hours on it to part time, as we work on building the revenue model for this.

2 months ago I was offered a contract by the ownership company of the one I was laid off from to help them in terms of recruiting. This project involves the Covid Crisis. I can dictate my hours of work, so it fits well with the first contract. By combining them I make a decent living, The second contract isn't exactly innovative work by any stretch, but I feel in a sense that I am involved in helping with the current crisis.

I got a call from the manager of the second product. We chatted for a while, she thought I was adding a ton of value to their team beyond just the recruiting side. She asked me what I thought about becoming a permanent part of their organization in a more senior role. Right now she made it sound like full time employment. She asked me to take a call next week from a senior level exec.

I agreed to it, because I always believed in hearing people out.

So I'm wondering, do you guys think I would be out of line in seeing if I could push for this role to continue to be a contract role, and to find a way to keep working on my first contract?

The reason why I ask this, is eventually this second contract will end as the crisis goes away in probably a few months.

I'm just mulling it around in my mind, and I don't know what the out of bounds area is in the discussion or if I could shoot myself in the face.

[lazypucker]

Bad news I have to share.

I've got an interview set up prior to the new years for the start of this week. The morning of the interview they called to reschedule for the next day because of an urgent matter.

Then the next day I got a call again informing me that the urgent matter was regarding the cancellation of the project and the post was eliminated......

So if you have any leads on anything IT-related or not I am happy to take a stab at (within my capabilities.)

Thanks

[FLAMESRULE]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

So I guess I need some sage advice from the CP brain trust.

8 months or so ago I took on a contract that involves me working with Startup companies, its interesting and intense work, as I help them in terms of gaining knowledge and solutions around product development, marketing, and even personal decisions. While its been great, I've reduced the hours on it to part time, as we work on building the revenue model for this.

2 months ago I was offered a contract by the ownership company of the one I was laid off from to help them in terms of recruiting. This project involves the Covid Crisis. I can dictate my hours of work, so it fits well with the first contract. By combining them I make a decent living, The second contract isn't exactly innovative work by any stretch, but I feel in a sense that I am involved in helping with the current crisis.

I got a call from the manager of the second product. We chatted for a while, she thought I was adding a ton of value to their team beyond just the recruiting side. She asked me what I thought about becoming a permanent part of their organization in a more senior role. Right now she made it sound like full time employment. She asked me to take a call next week from a senior level exec.

I agreed to it, because I always believed in hearing people out.

So I'm wondering, do you guys think I would be out of line in seeing if I could push for this role to continue to be a contract role, and to find a way to keep working on my first contract?

The reason why I ask this, is eventually this second contract will end as the crisis goes away in probably a few months.

I'm just mulling it around in my mind, and I don't know what the out of bounds area is in the discussion or if I could shoot myself in the face.

Definitely ask!! Couple things, one is you sound way more excited about the first role. We talked about the startup space and it goes in fits, can be super frustrating, and super exciting. Plus one of them may hit the jackpot and want you on the team. You'd want to keep that door open.

If you think the other one is temporary (even if FT is offered), then you could just be setting yourself up to get laid off. Tell them you're excited, have some time to work more hours, but that you really want to keep this other contract going as well. Be up front, goes way better...I can speak from experience on working contracts and even FT with some moonlighting. Maybe they bring you on FT and say they're ok with the side hustle.

[CaptainReboot]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

Bad news I have to share.

I've got an interview set up prior to the new years for the start of this week. The morning of the interview they called to reschedule for the next day because of an urgent matter.

Then the next day I got a call again informing me that the urgent matter was regarding the cancellation of the project and the post was eliminated......

So if you have any leads on anything IT-related or not I am happy to take a stab at (within my capabilities.)

Thanks

What's your IT background in?

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by RichieRich

So early in the new year, yet still quiet. Whilst I am eager to get after networking and job postings and "pounding the pavement" it seems most folks either are still on holidaze or very very slowly ramping up. With oil up today (just shy of $50/bbl WTI USD at time of writing), along with the overall markets, here's to hoping for a return to free capital for infrastructure investments, upgrades, optimizations, debottlenecking, and expensed coffees (lunches to come later).
https://www.marketwatch.com/investin...-%20electronic

Looks like most decision making did not happen this past week due to extended holidays, budgets, and procrastinations. So whilst still hopefully of hearing from some applications I was offered a part time role via ongoing contract. Relative to my experience and peers it doesn’t pay great but it will pay just enough (it appears) to cover basic family expenses and basic benefits. The Part time aspect allows time for family challenges, exercise (important to me), and further pursuit of a “side gig” that might actually have a chance if we actually put enough effort in.

[CaptainReboot]

Originally Posted by RichieRich

Looks like most decision making did not happen this past week due to extended holidays, budgets, and procrastinations. So whilst still hopefully of hearing from some applications I was offered a part time role via ongoing contract. Relative to my experience and peers it doesn’t pay great but it will pay just enough (it appears) to cover basic family expenses and basic benefits. The Part time aspect allows time for family challenges, exercise (important to me), and further pursuit of a “side gig” that might actually have a chance if we actually put enough effort in.

Part time is not bad at all. Gives you the time to focus on the other things. I'm in the same boat. I had some leads right before the Christmas break and still hoping to hear back from a few of them. I'm hopeful that something will happen this month. Been off work since June.

I've been doing some online work to try to bring in some income, which has dried up a bit. Hoping some of that will pick back up too.

[CaptainReboot]

For all the IT guys here, Seneca College is offering a free Azure fundamentals workshop. It's in partner with Microsoft and RBC. It runs over 2 days, 4 hours each day and is virtual. It is instructor led, so not just a bunch of reading and watching videos and there are labs that you'll need to complete from the looks of it. It should prepare you for the AZ-900 exam.

https://www.senecacollege.ca/ce/tech...e.html#Courses

There is no more space in January, but there are a lot of times available left for Feb, including weekends. Bonus is that you get a Seneca email address, which gives you a student subscription to Office 365, so you could download and install on your PC (although I'm not sure how long your student ID remains active.

I'm in the course tomorrow and Wed, so I can let you guys know how it is.

[CaptainReboot]

Follow up to the Azure fundamentals workshop I'm in. There's about 50 people online and it's led by two instructors. Sounds like you get a promo code to write the AZ-900 exam for free, which I think is about $100 USD so this is a pretty good offer.