Tuesday  31/05/2016

Websites browsed:          Loads

Jobs applied for:              2

Leads:                              2

Mood:                              A little bit moody. 

Enthusiasm:                     Not that good.

Cakes:                              It's not looking good.

I have a considerable lack of enthusiasm. I don't know why. I've already had an interview, (although unsuccessful.) I've learnt something from it.

Then I had another one which I could not attend because I had the other interview. Sadly, I went for the wrong one.

Next time I am going to go with my gut instincts, which I didn't do this time. I did have reservations at the time, but it was the proximity to home that was the clincher. But I won't make that mistake again.

Looking at it logically, which one would you go for?

The one that was just a twenty minute interview which turned out to be informal, or the one that gave me a chance to work in the classroom; to be interviewed by the children; and then a formal interview. 

Exactly, silly me. Oh well, it's done now, we learn from our mistakes. Or will I?

I haven't been looking long so there's absolutely no need to get down. 

It's only a job for heaven's sake.

I'm generally optimistic and I'm trying to be up beat, but it's not working lately. Of course, it might be because we've just had a long weekend and my hubby has gone back to work.


What's next

Going to hang the washing out. Oh bliss!  
Tomorrow, I am going to buy a more formal interview outfit, as well as looking and applying for more jobs.

Having a set outfit, will stop me from wondering what to wear. But I've been looking for an outfit for a while now and nothing seems to suit me. I'm a casual dresser so need to find something smart but practical.

Saturday 28/05/2016

Websites browsed:     Loads as usual

Jobs applied for:        O

Leads:                        Found three jobs to go for, will apply Monday

                                   or Tuesday, after all, it is the Bank Holiday 

                                   weekend. I have to have some time off from

                                   job hunting as it is a full-time job.

Schools visits to

arrange:                      3 but can't do that for a week because 

                                   children are on half term.

Mood:                        Feeling content, at least for a while.

Enthusiasm:               8/10

Feeling in the holiday mood.

Looking for interview clothes now, because most of my clothes are casual wear, even my work clothes.

I'll leave that for a while.

Having tomorrow off and then applying for jobs again on Monday or Tuesday, according to what happens over the weekend. 

After all, it's bank holiday and anything can happen.

Friday 27/05/2016

Websites browsed:     Loads

Jobs applied for:         3

Leads:                         3

Feedback:                   Yes

Enthusiasm:                7/10

Cakes eaten:               1 Cheese scone

I had some feedback on Wednesday for the interview I attended on the Monday. I arrived home and there was a message on the answer phone stating, that a situation had arisen and they'd had to re-evaluate the roles. There was a strong field and they could not offer me a position at this time.

If I knew they were looking for a field.....No, I digress.

Not too worried about it, the money was appalling and I'm a lot better than that wage. I could say a lot about the interview but what's the point. Suffice to say, I'm more than happy with the situation.

I've applied for a full time job and a couple of part-time roles.

There are three more jobs, two I'm going to apply for and one, I'm still in two minds with.

Having applied for another position as a TA and knowing that they welcomed visitors, I did just that today.

I was taken around the school by some charming children, even though I sometimes found it hard to keep up with them. It felt like I was sprinting for England. lol 

I liked the school's ethos and I enjoyed my walk around. Although, I need to forget about that visit now, because when it comes to a job, I might not be chosen for interview. We will see. But I won't get my hopes up,and that way, I won't be disappointed. 

Over the last few days, I've been a little hard on myself and have been feeling a little down, but just as I always do. I've bounced back. AGAIN! I don't know what come over me. I certainly didn't see that coming. I don't think it was not getting the job because after the interview I was not that fussed. But sub consciously, I might be fussed.

I do know one thing. I haven't been sleeping that great this week, which is partly the problem.

What's next?

Two applications to fill in and send and two telephone calls to make so I can visit the schools. But that may have to wait until tomorrow as I'm shattered.

     No time to update my blog today.

But please, do not stray.

I welcome the thought of you travelling this journey with me.

With my heart on my sleeve for everyone to see.

Oops, I'm getting my poetry and jobs blog mixed up.

Hopefully, normal service will resume over the next few days.

Thursday 25/05/16

SORRY,  DUE  TO  APATHY TODAY'S BLOG HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Jobs applied for:    1

Mood:                     Ratty

Enthusiasm:            3/10

Cakes eaten:            twenty million, four hundred                                    and  two.      

Tuesday 24/05/2016

Websites browsed:    Just a couple today.

Jobs applied for:        1

Leads:                        2, possible three, will apply for them                                                  tomorrow.

Jobs did not get, 

but interviewed for:   1  I was supposed to hear this morning                                                   whether I got the job or not. Did not hear.

                                      So did not get that position.

Mood:                         7.5

Enthusiasm:                8



When I went to the interview yesterday, they said they would let the successful applicant know this morning. Or Wednesday at the latest, but it looks like it was not to be.

Surprisingly, I am OK about it. But a little annoyed that I didn't go to the interview I cancelled. Although I may not have got that one, the interview procedure was much better, it involved me working in the classroom, wheras, the one I went for was a twenty minute casual meeting.

But then, the 20 mins informal interview was enough to put who I was across. So that's the way the cookie crumbles I guess.

I could bring out that old cliche and say, that they've missed an opportunity here. In fact, I will say that. They are the ones missing out because, if I say it myself, I am a good worker. lol

I've got a feeling I'm just starting this adventure and now I've started a merry- go -round that I'm not going to find easy to get off.

The positives: My CV got me an interview.

What's next.

There are three jobs to apply for tomorrow so that is a plus. They are on-line, so it will probably take a couple of hours. At least I'll have  a respite form searching the web. Although it has become a normal part of my day now, so I'll probably look around.

But overall, feeling great. Got darts tonight so will have a couple of drinks to get over any feelings of inadequacy that may develop. lol

Monday 23/05/16

Webs browsed:          Loads

Jobs applied for:        2

Interviews:                 1 

Leads:                        1 but it's a job I'm not too sure about.

Mood:                        Good

Enthusiasm:               8.5

Cakes eaten:               0

Interview day

I woke up in the morning with a bit of a tummy and had to spend a little time on the loo. Great start eh? That's caught your attention.

It didn't last long, thank heaven.

I wasn't feeling nervous.

Then I looked in the mirror and peering back at me, was a big red cold sore. It wasn't there when I went to bed, and miraculously, now that I've had the interview, it's gone.

It was an informal interview and I felt relaxed, maybe a bit too relaxed.

Actually, I was pleased with my performance and spent the day on a virtual high. Then I got home and came down with a bump. They asked me about a date and I gave them some information, but when I got home, although the information was true, I was referring to a different time. I don't know how that will come across.  But there's lessons to be learnt and if I was to rate the interview, apart from the bit that went wrong. I would say it was an eight out of ten.

They said that they would inform me on Tuesday morning, or Wednesday at the latest.
But we all know, that if you haven't heard on the day of the interview, you probably haven't got it. 

But I'm probably not as worried as I should be.

Besides, it was a twenty minute interview, and I didn't get a chance to work in the classroom. So the outcome was based on two people's opinion. Not that I don't respect their opinion, because I do. 

What's next?

Same as usual. Looking at hundreds of job sites and hoping they'll be something to apply for. Still, there's that agency interview next week so all is not lost, lol

Sunday  22/05/2016

Interviews:     One

I have an interview tomorrow and I'm really nervous.

I've never felt this way about an interview before. Usually, I take them in my stride, but not this time.

I'm trying not to let it get to me but I can't help it. I would like the job, but it would not be the end of the world if I didn't get it. I'm not in dire straits yet.

I think I might know the reason why I am feeling uneasy. Usually, when I have an interview in a school it lasts all morning at the very least.

But this interview is only twenty minutes long, and all different things are going around in my head as to why that is the case. 

I'll see what happens tomorrow because obviously, I don't want to tempt fate by stating my fears on here; especially if I'm getting worried about nothing.

I'll be all right when I get there, I'm just going to be myself and hope my wonderful personality will shine through. lol

As well as my qualifications of course. lol

Saturday 21/05/2016

Jobs applied for:     1

Cakes eaten:             0

Mood.                       Brilliant

Enthusiasm:              Brilliant

Feeling in a great mood today, hence the fact that I'm doing this on a Saturday.

I've applied for a 'Mystery Shopper' job. I've always fancied myself as a spy. lol

Whoops! Now I've already given the game away to those who know me.

Maybe I'm not cut out for this job after all. lol

20/05/2016  Friday 

SHATTERED

Websites browsed:     Loads

Jobs applied for:         None

Rejection letters:        None

Walks:                         None
Mood:                         If I believed in aura, I'd say I was purple.
Weight:                       Stayed the same.
Cakes eaten:                So many, I can't remember what I ate. lol
Enthusiasm:                 Sometimes - 2   Now   6


Feeling a little deflated, no idea why. It could be the weather or the fact that I may be tired. I may have to give in and just go to bed and get oochy, coochy.

Sent of a CV.

What's next?

Much the same as usual I guess, searching, searching and more searching. Hoping, not hoping, hoping. Caring, not caring. Enthusiastic, not enthusiastic.  Need I go on.


I think I may have to surrender to my feelings because I feel like a right old c..

Hang on, my mood has gone from -6 up to an 8  because............

IT'S  THE  WEEKEND !

It could  not have come at a better time. I need to re-charge big time.


But I'll bounce back ready to start again on Monday, do you know why? Because I've been doing that all my life.

Thursday 19/05/2016

Job sites browsed:      Loads

Jobs applied for:        Almost 1

Weather:                     Guess. Yes! It's raining.

Mood:                         It was good until the heaven's opened, the

                                    rain fell and it went dark. And I can't

                                    see my keyboard!
Enthusiasm:                8
Walks taken:               2. There and back.  Go me.
Cakes eaten:               One small bite of a Chelsea bun and one 
                                    small chocolate slice. 
Weight:                        Yes


I signed on today. It went well, especially as I announced I had two interview coming up.

But for some reason, I didn't sleep well last night. I'm going to have to look over my blogs to see whether it always happens the night before I have to go the the Job Centre. If so, I'm going to have to activate my mindfull techniques, starting with a bit of colouring.

I tried to apply for a seasonal position on line but after the third attempt I gave up. I did everything it said and more, but still it I wasn't able to save and move on.

Sad really, they have so missed out. lol

When I got home from town I had an email from my adviser wishing me good luck for my interview on Monday. Whether or not she had to say that I don't know, but it was a nice thought. 

I've been walking rather than taking the car whenever I can. I'm trying to get fitter, not thinner, because that's a quest too far, so I'll settle for fitter for now. 


Weight day tomorrow.  Just putting that out there.

Oops, a dessert mouse just jumped out of the fridge into my mouth. I'm going to have to train those desserts to do as they are told. I can't not eat it now.  My fingers accidentally tore open the lid. Yummy

What's next?

I might try and get on that site again, for the fourth time. But the chances are not looking good. More surfing the net for jobs. 

                

Wednesday 18/05/16

Job sites browsed:     Loads

Interviews:                 3 now, but there's a but on one of them.

Reject letters:             0

Mood:                         I'm in a good mood.

Enthusiasm:                8

Cakes eaten:               Only one.

It's unbelievable, I have another interview, but sadly, it is on the same day as the first one. I had to sit down and think hard about which one to attend. 

The decision came down to which one was closest to home.

It was either a 40 minute journey or a 15 minute one. I really had no choice but to go for the latter.

Also, my meeting with an agency has been brought forward, or rather nearer, for they have people interviewing in a town nearer home. That ones at the beginning of June.

Once again, it was down to proximity.

Overall, I'm feeling good about my search for work. I've only being looking for a while and things seem to be moving forward. But I need to change my attitude. Rather than worrying if I am good enough to get an interview, I need to believe that they would be really lucky to get me, because I am good at my job. See, I can big myself up on here, but not in the real world. lol

I've been practising my Maths and English ready to return to the workplace. 'Estote Parati' is going to be my motto. Be Prepared.

The internet is a marvellous thing. lol

But not being fluent in Latin I don't really know if that is correct.

What's next?

I have my weekly interview with my job advisor tomorrow and I've got the jitters.

Although I'm trying my best to get a job, I always feel that they are going to say something, even though my experience at the job centre has always been positive. 

Then it will be more web surfing.

       

Tuesday 17/05/2016

Websites browsed:     The usual amount

Jobs applied for:         Almost 1

Leads:                         Not really

Mood:                         Nonchalant

Enthusiasm:                6. Which is strange seeing that it should

                                    be a 10, with the interview coming up on

                                    Monday.

Walks:                         I walked on the spot while doing the ironing.

                                    Does that count?

Weight:                       The elephant in the room.

I did apply for an events co-ordinator in an elderly residents home but for some reason, it wouldn't take my details. Does it know something I don't. lol

Anyway, the crux of the matter is, it was taking too long to apply online and I really couldn't be bothered to waste any more time.

The sun's gone in and it's annoying me, because honestly, when the sun is shining, it's true, the whole world smiles at you.

Even the postman could not be bothered to call today. 

What next?

The same old thing, trawling the internet looking for work. But not for the rest of the day. There are more important things to do, like the washing up, hanging the washing up, hoovering, cooking dinner.

Actually, thinking about it, I've already got a job, I'm a domestic goddess.

I  can't wait to get back to work and then we can once again share the chores. They don't call them Chores for nothing.

But the positives, during the morning while visiting the rest room, a shower of pink petals from the cherry tree flew in through the window. Who'd have thought, you could find such beauty in the toilet.

But first things first, I have do something important. 

I need a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Flip, since writing this, my mood has changed drastically. Better do something not associated with looking for work. I'll get that cup of tea now.

I apologise, it's that bad, I can't be bothered to spell check.

Monday  16/05/2016

Websites browsed:     Loads

Jobs applied for:        1

Phone calls made:     1

Walks:                       1, but it felt like one and half, because, I 

                                  suddenly decided to carry 20 years shopping

                                  home. so.......

Workouts:                  1

Mood:                        Feel great

Enthusiasm:               8

Cakes eaten:              Mm, let me think?  O

Feeling in a positive mood today, that's probably due to the weather, it's nice and warm. I won't say hot, because that is just tempting fate.

Or it may be because, I will still be receiving Job Seekers allowance, it was just being paid on a different day.

Finances are OK, but realised, that the savings, accumulated while working are getting smaller by the day.

Phoned agency. Sent CV off again.

Also, I have been updating my maths skills, just in case. You never know, I might need them.

I applied for a seasonal job at a holiday park, that way, I've got the added bonus of feeling in the holiday mood for three months. lol.
Chances of getting it? With students wanting work, very low. 

What's next?

More job hunting

      

                                   

Sunday 15/05/2016

Sites browsed:         Only a few as it's Sunday

Jobs applied for:      None

Weight loss:             Lost 400g, it may not seem much, but it's

                                 going down and that is always a bonus.

Mood                       A little moody, no idea why?

Enthusiasm:             It should be high because I have an interview

                                 in a couple of weeks, so taking that in to 

                                 account. I'll say, an 8, and - 1 for mood = 7

I have to ring Works and Pensions tomorrow as my benefit money did not go in yesterday. Now I'm wondering why?

Could it be:

1. I have not looked hard enough for a job, which is unlikely, seeing that searching for work is my new full time job.

2. Am I no longer entitled to it? If not why?

3. Is it merely a glitch at their end? 

We'll see. We are not down to eating bread and water....yet.

                                

Friday 13/05/2016

Job sites browsed:       Loads      

Jobs applied for:          None

Replies:                        1
Enthusiasm:                  8/10
Cakes eaten:                  1 Cornish split, which is basically, a sweet
                                       bun with jam and artificial cream inside.

I    HAVE  AN  INTERVIEW IN TWO WEEKS TIME.

Even if I do not get the position, at least I know my CV is OK. That is the main thing.

It's a job that I want to do and it suits my skills set perfectly, but I'm not going to get my hopes up, after all, it's not for two weeks and I don't want to burn myself out worrying about it.

After all, what's the worse thing that can happen, if I don't get it, I'll be the same person. I won't die.

Although I may lock myself in my room for an hour or so and cry myself silly. Then emerge a stronger and BITTER person lol.

No seriously, I'm just glad that my CV is giving me a foot in the door. That was my main worry.

Obviously, I'm feeling a little optimistic now, which is a bonus, because as much as you convince yourself that you're good enough to get a job, you always doubt yourself, no matter how strong a person you are.  

That's annoying too, because all sorts of things go through your head when you're looking for work. Thoughts you have no control over. Thoughts that I'm not going into now. 

I wonder how much a councillor costs?

What's next?

The interview is a bonus but not a foregone conclusion so it will be more of the same. But not until Monday because I'm having the weekend off. I deserve it, the amount of effort I'm putting in searching for work.

I've just realised, it's Friday 13th May!  Not that I'm superstitious or anything.

I've just had a thought! I've applied to appear on a game show, how will that be affected?

See what I mean about silly thoughts.

Thursday 12/05/2016

Web sites browsed:          Loads

Jobs applied for:              1

Reject emails:                  1 

Leads:                              1

Job centre experience:     Amazingly, really good.

Cakes eaten:                     None

Attitude:                           Good

Enthusiasm:                      7

I had a good experience at the job centre today. I did not have my normal adviser this week but the one I had was great. She was chatty even though she was running late; and because she was running late, there was only enough time for me to sign on.

I applied for a job on-line. It was for a personal shopper in a local supermarket, I like shopping, so I thought, why not?  Again, after a few questions, I waited in anticipation of a positive outcome. Alas, once again, it was not to be. Yet again, I had not managed to pass the minimum requirement needed to move the application forward.

But once again, it suggested I look at my answers. After looking at those answers, I cannot see where I went wrong, and having worked in retail some years ago, I have some experience of what they would be looking for.

I'm wondering, just what are those minimum requirements. I'm going to change my qualifications to the basic ones I have, see if  that changes things. But that's just an idea, I don't know if I can be bothered to joust with that Internet robot again. 

What next?

 I had a phone call when I got home from another agency, asking me to give them a ring. I'll do that tomorrow. When once again, I'll be trawling the net in search of work.

  

Wednesday 11/05/2016

Job sites browsed:                 lots

Jobs applied for:                   1

Dear Mrs William's letters:  1

Attitude:                                Oh yes!  I feel a rant coming on.

Enthusiasm:                           Morning   7     Now 1/10

Weight:                                  I had a lovely jam scone, but decided

                                               not to have the cream. But now, the

                                               mood I'm in, I not only wish I had the

                                               cream but I would have topped it off 

                                               with a chocolate flake, some m&ms

                                                and some ice-cream. 

Need to save and come back to this later. Going to stuff my face with a big dob of sausage and mash and then who knows what else.

I'll be back, depending on how much I've eaten and what mood I'm in; and how much cake is in the cupboard.

Yummy, that went down well and this Victoria sponge is, sorry, was, gorgeous. Yummy. All I need is a nice cup of tea to top it off. And there it is. 

It's amazing how having a cake can cheer you up.

I applied for a job on-line today. I gave my details and answered the questions. When it got to the end, it said that I had failed the minimum requirements to put the application forward. What!

I thought applying for the last job and hearing two days later was a quick decision, but now I know different.

In this case, I applied and was rejected within half an hour. 

The positives, it said that I might want to review my answers. Well yes I might...... WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER!

Well, onwards and upwards as they say, or in my case, sideways.

Signing on tomorrow, not looking forward to that.

Overall, I'm still OK. Finances are OK, for now, so I've got some breathing space.

The only thing I don't like about applying for jobs, apart from signing on, is the fact that I am always waiting for the Postman.
He has a four hour window between 10 am and 2 pm and you never know when he's going to get here. lol


What's next?

Signing on tomorrow, that will be fun. I've been seeing my adviser every two weeks, now I have to see them every week. It's a new person tomorrow, hope she's as nice as my normal adviser.

        

Tuesday  10/05/2016

Job sites browsed:     About the same, plus one new one.

Jobs applied for:        None

Application to 

put me on their

records:                      One
Feedback:                   Of course not.
Dear John letters:        None, but I'm optimistic that they'll be
                                    some soon.
Enthusiasm:                 6 or it could be 5. I'll make it a 7, after all,
                                    I've got to make the effort.
Queries:                       One



I know I said that I wondered if my age would have anything to do with me not getting a job, but at the time I was half joking.  But now I'm wondering why, on the diversity page of an application form, all on its little lonesome, I was asked my age. Needless to say, having been brought up to be polite and courteous I gave it, but why would they want to know that?

Was that the job I did not get.                 OF COURSE IT WAS !
Was that the job that gave no feedback.  OF COURSE IT WAS!

Now I'm not saying that was the reason, but I'm not saying it wasn't. I'm just putting it out there that's all.

Only time will tell, and I haven't got as much of that as I used to have lol.

But seriously I'm going to remain optimistic, because I said it then and I'll say it again; I'm not defined by the job I do. ( Just by the money it brings in lol ) Oh no! I'm going too deep again.

What's next.

Who knows what's around the corner.






  

                    

Monday 09/05/16

Websites browsed:          Ten million, four hundred and ten.

Jobs applied for:              1

Replies                             0

Attitude:                           Definitely 

Enthusiasm:                     6.3

Weather:                           Dull with a chance of depression

Weight:                             I have the the munchies really bad.

Walks:                              3 at the weekend.

Even though I have applied for one job today, not feeling that confident. I also know why that is. I have sun deprivation syndrome which makes me want to throttle someone. Then eat every thing in site.

Food eaten so far: 

Pringles 

Small fairy cake, yes SMALL.

Three slices of ham.

Small cocktail sausage roll.

More BBQ pringles. Yummy.

What's next?

A punnet of Strawberries.

Seriously, much of the same, looking at loads of websites etc and hoping they'll be something for me. 

Actually, I need to raise my spirits, need to listen to some music first.

                       

Friday 06/05/2016

Weight loss:      One pound

Friday 06/05/2016

Job sites browsed:          Ten million

Time taken:                    Ten million hours

Jobs applied for:            A big fat no

References requested:    1

Flippant:                         Big time

Enthusiasm:                    5.75

Weight:                           Weigh day today. May update later, but 

                                        with the mood I'm in, there's no way

                                         of knowing. 

Not sure what sort of mood I'm in today with regards to finding work. I want a job, I just wish there was a magic fairy who could plonk one in my lap.

Meanwhile, the sun is shining and I'm going to grab those sun's rays and wash my body in them. That is sure to cheer me up.

Then, I am proud to say, this evening I am going to a Darts presentation with my team mates to collect two trophies. That's an idea, perhaps I can go professional...or not.

What's next?

I'll browse through a couple of job sites but all in all, I'll have some time off from it.