Anyone Job Hunting?

I've also said "family health issue" and that I've been "freelancing."

Yet I have a few interviews coming up where I've been asked to describe my current/recent past experience in more detail.

I realize I'm out practice when it comes to working. I haven't been in the flow and my skills are rusty. My confidence has been flagging. Just like the movie character Stella: I have to "Get My Groove Back."

To do so: I've been trying to keep a weekday work schedule (even if I'm not working), get out of the house early, get together w/ others once a day (lunch w/ girlfriend, quick mtg w/ other out-of-work freelancers, realtime mtg w/ someone in my field). Being part of this forum helps, too. Thanks a lot!

Happy job hunting to all! 

Thanks, lago.

All: Here are some freelance jobs options:

Some companies, such as Focus Forward Transcription, need people to transcribe meeting notes, scripts, and other materials -- at home, at their leisure.

Here is the link to FocusForward. As part of your application, you have to take a test to check your transcribing speed and accuracy. It's pretty simple:

http://www.fftranscription.com/

On this site, you can post a "work wanted" ad:

https://www.elance.com/

Here is a freelance marketplace where you can list your services:

http://www.mediabistro.com/portfolios/marketplace_intro.asp

GOOD LUCK! Why not? 

My challenge -- that I'm working to overcome -- is that my keyboarding speed decreased when I got lymphedema in my right/cancer/irradiated arm. It presents itself mainly in my right forefinger and thumb.

At first my hand became more swollen each time I typed. Then I went to physical therapy (specifically for lymphedema) and learned how to do massage, wrap my arm, and do exercises to reduce the swelling. Now I also wear a compression glove when I type. That does help.

I haven't tried for the transcribing gig, but if you do an Internet search, you can find other companies that are seeking freelance transcribers. Craigslist is also a good source for transcribing work.

And you can do it from home -- and often at your own pace.

Good luck all! Let's support each other. 

Kate/All:

If you're familiar w/ transferring files via an FTP site, then I'd try for the transcription job -- even if you don't have experience. If you've ever listened to your own taped notes and typed them -- then you do have experience. It's pretty simple. You could also be up front and say you don't have experience -- but that you are a fast typer. Plus, they give you a test. If you do well on the test -- then that advances your cause.

PS: There are other companies that specialize in transcription services. If you do an Internet search for "transcribers wanted" or something like that, you'll most likely find a few. Good luck. 

Call back from interview on the 12th.... I actually thought the interview went terribly.  The person with whom I interviewed was sick, so no matter what I said, he seemed disinterested. 

As I have written in earlier posts, I've been unemployed/sporadically employed and working, for the most part, outside of my field during/after cancer treatments.

I recently had an offer -- not for the job of my dreams -- but for the job of my (former) dreams.

Indeed. I tried to think outside the box and open myself to applying for anything and everything out there. So here comes this job offer -- w/ a good salary and benefits -- for the job I dreamed of doing 15 years ago. But it's not my dream now.

I have spent the past few days since the offer doing some research and journal writing seeing if the interest still lingers. I applied, not expecting to get the job.

Isn't life funny?

It is nice to know we do have options. Thanks all! 

lago: Some people would say the type of job you describe -- one where you enjoy both the work and the co-workers -- qualifies as a "dream" job. Especially if it also includes benefits. 

Having/recovering from cancer and being unemployed sure has given me a different perspective about working and living life.

Since being diagnosed with and having surgery/reconstruction/chemotherapy/radiation for breast cancer, I have had numerous side effects/related medical challenges. It feels as if I've been working on recovering from cancer more so than working on getting back to work.

Now, this new job entails intensive training and testing. I have to become an expert in the area I was an expert in 15 years ago. But I'm no longer an expert in that area. That's my concern.

At the same time, I'm excited to take on new challenges. If anything, having and recovering from cancer has taught me that I'm a lot stronger than I'd ever imagined.

I wish you all the best! 

Interview 2 completed; interview 3 tomorrow.  Oh - the pressure.  One of the 'would like to haves' for this job is Arabic, which I don't have.  Surprised I was called back!  Also, have a first interview today with a company I worked for 7 years ago  (left to get married as I had to move).  I liked the company then, so maybe this will turn into something good.

job offer, fingers crossed, to be made on Friday!

OMG --- have been called back in for a 6th interview!!!! One would think I am applying for a top secret mission!  Only a mid-level job, though.  This interview with the COO.  DH pointed out that no organization would waste the time of the COO unless they were super serious about an offer.  I will check back in on Monday.  Good weekend everyone.

6 interview. Yeah I would say unless you start dropping F-bombs in the interview or kill someone you should get an offer.

Not sure what company has the time to do 6 interviews these days. Strange. Good thing you don't have a job or it would be tough to take all that time off.

fitzdc: Wow! Sixth interview. Hope you get it.

I was just accepted into a training/job program. I had to submit an application. Accepted applicants were called into interview. The interview lasted four hours and included demos, tests and small-group assignments, plus a 30 minute one-on-one meeting w/ a screener. Now that I've been accepted into the program by one entity, the partner entity still has to accept me (which means I have to submit another application and provide references). I then have to undergo training and testing, and pass through a few more levels before I actually get the job.

I must really want to get back to work.

Twice during the past decade, when applying for other jobs, both interviews included on-the-job evaluations where I had to work regular 9-5 hours w/ the existing staff for three or more days.

Employers can be choosy, when there are few jobs and many out of work job-seekers. 

I congratulate those of us who have found work and I encourage the others to keep looking!