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Author
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Topic: Getting Back into the Rat Race
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ariestiger
Knowflake Posts: 1136
From: UK
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 09:42 AM
 
I have been self-employed for 5 years (although I have worked part-time for various employers as well). I will need to get f/t employment soon in an area that I DEFINETELY want experience in (because being self-employed can be a pain). I have a lot of skills and experience gleaned from my self-employment that would be relevant, and have won several awards. I'm worried, however, that prospective employers are going to say my experience is too patchy, that I am too old (although I'm 31 and probably the average age of entry to the profession), and I wonder what the hell they are going to think re: my forthcoming separation from my husband? As a woman, if you're married, it's assumed that you are going to be requesting maternity pay sooner or later (irrespective of the fact that many children are born out of wedlock). The thing is, with my situation, they may be thinking, "oh god, she's going to be upset half the time". I'm also bothered about my interview skills. I have never had a formal interview that has been successful, the only interviews that were were the ones where I turned up in jeans!! Maybe I am just stressing. What do you think? IP: Logged |
Philbird
Knowflake Posts: 3396
From: Here, there and everywhere.
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 09:49 AM
I thought it was unethical to ask questions about family matters in job interviews! That has no bearing on your qualifications. You are there to sell yourself, and your qulifications as a laborer... not put your domestic life up for analysis!
What do you do???
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trillian
Knowflake Posts: 4050
From: The Boundless
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted August 05, 2005 09:49 AM
ariestiger, it's been a while since I've seen you around, and I hope you are well. I always enjoy your posts.Is it permissible in the UK for an employer to ask about your marital status? In the US, to base a decision on whether or no to hire you based on an impending divorce or separation would be considered discriminatory. They would not be allowed to ask you that. You are an ARIES TIGER. YOu will do well--try not to worry! Saturn is in Leo, what a relief for us Aries! The opportunities are boundless. Must get to work but will try to write more practical words soon.  IP: Logged |
ariestiger
Knowflake Posts: 1136
From: UK
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 09:53 AM
LOL, Philbird and Trillian. I went to an interview a few years ago where they asked if I was planning a family - which I think is now illegal. I don't know whether it was illegal back then or not. (I didn't get the job.) I'm better physically speaking, preparing for a big life-shake-up in September, moving to London etc. IP: Logged |
Philbird
Knowflake Posts: 3396
From: Here, there and everywhere.
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 09:59 AM
I'm shocked you have those doubts floating around in your mind! Really! Your private life is just that. Go in there with some balls and self assurance. That's what they will see. You don't want them seeing an insecure nervous wreck, because they won't want to hire that. Besides, they may have a family too! (Sorry, a little feminist I guess.) IP: Logged |
ariestiger
Knowflake Posts: 1136
From: UK
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 12:02 PM
 Philly, I understand what you're saying. I just find it extra, extra hard, that's all. I have to really FIGHT, really work hard to get people to give me a job, know what I mean? I RARELY have people wanting me to do a job for them, I have to approach them and almost do a kinda sit-in!! (Could this be my Saturn in my 10th? Do I put people off in some way, I wonder??) Whereas my husband gets offered jobs right, left and centre, and doesn't take them!!! How weird is that???!!!!!!! IP: Logged |
Svetlana
Knowflake Posts: 254
From: USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted August 05, 2005 12:30 PM
When I decided I needed a job I told God that I'm not going to go looking for it. Let the job come to me. And that's it. I got 3 offers this way (people just called me from out of the blue)The best of luck to you! ------------------
You can't lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse.
J. Peers IP: Logged |
Philbird
Knowflake Posts: 3396
From: Here, there and everywhere.
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 01:00 PM
ariestiger, what do you do?
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Philbird
Knowflake Posts: 3396
From: Here, there and everywhere.
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 01:06 PM
Perhaps they sense the doubt you are implying here.
You gotta make them think they can't get along without you! Feel it when you interview and they will feel it too! Positive energy attracts positive energy. I have gone to job interviews without a clue... but I didn't let them know that. I then learned the skill or adapted as I went along. But I don't know what you do, so I can't offer much more.IP: Logged |
Philbird
Knowflake Posts: 3396
From: Here, there and everywhere.
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 01:41 PM
Sorry to hijack this thread... but I was thinking about what you said about having to really try to get a job.
You have to create positive energy if you want things. An energy that makes you more valuable to others. When they see this energy, psychologically you are contributing to the interviewer's well being. When they see a sparkle in your eyes, an enthusiasm you are letting them know you feel good about being with them in that room at that moment. Look right at them with a sense of awl, because "they have made it." It's not just about the job. A great way to get a job is to acknowledge the person interviewing you as a person, not a means to an end! (Even if you don't mean it, although enthusiasm is infectious...) If you make them feel like they just met a person they would like to be, or give them a sense of well being, I gurantee you'll get the job.
IP: Logged |
ariestiger
Knowflake Posts: 1136
From: UK
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 01:57 PM
I will be doing a p/t course in landscape architecture come the autumn, and I really need some EXPERIENCE in the actual field. Not that I haven't had any through doing projects of my own...but my first degree is not in landscape architecture and I am not sure whether firms would take me on as a trainee. I am just a little bothered right now because so many people go and do qualifications and then find they can't get jobs afterwards because they don't have EXPERIENCE and no-one would give them it during their course (which is why I am NOT doing the f/t option under any circs.) Maybe it's Merc. Retro. making me feel this way... Landscape architecture is exactly what I want to do, and practically the only discipline that combines all of my interests (botany; art; mapmaking; exhibition design; environmental studies etc.) I am just hoping my face will fit and some of those in the profession will not be too snobby!!!!! At any rate, I think (& hope) things will actually be better once I am in London, on the doorstep, so to speak. AT IP: Logged |
thirteen
Knowflake Posts: 1107
From: Rochester Hills, MI USA
Registered: May 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 02:37 PM
And take the many things that running your own business entails and point out how that stuff will make you a good employee. Turn it around in your favor. I ran a business for a while too and I assumed everyone knew what was involved ( when i decided to return to the workforce) but they do not. Most working people have no idea how much is involved.In fact i will state that running my own business is probably the single best work experience I had. And i think its normal to be scared but keep looking at the good you have to offer. Write it all down. And dress approprialtely for the interview. You have to make that first impression . Its part of playing the game and nobody likes it but if it gets you what you want who cares. IP: Logged |
Philbird
Knowflake Posts: 3396
From: Here, there and everywhere.
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 04:25 PM
Yeah, be creative. It's kinda like turning the word "Housewife" into "Domestic Engineer."
Having your own business is a great asset because it shows you have initiative, drive and independance! Also budgeting! Those are the types of qualities employers are looking for! You have more to offer than someone with just field experience.
What was your degree in?IP: Logged |
ariestiger
Knowflake Posts: 1136
From: UK
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted August 05, 2005 05:07 PM
My first degree was in fashion & textiles. But I never did anything with it. I did (what is considered as) the equivalent of 1 year of a degree in landscape design (and did a few real-life projects, including one that I won an award for). I also did natural history illustration for several years & I'm just coming to the end of writing a "how-to" book, that will be coming out next year, plus I have written amateur science articles and have gone on practical environmental studies-related courses. I have always got tons of ideas and I am quite a forceful and colourful personality, but maybe people might think I was difficult to work with because of that. I never know how to dress for interviews, but as far as 1st impressions go, I think it either clicks between you & the interviewer, or it doesn't!! IP: Logged |
Planet_Soul
Knowflake Posts: 1152
From: The Universe
Registered: May 2005
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posted August 06, 2005 05:23 AM
Those are wonderful qualifications, AT. You have absolutly nothing to worry about. Relax, and just be yourself. I'd wear something nice and comfortable. The last thing you want is to be extremly uncomfortabel in your attire on top of any nervousness you might be feeling. Its worth repeating you're an Aries, allow your natural self confidence to shine through you and go for it.IP: Logged |
Lindaland
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