I just got in from a lovely meal with my mate Verrall to find out I have a 2nd interview for a job I want. I was so happy and shocked (because the jobs I really want don't ever seem to come to fruition) that I nearly cried on the train - embarrassing!
I'll explain. I have worked in the Arts for over 10 years now (with a few mini gaps here and there) and sometimes I still feel back at step 1. The problem is because I have never been one for long term goals (mainly because I like variety in my work and haven't had that one thing I've really wanted, more like 10, lol), freelance work tended to suit me in the past. It was great because I could do lots of different jobs, work with different companies, have no problem getting time to myself (just didn't book work when I wanted to be off) and got to party and socialise around the lifestyle. The problem is that freelance work also means being poor at certain points in the year (if the works not there), constantly looking for work and never being able to plan more than a few months ahead in worry that important well paid work would come up.
In the last couple of years my ideas of work have changed. I've spent ages doing heavy duty stuff, long irregular hours and working for low wages - I want a decent wage and lifestyle because I'm 29! There's nothing wrong with that!
The thing is I've done so many applications and interviews now I'm confused what skills and tactics are the magic to getting a job. I have so much to offer yet I don't know what to do to get paid for it - arrrrrggggghhhh!!!! Recently I have become more creative in my applications by having faint background pictures on my CV, designing stylish borders and my newest thing, the video CV. For someone like me where my skills partially come from practical skills/experience I need evidence not a plain piece of paper to prove my worth. It also comes in handy that I do sound and video editing, as I did this myself (the music was even two tracks I had merged on my own home equipment - creative is what I was going for : p).
The problem is, for every 20 applications you send out, you are lucky if you even get one email back - people are getting so awful at even emailing you to say you've been unsuccessful (I HATE rude people!) I've interviewed people for internships and we always got back to them, even if we weren't able to use them: It's courteous and it is not difficult!
The worse thing is it doesn't get any easier the older you get and that is VERY annoying! I would have thought nearly 14 years on since applying for my first job I would be ready for what ever interviewees throw at me but all that has happened is I have become slightly more confident in the process and maybe I care less (the more you worry the worse the interview normally goes) as it's easier that way.
All I will say to all of you who are looking for work is persevere til you succeed! I have experienced a whole roller coaster of emotions over the last five years but I feel I am finally nearer to what I am looking for and I am not willing to give up. I have faith in you all - find your dreams and don't let the recession get in your way!
If you haven't noticed by now, all my posts have lyrics or titles from songs (will go back and update all the posts so they have links to any songs where possible at the end of the post). This is because I like using famous lyrics creatively and due to my love of music, know a ton of songs from different genres and eras. Today's title comes from the great track by The Rakes's 22 Grand Job - have a gander! :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flESd2vFXy4
I'll explain. I have worked in the Arts for over 10 years now (with a few mini gaps here and there) and sometimes I still feel back at step 1. The problem is because I have never been one for long term goals (mainly because I like variety in my work and haven't had that one thing I've really wanted, more like 10, lol), freelance work tended to suit me in the past. It was great because I could do lots of different jobs, work with different companies, have no problem getting time to myself (just didn't book work when I wanted to be off) and got to party and socialise around the lifestyle. The problem is that freelance work also means being poor at certain points in the year (if the works not there), constantly looking for work and never being able to plan more than a few months ahead in worry that important well paid work would come up.
In the last couple of years my ideas of work have changed. I've spent ages doing heavy duty stuff, long irregular hours and working for low wages - I want a decent wage and lifestyle because I'm 29! There's nothing wrong with that!
The thing is I've done so many applications and interviews now I'm confused what skills and tactics are the magic to getting a job. I have so much to offer yet I don't know what to do to get paid for it - arrrrrggggghhhh!!!! Recently I have become more creative in my applications by having faint background pictures on my CV, designing stylish borders and my newest thing, the video CV. For someone like me where my skills partially come from practical skills/experience I need evidence not a plain piece of paper to prove my worth. It also comes in handy that I do sound and video editing, as I did this myself (the music was even two tracks I had merged on my own home equipment - creative is what I was going for : p).
The problem is, for every 20 applications you send out, you are lucky if you even get one email back - people are getting so awful at even emailing you to say you've been unsuccessful (I HATE rude people!) I've interviewed people for internships and we always got back to them, even if we weren't able to use them: It's courteous and it is not difficult!
The worse thing is it doesn't get any easier the older you get and that is VERY annoying! I would have thought nearly 14 years on since applying for my first job I would be ready for what ever interviewees throw at me but all that has happened is I have become slightly more confident in the process and maybe I care less (the more you worry the worse the interview normally goes) as it's easier that way.
All I will say to all of you who are looking for work is persevere til you succeed! I have experienced a whole roller coaster of emotions over the last five years but I feel I am finally nearer to what I am looking for and I am not willing to give up. I have faith in you all - find your dreams and don't let the recession get in your way!
If you haven't noticed by now, all my posts have lyrics or titles from songs (will go back and update all the posts so they have links to any songs where possible at the end of the post). This is because I like using famous lyrics creatively and due to my love of music, know a ton of songs from different genres and eras. Today's title comes from the great track by The Rakes's 22 Grand Job - have a gander! :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flESd2vFXy4
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