We’re going back to work!

Posted on by gizzajob

Last Monday, I found out that I got my job back after my Line Manager advocated for me and said to the agency that she was more than happy with my efforts during my first day at work. My past few weeks reminded me of ‘The Simpsons’ whenever the Plant Workers went on strike to keep their Dental Plan; just so that Homer wouldn’t have to pay for Lisa’s new braces. This episode is even closer to home for me as I work for a Community Dental Practice.

I have a spring in my step, once again. There is, suddenly, a method to the madness of my life. I’m contracted until December 20.

Tunes:

I’ve done it

Posted on by gizzajob

I have finally found a job, which I begin tomorrow; Thursday, November 01.

 

It’s an Admin role with the Southern Health Trust at Portadown Health Centre – on Thursdays and Fridays – and Brownlow Health Centre (between Rushmere Shopping Centre and Lurgan) on Wednesdays. Three days-per-week, nine-to-five. Contracted until Christmas; but, if I do well enough, they might keep me on. 😉

 

This role was as if it was plucked from the sky. I happened to notice it on NI Jobfinder’s website last Wednesday morning and on Friday the agency involved called me to say they were willing to offer me the job; without the need for an interview. 🙂

 

Onwards and upwards. 🙂

 

Tunes:

Getting an induction for a new job on Monday *Fingers Crossed*

Posted on by gizzajob

I could be getting a new job with Genesis Bakery in Magherafelt, on Monday I will do an iduction with an arrangement between my employment advisor and the employer. Here’s hoping.

 

Odd, or God? 🙂

 

Tunes:

 

 

 

 

Interview complete

Posted on by gizzajob

Had my interview this morning. It’s now up to the man in the sky.

Driving to Jordanstown avoiding Sandyknowes junction was a challenge all in itself, but I asked THREE shops and I eventually got there in good enough time. Driving back I realised that I turned right too early heading over there once I saw a Crèche on the way back I remembered from heading over.

Prior to the interview I was given a twenty-minute task of handwriting a letter, correcting any mistakes, and then completing an Excel spreadsheet. I completed both tasks, but was unnerved. The interview was touch-and-go, but after I got home I sent the HR Manager a thank you e-card by email.

I have a copy of Richard Bolles’ ‘What color is your parachute?’ and this is the first times I have been called into action in relation to it. 🙂

Then I had to head to Cookstown to get a massage and counselling. Back home and trying to calm down after all the caffeine. All in all, a good day. 🙂

Tunes:

The long and arduous process of finding work in Northern Ireland

Posted on by gizzajob

Today I had to phone a Doctor’s Practice in Plumbridge, County Tyrone – other side of the Sperrins, and I wanted to spell my address using the phonetic alphabet to act as an icebreaker in case the receptionist didn’t get my accent. However, she asked me to keep repeating it. That triggered my anxiety and I was getting restless; bearing in mind that first impressions count. In the end they said they will post the form on Monday. (probably second class) But I feel that I made a boo-boo of it.

After paying the landline bill, basically line rental plus VAT, and the cost of getting my car through the MOT I felt a huge sense of ‘poor me’ syndrome. I also have to spend a small fortune on the MacBook repair from the Apple Store at Victoria Square following the damage I caused to the keys with my lightning-fast typing. (note to self to do Admin stuff on Ubuntu and use the MacBook Pro for graphic design only) I feel that, as a bloke applying for jobs associated with women, no one is there to answer my cause.

Today I wrote three letters; one to my ex-Careers Teacher, one to God and a final one to me as if God’s writing back. The message I get from this is to promote my blog in the local papers. From little acorns do mighty oaks grow. 🙂

Here’s hoping.

Sleeping during the day

Posted on by gizzajob

On Tuesday night I got ZERO sleep and had to sleep from 10:45 am yesterday to about 9:35 pm. I had a call to answer at 9 am and make a half-hour Skype call at 10 am; as I do every Wednesday. But I had my other errand for Wednesday afternoon covered.

I also done up a resumé using InDesign and misspelled Adobe. Nightmare. Quickly rectified. Thank God for the feedback.

Today I have to get rid of old headphones, which have seen better days, then buy a USB headset as well as screen wipes. I also have to get a shave at the Kurdish Barber in Magherafelt. All postponed from yesterday, when I had to sleep. 🙂 But, before that, a representative from WAVE trauma centre will speak to me. 🙂

I am doing well. During the night I kept up with my laundry. I have ALWAYS felt more productive at nighttime.

Potential Job Openings

Posted on by gizzajob

I have two job applications that could lead to interviews.

 

The first one is for a Graphic Designer role with The County Antrim Post at their Portglenone Office. They were looking experience in both Photoshop and InDesign. Over the past couple of weeks I have been using InDesign for the first time to get a feel of it. Hopefully it will work out; I attached a portfolio of work I done on InDesign alongside the Resumé (CV as we call it) in order to prove I’m not BSing them.

 

The second is for a Dental Practice at Ballymoney as a receptionist. I added a bit more to my cover letter by saying that I could say, “Hello!” in Polish, Lithuanian and Latvian; the three main Eastern European groups living in Northern Ireland. Their selection process is still under review due to the huge numbers applying.

 

In for a penny, in for a pound.

 

One track for tonight;