April 2008 - Project Job Search

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Project Job Search - April 2008

Quick update: I got the job

April 30th 2008 06:29

When did I write that last post? Just about half a day ago?
An hour ago I got a phone call: "Congratulations Amy. We'd like to offer you the position of Travel Consultant in Coffs Harbour"

I am so happy. So excited. Apparently no other people they interviewed compared

Just thought I'd share the good news

Whoohoo!!!!

I finish with my current job on 30th May. I start with Flight Centre on 2nd June. No breaks there, but probably for the best. Gets me on my toes.

So - Do I have any potential future customers here?

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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My Project Job Search: The final interview: Update

April 30th 2008 01:40

So I went for my final interview with Flight Centre yesterday. I especially went to Coffs Harbour for it. I have been to numerous job interviews in the past, having had many many different odd jobs here and there, I have never been this nervous.

Well, I wasn't nervous to the point where I couldn't be myself, it was more of the thought in the back of my mind knowing, I need this job, and if I don't get it, I wouldn't know where else I would look in Coffs for a better job.

Anyway. I was the first person interviewed by the regional manager. The store manager was also present and it was all a very pleasant. I am not sure if they actually did like me, or it was simply a nice day and they were in a good mood. I thought it went well anyway. They have seven others to interview before they can make up their minds. I shall try not to think too much of it now.

It's actually good to go on interviews even if you don't end up getting a job (ok, so I am saying this to calm my nerves, but it's true) - during interviews, not only are they choosing you as a future employee, you are choosing them as a future employer too. Interviews give you an insight into what the company is like, what the people you'll be working with are like, the hours and the type of work and incentives and whether there will be any potential problems with the working conditions. It gives you a chance to ask questions as well, and find out all the perks about a particular job!

For instance, I found out about the way sales commissions work, and how Flight Centre staff get paid. The retail hours are going to be a killer but that's not too bad I've done it before. There are perks like going on award weekends for those who over achieve their targets and an annual awards dinner where everyone in Flight Centre going on this big feast and cheer on those who have done well in their jobs (while secretly wishing it was you)

I think I'll like it. If I get the job

All shall be revealed end of next week.

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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It's not about the money

April 28th 2008 01:59

Increasingly more and more people are opting a career in the not-for-profit sector, also called the 'Third Sector' by the Australian government, because they feel success isn't all about money, it's about what you can give back to the community.

It is especially so in generation x and y. It seems, the values on how we live and definition of success is turning to the values we can bring to humanity.

According to the Weekend Australian's report in their Careers section, during the year 1999-2000, almost 6000,000 people (nearly 7 per cent of the Australian workforce) are employed in 31,000 not-for-profit organisations. And there is no doubt this figure is slowly increasing.

When I was younger, like all others I saw having a lot of money meant success. I wanted to drive the best cars, have a beachside address and be able to stay in 5-star hotels everywhere I went. However, as I grew, I saw that my mind has changed. The more of the world I saw, the more I was determined the only success is the success you feel in yourself, and for me, I wanted to give back to the community and lend a hand.

And I now do actually want to work for an not-for-profit organisation.

Working for an not-for-profit organisation means you are stuck with a lower than average pay, however the upside to the job, is there is actually a meaning to your work. "There are people who are tired of making money for the boss to drive a new BMW and would rather see it going into the community" said Philip Mayers, HR consultant, in The Weekend Australian report. It also seem to be a one-way career path. Once you've been in not-for-profit, those profiting companies may see less of you.

Yet, plenty of people are taking the plunge.

Here is the Weekend Australian article: Money Isn't Everything (The Weekend Australian: April 26-27 2008)

Other related articles and information on working for not-for-profit sector:
For love not money (ABC Catapult)
Wanting to work for a good cause (Human Resources Magazine, April 28, 2008)

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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Say goodbye, but don't cut your ties!

April 24th 2008 08:47

I have been working for the same company on and off for 5 years. The first time I quit to go abroad to Germany, I wasn't sure if I'll be back. I have always kept a good relation with my colleagues and have managed to keep in touch. When I graduated two years later, I had all the intention of applying for two other companies but was unsuccessful. I was on the dough for four months, then managed to find a low pay job working at a call centre for a telecommunication company, until luck turned. After chatting to my old team leader about needing a job, and he happened to know there is an opening, I was back on board.

And it's happening again. Now that I am moving up to Coffs Harbour, I've formally handed in my resignation. My manager wished me good luck, and ensure that I keep in touch because if I do find myself moving back to Sydney in the future, she'd love to have me back

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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My own project job search

April 22nd 2008 10:49

I thought I'd write a little about my own little project looking for a job up in Coffs Harbour.

Many of you know that I'll be moving up to Coffs Harbour (to support my partner who is studying university up there) in June and in need of a job. Although my manager had been looking internally in the company for a position for me to work remotely, there hasn't been much luck because HR is currently doing through a hiring freeze. So, I had to start looking else where

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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Work equality: Women and their workplace

April 14th 2008 05:49

(Image source: cartoonstock.com)

Hazel's recent post on Women on Top, why aren't they? in Coffee Quip raised the concern that as much as society is now recognising the need for workplace equality, there is still a glass roof women workers hit when it comes to rising to the top positions

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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Taking a career break

April 12th 2008 13:30

I have officially handed in my resignation at my current job. There haven't been any luck trying to look internally for a position I can work with from Coffs Harbour, and now I am starting to look externally, even in industries not relating to my professional experiences.

Since my resignation I have applied for casual jobs at Coles and Woolworth around Coffs Harbour, as well as scored myself an interview with Flight Centre at the Coffs branch as a travel sales consultant

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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The value of mentors

April 7th 2008 10:51

If you are just starting up in a career, or even as simple as just being the newest member of a company, it can be hard trying to figure everything out yourself. Many of us feel timid about asking questions, thinking that it may show our incompetency, and some of us simply feel too shy about asking questions, and rather have something they can confide in.

Successful mentorship can lead to successful career life (Image source: qmr.com)

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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Is Google really revolutionising the work environment?

April 5th 2008 10:50

In today's 'My Career' cover story of the Sydney Morning Herald, there was yet another praise about Google being the ultimate work place. "One of the biggest drawcards to working at Google is the seemingly endless string of employee perks." the article reported.

Google Logo

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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Knowing the right people... internally

April 2nd 2008 09:58

When considering a career change or a position change, many ask where is the right place to look for the best opportunities? If you are currently working for a medium to large company, I'd say - look internally.

The benefits of knowing the right people and keeping a good relationship with those who you don't normally work with, is that when you are after a change, they may always be helpful. Companies don't like to spend millions of dollars looking for new recruits. Hiring internally is always better for the budget and they benefit from keeping the talent inhouse

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Posted By: AmyHuang - Category: No Category

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August 2008

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June 2008

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