I have learned to think before speaking
Monday, October 5th, 2009 09:46 amSent in the official acceptance today. Packed all weekend. Freaked out about finding an apartment (thank you, ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
akiko for sending that information. It was helpful to know that the prices we're seeing for apartments aren't too ridiculous). I have given notice to my current employer and am in the process of raiding the building for boxes. I have a large stack ready to take home today so I can stay home tomorrow and pack.
But, I wanted to share this bit from one of the interviews I had for this position.
Interviewer: There will probably be a lot of travel at the beginning of this project.
Tsaiko: That's fine.
Interviewer: There might even be some international travel
Tsaiko: Really? *is excited*
Interviewer: Places like England, Singapore, Hawaii...
Tsaiko: *thinking Hawaii's not international* That sound very interesting.
I somehow managed to keep from correcting him during the interview, but boy I wanted to say to him "Really? Hawaii's international? I'm sure they would love to know that!" It's not a good idea to correct your boss before he's even your boss. XD
akiko for sending that information. It was helpful to know that the prices we're seeing for apartments aren't too ridiculous). I have given notice to my current employer and am in the process of raiding the building for boxes. I have a large stack ready to take home today so I can stay home tomorrow and pack.But, I wanted to share this bit from one of the interviews I had for this position.
Interviewer: There will probably be a lot of travel at the beginning of this project.
Tsaiko: That's fine.
Interviewer: There might even be some international travel
Tsaiko: Really? *is excited*
Interviewer: Places like England, Singapore, Hawaii...
Tsaiko: *thinking Hawaii's not international* That sound very interesting.
I somehow managed to keep from correcting him during the interview, but boy I wanted to say to him "Really? Hawaii's international? I'm sure they would love to know that!" It's not a good idea to correct your boss before he's even your boss. XD
GO TOWARDS THE LIGHT. IT'S PRETTY!
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 04:05 pmI just got a call.
The director with the company I interviewed with in the DC area is going to call with an offer on Friday. They are sending me the paperwork to fill out if I accept.
Guys, depending on this offer, I may have a job.
OH GOD, I HAVE TO SERIOUSLY FIND A PLACE TO LIVE IN THAT AREA THAT IS NOT INSANELY EXPENSIVE.
The director with the company I interviewed with in the DC area is going to call with an offer on Friday. They are sending me the paperwork to fill out if I accept.
Guys, depending on this offer, I may have a job.
OH GOD, I HAVE TO SERIOUSLY FIND A PLACE TO LIVE IN THAT AREA THAT IS NOT INSANELY EXPENSIVE.
I swear, I find the most amusing job descriptions ever. Today is this gem.
"The GIS Analysis will develop special databases..."
What they meant to say was "spatial databases." I cracked up when I realized that. I am now going to quietly giggle every time I have to do some work with the geodatabase in ArcMap because I'll be thinking "This is one of those special databases."
"The GIS Analysis will develop special databases..."
What they meant to say was "spatial databases." I cracked up when I realized that. I am now going to quietly giggle every time I have to do some work with the geodatabase in ArcMap because I'll be thinking "This is one of those special databases."
I am amused
Friday, September 25th, 2009 10:54 amJust finished up the interview with the company in DC. I am amused by the fact that they gave me homework. Yes, that's right, homework! I have to write a document for them detailing a slightly complex, but routine process in ArcGIS. I'm actually rather intrigued by this. It seems like it will be fun.
The job search continues
Friday, September 25th, 2009 09:36 amInterview at 10am for a position in DC.
Got an email letting me know I did not get the position in Reno, NV.
Applied for a position in VT.
The hunt continues...
Got an email letting me know I did not get the position in Reno, NV.
Applied for a position in VT.
The hunt continues...
GASP! SHOCK!
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 12:49 pmI got a call about a phone interview in the DC area while at lunch. Going to return that as soon as I get done with the maps for my part time job.
Even better, I got the comments back on the final draft of my thesis a whole week early from the final committee member. I am glad I was sitting down, because otherwise I would have fainted from shock. This means I can get everything done early and am assured a graduation in October.
WIN!
Even better, I got the comments back on the final draft of my thesis a whole week early from the final committee member. I am glad I was sitting down, because otherwise I would have fainted from shock. This means I can get everything done early and am assured a graduation in October.
WIN!
Crazy job descriptions
Friday, September 18th, 2009 04:16 pmJob description: Are you a GIS samurai?
Tsaiko: Depends. Are you a corporate shogun?
Tsaiko: Depends. Are you a corporate shogun?
I can hear the graphic designers screaming from here
Sunday, September 13th, 2009 12:45 pmDear potential employer,
It is never, ever, ever appropriate to use the typeface Papyrus on your business website. It is ridiculous. No one will take you seriously. You might as well use Comic Sans and lose all credibility.
No love,
Tsaiko
It is never, ever, ever appropriate to use the typeface Papyrus on your business website. It is ridiculous. No one will take you seriously. You might as well use Comic Sans and lose all credibility.
No love,
Tsaiko
How not to sell your job
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 03:43 pmI actually saw this on a job posting today.
Pay Rate: Lowest possible
Wow. I can tell that this company really values their employees. It wants to pay for quality and make sure that their employees are in it for the long term. Not. They might as well have written "Will take lowest bidder."
Although I am inclined to think that the company sent this out to a recruiter and the recruiter posted the email verbatim on their website. Awesome job there, recruiter. You fail.
Pay Rate: Lowest possible
Wow. I can tell that this company really values their employees. It wants to pay for quality and make sure that their employees are in it for the long term. Not. They might as well have written "Will take lowest bidder."
Although I am inclined to think that the company sent this out to a recruiter and the recruiter posted the email verbatim on their website. Awesome job there, recruiter. You fail.
Good news, bad news
Monday, August 31st, 2009 03:27 pmThe good news is the defense went well!
The bad news is my committee wants another set of revisions to my thesis before they'll sign off on it. So I won't be graduating this month. I have, however, made them commit to getting me out by October. I flat out told them that I was losing jobs because employers were not talking to me without a firm graduation date. I laid it out and made them say yes to have this all done by October 10th. I am holding them to it.
Also, I totally think they should add Captain America to the "It's a Small World" ride. He'll represent the US and start beating people over the head with his shield when that song gets stuck in his head.
The bad news is my committee wants another set of revisions to my thesis before they'll sign off on it. So I won't be graduating this month. I have, however, made them commit to getting me out by October. I flat out told them that I was losing jobs because employers were not talking to me without a firm graduation date. I laid it out and made them say yes to have this all done by October 10th. I am holding them to it.
Also, I totally think they should add Captain America to the "It's a Small World" ride. He'll represent the US and start beating people over the head with his shield when that song gets stuck in his head.
Mission: completed
Thursday, August 27th, 2009 03:44 pmI don't think I've ever been able to honestly say "I really enjoyed doing that interview" before.
I can now. That was a lot of fun. Kind of stressful at first, but as I relaxed I really enjoyed trying to find the answers to the interviewer's questions. It was challenging and I enjoyed the challenge.
This morning was a pre-format check for my thesis. It went well (though it was long). There were a few things I need to change, but most of them are minor. Best of all, the lady who does the format check also handles the rest of the graduation process and after I explained the who thing with the defense being scheduled, she is allowing me a few days leeway on the Sept. 10th deadline. Win. I have scheduled the final check and feel much more zen about the whole process.
Now to start making formatting changes to my thesis.
I can now. That was a lot of fun. Kind of stressful at first, but as I relaxed I really enjoyed trying to find the answers to the interviewer's questions. It was challenging and I enjoyed the challenge.
This morning was a pre-format check for my thesis. It went well (though it was long). There were a few things I need to change, but most of them are minor. Best of all, the lady who does the format check also handles the rest of the graduation process and after I explained the who thing with the defense being scheduled, she is allowing me a few days leeway on the Sept. 10th deadline. Win. I have scheduled the final check and feel much more zen about the whole process.
Now to start making formatting changes to my thesis.
It makes the computer science people cry
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 01:48 pmDear people writing job ads,
Neither HTML nor Microsoft Access (seriously? wtf?) counts as a programming language.
No love,
Tsaiko
Neither HTML nor Microsoft Access (seriously? wtf?) counts as a programming language.
No love,
Tsaiko
Frustrated
Friday, August 14th, 2009 03:54 pmI am getting tired of recruiters setting up a time to speak with me and then not calling. ARGH.
When it rains it pours
Thursday, August 13th, 2009 08:34 amGot an email this morning and am now in the process of setting up a phone screen interview for a job in the Seattle, WA region. Wow. Suddenly I'm popular!
Well that was fast
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 07:04 pmRemember the short phone interview I was supposed to have on Monday for the position in Charlotte? Well, it didn't happen. So I emailed the guy and tried to set up another appointment. Instead of the times I gave, he called me on Tuesday. Since I had some spare time, I went ahead with the interview. It was mostly a screening interview and he encouraged me to go forward with the position. One of the steps was to fill out the formal application on the company website, so I did that on Monday. He did warn me that it usually takes 1-3 months to hire someone.
I just got an email. They want to do a much longer and formal phone interview tomorrow. Wow. Talk about moving fast. I thought I would have more time. Oh well. Let's see how this goes. Still not sure about this position, but maybe the interviews will convince me.
I just got an email. They want to do a much longer and formal phone interview tomorrow. Wow. Talk about moving fast. I thought I would have more time. Oh well. Let's see how this goes. Still not sure about this position, but maybe the interviews will convince me.
Gonads in the lightning, in the lightning, IN THE RAIN
Friday, August 7th, 2009 04:31 pmEye no longer itches! *does the happy dance*
I have a phone interview scheduled for Monday for a position in NC. Not my first choice position-wise for a variety of reasons. But the company is large and very, very well known in the industry so I'm not going to rule it out. I want to find out what the pay is and what kind of advancement there is in the position. If I don't like what I hear about either, I'll just politely say I'm not interested.
Today has just been a wash on getting stuff done. I have been tired and unmotivated. At least I did my free weights, my 25 minute walk, and set up the phone interview. So it's not a total loss.
Hopefully, I will hear frommiome soon about whether or not I am on my own for dinner.
And now, gonads and strife. NSFW.
I have a phone interview scheduled for Monday for a position in NC. Not my first choice position-wise for a variety of reasons. But the company is large and very, very well known in the industry so I'm not going to rule it out. I want to find out what the pay is and what kind of advancement there is in the position. If I don't like what I hear about either, I'll just politely say I'm not interested.
Today has just been a wash on getting stuff done. I have been tired and unmotivated. At least I did my free weights, my 25 minute walk, and set up the phone interview. So it's not a total loss.
Hopefully, I will hear from
miome soon about whether or not I am on my own for dinner. And now, gonads and strife. NSFW.
No. Just no.
Thursday, August 6th, 2009 04:43 pmDear recruiters,
I go through the hassle of listing all the states I will consider relocating to for a reason. So you don't waste my time and yours. So no, I am not interested in moving to Florida. Unless Florida decides to allow gay marriage and gets rid of the law forbidding gays from adopting, no amount of money could interest me in moving to Florida. Especially for a contract job.
No love,
Tsaiko
I go through the hassle of listing all the states I will consider relocating to for a reason. So you don't waste my time and yours. So no, I am not interested in moving to Florida. Unless Florida decides to allow gay marriage and gets rid of the law forbidding gays from adopting, no amount of money could interest me in moving to Florida. Especially for a contract job.
No love,
Tsaiko
Got a call from a recruiter about a position. Unfortunately, it was located in Florida, which is a no go. At least I'm getting calls though!
Also, having dyslexia when dealing with numbers sucks. Though not as much as people giving you the wrong information in the first place. -_-
Also, having dyslexia when dealing with numbers sucks. Though not as much as people giving you the wrong information in the first place. -_-
No fireworks for you
Saturday, July 4th, 2009 08:13 pmIt's been a steady, cold rain all day long. So I doubt there will be any fireworks here tonight. Maybe tomorrow.
In good news, I sent off a couple of paragraphs outlining my experience to the prospective job. Crossing my fingers that they like what they see.
In good news, I sent off a couple of paragraphs outlining my experience to the prospective job. Crossing my fingers that they like what they see.
Job search
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 07:53 pmI am so sick of filling out applications that it is ridiculous.
How much more obvious can I make it?
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 03:48 pmToday I had my very first recruiter that cannot read call my cell. The conversation went something like this:
Recruiter: I'm Bob from Recruiters-R-Us. May I speak with Tsaiko?
Tsaiko: This is she. How can I help you?
Recruiter: I saw your resume on the internet. I have a position that I want to speak with you about. Do you have time?
Tsaiko: Sure. I was just doing some work on my thesis.
Recruiter: You... haven't finished your thesis.
Tsaiko: No. It should say on there that my thesis won't be completed until July 2009.
Recruiter: Oh. Oh so it does. But is says looking for employment by July.
Tsaiko: Yes it does. I'd like to have something lined up as soon as I complete my Master's. In July.
Recruiter: Well, I'm afraid this won't work out for you then. But I will call you if I have any other positions that come available.
Tsaiko: That's okay. I look forward to hearing from you about other positions.
Recruiter: You have a nice day.
So I need to change the wording in my objective to says "Looking to start in July." Because obviously the "Master's Degree: To Be Completed in July, 2009" and "Unavailable to start until July, 2009" isn't enough for some people. Not that I think this will even slow them down...
Recruiter: I'm Bob from Recruiters-R-Us. May I speak with Tsaiko?
Tsaiko: This is she. How can I help you?
Recruiter: I saw your resume on the internet. I have a position that I want to speak with you about. Do you have time?
Tsaiko: Sure. I was just doing some work on my thesis.
Recruiter: You... haven't finished your thesis.
Tsaiko: No. It should say on there that my thesis won't be completed until July 2009.
Recruiter: Oh. Oh so it does. But is says looking for employment by July.
Tsaiko: Yes it does. I'd like to have something lined up as soon as I complete my Master's. In July.
Recruiter: Well, I'm afraid this won't work out for you then. But I will call you if I have any other positions that come available.
Tsaiko: That's okay. I look forward to hearing from you about other positions.
Recruiter: You have a nice day.
So I need to change the wording in my objective to says "Looking to start in July." Because obviously the "Master's Degree: To Be Completed in July, 2009" and "Unavailable to start until July, 2009" isn't enough for some people. Not that I think this will even slow them down...