posted
Had a phone interview today. I completely bungled it. I was inarticulate, stumbled on my words and said the wrong thing. I hate interviews. All I want is a better job... One in which I can actually do some good for people. As of now, I am doing nothing... I'm working at this grocery store barely earning enough money to make ends meet completely. It's boring me out of my brain. I am contributing nothing to society at all... Doing no good for anyone... The one goal I had was to at least contribute something...
Posts: 9942 | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
It might not have been as bad as you think - not being able to see someone's face tends to cause us to interpret their reaction more negatively than it is. If you haven't actually been rejected, hold onto some hope.
Even if it doesn't work out, you will find something better eventually. Good luck!
posted
Hey Synth... I did the same thing about two weeks ago. I too, let it get me down, but pulled myself out of it when I thought that there's a lot of other opportunities out there.
It was just one interview. Learn from it, correct your mistakes, and go get the second interview.
Keep at it. Don't get down. You'll get the job you want soon.
posted
Thanks... I am working on a Thank You letter to be sent out today:
I have trouble writing these things for some reason
Thank you for taking the time to interview me about the VISTA position. The information you gave me about the ReadBoston program was extremely fascinating. The best thing about ReadBoston is the way it seems to connect all facades of the community. Everyone from individuals to corporations, as well as different schools for one goal: helping children learn to read before the third grade. My main interest with the program is that it clicks with some of my own beliefs about how to combat something that seems overwhelming.
Posts: 9942 | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
I am sorry for your plight, and hope it gets better.
quote: I am contributing nothing to society at all... Doing no good for anyone..
Are you saying that because of the job you have? Though menial, doesn't it need to be done? Or is it one of those jobs where you aren't given a chance to be useful?
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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quote:Everyone from individuals to corporations, as well as different schools for one goal: helping children learn to read before the third grade.
That's a fragment, Synth. Not to be picky, but if you're applying for a position with a group that promotes reading I think your grammar in this letter needs to be impeccable.
posted
Congratulations on getting an interview! It's a great sign that you're able to make enough of an impact with your resume or application that they want to talk to you.
quote:Thank you for taking the time to interview me about the VISTA position.
Sounds good.
quote:The information you gave me about the ReadBoston program was extremely fascinating.
I'd remove "extremely", sounds over-the-top.
quote:The best thing about ReadBoston is the way it seems to connect all facades of the community.
All facets of the community.
quote:Everyone from individuals to corporations, as well as different schools for one goal: helping children learn to read before the third grade.
This sentence is incomplete.... Maybe restructure it? "I was impressed by the way everyone, from individuals to corporations, comes together to help children learn to read before the third grade."
quote:My main interest with the program is that it clicks with some of my own beliefs about how to combat something that seems overwhelming.
I'd remove "some of", and then explain what my beliefs are. Which you're probably about to do.
Great start! We're all behind you..... can you list "Hatrack" as a reference?
posted
Corrected that. I am stil struggling with this letter... A former English major and I can't even write a simple thank you letter.
Thank you for taking the time to interview me about the VISTA position. The information you gave me about the ReadBoston program was fascinating. The best thing about ReadBoston is the way it seems to connect all facets of the community. I was impressed the way everyone from individuals to corporations comes together to help children learn to read before the third grade. My main interest with the program is that it clicks with my own beliefs about how to combat something that seems overwhelming. It uses each component, parents, teachers, politicians and VISTA members like one would use a thread in a tapestry. I already have almost a year’s worth of experience from Americorps under my belt. I helped tutor five students four days a week at Kennedy elementary school in Brockton, as well as helped develop ideas for parent and child nights to meet with parents about the program, as well as to provide a fun night for the children. Once again, thank you for your time.
Posts: 9942 | Registered: Mar 2003
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quote: I was impressed the way everyone from individuals to corporations comes together to help children learn to read before the third grade.
This sentence is still a bit mangled. I assume you meant "impressed by the way", and it was a typo (which I do all the time). You also need some punctuation to separate the "from individuals to corporations" clause from the rest of the sentence, to create a better flow... That is all in my amateur opinion.
posted
I do technical writing editing, because there isn't anyone else who is remotely good at it at my company. I'm not an expert like Jon Boy but here's what I would do with it. You have a lot of good ideas the expression just needs tightening in my opinon. I'm not good at expressing original ideas but I'm an incurable tinkerer. See if it brings any more ideas to you. If you don't like it feel free to trash it. It won't hurt my feelings in the least.
My version:
quote:
Thank you for taking the time to interview me about the VISTA position. The information you gave me about the ReadBoston program was fascinating. One of ReadBoston's strengths is the way it draws all of the facets of the community together. I was impressed with the way everyone gets involved, from individuals to corporations, to help children learn to read before the third grade.
My excitement about the program is that it clicks [resonates?] with my own beliefs about how to combat childhood illiteracy, something that seems overwhelming at first glance. It seamlessly weaves together parents, teachers, politicians and VISTA members like threads in a tapestry towards a common goal. Getting children reading is easily the most important task in our society today.
I have a year’s worth of Americorps experience under my belt. I have tutored five (disadvantaged?) students four days a week at Kennedy Elementary School in Brockton. While at Kennedy, I also helped develop ideas for parent and child nights. These nights were targeted to help parents learn about the advantages of the tutoring program, while their children had a fun-filled evening.
(need a sentence in here about how these skills seem to suit ReadBoston well, but I can't find the words, writing is hard!)
posted
Whatever you do this sentence is a run-on and needs work. I don't know if I re wrote it to say what was actually happening or not, but that was the way I interpreted it.
quote: I helped tutor five students four days a week at Kennedy elementary school in Brockton, as well as helped develop ideas for parent and child nights to meet with parents about the program, as well as to provide a fun night for the children.
posted
Thanks... *hates the fact that I can't write this sort of letters without suffering*
Thank you for taking the time to interview me about the VISTA position. The information you gave me about the ReadBoston program was fascinating. One of ReadBoston's strengths is the way it draws all of the facets of the community together. I was impressed with the way everyone gets involved, from individuals to corporations, to help children learn to read before the third grade.
My excitement about the program is that it resonates with my own beliefs about how to combat childhood illiteracy, something that seems overwhelming at first glance. It seamlessly weaves together parents, teachers, politicians and VISTA members like threads in a tapestry towards a common goal. Getting children reading is easily the most important task in our society today.
I have a year’s worth of Americorps experience under my belt. I have tutored students four days a week at Kennedy Elementary School in Brockton. While at Kennedy, I also helped develop ideas for parent and child nights. These nights were targeted to help parents learn about the advantages of the tutoring program, while their children had a fun-filled evening.
Working in Leaps in Literacy improved my patience. I worked with a diverse group of people with different points of views; elderly volunteers, teenagers fresh from high school and experienced workers. Some of my skills include the ability to mediate as well as a knack for coming up with innovative ideas and unique perspectives.
If accepted into ReadBoston I will be a powerful asset.
posted
Thank you for taking the time to interview me about the VISTA position. The information you gave me about the ReadBoston program was fascinating. One of ReadBoston's strengths is the way it draws all of the facets of the community together. I was impressed with the way everyone gets involved, from individuals to corporations, to help children learn to read before the third grade.
My excitement about the program is that it resonates with my own beliefs about how to combat childhood illiteracy, something that seems overwhelming at first glance. It seamlessly weaves together parents, teachers, politicians and VISTA members like threads in a tapestry towards a common goal. Getting children reading is easily the most important task in our society today.
I have a year’s worth of Americorps experience under my belt. I have tutored five students four days a week at Kennedy Elementary School in Brockton. While at Kennedy, as a family coordinator, I also helped develop ideas for parent and child nights. These nights were targeted to help parents learn about the advantages of the tutoring program, while their children had a fun-filled evening.
Working in Leaps in Literacy improved my patience. I worked with a diverse group of people with different points of views. Some of my skills include the ability to mediate as well as a knack for coming up with innovative ideas and unique perspectives.
If accepted into ReadBoston I will be a powerful asset.
Once again, thank you for your time.
revised... gah... i think I could write a story in an hour even though it would probably not be good, but it's easier than doing this!
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posted
Working in Leaps in Literacy improved my patience. I worked with people from diverse backgrounds including elderly volunteers, teenagers fresh from high school and experienced literacy tutors. My skills include the ability to mediate as well as a knack for coming up with innovative ideas.
If accepted into ReadBoston, I would be a powerful asset.
Once again, thank you for your time.
----
you need "would" instead of instead of "will" I don't remember the exact grammar rule but it is somethign about getting future past tenses to agree.
posted
Actually, this letter you are writing Syn would be a good template for resume cover letters, so don't give up, and be sure and keep it handy for future job applications.
posted
I just have to take issue with something you said in your initial post. You mentioned that you weren't contributing to society with your job working in a grocery store. This just isn't true. We need people to work in grocery stores. Think what would happen to society if there wasn't anyone doing your job. We'd be in some serious trouble. Not to mention the fact that you are working, which alone provides a boon to our nation's economy. Compare yourself with someone who is content to live off the welfare dollar for no other reason than the fact that it's easier than going to work (not to be confused with people who are forced to live on welfare by unhappy chance--I know there are some of those here, and I mean no disrespect). You're helping us all by not being one of them.
I'm not saying you shouldn't be looking for something better. I think it's great that you're trying to improve your lot in life. Working somewhere you find more fulfilling is an admirable goal. But don't beat yourself up about doing what you're doing now. Learn to appreciate it. Don't let yourself become brainwashed by popular culture. Just because artists and people who teach children to read make better subjects for books or movies doesn't necessarily make them better people. You're doing great. Keep it up.
Posts: 2804 | Registered: May 2003
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posted
I'm having Steve read it too. He's tearing into me too <grin> He slashed some stuff.
Here's another version.
quote:
Thank you for taking the time to interview me about the VISTA position. The information you gave me about the ReadBoston program was fascinating. I was impressed with the way Read Boston draws all of the facets of the community together, from individuals to corporations, to help children learn to read before the third grade.
My excitement about the program is that it resonates with my own beliefs about how to combat childhood illiteracy, something that seems overwhelming at first glance. It seamlessly weaves together parents, teachers, politicians and VISTA members towards a common goal. Getting children reading is easily the most important task in our society today.
I have a year’s worth of Americorps experience. I have tutored five students four days a week at Kennedy Elementary School in Brockton. While at Kennedy, I also helped develop ideas for parent and child nights. These nights were targeted to help parents learn about the advantages of the tutoring program, while their children had a fun-filled evening.
Working in Leaps in Literacy improved my patience. I worked with people from diverse backgrounds including elderly volunteers, teenagers and other experienced literacy tutors. My skills include the ability to mediate as well as a knack for coming up with innovative ideas.
posted
Syn, don't give up on writing. You have good ideas. You just need an editor. I can tear stuff apart with mechanical precision (there's a reason I'm an engineer) but I'm not good with original ideas.
The ideas are the important part.
This is why a masterpiece doesn't happen on the first draft. Because it needs work and refinement. But you've done the hard part inital spew of gettting the ideas on the paper. First drafts are supposed to be ugly.
AJ
(Oh yes, and I just got a lecture from Steve about how you shouldn't use similes and metaphors in business writing. He's right for the most part, but I left yours in before because I thought they were beautiful. If it was literature it would be an entirely different story!)
Speed-I'm sick of bagging groceries... it makes my hands sore, I still am lucky if I get double digits working there and if I miss one day I have trouble paying the rent and for my net even though my rent bill is low... Plus I still have to get food stamps even though I have a job... It's irratating. The Americorps won't get me much money, but I'd make more than I do now... I made more money last year when I was on unemployment. I also have no clue how I'm going to get myself into a more lucrative position... especially with no car or no experience. Posts: 9942 | Registered: Mar 2003
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Look, you got one interview with the resume you have. This is progress. Don't give up! You are going in the right direction. Life is hard. We didn't get any guarantees it would be easy. The trick is whether we can handle our difficulties with grace and class.
Along the same lines, could you apply for substitute teaching jobs? I've heard that schools are always looking for good subs. THough I don't know how much you would make compared to your current job.
posted
Practicing for interviews really helped me. And just bombing a few so I got over being so nervous. First, the experience made it less terrifying, and second, I figured I would probably do badly, and just accepted that, and so I wasn't so stiff and awkward. <laughs> The stuff you read about making eye contact, offering a firm handshake, and dressing much nicer than you would normally are all true, in my experience. Practice. Pretend you are in a play or something.
Now I can ace interviews, because I know that I can. It's totally circular. <laughs>
Keep trying. If one thing doesn't hit then something else will. Most important of all is to just paper the town with your resume, so that you get some decent chance of getting called back. Just as a company with a mailed ad campaign feels great if they get a 1% or 2% response rate on their bulk mail, so you should send out 50 or 100 resumes for every one call you expect to get back.
I think the biggest mistake of most people when doing a job search is following one possibility at a time. The hit rate is low. So going at it one prospect at a time is a recipe for disappointment and discouragement.
Make a full eight hour a day job of looking for a job, on your day off. Call 20 companies each day, at least. Ask who is their head of ______ <fill in the blank with the department you would be interested in working in>. Write down the name and ask if he or she is in right now. If not, ask when they might be back and make a note to yourself call them back at that time.
When you talk to the head of the department, tell them, "My name is ______ and I'm looking for a job as a _________. Are you looking for anyone right now?" Most of them will say no, not really, but send us your resume anyway and we'll keep it on file. So get their email or snail mail if they prefer it that way, and send it out. A few will say yes or maybe and talk to you about your experience or education. They go at the top of the list. Keep a notebook (or database or spreadsheet or something) and make notes on all this stuff. Go back through it frequently and if someone expressed interest, call them back. Ask if they got your resume and whether they might be interested in an interview. Don't be afraid to keep pestering them. Call once a week, say, to check again, unless they tell you no they aren't hiring or aren't interested. It's the people who are persistent who get in. This is the opposite of a social situation, where the person who is pushy is not as well liked or favored. You must be forward to be noticed.
Try to go around the Human Resources departments. People are almost never hired through them, I've found. They are mostly there to keep people from bothering the department heads and other real people who decide. Once the head of the department decides they want to hire you, then they will send you to HR to jump through whatever hoops are required.
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