You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
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Watcha Doin' - 2017.1 edition
I was chatting with a friend earlier this evening and brought up more memories. I remember the exam papers that were cranked out on the old Xerox machines at school. The secretary typed out the exam on a template, then affixed it onto a drum that you cranked with a wheel. You got a physical workout cranking them out, and high on the fumes.Then there were the Telex machines. Does anyone remember those? Good grief! They were like a phone with a keyboard. Every letter you typed appeared at the other end as you typed it, so if you made a mistake you had to type several "x's" after it. So, a tipxxxx typo would look like that.
I loved the smell of that stuff in the mimeograph machine, and I agree about the workout, Janice. When my girls were little, I was the editor of our Twins Club monthly news letter. Once a month, I would type out the master copy and drive out to Pacific University in Forest Grove and make copies. One of our members was on the staff out there. It was a fun time for me. We had such a great group of Moms and kids. It was a real life line for many of us without close family to help out.
No worries Peggy. I thought I'd mention it as I wouldn't have wanted you spending ages writing a letter only to not need it. I think I have only ever written one of those types of letters in all the years applying for jobs. Crazy really as it's something the job centres teach how to write and I think it was possibly mentioned at school too. Good luck with the applications.As for internet/computers making jobs not accessible to some people. Basically, if you can't use a computer, you're not going to get anywhere unfortunately. Jobs that require computers are going to need computer skills so only being accessible to those who do have those skills in a good way to cut down on applications from those not suitable for the position. Harsh, but true. As for non computer jobs, here at least, they are the ones which tend to be advertised in the local newspapers in the job supplement and at the job centre.
I wasn't implying that they didn't have computer skills, but no ready access to a computer. It doesn't take computer skills to work at McDonalds or Wendy's, but they have to apply on-line. Even the meat counter job at the grocery store would only take on-line applications. They just wanted a warm body. No experience necessary.
Sorry, I must have read the comment wrong. I think here, stores like that give out paper copies if they go in to the store. Or at least they used to when i worked in retail when i was at university. Also the job centres here will make an application on someone's behalf.
I'm not so surprised that it happens all online, but sending only a cv and no motivation seems so strange! It's not what I was taught and most vacancies I saw so far do require a letter. I now wonder whether it's some kind of test. See if you can stick to instructions and send only cv, or are able to take initiative and send a letter too.
Peggy wrote: "I'm going to write two job application letters this week, the first time I've got to do this in 6 years. They'll probably get tons of letters, so I'm in doubt whether to stick to the standard (bori..."Lexx learnt at uni how to write resumes and such (how bloody useful!), and they said to put something to make you unique in your resume. So under other interests, Lexx has his favourite colour (graphic designer), and we both have "playing with my duck and chickens".
I have been shortlisted for multiple jobs because of that. My first interview outside of hospitality, I got quizzed for 10 mins about my ducks (no chickens at the time). My first job at the Uni, I was apparently referred to as "the chicken lady". One of the academics who was on the panel told me years later, they all wanted to interview me just to find out who I was.
Replacing me for that job, the woman who got it listed she was a volunteer firefighter (not uncommon in Aus, but cool). She was referred to the whole process as The Firey (our slang for firefighters). I think she also got an interview as she was memorable, I didn't think she had the strongest application.
So... yes it helps. But put it in appropriate places, like in other interests on your CV.
I always include an intro letter to my CV. Nothing fancy, just looks more professional than "bang! CV bitches!"Like: Dear Sir/madam,
I am interested in applying for the position XXXX (and job number or level etc) advertised on your website/the Canberra Times/whatever.
I have previously worked as X, Y, and Z, which are detailed further in my CV and the selection criteria attached, and I believe this gives me the appropriate experience in this position. I am most happy to substantiate this in an interview and am most easily contacted on my mobile Mon-Fri.
Yours faithfully, Rus"
I put it as part of the file with my CV. Just looks neat.
And when you are readings 100s of applications, you notice little things. It sets you apart and looks professional.
You can be set apart in other ways, that do not. Like the application I received in powerpoint (written application). Whole CV and selection criteria were word art-ed. And she had her own personal mission statement. Filed in B for Bin. I predict she just finished a night class in powerpoint, but so very much not appropriate.
I'm in the middle of a selection process now. I submitted a letter, a 3 page CV, and a 10 page selection criteria response. I then got asked to complete bullshit (sorry, but so very true) psychometric testing, with a cognitive skills test in literacy and numeracy, and a personality test. They then got my 3 referee reports (up to 5 pages long with the questions they asked. Oi!! I owe my referees drinks) before the interview. I then had a 40 minute long interview on Monday. I got an email yesterday, asking to have a coffee interview with the Director of the Centre I'm applying too to discuss my motivations and skills (what?!) today. Very unusual, but did that. He still hasn't made his mind up between two of us. I don't know what else I can do besides give him a blood and DNA test. Jeez.
The best thing though, is my office cannot understand it. They (including my current and previous supervisors) all say (and have in the referee reports) that I am the most qualified person in the Faculty for the job. So I have a huge cheerleading team, who is getting more and more frustrated with me.
Hopefully I will hear tomorrow. But come on, really!! I will be annoyed if he chooses the other person lol
Not sure about the paid firefighters of which they are few and far between around here anyway. Small towns all have volunteer fire departments and I feel safe saying I have never heard of any women firefighters anywhere around here. I feel like it would probably make the news if there were. And I'll be honest, I never thought it to be something women may even have an interest in. Now that it's been mentioned I can't believe there has been no news of any women trying to join. It must happen somewhere in the states. Doesn't it? I really don't know.
I know quite a few vollie fireys who are women. They are trying to encourage more women in the paid fireys at the moment in my city, and just ran a women only recruitment round.
Also, in exciting news. I think I'm heading to Europe again in July/August. Never had a European summer. Now to work out where to go...
Rusalka wrote: "Also, in exciting news. I think I'm heading to Europe again in July/August. Never had a European summer. Now to work out where to go..."That's great you are coming back to Europe again, Rusalka! Do you think the UK will be on your agenda?
Also, good luck with the selection process!
My cousin is getting married up in Harrogate, so it will very much be on the agenda. Probably will only spend a week there this time and go places we haven't been before (most family in one place will help a lot!!). So Yorkshire, London, and possibly Manchester to see another cousin, will be on the list, but would be good to pop in somewhere else in the UK too.And then where else to go?!
And thanks for the luck. If I don't get it, all is well as I like my job and I don't need to move. But it looked interesting and something I could easily do. And working with one of the best literature Professors in the country, so you know :P
Hey Rusalka, if you find yourself in York give me a shout and I'll come and meet you :)
Lynn wrote: "Hey Rusalka, if you find yourself in York give me a shout and I'll come and meet you :)"Will do!! I do love York, I'd love to head there again.
Thanks Rus! And good luck!Where have you been yet in Europe? I'd go to the south (like Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia), best food, best weather, best atmosphere in my opinion :)
Rusalka wrote: "My cousin is getting married up in Harrogate, so it will very much be on the agenda. Probably will only spend a week there this time and go places we haven't been before (most family in one place w..."Sounds great! You should try and visit Scotland too, always a lovely part of the world to go :)
I had several classes in high school and college where, at some point during the semester, writing a resume was part of the lessons. Some professors would strongly urge and/or require a cover letter to be included as part of your resume. Others were strongly against or ambivalent about cover letters. I was lucky that all of the prof's I had were in the latter category. I hate writing a resume in general, so writing the cover letter would have been even more painful for me.
I guess I can conclude there's no wrong or right, but it very much depends on the person who will receive and read it. If I only knew what their preference was!
Peggy wrote: "I guess I can conclude there's no wrong or right, but it very much depends on the person who will receive and read it. If I only knew what their preference was!"You've hit the nail on the head, Peggy. There's theory, and then there is what the receiver wants.
Exactly. People are fickle.Like that stupid Professor who picked the other person to me. Ah well, I do find it amusing. I think he's made the wrong choice, and now it's his problem.
I however, have a very supportive team who have said that the guy's an idiot, but they are glad to be keeping me.
Does mean I don't have any barriers to going to Europe now though! Well, besides the usual
Peggy wrote: "Thanks Rus! And good luck!Where have you been yet in Europe? I'd go to the south (like Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia), best food, best weather, best atmosphere in my opinion :)"
I've been to England, Scotland, France (only Paris) and Belgium. Lexx has been to England, Scotland, France, Italy, and Switzerland (he thinks).
So last night we were thinking of going to Ireland, Germany and Prague, as well as England.
We would love to go up to Scotland again, Lisa. Last time we went we all nearly never went home. I've been watching Shetland, and now really want to to visit there. And we need to go do Islay as well. But every time I go to Europe I get stuck in Great Britain, so I really want to explore somewhere else this time I think.
We will be back no doubt again and again though.
Rusalka wrote: "Exactly. People are fickle.Like that stupid Professor who picked the other person to me. Ah well, I do find it amusing. I think he's made the wrong choice, and now it's his problem.
I however, ..."
I'm sorry it didn't pan out, Rus. But, you don't want to work for an idiot anyway. You've dodged a bullet. :)
Cherie wrote: "I loved the smell of that stuff in the mimeograph machine, and I agree about the workout, Janice. When my girls were little, I was the editor of our Twins Club monthly news letter. Once a month, I ..."I loved mimeograph machines too, Cherie, LOL. Old times...
Travis sivarT wrote: "Not sure about the paid firefighters of which they are few and far between around here anyway. Small towns all have volunteer fire departments and I feel safe saying I have never heard of any women..."Travis, here's a short interesting article I found on the subject...
http://money.cnn.com/2016/06/07/small...
Focuses on 36-year-old Erin Regan, one of 38 female firefighters out of 4,000 employed by the L.A. County Fire Department in 2016.
Loved this quote when she said, "My grandmother was the first female police officer in her department. She had to wear a skirt and carry her gun in her handbag."
I think the average nationally is about 6%, but it's higher in some states and cities, lower in others.
Shame about the job but it sounds like it's better where you're at Rusalka. Good choice on countries to visit during your stay in Europe. I've not been to Ireland or Germany but they are high on my list. I absolutely loved Prague.
Prague is beautiful! I like Germany a lot too, especially the south. The German Alps and the Black Forest are amazing! And the south has the cutest towns (although other parts of Germany have really nice towns too).
I'm sorry about the job, Rusalka. It is a shame after so much effort you put in that application. Better not to work for someone who can't see and appreciate your skills and value. It is good to have a great group of teammates who support you. I bet you would have missed them if you had left.
Thanks everyone. I am slightly disappointed, but onwards and upwards. I am more disappointed as I was so confident! I wouldn't have mentioned it unless I thought it was pretty close!But what can you do? Just keep on carrying on. Hopefully the feeling the love feeling carries on for a while too :P
Peggy wrote: "Prague is beautiful! I like Germany a lot too, especially the south. The German Alps and the Black Forest are amazing! And the south has the cutest towns (although other parts of Germany have reall..."The Black Forest and Bavaria are places on my list. Lexx wants to go hiking through the Black Forest. I'm thinking those, Munich and Berlin are a good place to start for about 10 days - 2 weeks. Thinking 3-4 days in Prague. And maybe a week in Ireland...
But, that is completely human, Rusalka! We know you are kind of human, too. :*)
Sandra wrote: "But, that is completely human, Rusalka! We know you are kind of human, too. :*)"Lol sometimes! Thanks Sandra.
I am visiting Prague with my yearly challenge, since I chose it as a place I want to visit. I have only heard great things about it, and pictures look gorgeous. Now I'm jealous.
Rusalka wrote: "Thanks everyone. I am slightly disappointed, but onwards and upwards. I am more disappointed as I was so confident! I wouldn't have mentioned it unless I thought it was pretty close!But what can ..."
I'm sure it was pretty close!
Rusalka wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Prague is beautiful! I like Germany a lot too, especially the south. The German Alps and the Black Forest are amazing! And the south has the cutest towns (although other parts of Germ..."I don't know what kind of accomodation you are looking for, but we stayed in an awesome Airbnb cottage in the Black Forest. I fell in love when I came across it on the website, and the owner is fantastic too.
Look here! How awesome is this?
Sorry to hear about the job, Rusalka.I also really loved Prague when I visited. It's a beautiful city. And I agree with you about Scotland. Every time I have been there I have never wanted to come home, particularly when we visited the Highlands. I would happily live there.
Peggy wrote: "Rusalka wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Prague is beautiful! I like Germany a lot too, especially the south. The German Alps and the Black Forest are amazing! And the south has the cutest towns (although oth..."OOO thanks!
Tejas Janet wrote: "Travis sivarT wrote: "Not sure about the paid firefighters of which they are few and far between around here anyway. Small towns all have volunteer fire departments and I feel safe saying I have ne..."Well that certainly clears up why I've always just thought of men as firefighters. That's not too many women and to know one in rural America is probably very rare. I like how she comes right out and says the men treat her as an equal. That says it's not so much that men are trying to keep women out, just that there aren't a lot of women with the interest. But for women or men it's just so demanding wearing all that gear and the heat and everything.
Going to add that to my list Peggy. Just been to work out how to get it in English. I'll look properly on my laptop.Just had a makeover at the makeup counter in Debenhams. Never done that before. I don't wear makeup. Maybe twice a year. But I need to for my cousin's wedding and I want to look good, not like a clown. So I needed some pointers. Bought a foundation and a mascara and this weekend my friend is going to teach me how to put make up on properly. This is so not me. This is way too girly for my liking. Just wiped most of the lipstick off eating lunch. lol.
Oops, didn't realize it was the Dutch airbnb website. If you search for Villa Wanderlust in Gengenbach you'll find it :)
Thanks Peggy. Will do. Always good to get recommendations.
Sarah wrote: Just had a makeover at the makeup counter in Debenhams. Never done that before...."
Lol, sounds just like me! I think the last time I wore make-up was when I went to the high school ball when I was 18, last time before that must have been when I was 15 or 16.
Make-up is just too much hassle for me. But when it's very subtle and done properly it can be very nice.
Like whenever we go out my wife asks how she looks. Well better if you ditched all the makeup. I hate that crap.
I'll have to look up that airbnb. You are putting me in the mood to plan a little visit. I love recommendations. I skip makeup on most days too. Like Peggy, I find it to be too much of a hassle, particularly taking it all off when I get home and I'm tired. I do usually wear it when we're going out with friends or have an event though.
Just 'cause we're talking about women firefighters and I thought this was rather impressive, one of the ladies who volunteers with the local fire department did a charity stair climb, they wear all their firefighting gear, and she was the fastest female firefighter, running almost 800 stairs in just over 10 minutes. I'm thinking this is the one you want to show up and save you from the 10th floor of a burning building. She must be in great shape, that many stairs would take me an hour at least.
Dawn wrote: "Just 'cause we're talking about women firefighters and I thought this was rather impressive, one of the ladies who volunteers with the local fire department did a charity stair climb, they wear all..."That is majorly impressive! I couldn't go up that many stairs without stopping for a break or several even in normal clothing.
re: Makeup
I wear a one-step powder foundation and a little mascara on normal days. Dressing up for me involves a little eyeliner and eye shadow and maybe a tinted lip gloss. I'm pretty low key when it comes to makeup and such, but I like the little bit of coverage the powder gives over any blemishes and redness I have. And mascara just because I look like I have no eyelashes without it. I'm blonde so my eyelashes are practically invisible. My daily makeup routine might take 3 minutes.
I'm lazy so wearing makeup regularly is a no go. I used to wear it daily as a teen but things changed. Then I wore it just if I went out. Now not even then. I need easy hair/beauty regimes which take mere minutes to do. My partner thinks I look weird when I wear makeup because it's not me although he thought the get up I had on today wad subtle which is good.
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You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
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Actually did you see they're bringing back those old indistructable Nokia phones. Every one had one back in early 2000's. Except me I had a Motorola of course.