Thursday 26 May 2016

Day 630: Where is my Fairy Jobmother?

Well today I am feeling a little bit defeated over it all. I've just got back from a casual interview, and I am starting to wonder if I am a bit too hopeful in getting the job that I really enjoy.

I went into this interview without knowing too much about what was wanted. Don't get me wrong, I am very, very grateful. It was my first interview in about a year! I was there to discuss some one-off work to be done, but knew there could be more opportunities ahead. There are...BUT it is project work that I may or may not get paid for, depending on the project and revenue it generates. As exciting as the projects are, unfortunately I am not in a position where I can do that.

So for that, I am feeling a bit defeated, wondering where I will fit in in the work force! Am I aiming too high? What sort of places should I be applying for? Should I be looking outside the media/marketing sector and go for something else, anything really, to get me into the work force again? My head's spinning!

I know I would be an awesome addition to a team! I love working with the public and being able to give something back into the community as well. I'm highly organised and have managed long-term projects and events in the community. In addition to work experiences, my studies have included intense research into digital media and how it is being used today by football clubs to connect with their fans and partners (although the theories could be applied to companies and their customers/target audiences). I am very proud of my studies and the thesis I produced as part of my M.Phil degree, and if you would like to read more about it, you can do so here.

I'd love a position working with people again, either digitally through social media and creating awesome content that engages the target audience, fan engagement or in project delivery and event management.

Have I mentioned that I love to bake, and I have been known to bring in cupcakes into the workplace often? Bonus! And if you're still not convinced, here are ten reasons why you should hire me!

Even though I feel a bit beaten over 630 days of full time job searching, I still managed to muster up the confidence to turn on the good ol' laptop and do some more job searching (and applied for three more jobs).

But where is that Fairy Jobmother?! 

If you would like to discuss further about what I can bring to your company, or would like copy of my CV, please do e-mail me!

Don't forget you can also connect with me on LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter.

Monday 23 May 2016

Day 627: Training, editing and possible ugly Christmas socks!

So we're on day 627 now. I wish I could say during this time I have been busy! I have tried to be but the biggest reason for my absence has been coming down with sinusitis and labryinthitis (a lovely condition of the inner ear that leaves one feeling dizzy for days on end)! I couldn't even read e-mails or anything, let alone job search. The condition leaves you almost feeling hungover, and it would not have been a great impression at any interview I may have been lucky to land! I'm definitely on the mend now though so it's back to the traditional job search, but here is what I have been up to in the meantime:

Last week I attended a training session with Sporting Memories Network at Lancashire County Cricket Ground. This included how to start and successfully deliver reminiscence groups using sport as the driving force for the older community. This is essentially what I have done during my time at Everton, which you can read more about the programme and my role here! While this is just for a possible volunteering opportunity, it was great to network with people from different backgrounds all together for the purpose of bringing joy to the elderly community.

I have also reached the halfway point in the last course of the Social Media Marketing specialization course by Northwestern University I have been taken via Coursera. This course so far, The Business of Social, has been about data and analytics, and how to understand your campaign's strengths and weaknesses. This specialization has consisted of five courses (and an optional Capstone Project which I will undertake), and I have obtained four certificates so far from it. It's been really insightful, and I recommend Coursera to anyone who wants to learn a new skill, ether related to your field or just for fun (because classes can be taken for free, or if paid for if you want the official certification).

http://www.twitter.com/brikh
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I also have been asked to do a bit of side work editing a play! I have a meeting about it this week and to be fair, I am really excited! It is not related to digital media, but it's about effective content, and I still enjoy that whether digital or print. I will keep you all updated how that goes. It just may open the door to more opportunities...

And as a side note, I have also been learning new knitting techniques and have been knitting away on an awesome scarf. Yes, it is just about summer, but it has been an enjoyable and even stress-relieving pastime.

However, if I don't get a job, then it will be knitted scarves and socks for everyone this Christmas! Haha! I'm sure the family would much prefer it if someone would Hire Me instead!