Day 644: A stressful two weeks!

Here I am on Day 644 without so much another job interview or news to report on! But it has been two weeks since my last post (oops!), because I have been staying as busy as possible and not because I have a job yet. So here's a little update...

Last week, I was so frustrated and feeling down and out that I actually went to the job centre for some advice! I didn't want to have to go there, but I am glad I did. They were not able to help me there, as it is only for people receiving benefits and whatnot, but they gave me information on Universal Job Search. It seems to be a very comprehensive list of local jobs of all sorts! I have found a position I am very interested in from that search. The cutoff is next week so I a keeping my fingers crossed that I get an interview (wish me luck, please)!

I have also been doing the one-off editing work. It is the first time I have done something like this, apart from editing my own thesis, so I am taking my time. I also wanted to do some reading first so I knew what I was working with first and talk about what the author is looking for in terms of direction. I will probably finish it this weekend, so that's good although I will be bored again.

Image Source

I've been looking into local volunteering roles as well. There are some exciting projects coming soon to the area which I would love to help out on. I am so anxious to get a job though that I can't commit myself to a long term role, so I am looking ore for support roles here and there, and possibly something I can continue even after I get a job (if that day ever comes...sigh). I do love volunteering and giving back. If everyone could do a little bit, even a one-off one weekend, it could make a huge difference to your community or even in someone's life, so I very much advocate getting involved when possible!

Something I have noticed this past week as well I just want to mention: my spam inbox has exploded. I don't understand where all this spam is suddenly coming from! But I have also noticed that I get A LOT of "Job Alerts" from companies I have never signed up with. Because it's from companies I have never even heard of, it makes me apprehensive about having a look or signing up. Should I be?

Job searching is stressful. It really is. Sending in countless amounts of CV's and application forms is very daunting and can make someone feel really down. I want to work! And I want to give all my energy into my career and using all these skills I have learned in all the education I went onto do. I know I would be a great employee for the right company. If that company can be yours, send me an e-mail, and we can chat! I am friendly, really! So please do get in touch.



Anyways...there's the "excitement" of the last two weeks. I'm off to do another job search!

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.

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).

Image Source

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!

Day 600! Yes, really!

The title is sadly right.

I started my job search for full-time work 600 days ago. SIX HUNDRED DAYS. Ugh.

Am I feeling a bit defeated? A bit, but now that I have ore freedom as to who I can work for and at what salary, I am hoping that this job comes soon! In fact, I am a bit confident that it will do.

So what have I been doing in these last 600 days? In the beginning I was working part-time for both my university and a football club in the community sector, as well as in the middle of my Master of Philosophy degree. You can find out more in detail about my research and education here.

In October 2015, I decided to focus on my research, and after a few years of hard work and dedication, I was granted the award of MPhil in December (graduated January 2016), and what an accomplishment it was! I am in the process of seeing how to get my work published as well, but in the meantime, there is a copy available in the university's library!

What else have I been doing to keep me busy? Well, as we all know, social media and new media are constantly changing. I have been taking courses through Coursera for a certification in Social Media Marketing, so I can stay up-to-date on the latest techniques being used. So far the course has been quite enlightening, and we have been asked to create a blog, and identify key influencers on social media platforms where our target markets would be the most active. I have really enjoyed it and hope to complete the last course in this certification in June!

I have also been staying busy being very crafty! I have discovered a love for knitting (yes, knitting!) and have also learned that blackboard paint is amazing (I painted champagne glasses for my wedding where guests could write their names on the and keep. It was a great hit!).

However, I am needing that perfect job that will allow me to utilise all these skills (ok, maybe not the knitting) and allow me to prove to be an asset to your company. Think your company can give e that chance? Why don't you send me an e-mail and we can get discussing how I can do just that!

Day 599 - A MAJOR update!

It's been quite a few months since my last post! Is it because I found a job? I do wish! But something better has happened!

To make a long story as short as possible, my boyfriend proposed at Christmas (yay!) and I had to travel back to America for a short while before coming back to the UK. After a lovely wedding day and time off for the honeymoon, I am ready to start looking for work again, and I have no restrictions as to who I can work for. No sponsorships needed! I have updated my FAQ's to reflect that here!

Since I was only able to start looking for work again as of Saturday, I am starting again from scratch. I have updated my CV, and I will be back on Indeed, LinkedIn, Reed, and anything and everything I can find. I will also soon be in contact with recruiters again to update them as to where I am at on the job hunt.

Image source

Just a reminder you can find our more about me and my skills here, as well as my education and my experiences.

If you are on the hunt for a highly organised and extremely motivated person to bringing something new to your company in terms of digital media or want to find better ways to connect with your customers, send me an e-mail, or find me on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Don't forget you can also share this blog within your network!

All I want for Christmas is...a jumpstart into my career!

Image source: http://www.keepcalmstudio.com/

Day: 463

Jobs applied for today: 4

Jobs heard back from today: 0

Today I actually found four jobs to apply for, which is unusual for me (I normally find 1-2/day). Makes a nice change going into the weekend. I don't normally apply for jobs on the weekend because nothing new is posted, but if I get an email alert to something right for me, I will go ahead and send through my CV!

Today I got an e-mail from a recruitment office wishing me a Merry Christmas and best of luck in my job search in the new year. Really?! It is December 11th! I know things get quiet over the holidays but I am trying to hold on hope that I hear something before Christmas because let's face it, I would feel much better going into the holidays with job prospects lined up! Despite it all, I will keep trying. I notice many closing dates are not til after the new year now, which is fine...but I will keep going because you never know! There's a job involving digital media/marketing and social media out there that is perfect for me. If you think it might be with your company, let's have a chat! 

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend ahead.

10 reasons why your company should hire me!

Still not convinced I am the right person for your company? Here are 10 reasons why I would be a great fit working as part of a digital media/marketing team!

1. I'm a team player - I am happy working with great people in a team. I feel everyone has their own strengths they can bring to the table to get quality work done.

2. ...but I can also be independent - In addition to working with a team, I am just as content working alone. I am very self-disciplined, can set myself deadlines, and I always find something to work on.

3. Deadlines - Media and marketing are always about deadlines. Timing needs to be spot on to produce effective work. This is something I understand completely and have no problem working to a specific deadline.

4. Continuing professional development - The only thing constant in digital marketing is change. New media platforms change all the time and it is a marketer's responsibility to stay on top of it in effort of continuing to produce effective work. I aim to do just that! This may include attending classes, conferences and seminars, networking with others in the field and reading up on the latest developments. Never stop learning!

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1Nedssl

5. Organised - One of my greatest attributes is how organised I can be. I have folders and USBs for everything! I believe being organised makes work less stressful for you and your colleagues and obviously looks good to your target audience.

6. Research skills - My Master of Philosophy degree required strict research. I was able to develop crucial research skills that can be applied in a business setting. this includes using analytics to learn more about target markets and then relaying findings to colleagues and partners.

7. I work well under pressure - Media/Marketing can be a very demanding position, whether you are developing new content with strict deadlines or working with active consumers as the link between them and the company, I am confident I can continue produce quality work under the many demands that come with digital marketing!

8. Confident - I am confident in giving talks and presentations to colleagues and partners, since it is important to keep everyone updated on the company's progress.

9. Ambitious - Not only do I want to succeed in what I do and go far in the marketing industry, I want the company I work for to do the same! I aim to be part of a team that sets the mark for others.

10. Adaptable - The digital media scene changes constantly and you have to be able to try new things to connect with your target audience. I am comfortable with staying on top of the latest digital platforms being used by target markets and adapting content to that specific platform, rather than the same content across multi-platforms.


**BONUS - I love to bake...and have been known to frequently bring in cakes, pies and muffins to work!

"Hire me!"

Let's start off with a confession: As of writing this, there have been 462 days since I have been looking for a full-time job in digital marketing.

I thought I would start my job hunt whilst still completing my MPhil degree because let's be honest, the job market is brutal! I think after still being on the job hunt for 462 days, I can comfortably say that. Now that I have completed my degree, I am more desperate for full-time work in my field than ever! 

I have signed up for all the job alerts, tried recruitment offices, stay involved on LinkedIn, attend seminars and network, network, network...but my luck has come up a bit short! I've decided it's time to be a bit more aggressive when it comes to getting my name out there!

I will be documenting my job hunt and listing why your company should hire me for digital marketing!

Please feel free to get in contact via LinkedIn, Twitter, or E-mail!

Source: http://worldofdtcmarketing.com/the-real-reason-big-pharma-is-in-trouble/working-in-the-industry/attachment/hire-me-writing-service/