More Interviews; Search Routine; Back Again

More Interviews

My buddy commented that I hadn't updated the blog and told me he was either relieved that I was too busy to blog or worried that I had stopped blogging after becoming despondent over not getting a job.  I answered that it was the former.  It's just that I missed a day, then another, then another and soon many had passed.

In the month and a half or so off from the blog, I have had phone interviews with three more companies as well as face-to-face interviews with two companies including one with my Alma Mater.  I was eliminated from two of the positions but am still alive for three.  Three prospects...

Work has somewhat picked up for my friend's firm and I have about 10-15 hours of work a week. Learning a lot about HIPAA and IT contracts.  Really good experience.  Thank God for friends.

Other than that, I'm still networking, applying for jobs and learning as much about IT and privacy law as possible.  Hopefully getting this entry done will get me back into the habit of blogging daily again.  It reminds me of those guys who make a gym New Years' resolution and then stop after the first two weeks of working out...

Lesson of the Day:

1. Keep on Learning since You Have the Time Now

Total Contacts Reached Out To: 87

Total Applications: 64

Phone Interview II

The second phone interview was with the VP of Legal. I spent the morning preparing and believe the VP and I had a good rapport. My software licensing and SaaS experience would suit me well for the position but unfortunately, I lack experience with outsourcing and managed services. I don’t anticipate making it further in the process, but heck it was good practice. I’ll still continue to read up on and learning more about IT. Why not since I have the time?

Today I got my lawyer insurance application form, W9 and independent contractor agreement from my friend and will start working for her shortly. It’ll only be 5-20 hours a week, but heck it’s something to keep me going during the search. In any event, I can’t wait to start reviewing contracts again. It looks like I’ll be working remotely, so my home will be the new office.

March 20, 2017 was free small cone day at Dairy Queen. I walked to the Dairy Queen on Main Street, and to my dismay, it had folded! But a quick internet search revealed that there was one only a 10-minute drive away. Mimi and Boo were happy to get the free cones. I hope you took advantage of the free ice cream today.

Days Fifteen, Sixteen and Seventeen Lesson:

1. Keep on Learning since You Have the Time Now

Total Contacts Reached Out To: 39

Total Applications: 38

Time to Relax!!!

It’s officially two weeks from the dismissal date. Not much happened today other than working on networking and resumes.

I have interview number two with the software-as-a-service company on Monday so I spent the rest of the day preparing for the interview by studying contracts and listening to seminars. I highly doubt I’ll get past the next interview but I’m getting pretty darned knowledgeable about IT contracts and data-privacy laws. This will help me down the road.

I also did a postmortem on the last job to evaluate my flaws. I learned a lot during the process and highly recommend it. Since you have the time now, you should try this. First, divide a page of paper into two columns. On the left side, jot down all of the mistakes you made on your last job. Come on, everybody makes mistakes… On the right side, jot down how you would correct those mistakes. This exercise should help you view yourself from an outside point of view.  Review this evaluation everyday so you can correct your flaws in time for your new job.

Relax and have a good weekend!

Day Fourteen Lesson:

1. You can Improve Yourself By Doing a “Postmortem” Evaluation of the Mistakes You Made on Your Last Job

Total Contacts Reached Out To: 38

Total Applications: 37