Another Positive Reaction

I thought I would share a positive event that has happened with me and my search for a job.... don't get your hopes up... there still is no job happening.... but it's a step.

I told you a while back I sent several cold call letters and resumes to several associations.  Well one of them was just a small organization (though you couldn't tell from their site) and they actually called me!  They wanted to tell me that while they are small and don't have any openings they thought I should apply for another one with an organization they work with... so I did.  I know it's not much... but it's just nice to know that you're putting your resume out there in hopes they don't just throw it away and instead you actually get a tip.  I don't know if I'll get the job... but still... a tip is a tip.  And the more jobs I apply to the closer I get to actually getting a job!  So... maybe it's time to send out even more resumes!

Brrr! It's a Cold Call Letter!

As much as I love to talk, one thing I hate doing... calling people... especially when they aren't expecting my call.  Sure, I can talk to my friends, family, and Shaun for a while... but even then about 30 minutes is my limit and I can only handle one call like that a day.  One of the things Nancy told me to do was to call people in the field I want to be in and ask them for advice... I'll be honest... there was NO WAY I was going to do that.  I mean seriously imagine if someone called you and said "hey, I am unemployed and I want to do your job, have any advice?"  I would hang up the phone.  And maybe that makes me a mean person... but I know I'm not the only one.  So where does that leave you?

For me, I love to write (obviously), so I am great at emails, great at mail mail.... so that's what I went to.  I told you earlier how I sent out letters and heard back from one.  So what was the letter all about?  I wrote to organizations and associations based in Seattle (luckily it's the biggest city in Washington so there are a lot), I wrote to the CEO or President telling them that I was looking for a position in Communications, a bit about my history, and how I would welcome the chance to talk to them about any openings.  The thought is that either they will fall in love with you, or maybe they pass it on to another opening, or they hold on to it. 

It's a weird concept to me... to send unsolicited mail... I mean I know what I do with mail I don't want.... right into the trash.  And I suspect a few of my letters have gone there... but heck, so far I've heard back from 2 of them.  The one wrote back and said how I was impressive, but they didn't have an opening; the other wrote me about a different position (which I still haven't heard back about).  So I guess it works... so much so that I decided to send another 10 out tomorrow to another group of organizations.  I did find this awesome website that lists all the organizations by type of organization... for your state just search "secretary of state" and their library link should be able to help.  Here's hoping my written word will get me a job writing!!!!

How Much Am I Worth?

It's a funny question to ask yourself, how much you are worth... but with the new job search I am forced to ask myself in terms of salary requirements.  Today I was asked for salary requirements for a job that I didn't know much about, and it was for a non-profit.  In their email they asked for salary requirements then said "keep in mind we are a small not for-profit organization"... which is great because that's what I wanted to work for... but at the same time that brought on the deliema.

Here's the problem... if I ask for too much they will dismiss me and be insulted... which is bad.  If I don't ask for enough I 1. under value myself and 2. could miss out on a larger salary.... so how do you find out what to ask for???  Here is what I did.  First I asked my career counselor and got her opinion.  I also emailed someone who I know does the same job for another company in another city... she told me her starting salary, which I took into consideration with the cost of living in her city and Seattle.  I also went to Salary.com's salary wizard and used their free service to give me a window to go with.  I took all that into consideration and threw my hat in the ring.... so we'll see.

I do want to end on something extra positive.  I don't have the job yet, but the job that asked for the salary requirements came from out of the blue.  A few months ago I sent out cold call letters, essentially a resume with a cover letter saying "hey I know you don't have a job opening, I wanted to let you know that I'm available... and awesome!"  Anyhow, they emailed me then out of the blue!  They held on to my resume and when an opening came available that I was a good candidate for they emailed me!  It was a great surprise... and could lead to an amazing birthday!!!!