Phase III: Reference Checks

A few hours after my interview yesterday, I received a phone call from the Talent Acquisition Specialist with whom I had been working for the entire process.  She mentioned that I had performed well in the interview and they were interested in 'moving to the next step'.  In this case, reference checks.

I was surprised at how nervous this made me.  Although I have never lied in a resume or interview about my performance at a position or my duties in that positions; I have to wonder if my perception of my performance and duties might be significantly than how my previous supervisors and coworkers understood them.

They will be using a third part system; A-Check America.  Based on the information I gave them I assume they will perform two verifications an Employment Verification and Professional References Verification.  They may also perform a MERIT Character Evaluation on the basis of a 'personality test' that I took the first day I was interviewed.

I have contacted all of my references regarding this, and asked that they be honest in their reporting of my performance, strengths and weaknesses; hopefully all goes well.

They should contact me within five to eight days to inform me of the results.  Due to the rapid nature of their return call, however, I do not anticipate that these will have as significant an effect on the outcome as they may normally.

Best regards,
Beth

Monthly Update

Dear loyal reader(s?),

It seems I've hit the one month mark with the chronicles of my job search.  As with all efforts, it is necessary to review effort and progress that has resulted of that effort, so as future endeavors may be properly directed. Each method will be evaluated on how many phase II encounters it has provided to this point in time...

So here goes:

Method	Phase II Progress
Method 1: Searching Job Postings	1: Interview, no spam
Method 2: Passive Seach	1 Interview whole bunch of spam
Method 3: Networking	0
Method 4: Self Employment	1Potential Opportunity at the Library
Method 5: Job Fairs	1 Phone Interview whole bunch of spam
Method 6: Imaginary Jobs	1Potential Opportunity at the Library

As you can see almost all of the "hard" methods have had approximately equal success, though when weighing the spam responses it seems that Job Fairs (when done irresponsibly) may become a waste of time.  Also Passive Search methods require constant cleaning of the email inbox to keep up with the shear number of 'respondents' who have not yet bothered to look at my resume, save to read my name and email address.

It seems that continuing to pursue job postings (on job posting boards) is a relatively fruitful method.  However my recent experiences with the library have shown that this may be a method of active job seeking that I have not yet attempted.

With these conclusions in mind, I believe that devoting more time to the library, to responding to job postings and thoroughly researching job fairs will be the most effective use of my time.

I would also like to introduce Phase I method 7: researching companies in which I am interested and 1. applying to job postings via the company's website or 2. showing up at the company's recruiting events as they are held.

Best regards,
Beth

Phase II: Introduction

 After the initial contact comes the interview period. This is when companies and I determine if we are right for one another.  Much like a blind date, we each go in with the rosy pictures painted by our profiles (they have my resume, and I have their website) and hopefully get past those basic facts and on into the meat of the issue.  Will I fit in their company; do we each offer what the other is seeking?

A component of Phase II is evaluating just how selective I can afford to be.  How much do those credentials that I managed to rake up in University set me apart from the rest of the pack?  What exactly do I want in a position, how much of that do they need to offer upfront, and how much am I willing to accept one, three and five years from now?

 Phase II covers interview techniques and abilities.  Although I am not convinced that every position I interview for will be the perfect career for me, I plan to approach every interview with the same professionalism and learn from every success and mistake that occurs during the process.  This will include accepting any interview and using it as a practice opportunity.  I will also keep track of questions that will help me to determine whether I will have a positive relationship with an employer.

Finally, this will cover all of Method 5: self improvement.  Because the majority of what I have been pursuing through method 5 is knowledge that will help me in the interview process, I will no longer count method 5 in phase I.

Best regards,
Beth

Phases

Due to the successes experience in my initial contacts with job hunters, it seems that it is necessary not only to track my primary search mechanisms, but also my secondary evaluations.  I am introducing the use of 'phases'.

Phase I covers the initial contact process through the multiple methods described on the visitors page.  I will continue to report on the success of these methods, the lessons I learn and the merits of each.

Success in Phase I will be defined as progression into Phase II, or the subsequent contact.  This covers interview of any type (phone, in person etc.).  I will report the many resources I use to in pursuing successful phase II; as well as the lessons I learn in the process.

Best regards,
Beth