Wish me luck

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This belongs in a "out-of-a-clear-blue-sky" category. My wife has been having other folks research different job sites and search engines for me and I've been trying them out. I have been finding jobs that I was completely unaware of and applying like mad.

Last night (after business hours, mind you), I found a 3 month tech writer contract gig and sent in my resume. I got an out-of-office reply, saying the recruiter was out until Monday. Nevertheless, he emailed me from his PDA 30 minutes later saying he was interested and that I would be contacted by one of his co-workers.

I got an email and voice mail this morning before 7:30 from the co-worker saying he was really interested in talking to me.

I called the guy and long story short, they've got a client that's in a bind and needs a technical writer ASAP to finish up a project. It's maybe 2 or 3 months work with the possibility of more. The money is pretty good and the recruiter wants to see me at 10 this morning (it's after 8 now, my time). He said that I could end up starting as early as Monday, depending on circumstances.

I know I've been praying for a job, but this is "so sudden". Of course, there are no promises, but it just seems like this one dropped into my lap. I'd really like something more permanent, but as always, you never can tell how these things will work out.

Anyway, time to get showered, shaved, and into my "monkey suit". Wish me luck.

 

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Lotsa luck Trip

 

good luck trip

 

Ya gotta like that!

 

good luck.

 

Good luck!

Yes - these things *can* happen like that.

I remember about 10 years ago getting phoned by a company that I had done some work for 5 years previously. The gist of the message was:
"We need you. Whatever you are being paid we will double it!"

Needless to say I was on their doorstep almost immediately!

Harry.

 

Well, it doesn't sound quite as good as *that*, Harry but we'll see.

I'm all dressed up and will be leaving in about 15 minutes. I'll let you know how things went when I get back.

 

Good Luck Trip, if they've seen your books they'd be foolish to turn you down.

 

Good luck trip
did you find a tie that matches your hawaian shirt?

 

All the best Trip!

 

I hope you get trip!

Please god please don't let him have on the hawaian shirt

 

For interviews, I dress a tad more conservatively, Ryan...and it's too cold to wear Hawaiian shirts yet.

I got to the recruiter's place a tad early (story of my life) and while no one was at the front desk, I happened to see the CV of another technical writer sitting on the counter in front of me. I didn't touch it but did read the cover sheet, just to see what the competition had going for them.

The person who was to interview me came back from the bathroom, quietly picked up the CV, and escorted me into her office.

Turns out, this is a 3 to 4 month gig, but an emergency came up in the life of the person they'd originally placed and they had to drop out. They need a replacement ASAP as all the documentation work for this company's product must be done by June.

I tend to interview well, so felt pretty comfortable talking to the recruiter. Also, recruiters tend to be a tad friendlier, because they're not only trying to secure an immediate resource, but a resource they can access in the future. The guy I'd spoken to on the phone (and the interface with the hiring company) came in briefly to shake my hand and to thank me for coming in on such short notice.

I can't tell you the details about the company because, even though I didn't sign an NDA or anything else, I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate having that information spread about publically.

I told them all the things about me that would be relevant, such as my taking over as lead author for the O'Reilly SharePoint book at the last minute and banging out 13 chapters in 30 days. She asked a few questions about "conflict resolution" and how I work with software developers and the questions are so standard, I gave her the answers that I usually give, based on my experience in the realm.

They've got one more person to interview this afternoon and they need some feedback from the hiring company as to whether or not they want to interview all candidates or just have the recruiter send over their top applicant (which may or may not be me, at this point).

The job seems well within my skill set. Proficiency in MS Office applications and the ability to write user manuals and online help, which I've done up the wazoo.

I even managed to slip in a mention about my current studies in web design, python, and information architecture, just for giggles.

It's not just a matter of whether I get this job or not. Even if I don't (and I specifically inquired about this), it's a matter of being considered for anything else relevant to my skill sets that they might have come their way. I want to develop a relationship so that I'll have one more place looking out for jobs for me. The person I talked to had already created an account for me in their database and input my resume (I'm glad...it's a pain doing all that myself).

I should hear back something this afternoon, win, lose, or draw. Meanwhile, I'll spend the afternoon studying some more and waiting to see what happens.

 

Sounds promising Trip...

 

got my fingers crossed for you mate! Between you and Lee I am running out.

 

Trip - congratulations on the interview, sounds like it went very well - let us know how it ends up

Things can happen that quickly - I took the "decision" to get into IT on the Wednesday, found a job at 4pm, applied. Phone call 9.30 Thursday morning, face-to-face chat with the recruitment agency, interview Friday morning, Friday pm job secured and offered - I would have started work on Monday if I didn't have to get my security clearance.

That was the first and only first-line job I applied for.
That was over 2 years ago!

 

Uh oh! You need to start twisting your toesies then, Mitz...

 

Wow! I bet that was nice to have happen this morning. I hope it works out for you, Trip!

 

nooooooooooooo, I am very ticklish there!

 

Oh, I'm feeling so *evil* right now.