Hi everyone!
So, I got a notification from Google+ telling me that it had been a while since I've posted...oops! I've been so busy these last few weeks that I almost forgot I'm trying to launch a new blog. 😬 I'm back on track now, and I'm hoping to set a regular posting date so that I can give y'all updates weekly.
Previously, we had discussed how I was walking dogs for Wag! as a temporary gig. During that time, I applied to over TWENTY-SEVEN jobs on Indeed.com. Once I had my resume updated, all I had to do was click a button, so I went a little nuts.
I got several calls for interviews; I believe I had 10 in total. WHAT I DID NOT REALIZE is that 6 of those jobs would give me offers!!! Now, you may be thinking, "How is six job offers a bad thing?". Well, let me tell you I was completely overwhelmed. What I had mistakenly done was apply to these jobs and accept interviews with too many days in-between. I was hired BEFORE I even went to the interview for three different companies (though I did not know that at the time). So here I am, three different companies all wanting to know if I'm going to work for them, meanwhile I still have seven interviews lined up and pending. I'm worried that if I turn one down in lieu of another, I won't get the one I was holding out for. Needless to say, I was a giant ball of stress for at at least two weeks.
In the end, I turned down three offers of employment after initially saying that I would accept the position. Did I feel bad? Oh you bet! I felt like I had punched a small pony wearing a fedora at a child's birthday party. Until just a couple weeks ago, I had only ever turned down one employment offer. That being said, I did not turn down that job offer with the expectation that I would be offered another. I had to learn how craft an email relaying the bad news to my would-be employers (mostly because I was too cowardly to do it over the phone). Something along the lines of, "Dear [Business], I am grateful for the offer of employment that you've extended to me. I recognize the vast opportunities afforded to those who join your team. Unfortunately, I won't be among them. I've chosen to pursue employment with a different company at this time and wish you the best of luck in your searches for a qualified candidate. Respectfully, Dallas Dooley". Although this email does not reflect the guilt I felt while writing it, I felt it best to keep my communication brief. Only one business replied. I can only assume the others were not too thrilled.
Last week, I finally accepted a full-time position as a Science teacher for a juvenile male reform academy. I'll make a formal announcement once the paperwork is complete, and I'll hopefully be able to start sharing some of my experiences in the classroom. I was lucky to receive this job offer, but I learned some valuable lessons throughout my brief job search. Although I'm hardly qualified, here is my advice for those new to or re-entering the workforce:
1. Decide what field you want to work in
This will make it WAY easier to compare benefits and salary if you're presented with multiple job offers. Plus you may even have a little negotiating power on your side.
2. If possible, schedule your interviews within 2-3 days of each other
More than likely, if a business wants you they'll decide and present the offer fairly quickly. I would keep all interviews within the same week. When you spread them out, you run the risk of being offered a job before you've even gotten the interview for the job you may have really wanted.
3. When offered employment, try to give a decision within 24-48 hours
It's common courtesy. They are a business after all, so they're sure to be very busy and in need of filling the position quickly. If you're not going to accept the offer, best to let them know as soon as you know. If you need to, feel free to steal my email from paragraph three.
4. When turning down an offer, be professional
You don't have to let the business know that you're turning down the offer because their pay is shit and the guy you interviewed with smells bad. You can say that you are looking for a more competitive salary and you don't feel the office environment is the right fit for your personality. Keep it classy.
5. When accepting an offer, be grateful in your email
You could say something along the lines of, "Dear [business], I'm so excited to become a part of your team. I know my [insert personality trait discussed in hiring interview] will contribute our company's mission to [insert mission statement]. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to prove my [insert key feature here]. Sincerely, Your Name
6. Show up AT LEAST 15 minutes early every day
When you're new, you need to make a good impression. Nobody likes a lazy co-worker. Get off your booty and show everyone that you're willing to do whatever it takes to help your company succeed!
Once again, I'm hardly qualified to give business advice, but these things have always worked for me. If you're in a pickle like I was, or don't know where to get started, let's chat! Shoot me a comment and I'll share my experiences with you. Stay tuned for
So, I got a notification from Google+ telling me that it had been a while since I've posted...oops! I've been so busy these last few weeks that I almost forgot I'm trying to launch a new blog. 😬 I'm back on track now, and I'm hoping to set a regular posting date so that I can give y'all updates weekly.
Previously, we had discussed how I was walking dogs for Wag! as a temporary gig. During that time, I applied to over TWENTY-SEVEN jobs on Indeed.com. Once I had my resume updated, all I had to do was click a button, so I went a little nuts.
Last week, I finally accepted a full-time position as a Science teacher for a juvenile male reform academy. I'll make a formal announcement once the paperwork is complete, and I'll hopefully be able to start sharing some of my experiences in the classroom. I was lucky to receive this job offer, but I learned some valuable lessons throughout my brief job search. Although I'm hardly qualified, here is my advice for those new to or re-entering the workforce:
1. Decide what field you want to work in
This will make it WAY easier to compare benefits and salary if you're presented with multiple job offers. Plus you may even have a little negotiating power on your side.
2. If possible, schedule your interviews within 2-3 days of each other
More than likely, if a business wants you they'll decide and present the offer fairly quickly. I would keep all interviews within the same week. When you spread them out, you run the risk of being offered a job before you've even gotten the interview for the job you may have really wanted.
3. When offered employment, try to give a decision within 24-48 hours
It's common courtesy. They are a business after all, so they're sure to be very busy and in need of filling the position quickly. If you're not going to accept the offer, best to let them know as soon as you know. If you need to, feel free to steal my email from paragraph three.
4. When turning down an offer, be professional
You don't have to let the business know that you're turning down the offer because their pay is shit and the guy you interviewed with smells bad. You can say that you are looking for a more competitive salary and you don't feel the office environment is the right fit for your personality. Keep it classy.
5. When accepting an offer, be grateful in your email
You could say something along the lines of, "Dear [business], I'm so excited to become a part of your team. I know my [insert personality trait discussed in hiring interview] will contribute our company's mission to [insert mission statement]. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to prove my [insert key feature here]. Sincerely, Your Name
6. Show up AT LEAST 15 minutes early every day
When you're new, you need to make a good impression. Nobody likes a lazy co-worker. Get off your booty and show everyone that you're willing to do whatever it takes to help your company succeed!
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