New York City Transit Strike and Being Sick

Millions of New Yorkers have been harmed by the city’s latest transit strike. Most are finding a way of getting to work, getting errands done, and generally staying mobile. But the loss of mass transit has made the already stressful process of getting to and from work almost intolerable. And with the holidays right around the corner, little gets done at work at this time of the year even without a strike, so many workers have decided to avoid the mess and instead work from home.
Coincidentally, I wasn’t able to get much work done today either, although my situation wasn’t due to the transit strike. Instead, I was knocked sideways (not as bad as being knocked backwards) by some kind of virus. Almost like the flu. Almost like the common cold. But not quite either. Yet due to the incredible advances in modern communication, I was able to be almost as productive from my living room as from my office. I checked and returned emails. I instant messaged with key vendors. I talked on the phone with a client. And I participated in a conference call during which we won a significant new client.

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All I Want For Christmas Is An Interview!!

Watching TV one night last week, I saw one of those Capitol One commercials with the Viking invaders ; you know, the ones where they are always looking for new jobs because everyone is switching to Capitol One? Anyway, the heavyset, bald Viking who is supposed to be the leader declares that, after several scenes depicting embarrassing, holiday-themed follies on the part of his men, “All we want for Christmas is our dignity!”
Like most people, the images in the advertisement were meant to cause a bit of a chuckle on the part of the audience, and I was no exception. More so, actually, since the punch line rang with a bit of truth in my case. Looking for employment is not easy, and its hard to keep one’s chin up at times. After a meager holiday season, I’m slowly depleting my savings as I look for work. Although I’ve landed some freelance projects, all have been unpaid. Which is fine; it builds the resume. But, sooner or later, we all need money.

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Merry New Year! (Or is it Happy Christmas? I forget…)

Happy (fill-in-the-blank) Holiday and have a Merry New Year! (or something like that.) Plus, a big congrats to my fellow bloggers who walked away with the prestigious Best Blog Awards from Recruiting.com. (I am just happy to have been nominated.)

Special Kudos to Shally and my co-bloggers: Gretchen, Jenna and Julie. See you all at Starbucks!

Personal Loans For Self Employed Applicants

Many people are attracted to the benefits of self-employment, from setting your own hours and being your own boss to having control over the development of your business and career. The control over your lifestyle and work is a good reward for the risks involved in setting out on your own. But there are definite challenges involved also. One of the most daunting aspects of self-employment is finding credit. Lenders are often wary of lending to someone who is self employed, particularly if they are new to it and cannot provide proof of steady income.

However, as the character of the UK economy continues to change, and lifelong employment from a single company becomes ever more rare, banks and other lenders are becoming increasingly willing to lend to the self-employed. In fact, now, a self employed person is just as likely to get approval for a mortgage or other loan as someone in more traditional employment. Improvements in credit checks, which allow lenders to see how you cope with debt in general, as well as other changes in lending practices mean that borrowing for the self employed is now easier and faster.

Your Credit Score

Today, lenders can make immediate decisions on whether or not to lend, based exclusively on your credit score. Credit reports are becoming more important than proofs of income, and a self employed person who pays all bills and monthly payments on other loans on time, will have every chance of obtaining a loan. These same credit reports are what allow banks to make rapid decisions for lending to traditionally employed applicants also.

As self employment increases in popularity, lenders are beginning to compete for a market share in this increasingly lucrative market. The terms and rates available are pretty much the same as for other loans and definitely far better than what they used to be. In fact, if you have borrowed as a self-employed worker in the past, now may be the time to refinance such loans with better rates and terms.

Secured or Unsecured Loan

Another issue to consider is whether you want a secured or unsecured loan. Secured loans generally offer better rates and are secured over your home or automobile usually. However, if you are unable to repay the loan, the security is used instead. Now that unsecured loans are becoming easier to obtain, you should perhaps consider this option, particularly if the loan is being used for business purposes as it means you home or car will be less at risk from repossession.

The bottom line is that today, the self-employed have more options than ever before so don

The Interviewing Experience

Many employers like to see not only a solid grade point average, but also a good amount of extra curricular activity. It has been my experience that most of the questions on interviews relate to character traits, leadership positions outside of school, past jobs, and/or other voluntary activities.
During my most recent interview, I was asked about leadership positions before college, and ideas that I gave to a former boss. The interviewer didn’t ask one question about my college experience; however I was required to bring them a copy of my transcript.
Also, I found it interesting that three different people interviewed me: first the recruiter, then the IT director, and then a project leader. After the three-hour process, I was exhausted; however, I did have a good insight into the company.

Taxes are going to kill me

I was told that, because I would work for the Belgian government, I’d get hired local (NYC) but I would pay taxes in my home country! And I can tell you that’s A LOT
People around here told me I wouldn’t make it, they’ve lived in the city for a while and know the costs much better than I do.
I looked at some apt’s though, I’ve found a couple of good ones for a ‘reasonable’ price (in comparison to what is out there), and I did some numbers… I think I might make it, but there are always additional costs that you don’t know of in advance!
Anyway, let’s see if I get the job first! It’s already Wednesday, and they told me they would decide by the end of the week: SO, let’s keep our fingers crossed!

Try Temping

I am currently unemployed/between jobs. My solution: temping. I am registered with three temp agencies. Temp agencies “work” for us and help alleviate job-hunting stress. Temping also gives me a paycheck, while I am searching for a permanent, full-time job.
Though some temp assignments are unstable and may end abruptly, they are certainly a solution to our ever-changing, rocky job market. There is hope for anyone who feels like they’ll never get hired. I’ve been there.

Get Yourself Ready To Impress During A Phone Interview

Preparing for an interview over the phone is primarily a mental exercise, and something that is easy to prepare for. It is the second impression that you will make on a hiring decision maker

Try not to break it 007!

A little birdy told me about a new toy Indeed has released. If you have GTalk, send a ‘hello’ to indeedjobs. Then follow the directions and find yourself a new job!

If this sounds a little cloak and dagger to you, give Indeed a buzz (through GTalk) yourself and see what happens.

Belgium Mission

Monday –> yesterday, I had my interview at the UN (Belgium Mission). The whole interview took like 2 hours, and I needed to express myself in Dutch, French and English. Everything went well. However, I was a bit scared for my French because it’s been a while… but I was pleasantly surprised. It went well!!
Today, Tuesday 20th, I had to go back to take some tests… I needed to translate texts from Dutch to English and from French to Dutch. I also had some exercises in Excel, to see if I fully knew the program. Again, everything went well and they might call me back for one last interview this week. Plus, they will have their final answer by the end of the week too.
There are some negative things though… The pay is actually really good, but considering I need to live in Manhattan or surrounding areas it will be tight. Both times I went there they talked about the money issue, and told me to be aware of how difficult it might be. Plus, if I get the job I need to go back to Belgium to pick up my visa, which is an extra cost. But, it’s worth to see my family again! If I get hired by the mission, I’ll get a working visa for five years –> Which is really good!!
I thought (if I get the job) about taking on an extra job… something light, not commanding at all, for the extra money. But, they told me today that my workig visa only applies to the UN. So, that idea is out of the question.
I’m really excited about the job! It would be a very good experience!! There are some negative things though, but we can’t have everything in life so…
If somebody knows some good apartments for rent in Manhattan, or cheaper neighbourhoods… you can always send me an e-mail at kaat.verlinden@gmail.com. I don’t have the job yet, but I might as well be prepared for it, right?
PS: The city was a mess today!! The subway didn’t work.. aj aj aj!