I have been quite lucky in the last year.
After my business folding in December 2009, I was filled with absolute fear about getting a job.
I managed to get a very nicely paid contracting position with a Telecoms company, which was not I.T based (I am an I.T noob) and a role I knew nothing about.
That finished in August as the project was complete but as always, I tried to make a big impression on my boss. This involved working hard and working long. As far as I was concerned, they were paying me handsomly for what I was doing, so I owed them more than the permanent members of the team. I still don't know how I managed to get the job as I was not really qualified but in the interview, I acknowledged this issue but I think I must have left the impression I would learn quickly.
I then managed to get onto another project at a bank which lasted for a couple of months. That came to an end in the last week of November and again, I panicked as it was coming up to Christmas. One day later, my previous boss calls me back as they needed someone for another project. it appears that my hard work had paid off as I was on the only contractor who got the call and I jumped at the chance.
That has now finished again and guess what, my old boss at the bank has called me as they want me back there on Monday for 6 months minimum.
I am not sure why I am really typing this out as I know some of you chaps have been struggling to even obtain interviews. I can fully sympathise, but I suppose what I am getting at is, is that when an opportunity arrises, grab it with both hands. Impressions make all the difference. I have two high level managers who will hopefully think of me first when they need someone, even if I am not the most qualified.
My situation is still not ideal as I have no long term security, but at least this gives me the time to explore other avenues, as I hope to work fully for myself again this year and from then on till retirement.
Best of luck to you all.
