So poor I can't even pay attention

Piquant_2

Hiya Maty

Yes, I've got the end bit of project done, I think I've been putting off sending it off in case I'm told my writing is rubbish! I've rewritten the darn thing so many times...

I have a job to apply for, an agency sent it to me, but don't understand what their end client is looking for. I'm going to explain to them why the client is not looking for an analyst, but someone who can explain what an analyst is talking about. Painful. They've taken a brief and not understood a word of it! I will then rewrite my CV to be that person. Also will apply directly now I know who the client is!

How's life in MatyMoo land?

Piq

DawnW

Piquant wrote: »

I think I've been putting off sending it off in case I'm told my writing is rubbish! Piq

They won't tell you that

Lemon_Tree

of course they won't tell you your writing is terrible, it's fab if your thread is anything to go by.

the Captain sounds like a wonderful horse very caring, i'm wondering if purple for a horse is like pink for me, i hate all things pink. Just cos i'm a girl doesn't mean i have to like pink i never saw that written down anywhere in the girl handbook, maybe it's the same for self respecting horses.

Piquant_2

Thank you for your votes of confidence, very much appreciated.

I've just walked to the Post Office and sent off my assignment, used my last stamp, thus ensuring a NSD as well! The wind is biting, it may be a sunny day, but the wind is spoiling it.

Now onwards with assignment 2, the research piece first, meaning plenty of trawling through the internet and a visit to the library. Maybe I should choose a subject first? Perhaps it's time to be conventional and abide by the rules!

Before I can do that, I must do a job search, I have one to apply for, I'll be getting on with that shortly.

LT, I love pink, but only the odd bit, you won't find me going out doing a Barbie impression. I have a pair of shocking pink shoes I am very fond of, however, when I wear them I make sure I'm wearing a black dress. There's no need to frighten the natives!

Piq

I'll pop back later for a further update. Have a lovely day...

Piquant_2

If any of my friends are reading this, I'd appreciate some advice.

I've just seen a job as a Park Ranger and I quite fancy it, maybe it comes with a Yogi Bear ranger type uniform :j

Seriously, I have no experience what so ever. I come from a branding/design background, here is the job description

Looking after the Park, its wildlife, marine life and amazing heritage; engaging visitors and local community, being part of the Heritage Centre. You need skills in countryside management, volunteering, visitor events, activities.

I love the outdoor life, think horse, I have management experience (but not in countryside management), events experience and client engagement and have worked in a voluntary capacity for community projects.

Obviously my CV bears no relevance at all and for the life of me I can't think how to start a letter. I'm not at all sure why I'm thinking about going for it, as the wages are tiny and I'd be living on bread and water forever, but it might be fun!

I've just re-read the post and think the killer is lack of countryside management experience.

Piq

lucielle

You never know unless you try and I personally think common sense is under rated!
L

Lemon_Tree

i personally think you should give it a go, who says experience isn't transferable?? not me! and if you don't then i think you'll kick yourself.
As to countryside management experience - have you ever mown the lawn? picked up a dead beasty? fed the birds? picked up a stick? i'd say they would all count lol

Cheery_Daff

Ooh, exciting stuff! No harm in applying (although having applied for a few in this field they do tend to be rather popular - and plenty of folk have done years of volunteering waiting for a post like this!)

However - that's not to put you off. I bet you're more experienced than you think. Let's have a little look...

* Looking after the Park, its wildlife, marine life and amazing heritage - have you visited the park? What do you know about it? Is there a museum - have you been to it? Any local events, walks, exhibitions you've been to? Do you live locally? Do you know anything about heritage in other areas (history of a cemetery or anything) that you could perhaps apply? Has there been a local project you could read up on?

* engaging visitors and local community - have you ever done this in another job? Worked in a shop, or a pub? Do you work with people at the stables? Show visitors round? Are you involved in your community in another way - part of a job, or a neighbourhood group?

* being part of the Heritage Centre - that sounds like they might be roping you in to work in the heritage centre Is there a shop? A cafe? Have you worked in one before? Have you visited the heritage centre - what's it like?

* skills in countryside management - you must know some stuff from being around horses. Have you ever done any volunteer work outside?

* volunteering, visitor events, activities - have you volunteered yourself, for anything? If so, you have an understanding of what it's like to be a volunteer - and you know that they MUST have something to do so they don't stand around feeling like a lemon and like they're wasting their time! And they must be given tea, and cake Have you been part of events elsewhere? Ever run any educational activities for children, or community groups - or anyone else? ever been to any?

Exciting times! Makes me remember how much I once wanted to be part of that world myself - must think about that again

I think you're right though - it'll be the lack of countryside management experience that might get you, especially since there's HUGE amounts of people doing voluntary roles like this one in the hope of a paid job (or at least there was when I did it!). However - what do you have that they don't? What can you bring from your own experience? They may well be short on skills around promoting the park, running events, getting people to use the park and donate money/time etc - there will be other people who know about hedge laying etc - your skills might be more rare.

Certainly no harm in giving them a ring, or applying anyway! xx

missrlr

Afternoon all - back for a graze on the proverbial hedgerow (a la Captain) as we hurtle down the road of life.
Today I have mostly ended up roping myself into a lot more work. This is bad and I think I need a rethink.
Wind is evil here too, and I washed my long winter coat (perhaps optimistically) meaning i have only the shorter one to wear and my knees are cold as a consequence .... bad planning there!

Best of luck with the job hunting, and you know the saying nothing ventured nothing gained. Go down and have a chat to them, you never know there may be some gems of insight that assist you if you think it is a job for you!

Piquant_2

Thank you! What excellent advice. I think I might pay the park a visit tomorrow (let's hope the wind dies down a bit, there's nothing quite like a woman with mad hair asking about a job).

I hadn't thought about all the volunteers that would work there and want the job, but on the other hand, surely one of them would have slipped in and saved the bother of advertising and through an agency too.

Once I've seen it I'll have a better idea of whether I want to work there and, more importantly, how to write a letter that gives me an edge. I think hanging round the Heritage centre might be a good idea, it's easy to chat to staff and find out some inside information.

Thank you so much, you have all earned yourselves a treat, chocolate or wine, I will take the calorie hit for you all...

Piq