Nice people thread part 7 - a thread in its prime

michaels

M&S old fashioned suit (often double breasted), plain blue/grey/black shirt (ideally with pocket). Never cufflinks. Boring tie.

Dress down Friday = no tie

Although tbh I will tweak the perceived cost/smartness up or down depending where I am working and what the job is - technical work for the govt is definitely not a place where you want to draw attention to what you earn.

misskool

Nikkster wrote: »

But I've heard of plenty of rejected applications as too highly qualified (and so not likely to stick around longer than it takes for something better to come along). Personally, I wouldn't let it put me off applying (with a back up plan such as what you suggest).

of course. But the fine line is not having a degree. There are now very very few low level technician jobs at many universities. Core funded places have all been phased out at the last 2 places I've worked. If you stay on, you will have been moved to more administrative/health&safety type things. These days, we expect our students to do tasks previously assigned to technicians.

It's so rare to wash glassware that we only run our glass washer once a fortnight!

Also, if you have no experience in a university (ie research) environment, you will be at a significant disadvantage.

I have a job spec now going through and it's only a fixed term contract for one year but I've already had queries from 2 people who have PhD's. They are so few jobs that I know even the overqualified persons will take the job for a year. It's depressing.

Nikkster

misskool wrote: »

of course. But the fine line is not having a degree. There are now very very few low level technician jobs at many universities. Core funded places have all been phased out at the last 2 places I've worked. If you stay on, you will have been moved to more administrative/health&safety type things. These days, we expect our students to do tasks previously assigned to technicians.

It's so rare to wash glassware that we only run our glass washer once a fortnight!

Also, if you have no experience in a university (ie research) environment, you will be at a significant disadvantage.

I have a job spec now going through and it's only a fixed term contract for one year but I've already had queries from 2 people who have PhD's. They are so few jobs that I know even the overqualified persons will take the job for a year. It's depressing.

I wasn't even thinking of core funded posts, they are so rare! Though they still existed in my last place (not many though). I was thinking more of project-specific, but you are completely right that no research experience is a disadvantage - I forgot that I had that

Maybe it would be worth looking at temping too?

sss555s

zagubov wrote: »

This problem about cities on BBC1 has amazing graphics and information. Anybody else watching it?

It's like seeing what the future must be like!:D

That was a great program and the best thing I've seen in a while.

sss555s

Nikkster wrote: »

When my old job was advertised there were a LOT of applications. And that was despite it being not very well paid (funnily enough no internal applicants, but that is more to do with reputations I think). Having said that it was in Londinium. I think experience is the most important thing - and how that is 'sold' is what gets you to the interview (as in most jobs). Then it is pretty much how you come across as a person (not a complete liability, would be nice to work alongside etc) - esp if it is a low level job where they might not expect too much. On the other hand though, I think people do worry about overqualification meaning that you won't be around for long.

I am of the mindset of applying and letting the recruiter decide if you are 'unsuitable' (was why I applied for this job). Mind you, I'm still trying to work out what they saw in my application/ interview that made them take me on. They seem like a nice (and intelligent) lot, so I'm going along with their judgement as much as I can :rotfl:

The last job I applied for was in 1986. I've only done that job which roles evolved or been self employed ever since.

silvercar

I can't get out of bed and work in a dressing gown like some people,

I can if I'm really busy I often won't get dressed til mid morning. Working from home has its advantages.

Getting dressed to leave the house means shower+ washing /drying hair or shower + straightening frizz from shower out of hair. Clothes + jewellery + make-up.

Where I do voluntary work the dress code is skirts or dresses, smart trousers don't suit me, so all my work clothes are smart skirts or dresses- M&S, phase eight, fenn wright manson in the sale, kookai. Casual wear is jeans, blue or black and skinny leg with longish tops.

sss555s

Generali wrote: »

I ignore smart casual. It stops me going to interviews and I'd rather be the smartest than the scruffiest bloke in the room.

At meetings, training or trade shows I always try the be [STRIKE]the smartest[/STRIKE] one of the smartest there.

Then you are treated with respect, addressed and listened to. FACT!

sss555s

Nikkster wrote: »

Its not been a constant thing, but that was when I started earning (weekends and holidays) and I used to save the vast majority of my earnings. I also used to help my little bro with his weekly paper round when he couldn't be bothered to do it and that money went into my 'coppers and 5p' account (which I still add to when I have a full coin bag. even though the cashier is probably laughing at me).

I've definitely gone through less MSE phases (such as when I was an undergrad - I dread to think how much I spent on going out, but it was too much), but I've never blown all of my savings. And even when I haven't had much coming in, I get the same thrill from seeing my savings creep up bit by bit as when I am able to put a bit more aside.

I'm sure many people would have a lot more saved up over the same time period, but I'm also aware that many, many people don't. I lived with someone who pretty much had minus money for most of the time we were together :eek: (and not because they were splashing out on me whilst I was being Scrooge!)

Be proud. You will always do ok with money. That's a good quality :beer:

Spirit_2

LIR - the kitchen looks fab to me. I like free standing.

The gothic looking dresser - what will you do with that?

Generali

sss555s wrote: »

At meetings, training or trade shows I always try the be [STRIKE]the smartest[/STRIKE] one of the smartest there.

Then you are treated with respect, addressed and listened to. FACT!

It works for me.

A good suit will take you some way too. Ultimately there should be some substance underneath. I hate meetings where people are just bouncing barely understood corporate buzzwords off each other and not getting down to the substance.

I am working on one project currently and the woman I have to deal with doesn't want to say, "I can't do this so I need you to do it". Instead she wheels around the point like a golden eagle in a weak thermal. It seems magnificent but ultimately we're just going round in circles.