Back to square one?

I heard back from the interviewer and they said they went in a different direction. However, they would like to consider me as a freelance if any opportunities come up. I expressed my interest in future opportunities and asked for any feedback. I haven't heard from them, so I have no idea if I will get any feedback.

It will be really nice if they do have any freelance gigs available for me to work on. I could use the experience and network for sure.

Speaking of freelance, I put out a status on my LinkedIn and received a response to video edit for an indie show. I took a look at one of the episodes they had available, and I am not sure if I want to edit it. I want to edit projects that I know I could use in my portfolio, not just to pay the bills. The client has asked if I wanted to try editing an episode and what my rate was... I'm still contemplating about it. I'm very careful of what I work on now, because I need to have quality work to show future gigs/employers.

After attending five interviews and being rejected so many times... I've decided that right now, I should get a FT job that has great management, a fast-paced environment, 9 - 5 ish kind of hours, and a great team with many opportunities to grow. I will then pursue my passions on the side, and see if I can do freelancing work in graphic design and video editing (if possible) and maybe even basic website design/maintenance. This takes me back to square one, which is what I was doing when I was out of school, focusing on these interests on the side.

 Freelance video editing is a bit difficult if I have a FT day job, since it usually requires meeting up with the client during working hours, and then discussing their needs, and sometimes they want a videographer as well. Also, I found it has been quite difficult to find clients. I need a mentor.

Freelance graphic design/web design could have the same challenge too, except I think it's much easier because edits can be asked and followed-up through e-mail. But there's also the challenge of work hours... then again, I might just have to find clients who don't have the same work hours as I would, such as auto dealers, retailers, independent businesses, etc. So there is options for sure.

I read a posting saying I should stick with a job for at least two years, otherwise employers might think that a short-term job history could be repeated at their own company. For me, I have been working with temp jobs in the past, so I think it's time to find a good solid job for a couple of years.

So what kind of jobs should I look at while I pursue my passions in media?

I'm looking at HR admin/assistant roles, admin assistant roles and industries in oil & gas, real estate and other services. I'm also looking at marketing too, but it's been a challenge from the history of job interviews I've had.

I will continue to stay optimistic and positive. I will find an awesome job and pursue my passions!

Hmmm...

It's getting close to March. If I don't count the small jobs I have done, it will be a 7 month job search so far. Yikes! If I do count my small jobs, then, I've only been job hunting for a month and a half to two months, so that's not bad.

But 7 months... ack.

I'm just trying to think about what I should apply to...

I'm waiting to hear back from my interview last week. The interviewer mentioned they would make a decision mid-week, this week. It's Thursday now.

I've been applying to a few marketing-related jobs, but I haven't heard back yet. Reviews for applications takes time.

I tried to look at temp jobs, but some of the agencies I've looked at will not consider me because I specified that I was looking for roles in marketing and communications, when all they have at the moment is administrative jobs not in those fields, or in very small companies where growth to those departments is non-existent... and they want some one long term, and don't have any temp jobs, so I'm not being considered.

I'm looking at other job agencies. Maybe I can find a one month or two month assignment?

There are also some oil and gas companies hiring for reception and office admin positions... but I'm very hesitant, because I really didn't like those roles in the past. But then, some of these positions include marketing duties, so I do have some interest in the position.

Ah, what to do...

I'll keep applying to roles I want to work in, and roles where I could get my foot in the door. I have to remember that I am in control of accepting an offer, so there's nothing to be hesitant about when I apply.

I guess I'm just hesitant because I know I'm starting to get desperate for a job... just like I did during my last job search...

Ideally, I'd like to find a long term role, but if it is long term, it has to be in my career choice or with really good flexibility to move up to my desired position.

Re-thinking

Good news!

- The video production team from the company I interviewed at contacted me. I replied to their e-mail expressing my interest in helping them with video editing. I hope I get a positive response!

- I got shortlisted for a position I applied to two months ago. I honestly thought they weren't going to reply to my application, so I took off the positing from my saved postings. The next day, they emailed me and asked me to fill out a form to determine the candidates they would call for an interview. I'm hoping to here before the end of next week!

- I applied for a junior position at a marketing company. The next day, I received an invite for an interview. The interview is next week! I am starting to ask to do mock interviews again. I haven't done 'proper' or any mock interviews for the last few times I have prepared for interviews, and I really think that's something I need to do again. I need to learn what works, and know what I need to improve.

Lots of leads!! Now it's my turn again to determine if I'll get the job.

I realized what I may be lacking is enthusiasm. Showing passion for the position, and having a presence that they would love to work with together.

My boyfriend gave me some very good advice (he always does!) :D

 I need to show my own personality as well. I am a mix of bubbly, but I am also really calm too. But I think I definitely need to be natural, show my enthusiasm and passion and give a good presence!

I am starting from square one and reading on interview tips as I used to before. I am also writing down what I did well at my previous interviews, and what I think I could improve on.

One article I read said to envision yourself in the position, the excitement that you have for the position and the company, all the things you love about it, and then proceed to the interview with that same enthusiasm. I think this is a solid tip, that's something I haven't done much, so I will try it.

Follow Up

I decided to follow up yesterday and I received a reply today.

The company decided to go forward with another applicant, however, they would still like to keep me as a candidate as their team is expanding. Yay!! That makes me super happy. Another thing is that they've forwarded my name to their video production team for any contracts that made come up from time to time, and I could help with editing. That means a lot to me, as I really do want to work this company. I would love to be able to help them with future opportunities!

I am still sad about not receiving the role, as I've been looking for jobs for so long... It's been about 6 months already. I was able to find three jobs during that time (two I took, and one I declined), and the jobs that I actually accepted did not turn out to be the right fit.

Right now I'm looking for any temporary roles in admin jobs. I can consider reception... aiming for short term assignments that are about 1 - 3 months in length. It would be nice to experience different and better cultures/environments/industries. And also, I'm looking for long term commitments in my industry, but that is the long term goal.

Tomorrow, I'm going to call up two recruiting agencies. Hopefully I can get an interview for this week or/and early next week. I'm really looking forward to working again.

Patience

I picked up my internship paycheque. It feels so good to be paid again.

The marketing assistant job I was interviewed for, was put on hold by the client. I was signed up as an associate, so that I would be ready to go if there were any jobs that needed to be filled in the mean time. The recruiter will let me know of the status when available.

It's almost been a week since the company I interviewed for, said they would be finished with interviews and reviewing candidates, I will follow up with them this Wednesday, but hopefully I will hear from them tomorrow.

I looked at jobs today, and there weren't a lot posted for a Monday... most jobs I found were outside of my skillset, or for summer students. I should've done a summer student job when I was in school! Such a good way to get experience.

I will be patient and keep on applying for jobs and being persistent in my job search and interviews.