So over the New Years holiday my cousin and her husband took me out to lunch. They then asked me a bunch of questions about my job and if I would be moving to the city. This turned a good chunk of lunch into me letting everything out. It felt very good and I got a good deal of information from them.
The first was that even if I took a week in the city I would probably not be able to find a job in that time frame. Let alone be hired that fast. Even if I went through a hiring agency it would still take time. She also finally gave me the name of the hiring company that she knows and deals with. She said to call this one woman there and to drop her name. Because it's always who you know to get your foot in the door. This is the place that she sent her sister to as well.
But when she said I would probably have to live in the city for a month and need to have a few thousand dollars saved up is what made me worry.
That started a conversation about my current financial standing. And my mom.
She recomended going to the library and checking out some books by Suzy Orman. Her website http://www.suzeorman.com is amazing. I have only poked around the resorce tool section so far but I will definatly check out her book from the library.
Then my cousin told me I needed to find a nice way of telling my mom to get the hell away from my finances. She was even more adamant about this after hearing the full story about why there had been a race to move out with my sister. This led into the whole college situation and ended with me really needing to sit my mom down for a talk. Which I am totally not looking forward to.
So, while not the best thing to talk about over the holidays it did give me a great out look for the coming year.
Showing posts with label NYC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NYC. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
Cranky Hiring Agents in New York City pt2
Last night I spoke with a third New York City hiring agent. She called while I was stuck in traffic but I figured what the hey?
She was very eager to actually talk with me. But I could hear her sails deflating when I explained the whole 'not living in the city right now' thing to her. She did try and wiggle out of the conversation as soon as she heard that but when pressed answered my questions.
When I ask about the possablity of jobs with out an inperson meeting she shot it right down.
She also had no intention of possably saying something that could be held over her. A clear sign to me that someone had done that to her before. She did say that an interview for a job the same week i meet with her could happen but it depended on how many opening came her way. I told her I wasn't looking for a guarantee but just to see how I might schedule my time needed to be there. She was a little startled but went with it.
This was all I was looking for.
So, now I know that hiring agents in New York City, and possibly in general, do not read cover letters. They are just looking for people they can use to get a better turn over for their commission. Which is fine, but I am amazed that they would waste so much time talking with people they could have quickly eliminated as candidates. I also found that they have no idea were my city is and possibly never hear/read the news.
But! It gave me a very good out look of the time line needed to set interviews for a trip. It also confirmed the fact that I am a dime a dozen. A degree would give me the edge I need for the job market so I can make some headway.
She was very eager to actually talk with me. But I could hear her sails deflating when I explained the whole 'not living in the city right now' thing to her. She did try and wiggle out of the conversation as soon as she heard that but when pressed answered my questions.
When I ask about the possablity of jobs with out an inperson meeting she shot it right down.
She also had no intention of possably saying something that could be held over her. A clear sign to me that someone had done that to her before. She did say that an interview for a job the same week i meet with her could happen but it depended on how many opening came her way. I told her I wasn't looking for a guarantee but just to see how I might schedule my time needed to be there. She was a little startled but went with it.
This was all I was looking for.
So, now I know that hiring agents in New York City, and possibly in general, do not read cover letters. They are just looking for people they can use to get a better turn over for their commission. Which is fine, but I am amazed that they would waste so much time talking with people they could have quickly eliminated as candidates. I also found that they have no idea were my city is and possibly never hear/read the news.
But! It gave me a very good out look of the time line needed to set interviews for a trip. It also confirmed the fact that I am a dime a dozen. A degree would give me the edge I need for the job market so I can make some headway.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cranky Hiring Agents in New York City
I know they can be a wonderful way of finding employment, but if you are not living in the city they will not be able to do much for you. And if they did contact you then they probably did not read your cover letter that says you don't like in the area. Also you need a think skin when dealing with them.
But let me start again.
I sent out some responces to Craigslist postings. Most have resulted in scam e-mails telling me to go to a website that they linked to so you can get your credit scores or take an IQ test. Aside from the e-mail links showing a diffrent site when you hover the mouse over them, the e-mail addresses they were sent from will not accept responces. I have accepted this challenge and pass them by.
However, silly me thought that the real companies would actually take a moment to look at my cover letter. In which I state that I do not live near the city and can't meet for an interview without some planing. I figured that they would read this in consideration or that they would delete the e-mail. I had no idea they would actually call me and expect me to see them the same day for an interview for their hiring agency with out reading the cover letter.
I have had contact with two agents so far. The gentleman hemmed and hawed a little and complained that i wasn't living in the city. The conversation lasted maybe five minuets and had many little red flags waving at me. I sent him a polite e-mail saying I understand this, would understand that nothing would come my way and that at some point later in time when I will be out there I will pop him a message to see if he'd like to talk again. I knew it wasn't going to work out and gave him the best out possable.
I have mixed feeling about this. I am boggled by the lack of grammar skills and that he bothered to send a separate e-mail response, possibly by blackberry. I am pissed because it seems like an slap in the face but most of all I just can't grasp that he would waist the time to send this pointless e-mail to state what we spoke about.
The woman... I have changed my oppinion of her.
She used one - two word sentences in e-mails from her black berry. Red Flag one.
When she requested I call her, then tell me on the line 'e-mail' then quickly rattled off that she was on the line with three other calls and to e-mail her when to meet. Red Flag two.
I took this all as a sign that I should look elsewhere.
I sent the same e-mail to her as the other gentlemen (actually, i e-mailed her first and then used it for him.) thinking that was it and that she would probably be relived. Imagine my shock when I find an e-mail from her asking me to let her know when I'm in the city next.
Now, I'm probably looking into this with rose colored glasses, yet it's still a nicer response then the other guy. I will be dropping her a line when I get a chance to be in the city.
Interpretation has a lot to do with it. Both side of a conversation could be hearing different things. The guy could be telling me not to waste my time contacting him again or he could be trying to explain why it could take a long time to get back to me. Like wise the woman could be trying to keep connected or she could just be sending it to be polite. In the digital age I just can't be sure.
So... I'm going to hope for the best.
But let me start again.
I sent out some responces to Craigslist postings. Most have resulted in scam e-mails telling me to go to a website that they linked to so you can get your credit scores or take an IQ test. Aside from the e-mail links showing a diffrent site when you hover the mouse over them, the e-mail addresses they were sent from will not accept responces. I have accepted this challenge and pass them by.
However, silly me thought that the real companies would actually take a moment to look at my cover letter. In which I state that I do not live near the city and can't meet for an interview without some planing. I figured that they would read this in consideration or that they would delete the e-mail. I had no idea they would actually call me and expect me to see them the same day for an interview for their hiring agency with out reading the cover letter.
I have had contact with two agents so far. The gentleman hemmed and hawed a little and complained that i wasn't living in the city. The conversation lasted maybe five minuets and had many little red flags waving at me. I sent him a polite e-mail saying I understand this, would understand that nothing would come my way and that at some point later in time when I will be out there I will pop him a message to see if he'd like to talk again. I knew it wasn't going to work out and gave him the best out possable.
For some odd reasion he responded. This is his entire e-mail:
And though it is not easy you are not unique to us
I will do my best
I have more of an obstacle with the time of year versus your location
I have mixed feeling about this. I am boggled by the lack of grammar skills and that he bothered to send a separate e-mail response, possibly by blackberry. I am pissed because it seems like an slap in the face but most of all I just can't grasp that he would waist the time to send this pointless e-mail to state what we spoke about.
The woman... I have changed my oppinion of her.
She used one - two word sentences in e-mails from her black berry. Red Flag one.
When she requested I call her, then tell me on the line 'e-mail' then quickly rattled off that she was on the line with three other calls and to e-mail her when to meet. Red Flag two.
I took this all as a sign that I should look elsewhere.
I sent the same e-mail to her as the other gentlemen (actually, i e-mailed her first and then used it for him.) thinking that was it and that she would probably be relived. Imagine my shock when I find an e-mail from her asking me to let her know when I'm in the city next.
Now, I'm probably looking into this with rose colored glasses, yet it's still a nicer response then the other guy. I will be dropping her a line when I get a chance to be in the city.
Interpretation has a lot to do with it. Both side of a conversation could be hearing different things. The guy could be telling me not to waste my time contacting him again or he could be trying to explain why it could take a long time to get back to me. Like wise the woman could be trying to keep connected or she could just be sending it to be polite. In the digital age I just can't be sure.
So... I'm going to hope for the best.
Friday, December 10, 2010
A Battle of Cover Letters
Which I will be sending out tonight. I should have sent some out last night but I didn't want to stay up late. I was also chased out of the kitchen by the latest Indiana Jones movie. And the last thing I want to do is try and drive to my current job in the snow on a small amount of sleep.
But this time there seem to be more openings nearer to me. Which is good because if I can get a closer job I will save on gas. Which will let me save up and pay other small bills.
I am probably jinxing myself now but I found the perfect job in New York City for myself. This is the one I should have applied to last night. I am not going to bed tonight until I do. It will require a completely different kind of cover letter then I am used to writing because I think I have figured out what I did wrong.
What I didn't put in my letter was why I was trying to move.
It seems like a small non-essential detail but it actually says quite a bit. It lets the company know that I do have an immediate place to stay and that there is a plan to get there. It also implies that this isn't a frivolous job search but a serious hunt. As well as availiblity to travle out there for interviews.
On the down side if not written right it will sound like I'm desperate and trying a sob story.
The second idea I had was to apply with a hiring agency that was in the city. The bad said is most of the jobs they can offer would be temp to hire. I'm more then terrified of that kind of position.
So tonight I wrack my brain and try not to worry too much that I sound stupid.
But this time there seem to be more openings nearer to me. Which is good because if I can get a closer job I will save on gas. Which will let me save up and pay other small bills.
I am probably jinxing myself now but I found the perfect job in New York City for myself. This is the one I should have applied to last night. I am not going to bed tonight until I do. It will require a completely different kind of cover letter then I am used to writing because I think I have figured out what I did wrong.
What I didn't put in my letter was why I was trying to move.
It seems like a small non-essential detail but it actually says quite a bit. It lets the company know that I do have an immediate place to stay and that there is a plan to get there. It also implies that this isn't a frivolous job search but a serious hunt. As well as availiblity to travle out there for interviews.
On the down side if not written right it will sound like I'm desperate and trying a sob story.
The second idea I had was to apply with a hiring agency that was in the city. The bad said is most of the jobs they can offer would be temp to hire. I'm more then terrified of that kind of position.
So tonight I wrack my brain and try not to worry too much that I sound stupid.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
High Cost of Living
So, I mentioned my last post to my mom & aunt over the weekend and they thought that $2,000 was far too much for a studio. They then commandeered my laptop and proceeded to show me what they were talking about. There was in fact a studio apartment for $1,250. They also said I would need about $500 for food because they insist that I would be eating out a lot. I was about to tell them 'maybe after I found friends' when they said my cousins would probably kidnap me all the time.
But! I can't really trust their numbers because not only are they, my mom and aunt, not living in the city right now. But they also are basing spending money on my sis and cousin. both of which have very active social lives. It crazy just how many people my sister knows.
Regardless I still need to save up $10,000 - $15,000 before I can consider moving. :-(
But! I can't really trust their numbers because not only are they, my mom and aunt, not living in the city right now. But they also are basing spending money on my sis and cousin. both of which have very active social lives. It crazy just how many people my sister knows.
Regardless I still need to save up $10,000 - $15,000 before I can consider moving. :-(
Apartments in New York City
Every once in a while I will poke around to look at floor plans for New York City apartments. It's like an addiction. Fortunately it's an addiction I don't have to pay for yet.
Tribeca Green My favorite so far.
The Brodskyorg Organization This one seems to have a lot to choose from.
The Avalon Communities Interesting floor plans.
Yeah, I dream big. And yes these are primarily managed apartments
Tribeca Green My favorite so far.
The Brodskyorg Organization This one seems to have a lot to choose from.
The Avalon Communities Interesting floor plans.
Yeah, I dream big. And yes these are primarily managed apartments
Friday, September 3, 2010
What to do?
While looking at placement adds for New York City (the main city I would like to live in) it occored to me that I would have to pay rent while I'm out there. I thought 'ok, no big deal. How much could it be?' so I wasn't all that worried. I know people out there and they have said they would put me up for a month or so.
So I did a little math.
A studio, just you, in a decent area would run about $2000 a month.
Assume:
$200 for food
$300 utilities + cable + cell/blackberry
$350 current car payment
$350 parking garage
$100 car insurance
$100 fun money
$90 gas
That's $3,190 a Month or $38,280 a Year. So I would have to make at least $40k a year after taxes to survive and have something saved up incase of an emergancy. Even knowing my numbers are higher because I'm not sure what the utilities would be, this is still a good punch to the gut.
Rehashing the numbers I took out the parking ($34,080yr). Then the cars payments ($29,880yr). This is assuming that I can park on the street and don't have to get my car Which gave me a much better number. Until I looked at the average pay for someone like me ($20,000 - $45,000yr).
As of right now I don't have very much saved up. I defiantly do not have enough to attempt to move to the city. Maybe if my family put me up for half a year I could make ends meet but do not want to do that to them. To successful I think I would need at least $10,000 - $15,000 in the bank. Unfortunatly right now there is no way I can save up that kind of money at my current job and with my car payments. My job is the harder part to fix, no one is hiring right now for my job position. My car payments will be done in three years, so that's right out.
Right now, assuming I stay at my current job, it will probably take 6 years to save up what I need. That is a long time and I will be 34 years old. This is not a happy thought. Perhaps if I skip out on family trips I could shave a year off that total... maybe if I got a second job I could save more faster. I'll have to look into it more.
So I did a little math.
A studio, just you, in a decent area would run about $2000 a month.
Assume:
$200 for food
$300 utilities + cable + cell/blackberry
$350 current car payment
$350 parking garage
$100 car insurance
$100 fun money
$90 gas
That's $3,190 a Month or $38,280 a Year. So I would have to make at least $40k a year after taxes to survive and have something saved up incase of an emergancy. Even knowing my numbers are higher because I'm not sure what the utilities would be, this is still a good punch to the gut.
Rehashing the numbers I took out the parking ($34,080yr). Then the cars payments ($29,880yr). This is assuming that I can park on the street and don't have to get my car Which gave me a much better number. Until I looked at the average pay for someone like me ($20,000 - $45,000yr).
As of right now I don't have very much saved up. I defiantly do not have enough to attempt to move to the city. Maybe if my family put me up for half a year I could make ends meet but do not want to do that to them. To successful I think I would need at least $10,000 - $15,000 in the bank. Unfortunatly right now there is no way I can save up that kind of money at my current job and with my car payments. My job is the harder part to fix, no one is hiring right now for my job position. My car payments will be done in three years, so that's right out.
Right now, assuming I stay at my current job, it will probably take 6 years to save up what I need. That is a long time and I will be 34 years old. This is not a happy thought. Perhaps if I skip out on family trips I could shave a year off that total... maybe if I got a second job I could save more faster. I'll have to look into it more.
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