Interviews

Guess what? I'm still unemployed! Guess what else? My bank balance is very nearly zero. Unfortunately I didn't get the job with Barclays - I'm not sure I really wanted it anyway. My agency said they gave feedback: "likeable guy, good answers, but answers not in-depth enough" - fair enough. It probably didn't help that I was honest with them about quitting my last job. I haven't heard back from the property insurance company but should have a decision by Monday. I'm just fresh from attempting my 2nd interview at 3... my agency, Search, informed me about the outcome of Barclays and that there were opportunities at 3 and also Abbey, and would I like to be put forward for interviews. I told them yes, and didn't mention that I'd been knocked back already! I thought, what the hell, nothing at all to lose, and chances are they might not recognise me and I might be able to "slip through the net". So I got up around 9am (unheard of for me on a Saturday), and went in for the assessment centre. Shortly after starting to fill out my application form (again), a lady came through and said "Duncan, can I have a word?" I went through and she'd sussed out that I'd already been for the interview and been rejected. I told her I'd tried to "slip through the net", and we had a laugh about it. I thanked her for spotting me before I completed the form and then left the building.

It's worth a mention that out of all the employment agencies I've registered with so far, Search (Glasgow) have been the most helpful; they genuinely seem to care about finding you a job. If you know anyone looking for work then give them a try.

So that's that... my next steps over the next few days will be to sign on, register with more agencies, and go for more interviews, because like I say, I'm not too fussy now and will take anything (within reason). In the meantime I've also sent my CV off for software/IT jobs I saw on S1.

Amidst all this misery and despair of being knocked back for call centre jobs, two more positive opportunities have arisen; the first is that there is a software company looking to train up people from scratch, and I gather that they give you a month's trial and if you're good enough they will offer you a permanent contract. There is a presentation on Tuesday followed by a brief one-to-one interview. The second is that I've got an interview with Graham Technology on Tuesday Nov 1st. I'd be keen on that but the only problem is how to commute there without my own transport. Two options would be bus to Erskine and then walk over some fields, or alternatively, enquire about a lift from my old ESE comrade, C.G.R, who works there.

Changing the subject, I called Edzell re the deposit for my old (penthouse) flat. The guy said they were still waiting for a bill from the plasterer before they can deduct the amount and also (more annoyingly) he only just mentioned that before they can issue me with the cheque they need to see proof of the bills (council tax & gas & elec) having being paid! This normally wouldn't be an issue but I've paid off my half and the final bills have now been forwarded to Shagger to pay his half. Basically this means I've got to chase up Shagger to pay his bills before I get my deposit back!! I'm pissed off too because the guy should have mentioned that in the first place. On the positive, Edzell reassured me that the cheque will be sent only to me, but I'm wondering whether I'll ever get to see it. It's a shame because I could really use the money.

Well, I just hope for my sake I figure out something soon. I've got an overdraft as backup but don't want to eat too much into it.

Cheerio.