Job posting

[donnap99]

Yesterday I was having another one of those "I can't stand this any more" days - it's getting old having two bosses, and the latest yesterday was that I'm going to be moved to the highest traffic area of the floor. While I'm still grateful for having a job... I took a look at the online job board, and lo and behold, there was a position that looked quite interesting! I had just spoken with someone in that department yesterday as well, and thought maybe I would give her a call.

This morning rolled around and I had not given any more thought to it. Then guess what? This person called me as a follow up to yesterday's phone call, and mentioned that she's wrapping things up as this is her last week. OH REALLY - I thought - jump on the chance. I said "I noticed a job posted yesterday - is that your position?" Well, that led to a great conversation, followed by my sending her my (already updated and ready to go!) resume. She loves the job, but has earned her Master's in HR, and is moving within the university to an HR position.

What worries me is the unimpressive-ness of the positions I have held in the last 2.5 years. So this is the email I sent with the resume - does it sound OK?

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Dear XXX,

Attached is my resume for position # XXX. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me this morning. I have been looking for a position as described in the XXX post. They don't come up often.

Since early 2004 I have held positions which have been shared between two or more units. None of these positions have fully utilized the skills I have, and despite discussions since my hire, none of the plans to expand this position have come to fruition. If I may direct your attention to the duties I held at the Department of XXX for eight years, this more accurately describes my abilities and skills.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Regards,

Donna
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It all feels really good... Please keep your fingers crossed for me!


DonnaP99

[diamondlady]

I can relate!  Good Luck!

Diamondlady
Peer Moderator

[raindance]

Have you already sent this email, Donna?  Or are you asking for our input?  

It doesn't matter how "unimpressive" the posts you have held sound, what matters is whether you are a good fit with the post on offer, and your track record and attendance at work etc.  When I am shortlisting for interview, I will always look carefully at the most recent posts and the past five to ten years.  

I am sorry that you are having a bad time, and I wish you success in your application.  

Raindance

[misslynn]

Amazing how things can fit into place at times, it sounds like this may be one of those times.  Best of luck on this job opportunity and let us know how it goes!

[adminbydesign]

"None of these positions have fully utilized the skills I have, and despite discussions since my hire, none of the plans to expand this position have come to fruition."

This sounds negative and would be a turn-off for me as a hiring manager.  My suggestion is to re-word your sentence to something that does not throw the blame at your employers since 2004.  

Something like, "In the positions I have held recently, I do not feel that my skills have been fully utilized.  I would like to obtain a position that gives me the opportunity to use those skills while continuing to learn and grow in my professional development."

[raindance]

My thoughts exactly, Admin, and I asked the questions in my post because the email already seemed to have been sent.

In general, I would refrain from using any negative language in a job application or an interview, and I would focus on "I would like to obtain a position that gives me the opportunity to use XYZ skills while continuing my professional development" or something along those lines. My "rules" for applying for jobs are: always be truthful, try to be positive even about "negative" situations or people, don't burn bridges, never back yourself into a corner, and leave a job on your own terms if at all possible.  

I know from recent experience how disappointing it is to hear negative remarks made by an interviewee.  People leave their jobs for all sorts of reasons, including because they are desperately unhappy.  Whilst truthfulness is a virtue, being too refreshingly frank is a bit too much of a surprise to those who are doing the recruiting.  Besides which, if one is applying for a post within the same company, things can - and do - get back to one's manager.  A difficult thing if you then aren't hired for the job for which you have applied or if you are hired and they need a reference - from the manager you've just criticized.

[donnap99]

You are correct - I could have worded that differently. However, being honest about this position is something I am still inclined to do, as when accepted the position 2.5 years ago (in desparation as I was unemployed), I took a step backward in the level structure here. My manager completely understands this - her hands have been tied. She and I together moved departments in January with yet another set of promises that I would be upgraded. This past month has been full of disappointments in that area - for her as well. My concern is that I will be overlooked for a level 10 or 11 position because I am currently an 8 - when 3 years ago I was a 9.

Suggestions for communicating this in some other way?

DonnaP99