Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

"So what have you been doing since you left your last job?"

  • 27-07-2013 8:50pm
    #1
    actuallylike
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,450 ✭✭✭


    How do,
    I moved to London nearly 6 months ago now. My overall goal is to find work in software development. I have a years experience of Quality Assurance from home so trying to use that to secure a job. Now when I first moved over, it was tough. Money was and still is tight so I went for a job that I knew I would start soon without all the runarounds and I would get paid as soon as possible. So I'm a barman. Since I've been here I've been searching for another job now that I at least have the slight security of the bar. Most free days off I'm down the local library keeping up to speed on my coding and testing abilities. I've had a few interviews and every one has asked me the question in the title. My CV states that I left my last employment in February, so what have I been doing since then. I answer that I moved to London and I have been trying to secure work for that time. I mention that I am currently working hospitality but am seeking other work in my spare time. I mention my trips to the library as well. Each time I feel the tone of their response speaks volumes. I feel like I'm saying the wrong thing. I mean, it's tough setting up here on my own. I need the bar work to pay my rent. There's no way round it. Should I be answering the question differently? Should I mention the bar at all? Thanks in advance for any replies.


Comments

  • #2
    boobar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,226 ✭✭✭boobar


    I don't see anything wrong with your reply..OK you're in a job that's very different to the sector you're working in but at least that shows you're willing to work...

    Maybe if you could impress on them that you're pursuing valuable certification...one that's viewed well in the industry.

    Also, could you highlight open source projects you've been working on rather than just saying you've been brushing upon coding.... Have a portfolio to show them then they can see the end results of your work.


  • #3
    chancer12
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 720 ✭✭✭chancer12


    actuallylike wrote: »
    How do,
    I moved to London nearly 6 months ago now. My overall goal is to find work in software development. I have a years experience of Quality Assurance from home so trying to use that to secure a job. Now when I first moved over, it was tough. Money was and still is tight so I went for a job that I knew I would start soon without all the runarounds and I would get paid as soon as possible. So I'm a barman. Since I've been here I've been searching for another job now that I at least have the slight security of the bar. Most free days off I'm down the local library keeping up to speed on my coding and testing abilities. I've had a few interviews and every one has asked me the question in the title. My CV states that I left my last employment in February, so what have I been doing since then. I answer that I moved to London and I have been trying to secure work for that time. I mention that I am currently working hospitality but am seeking other work in my spare time. I mention my trips to the library as well. Each time I feel the tone of their response speaks volumes. I feel like I'm saying the wrong thing. I mean, it's tough setting up here on my own. I need the bar work to pay my rent. There's no way round it. Should I be answering the question differently? Should I mention the bar at all? Thanks in advance for any replies.

    Have you tried going to a recruitment agency rather than applying directly to companies? They act as intermediaries and could 'talk up' your application, viz that you were hardworking, committed, dedicated etc. Best of luck


  • #4
    Jim2007
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 10,610 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jim2007


    actuallylike wrote: »
    Most free days off I'm down the local library keeping up to speed on my coding and testing abilities.

    This is the one that strikes me as weird in this day and age - it is hard to imagine that someone interested in IT does not have a home PC. It's important that you tell them you are keeping up to date, but I would not mention the location....


  • #5
    JustAThought
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,324 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    Jim2007 wrote: »
    This is the one that strikes me as weird in this day and age - it is hard to imagine that someone interested in IT does not have a home PC. It's important that you tell them you are keeping up to date, but I would not mention the location....



    Maybe they can get a sense from you that QA is not where your heart lies, but in IT? If you are spending all your free time working on software & coding why not see if you can sign up for an evening course in it - will show commitment, self improvement etc & more that you are committed to staying & seeing it out.

    Maybe their issue is your lack of CPD in the QA area -which I understand is the area you are applying for jobs in. You don't seem overly interested in that :"0


  • #6
    Wompa1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,193 ✭✭✭Wompa1


    Study for specific certificates and put that on your cv


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    actuallylike
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,450 ✭✭✭actuallylike


    Jim2007 wrote: »
    This is the one that strikes me as weird in this day and age - it is hard to imagine that someone interested in IT does not have a home PC. It's important that you tell them you are keeping up to date, but I would not mention the location....

    Weird? I've moved to London. I have a laptop. I find it difficult to work where I live. No quiet area. A library is where I study, it's quiet. I can use my laptop there.

    Thanks everyone for your replies


  • #8
    actuallylike
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,450 ✭✭✭actuallylike


    chancer12 wrote: »
    Have you tried going to a recruitment agency rather than applying directly to companies? They act as intermediaries and could 'talk up' your application, viz that you were hardworking, committed, dedicated etc. Best of luck

    Applied to a few recruitment agencies and they've been very positive about my CV and general attitude. I just feel I've been given the brush-a-side when I get to the actual employers. I've been offered good opportunities that unfortunately need a relocation (not possible at the moment) so confident in my abilities.


  • #9
    vitani
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,824 ✭✭✭vitani


    Maybe it's your tone as you answer? Your opening post comes across as slightly defensive to me.

    Try and phrase it as something positive, something to be proud of, rather than something that you're almost apologising for. You moved to London and took a job in a bar. This pays your rent but also leaves you enough free time to work on coding and testing, while also searching for work. Throw in one or two positive things about working in the bar, but state that it's just a stopgap.

    It's also possible that their reaction is not as bad as you're imagining.


Advertisement