Non-quiche for people working in HR, what do you all reckon?

[flowerybeanbag]

Anyone fancy bit of a whinge support group?

I don't know why but I've not been able to post on this thread, as it has always crashed my computer when trying to load it. So fellow non-quichers, how are you all?

Ye gods, I killed the non quiche!

Hiya all!

I said I would be back on here in the new year for job hunting advice and here I am!

I really want to get back to work now. I applied for the "perfect" job recently and I was as pleased as punch to get an interview (especially as it was the first job I applied for) but it has fallen through.

I'm registered with a few agencies but I'm being told that part time jobs are like gold dust so I don't hold out much hope. Would it be really naughty of me to apply for full time jobs and then discuss the possibility of part time work after the interview?
What do you think? Is it a little cheeky? Would I be wasting my time?

I so want to get back to work I am even dreaming about conducting bloody disciplinaries!

TIA

Hi FO (and anyone else still out there!)

Hmmm. Whether it's worth doing that depends really. If you are applying for a full time job and want to work 4 days, or condensed hours, or something similar - not too much different from full time, then yes might be worth it. Only ask once they're excited by you though, at least wait until second interview.

If you want much less time then unless they specifically welcome applicants looking for part time or job share, as some do, then I wouldn't.

I can't remember your background but have you considered public sector? Often more open to this sort of thing.

It's a tricky one, and something I wondered about quite a lot. To be honest, I went for a couple of full time interviews, and if they went well, mentioned the possibility of p/t or condensed hours at the end of the interview. I was then rejected from both of the jobs I went for, for extremely dubious reasons. An example, 'You're too bright too work in the NHS and I'd worry that you won't fit in'. Oh FGS, pull the other one, translated, 'Now we know you're a mother and therefore a complete PITA, forget it'.

Having said that, you may touch lucky. I've been looking for a p/t post close to home since November 07, and nothing, and I mean nothing, has come up, but I am in the North West, where HR jobs are all in Manchester anyway.

I think it also depends on your level, I see a lot of HR Admin posts that are p/t, but HR Manager posts tend to be f/t.

So, in summary I'd say, it's a risky strategy.

God, what a load of waffle.

It's PJ by the way.

Hi PJ! Is it MrsJoe permanently or just a temporary disguise? How's things?

I thought you were staying where you were at work? Did that not happen or are you still looking for something else anyway?

Thanks for your thoughts. Thinking about it I guess I would be wasting everyones time if I did that. I think I will send my CV in for full time jobs but state that that I am only looking for part time work, at least that way I have only wasted the price of a stamp and not annoyed anyone too much!

It is quite frustrating though, I saw a job that would have been ideal if it was part time. The recruitment consultant said that her most suitable candidates are all looking for part time work and that the client are missing out by being so inflexible, I suppose in the current economic climate they can afford to be.

Hi Flowery - no, it's permanent, I'm reliving my youth by following NKOTB around the country. But don't tell anyone...

I am still here, but am looking for something closer to home, as I still have a two hour daily commute. Will CAT you in a bit, as you might be able to help me with something...

So what did we all think of Paula in the Apprentice?

She was very nice but she didn't do much for the credibility of HR did she?

She clearly didn't have a grasp of basic arithmetic. "Oh we've spent about a fiver." £750 pounds later...

She wasn't the best advert for the profession but it was clear that Alan Sugar selected the two project leaders that he wanted to sack so that he could get rid of at least one person he was itching to sack whichever team lost. He was very nasty to her dispute the fact that the other woman with a financial backgroud as there and equally, if not more, responsible for the 'mistake' in costings.

I think your are right Sir Alan thought that both project leaders were dead wood.

I really think Paula could have done better. There is no way that I would be in charge of a project and not double check the costings. She had to go.

Another thing I noticed when they were selling, Kate was saying "Oh this product has sandalwood in which is one of the most precious of essential oils." Whereas Paula said to a customer "Oh it costs that much cos its got sandalwood in."

She really lived up to the sterotype that HR people don't have the necessary business acumen to do anything other HR. A real shame.

Only 1 year's experience in ER...am I in or out?