Krust.

Quite a doozy, a really serious testimonial of sorts.

And now to recognize a really great company, who had a HUGE part in me landing my new job. Seriously, I think they did more work than me. A GIGANTIC Thank You to The Resume Cafe.

When things first started getting rocky at my previous job (i.e. salary getting chopped in HALF) I started working on my resume, yet again. It has always been a daunting task for me. My work experience is somewhat random, as I have tried working in various fields, and I do not have a college degree. It’s always been extremely difficult for me to get what is my mind into words and put on paper. It just doesn’t happen. In my head, my retail, customer service, tech support, project management, human resources, software QA, call center experience translates into this awesome mesh of skills and a professional background that would be great for many positions. When trying to get that on paper, to me, it always just looked RANDOM. Like I just bounced around from place to place, doing whatever I felt like at the time. Which I sort of was, as I was trying to find out what I wanted to do with my life. Nowadays, I have a better idea of what I want to be doing, but, I still want that random experience doing other things to show, as I worked damn hard to gain that experience.

As I began working on my Resume, and STRESSING over it (typical), I considered having it professionally done. I was referred to a website that did them for $300. I quickly realized that I was on my own. My salary was just cut in half, and I knew I was very close to being out of a job all together, $300 was not in my budget. So, I continued to work on my Resume myself, and sent a few out. And just like the first time I was unemployed, no bites. Nothing.

Within a short period of time my Mommy blogger Sister-in-Law, directed me over to a blog of a fellow Mommy blogger friend of hers, Law-Momma. Law-Momma was hosting a giveaway on her blog that week to have your Resume professionally written and 2 custom cover letters done for free by The Resume Cafe,  along with a discount code for readers who did not win the giveaway to go to the site and get this same package at a discounted price! the regular rate for this package is $99. Seriously. That’s what I’m talking about! That’s a price someone on a budget can handle a bit better. I was stoked!

I entered the giveaway, and immediately emailed the people at The Resume Cafe to get the ball rolling. Even if I didn’t win the giveaway (Which I didn’t) I was going to use their services anyhow. I immediately started talked to one of the professional writers who immediately began boosting my confidence!!!! I was sent a questionnaire to fill out, and I sent them my own sketchy resume. I was instantly understood. The writer was impressed by my diverse professional background, and made me feel confident that it would all transpire on paper in to a really strong resume. We chatted every so often over Gchat, we were in contact the whole time. At one point, she told me she felt like she really knew me, which was refreshing as she was writing my resume. She had done research regarding the job market in my area even. She was amazingggg! I felt great.

When I got my resume draft, I sat jaw dropped for some time. I couldn’t believe the way she worded my work experience and what I was looking for in a job so perfectly. The top of my resume reads:

“-Exemplary project leader: experiencing success managing both people and financial resources through an organized, detail-focused and strategic management approach
-Over six years of experience in customer service, quality assurance, data analysis and project leadership
-Diverse employee: willing to work in a variety of capacities to ensure deadlines are reached for projects and clients
-Proven ability to adapt skills to a new industry: has successfully managed transitions from retail markets to highly technical information technology environments”

Perfect.

I was ecstatic.

After receieving my completed resume, I recieved a cover letter that I asked for to be written for a specific position I wanted, and one eneric cover letter) both were amazing and on point. I have never been able to write a proper cover letter that was more than a paragragh. My cover letter were always just these cheesey emails introducing my resume. Clearly, I never really knew what I was doing, and needed the help.

I was unemployed from december 2008 – june 2009, I did not have my Resume done at that point, and it was a rough 6 months. I got very few interviews, and felt like I applied for about a million jobs. Looking for work, became my full time job. This time, I had my resume done by The Resume Cafe. I was Laid off from my position on May 14. I applied to less than 15 positions, went on 2 interviews, and one phone interview. I interviewed with my current company on May 21st and again on the 25th, I was called and offered a position the next day May 26th, and Started June 7. I was only out of work for 3 weeks. It could have been less if I had applied more aggressively to more positions. But, part of me was holding out for something good. And, I got it.

I will be eternally grateful to the work The Resume Cafe did for me, for the time they took, and the interest, and care, and amazing communication they kept with me through out it, and to this day. Even though I got a great discounted price, I feel like I got service worth well over $300.

Wow, that ended up being quite long… Didn’t realize I had so much to say!
I’ll be taking a trick of Mandy’s from Harper’s Happenings (hope that’s okay).

Summary: I read more Mom blogs than I probably should. Being unemployed is rough, confidence is important but hard to find it during that time, a good resume is important as it’s the first thing a company sees when they are considering you, professional resumes can be expensive, The Resume Cafe has great deals on great resumes, and delivers amazing results. I LOVE The Resume Cafe for helping me through a really tough time.

Shooot, just saw this and had to share! They are doing a Summer Student Special. $32 for one resume and one cover letter. That’s an amazing price! Anyone just graduate? Get in on this!!!! That’s cheaper than a tank of gas!!!

Hallelujah!

So, you may or may not have heard that I have started working again.

Yeah. The job I was stressing about interviewing for. I got it. I started on Monay, and am loving it! I have my own huge cubicle and desk! Yes, I am excited about my cubicle. I have a plaque with my name on it just at the entrance. It’s pretty rad.

I started doing actual work (not even training) within hours of starting, it feels so good. I started during a really hectic week, so there is a ton to do. Fortunately I have had some relax time, and am totally ready to take anything on, I feel like.

The company is great, the people are awesome, we are provided with snacks and good coffee. My coworkers took me for a Sushi lunch yesterday to welcome me to the team, and today (and twice a month), The company buys everyone a pizza lunch. Awesome. I got pretty damn lucky. I hate interviewing and only had to go through about 3 total. So, Thank you to whoever is watching out for me <3

I feel good here. It feels right. I’m still new and still adjusting and feeling everything out obviously. But, I can see myself doing really well with the company, and I plan to. So, here I go…

I recently saw Robin Hood. (It was actually a few weeks ago, and I’ve been meaning to do this post since, but I’ve been busy.)

Anyhow, seeing this movie really opened my eyes to the whole Russel Crowe hotness I always hear people talk about, and usually think “huh? reallyyyyy?” Well, ladies. I see it. It’s all so clear to me now. He really is somewhat of a sexy beast. Maybe just as Robin Hood? I have yet to see him in anything else.

Although I’m thinking watching Gladiator might make it on to my to do list….

Another new favorite of mine, I have discovered after watching Robin Hood, and the reason for this here post:

The lovely, Cate Blanchett.

Before Robin Hood, I had only seen her in Lord Of The Rings, and the most recent Indiana Jones movie. Since seeing her play Maid Marian, I have become a bit obsessed. I got a bit choked up when she rode in one her horse to fight with the men. I Love a good old fashioned bad ass.

I think she is gorgeous. She just looks so classy, and timeless. I read an article and interview with her in a magazine at the doctors office, and fell in love. She seems like a super cool chick with a great sense of humor. Cate Blanchett is a new favorite.

I plan to have myself a Cate movie marathon, to catch up on some of her flicks. I have actually wanted to see Elizabeth: The Golden Age since it came out, but never did.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Notes on a Scandal

The Aviator

Veronica Guerin

Charlotte Gray

Why not create a wishlist after that last post. In a perfect world, I would have these items in my wardrobe (in appropriate sizes) RIGHT NOW.

From J.Crew:

Wool gabardine one-button jacket in Navy.

Wool gabardine pencil skirt in Navy.

Because, I’ve always wanted a skirted suit, and this is amazing in my opinion. Together for a more professional look, or styled as separates as in these photos. I Love the navy. I don’t have anything navy now that i think about. I’m officially OBSESSED with this Navy suit.

Jackie cardigan in Wild Mushroom. and

Indigo microstripe shirt.

Because , it’s a practical combo and looks so cute. Not to mention comfortable.

Silk-linen V-neck sweater.

LOVE this COLOR.

From ASOS:

Mango Tailored Trousers.

I would LOVE some slimmer fitting trousers. How great are these? I need them.

ASOS Premium Wool Flannel Peg Leg Trouser.

Just because, these are fun! it is a wishlist after all.

Bertie Glasshouse Penny Loafer.

I need appropriate shoes. I love penny loafers. The COO of the company I used to work for wore brown Bass penny loafer’s and Levi;s regularly with a cardigan. She always looked comfortable but, professional. I always admired that outfit when she wore it.

Aldo:

Caul in Cognac.

Stierle in Black.

Because, I need heels for some trousers. But, I need more practical ones. All of my heels are over 4″ tall, and I’m 5′9″. I used to only like high high heels, just because of how they make an outfit look. But, I’m maturing. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE high shoes still. But, I love these lower options, especially the cognac ones. mmmmm…..

I had a losing battle with my closet tonight while trying to pick out an outfit to wear to a job interview tomorrow. This is the 2nd interview I’ve struggled to outfit myself for since my most recent loss of employment.

It’s making me crazy.

And I assume it can only get worse. I have very little “professional” attire at this stage in my life. At my 3 last jobs, I had a very comfortable dress code, meaning I really had almost no dress code, other than “wear clothes”. On top of the fact that I have gained a, lets say “noticeable” amount of weight in the past year and few months. With that, I have also been out of work a good chunk of time and not had the funds to restock my wardrobe with very many new clothes to fit my newer larger body. So, I’m quite limited. It’s really frustrating. I used to love getting dressed up for a job interview. My Mom bought me a fantastic Ann Klein suit when I got my first office job years ago. It’s a size 8. And I want to cry, because that was my interview outfit when I fit into it, and it was so fun to wear my suit, and I felt so confident wearing it. And tomorrow I have to fake confidence in some tight fitting Gap trousers and a cheap blazer.

Wish me luck.

I’ll be at the gym afterward.

I joined a tattoo tour blog hop, per suggestion from my sister in law, and here it is, finally.

Read the rest of this entry »

A little reflection back to these:

http://www.krustal.com/2008/11/09/lost-it/

http://www.krustal.com/2008/12/08/this-is-it-dont-get-scared-now/

After tomorrow, I will again, be unemployed. It’s much different this time around. I’ve been expecting it, and I will have less money when I leave. So, one sort of positive, one huge negative. Should be interesting, and it can only make me stronger, really. Right? I hope.

I’m scared out of my mind.

I’ve been applying for jobs, and haven’t been hearing back. I thought it’d be so much better this time around. The economy isn’t as horrible as it was last year, and I had my Resume professionally done, and it looks AMAZING! Really, I’m just not patient enough. But, how can I be patient?

I’ve packed up my belongings, and am going to hang out and use the companies internet until I get my check and can pay to have my internet at home turned back on (yeah, I know. Total mess, right?)

I hope to find a job that I am more passionate about. I really wish I didn’t hold out for the job I really wanted, only to not hear A WORD back from them. I should have been more on it. I think, realistically I might need to take a job at the mall or something until I do find what I want. Well, wish me luck.

I am in love with this Christopher Kane Doll print top. I wish it weren’t over $200, because I cannot justify that even when I am making decent money. poo. So, here are a few variations  I LOVE,  as my tribute to a super rad design for a tee shirt, that is just screaming out for me.

A few sites that carry Christopher Kane tees: SSENSE, Net-A-Porter, and MrsH.

I’m really into sheer clothing at the moment. I Love the a  little hint of something that looks like it should otherwise be covered, if not for a sheer piece of fabric.

Some Spring 2010 runway looks:

Left to Right: Chanel, Giancarle Ferre, and Roksanda Ilincic.

And, a few looks from Charlotte Ronson’s Spring 2010 Ready to Wear show (I LOVE IT):

Some fun pieces:

kelly bergin chiffon pocket t-shirt at OAKNYC.

LNA Lace Deep V Lace Top at ASOS.

Sleeveless Sheer Back Zip Dress at YESSTYLE

And some items I intend on acquiring (at least something similar to):

Asos Mesh Insert Leggings at ASOS.

(I NEED these! Sadly standard sizes are sold out, and petite is all that left, wtf)

Sheer Mesh cycling shorts at ASOS, And Sparkle and Fade lace biker shorts from Urban Outfitters, however no longer available. I’m on the hunt for something similar…

Unisex Oversized Ringer See Thru shirt at American Apparel.

My girlfriend, Laura sent a few pics from a photo shoot she had last weekend for her clothing line. I think they are so rad, I wanted to share. Her 3 new shirt designs are possibly my favorite thus far, but she always has come up with really great stuff. It’s amazing that it keeps getting better.

from her shoot:

Here are a few taken by an excellent local photographer that she works with:

I Love her new designs. I am lucky enough to own the Bird cage tank top. I love the colors she chose!!!

Check out Vanity Exposed’s Rare Bird line and purchase here: VanityExposedClothing.com

Vanity Exposed MySpace page here: Vanity Exposed on MySpace

and Laura’s Blog, here: Rare Bird