Interviews, interviews and more bloody interviews...

Job hunting is so much harder when you don't have a job.  There's a desperation about the whole process, and something at the back of your mind telling you to take the first offer, even if it's not the best job you're going for.

I'm finding the whole process so much more frustrating this time around.  Normally I go for one contract, interview, get it, and take it.  Now I'm having to really work hard at getting interviews, and I've already been turned down at one interview.  Yes, I've had a few more interviews since then (three so far, another two maybe four next week), but the process is still quite frustrating.

None of these jobs are contracts - well, a couple are but none of the interviews so far.  So yeah, that's the first frustrating thing.  Secondly, with the "financial crisis" or "credit crunch" or just this damn recession, companies aren't hiring, which is making the recruiters get all bloody antsy.  They're being secretive about company names, they hate when you go for an interview through another recruiter; they ask you ever so subtly but still with a trace of a jealous partner "so who's that through?"  I just don't want any part of their games - I've taken to answering "not sure, can't keep track" each time I suspect inter-recruiter jealousy.  Which is, oh, every second I'm actually on the phone with a recruiter.  And I'm on the phone all day every day with these guys.

So yeah, apart from the interview back with bigmouthmedia (subject of a previous blog), I interviewed with a company up in Aberdeen on Wednesday this week, came back down to Edinburgh for an interview in Dunfermline on Thursday morning, and another in Livingston on Thursday afternoon.  I have another interview on Monday, another one on Wednesday (Edinburgh and Livingston, respectively), and then probably another two in Aberdeen hopefully both on Tuesday.

So far, I think the first Aberdeen job is winning.  Yes, it's in Aberdeen, but I think the job offers many more possibilities, which I can't be bothered going into right now.  I just figure if I'm going to take the step from contracting into permanency, then I'd better be sure I'm going to enjoy the job.  The Dunfermline job is coming second I think - they're doing some interesting work, including a business idea I had myself about ten years ago that I never put into action, so at least it's something I'd be passionate about.

So here I am, considering the possibility of a move to Aberdeen, for a permanent job.  I had been quite apprehensive about it, but I think I'm actually warming to the idea.  I've been in Edinburgh for just over two and a half years; I always maintain I like moving and trying out new cities, cultures, so why not a move to Aberdeen?  I know a couple of people up there, in fact Pad was kind enough to catch up with me after my interview on Wednesday and we had a good chat, talked about the city, that kind of thing.  Was good to see him again and I'd certainly like to see more of him, something I don't really get to do much down here in Edinburgh.

The more I think about it, the less apprehensive I am.  I think.  I hadn't really looked forward to leaving Edinburgh, but the more I think about the possibility of a new city, it's just that - the new possibilities.  I'll miss my friends down here, but they'll only be two hours away, as will my friends in Glasgow.  And well, who couldn't do with a fresh start every so often, eh?  In a way this town is infused with the memories of a recent ex; a little space might do the both of us good.

But who knows - it's just one interview in Aberdeen thus far, and no distinct feedback from the company.  From any of the three companies - they may well go the way of bigmouthmedia and pass me over for someone a little less.. complex.  I'm hoping that something eventuates from the five/maybe seven interviews over these two weeks.  Whether I'm here, Glasgow, or Aberdeen, it's got to be better than returning to Australia with my tail between my legs.

Would I move to Aberdeen?  I think I would, yes.  A new start and a fresh city with no memories (good nor bad) would definitely have to be thrown in as perks of the new job.