Social Networking, It Sure Has Changed!

Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, You Tube and Google+, yes, they’re all social networking sites but, why do some people think they are all the exact same thing? I think they’re NOT the same! They could all work for you in kind of the same way, but they’re still very different. It almost seems like each site has its own personality because once you sign up, it’s really YOUR personality coming through! You sign up and you make it your OWN!

Before the above mentioned sites, there were chat rooms and instant messaging, more about those in a bit.

This is how I use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, You Tube and Google+…

Facebook – It sometimes feels like there's a party going on or it can be a chit chat kind of feel (depending on your “Friends”). People post that they’re at Burger King right now (sometimes along with a photo) or that they can’t decide if they want pizza or a beef sandwich for lunch and they ask what do you think, what should I have? A lot of goofy stuff gets posted as well as photos galore.

On Facebook, I have a ton of “Likes” so; my news feed is filled with all kinds of information relating to Graphic Design, Web Design, DJ’s (music), etc. In between, I have the “… going to the zoo tomorrow”, or “I had to wait 45 minutes just got my oil changed”, or well, you know, the silly stuff! LOL

One thing I like is that you can create lists. So I’ve created a few lists from my “Likes” where each list is related to one topic such as Adobe Software, Tutorial Sites, Recruiters/Staffing, etc. It's nice to be able to go to a certain list and see news feeds from my certain "Likes" lists.

Facebook does have a character limit. I can’t recall what that is.

Update: September 28, 2015 - Ok, at this time, Facebook no longer has a character limit of 500. Since bumping it up a few times in the past years, it's now over 63000 characters. Well, I guess you could say there still is a character limit but, it's quite larger than it was.

LinkedIn – My background consists of Graphic/Web Designer, Marketing Assistant/Coordinator & Administrative Assistant. I use LinkedIn to connect with others in my same field (but, it’s not like I’m not connected to other people that are not in my field because I am).

They have some great forums created by LinkedIn members in all kinds of fields and topics (you can create a forum too). You can ask questions and get some wonderful advice and/or you can answer questions and share your expertise and knowledge. Once you’ve joined about 55 forums, that’s it! You can’t join anymore. That’s a lot of forums. I can’t join anymore; I’ve maxed out my limit.

You can ask for and (hopefully) get a reference/references from people you already know from, for example, class mates or instructors, friends, co-workers and supervisors from past or present jobs. Of course, these people have to be in your LinkedIn network to write and post a reference on your profile. Well, you have to accept what was written first, then you can have it posted.

If you post that you’re seeking employment, you never know when one of your connections might see your post on their feed and contact you with some great job info and/or introduce you to someone who is looking for someone like you.

What better way to connect with hundreds and thousands of persons in your field. It’s like a great rolodex of like-minded professionals.

Twitter – It's all about who you're following and who is following you!

It seems to have started out as people posting what they were having for breakfast, that they are now watching such and such on TV, that they just got home and are tired, that tomorrow they have a dentist appointment. With only 140 characters though, you can only say so much! So, u mite have 2 rite in short code.

In the past few years, Twitter seems to have changed and has become more topic/news related. I mostly follow people/companies that are in my same field like graphic designers, web designers, or company’s like Adobe or restaurants and stores, etc. The people/companies I follow post news articles, software tutorials, restaurant info, etc. You know how it is.

Depending on who you’re following, your feed can contain anything from A to Z. Of course, there are still people out there posting their dinner menu; that they’re going on a bike ride; that they just got home from swimming, etc. So, like Facebook, there’s always someone posting silly stuff too.

You Tube – You can network through You Tube by having your own channel and by subscribing to other’s channels and/or becoming friends with other You Tubers. Everyone likes it when you leave comments and/or messages on their channels.

On my channels, I have posted multimedia projects that I have worked on at school in my multimedia class this last semester (of 2011). I would like to post more projects, but that will have to wait till I can buy my own camcorder so that I can record stuff. In the meantime, I'll be searching for channels to subscribe to.

Google+ – True! It is somewhat similar to Facebook but then again, I really don't think it is. One nice thing is that you don’t have character limits like you do on Facebook and on Twitter. On Google+ instead of News Feeds you have a Stream.

You create “circles” to put your friends, family and others in which helps keep them organized and categorized. You can make as many “circles” as you like for example, I have one for Graphic/Web Designers, one for Multimedia People, one for LinkedIn Connections, and others. Whatever fits your needs is what you create. Also, you can put people in more than one “circle” and, you don’t have to put people in a “circle” if they have you in one of theirs.

You can also start a “Hang out” or you can join one (no more than 10 people per “hang out”). The “Hang out” is just chatting or, it could be a meeting too. It’s business or pleasure or a combination of both.

CHAT ROOMS of the 90’s vs. TODAY’S SOCIAL NETWORKING

Years ago, back in the 90’s, chat rooms were the big thing. Just a few of the chat sites that were popular back then were Yahoo Chat, Excite Chat, Talk City, AOL, you could chat through MIRC, and others. Some of those may still be around.

I used to chat all the time through Talk City (the Chicago room). A friend and I used to hold chat room parties at dance clubs in different Chicagoland suburbs to meet and get to know those we were chatting with. It was fun and it was something to do. Chat rooms back then were more just being silly and shooting the breeze. I have pictures.

Through those chat rooms you could chat with people from all over the world and through some of them you could also have one on one web cam chats. There were also a lot of bots in some of the chat rooms. It was really annoying.

Back then, you were either on a PC or on Web TV (which they used to call the poor man’s computer). Only business people had PDA’s and they couldn’t do then what can be done today with a mobile phone. Technology sure has come a long way.

Good bye bots!! And these days, hello SPAM!! (Ok, spam has been around a long time, not just the canned SPAM, but e-mail spam).

INSTANT MESSAGING

Instant messaging is an earlier form of social networking but it has always been referred to as chat. Some of the popular IM clients were and still are Yahoo, AIM (AOL IM) and Windows Live Messenger. With texting though, I don’t think many people are on IM that much anymore. Whenever I login to Yahoo IM, (which is every once in a great while) there’s hardly no one on anymore.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!!!

Each of the sites mentioned is so different and there’s so much more to say about them. In the end, these sites are all about YOU! It’s about one's experiences and expertise. It’s about sharing your knowledge, your stories and networking (which is big these days). You all have something to contribute. So what makes today’s social networking sites is YOU, all the people of the world, our family, our friends and our neighbors.

Who would have ever thought (many years ago before chat rooms) that you would be able to meet other people from more than half way around the world in an instant with just the click of a mouse!

Welcome to the world of SOCIAL NETWORKING. How you use these sites, is up to you. You can use them to your advantage or just for fun.

KEEPING UP!

For me, social networking is somewhat on the informational side such as subscribing to career related articles and news, job hunting, following someone to get creative tutorials and creative news articles and topics, keeping up with family and friends that don’t live right next door or live just five minutes away and of course networking.

I just wish I had the time to be able read each and every article that comes my way.

Classes Canceled and.....

I had planned on going to classes to learn web design but, that will now have to wait until the 2010 fall semester. With my mother in the hospital and my trying to find a job, no 2010 spring semester for me. Once you're in school, you need to put lots of your attention on your classes and your class work. Things right now are not the greatest.

What I should do, in the meantime, is read up on web design myself and see if I can find any mock web design projects to work on. I know, maybe I should try and redesign my blog page. I have thought about that in the past. Thing is, where do I begin?...LOL Nah, I know where to start. I just have to take the time to "DO IT".

Another thing I could do is to go to some of the meet-up groups I've joined on Meetup.com such as Chicago Advertising Professionals Meetup, Chicago Media-Marketing & Advertising Meetup Group, Chicago Stompers, Chicagoland Webmasters: Elmhurst & Western Suburbs, Digital Media; Marketing & Web Professionals in DuPage, Fox Valley Computing Professionals, The Chicago Dreamweaver Meetup Group, The Chicago Graphic Design Meetup Group, The Chicago Photoshop Meetup Group and B 2 B Business Networking Group to learn new and exciting things and to network. Networking is always good.

Only thing is, most of those groups are a bit of a ways out. Right now, I don't have the extra money for (travel) gas and food and/or to go downtown or any other suburbs, it's a little tough. If some of those meet-ups were in my town or no more than some 20/30 minutes, that would be great!

GRAPHIC DESIGNER vs WEB DESIGNER

I've always read that it's easier going from Graphic Desginer to Web Designer than the other way around. I think I agree with that. Anyways...

There is a great difference between a Graphic Designer and a Web Designer. A graphic designer designs for print such as magazines, catalogs, brochures, postcards, fliers, etc. A web designer has to know HTML & CSS, designs banner ads, flash websites, creates e-mail blasts, etc.

LET'S EDUCATE!!

So many company's out there need to be educated on the differences and how they're two different jobs. Even though they both have to know the elements of design and they both have to design good, effective layouts, again, they're both different types of design jobs.

It would be so nice to find a job where I can use my graphic design knowledge along with learning web design on the job. I do have basic HTML knowledge so, that kind of gives me a bit of a head start. Also, I'm a quick learner, and enjoy design. It wouldn't be like web design was foreign to me...LOL

Interview's Next Week.....

I'm so tired of being unemployed looking for a job. In a way, it's nice to be home, but since I don't have any extra cash to spend, I can't go out and do anything. I mean, it's not like I'd go out and spend like crazy. I'm talking about going out every once in a while for lunch somewhere reasonably priced or anything else to get out of the house.

What I basically do everyday is I'm on my PC job hunting on CareerBuilder, Craigslist, Creative Hotlist, and other job sites. I'm on my LinkedIn account, etc. I should say, I'm stuck to my pc...LOL.

One thing though, I sure am looking forward to next week, the week of September 21. I have a meeting with an office products company on Tuesday, September 22 for a possible freelance graphic design project and, an interview on Wednesday September 23 with an actual company for a permanent, full-time job.

FREELANCE PROJECT

The freelance design job consists of cover sheets that will go on top of the product, then the product will be shrink wrapped or put into a pouch. The cover sheet, besides the company logo and line art, will state the name of the product, a discription, an item number and a bar code.

Also, I think they will have a couple other projects too such as an e-mail letter. I'm thinking he's meaning an e-mail blast and I can't recall what the other thing is (if there is one). If I accept this project and he accepts my quote(s), I'll have a few extra dollars which, of course, will go to pay utilities, groceries, etc.

PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION

The permanent job is for a Senior Administrative Assistant position. The cool thing about this job is that they also want this person to have some Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign knowledge. So, I'll at least get to be a bit creative (if I'm the one to get the position). I'm so excited, I can't wait till next week!

The drive to this job, for now, would be about an hour away. The good thing is, they're moving closer to my way. That's supposed to happen sometime before this year is up. In that case, the drive may be some 40 mins (give or take) and that's not too bad. They say an average commute is 30 to 45 minutes.

What would be really nice is to be able to work from home. Maybe one day if and when I get VISUAL XPLOSION, my graphic design business going. Dreams do come true, huh?...LOL.

OTHER POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY

Also, I received an e-mail from another company (who had e-mailed me a couple of weeks ago) regarding a position that consists of Marketing, Administrative and Graphic Design.

The only thing is that the drive to this job would be an hour each way. During the winter, on snowy days and even on stormy, rainy days, you can bet it will take an extra 45 minutes or more each way. I don't know if I could really handle that after a while. I wouldn't mind if I could take the train and the ride was an hour. I've taken the train to downtown Chicago and depending on the time of day and how many stops the train has to make, it can take up to an hour each way.

THE WEEKEND(S)

Weekends are no fun! Now, I just have to get through this weekend (and every weekend for that matter). I really despise weekends and holidays because HR is, of course, not working. Not many new jobs get posted.

So, I sit at home on weekends, on my PC reading news headlines and articles that interest me, chatting on chat sites and/or IMing. What I SHOULD be doing is designing some new mock pieces for my portfolio such as brochures, ads, post cards, newsletters, etc. And, I SHOULD be reading up on and learning more about HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Web Design, and more! I really need to get on it NOW!! Time is just passing me by.

Oh yeah, another thing I need to really get going on this weekend is to type out some questions for both the freelance project and the interview. Well, I do have tonight (Friday) and the next three days to work on that. I surely don't want to end up doing it at the last minute...LOL

Job Hunting!.....AGAIN!!!!!

I'm back to job hunting for a permanent, full-time opportunity. I'm checking every job board and sending out my resume whenever I see a job that fits my skills and knowledge. In the meantime, I'm also networking by sending out e-mails to see if I can get any freelance graphic design projects. It would be really great to get my own graphic design business going too.

Well, I had started a job on June 3, 2009 as a "Marketing Manager of Business Development" for an HVAC company. It was a pretty good job with lots to do. My computer had all the latest software like Adobe CS4, the latest MS Office Suite, I had dual 23 inch wide screen monitors, my own office and a key to the place. Anyways.....

There were not only projects for business-to-consumer but, for business-to-business too. In the time I was there, I got two projects done. One was a two piece (letter) mailer and the other was a "Sorry We Missed You" door hanger. I had so much more to do, I still had not even really started. The supervisor wanted postcards, brochures, a 16 or 32 page promotional brochure; there was tradeshows to get ready for, just so many things to do.

When I went in on Monday, July 13, 2009, I had received a dreaded e-mail. Usually, one of the first things I'd do in the mornings, after putting my stuff away, was to check e-mail. The only e-mail I had was from the supervisor (the e-mail had no subject title). So, I open it and it states something like "I'm sorry, but I have to terminate your employment. Having a graphic designer is a luxury I cannot afford. And, with business being slow, I have to cut back".....UGH

Why hire someone to only let them go after 28 days? I think employers really need to think before they hire and not let people think they're going to be at a job for just a few days unless you know right off the bat that it's a temp assignment (if it is that). I mean, I know that anything can happen at any time and that's just the way it is, but....sheesh

I did see some signs in the time I was there such as, I wasn't getting the things I needed, I wasn't really getting the attention of the supervisor the way I should have when I was trying to talk to him about projects, etc.

Employers, please really think before you hire! Especially these days when people are really hoping for a steady job, we'd like it to be with a stable company

INTERVIEW

There's a possible interview on Monday, July 27. I hope it goes well and I get that job. From what I know, it's a company that deals with home re-modeling and interior design. That's more up my alley than HVAC. I love that kind of stuff. In fact, one of my most fave TV channels is HGTV. I also loved Trading Spaces. Since I can't afford cable, for now I have to get my HGTV fix off the internet.....LOL

Well, until July 27, I just have to keep on checking out the job boards, etc. Until I get an actual start date and have my first work day at a company, I've got to keep applying. Thing is, (like everyone else out there) I need a job NOW!!...LOL

MY GRAPHIC DESIGN COMPANY

You can visit my graphic design company website at: Visual Xplosion

Making Myself More Marketable.....

One thing they say, in order to get a job today is to "Make yourself more marketable" by taking classes and learning new thing's. You might not even have to pay for that new training or classes.

For example, learning new thing's in the company you're already with. If you're lucky enough to be working with a company that has training, you should really take advantage of it. It's just like working overtime. Usually, that's only for a short period of time. That's extra money that you could put into your savings account.

In the long run, the training won't just help you with your current job, but you'll have experience that you might be able to use elsewhere somewhere down the road should you happen to change jobs. And, all the software and experience's are good to add to your resume.

If you take classes, you should take classes in something you enjoy doing. If you enjoy what you're doing, it won't seem like work. Most people find that to be very true!

TWO ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Currently, I'm seeking a great job opportunity with a good company where I am allowed to take ownership of my job. I have two Associate degrees, one in Graphic Design and the other in Office Administration Technology-Executive Secretary.

I think that sometimes, to get employment, it doesn't really matter how many degree's you have or what degree's you have. It all depends on what skills and knowledge you already have. It for sure also depends on the company and the person doing the hiring. Do they feel you have what they're looking for? Are they willing to give you a chance to show what you can do? Are they willing to hire you and assist you with more training?

One thing I just don't understand is, how some people have the job's they have and they don't even know how to correctly format a business letter, they're not organised, etc. In past job's, I've seen letter's, mailing's and more go out that I thought "How can they send that out?" I sure wouldn't, but I have no choice. Because, when I've said something, they're like, "ehhh, just send it out"...Ughhhh!!! Anyways.....

For most any job, I do feel you should have knowledge (at least the basics) with MS Office no matter what field you're in. Especially Outlook, Word and maybe some Excel. Also, you should have some knowledge in whatever software that relates to whatever your field is. Once you've been hired, most companies will teach you their software and will give you the chance to learn other software's they use.

WHAT JOB'S DO I WANT TO DO?

My first pick for a job is a Graphic Design opportunity. I really want to design and create ads, brochures, postcards, flier's, etc. I want to see my work out there in magazines (although, I have had ads placed in trade publications in past positions), in newsletter's, etc. Maybe even someday on TV. Utilizing my Adobe CS2 knowledge to the fullest is what I want to do.

My second choice a Marketing Assistant position similar to my two past position. They were more like a combination of Graphic Design/Marketing Assistant. I was able to do graphic design as well as assist with trade shows, etc. My MS Office skills were used to work on and/or create Word, Excel and PowerPoint document's and slide shows.

Finally, my third choice would be an Administrative Assistant position. I have a big administrative background. I've temped in the past with some big name companies. I maintained executive calendars, scheduled conference rooms and meetings, did internet research, etc.

While I don't mind being an Administrative Assistant, I just don't like the types of jobs where a majority of the job is on the phone, like, Receptionist or Customer Service. I mean, like, a position where you're the front person. That's just not my thing. I don't like spending all my time on the phone. I want and like to do computer work. Let me work with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Adobe Acrobat.

OTHER WORK

I'm not a pro, but 0ther work I can do (but, I don't think I would get hired) is home construction. It would be cool to build houses. I also like the interior decorating part of it too. Of course, as you know, that field is not doing very well right now. But, I think it won't be long before things get going again with the home construction field.

In the past, I have put up drywall, put down floor tile, taken down and put up ceiling fans, tiled my bathroom walls, etc. I like using all kind's of tool's like hammer's, screwdriver's, power tools, etc. My very first job out of high school, in fact, was on an assembly line building toaster's. There I used screwdriver's, hammer's, rubber mallet's, screw's, nut's, bolt's, etc. Even before then I'd use tools to fix things at home.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is one of my fave shows. I also enjoy practically anything on "HGTV" except the gardening shows and stuff like that. Gardening is just not my thing.

I'M MARKETABLE

Yeah, there's other stuff I need and want to learn. But, right now, looking for a job feels like I have no time for anything else. I want to take some classes, but without a job I have no cash to pay for my classes. So, I'll have to wait a while.

You can bet, once I have a job, if the company that hire's me has classes that I can take or if they pay for classes, I'm certainly going to taking advantage of it!!

Even so, I think I'm pretty marketable in a few fields. All I need now is for a company to see I'm an excellent worker and that I have the skills and knowledge they're looking for...LOL

Do They Really Read Through Resume's?

It is now the month of February, the fifth day to be exact. So far, this year I've had two phone interview's and one actual interview. I always wonder "Do recruiters and employer's really read through a person's resume? It sure doesn't seem like they do.

Currently, I'm seeking a Graphic Design, Markting Assistant or Administrative Assistant position. Or, a combination of Graphic Design/Marketing Assistant (which I did at my last two positions, although, my title was Marketing Assistant). Or, since I have an administrative background, I'll take an Administrative/Executive Assistant position. Anyways...

MY INTERVIEWS

My first phone interview was through a recuriter. The job she had was for a Graphic Designer, but the client also needed the person to have web design experience with Dreamweaver and Flash. Even though, I do have, on my resume, that I did a bit of web maintenance for a couple of my past postions, I do have a Work Skills section and NEITHER of those programs is listed in my work skills area...LOL The only software program listed on my resume for web design is Microsoft FrontPage. If I should ever gain some Dreamweaver and Flash skills, they will be added to my resume.

My second interview was with a company located in downtown Chicago. The job sounded really great except, the owner of the company wanted someown who could really write. I told him "How much writing is involved? I'm not really a writer but, I can do all the other things." He said that at least 85% of the job was writing. My resume does not say anything about me writing this or that. I mean, yeah, I write here and there and sometimes have to come up with copy for ads. But, what he was looking for was a "writer".

My actual face-to-face interview was just this week. It's a Marketing Coordinator/Graphic Design position. In a way, it's similar to my last two positons, but it does involve a bit more on the web side. For this position, there are second interview's to go through. If I get called back for a second interview, WOOO HOOO! The only thing I'm scared about is the competency test...LOL I hate test's!...LOL

HOPING FOR MORE

Well, it is practically the beginning of the year. I have applied at quite a few places all through Career Builder, Monster, Craig's List, etc. Besides that, I'm trying to get some freelance graphic design projects. So far, I've gotten none this year. Looking for a permanent, full-time job almost leave me no time for much. And, I'm trying to get myself to learn some Dreamweaver AND I'm going through my Photoshop and Illustrator Classroom In A Book to practice.

Well, at least I got some calls and I got to speak with someone regarding their postions. So, I am greatful for that. I just hope more calls and actual interview's are not too far away.

Job Hunting Except on Holidays, Nights & Weekends...

I really despise holidays, nights and weekends because it's time lost seeking employment. I mean, yes I still keep applying to positions that I feel fit me, but company's are not really working that hard (during those times) to gain new employee's and recruiter's are not working hard (during those times) to place people in temp or permanent employment.I'm a Graphic Designer (Print)/Marketing Assistant/Administrative Assistant with basic HTML knowledge looking for a permanent, full-time job or, in the meantime, I will work temp/freelance assignments while I seek permanent employment. I have two Associate degrees along with a Vocational Specialist Certificate and five Basic Vocational Specialist Certificates.

1. August - 2001: Office Administration Technology-Executive Secretary
2. May - 2007: Computerized Graphic Design with Honors

How come, when (if you're lucky) you get called in for an interview, the interviewer does NOT know how to interview? It's like, they don't know what to ask and it's kind of uncomfortable when there's all this silence. When that happens, I try to ask as many questions as I can, but there's still that silence. Also, I've had interview's where I don't even get a chance to ask questions...LOL

Playing by the rules... Rules? What rules? From now on, I'm NOT playing by the rules! For example, you're not supposed to ask about salary. Forget that! I'm asking during the phone interview or by e-mail, "What is the salary range for this position?". That way, I won't waste their time or mine. 

COLLEGE

At one point, I was looking for an office job, but no one would give me a chance because I'd never worked in an office. Before I actually went to college, while I was laid off from my seasonal job at a warehouse touching up frames, painting and drivning trucks, I started classes at the old high school that was across the street from my house. They had FREE Office Procedure classes so, I thought I would go ahead and take advantage of those classes. That's where they stated to everyone to look into getting a degree from the community college.

I started community college in 1994 while in my early/mid 30's. Right after high school, my parents could not afford to send me and my three brother's to college. Instead, I went straight to work in a factory once I turned 18 (I graduated high school at the age of 17. I didn't go to kindergarten. I went straight to first grade to a Catholic school and didn't go to public school till third grade). My parents got me the job in the factory where they worked.

The only reason I got to go to community college was that I qualified for financial aid (It pays to be poor somtimes...LOL). It took me a long time (13 years) to get my two Associate degrees because I was going part-time nights after work. And, at times, I had to re-take classes like business math (I'm not good in math. Finally passed it the third time), accounting (passed it the second time) and other classes here and there. Or, classes would get cancelled due to low enrollment. So, I would have to scramble to try and find something to fill in the blank...LOL. Otherwise, if I didn't have a certain amount of credits per semester, financial aid would not pay.

After I got my first Associates, I saw that core classes were good for 10 years. So, I decided to go for the second Associates and mainly, because the government kept giving me the money. I took advantage of it. I really busted my butt to get my degrees and where has it gotten me? UGH!! :-( There were a few time that I couldn't wait for it all to end. Now, I miss going to classes (except for the homework...LOL).

Besides working full-time (while going to school nights), there was tons of homework to get done, I was a single parent taking care of my son, there was a house to keep tidy, laundry to do, dishes to wash, sweeping, mopping, dusting, mowing the lawn, breakfast, lunch and dinner to make, errands to run, etc. To all those now in this situation, hang in there!

Hopefully, one day soon, everything will all have been worth it. It's great having a ton of education, but it sucks not having a great company where I can utilize my knowledge to the fullest! I plan to keep on learning to keep up with new stuff that comes out in my field. In today's world, you have to! They say, the more you know, the better job and salary you can get. Surrrrrrrrrrrrrrre! 

INTERVIEW

For example, I had one company this year (2008) who really wanted me to work for them as a Graphic Designer/Marketing Assistant/Administrative Assistant. We (the guy and I) spoke quite a few times over the phone for a couple of months or so. He was working on getting a requisition approved (which took awhile to get approved). When the requisition was finally approved, I finally got to meet with the main boss (the guy was there too). The main boss asked me questions and near the end, the guy said the pay was $25,000. I said out loud "$25,000?", "$25,000 a year?" Thinking to myself "Do you see STUPID written on my forehead? I have four years of experience and a pretty good portfolio"...LOL I was feeling kind of angry because all this time that was the pay...LOL I said to them "No! I want to go forward, not backward". Well, maybe I was stupid for not asking up front what the pay for the position was.

Seriously, what the heck is up with that? If I was a high school student who had just graduated, was still living at home and was interested in gaining experience in graphic design and marketing, I would have then said yes to $25,000 a year. I'm way past that range. And, with a mortgage to pay, after taxes and paying tolls to get to and from the job, I would hardly have anything left. I most likely would have been making some $6 or so an hour. Well, this guy (the one from the paragraph above), saw my resume and my portfolio. I'm not like the best designer out there, but I feel I do great work. Many months later, the guy saw my resume posted out there on a site and sent me an e-mail that he and his partner had moved with another company and they would still like to have me work for them. This time, the salary had gone up to $30,000. Sheesh! I wrote him back and said that each title alone (depending on experience) can earn at least a salary in the Mid 40's to Low 50's. Of course, I never heard from him again. So, that's why, from now on, as mentioned earlier, I'm asking up front "What's the pay range for this position?"...LOL 

RECRUITERS

In my experience, it's really hard to find good recruiter's to work with. Many of them don't really care (in general) about you. They only care about making money for themselves. Although, I've had a recruiter or two who were great (but are no longer with the staffing firm) who really helped me out and always kept in touch with me.

I've answered ads posted for a position, then have an interview with the recruiter only to find out that the job has been filled...Yeah, right! I know all they want is to fill their data base. I hate when they do that. It seems that most of the time, you (in general) are wasting your time with them.

Even though I don't care too much for recruiter's I still apply for jobs through them. Working with recruiters is like gambling. There's a 50/50 chance that they may land you your next big, exciting position. You just don't know for sure. But, then again, I hate wasting my gas to get there and time I could be doing something else when they DON'T really do anything for you!

FINDING JOBS ON MY OWN

May of 2009, I will have five years of graphic design experience. How exciting!

I can't wait to get a job! I'm so glad when/if I'm able to find a job on my own and not through a recruiter. It seem like most design jobs are for web design. Even if they're looking for a graphic designer for print work, they want you to know some web design too. It used to be you were either a PRINT designer or a WEB designer. I guess I have to get myself on it and learn Dreamweaver and Flash.

One thing I want to do is go back to school and/or at least take a class on the basics of Dreamweaver and Flash. In the meantime, I look stuff up online and through my Dreamweaver book (I do have the Dreamweaver software). Now, I also just need to get the Flash software.

One other thing, I wish I could afford a new PC or, at least a bigger harddrive because, I can't fit anything else on my harddrive now. My PC is about some six years old now.

Most company's want you to do it all for nothing! And, they boast about how much they make like, millions or billions and they don't want to pay their employee's? Yes! I know that it's always been like that, you have to wear many hats. Well, time's have changed! You want me to wear many hats? Gladly, just pay me what I'm worth!

I'm also trying to find freelance graphic design jobs to do on the side. But, when I do get someone that needs something whether a flier, ads, business cards, etc., and I give them a quote, they're like, "Oh, it's too much!"...Puleez!!

Anyways, If you're interested, you can view my online portfolio here:

My Online Behance Portfolio 

My Online Coroflot Portfolio