[Sca-cooks] New Jobs - or Why I Left the War Early

[Elaine Koogler]

Michael Gunter wrote:

> Now that just sounds like a ton of fun. After my interview today, 
> which was
> a disaster, I've come to the conclusion that I really shouldn't be 
> trying to
> make a living in computers. I expected to talk to one person and wound up
> in a room with five managers all asking me questions. And I did a lot 
> of tap
> dancing. The problem is that I flat couldn't remember some of the things
> I used to do or even what equipment I used. My suicide attempt last 
> Feburary
> I think has damaged some of my long-term memory. I couldn't remember the
> name of one of my old supervisors.
>
> So it's nice to hear of someone doing well on an interview for 
> something they
> love.
>
> Gunthar
> Definately feeling like "Big Dum Gunthar" right now
>
Gunther,
Don't feel dumb.  It happens.  I felt really dumb in a technical 
interview having to do with Database Administration last week.  I had to 
plead ignorance on several questions.  Fortunately, it was a phone 
interview, so they didn't see the chagrin on my face!  But I think most 
places do understand when you can't remember things from a while back.  
I had one interview a few years back where the guy asked me questions 
about Digital's VMS operating system...we're talking serious internal 
questions here...and this was something I hadn't dealt with in about 10 
years!!! 

Have you been in touch with your local unemployment office?  They should 
be able to put you in touch with programs from the Federal Govt (Dept of 
Labor) that pay for training, particularly in technical fields.  They 
paid for a number of classes for me a year or so ago...and I now am 
certified to receive training in a specific area needed for a specific 
job opportunity.  Having that certification definitely helps!  These 
days employers don't want to pay to train you and are quite impressed if 
you can offer something like this.

Good luck to you!

Kiri