Monday, June 2, 2008

Quick Update

Just a quick update on a few things...

My interview last Wednesday for the research & planning associate position with the nonprofit health system thankfully went really well. Before the interview, I made a list of questions I thought I might be asked, along with answers, and also a list of questions I wanted to ask. Being prepared beforehand made me a lot less nervous. The interview was a group one (I was interviewed by 3 women), but it was rather informal, which also helped. Interestingly, I wasn't even asked why I left my last job. I had an answer prepared, but didn't even need to use it. The supervisor said that a number of questions I asked were "excellent", so that's a good sign.

Overall, I'm very excited about the position. It's one in which I could really put my education to use, and one in which I will have lots of opportunity to write, which unfortunately I didn't get to do enough at previous jobs. I had to submit a PowerPoint presentation I've done (luckily I still had one that I did for an undergraduate college class), and I have to complete a writing exercise.

Apparently I already made a good impression with my writing skills however (through my cover letter, thank you letter and Power Point presentation), because on Friday I received a phone call from a lady who is the head of the department, saying that the supervisor told her I have strong writing skills, and asking if I have any grants writing experience. It just so happens that I took a grants writing class in college, and I have experience reviewing grants proposals from my volunteer position with the United Way. I was offered a chance to help put together a major grants proposal for the organization.

I'll be working mostly from home, about 60-80 hours over the course of the next two weeks, and it pays $25.00 an hour. For 80 hours of work, that's $2,000 - what great timing with me being out of work! Of course I said yes, I would love to help, and I got started on the project today. The project seems a bit overwhelming right now, but I have technical assistance from a contract grants writer who has helped with many proposals for the organization, and I think he's going to be very helpful.

I have been working on a few crochet projects, but they're going to have to take a backseat to this grants project, and my summer grad school class which began last week (I'm taking an urban politics class). So, if I'm AWOL for a while. you'll know where I am!

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and encouragement about the interview and my job situation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get the position.

8 comments:

Crafty Christina said...

You go girl!!! That's awesome news! $25 bucks an hour rocks!

Bezzie said...

I'll cross my fingers for you too!

I've got a lot of respect for grant writing. Ugh!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi good to hear from you. I've been checking your blog from time to time so I'm happy to hear of the good news. ;-)

The Bookworm said...

wow, congratulations, that is wonderful news!

good luck with school too :o)

http://yarnchick.blogspot.com/

Lesalicious said...

I hope you get the postion you seam like you was ready and on board they should totally call you. Keep us in the loop:)

Christy T said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christy T said...

Alright! Congrats :)

The Bookworm said...

just stopping by to say 'hi'

:o)