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Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2376: Jul 25th 2018 at 5:17:50 AM

IIRC, I think I got at least a couple of bad grades. But otherwise, I got Bs and As with a few Cs and Ps.

Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2377: Jul 27th 2018 at 11:08:13 PM

Update on getting a job via the Japanese Embassy in Ottawa...

- They took off the job ad, which I guess means they're gonna go over the candidates and try to get the required peeps for an interview 'cause the job starts near mid-August.

If no email by/near/after first week of August, then I know what that means.

SKJAM Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Baby don't hurt me!
#2378: Aug 4th 2018 at 4:11:58 AM

College transcripts aren't usually about the grades so much as they're crosschecking your resume/CV/interview claims. Poor grades in the one class that directly relates to the job might be a red flag, of course.

Grades themselves only become important if the company is looking for a tiebreaker between you and another qualified candidate.

Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2379: Aug 5th 2018 at 7:18:22 AM

Yeah. I'm aware of that. Although I've been told that if and when circumstances can be explained on why you don't have the GPA requirement, it'll sometimes work and not work on you.

Although for this case, it's for an intern position at CSIS in DC as a foreign intern.


PS - There's a job application in Ottawa with an intelligence agency. Good thing they can offer jobs in English...

The question on the application has this.

Are you now or have you ever been a citizen of a country other than Canada? *

I personally am aware of this potential predicament and my folks made it a point to not talk about this outside family lest we can get in "potential trouble".

Short answer: I do have it (dual nationality) and I have a gut feeling that I need to say I do or they'll find out in the background checks and say "Why didn't you tell us about this?"

Edited by Ominae on Aug 5th 2018 at 7:19:56 AM

SKJAM Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Baby don't hurt me!
#2380: Aug 5th 2018 at 6:41:45 PM

Yep, if they specifically ask, and it's not an illegal question, you do have to tell them.

It's not like you're undercover in a drug ring and they ask "are you a cop?"

Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#2381: Aug 6th 2018 at 5:36:19 AM

I'd say it's more than just if they specifically ask, that still leaves plenty of room for lies of omission and concealing of facts. Also when it comes to background checks their are no illegal questions, none of it gets used to charge someone with anything, the entire process is probably inadmissible in court unless you lie.

The basic principle in this, they don't really give a shit what you've done, they just want to know you're willing to tell them about it. So that means anything that they might want to know, family background, history of friends, everything.

If nothing else it's the best thing to do from a personal perspective, if you tell them about something they don't like you might loose the job, if you fail to tell them they will find out anyway and you may go to jail.

I've been trying to apply for civil service jobs and they all require serious background checks, I plan to tell them everything: my brother's sealed caution, every illegal substance I've ever used (it's a short list), every friend I have that could be considered tangentially connected to anti-establishment left-wing groups, every possible point of blackmail (basically none), every pressure point that could be used against me (friends and family basically, including a few close friends that probably wouldn't be included in a standard questionnaire), full details on both my ex girlfriends, every weird online community that I'm part of that includes foreign nations (including here, that's gonna be a fun one to explain).

They want you to trust them completely, because you're asking them to trust you with a lot.

Edited by Silasw on Aug 6th 2018 at 12:37:11 PM

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2382: Aug 6th 2018 at 5:06:09 PM

I think I'll probably do that since CSEnote  can do a general position job application and they don't (From what I saw) have strict problems if you don't speak French (Immigrated as a teen straight outta high school from Southeast Asia and never attended French stuff in college/university). Problem is my dual status is a probable risk, but I'll apply and explain the reason why I have it. Their background checks need to go until ten years and I landed in BC in 2004 (to get immmigrant status) and left in 2012, so they can at least get some records of me from '04.

Kinda frustrating that I'm from a good university in BC after I went back to it to get my BA since I got out for bad grades and health/personal (as in move out with family to Manila) reasons and yet, I get jabbed out from jobs in Singapore (TBF, they probably got a good local/local alien resident to take the job) and from Ottawa.

Still waiting from CMU in Pittsburgh since the job ad says it's active (Probably waiting to see if others are willing to apply) and I'm going to apply for an intern position at CSIS in DC with the Japan program. Just need to do my writing sample and almost halfway done after deciding to do it from scratch.

Edited by Ominae on Aug 6th 2018 at 6:01:46 AM

BlueNinja0 The Mod with the Migraine from Taking a left at Albuquerque Since: Dec, 2010 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
The Mod with the Migraine
#2383: Aug 7th 2018 at 10:13:40 AM

I started a resume writing and job interview workshop last night. 8 sessions long, but considering how little time we actually spent on either of those skills during the military transition course, I think I need help. They assigned us homework (ugh), but on the upside they did have several different options to find a mentor and increase the width of your network to help you land a job. So despite the homework tongue I'm going to continue on with the class.

That’s the epitome of privilege right there, not considering armed nazis a threat to your life. - Silasw
SKJAM Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Baby don't hurt me!
#2384: Aug 8th 2018 at 6:11:08 PM

Those are useful skills for job hunting, to be sure. Get contact info for all your classmates as those are the people who know what you're going through and empathize when you need that. (Besides, you never know when someone's brother-in-law that owns a fishing boat in Alaska might be just the connection another job seeker needs.)

GAP Formerly G.G. from Who Knows? Since: May, 2011 Relationship Status: In love with love
Formerly G.G.
#2385: Aug 13th 2018 at 12:13:44 AM

Can anyone tell me about the Peace Corp and Americorp groups?

"Fan, a Mega Man character."
Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2386: Aug 14th 2018 at 6:51:39 PM

Now waiting on the statuses of three resumes sent to Canada/USA for the job ads I saw on the internet.

This also includes CSE, which I answered that I'm a dual national. TBF, some of the politicians I know by reputation also have dual nationality...

——

Got an update on my LinkedIn feed that there’s a temp position with the UN in Japan as a humanitarian affairs officer. Although I'm working with a local NGO that does humanitarian work, the requirements mention that three years minimum for working in an international setting is needed. (i.e. I'm Canadian and I lived in Manila for more than four years now due to family presence)

Well I'm going almost one year now, I think I'll be rejected from this unless I have a convincing cover letter.

Edited by Ominae on Aug 21st 2018 at 6:43:31 AM

BlueNinja0 The Mod with the Migraine from Taking a left at Albuquerque Since: Dec, 2010 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
The Mod with the Migraine
#2387: Aug 27th 2018 at 8:09:03 AM

So I was talking to someone about my workshop tonight, which is mock interviews (to help us get used to doing sit-down interviews before we have to do them for real), and the question of proper attire was brought up. For obvious reasons, I do not own a suit. The people I was talking to agreed that a "good" suit runs between $300-500. Is that for real? Even my uniforms don't cost that much each.

That’s the epitome of privilege right there, not considering armed nazis a threat to your life. - Silasw
Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#2388: Aug 27th 2018 at 3:41:52 PM

Hit up some local charity shops/second hand shops, I don’t think I’ve ever bought a new suit, as long as it fits and looks reasonable you should be fine.

Though honestly it depends on what kind of job you’re applying for, there will be places that are prissy about having you wear a fancy suit, but most places shouldn’t care.

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#2389: Aug 27th 2018 at 7:27:14 PM

While you do want to look your best for an interview, there's no need to put yourself into debt buying a new suit. A secondhand one should be fine as long as it's in relatively good condition and fits. That second bit is important — make sure the suit fits you well enough. You don't want to go to your interview looking like a guy borrowing one of his dad's old suits.

Disgusted, but not surprised
SKJAM Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Baby don't hurt me!
#2390: Aug 29th 2018 at 12:45:02 PM

Fancy suits are for sales (but never more expensive than the prospective boss) and executive level interviews.

Everyone else, a good slightly used but well-fitting suit will do fine. After you have it, wear it all day for a couple of days to get used to the feel, that will help you not look uncomfortable during the interview.

Dark conservative colors are best, with perhaps a splash of solid color in the necktie. (Note—opposite for creative jobs.) Save the stripes and patterns for when you get hired.

Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2391: Sep 3rd 2018 at 6:13:13 PM

Looks like my application is being processed at the UN in New York for a Political Affairs Officer since my application status says that the recruiter/HR department is considering me.

Decided to lob an application to CSIS in Ottawa as an intelligence analyst.

Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2392: Sep 11th 2018 at 4:02:43 PM

CSIS got back to me regarding an intern position in DC and decided to not proceed with me. Not surprised since I didn’t get the 3.0 GPA requirement.

Decided to go for an open position based on my current standing (eg having a BA after graduating this year).

Edited by Ominae on Sep 11th 2018 at 6:53:58 AM

Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2393: Sep 12th 2018 at 4:55:19 PM

Posting in a day or so for the nth time.

I saw this job ad from CSIS for a research associate:

  • M.A. in International Relations or related field preferred. (*)
  • At least one year of work experience related to Japan or U.S.-Japan relations. (*)
  • Familiarity with key stakeholders in the Japanese and U.S. policy communities. (*?)
  • Ability to complete various writing assignments independently and on deadline.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to effectively organize and present information.

My concerns are highlighted with a (*) mark. Although for the stakeholders in the Japanese/American policy communities, I think I can do by with some research, although I may need backup on this.

As for the others, I don't have a year's experience of working which has to do something with anything related to Japan sadly except in the academic field when I was in university and I got my B.A.

Edited by Ominae on Sep 12th 2018 at 4:57:36 AM

Quag15 Since: Mar, 2012
#2394: Sep 12th 2018 at 8:37:47 PM

[up]The year of working experience might be the one major obstacle, methinks. On the other hand, if you have a year of working experience in subjects/areas similar to the US-Japan thing, might as well go for it.

The familiarity of key stakeholders might depend on how many connections you have, if you get an interview.

Edited by Quag15 on Sep 12th 2018 at 4:37:59 PM

Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2395: Sep 12th 2018 at 10:12:03 PM

That part's a concern, which is why I applied for a general staffing position at the institute and mentioned in my cover letter that I'm applying for a general position with preference to research and mentioned my good grades in Japanese/Chinese politics.

I think it'll be useless if I apply for that position, just due to the any lack of work experience related to Japan. Knowing anyone working in American-Japanese foreign policy may be another obstacle.

It's fucking sad that I'll talk to a resume/cover letter writer to do a Plan B and seriously consider a master's (Which is now my dad's view after years of "can you support yourself outside of Manila" rhetoric). Since I'm in Manila, Singapore's a good place to do that.

It's even harder for me to get certain Pol Sci-related jobs if they depend on references. Even if I get good ones, I can still be rejected for someone else. And I'm sometimes scared to ask them again for another reference again.

I know one who can't do it anymore due to university policy.

Edited by Ominae on Sep 12th 2018 at 11:25:01 AM

Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#2396: Sep 13th 2018 at 4:10:52 PM

It comes down to if that stuff is stated as desired or required. Many places are happy to train you up on some parts of the specific knowledge as long as you’re able to learn and have a general understanding.

In personal news I had an interview for a civil service positon that I feel went well, should hear back in a couple of weeks.

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Ominae Since: Jul, 2010
#2397: Sep 13th 2018 at 8:56:16 PM

Seems that the M.A. part may not be a problem since they took someone who had a BA before.

The other two concerns I've mentioned... well closest one I've seen is I've studied under a Japanese professor in my undergrad years and I got good grades from him.

LarryMullen Since: May, 2015
#2398: Sep 14th 2018 at 2:33:08 PM

I'm not 100% sure if this is the right place to post this but since it is job-related, I guess it's all right. I apologize if this is off-topic:

I was fired from my job at the beginning of May and have been looking for a new one ever since. I started collecting unemployment benefits at the beginning of July. Last month, I received an email saying my former employer was challenging my right to receive benefits and that a hearing (overseen by a judge) would determine if I was fired due to "misconduct" on my part. This came as a shock to me because the reason given for my firing was that I did not meet my employer's expectations. The hearing was conducted yesterday via phone. My former employer argued that I had violated their policies because I had used their computers for "personal use" i.e. looking at non-work-related websites. I pointed out that other employees had done the same and had in fact told me that it was fine to do this during downtime but my employer dismissed this as "hearsay". When the judge asked me to state my argument, I simply said that my termination letter made no reference to misconduct of any kind and that I should therefore continue to receive unemployment benefits.

So now I'm waiting for the judge's decision. If he rules against me, I lose my benefits for the rest of the year. The reason I'm telling you all this is because I want to know if anyone has ever been in a similar situation and if so, how did you deal with it?

SKJAM Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Baby don't hurt me!
#2399: Sep 16th 2018 at 9:07:20 AM

Not in that position myself, but I've known others who have. A couple of local companies are notorious for this (claiming an employee was fired for cause when in reality they were just laid off) as they have high turnover and want to keep their unemployment tax bite down. It's odd, though, that your ex-employer waited so long to dispute as normally companies will file the complaint immediately upon being notified the ex-employee is filing for benefits. (Indeed, your getting unemployment benefits in the first place is predicated on them not filing an objection.)

Check in with your county caseworker at the re-employment office, and ask what your options are for an appeal if the case goes against you. (Can they get you an advocate?) Be sure to point out that you were not previously disciplined for internet use, that it was not mentioned during your exit interview and not mentioned in the termination letter. Also ask about social services resources available to you as your income will zero out if the unemployment benefit is denied.

If you land a job interview while the dispute is still ongoing, avoid talking about that dispute during the interview. Do not lie, but don't volunteer anything. If the interviewer gets nosy, "I cannot comment on an ongoing case."

LarryMullen Since: May, 2015
#2400: Sep 18th 2018 at 9:24:50 AM

I don't know if it has to do with turnover rate or if they're just being cheap. Honestly, if the judge rules against me, I don't see much point in appealing since it's not a huge amount of money in the long run. But I might reconsider if they order me to pay back the benefits I've already received.

Now to be fair, I was cautioned about Internet use by my supervisor but he only did that once and I never got the sense that it was a fireable offense. If it was, they'd have a very high turnover rate since pretty much everyone was guilty of it.

Thanks for your advice!


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