[nabop] New Discussion Thread

[John Doering]

Hello,
I would like to start a discussion thread on this list.
My name is John Doering.  I have been looking for work related to my experience and education since I was laid off in March of 2005.  Below is part of one of my cover letters, describing my work experience.  All my work experience below was done while being totally blind.

I spent the last 4 years working for Astronautics Corporation of America in their Field Services Department. Unfortunately, the company closed the department.

My position at Astronautics was as a Field Service Coordinator. I handled contracts for customers such as Everbrite, Panasonic, NCR, GTSI, Titan formerly BTG, and Planet Gov formerly ITC. We had a worldwide network of Field Service Technicians that I used to complete jobs sent to me from my customers. I coordinated the installation of Everbrite Customer Order Displays in fast food drive thrus. The installation of Panasonic Wireless Headset Systems, Cashless purchase systems, and complete POS register systems. Also, PC repair jobs for military and government contracts.

My job included getting the job request from our customer. Making sure the job was put in our database. Assigning the appropriate technician to the job. Keeping the customer up to date on the status of each job on a daily basis. Resolving any problems that occurred in the process of completing the job. Finally, closing the job with the customer when the job is complete.

I have an excellent knowledge of most MS Office applications. I have outstanding organizational skills. I can work independently to complete tasks in a timely manner. Also, my communication skills are very good.

Prior to working for Astronautics, I worked for nearly 10 years for DCI Marketing in their Telemarketing department. 



As you can see from my work experience, I am looking for a job in the Customer Service field.  Since being laid off, I have applied for over 300 jobs and have interviewed for at least 2 dozen.  In every case, I have been rejected or never hear back from the employer.  My follow up calls go un-returned.  I have received rejection letters that have given some interesting excuses for not hiring me.  Besides the common, "We have decided to go with someone more closely qualified for the job than you.", I have also got excuses like, "We decided to change the job requirements and you no longer qualify", "The person you were to replace, decided to return to the position", and my favorite, "You are very qualified, but we are looking for someone slightly different for the position and have decided not to fill the position at this time."  Needless to say, I am becoming quite frustrated with my job search.  I am wondering if anyone else has experience these types of things and if there was any happy outcomes?

Just for the record, I am working for Industries for the Blind to make ends meet and am doing okay financially.  The goal is to get a job in my field of experience and education, with the chance for promotions and raises.



Regards,

JD




John & Annette Doering
Charlie Brown LDB & Murphy
Milwaukee, WI USA
doering at ameritech.net
-------------- next part --------------
Hello,
I would like to start a discussion thread on this list.
My name is John Doering.  I have been looking for work related to my experience and education since I was laid off in March of 2005.  Below is part of one of my cover letters, describing my work experience.  All my work experience below was done while being totally blind.
 
I spent the last 4 years working for Astronautics Corporation of America in their Field Services Department. Unfortunately, the company closed the department.
My position at Astronautics was as a Field Service Coordinator. I handled contracts for customers such as Everbrite, Panasonic, NCR, GTSI, Titan formerly BTG, and Planet Gov formerly ITC. We had a worldwide network of Field Service Technicians that I used to complete jobs sent to me from my customers. I coordinated the installation of Everbrite Customer Order Displays in fast food drive thrus. The installation of Panasonic Wireless Headset Systems, Cashless purchase systems, and complete POS register systems. Also, PC repair jobs for military and government contracts.
My job included getting the job request from our customer. Making sure the job was put in our database. Assigning the appropriate technician to the job. Keeping the customer up to date on the status of each job on a daily basis. Resolving any problems that occurred in the process of completing the job. Finally, closing the job with the customer when the job is complete.
I have an excellent knowledge of most MS Office applications. I have outstanding organizational skills. I can work independently to complete tasks in a timely manner. Also, my communication skills are very good.
Prior to working for Astronautics, I worked for nearly 10 years for DCI Marketing in their Telemarketing department. 
 
As you can see from my work experience, I am looking for a job in the Customer Service field.  Since being laid off, I have applied for over 300 jobs and have interviewed for at least 2 dozen.  In every case, I have been rejected or never hear back from the employer.  My follow up calls go un-returned.  I have received rejection letters that have given some interesting excuses for not hiring me.  Besides the common, "We have decided to go with someone more closely qualified for the job than you.", I have also got excuses like, "We decided to change the job requirements and you no longer qualify", "The person you were to replace, decided to return to the position", and my favorite, "You are very qualified, but we are looking for someone slightly different for the position and have decided not to fill the position at this time."  Needless to say, I am becoming quite frustrated with my job search.  I am wondering if anyone else has experience these types of things and if there was any happy outcomes?
Just for the record, I am working for Industries for the Blind to make ends meet and am doing okay financially.  The goal is to get a job in my field of experience and education, with the chance for promotions and raises.
 
Regards,
JD
 
John & Annette Doering
Charlie Brown LDB & Murphy
Milwaukee, WI USA
mailto:doering at ameritech.net doering at ameritech.net