wagwaan?

It's all good...

Well, I don't have a new job yet, but I do have good news. Although I am still waiting to hear about the Cancer Research job, I was asked to go for an interview with a French company, JC Decaux. This is also a PA to CEO job, but less "involved", more relaxed and traditional. They were at pains to point out it's not for someone who wants a high-flying career. The way I feel at the moment, it sounds ideal! Quiet, on my own a lot and with my own office - bliss!  I turned down the PrivatSea one, but they phoned back and begged me to reconsider! So I've asked them to wait while I see if I get second interviews at CRUK and JCD.... I may have three to choose from, which is an exciting position to be in. The JCD one also comes with fantastic benefits, and is an easier commute, so it's looking better and better in my view :)

That actually went really well!

Today I had the infamous French chic interview. I was a bit concerned as I thought they'd be terribly posh and look down on me. I needn't have worried! I popped in to see Kate at the agency first, and she was really encouraging. Then I made my way to Piccadilly on the Tube and walked down Lower Regent Street towards Pall Mall where the company has its offices.  I wore my black skirt, black top and grey jacket (have to do it that way cos dark jackets look awful sprinkled with my psoriasis flakes eeeew) and a pair of smart shoes. Instead of  my coat, which is not very feminine, I threw a pink pashmina round my shoulders, topped up my lipstick and I was ready!  I think I looked great :)   Anyway, the Chief Exec came into the room and I stood up, stuck out my hand and greeted him in French - so off we went and conducted the interview in French instead of English. He also has dual nationality so we had something in common. He is actually a very nice, direct, no bullshit kind of guy. He is not the fancy rich kid I thought he was, but is ex-Foreign Legion!  We had a very good chat, and he told me honestly that he thought I had an excellent cv and he liked me, but he was worried I'd find this job a bit too disappointing after "saving lives" as it were in the NHS. This is a point that I had thought about actually, so I was glad to have the opportunity to discuss it openly.  To cut a long story short, I don't think it IS the job for me, but I'm glad I went along and met the guy.  I'm hoping to hear from Cancer Research UK next week to see if I'm through to 2nd interview. Fingers crossed!

How the other half live...

It's official. I was the first candidate to send back my completed test re the PrivatSea job. And the best so far apparently. The girl at the agency was horrified by some of the letters that so-called experienced PAs came up with!  Now, this company is owned by the Latsis family. Latsis? Sound familiar? Remember the Paris Hilton engagement to another Paris? Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis. Yep. As I say - how the other half live! The company that introduced my agency to PrivatSea asked that I dress "corporate" for the interview, but with a bit of Parisian chic as well. Excuse me while I collapse on the floor laughing!  I would LOVE to do Parisian chic, but erm, well, even with a million dollars (or Euros) I don't think I'll ever be classed as "chic".  I told the agency I would be professional but they'll have to take me as they find me. I have the qualifications, I have the diplomacy and tact, and I have beautiful diction, but I will NOT be looking like Jackie Kennedy - I'm more Christina Onassis in her worse days ROFL!

Jobs jobs jobs!

Wow! Things are hotting up. Today I had an interview with the HR chappie from Cancer Research UK. I think it went really well. I know for a fact I have a unique cv in that I have an executive corporate AND clinical background, essential for this role. The agencies are having trouble coming up with candidates, which is all good for me (evil smirk!).  The charity is based in beautiful offices on Lincoln's Inn Fields - the building was given to them 20 odd years ago, so they pay no rent and it's a BEAUTIFUL part of London.  I will know Thursday or Friday if I made it to the second interview, where I get to meet the CEO. 

I also found out that the tests I did for the other company went well and they want to see me Friday. This is the text of the ad:  This fabulous opportunity has arisen within an up market members-only club that offers luxury holidays on private yachts and to private islands to its members. Your role will combine PA duties to the French CEO along side effective office management. On a day to day basis, you will be responsible for a wide range of activities such as diary management, travel/accommodation/currency arrangements, meeting coordination and health and safety within the office. Additionally you will be liaising with other departments such as sales and marketing to assist with promotions and follow ups . This role will involve regular contact with high profile individuals who will be existing or potential members and therefore calls for an articulate and professional individual. You will have outstanding office support skills including a minimum of 2 years' experience as a PA to a senior member of staff. The successful applicant will be bilingual, speaking both English and French fluently. Additionally, a clear understanding of business etiquette and attention to detail are crucial. This is a great opportunity for those looking to utilise their language and office support skills within a prestigious and professional environment.

I think I can do that!  Well, I might not be polished and sleek enough for them, but hey, my qualifications are top notch...

Now I'm just waiting for our dhal to cook, and it'll be dinner time on our laps in front of Holby City.  And an early night.

Teenagers, huh!

What a weekend!  DD decided she was going to go blonde. Well, she has been talking about it for ages, even though I told her that going blonde from dark brown is quite a feat. So yesterday her dad put her pocket money on her account and the first thing on her wish list was hair "lightener". Of course I was roped in to actually apply it to the hair, supposedly because it would be more even than if she did it herself. The result? A stripey orange look that wouldn't look out of place on Vivienne Westwood herself!   Today I had to go out and buy some black hair dye and apply it and thank goodness her hair is back to the raven look she had before.  It's even darker actually, because there was no dark brown to cover, just the stripped hair... yikes! I don't like to think about what all this is doing to it.

Then, I had to go online to complete some competency tests in typing, Word and Excel. The touch typing test was ok, but the Word and Excel tests went into great detail on stuff I've never used before. I managed ok, but it will be interesting to see how well I did.  I will find out on Tuesday as I have a quick appointment with Adecoo before going on to the interview.

After all that I'm exhausted. Early to bed I think!