Dear Friends and Colleagues,

First, thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

Many of you have contacted me with incredibly warm encouragement about the newsletter idea, the newsletter itself and my job hunt. My observation that I know a good crowd of fine people has been re-affirmed. Living in the harsh world of the job hunt got much less lonely and harsh.

Second, one of the things that I have learned this week is that most everyone is thinking too narrowly about the kind of people they should mention me to. The common thread is that "I sent your newsletter to Joe. He's the only computer person I can think of."

Of course I appreciate the referral but let me tell you this: You can best help me by mentioning me, my job hunt and newsletter to everyone with whom you are close enough to network.

Two reasons: First, I am trying to take advantage of the random power of the universe. This requires stepping out of the linear path where I have already tread. You don't know which of your friends has a neighbor with whom he or she is close that knows the perfect job, computer-oriented or not, for me. Second, I am every bit as interested in working for a company that has nothing to do with computers as those that do. My skills include a lot of non-computer topics and experiences. Even my computer and web talents can be well used in support of non-computer topics.

(I started my career at R.R. Donnelley and Sons when that company didn't have any computers outside of their payroll department. By the time I was done with them, computers were integrated deeply into their production process. I've made websites for all kinds of companies.)

So, help me harness the random power of the universe: Don't be careful about whom you tell. Tell everyone you can think of and I'll be grateful.

Sincerely,

tqii

ps, I have put a link list to the first newsletter to the left. For those who are new to this list, it explains what I am up to. For the rest of you, it, and subsequent links to ongoing newsletters, it is for your access convenience.

I have been sent a couple of actual referrals. I'll let you know how that goes when the phone tag ends.

One of them, though, was for a headhunter/placement sort of guy. He is a gruff character that takes pleasure in challenging the unwary, ie, me. He suggested that I revise my resume substantially and made a great case for doing so. He said to start with a skills inventory. Turns out that is harder than it looks. Trying to actually draw a picture of what I offer is a challenge. Anyway, I have posted it here. Next week I will have a new/alternate resume for your enjoyment.

A bit of good news is that I have just had a phone interview with HR at Walgreens. A couple of people communicated with them on my behalf and I am amazed at the power of having a connection to a potential employer. The lady told me that the timing of the next step was entirely uncertain. I hope it's soon and positive.

Only got a few applications made this week. The cover letters are on the left.