That’s almost a wrap on 2025 (just one more job application to go, potentially). I was going to write this post anyway, but LinkedIn’s rather spurious Year in Review thing (we can’t all be ‘Catalysts’, surely?) is a good prompt as well for a more honest appraisal of the past year.
The bare numbers: roughly, one application per week, either directly or via agencies. It depends on whether or not I include the two agencies who emailed me with a “Hey! We’ve got a job we’d like to put you forward for! Send me your CV!”; to which I replied “Hey! Tell me what the job is, where it is, how much it pays, and I’ll let you know.” Answer came there none.
I had 10 interviews (in person and remote); some of the no-interviews were a surprise, I was expecting half as many again, at least. Obviously, no wins. Some of the feedback – where it was received – was… interesting.
“We gave it to someone with 20 years’ experience in the field.” Fine, but it was a public transport gig and I have over 20 years’ experience of that…
“You were great, enthusiastic, knowledgeable… we gave it to someone else.” This is annoying, to put it mildly. They had a particular bullet point in the job description they focused on rather than go with the multi-talented all-rounder who is a quick study (me, for the avoidance of doubt).
My all-time favourite is “too press”. Certain people see the words “public relations” and that’s as far as they get. Which is odd, as I’ve not had an interview this year for any press or media relations roles. The funniest one was when I got feedback (via an agency) that I was “too press” for a role shovelling content onto a new website. I’ve been building and managing websites for over 31 years, long before I got into PR. I even managed that organisation’s website for them, 20-odd years ago. “Too press”? As if.
One new thing I discovered though is that I have the makings of a tour guide. Honestly, never saw that one coming! When the weather picks up I’ll be doing some dry runs of new routes, if anyone fancies a walk round Leeds.
If Christmas is your thing, I hope you have a good one.
