My Writings. My Thoughts.

Top5 Tracks for the week of 02/28/2010

February 28th, 2010 | Comment | Top5

  1. Port O’Brien – I Woke Up Today
  2. The Editors – The Weight of the World
  3. Spoon – Stay don’t go
  4. The Xx – infinity
  5. Jandek – Nancy Sings

I’m going to be a Thrill worker!

February 12th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Personal

As I mentioned before, I am no longer going to be freelancing. This wasn’t an easy decision to make, but it was an awesome one.

I began freelance / contract work out of a need – there were no web related jobs in the Kincardine area. I have learned so much through Debut Creative. One of the most important lessons is that I hate being an accountant, and wearing several other hats that a one-man-operation requires.

When we moved back to the GTA at the end of last year I began to keep my ears open for job opportunities. I was in a very privileged position to be picky with the kinds of jobs I would apply for. I want to make high end websites that challenge me – and sites that are actually used and seen. During some mild mannered Googling I discovered Thrillworks in Burlington. The job ad for “Web Designer” sounded too good to be true!

I start Tuesday.

I wanted to share how this came about; getting a job can sometimes be a remarkable journey.

I want to be a Thrill Worker

For the average person applying for a job means sending a resume. Being in the creative industry doesn’t allow for anything average. I’ll admit there were several instances of simply chucking a resume to a prospective employer, but in hindsight those jobs didn’t really grab my eye. None did – until I found Thrillworks.

When I saw the job posting for Web Designer at Thrillworks I was super excited. It wouldn’t be fair to simply send a resume – I’d never wanted a job so badly, so my application should reflect this.

As with any project the first step is research. I read the ENTIRE Thrillworks website. I memorized the names of everyone working there, and thoroughly investigated the work they do and how they talk about it. I even waded through code on several client sites.

Using my research I was able to pick a good tone that would not only get their attention, but would reflect the values they have. Their website paints the portrait of a fun loving, creative and extroverted team environment. This tone plays to my strengths as these are terms that could be used to describe me.

I did some writing, recorded some videos (for the personal touch), and did some designs that I hoped would help me be top of mind in their search for an employee.

My goal was simple: I wanted an interview.

This was my application: “i want to be a thrill worker dot com!”

As this was a web job, I also made sure my code wasn’t an embarrassment (well, there were some shortcuts I took, but I made sure to make quirky remarks about it throughout). Instead of naming the sections of the design like “Header”, “Footer” etc., I used the names of the employees there! Even my CSS had the call to action:

I heard back from Thrillworks almost right away – I got the interview! This was no time to rest though; I spent the following week brushing up on my ASP and did research on some of the specific software they mentioned using (as well as all that pesky “work” I had!).

I then prepared some print materials including my references and a tent card leave-behind piece (my rationale was I wanted something that would take up space on a desk that would make them think of me the following day).

My experience in working in agencies in the past suggested that some people who may have no say in the hiring process may be asked to review the work of applicants, so I also made some cheesy “Guerrilla HR” materials catering to them.

the result

My interview was scheduled for 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon. I was pretty nervous; though I actually love job interviews. They are a meeting to talk about ME. I am the world’s leading authority on the subject, so I was confident that I would be able to represent myself well.

I prepared an interview page on the i want to be a thrillworker site complete with links of some work examples I wanted to talk about. You can see the interview page here.

I was introduced to the team, and some seemed impressed that I knew the names of everyone there. I was pretty excited that they all knew me as well – my application had circulated, and I felt like a bit of a celebrity!

Oddly enough it wasn’t a job interview however; apparently I had the job before I even woke up that day! I was told that barring any “creepy serial killer” vibes, I was in. Quite a few had applied for the job – but only one was even considered for the interview.

Needless to say, this made my day.

“how does this apply to me?!”

Obviously this kind of obnoxious approach won’t work just anywhere, or by just anyone! Also, if everyone applied in this way it would quickly lose what makes it stand out from the crowd.

Using creativity you can create a resume that will not only stand out, but that will

  • Capture your personality, and play up your strengths
  • Speak in a tone that the employer will respond to
  • Be memorable.

If you’re thinking ahead to applying for a job at the end of school that’s awesome. Treat this as you would any other project in Graphics. Start with your keywords, then start collecting various resources that capture not only different moods, but different sides of you.

Doing this prep work well in advance is a great head start – when the dream job appears your prompt application will show your interest (that said it shouldn’t sound like a template!).

The Speed of Life

February 4th, 2010 | Comment | Personal

To say that 2010 has been a blur so far would be a complete understatement.

In the wee span between January 15th – 30th Kristi and I:

  • Moved back in with the inlaws
  • Bought a car
  • Heard our unborn child’s heart beat
  • Dealt with aggravating  issues with our old car
  • Sold our house
  • Dealt with a heart-rending family tragedy
  • Bought a new house
  • I found my dream job
  • I got the interview

Since the 30th I had the interview – and I got the job! (I expounded about this in more detail).

2010 has certainly made it’s mark on us, and has been a brainful. We would be content for some routine and boredom at this point. I hope the year isn’t setting us up for this pace.

More about the new job soon.

Excitement has changed.

January 18th, 2010 | 1 Comment | Personal

Today (January 18, 2010) my wife Kristi and I heard something no one else has ever heard before: The heartbeat of our child! It was one of those profound moments I’m sure I’ll never forget. Today we’re starting to tell people the news. Below are some thoughts from before we wanted to break the news.

January 12th: My kid is making facial expressions and possibly sucking his or her thumb. He, she or they are the size of a lemon.

December 29th: Today Kristi found out that her cravings “haven’t even started yet”. If that’s true we’re in big trouble.

November 27th: I’ve always been a bit of a nerd; and nothing was more exciting than finding something new. A new idea, a new toy, or a new piece of the work-flow process. It’s all over. This week I ordered a new Mac Book Pro and new Google Android phone. Sure, I’m happy about it; but it’s not that big of a deal. I’m going to be a Daddy. No gadget / computer / website / music / anything will ever excite me like it used to. Family is colour, all else is sepia tone.

Top5 Tracks for the week of 01/13/2010

January 13th, 2010 | Comment | Top5

  1. Spoon – Written in Reverse
  2. The xx – Islands
  3. Dead Weather – I cut like a buffalo (version II)
  4. David Bowie – Man Who Sold The World
  5. Social Studies – Casanova Part I & II

2009 Releases

January 7th, 2010 | Comment | Music

I feel that last year I was slightly less in touch with music than normal.

This may be largely in part to not living in my own place for the last quarter (and thus going really gently on the Internet bandwidth). My last.fm account shows me listening to comforting and familiar songs over the last 12 months, and so I don’t really have ten albums listed in my top ten; even when I went easy on myself and allowed older albums in.

I love getting retrospective and making lists; and I especially benefit from other lists. Pitchfork does an annual wrap up where I generally discover something awesome that I missed. The best find so far is a band from the UK called The xx. If you feel like I’m missing something else comment me up, and drop a link for streaming.

Favourite band of 2009: Dr. Dog

Top Ten (discovered) 2009 Albums:

7. Cloud Cult – Feel Good Ghosts
6. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Raising Sand
5. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
4. Lackthereof – Your Anchor
3. Menomena – I am the fun blame monster
2. Los Campesinos! – Hold on
1. Dr. Dog –  Easy Beat

Top Ten 2009 Songs:

I gotta think about this…

Top5 Tracks for the week of 01/07/2010

January 7th, 2010 | Comment | Top5

  1. Feist + Beck – Weighted Down
  2. Bear Country – Liars and Deceivers
  3. The xx – Crystalised
  4. White Rabbits – Percussion Gun
  5. Them Crooked Vultures – New Fang

New Years Resolutions

January 4th, 2010 | Comment | Personal

Well, Twenty Ten is here. Last year was the shortest perceived year of my life. Twelve months ago my resolution was simply to “Be Better”. This is ridiculously subjective, so at the risk of sounding shady I will call it a success.

This year my resolution is to “Be More”. So far so good.

Included in my mental list is more writing (namely for sixrevisions.com, and other maybe eventually journals in my field) as well as more time away from the computer.

The Fool Proof Guide to Shopping for your Lady

December 15th, 2009 | Comment | Personal

Every year it was the same panic; “what do I get Kristi for _____(insert name of gift-giving worthy event)” . I think this is a fairly familiar story for most guys I know; that dull pain as the memories of every lame gift you’ve ever given comes flooding back. It doesn’t have to be this hard.

I am happy to say that for nearly a year and a half now I have refined a system that makes shopping for the wife a lot easier. You still have to find a fantastic big-gift as the cornerstone; but with a few complimentary gifts to scratch certain itches you’ll have a well rounded thing going on.

I try to get my wife something for each of the following categories:

- Something to entertain her
- Something to feed her spiritually
- Something to challenge her brain
- Something to make her feel pretty or special

Every gal will be different, but when you break it down to a few simple areas shopping becomes a cinch!

Good luck men.

The Onion – (content is king)

December 8th, 2009 | Comment | Personal

It has been said that while all other newspapers are failing and losing readers, The Onion continues to grow. I think the reason is obvious; the content is golden. Some of it is crass, but when they’re good they’re really good. No need for me to wax eloquent about it; here are some favourites from The Onion.

Articles

Radio

There’s no way to permalink to specific radio posts, so I guess you’ll have to do a search.

  • New 2010 Rake Hits Store Shelves Today Mon, Sep 07 2009
  • China Recalls Everything Tue, Dec 16 2008
  • Sci-Fi Channel Launches Battlestar Galactica: Miami Fri, Oct 17 2008

Video

Domino’s Tests Limits Of What Humans Will Eat

Ninja Parade Slips By Town Unnoticed Once Again

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Presidency

Spam Crackdown Threatens Koy4Goff’s Penis Enlarger Industry

Volatile India-Pakistan Standoff In 11,680th Day

Experts Agree Giant, Bioengineered Crabs Pose No Threat

Congress Debates Merits Of New Catchphrase

« Older Entries