Elizabeth Michaud lands at Martin Dawes Analytics in Boston. Read her insights!

Almost six months ago, I was laid off with everyone else when SiCortex sadly went to an asset sale. 

Four times over the summer and fall, I had interviews that went very well, but the job went to the other finalist. Company A (perm job) liked me very much but hired somebody who not only had good tech writing skills but could also program in Java and SQL. Company B (contract) also liked me a lot, but I lacked one specific set of skills they really needed. Company C liked me a great deal, too, but the job went to the other finalist who I inferred had connections currently inside the company, whereas my inside connections had been people who used to work there.

Then I learned that although the manager at Company B had not hired me, she had done an extraordinary thing - she had recommended me to
her manager friend at Company D, who was also looking for a tech writer.  I interviewed at Company D twice. According to the recruiter, they liked me so much they were re-scoping the job to include an engineering doc project, and to be permanent instead of contract. By late October, their recruiter assured me the offer was on its way. 

Then the group at Company D had a reorg and 12 jobs were cut. I was told the offer was in doubt because "my" job might go to one of those 12 people instead.

Meanwhile, Thursday two weeks ago, a former colleague from SiCortex emailed that his company was now
interviewing tech writers, and was I still looking? I emailed back to thank him, and said this other company might be about to make me an offer, but if that fell through, I would love to work with him again.

The next day the offer at Company D fell through. The job had gone to one of the 12 people the group had cut in the reorg.

Lickety-split, I sent my resume to my friend Mike, who had emailed me the day before that his company was looking for a tech writer. He submitted me with his recommendation, and over the weekend, his boss arranged for me to come in for an interview Monday morning.  I was there from 9 AM to around 2:00, and left feeling like things had gone very well. 

He called that Thursday evening - a week ago - to offer me the job. I start this coming Monday at Martin Dawes Analytics on Summer Street in Boston.

I'd like to thank everyone at Acton Networkers for running a great group that provided a lot of helpful tips and ideas, and really boosted my morale. It has been a lifesaver to come every week, to learn more positive job hunting strategies, and to have everyone's company and know I wasn't in it alone.  I'm a single parent of a high school senior, carrying the household by myself, and looking forward to sending my son to college next year. It has been pretty scary to be unemployed for almost six months.

I wish everyone success in their job search. I'll be at St. Matthews with bagels this morning. Thanks for everything, everybody!

Elizabeth