6 Tips When Applying For A Job
Each new opportunity that comes, whether it's an interview or just an application, you talk yourself round to having this job as your new or temporary life before you've even got it. Then if you don't get it you're bitterly disappointed, or if you get accepted you doubt that the path is definitely right for you.
We are currently in the process of applying for a year long placement and we can honestly say we've never felt so unsettled! We are obsessive planners, and like to always know our next step, but how can we when we don't know what company or job role we will have, whether we will be living at home or getting our own place, or when we will even start when we do get one?
Applying for a job sounds pretty easy, but we can assure you it's not. There are so many things we wish we had known when we first started applying, and hopefully this post will help with anyone going through the application process, and maybe make you prepared for what's to come.
1) Try and find out what you want to do
When we first started applying we were fussy, we wanted an exact role and wouldn't settle for anything less. A few months and a lot of rejections later we flipped to the opposite, applying for absolutely anything and everything. Then when we started to get opportunities we realised that we actually no longer knew what we wanted, and quickly figured out that the only way to know is to explore. This then leads on to...
2) Don't judge a role by it's description
Kirst got offered an interview and was convinced the role wasn't for her. For days on end she was toying between whether to go or not, if she didn't go she felt as if she would look back regretting and asking 'what if?', but she also had a gut feeling that it just wasn't for her. Despite these feelings, she went to the interview for peace of mind, and because well... time felt as if it was running out. Luckily for her, she absolutely loved it - her gut feeling was way off and instead, within the first 10 minutes she couldn't see herself anywhere else. Moral of the story? First impressions aren't always accurate, and we'd rather take rejection than regret.
3) Be unique in selling yourself
One of the placements that Em applied for specifically asked to not be bored with a 'generic cover letter'. So many people just changed the company name in their cover letter, and it shows. Every job is different, even if the only difference in the actual role is the company it's for, meaning that everyone wants something different from you. Sell yourself differently to match the tone of the company, it will make you much more likely to stand out and less likely to be ignored.
4) Know your company from the word go
Two words... surprise interviews. Companies are always looking for ways to get the most honest representation of you that they can. When they ask for an interview they know you will go away and swot up on what you might be asked, and let's be honest anyone can do that. As soon as you apply for a job spend time getting to know the company inside out (you should have already started doing this when writing your cover letter) so that your confidence is evident right from the start.
5) Ask questions
When applying for a job you think that all the questions are directed at you, but actually what you ask says a lot about you. It tells the company what it is you want from the job, and determines how passionate you are about getting it. Ask questions that make you look genuinely interested, such as questions about the working environment, your responsibilities etc so you find out about the potential job and make it look like its something that you really want.
6) Be prepared to be rejected
We've done a whole post on being rejected, find it here. When applying for multiple jobs it's important to know that you are likely to face rejection, even if you haven't done anything wrong. You could have been the perfect employee, but someone else may have just had one teeny tiny element that made them suit the job better. It's important that you don't doubt yourself. Rejection is just another phase in the process, and you can't let it knock your confidence. Accept the rejection, take on board the feedback and use it go for the next job with a whole new sense of experience.
Budget Vs High End - Who's The Winner?
As students we are always looking to swap expensive goods for cheaper versions that are just as good, if not better. Often we find winners, and end up saving some pennies (yay for one less thing to moan about), but other times we find ourselves feeling it necessary to splash an extra bit of cash.
We've rounded up some products to compare, to find out where budget buys are best, and when a bit of money is needed.
First up...
Johnson's Baby Shampoo (£3) Vs Wilko's Own Baby Shampoo (£1)
Using baby shampoo in itself is the cheaper option when cleaning Make Up brushes, but it can be made as cheap as £1. There is absolutely no difference between these products, but if you pay the brand you pay triple the price!
Winner - Budget
Sleek Brow Kit (£8.50) Vs Benefit Brow Zings (£24.50)
Ok ok we know what the caption says, Benefit wins 'best selling' but is it really the best? Maybe if you have the money to spare but when you are watching the pennies it's not necessary. The Sleek kit comes with the same tools, and does exactly the same job for way under half the price!
Winner - Budget
Olay Essentials Complete Care Day Cream (£5) Vs Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser (£20)
Now this one depends on how much your skin relies on being moisturised, but as much as we want to tell you to put your purse away Liz Earle really doesn't compare. If you've read our blog post () you'll know how much we adore this product, and through being users of both these products, while the budget will do, it doesn't live up to the big bucks.
Winner - High End
Talcum Powder (99p) Vs Batiste Dry Shampoo (£2.99)
Talcum powder has been used as a cheaper alternative to greasy hair for years, to the point where many other brands (such as Lush) have offered dry shampoos based on the same texture. It works for getting rid of grease, but you really do have to be careful with going out looking like a witch with white hair. If like many of us the problem with not washing your hair is not just grease, but also flat, limp hair that won't be styled you might need something more. Yes it's triple the price, but Batiste works at eliminating grease, and giving your hair some extra oomph that usually only comes from a good wash.
Winner - High End
Rimmel London Kate Lipstick (£5.99) Vs Mac Lipstick (£15.50)
Mac lipsticks are the absolute in-trend in the beauty world, and have been for quite some time. Our problem? We are in-decisive and can't commit to spending £15 on a lipstick that we will probably change our mind on after a few uses. The Kate Moss collection eliminates this problem, and allows us to buy three shades for the price of one Mac colour. In terms of the lipstick themselves the quality of Mac's do not justify the price, so you really don't need to pay for the brand. A girl can never have too many lipsticks, so buy Rimmel and have more for less.
Winner - Budget
Primark Heeled Chelsea Boot (£15) Vs River Island Heeled Chelsea Boot (£50)
Winner - Budget
We wish we could tell you that budget products are always best, but then what would we have to moan about? It's a case of picking and choosing when products are worth the spend, and swallowing your pride when they are not.
Being Friends and Being House mates
Em & I are quite lucky that we were house mates before we were friends. Well, we’d spoken on Facebook prior to meeting (that makes us sound creepy, doesn't it?) but we weren't really friends. Our friendship was based on learning. 1) We were learning about each other as a person, determining if we were going to be friends, how well we got on, how similar we are etc. and 2) we were learning to live with each other.
This sounds silly and quite obvious. But it’s something we both hadn't been through before, and many others haven’t before university. You've always lived with your family, people who take you for what you are because they've always had to.
My brother was a nightmare when I was in my teens, he's so lazy and untidy and it was unbearable. But what could I do? I can scream and shout but its' just the way he is.
Now, we were quite lucky in our first year. We were surrounded by friends in other flats/houses who were going through hell. Flatmates who stole their food, smashed up the kitchen, broke doors, tables… whatever. Our flatmates were not perfect by a long-shot, they were unwilling to clean without being nudged, but they weren't the worst, so we were thankful.
Anyway.... back to the subject. Em & I were getting to know each other, as a friend, as well as getting to know our daily habits. Em has a habit of cooking dinner, but using up all the worktop space. She has packets, chopping boards and random bits of food spread around our kitchen. I spent most of first year piling it up for her so I could make some room to cook my own dinner.
Me? I talk to my food. That sounds odd. Let me give an example. I tell it to "hurry up" or "wait there". Ok that's odd. But anyway, living with strangers whilst growing a friendship means you learn absolutely everything about them, all at once.
Traditionally, people meet. They spend time together, they decide they like each other. They think they like each other enough to move in together - this means learning a whole new side to them. That boyfriend you've had for 7 years and you're sure is 'your perfect match'? Yeah... has a habit of leaving dirty tissues everywhere and he wears the same jeans 8 times before washing them. You now have to adapt to this.
Isn't it weird to think that you've known some of your friends for years, yet you're basing a friendship on only really knowing them for snippets of their life? You don't see them 24/7, you don't see them go through every emotion, every mood swing or every illness... You can pick and choose what you show.
University is such a test. Em & I have a stronger friendship than I do with the majority of my friends from home. Why? Because we have to spend so much time together. We've learnt every aspect of each others character, there is nothing we can possibly hide. We know each other inside out.
It works both ways. People I would usually have a great friendship with because we share the same sense of humour or the same interests, I can't stand because I know how lazy and unclean they are.
Isn't it strange how you judge a friendship or relationship on how well you 'get on'? Yet you could be basing that whilst only knowing half of their character. I wonder how many of my existing friends I would still like if I'd had to learn all of their personality.
25 Reasons That Living With Your Best Friend Is Great
All you ever say to your friends growing up is how good it would be if you lived together. Unfortunately most things you want at that age turn out to be a disappointment, however living with your best friend is not one of those things. Here are 25 reasons why we love living together!
1. You have two of everything (including wardrobes!)
2. You save money buying everything together
3. No need to send 6 page text messages, she’s just next door
4. A bad day is never as bad
5. No need to text around to find out what everyone else is wearing
6. Never turn up anywhere alone
7. Doing nothing doesn’t count as doing nothing when you’re in someone elses company
8. You’ll always have someone to do Two for Tuesday’s with
9. Always split the price of delivery
10. Someone to finish your sentences for you
11. You gain an extra mum
12. Surprise cups of tea
2. You save money buying everything together
3. No need to send 6 page text messages, she’s just next door
4. A bad day is never as bad
5. No need to text around to find out what everyone else is wearing
6. Never turn up anywhere alone
7. Doing nothing doesn’t count as doing nothing when you’re in someone elses company
8. You’ll always have someone to do Two for Tuesday’s with
9. Always split the price of delivery
10. Someone to finish your sentences for you
11. You gain an extra mum
12. Surprise cups of tea
13. It’s acceptable to take your bad mood out on them. They’ll probably tell you you’re a
dick, but they will still love you for it.
14. Someone to hold your hair when you’re being sick
15. Can’t be bothered to move to have a conversation? Just shout
16. Half price taxi’s
17. You can be in a bad mood together
18. “I've run out of…” “don’t worry I've got it”
19. Every night is a year 9 sleepover
20. Reassurance is always there
21. 24-hour nurse always available
22. No more lonely nights-in
23. Don’t feel like cooking tonight? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind
24. You always have someone to stick your eyelashes on for you
25. Always someone to have a moan with
Pampering on a Budget
There is nothing worse when money is tight and all you want is a nice pamper. We've all heard that when you look good, you feel good and being on a budget shouldn't get in the way of this!
As we've shown in our blog post Best Budget Buys (http://morethanamoan.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/best-budget-buys.html), you do not always have to spend a fortune to look good, or to do things that you enjoy.
You can have yourself a lovely pamper evening with just a few products, and without breaking the bank.
One of the best parts about being pampered at a spa is the atmosphere. It just feels clean, and calm making you instantly feel relaxed. To re-create this atmosphere at home (or at least try) candles are an essential tool. These are just £1 from Primark, and come in all different scents. They burn for up to 30 hours, create a flowery smell and provide the perfect calm setting.
Pampering always involves getting your nails done. There is nothing better than freshly polished nails, and there's no need to get them done professionally for them to look good. These are a few of our best budget polishes, all under £5 each, and fitting all different occasions. The Sinful Colors polishes are brighter, and more daring in colour, where as the Rimmel 60 Seconds still stand out but have a much duller tone. The Barry M Gelly is then the perfect nude, and gives the nail a clean finish, without attracting much attention.
A face mask is a pamper evening must! At just £1 per mask these Pro Formula Purifying Thermal Face Masks (from Tesco's own range) are the perfect way to feel pampered whilst saving money. They work best for combination/oily skin and are just the right weight for a nice refreshing lift. Put them on after your usual cleansing routine for 5 minutes, and your skin will feel like new.
To prepare for a pamper evening a nice bath will help you feel clean and relaxed. This is then the perfect time to pay attention to your hair and nourish it with a mask. Hair masks can be pretty pricey but this one comes in at £4.99 (in Superdrug), and that's for 500ml so it will last a lifetime! The mask helps to repair any damage to hair, and is the perfect consistency to create a smooth texture. Leave in whilst in the bath, or wrap your hair in a towel with it on while you pamper the rest of you, and then rinse off.
When we feel particularly moany a pamper evening is the perfect way to help keep us quiet! You don't have to spend a lot to feel nice, so treat yourself.
We're always looking for new ways to pamper ourselves, what are you favourite pamper products to use on a budget?
Best Budget Buys
Is it just us or do all bloggers seem to be rich? Don't get us wrong we are guilty of splashing out, but is it always necessary? As much as we would love to, we can't always afford to buy the best of everything, and actually don't believe that you always have to spend a fortune to get a good quality product.
To make your living on a budget easy, we've got our favourite budget buys that will make it feel like you haven't had to make a compromise.
Obviously everyone has a different interpretation of 'budget', so there's a mixture of cheap, a bit of a treat and products that only really seem good value when you compare them to their up market versions.
First up is the Pro Formula make up Wipes from Tesco (£2). We have no idea why make up wipes are so expensive but most are on average around £3, ouch! These wipes are cleansing wipes with Green Tea and Vitamin E and are one of the only range of wipes that actually leave our skin feeling clean. They have a fresh smell, not fragranced like most, and are perfect for sensitive skin and removing impurities.
Contouring has gone absolutely crazy in the Blogger world, and so many paint it to be a pretty pricey task. This kit by Sleek comes in at £6.50, which is relatively cheap in comparison to so many on the market. The shadow side is a perfect matte, and can be built up to achieve the level of darkness that you desire. The highlight then has the perfect shimmer, and again starts relatively light, allowing you to create the right build up for the look you want to achieve.
Some of the face masks currently popular are extortionate. £45 for a tiny bottle!? Even if it's a miracle worker not many of us can justify spending that much on a mask, so here's an alternative. The Mudd range are such trusty products, and buying the masks in bulk is much cheaper than buying the individual packets. While this one does not appear to be on the market currently, the same product is available in different packaging. You can get 10 masks for £3.99 at Fragrance Direct http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/mudd/mudd-original-mask-100ml/invt/0043442.
The product is heavy, and thick leaving your skin completely revitalised and cleansed after just 10-15 minutes. Perfect little weekly pick-me-up for you skin.
It's such a common perception that the most expensive perfume is best. We have a large proportion of the Marc Jacobs range (and don't get us wrong, we love it), but it does feel pretty pricey to be wearing everyday. We like to have a less expensive perfume for everyday wear, and the Zara range is absolutely perfect. Starting at £9.99 the price allows for a quality product that lasts, and smells absolutely amazing.
With Benefits release of a new mascara, the hype around expensive mascara is pretty high. We absolutely love Benefit mascara, but like to have cheaper alternatives that we can combine. Here are two options depending on how much you need to budget.
On the left is Bourjois Paris Volume Glam Ultra Curl mascara. At £7.99 (in Boots) its not too cheap, but in comparison to the Benefit ones it really is a budget one! It really work and elongates eyelashes, the brush is not too bold and stumpy and allows for build-up with each stroke. Great for everyday make-up or to use on top of others.
On the right is Collection 2000 Volumising mascara, and at just £3.99 (currently on offer, £2.99 at Boots). This mascara perfectly separates lashes and really does create good volume. This is an absolute essential if you're on a budget.
Above are Boots Botanics Day and Night Creams. The Botanics selection comes in six different ranges, all designed for different skin types and vary in price. Kirsti is currently using the Radiant Youth range, which is typically for women looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Recently, her skin became stressed and appeared run-down so she tried this range and it has really improved the quality of her skin. Previously, she's used the Organic range which is best for all skin types, so if you aren't specific or suffering from anything it's a good place to start!
Boots Botanics are a great range to use and their products can be used by all different skin types. The Day and Night creams vary in price depending on the range you buy, The Radiant Youth ones come in at £7.99 each, the other ranges are from £4.99-£7.99 - a bargain compared to some of the larger brands! A real good quality product, too.
And off the subject of beauty, this is an absolute Gem. The new Cristalinas range is available at Asda, and this diffuser comes in at £4. Since having our own house we are constantly looking at ways to make a lovely home, whilst sticking to our budget. Who knew how expensive diffusers are!? Well this one isn't in compassion to most, and honestly works so much better. This particular fragrance is Cherry Blossom and it honestly smells good enough to eat (please don't eat it though). It's the first thing you smell when you enter the room, and it really does last. Probably the best £4 we've spent on our home (well technically the best £12 as we've brought three!).
So there you have it, living on a budget doesn't have to be so bad after all! Do you use any products that are a bargain? We'd love to know! Hopefully these products will give you a few less things to moan about.
How to have a Cosy Room
Whether you’re living in halls, a house, flat or wherever you don’t have to let the basics of the room determine what it looks like.
The house we live in has old furniture, blue carpets and awful lighting, and yet still feels cosy!
The secret is little touches, everywhere.
One of the easiest, and cheapest ways to make your room cosy are fairy lights. The left set are from Primark, and the right are from Amazon. When the light in your room is dim, it can create a dull atmosphere so these are the perfect way to soften the feel.
This sounds so simple but cushions are essential. There is no better way to make your bed look ready to dive into than a big snuggly arrangement of cushions. The front cushion here is from bedding from Argos, and the two at the back are from good old Dunelm.
A great way to make a room cosy is to fill blank, boring surfaces.
Things that hang fill space so easily, and turn a boring area pretty instantly. Again both of these items are from Dunelm and can be hung just about anywhere.
So that’s the walls sorted, but having blank spaces on top of surfaces can leave your room looking sparse, and far from cosy. Here’s where to make use of what you’ve got, and jewellery boxes and perfume are a great way to do this. Marc Jacobs perfume bottles are gorgeous, and have multiple functions acting as decorations.
This arrangement on the right is made up of a jewellery box from, yet again, Dunelm (seriously, go there!) and the beautiful ring holders are all from Fenwick - all at £9.99 each! The clock was a gift but you can pick cute clocks up from almost anywhere! Asda particularly have a cute section at the moment.
Notice boards are not for revision and work i’m afraid.
Covering in them of a collage of pictures, tickets, hangers, cards and calendars is the perfect way to great a busy mess to your room, creating a cosy decorative piece that is relatively cheap to make.
Us being us moaned a hell of a lot when we first saw our rooms, but after a little bit of perspective and a very expensive Dunelm shop we created rooms which we absolutely love.
Thursday morning, VERY hungover, Em & I were laid on our kitchen floor, attempting to get the cap off of our washing machines filter (eh?). Yup, this week our washing machine broke.
We tried, we really did, for a good hour in fact. We were trying to be independent and prove that we could cope without Tim, our maintenance guy from halls. But, to our dismay, we were left with a wet kitchen floor, an increasing headache and a phone call to make. Thankfully, our landlords are pretty good and came round the next day to discover it really is broken and our new washing machine is now on its way!
So, this got me thinking of the differences between first and second year of uni. You join first year convinced you're leaving home and going to be so independent, when in fact you are in the safe hands of the security guy downstairs. Your shower isn't hot enough? No problem, Tim will sort that for you!
On the plus side, when the fire alarm goes off I can now just wave a tea towel around and the piercing sound stops. Last year, we were left standing in the car park at 5am because someone decided then was a perfect time to cook. The thought of that now seems unbearable, yet last year we weren't bothered at all and in fact found it quite amusing.
I've now come to realise that this is because of the lack of responsibility. I knew it was someone else's job and I could moan to the moon and back because it wasn't my problem to fix.
Moving In Day!
Last year, if my rent wasn't paid on time I would email reception to tell them it would be a few days late - "no problem" they'd say. Nowadays, if I told my estate agent my rent would be a few days late, I would hear the words "that'll be an extra £35 per day". Shocking. I know.
Oh yeah, estate agents are not good to students. They aren't good to many people but they really are awful to students. Small tip, which you will hear from every student, don't take everything they say and accept it. If they want a £400 admin fee, knock them down. It's extortionate. Another thing, read your tenancy agreement before signing! They really do worm some corkers in there.
There are so many things you have to adapt to when you begin second year, but it's not all bad! I do not miss my tiny single bed along with my tiny room. But an en suite? Yeah, could do with one of those..
Happy Moaning!
Kirsti
The first week of uni...
It's getting to that time of year where many of you will be preparing to enter the next stage of your life and head off to university. Believe us, we know it's daunting.
While some feel that it is right for them to stay at home, we both wanted to move to a whole new place, and were probably tempted by halls more than university itself.
Right about now you're probably picturing yourself in each of the locations you visit, are excited about the prospect of getting away from your boring old town and equally as petrified about the strangers you will be living with.
Now it's probably worth mentioning that our story isn't quite like others. We are both studying advertising, and entered the wonderful world of Facebook to 'virtually meet' beforehand. As we nattered away about all our uni woes and worries, we were completely unaware that we would be not only in the same flat, but the rooms next door. After the initial squeals were over and done with we were just relieved that not everyone around us was a complete stranger.
While this is pretty unusual, and we were extremely lucky, it's important to note that most people you will meet when moving in are friendly, and won't be strangers for long. No seriously, wait until the next morning where you are all hungover and feel as though you've known each other forever.
In fact this whole friendly feel will stick through at least the whole of freshers, and if you're lucky even longer. But what people don't warn you about, is that what you are going through is what students refer to as the 'honeymoon period'. Like a relationship, everyone is happy to please at first. Do each others washing up here and there, have the standard 'family fajita night' and feel like you know everything there is to know about your flatmates sex life through playing 'I have never'.
This does fade. This is normal.
And while we don't want to dampen your thoughts of the 'fabulous freshers' (because if we could back, believe us we would!), I guess we just want you to enjoy it while it lasts. You're finally free from your parents, it's completely acceptable to cook a pizza at three in the morning and not get out of your pjs all day. The clubs are just at the bottom of the lift, and there will be that one night when you are so drunk that you end up back in your bed before midnight, don't worry we've all been there.
So yes you will be nervous, and probably cry when your parents leave (no? just us?) but freshers is the time of your life and every moment of it should be spent either drunk or hungover. That being said there will come a time when you realise that you didn't need to rush out of home so fast, and you will eventually appreciate it more than you ever have before.
I guess what we are trying to say is that you will absolutely love uni, and your new life, but we wouldn't be us if we didn't warn you of the moans that follow.
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