Stupid computer at Melbourne City Library won't let me click/type in the 'Title' box. What's with that...!?

Anyway, hello! I'm in Melbourne now obviously, and in this whirlwind of social events, admin and job-interviews-that-aren't-quite-interviews-but-basically-are-really, today is the first time I've had chance to take a breath. But anyway, I'm here, it's still bloody freezing (by that I mean it's 12 degrees - but it feels a lot colder than a UK 12 degrees) and I feel like like I'm coming down with a cold/man-flu.

It's going great all round so far...got lots of stuff organised (boring stuff like bank account, Medicare, Tax File Number) and have also met with two recruitment agencies and three potential employers. Three potential employers who are all very keen on me and have said things like;

"we'd love to have you here"
"we should be able to create a position for you"
"there aren't many people in the Australian job market with specific experience like yours"

...and have pretty much all indicated (or said straight out) that they'd love to get me on board. Which is fairly fantastic really. So it looks like I'll be able to take a little time over the next few days, take stock, have second interviews etc and then figure out what to do. I think I have a pretty clear leader in my head, but we'll see I guess.

Last night was Locals Night at the (very nice) pub near to Zoe's place, with $12 for pretty much everything on the menu (I had steak). And they have Little Creatures Pale Ale on tap, which is threatening to become my new favourite Aussie beer. Tonight is dinner at nic's, and there will be photographic evidence gathered for certain current & ex-dh people to prove that her bottle of Pinot Grigio Rose made it there safely.

Right, I think I'm running out of Internet time...

job research - excellent response rates!

I've been doing some research as to possble places I could work in Melbourne given the skills & experience I have. I've sent emails to four places so far, and have had three responses:

1. Your email and CV have made their way to me, and I've had a read through. Your experience and skills are very interesting indeed, and I would be keen to meet you upon your arrival in Melbourne next month to discuss in more detail.
   
2. I have just received your email and resume with interest and I am happy to set up a a preliminary discussion to get a better understanding of your fit to the position description attached.
   
3. Firstly, may I say, an excellent choice of city and by association, clearly an excellent choice of girlfriend. And terribly pro-active of you to track us down and send me an email!
   …Your email is timely and fairly relevant…
   … I’d like to have a chat with you…

That's all pretty positive isn't it - a 75% response rate, and 100% of those are positive. Obviously I know a little bit about Direct Marketing, and they're pretty decent numbers for what is essentially an unsolicited electronic communciation! It just goes to show that if you target your recipient correctly and ensure the communication is relevant, then you're well on your way!

Hopefully I'll be able to speak to a few of these over the phone in the next few weeks, and then meet up with them all in my first full week there to see what the deal is. But it's looking positive, so that's one less thing to worry about!