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Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Should I Tell?

Should I tell employers I don’t have a smartphone? is a very good question.

These days it seems so many companies expect you to use your personal smartphone for company business. I do not have a smartphone and worry it will impact my job search.

I have a basic flip phone for a variety of reasons, including what was basically a smartphone addiction that impacted both my mental and physical (neck strain) health. I am so much happier now with the simplicity of a basic phone, but worry potential employers will think I’m a Luddite. I’m not. I’m used to working in front of a computer all day, but I really don’t want to buy a personal smartphone for work, nor do I feel I should be required to do so. I am not expected to bring my own personal computer or desk chair to work. Why should I use a personal phone for my professional life, especially one where I’m in an office all day?

Should I disclose this to potential employers, and if so how?

Personally, I understand from where the person who wrote this question is coming. There are many good comments about the article, including this one that I think is relevant:

I remember the old Corona commercial where a guy, on a beach, has his pager go off… and he tosses it into the ocean.

:)

If you’ll tolerate the snark… companies squeeze on pay, squeeze on benefits, and expect me to be on call 24/7 and then wonder why people get snarky and have no loyalty?

A short anecdote, related to availability.

I was looking for work and got a call from an HR department on Thursday wanting me to come in Friday or Monday for an interview. I had obligations so I asked if I could come in Tuesday. Not Tuesday four weeks from then, but literally one day later than their requested Monday. I knew from their eyes that I didn’t get it when I was there.

Confused, I tried to get ahold of someone I knew there (a VP). He sent me an email at eight-something saying “What’s your phone number?” I sent it and said “I look forward to talking with you tomorrow; I’m getting the kids to bed now.”

For over a month he then ghosted me. No reply to emails, no return calls. I FINALLY got him and he said he was just leaving work then (!) and had wanted to call me right then… and was put off by the fact that I was not available.

Which, IMHO, tells me a dodged a bullet. A man who is at work for, presumably, 12 hours a day and who who does more work than that is – clearly – a driven man who drives everyone else.

NO. THANK. YOU.

All of this to say, THANK. GOD. I. AM. NOT. LOOKING. FOR. WORK.

Even if I do have a smart phone!

In news that is related to this question, I noticed this job opening, which is very similar to the position I was hired for in May 2011. My position was eliminated 1323 days (3 years, 7 months, 2 weeks, 1 day) ago, which is probably why this position is listed as being a temporary position. It is interesting that there is not a duration specified.


Technical Writer, Proposal Solution Design


Description


At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it’s one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology — and each other to surpass these boundaries — we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global, large and small.

The Technical Writer, Proposal Solution Design will coordinate and produce assessment technology engineering text to support Pearson proposals in response to RFPs, RFIs, and anything that requires proposal creation. The Senior Technical Writer will lead the effort of writing proposal text for Assessment Technology Engineering technical systems, infrastructure, security, and delivery. Additional responsibilities include assisting with research and process improvement projects. This is a highly networked role that requires the ability to work independently under pressure and to meet challenging deadlines.

Qualifications


Core Responsibilities:


  • Manage multiple proposals, deadlines, releases and priorities
  • Guarantee the successful delivery of superior quality proposals.
  • Review RFPs in detail and identify mandatory business requirements.
  • Analyze and Interpret RFPs as released; identify specialty requirements and constraints.
  • Ensure compliance to internal policies and procedures.
  • Verify compliance with RFP requirements.
  • Accurately incorporate all edits from reviewers.
  • Participate in reviews and incorporate all feedback and revisions in a timely manner.
  • Conduct research for process improvement projects.
  • Update and maintain boilerplate.
  • Work collaboratively with leadership, subcontractors/partners, subject matter experts to gather information, synthesize technical concepts, and write original content around technical solutions.

Requirements


  • BA or BS, preferably in English, Journalism, or Business or similar degree.
  • 2 to 4 years proposal writing or similar experience.
  • Master’s degree in English, Journalism or Business preferred.
  • Experience with K-12 assessment industry terms, deliverables, and processes is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of RFP and proposal process is required.
  • Expert proficiency with Microsoft Word and moderate proficiency with Excel, Visio, Project, and PowerPoint

Other Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:


  • Good verbal skills, excellent written communication skills
  • Above average writing and editing skills required
  • Ability to conceptualize and think creatively
  • Ability to work comfortably with executive team
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Flexibility to work under tight deadlines
  • Curious and quick learning
  • Team leading skills
  • Effective at building and maintaining relationships with team and senior management
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Time management, planning, multi-task and project management skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Strong PC skills

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and a member of E-Verify. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

  • Primary Location: US-IA-Iowa City
  • Work Locations: US-IA-Iowa City-2510 North Dodge 2510 North Dodge Street Iowa City 52245
  • Job: Technology
  • Organization: Assessments School
  • Employee Status: Fixed Term
  • Job Type: Temporary Work
  • Shift: Day Job
  • Job Posting: Sep 5, 2019
  • Job Unposting: Ongoing
  • Schedule: Full-time Temporary
  • Req ID: 1911839

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and a member of E-Verify. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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