Topic: My First Job Interview in over 14 years! (Read 16672 times)

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #25 on:** July 26, 2017, 02:19:22 pm »

.... anything about the Nazi Hun?!

raflaunches · « **Reply #26 on:** July 26, 2017, 02:40:07 pm »

No signs of the enemy yet!

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #27 on:** July 26, 2017, 03:10:32 pm »

steamboatmodel · « **Reply #28 on:** July 26, 2017, 04:46:34 pm »

Quote from: Martin (Admin) on July 26, 2017, 01:05:37 pm

Did you bring it up in conversation, that your middle name is Bert but everyone calls you Biggles!

Had to look up "Biggles"

derekwarner · « **Reply #29 on:** July 26, 2017, 10:35:42 pm »

Morning Nick.....I understand apples must be apples.....& sometimes the wheels may turn slowly

In January 1982 I had my first interview with our Australian Department of Defence....[same as your MofD I suppose....] for a role as a Grade II Engineering Foreman for Above Water Weapons at our Garden Island Naval Dockyard.......in October 1982 it appeared that all of my background security

was OK and was invited for a second interview

In February 1983 I attended a third interview and was assured my appointment would be ratified by our DofD in Canberra within weeks

On the 28th of February 1984, I attended for my first day of work at GID..................

Derek

RAAArtyGunner · « **Reply #30 on:** July 26, 2017, 11:48:24 pm »

Struth that was flaming quick

Obviously not too many pentuplicate forms etc etc

derekwarner · « **Reply #31 on:** July 27, 2017, 12:03:32 am »

Obviously they made a bad decision

as in 1986....the said Foreman created history when he was charged with causing industrial disruption by strike action of all union workers at GID....not once....no....but twice

Bob Hawke was our PM.....& Kim Beazley the Minister for Defence..it was rumoured that my official photograph was seen with VODO pins on Kim's office wall

Derek

raflaunches · « **Reply #32 on:** July 27, 2017, 09:50:14 am »

Quote from: steamboatmodel on July 26, 2017, 04:46:34 pm

Had to look up "Biggles"

One of our best fictional pilots, historically accurate but all his adventures happened to individuals. If you ever have the chance to read Biggles and the Cruise of the Condor, and then read Clive Cussler's Inca Gold you'll spot some close similarities between books. Obviously Clive Cussler was a fan of Biggles!

My job however will be closer to Flight Sergeant Smyth's role in the books. Trying to keep the aircraft flying!

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #33 on:** July 27, 2017, 10:42:16 am »

Quote from: raflaunches on July 27, 2017, 09:50:14 am

One of our best fictional pilots, historically accurate but all his adventures happened to individuals.

Did not know that!

raflaunches · « **Reply #34 on:** July 27, 2017, 11:01:02 am »

There is another similar trilogy of books called 'The Bright Blue Sky" which follows a pilot from 1913 to his retirement in 1945. In Biggles style all the adventures happen to this one pilot as he grows up, develops his skills and finds love. After a while you recognise the characters in RAF history just with different names!

Returning to Biggles, at the front of each Biggles book the author W.E. Johns explains the history of the RFC then RAF in relation to his creation of Biggles and his pals.

Klunk · « **Reply #35 on:** July 27, 2017, 05:28:41 pm »

Quote

My job however will be closer to Flight Sergeant Smyth's role in the books. Trying to keep the aircraft flying!

Nick, i knew you would be joining me!!! now look up catch the pidgeon and the character Klunk!!!

Jerry C · « **Reply #36 on:** July 27, 2017, 06:09:56 pm »

Biggles Flies Undone.
Jerry.

raflaunches · « **Reply #37 on:** August 05, 2017, 08:38:35 am »

Well, I don't know how to say this...

On Thursday I was informed that I was selected for the job as NCO Mechanical BBMF and the Manning Section of the RAF sent a request of change of posting to the Tornado Manning Section informing them of their decision to post me into the job.

But here is the biggest kick to the delicate part of the anatomy...

An hour later I was informed that Tornado Manning had declined the transfer of posting telling me and RAF Manning that they couldn't replace me as there was no one available with the same authorisations and qualifications as me. Whilst this can be considered a compliment that I'm irreplaceable but it's really annoyed me that my dream posting is out of reach until Tornado has retired and even then might not be available in my career in my current role again.

Shipmate60 · « **Reply #38 on:** August 05, 2017, 09:04:07 am »

So sorry to hear that Nick.
A very shortsighted decision.

Bob

Klunk · « **Reply #39 on:** August 05, 2017, 09:10:28 am »

Gutted for you mate. Been there seen that in my career. Always been good enough to train the managers up (6 months each) but was never allowed to become a manager. In the end i stopped trying and then got pulled in HR for it. No pleasing some people!
Hopefully it will come around again and next time you will be in.

FsASTSyd1 · « **Reply #40 on:** August 05, 2017, 09:14:22 am »

Shortage of joined up thinking again Nick, you might have thought that any problem on those lines might have been thought of before an interview was mentioned to you. But strange are the ways of the Forces, For years I had worked on Canberra, Valiant and Victors and even a Hastings, then found myself lined up with dozens of others to get a certificate to do the same job, signed of course by somebody who had never touched an aircraft. You know it makes sense!!!!

Colin Bishop · « **Reply #41 on:** August 05, 2017, 10:06:26 am »

Rotten luck Nick, really sorry to hear that. Having the opportunity dangled in front of you and then snatched away. Frustration isn't the word.

I hope you were able to make it clear how you felt about it (within the bounds of discipline.)

Colin

Jerry C · « **Reply #42 on:** August 05, 2017, 12:12:52 pm »

Also gutted. Par for the course though. I was talking to female RAF bus driver in Mount Pleasant. I asked if she started on jeeps and worked her way up to heavy transport. She looked at me as if I was simple. She said she'd always be a bus driver. I thought how sad.
Jerry.

Bob K · « **Reply #43 on:** August 05, 2017, 12:16:35 pm »

That is so sad Nick. I feel devastated for you.

At least one glimmer of positiveness. You now have it officially in writing that you are not only superb at your job, but have now been promoted to indispensable.

What you are doing is vitally important, considering it is about an active conflict zone.

TheLongBuild · « **Reply #44 on:** August 05, 2017, 12:41:13 pm »

Quote from: raflaunches on August 05, 2017, 08:38:35 am

Well, I don't know how to say this...

On Thursday I was informed that I was selected for the job as NCO Mechanical BBMF and the Manning Section of the RAF sent a request of change of posting to the Tornado Manning Section informing them of their decision to post me into the job.

But here is the biggest kick to the delicate part of the anatomy...

An hour later I was informed that Tornado Manning had declined the transfer of posting telling me and RAF Manning that they couldn't replace me as there was no one available with the same authorisations and qualifications as me. Whilst this can be considered a compliment that I'm irreplaceable but it's really annoyed me that my dream posting is out of reach until Tornado has retired and even then might not be available in my career in my current role again.

How can they refuse ? is it legal ?.

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #45 on:** August 05, 2017, 07:41:21 pm »

Gutted for ya Nick! Can you contest it, or is that it?

raflaunches · « **Reply #46 on:** August 05, 2017, 07:52:22 pm »

Thanks for the supporting words

Absolutely gutted over the events this week but at least I got to work on a Spitfire XIX and the Lancaster for a day. They've promised me a preferential posting when the squadron disbands in March 2019 which I'm insisting on being written and signed by the current Manning staff so I've got a legally binding agreement.
Unfortunately their decision is legal as its military and you go where they want you to go if you're needed the most. I'm currently on a front line active squadron (just watch the news and you'll see the mention of Tornado bombers all the time when it's allowed to be mentioned anyway!) and BBMF is a second line active flight for promotional and historical events. My WO is absolutely annoyed, and understandably so, as he was the one who got me on to the interview very quickly and he was very sincere when he called me into the office that he wouldn't let it be forgotten by the Tornado Manning staff.
It's something that I will never forgive the RAF for but I understand their decision whether I like it or not!

Bob K · « **Reply #47 on:** August 05, 2017, 08:27:38 pm »

I am still devastated for you, but it appears that without your expertise this essential front line active squadron may not be as effective as it needs to be for the vital role in which it is engaged. Take some comfort in that please.

At least you got to work on a Lancaster and Spitfire for a day, something the rest of us can only dream of.

It will happen, with patience. I am sure of it. Perhaps a promotion may be in order, under the circumstances?

raflaunches · « **Reply #48 on:** August 05, 2017, 08:39:34 pm »

That's thirteen years of Tornado experience for you!
Promotion...ummm...might be possible for acting Sgt but once again chances are not the best. Hopefully with my job role on the next exercise in Sardinia as Line Controller which is traditionally a Sgt's position perhaps but I'm not holding my breath.
That is, as we say in the RAF, life in a blue suit!

SailorGreg · « **Reply #49 on:** August 05, 2017, 09:44:24 pm »

It''s never over til the fat lady hums the Dambuster March. A setback but not a disaster.

But I am still gutted for you.

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Author Topic: My First Job Interview in over 14 years! (Read 16672 times)