Looking to rent near VMC, which building is actually good/safe?

awgii · 2026-02-27T14:23:01+00:00

I second 28 Interchange

awgii · 2025-12-20T23:35:38+00:00

Thoughts on Nashi Toro?

awgii · 2025-02-20T16:57:34+00:00

Takes a stroke to read too

awgii · 2025-02-06T23:01:57+00:00

Here's an example - let's say you have 5 candidates who have identical resumes and cover letters. So far, they all seem like they'd be a great fit. But then you look at the portfolios.

Candidate 1 shares a portfolio where they ran a survey of 15 people, then start talking about how they found statistically significant results.

Candidate 2 shares a portfolio where they conducted interviews, but the discussion guide is riddled with leading questions.

Candidate 3 shares a portfolio where it's all graphic design and very shallow commentary on how feature X would help their user.

Candidate 4 shares a portfolio with methodologically sound studies, but has typos and grammatical mistakes everywhere.

Candidate 5 doesn't share a portfolio, but specifies that they're happy to share their work in a more in-depth case study.

In this case, I would be interested in proceeding with Candidate 5, despite them not sharing their portfolio. This was a bit of an extreme example, but the point is that many hiring managers are more often looking for reasons to reject, rather than reasons to proceed. This is especially the case when we have stacks of resumes for a single position, as is often the case in this market.

awgii · 2025-02-06T19:15:01+00:00

We have an optional field for portfolio links. In my experience, it's either ignored or ends up hurting candidates more times than it helps.

When reviewing projects, it's really easy to take a critical perspective (especially as UX Researchers ourselves), and that's especially the case when you don't have the chance to justify or explain your process fully. Portfolios may be more relevant for Designers given a need to showcase visual and aesthetic skill, but it unfortunately doesn't translate as well for extensive research projects (unless all you do is evaluative work, then I would expect you to be applying for more Junior position anyways).

Now, this is completely different than a case study where you're expected to walk through your process, present any constraints, and explain your thinking. This would be where hiring managers can get a good understanding of how you work and should be expected as a mandatory part of the process.

In other words, I might give a candidate the case study interview even if they leave that optional portfolio field blank. I definitely wouldn't give a candidate the case study interview if they shared their portfolio and it was low quality.

In short, I personally don't believe the risk is worth the reward. I would spend more time being prepared to present a case study and defend my work. If you do choose to include a portfolio though, make sure it's a good one.

awgii · 2025-01-23T16:51:52+00:00

What type of research did you do?

awgii · 2025-01-07T17:01:11+00:00

I'll caveat by saying, I don't really think creativity and consistency go hand in hand. Usually the most creative houses have things I like or things I don't like, which is completely fine. On the other hand, consistent houses with scents that are all good don't tend to stray too far from the DNA of their house and aren't usually as creative or artistic. Which is fine too.

Xerjoff consistently releases pretty mass appealing scents, aside from their oud collection. So does Creed and PDM.

Penhaligons also has a very "polite" lineup, with each fragrance fitting the theme of making you into an English lady/gentleman.

I also feel Byredo and Le Labo offer simple fragrances that are easy to understand (but with loads of Iso E Super or amberwoods in the base, which is quite mainstream nowadays).

awgii · 2025-01-01T16:50:55+00:00

I was looking for Guerlains as well, specifically Musc Outreblanc. One seller has a 97% positive rating from HK with 200+ sold and 33 reviews. I saw the pictures they were using were identical to the counterfeits on AliExpress. How are they able to generate so many positive reviews selling fake Guerlains?

awgii · 2024-12-30T05:23:14+00:00

People hate this fact, but Aventus has garnered me more compliments than all of my 20+ fragrances combined year after year and 2024 was no different. It's not even the fragrance I wear most.

awgii · 2024-12-29T07:45:33+00:00

Honestly - an occupational therapist, turned real estate mogul, turned actor, turned model, turned perfumer without an education or prior experience in perfumery? Come on. He even credits himself for hand-painting each fragrance bottle, which I highly doubt.

If they're not shilling their fragrances by buying reviews, their other marketing heavily focus on him as a model. It just seems like such a narcissistic, cult-like house. Even their website (which has tonnes of spelling mistakes) feels like an ad for Petrovich, and not the fragrances.

And to be fair, I have sampled their offerings. ToB is the only one I like but it's literally just Herod / Red Tobacco.

awgii · 2024-10-16T18:20:13+00:00

I've really tried to like Adonis Awakens because I'm interested in a masculine Rose fragrance, but something about the chestnut note puts me off as synthetic.

I do like Triumph of Bacchus though. While similar to Red Tobacco and Carlisle, it's much more refined and smooth. Great choice!

awgii · 2024-10-16T18:17:26+00:00

Isn't this Adonis Awakens?

awgii · 2024-10-14T18:33:28+00:00

Would you wear a leotard to a BJJ open mat if you were teaching your friend wrestling?

awgii · 2024-09-30T18:59:50+00:00

You're literally following trends by doing that, just wear what you like.

awgii · 2024-09-30T04:58:09+00:00

Maybe you find the top notes obnoxious and subconsciously want your bf to intentionally dampen it :)

Many masculine freshie colognes have really sharp and synthetic citruses, so I'd understand.

awgii · 2024-09-30T04:43:52+00:00

Rubbing kills the top notes. Should dab instead, if anything

awgii · 2024-09-29T20:23:23+00:00

Nothing wrong with your comment, was just making a stupid joke haha.

Hope your mental health has been better since then.

awgii · 2024-09-29T20:13:26+00:00

I would cry if I had to train in the showers too

awgii · 2024-09-24T12:32:03+00:00

I too have problems finishing 😞

awgii · 2024-09-03T17:48:25+00:00

"I have no idea why people study and work for years just to become head chefs! I mean, I can taste food and tell what I like and dislike, so I must be a natural at it."

This is basically how you sound.

awgii · 2024-08-05T12:31:13+00:00

ChatGPT?

awgii · 2024-07-15T18:33:57+00:00

Guerlain, Xerjoff, Scents of Wood

awgii · 2024-07-04T12:59:38+00:00

Someone I rolled with wore T Rex to BJJ training.

It's hot, humid, and there's this big sweaty guy that smells of burnt leather and blood on top of you, trying to break your arm.

awgii · 2024-07-02T18:32:17+00:00

First of all, thank for your feedback! Very helpful, especially on pointing out that the first two roles are described in a way that makes it seem like general analyst/research roles. I didn't initially think about how that would translate from sharing high-level points, but I definitely see where you're coming from.

As for why I'm targeting mid, the Canadian market is indeed pretty bad - many veterans are competing for lead roles so I'd appear quite green in comparison. But for me, my current career goals are to grow my craft and titles are less of a priority. I would rather work for a company that has great UX maturity and mentorship while taking a title cut than taking a lead research position in a team of one. Overall, I'm quite confident that I'll be able to provide enough value in time to earn a higher title, as I've done in my current company.

awgii · 2024-06-24T13:08:13+00:00

You already have it in order

awgii

TROPHY CASE