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[Casanova]

Umm? How old are you?
Of course entry level positions are shit, but how do you expect to start?

I can't tell if you're making fun of me and my age, or if you're trying to help.

Consider being a little less abrasive, please - especially when I just told you that I had been soul-crushed and drained.

I'm 24 and I'm a senior in college. I took a couple of years off because I had to save money to get on my feet after High School.

 

[Jeels]

So What's the average time between applying for a job and some form of contact, positive or negative?

Right now it feels like whatever I send just goes into the aether... Its been about two weeks.

 

[anonymous_abc]

So What's the average time between applying for a job and some form of contact, positive or negative?

Right now it feels like whatever I send just goes into the aether... Its been about two weeks.

I don't think there is a reliable average. In my current job I had an invitation for the interview within a day. The other extreme is of course to hear nothing, ever again.
2 weeks sounds about reasonable to expect a reply though.

 

[entremet]

So What's the average time between applying for a job and some form of contact, positive or negative?

Right now it feels like whatever I send just goes into the aether... Its been about two weeks.

Keep applying until you get an offer. You may want to follow up after two weeks just to ask for your current standing in the process and to tell them you're still interested.

Deliberations can take a while and it's not uncommon for those to get offers weeks later. But there is no standard rule.

 

[smokeandmirrors]

interview today

 

[dolemite]

From my experience, the best and most successful interviews were the ones where I was asked to complete a task/job for the company that was actually relevant to them. For example, when I was interviewed for a landscaping job the owner gave me a pair of garden scissors, a pair of gloves and one overgrown backyard full of wild raspberry bushes. When the "interview" was finished (with all the bushes cut down to the roots and packed on a truck bed), he counted the hours, paid me at the expected hourly rate, and told me to start on the following day. I find all the soulless cookie cutter questions as pure bullshit that provide no clue on how well you can perform at that position. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Sylas]

From my experience, the best and most successful interviews were the ones where I was asked to complete a task/job for the company that was actually relevant to them. For example, when I was interviewed for a landscaping job the owner gave me a pair of garden scissors, a pair of gloves and one overgrown backyard full of wild raspberry bushes. When the "interview" was finished (with all the bushes cut down to the roots and packed on a truck bed), he counted the hours, paid me at the expected hourly rate, and told me to start on the following day. I find all the soulless cookie cutter questions as pure bullshit that provide no clue on how well you can perform at that position. Just my 2 cents.

I think that works well for some jobs but for others you'll just wind up doing work for no pay. A few of my earlier interviews gave me the chance to "work" and show them I could do what was needed and by the end of a few hours they just said, "Thanks! We'll be in touch!" With no pay to really show for it.

It's definitely the sort of thing to figure out beforehand, but office-type jobs are also difficult to do that with.

 

[Watevaman]

So What's the average time between applying for a job and some form of contact, positive or negative?

Right now it feels like whatever I send just goes into the aether... Its been about two weeks.

I had one of my internship applications responded to more than a month after submitting it so I guess it all depends. I was never confident with following up out of the blue without any return contact from them, so I just waited while sending more applications. My current internship got back to me within a couple days of submitting a cover letter and resume.

 

[Syphon Filter]

I had one of my internship applications responded to more than a month after submitting it so I guess it all depends. I was never confident with following up out of the blue without any return contact from them, so I just waited while sending more applications. My current internship got back to me within a couple days of submitting a cover letter and resume.

Yea I am in a similar situation in terms of internship. Did they have you do work as a "test" the first day post interview? Also what is your field?

 

[entremet]

interview today

Best of luck, man.

 

[diaspora]

Talked to Robert Half today to get a 2 month web dev contract interview set up tomorrow. God, I hope this pans out.

 

[obijkenobi]

Brehs, im back at it again. My AmeriCorps VISTA term ends in late April, so i have a built in deadline to find something. After a year of making below min wage, im hopeful for a decent paying job

 

[Jeels]

So how is everyone looking for work...searches on Indeed, SimplyHired, etc?

 

[RedNumberFive]

Just nailed the phone interview, and have an in-person interview next week.

One question though...

What does one wear for an interview, in which the company dress code is jeans and t-shirts? I don't want to come across too corporate when everyone is still in start-up mode.

 

[nhlducks35]

Just nailed the phone interview, and have an in-person interview next week.

One question though...

What does one wear for an interview, in which the company dress code is jeans and t-shirts? I don't want to come across too corporate when everyone is still in start-up mode.

Business casual no tie

 

[RedNumberFive]

Business casual no tie

Thanks.

 

[cpp_is_king]

Just nailed the phone interview, and have an in-person interview next week.

One question though...

What does one wear for an interview, in which the company dress code is jeans and t-shirts? I don't want to come across too corporate when everyone is still in start-up mode.

If the dress code is jeans and a t-shirt you wear jeans and a t-shirt. I mean don't go in wearing a cannibal corpse t-shirt, but you know, solid color, or stripes, whatever. It's fine.

 

[nhlducks35]

Eh I would still dress like this:

 

[RedNumberFive]

Eh I would still dress like this:

That's what I had in mind. Thanks.

 

[psp12345]

Been to four interviews in the last two weeks and now have four job offers.
Didn't expect that. I'm happy for once

 

[cpp_is_king]

Eh I would still dress like this:

Not saying you're wrong. I used to dress like that to interviews myself. But I always felt really out of place when I'm literally the most dressed up person in the entire place. I know on one hand it's expected and I'm not saying anyone will look down on you for it (although if you wear a suit, different story), but to me it just felt out of place. So now when the dress code is jeans and a t-shirt, I definitely wear jeans. On the other hand, I wouldn't even apply anywhere that had a dress code other than jeans and t-shirt, so I would never wear anything else regardless, lol

 

[spuckthew]

I know a lot of people say you can never over dress for an interview, but if the day-to-day work attire is literally jeans and t-shirts then I think we can make an exception. As highlighted, some plain but nice chinos and a decent shirt/polo should be fine.

I went to an interview a few months ago on a Friday (who interviews on Fridays?) when everyone was in casual. I looked and felt like a total muppet. Worse, the company's dress policy wasn't even typical business the rest of the time.

If you feel comfortable, you'll be more relaxed during the interview, so dress in whatever makes you comfortable.

 

[bigDdestruction]

Can someone explain to me what it means to be interviewed by 4 people all asking the same questions and then going into a round 2 interview next day with another 4 people all asking the exact same questions? I didn't get the job cause its been 2 weeks since my 2nd round interview and i saw the posting of the position on a job search website recently. I've never been in that situation before, and didn't understand why i had to interview with 8 people in total for an entry level position. Personally, i thought they were going really hard with how many people interviewed me. It's entry level and doesn't pay a whole lot, i didn't apply to be CEO of your company.

 

[Hoo-doo]

Not saying you're wrong. I used to dress like that to interviews myself. But I always felt really out of place when I'm literally the most dressed up person in the entire place. I know on one hand it's expected and I'm not saying anyone will look down on you for it (although if you wear a suit, different story), but to me it just felt out of place. So now when the dress code is jeans and a t-shirt, I definitely wear jeans. On the other hand, I wouldn't even apply anywhere that had a dress code other than jeans and t-shirt, so I would never wear anything else regardless, lol

You feel dressed up with a polo/button down and khakis?

At least wear something with a collar on top of your jeans. Just a T-shirt really doesn't cut it.

 

[Ogodei]

Can someone explain to me what it means to be interviewed by 4 people all asking the same questions and then going into a round 2 interview next day with another 4 people all asking the exact same questions? I didn't get the job cause its been 2 weeks since my 2nd round interview and i saw the posting of the position on a job search website recently. I've never been in that situation before, and didn't understand why i had to interview with 8 people in total for an entry level position. Personally, i thought they were going really hard with how many people interviewed me. It's entry level and doesn't pay a whole lot, i didn't apply to be CEO of your company.

HR people regularly admit that they have no idea what they're doing, basically. Many of them are playing it just as blind as most of us are. Probably somebody thought it was a good idea but didn't really prep all of the people so that each encounter was meaningful.

Interview in Baltimore with a big NGO was on Monday. Coming up: the local Opera on Friday, a phone interview with a university on next Monday, then the local Ronald McDonald House charities on Tuesday. So, so close...

 

[Makai]

You feel dressed up with a polo/button down and khakis?

At least wear something with a collar on top of your jeans. Just a T-shirt really doesn't cut it.

Software is different.

 

[Terra]

I am overloaded with work and crunch-time deadlines the upcoming months.

And suddenly I am approached by an older job that has an opening and eager to re-employ me again. Quit two years ago on all good terms and now they want me back with a pay rise and all to go with it.

I want to go back to that old job. But at the same time I want to end my current job on a good note.

I have a eight weeks notice written into my contract, but even that will leave a ton of unfinished/half finished business. How much do i 'owe' my current employer? I will not be able to leave with a clean desk...so to speak.

 

[Hoo-doo]

Software is different.

I guess. I'd feel like a complete slob wearing just a random crew-neck T-shirt.

 

[Makai]

I am overloaded with work and crunch-time deadlines the upcoming months.

And suddenly I am approached by an older job that has an opening and eager to re-employ me again. Quit two years ago on all good terms and now they want me back with a pay rise and all to go with it.

I want to go back to that old job. But at the same time I want to end my current job on a good note.

I have a eight weeks notice written into my contract, but even that will leave a ton of unfinished/half finished business. How much do i 'owe' my current employer? I will not be able to leave with a clean desk...so to speak.

You owe nothing. Explain the situation to your old employer and then put in your 8 weeks.

 

[ViewtifulJC]

Is there ever a good time to call about interviews? I have a final interview on Thursday, but there's another position I know I qualify for/better fit for my skills/applied for last Wednesday. On their website, I see job openings from like...January so maybe they just really slow. I'm curious is all!

 

[garath]

I don't care if the dress code is a hawaiian shirt and flip flops, I would never wear anything less than businesses casual to an interview. No one is going to look down on you for dressing nicely for an interview. In fact, be careful. Sometimes interviewers might wonder why you aren't dressed nice even if they are in jeans.

 

[ViewtifulJC]

First job I went to was business casual, and he still expected me to dress up with a dress shirt/tie/slacks.

Better to be overdressed then under. First impressions and all that.

 

[entremet]

Is there ever a good time to call about interviews? I have a final interview on Thursday, but there's another position I know I qualify for/better fit for my skills/applied for last Wednesday. On their website, I see job openings from like...January so maybe they just really slow. I'm curious is all!

Do you have a contact at the location?

If you do, sure.

January is when budgets are allocated, including salaries for potential hires, so the position could be open. Hiring isn't generally a fast process in the white collar world.

 

[Makai]

I don't care if the dress code is a hawaiian shirt and flip flops, I would never wear anything less than businesses casual to an interview. No one is going to look down on you for dressing nicely for an interview. In fact, be careful. Sometimes interviewers might wonder why you aren't dressed nice even if they are in jeans.

They might think you aren't a "cultural fit" if you show up dressed up.

 

[Wilsongt]

Had another interview with a temp agency today.

 

[cpp_is_king]

I don't care if the dress code is a hawaiian shirt and flip flops, I would never wear anything less than businesses casual to an interview. No one is going to look down on you for dressing nicely for an interview. In fact, be careful. Sometimes interviewers might wonder why you aren't dressed nice even if they are in jeans.

In my industry, if you go interview at a small company or a startup, if two candidates come in and both interview perfectly, but there is only head count for 1. And one is wearing business casual and another is wearing casual casual, the casual casual is going to be chosen.

 

[tarby]

I don't care if the dress code is a hawaiian shirt and flip flops, I would never wear anything less than businesses casual to an interview. No one is going to look down on you for dressing nicely for an interview. In fact, be careful. Sometimes interviewers might wonder why you aren't dressed nice even if they are in jeans.

I have actually heard negative comments about people who come in in a suit and tie to interview during feedback (software industry). If you're told the office is casual, wear a nice set of jeans and a shirt. No one will care.

 

[suberzat]

Been to four interviews in the last two weeks and now have four job offers.
Didn't expect that. I'm happy for once

Congrats dude!

 

[entremet]

In my industry, if you go interview at a small company or a startup, if two candidates come in and both interview perfectly, but there is only head count for 1. And one is wearing business casual and another is wearing casual casual, the casual casual is going to be chosen.

You're in software I'm guessing. Developer?

 

[MC Safety]

I have actually heard negative comments about people who come in in a suit and tie to interview during feedback (software industry). If you're told the office is casual, wear a nice set of jeans and a shirt. No one will care.

The office may be casual, but the interview certainly won't be. You can dress up for one day.

I've worked for plenty of places with relaxed dress codes. If they tell me not to wear a suit for the interview, I won't. If they say the office is casual, I'll come in dressed for an interview.

 

[Pimplitosaurio]

I got my contract extended. I got a temp contract for 4 months, when it ended it was supposed to be a permanent contract, but nope, another 4 months
I mean, at least that is something, but I'm going to start looking for some jobs, I want something a little more permanent than a new contract every 4 months

 

[Makai]

The office may be casual, but the interview certainly won't be. You can dress up for one day.

I've worked for plenty of places with relaxed dress codes. If they tell me not to wear a suit for the interview, I won't. If they say the office is casual, I'll come in dressed for an interview.

If they've brought you in for an interview, they probably think you're qualified and just want to check you would fit with the team. Overdressing hurts.

 

[Watevaman]

Yea I am in a similar situation in terms of internship. Did they have you do work as a "test" the first day post interview? Also what is your field?

Nah, there was no test or anything. My field is geospatial/environmental analysis so until I get into the heavy duty GIS stuff I can't see what they'd test me on.

 

[MC Safety]

If they've brought you in for an interview, they probably think you're qualified and just want to check you would fit with the team. Overdressing hurts.

Yeah, I don't buy that.

First impressions count.

 

[Darren870]

I can't tell if you're making fun of me and my age, or if you're trying to help.

Consider being a little less abrasive, please - especially when I just told you that I had been soul-crushed and drained.

I'm 24 and I'm a senior in college. I took a couple of years off because I had to save money to get on my feet after High School.

I'm not making fun of anything. I was just a little confused when you seemed pissed about getting shit entry level job offers.

Which, I actually am still confused about...? I figured you were coming out of college and young (which you are for both). What is wrong with entry level jobs?

 

[cpp_is_king]

Yeah, I don't buy that.

First impressions count.

You're right. Which is why I would never dress up for an interview for a software engineer position. Don't want to leave a bad first impression.

 

[MC Safety]

You're right.

Thank you. There are some quick and easy ways to show interest and intent during an interview, and your attire is one of them.

It's just for one day.

http://career-advice.monster.com/jo...ance/appropriate-interview-dress/article.aspx

 

[cpp_is_king]

Thank you. There are some quick and easy ways to show interest and intent during an interview, and your attire is one of them.

It's just for one day.

http://career-advice.monster.com/jo...ance/appropriate-interview-dress/article.aspx

I think you missed the rest of my post. I don't think i was agreeing with you

 

[Dreamwriter]

You're right. Which is why I would never dress up for an interview for a software engineer position. Don't want to leave a bad first impression.

Speaking as someone who has both given and had interviews for game programming positions, I can say it would never leave a bad impression to show up in slacks and a polo shirt. If that keeps someone from being hired, then you probably don't want to work there. It is expected that people will dress nicely for an interview, even if it isn't required and makes no real difference. And realize, while the other programmers may not care how you dress, HR might take note of it, they probably won't be so casual, and often their opinion matters to a certain extent.

 

[cpp_is_king]

Speaking as someone who has both given and had interviews for game programming positions, I can say it would never leave a bad impression to show up in slacks and a polo shirt. If that keeps someone from being hired, then you probably don't want to work there. It is expected that people will dress nicely for an interview, even if it isn't required and makes no real difference. And realize, while the other programmers may not care how you dress, HR might take note of it, they probably won't be so casual, and often their opinion matters to a certain extent.

But there's not an infinite number of positions to go around where you can hire every single qualified candidate that comes through the door. At some level the engineers are going to make a decision and choose one person, that person will get an offer, and if the offer is rejected it will go to the next person. Technical skills being equal, the offer will go to the person who they feel is the best culture fit. And if you go in talking, dressing, and acting like "one of the team" during the interview, you're going to be the best culture fit.