Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
Roland_Gunner
Member
That's all you can do. Either the company pulled the posting or they already found somebody. On to the next thing!
Fatal Futanari
Member
Damn.
Got a call back about an InfoSec position I interviewed for, didn't get it sadly. However they see that I've done QA work before and have offered me to interview for that position. Not sure if I want to go down that route though.
Roland_Gunner
Member
Guess I should say there's a 1% chance the recruiter has been too busy to respond. If you've got their number try a phone call and one more email. Its very, very unlikely you'll get a response but can't hurt, right?
So it's been about 4 weeks since an interview that I did, and I wanted to know if it was appropriate to follow up with the HR contact about my status. The job posting is still up so I'm assuming they haven't picked a candidate yet. The person who interviewed me said it would take about 3 weeks to receive a follow up, so I'm wondering if there is anything I could do to show my interest while not being annoying at the same time.
entremet
Member
Send them an email.
Something like this.
"I'm writing to inquire the status of my candidacy for the "Insert job here" position.
Following up is fine. Never think it's annoying. Your time and attention are valuable. If they never respond back in time its 's move on mentally.
Ideally, you should be applying until you get an offer. Unless you've signed an employment agreement treat every interview opportunity as that only, an opportunity among many options. Waiting on one option can be a killer in terms of motivation. I made that mistake early on. Keep spreading that net!
Oh yeah, I'm definitely still applying, trust me. It's just that this has been the only interview I've had since then, and it's driving me crazy not receiving a response from them and other applications I've sent out
Markitron
Is currently staging a hunger strike outside Gearbox HQ while trying to hate them to death
This happens ALL OF THE TIME with recruiters, they will call you and tell you how great a job is and that they are going to send on your CV/Resume to the company, and then you never hear from them again. The thing to do is take every such phonecall with a huge grain of salt and don't make any assumptions, if they do ever get back to you then it's a bonus. Send em an email after a couple of weeks and then leave it there I reckon.
This obviously may be different depending on industry and country, but it's sound advice either way.
Oh yeah, I'm definitely still applying, trust me. It's just that this has been the only interview I've had since then, and it's driving me crazy not receiving a response from them and other applications I've sent out
I'm in the same boat right now, you just have to put it out of your head and act like you haven't had an interview. Don't let it slow down your job search, you could be missing an opportunity while you wait around (even if you are not, convince yourself of this).
You definitely should. I did that once after a 6 week wait. Ended up at the place for 5 years
entremet
Member
Oh yeah, I'm definitely still applying, trust me. It's just that this has been the only interview I've had since then, and it's driving me crazy not receiving a response from them and other applications I've sent out
Yeah. It's frustrating. You're at the employer's mercy. It sucks. I've been there.
It shows your still interested, which is great.
Syphon Filter
Member
Oh yeah, I'm definitely still applying, trust me. It's just that this has been the only interview I've had since then, and it's driving me crazy not receiving a response from them and other applications I've sent out
what field are you applying to?
I still can't determine what career path/job titles I should focus on, and I don't know how to find that answer. It's getting to a point that therapy is being suggested to me, but I don't know if that would really help for this.
I really wish there was a way I could just find out what's in demand where I live (Miami), and get enough info of what the job entails so I can decide whether it's for me, or within my skill set.
I feel a big part of keeping me from finding a job is wasting time applying for something I'll get rejected for, or on something I know I won't want to do/be good at. Things would improve so much if I could reach a decision on what specific market I want to focus on.
I really wish there was a way I could just find out what's in demand where I live (Miami), and get enough info of what the job entails so I can decide whether it's for me, or within my skill set.
I feel a big part of keeping me from finding a job is wasting time applying for something I'll get rejected for, or on something I know I won't want to do/be good at. Things would improve so much if I could reach a decision on what specific market I want to focus on.
SolidSnakeUS
Member
I start Monday at 9AM . It seems they are just going to get me to start at the Help Desk Level 1 job and then slide into the Level 2/3 job that shows up later, and with better pay .
. It seems they are just going to get me to start at the Help Desk Level 1 job and then slide into the Level 2/3 job that shows up later, and with better pay .
SolidSnakeUS
Member
Did you go "OSHAt."?
No but our CEO who's visting from California this month did
entremet
Member
Yes and yes.
It wasn't me though.
The CEO is having some of the guys "OSHA proof" things while he talks to the reps in his office too
ZackieChan
Member
My understanding is that they tell you what's wrong and give you time to fix. They don't just shut the whole company down. Have they been warned before?
NoblesseOblige
Banned
Are references typically only checked after an employer feels a candidate has positive prospects? I ask because I've applied to a hospital recently and the process went:
4/12: Them responding to my application
4/16: Skill assessment test
4/19: Informed test was passed (apparently only 1/4 candidates make it to here)
4/22: Short phone interview in which reference process was initiated
At that point they requested 5 references within 48 hours so a survey could be sent out. Which occurred, and I've confirmed they've all finished the survey. I'm a bit nervous though since it's been 3 days and I haven't heard back from the employer. Rest of the process seemed so fast so I was expecting a call by today.
4/12: Them responding to my application
4/16: Skill assessment test
4/19: Informed test was passed (apparently only 1/4 candidates make it to here)
4/22: Short phone interview in which reference process was initiated
At that point they requested 5 references within 48 hours so a survey could be sent out. Which occurred, and I've confirmed they've all finished the survey. I'm a bit nervous though since it's been 3 days and I haven't heard back from the employer. Rest of the process seemed so fast so I was expecting a call by today.
Not if they deem it unsafe which, according to people in the know here, it is.
entremet
Member
It's usually near the end.
They don't want to waste time checking references those they've deemed not a match to go forward.
Roland_Gunner
Member
For me companies have always checked references ahead of an offer. Its a ton of time for them and can look bad for you if the job doesn't come through.
obijkenobi
Member
After a month and a half of extensive job applications sent in (more than 100) I finally have a phone interview tomorrow to be the admin. assistant of a president of a university in town. Its over the phone and only 20 minutes, so...wish me luck. I hope this isnt a multi interview process, but it kind of sounds like it is.
NoblesseOblige
Banned
Yeah I figured reference checking usually takes awhile. However this place seemed to have a very efficient and streamlined process. I list the references, a 30 question survey is sent to each, they fill it out and an aggregated score is created. So it seemed there would be very little time needed to perform the operation. But perhaps they're still calling a few just as an extra confirmation.
By look bad do you mean it informs your current employer that you're looking?
My phone interview mentioned in my previous post was only about 20-30 minutes but that was the length they scheduled it for. It sounded like afterwards that she was considering having me meet multiple IT teams (helpdesk, infrastructure, etc.) to see where I 'fit best'. But that seemed to all be pending my reference check.
Roland_Gunner
Member
If someone at your job is one of you references then yeah. But mostly I meant that people are taking time to answer questions about you so it's normal that follow up with a text or facebook message. Its sucks for you to have to say, 'thanks for doing that but they didn't hire me anyway.'
entremet
Member
My last job took one full week after for the reference check. Sometimes reaching your references takes time.
Many HR departments are doing email instead now.
Museums, art centers, non-profits, cultural institutions, and similar organizations. Mainly positions in administration, communications or development.
Darryl M R
Member
I'm assuming you live in a city like DC or NY right? Best of luck with your searches.
I'm from NYC, but I moved to Chicago 8 months ago :x Their visual arts community is smaller but they have a strong theater presence, so I've been applying to administrative positions at theater companies as well.
NoblesseOblige
Banned
Seems I should have just taken a chill pill as a little over an hour after my post I got an email in my inbox asking to schedule a time for another interview from an interested department.
ThisGuy
Member
Congratulations! I know how relieving a simple email can feel. I hope you get the position!
I've been trying my hardest to get into a co-op with a company close to Columbus, Ohio. I've applied for two co-op positions, I've laid out my resume. And the most I've gotten is a phone call from a branch farther than I really want (offering to review my applications for consideration), and an email telling me my applications are under review with the branch I want.
It truly is soul crushing. I feel like getting in there would open the doors to really bettering myself further in the direction I want.
SpookyFries
Member
6 months in and still no work. It's getting rough out there. I even have a ton of great sys admin experience and am still not making the cut.
I had an interview today and the guy who is the IT department lead seemed like a total dick. He kept making rude comments to me when I was talking about my experiences. Example, I was talking about VMWare and he asked me a question about it. It wasn't something I was too familiar with so I told him I wasn't sure. He then proceeds to say "...I thought you said you knew VMWare...". Then towards the end my throat was dry as fuck, so I coughed and said "excuse me. I'm a bit under the weather". He replies with "Yeah, I noticed when you came in." He also made a comment about how long I've been unemployed and asked why I thought people weren't hiring me.
Regardless, he seemed interested in me and said I should know soon. Being unemployed for so long, I feel obligated to take it. But I can already tell that I would hate working for this guy. The struggle is real GAF, but we gotta do what we gotta do.
We're all gonna make it brah
I had an interview today and the guy who is the IT department lead seemed like a total dick. He kept making rude comments to me when I was talking about my experiences. Example, I was talking about VMWare and he asked me a question about it. It wasn't something I was too familiar with so I told him I wasn't sure. He then proceeds to say "...I thought you said you knew VMWare...". Then towards the end my throat was dry as fuck, so I coughed and said "excuse me. I'm a bit under the weather". He replies with "Yeah, I noticed when you came in." He also made a comment about how long I've been unemployed and asked why I thought people weren't hiring me.
Regardless, he seemed interested in me and said I should know soon. Being unemployed for so long, I feel obligated to take it. But I can already tell that I would hate working for this guy. The struggle is real GAF, but we gotta do what we gotta do.
We're all gonna make it brah
ZackieChan
Member
They would suspend operations, but not shut the company down, though, right? Or does the boss have no plans to fix it?
Regardless, best of luck to you. It sucks.
Does not seem like the nicest guy. Weird.
Hope it all goes well for you.
I have signed papers with my new place now and currently in the two months notice period. It will be a clean cut after that and then straight into summer holidays before I start the new job.
This current two months notice period feels very weird. I am not undertaking any new projects. However I am eager to make an ' honorable' exit, so my name is remembered in a good fashion, if I am to return in the future. Has anyone been in a similar situation, and how did it play out?
Mexen
Member
I just started actively looking for work and I am already feeling the stress of it. I am torn between applying for IT positions at institutions that have not even advertised or taking up a temp job as a receptionist. I got a degree in IT this month. I didn't think I would be this blank.
Jzero
Member
Fuck that, it's only been one month for me and i'm already stressing about my bills.
entremet
Member
Pick up shitty part time jobs to stop the bleeding at least.
You can also try gigs, offer your services, temp work, Uber/Lyft, etc.
It may suck, but sometimes you gotta to do it. Last time I went through a long term stint, I did whatever I could while while looking for longer term opportunities.
Clairvoyance
Member
I received an email on Friday inviting me for an interview and asking my available days/times. I responded the same day but haven't received a response. Am I being impatient, or should I try contacting them tomorrow?
That's true but look at it this way. Officially our branch produces around 60% of the company's product. Unofficially it's like 85%. If we go down, the other branches go down with us.
OSHA is also extending their investigation by another three days which I'm told is very uncommon and very bad.
Appreciate it. It was a fun place to work at in the beginning but yeah. Time to move on.
Gray Matter
Member
I'm incredibly happy right now. Had an interview last week and they wanted a follow up today, it went well. Met with who would be my supervisor and it went great, he seemed impressed. I haven't seen much of the place during working hours but what I have seen looks like a good environment. One thing that caught me off guard (in a good way) he said I would be starting off making more than what I was initially told, so that was a pleasant surprise. Very happy atm.
Going for my drug test Monday which I should pass with flying colors and after that it's hello new job.
Going for my drug test Monday which I should pass with flying colors and after that it's hello new job.
Since my funds are running out slowly but surely I've decided to apply to six different positions at a couple different PetSmarts. Surely just by statistics I'll get a bite on one (haha yeah right). I did get an email that I passed the pre-screen assessment so I guess that's something. Any income is better than zero. It's retail but what can you do?
I wish the tech jobs I've applied to would get back to me but I'm starting to think they are biased towards me being a woman, as the only jobs that ever seem to reply are receptionist positions. And I only applied to receptionist positions because why not.
What's bad is that I almost got a job at a medical office where I would be doing the payroll, scheduling and other computer-based tasks, but I got second place according to the call they gave me. The only reason I didn't get the job is because someone else had experience but if that person wasn't there I would have been hired :/ The employer was apologetic at least.
I wish the tech jobs I've applied to would get back to me but I'm starting to think they are biased towards me being a woman, as the only jobs that ever seem to reply are receptionist positions. And I only applied to receptionist positions because why not.
What's bad is that I almost got a job at a medical office where I would be doing the payroll, scheduling and other computer-based tasks, but I got second place according to the call they gave me. The only reason I didn't get the job is because someone else had experience but if that person wasn't there I would have been hired :/ The employer was apologetic at least.
ZackieChan
Member
Why just Petsmarts?
May have been discussed in this thread, but has anyone tried one of those companies that puts together your resume for a small fee? If so, how did it work out, and what was the company?
I've been applying to a few jobs with no luck..some of these I KNOW I'm qualified for, but I'm not even getting calls/emails for interviews. Extremely aggravating, and I'm freakin' dying at my current job. I know..I'm lucky to even have a job, but this one is just awful.
I've been applying to a few jobs with no luck..some of these I KNOW I'm qualified for, but I'm not even getting calls/emails for interviews. Extremely aggravating, and I'm freakin' dying at my current job. I know..I'm lucky to even have a job, but this one is just awful.
I haven't paid for one, but last time I was out of work, someone at my local unemployment office helped redo mine, which helped a lot.
Unemployment offices can be kinda shit, but some do have good resources that you can use. They also paid about $2500 so I could take a certification course through a local university, which helped my resume look better as well.
Unemployment offices can be kinda shit, but some do have good resources that you can use. They also paid about $2500 so I could take a certification course through a local university, which helped my resume look better as well.
entremet
Member
Yes. I've done it twice. Great results both times and by results I mean getting interviews. Resumes are only for getting interviews. The rest, interview prep, is a different beast.
This is the company I use.
https://www.resumeprofessionalwriters.com
That is very cool that they did that...good to know that there are people that actually care.
This looks pretty promising; thank you! I think I might try this. Looking at the samples, it SEEMS easy enough to do something similar myself...but it's just so aggravating, and it looks like these people have a knack for putting in all of the key words.
Oh yes, interview is a different animal entirely. I am luckily a pretty good interviewee..I've gotten 5/7 of the last jobs I've interviewed for...problem is getting in the damn door, and hopefully they can help with that.
Soul-crushing is the right word. Just finished the interview process for a company that would have moved me in the direction I plan on taking my career and would have net me close to a 40% promotion over my current job with a lot of added benefits and higher job security. Got word back that they went with another candidate because they had more financial institution experience. That was after about eight hours of interviews over the course of two days.
Good news is that I'm at least in with the HR rep and I have connections with the CEO of one of their subsidiaries, though I've never had a call back from a place for a separate job. The "six months" line just reeks of bullshit everywhere. Bad news is I'm still hunting to get out of a corporate job in a failing retail sector.
It's tough getting back on the horse, especially after I mentally checked out yesterday.
I've considered this as I need to better represent what I've done for my current employer without just saying I work in Excel spreadsheets all day. I haven't had much in the way of luck of landing interviews themselves, which is the hardest part for me.
That's a bit steep, but may end up being worth it. What package you look at when getting a professional resume if you don't mind me asking.
Good news is that I'm at least in with the HR rep and I have connections with the CEO of one of their subsidiaries, though I've never had a call back from a place for a separate job. The "six months" line just reeks of bullshit everywhere. Bad news is I'm still hunting to get out of a corporate job in a failing retail sector.
It's tough getting back on the horse, especially after I mentally checked out yesterday.
I've considered this as I need to better represent what I've done for my current employer without just saying I work in Excel spreadsheets all day. I haven't had much in the way of luck of landing interviews themselves, which is the hardest part for me.
That's a bit steep, but may end up being worth it. What package you look at when getting a professional resume if you don't mind me asking.