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[DKehoe]

Left my last job, public relations for an events company, because they weren't paying me, as was the case with everyone there really and a bunch of people had left before I did. They still owe me £600 in unpaid wages. They just ignore any attempt I make to get the money back. It looks like I probably won't be able to ever get it, I found out the owner has disolved one company and started up another a total of 26 times.

 

[JLG-]

Looks like i'll be joining the ranks of unemployment again. Had a seasonal job and it's ending next week. I really don't believe they're going to keep me since my hours have been on a major decline right after black friday ended. I went from working 30-35 hours a week to now only getting 12. Oh well. At least i'll have some new references for my job search.

 

[Caddle]

My advice for anyone trying to find a job, law enforcement. Don't get me wrong it's not for everybody, but it pays damn good, $110,000 a year and i don't really do any overtime. In fact I hate overtime so much the captain give mine away to other officers who want it. In my field you can make up to $140,000 if you want. New York City Department of Corrections, check it out.

 

[black_vegeta]

Found out last week that my last day at my current job is Jan 25th. Company is too cheap to renew my contract and now the search and process for a new job begins.

*sigh*

 

[Sub_Level]

Holy shit had a good day.

Applied at Dominos as a delivery driver and got promised an interview next week. This was the first job application I've filled out in months. Then tonight I get a call from a popular chain restaurant for a waiter position. Got the job and start orientation tomorrow morning. The strange thing is I applied three months ago! College job here I come!

My advice for anyone trying to find a job, law enforcement. Don't get me wrong it's not for everybody, but it pays damn good, $110,000 a year and i don't really do any overtime. In fact I hate overtime so much the captain give mine away to other officers who want it. In my field you can make up to $140,000 if you want. New York City Department of Corrections, check it out.

Yeah my dad was a city cop for like 18 years. Good job, but he had to resign because of politics. If you're a street or highway officer it's really just about knowing how to talk to people. Too many applicants watch all those movies and are in it for the romanticized notions of justice and the drama/ fun of it (not that those reasons are necessarily illegitimate but anyone in the law enforcement field or studying Criminal Justice should be wary of the sometimes mundane realities).

 

[Sora_N]

I just got layed off at work, they don't need my position anymore. I knew this was coming eventually, but it came at such a bad time. I finally decided to go back to school. I start school later tonight. Dammit.

 

[Rarity]

My advice for anyone trying to find a job, law enforcement. Don't get me wrong it's not for everybody, but it pays damn good, $110,000 a year and i don't really do any overtime. In fact I hate overtime so much the captain give mine away to other officers who want it. In my field you can make up to $140,000 if you want. New York City Department of Corrections, check it out.

I'm just going to weigh in on this because my brother-in-law has been going through it. It certainly does pay quite well, but getting in, at least this past year in California, is tough. He's been working his way through several department's months-long hiring processes and hundreds, if not thousands, of qualified applicants turn up to each, with only between 1 and 5% finding work.

Best of luck to all those in here searching hard for employment.

 

[starchild excalibur]

This thread is sobering but inspiring. I'm definitely not as far along as some of you guys have, but I must admit that long-term unemployment is a scary prospect. I graduated from grad school this past December (film) and have been trying to look for employment in the past couple of weeks.

The process has gone from applying to career-benefiting positions -> applying to this + some office work places -> focusing on office and warehouse work places. I'm financially okay for a little while, but if I see no luck then my search and my standards will just have to lower from there. The most frustrating thing about a lot of this for me is simply just not hearing back.

I've been using Careerbuilder, LinkedIn and Craigslist an I know with the CL I never hear back (even with a rejection).

 

[Mayyhem]

I was about to apply to a volunteer position but I have a question.

The Ad indicated please email your resume and cover letter to ________

How would I go about properly doing this? What should I put as the subject, body of message, and should I attach my resume and cover letter separately in the email? Or should the cover letter be in the body of the email itself with the resume as an attachment?

 

[Castor Krieg]

I was about to apply to a volunteer position but I have a question.

The Ad indicated please email your resume and cover letter to ________

How would I go about properly doing this? What should I put as the subject, body of message, and should I attach my resume and cover letter separately in the email? Or should the cover letter be in the body of the email itself with the resume as an attachment?

Cover letter and Resume go in separate files, make it a PDF, put as attachments.

Write short sentence about the fact you are applying, and that CV and Cover Letter are attached. Done.

 

[Trin]

I just got layed off at work, they don't need my position anymore. I knew this was coming eventually, but it came at such a bad time. I finally decided to go back to school. I start school later tonight. Dammit.

Ouch, that sucks Did you at least get some kind of severance package? Best of luck to you in school, that's first day back is always a little weird.

I've been trying to find full-time work for a while, but I have little career experience and most entry level jobs revolve entirely around customer service which I'm least comfortable with. I'm at the point where I think I should just suck it up and settle for anything that pays the bills.

Is it unrealistic to hold out for a job I'd actually find fulfilling?

 

[Sora_N]

Ouch, that sucks Did you at least get some kind of severance package? Best of luck to you in school, that's first day back is always a little weird.

I've been trying to find full-time work for a while, but I have little career experience and most entry level jobs revolve entirely around customer service which I'm least comfortable with. I'm at the point where I think I should just suck it up and settle for anything that pays the bills.

Is it unrealistic to hold out for a job I'd actually find fulfilling?

I didn't get a severance package because I was only employed here for 7 months, I assume it's for people that have been employed a year. I don't even have time to use any of my health benefits now, lol...

Customer service is just something you have to do once, but I've only done retail work for that. Doing calls for customer service is likely different.

I think I can apply for employment insurance so I might be ok for a little while. I have some friends who got laid off before, and found better jobs afterwards...so I hope I can do the same. I just want another office type job for now, even better if I can be an accounting assistant or something because I'm studying accounting now.

 

[Lambda Pie]

yep, since January 1st.

not in a rush to find a new one, went 3 years with only a day off per week, i'll take 2 or 3 months to recharge before i jump into the fold again.

 

[Arol]

Haven't read the whole thread but whats the general consensus when an employer requires a certain amount of years of experience and you don't have them.

Apply anyways? Nothing to lose?

I have 4 years experience in my field but they're requiring someone with 7.

Also, how kosher is it to look for another job while currently employed. Currently employed and looking for a different position that better suits my changed needs but don't want to burn any bridges.

 

[1stStrike]

Haven't read the whole thread but whats the general consensus when an employer requires a certain amount of years of experience and you don't have them.

Apply anyways? Nothing to lose?

I have 4 years experience in my field but they're requiring someone with 7.

Also, how kosher is it to look for another job while currently employed. Currently employed and looking for a different position that better suits my changed needs but don't want to burn any bridges.

Experience is moot. If you fit the position and have the skills for it, you can potentially get the job.

There's nothing wrong with searching for a job while employed. If anything, it gives you leverage, which is what you need these days. Basically, you can come back to your employer and say "Well, I have an offer from so-and-so for this and this. Can you guys do better?"

It also makes life a lot less stressful if you don't like your job.

I'm currently employed myself, and I've done exactly as I described and gotten myself a raise as a result.

Also, use LinkedIn and such. I'm currently doing an interview for a large company which has all kinds of requirements for their positions (some more strict than others) and they pay around 60 - 69k a year (more than I'm making now). They contacted me on LinkedIn and after sending them my resume I've had a really smooth interview process so far.

So, yeah, use everything at your disposal and don't be afraid to look for other jobs while still employed. If you get an offer then you're in a fantastic position since you don't necessarily have to leap for it.

 

[Marche90]

As of now, no.

Full time student, sadly

 

[B3ASTMODE]

I have a question. Would it be better to state that you have been a full time student in a resume with no work experience, or should I list what Ive actually done for the past two years while going to school? What I do is basically flip cars for profit. I don't work for anyone just myslef. I cant think of a way to state this in my resume and dont know if I should.

 

[Moneyhats2k5]

I have a question. Would it be better to state that you have been a full time student in a resume with no work experience, or should I list what Ive actually done for the past two years while going to school? What I do is basically flip cars for profit. I don't work for anyone just myslef. I cant think of a way to state this in my resume and dont know if I should.

Just say that you self employed (online reseller), that looks better than an empty page.

 

[B3ASTMODE]

So is this terrible or what? keep in mind that Im only applying to a small family owned storage facility. their requriements are as follows. I know I probably have no chance of landing this but I might as well try.

telephone inquiries, show and lease storage units and truck rentals. Must have excellent sales and customer service skills.Will explain and complete lease with tenant, collects, posts and rents on Sitelink software and issues receipts. Makes late collection calls, cleans office/bathroom and orders supplies.Cleans storage units/lot if needed. Willing to train on software. Must be dependable, mature, team player, able to work in fast paced environment on weekends. No storage experience req'd. Bilingual Spanish desired. AA degree preferred. Must be computer literate

blah blah contact info

Objective: To obtain a part time position in which I can exercise and further develop my business and customer service skills.

Educational Background:
• 2009: Graduate of random High School.
• Currently enrolled at random community College on pace to complete an Associates in Accounting by June 2013.
• In the process of transferring to CSU blah blah to complete my BS in accounting.

Work Experience
Self Employed (2011-Present): I have earned my income by being an automotive reseller. A description being; I would purchase cars under what I perceived their value to be and reselling, Acquiring cars with cosmetic or mechanical defects and reselling once they are fixed.

Summary of Qualifications: I have developed the following professional and interpersonal skills through my education and entrepreneurial experience.

• Computer Literate including Microsoft Word, Excel.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual; Speak English and Spanish fluently.
• Work great independently and in a team.
• Follow written and verbal directions well
• Quick learner

 

[Moneyhats2k5]

Self-employed sounds a lot better then car flipper. Hopefully they like your initiative, not everyone has that resourcefulness.

 

[GlassBox]

*sigh*

Going 8+ months now unemployed. Just got yet another rejection notice today. Even after having what appeared by all accounts to be a stellar interview (they kept telling me how my experience would be so helpful and one of them even said they'd be pushing me as the one), it wasn't enough. They found someone at the last minute who was just "stellar" at what they wanted.

The clouds hanging over my head are growing thicker and heavier by the day.

 

[Sora_N]

*sigh*

Going 8+ months now unemployed. Just got yet another rejection notice today. Even after having what appeared by all accounts to be a stellar interview (they kept telling me how my experience would be so helpful and one of them even said they'd be pushing me as the one), it wasn't enough. They found someone at the last minute who was just "stellar" at what they wanted.

The clouds hanging over my head are growing thicker and heavier by the day.

Sucks man, I haven't even looked yet. I'm already behind in class, this all came at such a shitty time for me. Keep trying! Don't give up.

 

[Magnus]

I know it isn't a viable option for everyone (I have the incredible benefit -- for which I'm extraordinarily grateful every day -- of family helping me pay for school to avoid immense debt)...but school has changed my life, even if it's only been three days that I've been back starting this new postgrad.

There are a million new doors opening in my mind based on what I've learned and done in our first three days. There's a ton happening already (these condensed, 8-month postgrads don't fuck around -- they move fast and avoid tons of theory/study in favor of just getting you job ready fast with portfolio material in hand). I feel confident and excited in a way I haven't been in a long time, having had a less-than-stellar postgrad experience two years ago and an awful job search in between, hopping from one short-term contract job to the next with vast stretches of no work in between.

So...if you have anyone in your life willing to help you, school might be an answer. I know plenty, PLENTY of people in my life who are miserable (either they hate their job or can't find one) and who DO have support for school if they should choose to return (family, even friends who are willing to help you better yourself and change your life), but they still reject it because they're 'done' with school.

I'm 28. Coming back a second time now after a degree was a tough decision (and shit, let's check back with me in a year to see if it was the right one), but right now, it's completely altered how I look at things.

If the right circumstances exist for you to make a change and make it happen, maybe it can be the right decision for some of you.

I'm full-time but still keeping my part time job on the weekend to keep some connections/bridges alive and to support myself financially, even slightly.

Rooting for all of ya!!

 

[SniperHunter]

Not unemployed but been working at a dead end security job since September 2012. I really hate the job, I have to hang out with retards with -50 IQ and it doesn't help that I passed a bunch of advance math courses with 86% in October. I am just waiting for September 2013, I want to go back to school and get a degree in computers science or something related to biology. Meanwhile I want to leave this job and go work at Tim Hortons or something.....

 

[Moneyhats2k5]

Had a interview today. Got tag teamed. But one of the ladies liked me. Hope to get a call back next week.

Salary & benefits. All that jazz. They liked that i have my own podcast. Lol

 

[Sora_N]

Second-last day here, haven't been able to find another job yet. :/

 

[black_vegeta]

Found out last week that my last day at my current job is Jan 25th. Company is too cheap to renew my contract and now the search and process for a new job begins.

*sigh*

What fucking luck! My last day for this current position the 25th, however I got a job at the same company/location and I start on the 28th.

Woot!

 

[nimbus]

That I'm posting here for advice shows how little I know how to manage my own career.

After being under-employed for over two years, I landed this gig at a small business and they had me on as a contractor for $15 an hour. I've been working there for 3 weeks now, and they want to hire me onto the pay-roll for full-time basis, but they will need me to take a pay cut to $13.50 an hour while giving me benefits. Does this sound right to you guys?

I kind of feel bad about it because I used to work part-time for 14.40, but I do want the job security of being on the pay roll. How should I go about this?

 

[Xeke]

That I'm posting here for advice shows how little I know how to manage my own career.

After being under-employed for over two years, I landed this gig at a small business and they had me on as a contractor for $15 an hour. I've been working there for 3 weeks now, and they want to hire me onto the pay-roll for full-time basis, but they will need me to take a pay cut to $13.50 an hour while giving me benefits. Does this sound right to you guys?

I kind of feel bad about it because I used to work part-time for 14.40, but I do want the job security of being on the pay roll. How should I go about this?

Take it for the job security now and look for a better job. Job searching is always easier when you have a job.

 

[Zoe]

Were they deducting your taxes as a contractor?

 

[nimbus]

Were they deducting your taxes as a contractor?

No, they weren't.

 

[Zoe]

No, they weren't.

Then it's normal for your pay to drop. It will probably work out to a pay raise since you still have to pay taxes on those contractor hours.

 

[Hindle]

Yep, I just finished a temp job, so back in the fight it is. It's so hard being like this, so many things I wanted to do but nope, I'm unemployed. It's shit it really is.

 

[LosDaddie]

While I enjoy my current job a good deal & not worried about job security, I went ahead and updated my resume and finally created a LinkedIn account. I just want to see what's out there, and make sure I'm in the best place I can be.

If I do end up taking a new job, then it will be a nice bump in salary and a company I feel very confident about.

Can't hurt to look around, right?

 

[Sora_N]

Last day today.

I think I should write an email to the company (we only have about 15-20 people), but what should I write? I think some people know I got layed off already, should I mention that? I don't want to seem like I'm hiding it.

I already got reference confirmed by my Supervisor, and the Operations Manager also promised me a reference and wrote me a Reference Letter already. Finally, the Vice President said he could vouch for my work as well (I will try to formally ask him if I could have him as a reference later today).

While I enjoy my current job a good deal & not worried about job security, I went ahead and updated my resume and finally created a LinkedIn account. I just want to see what's out there, and make sure I'm in the best place I can be.

If I do end up taking a new job, then it will be a nice bump in salary and a company I feel very confident about.

Can't hurt to look around, right?

Also yeah it doesn't hurt, I made LinkedIn too because I wanted to stay connected with my Supervisor who will not be working here either.

 

[Zoe]

Last day today.

I think I should write an email to the company (we only have about 15-20 people), but what should I write? I think some people know I got layed off already, should I mention that? I don't want to seem like I'm hiding it.

What are you trying to achieve? If it's just to say good-bye, I wouldn't mention anything about the reason you're leaving. Just keep it cordial and wish everyone the best of luck.

 

[Sora_N]

What are you trying to achieve? If it's just to say good-bye, I wouldn't mention anything about the reason you're leaving. Just keep it cordial and wish everyone the best of luck.

Yeah, thanks. I pretty much just want to say goodbye and thank everyone for welcoming me, I liked working in the office.

 

[shinobi602]

Probably going to get let go soon at my current job.

Bringing in about $2500/month...some of it is my fault, but they're planning layoffs too.

Just got a house 7 months ago, have a car loan, payments...

Wife makes more than I do, doesn't make me feel any more comfortable though.

Feelsbadman.jpg

 

[AlphaTwo00]

Question for those who know: How do recruiting agencies work? I just took a phone call recently about a position (contract), and they were talking of about the different payscale in terms of me incorporating vs a lower scale if going through them? Does that make any sense?

 

[Sora_N]

So nervous right now, I have an interview in about 2 hours. I'm not even qualified, I really don't have anything to lose though. I see this mostly as a way for me to get some more interview experience, the HR rep that hired me at my last job thought I did a really good job (though I didn't think I did well at all). I barely prepped for this one though, I only researched the job description and some of the details, don't know what else I can really do since it's not even my field. I'm just surprised I was called for an interview, hopefully the job is easy to pick-up if I do get hired.

 

[THRILLH0]

Question for those who know: How do recruiting agencies work? I just took a phone call recently about a position (contract), and they were talking of about the different payscale in terms of me incorporating vs a lower scale if going through them? Does that make any sense?

That sounds like the hiring company would compensate the agency's finders fee by paying you a lower wage.

If that's the case, fuck that company.

 

[Einbroch]

Advice to anyone looking for a college/entry-level job: snagajob.com.

Just applied for three jobs today, already have two interviews. Found my previous two jobs through them as well.

 

[Valygar]

I´ve finished my internship + MBA. I was offered a permanent position in the company, but they are delaying it a lot (3 weeks now). It seems I´ll remain unemployed... Time to see if the MBA + year of experience is useful for anything. I feel here in Spain with so much unemployment (*30%) the only way is close family / unique niches.

 

[TheApatheticOne]

I've now been unemployed since September and that's not a lack of trying. Im 32 and Im really fighting doing something where I'm not going to make anything. I feel at 32, by myself, if I resign myself to some job making $10 bucks an hour.... any resemblance of a career is over. But Ive been unemployed for so long now that the length is starting to hurt (or at least I feel that it is).

It just feels like to get a halfway decent job aka a job that doesn't absolutely blow and you can make AT LEAST 13-14, you HAVE to know someone. Resume/Experience/Education matters not at all. Its ALL about having someone on the inside of where you're trying to get into. And due to having a small circle of friends, my "network" is very small.

I'm currently living in Cincinnati, but have always wanted to live somewhere on North Carolina's coast, so Ive been applying for jobs in the Wilmington and surrounding areas as well. Nothing. Since Ive been unemployed, Ive had a grand total on ONE interview, which I saw highly qualified for, interview went great, and didnt get.

I feel either Im cursed, blacklisted from working ever again, etc. I wish there was a website or something where people would offer up referrals for jobs that their at, I'd pay at this point. Feels pretty hopeless.

 

[leroidys]

I've now been unemployed since September and that's not a lack of trying. Im 32 and Im really fighting doing something where I'm not going to make anything. I feel at 32, by myself, if I resign myself to some job making $10 bucks an hour.... any resemblance of a career is over. But Ive been unemployed for so long now that the length is starting to hurt (or at least I feel that it is).

It just feels like to get a halfway decent job aka a job that doesn't absolutely blow and you can make AT LEAST 13-14, you HAVE to know someone. Resume/Experience/Education matters not at all. Its ALL about having someone on the inside of where you're trying to get into. And due to having a small circle of friends, my "network" is very small.

I'm currently living in Cincinnati, but have always wanted to live somewhere on North Carolina's coast, so Ive been applying for jobs in the Wilmington and surrounding areas as well. Nothing. Since Ive been unemployed, Ive had a grand total on ONE interview, which I saw highly qualified for, interview went great, and didnt get.

I feel either Im cursed, blacklisted from working ever again, etc. I wish there was a website or something where people would offer up referrals for jobs that their at, I'd pay at this point. Feels pretty hopeless.

You can make that much in grocery pretty easily (not starting), and those jobs usually have good benefits too. When I started my grocery job I thought WTF are all these middle aged people doing here? How do they support their families? But then I found out that they make like 36k and have great health benefits. It's not a ton of money, but you can definitely live off of it if you're frugal and your spouse works.

You're right about the networking though. Especially now that so many applications are just going online and being sorted by algorithms, it's especially handy to have contacts. Try spending some job search time socializing/networking.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I'm underemployed if you can say that. Graduated with Poli Sci degree in 8/11 and this August will be two years. Applied to probably close to 100 jobs, have had people looked and changed my resume. I did an internship with the USSS. Applied for their uniformed division, made to the (unreliable) poly, and that was it. I can't even get referred. I went on a huge rant on LinkedIN's USF alumni page telling people not to major in Poli Sci, and they deleted it.

FML.

 

[1stStrike]

I'm underemployed if you can say that. Graduated with Poli Sci degree in 8/11 and this August will be two years. Applied to probably close to 100 jobs, have had people looked and changed my resume. I did an internship with the USSS. Applied for their uniformed division, made to the (unreliable) poly, and that was it. I can't even get referred. I went on a huge rant on LinkedIN's USF alumni page telling people not to major in Poli Sci, and they deleted it.

FML.

Unfortunately, the days of being able to get your dream job are nearly over. You can't just go to college and be like "I'm going to be an Archaeologist!" and think that you're going to find consistent work, if any at all (this happened to a friend of mine from HS - he works at a convenience store for $7.75 an hour and has two bachelors degrees).

Also, it's hard to even make a decision based on the job market. Let's say there's an industry you're interested in with a lot of openings - so, you go through your 4 year degree and by the time you're finished... oh shit, the industry has crashed and now there's no jobs. Or everyone else had the same idea and now it's so saturated that you have massive competition.

I guess you could be a nurse, though. There's no shortage of old people lingering in retirement homes and hospitals that need to be attended to.

 

[megarockexe]

I've now been unemployed since September and that's not a lack of trying. Im 32 and Im really fighting doing something where I'm not going to make anything. I feel at 32, by myself, if I resign myself to some job making $10 bucks an hour.... any resemblance of a career is over. But Ive been unemployed for so long now that the length is starting to hurt (or at least I feel that it is).

It just feels like to get a halfway decent job aka a job that doesn't absolutely blow and you can make AT LEAST 13-14, you HAVE to know someone. Resume/Experience/Education matters not at all. Its ALL about having someone on the inside of where you're trying to get into. And due to having a small circle of friends, my "network" is very small.

I'm currently living in Cincinnati, but have always wanted to live somewhere on North Carolina's coast, so Ive been applying for jobs in the Wilmington and surrounding areas as well. Nothing. Since Ive been unemployed, Ive had a grand total on ONE interview, which I saw highly qualified for, interview went great, and didnt get.

I feel either Im cursed, blacklisted from working ever again, etc. I wish there was a website or something where people would offer up referrals for jobs that their at, I'd pay at this point. Feels pretty hopeless.

I can relate almost completely. I hope I don't reach your age like this though. I don't see things changing, either but I really hope this won't continue for another 12 years.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Unfortunately, the days of being able to get your dream job are nearly over. You can't just go to college and be like "I'm going to be an Archaeologist!" and think that you're going to find consistent work, if any at all (this happened to a friend of mine from HS - he works at a convenience store for $7.75 an hour and has two bachelors degrees).

Also, it's hard to even make a decision based on the job market. Let's say there's an industry you're interested in with a lot of openings - so, you go through your 4 year degree and by the time you're finished... oh shit, the industry has crashed and now there's no jobs. Or everyone else had the same idea and now it's so saturated that you have massive competition.

I guess you could be a nurse, though. There's no shortage of old people lingering in retirement homes and hospitals that need to be attended to.

My mother says I should just try banking. Become a teller and work my way up. Not sure if I'd be happy with that, unless I can do anti-money laundering. I dunno anymore.

 

[J-Rod]

My mother says I should just try banking. Become a teller and work my way up. Not sure if I'd be happy with that, unless I can do anti-money laundering. I dunno anymore.

That's what my wife did. She's been at it five years. Started as a teller, moved up to head teller, then csr, now loan assistant. She still only takes home about 25k though. I have a lot of family in banking and it seems men do a whole lot better.