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[nakedsushi]

I hope it's okay to ask in here even though I'm employed...

Have any of you had success in applying for something for which you were under qualified? Just applied for a development position (career change) looking for experience in stuff I've never used (VB and Dreamweaver), so I'm pretty nervous...

Yes! I've been under-qualified for most of the jobs I've had, but I think I've just been lucky. As long as you're quick to pick things up, smart, and show a passion for learning new tricks, I think it's very okay. Even if you don't have professional work experience, you should bring examples of side projects showing that you taught yourself the tools that they use. It proves to them that you're serious about the position.

One thing that has worked for me with employers is to give them a 3-6 month trial period where they can pay you less than they usually do for the position, but with clear goals. If after that trial period, you meet/exceed their goals, then they have to move you up to the regular pay grade of what you're applying for. MAKE SURE you get this all in writing in your employment contract though.

I don't think you need to be nervous about being underqualified. With the tech industry, learning on the job is half the fun.

 

[DrM]

Got two rejections in mail today. Waiting for several more responses, but it is quite grim situation right now with my field of work.

But due to my father illness, we made decision in family, that i will wait with further search till he undergoes surgery and they will pay for my expenses (phone, healthcare). Luckily, my mom salary is so high that we can afford this and I still have some money. In meantime, I will take full care for house, garden, weekend house and our forest.

Also, there is option that i go back to UNI and start with master degree...

 

[LosDaddie]

Need some job advise.

I'm currently employed, not my dream job by any stretch and pay is only ok. Problem is due to some layoffs, quitting, etc shit is rolling downhill. I'm taking on too many responsibilities and being overworked, but no promotion. Boss says he's getting something sorted going on now for two months, so I'm looking to get out. (I know i fucked up)

Now on my resume should I explain this or just list my responsibilities/title and explain this during the interview process...if it gets there.

Just list your responsibilities/titles at your current job. If asked about it, say something like "With the economic downturn, those of us still employed had to take on additional responsibilities at the office, which includes blah, blah, blah" and you'll be fine.

I hope it's okay to ask in here even though I'm employed...

Have any of you had success in applying for something for which you were under qualified? Just applied for a development position (career change) looking for experience in stuff I've never used (VB and Dreamweaver), so I'm pretty nervous...

Underqualified? Yes. I wouldn't expect many responses though. Maybe try to go through a temp agency, or a recruiter? I apply to jobs I'm underqualified for and, if anything, it's good interview experience.

Does it mean I didn't get the job if I haven't heard back? I didn't get a no though. I had an interview that went well and they said about 2 weeks they would know. I followed up at exactly 2 weeks and they responded to my email saying they would let me know. They didn't say if I got it they would let me know, just in general they would let me know. If it was a no I think they wouldn't have responded to the email. Should I take it as a maybe still that I haven't heard back? Thanks.

For most cases, YES.

I always assume No Response = No Job. Always. Maybe that's just me, though. From my experience, very few companies have competent enough HR depts to, at least, send out a rejection email. Yes, some/a lot of companies are (very) slow to hire new help, but when they want to hire, you better believe they will let the person know ASAP.

But yes, a follow-up email (or call) can't really hurt your chances.


On a side note; The Rejection Emails have to be the worst thing ever. The rejection part being a bummer is a given, but being told your experiences are "impressive" and they will keep your resume on file for future positions is just the type of bullshit I can't stand.

 

[CyReN]

Had a good interview today, 3 little ones with 2 people. I think I was the first person for the interview that day, they said they would call me tonight to say if I got it or not. I have a good feeling.

Employed!

 

[nakedsushi]

Employed!

Yay, congrats!

 

[BannedEpisode]

Just called Bestbuy back about my first interview and they told me they went with someone else. Pretty bummed because I thought my interview went great.

Oh well.

Im going to keep on trying.

 

[MrDanger88]

I too interviewed with Best Buy, but they botched the interview the moment they said they weren't expecting me despite them calling me. I applied for an AP position but they interviewed me for a sales position. Bunch of morons.

Walmart was actually the easiest interview I had. They read you these long ass questions, but all they really care about is your availability and whether or not you can pass a drug test. And they aren't the demons people have made them out to be. I've been there almost 3 months on the hardest working team in the store (Unloading) and I love it. Pay is pretty crap though. Working at Walmart isn't a prestigious job, but if you get hired to a position that you like it's fun. That and your hours are almost always guaranteed if you work in the back (32+ a week).

Regardless of what you do, I wish you luck with your job search. I know it can be frustrating at times but keep at it. You'll eventually land one.

 

[TheSeks]

Does Wal-mart let you apply online? I've seen their employment touchscreen stuff in store, but it's so broken around here I couldn't be assed to sit there for hours to fill out an application that would be faster on my own laptop.

 

[MrDanger88]

Yes they let you apply online. That's what I did. Protip though: Walmart Logistics is the Distribution Center. They pay very handsomely ($18/hr for most positions up here in Colorado) but the work is very laborious. If you like laborious jobs (without having to deal with customers) try that. I was hired to a store as an Unloader but they won't let me transfer until 6 months after my hire date. I figure I'm a shoe-in eventually because Unloading is the most laborious position in the store.

 

[BannedEpisode]

Feeling pretty good now. Stopped by a local pharmacy to pick up a prescription for my mother and asked for an application to work as an assistant. The Pharmacist seemed really upbeat and looked pleased to give it to me.

Hopefully I can land that.

 

[Zombie James]

First day on the job was good fun. Too bad the weather sucked.

 

[TheSeks]

Well, I've done some backroom work before (overnight) but the hours and non-concrete schedule made me quit. I can't do overnight in general anymore and can't do "well, you'll have a day off on monday... no... tuesday... saturday for sure!" But that was with another retail store. Maybe Wal-mart is better.

 

[MrDanger88]

I can't speak for all Supercenters, but every position in the back at my store has a static schedule. Inventory Control 1st shift is from 7am to 4pm, Inventory Control 2nd Shift (aka Unloading Team) is from 4pm to 1am, Overnight GM/Grocery Stocker (+$2.50/hr night differential) is from 10pm to 7am, and Inventory Control 3rd Shift is the same shift as O/N Stocking. I haven't looked at my schedule since I started. I work Thurs-Sun 4pm to 1am every week. It's so nice to have a schedule that doesn't change.

 

[davepoobond]

yeah just went through a phone call with my mom about how she regrets sending me to college cause my degree got me nowhere. im 3 years out of college and still havent found anything and i guess i'm just lost, since no one has hired me full time.

i mean i havent even gotten calls from retail stores that i put my applications into. i have no idea what i'm doing wrong and im kind of depressed right now. i'm trying to send my resumes out to listings on craigslist for just about anything i have an interest in doing, and i feel like i have no ambition for myself.

 

[Guts Of Thor]

Well, I've done some backroom work before (overnight) but the hours and non-concrete schedule made me quit. I can't do overnight in general anymore and can't do "well, you'll have a day off on monday... no... tuesday... saturday for sure!" But that was with another retail store. Maybe Wal-mart is better.

I am the same way. I quit that resort job I got because the schedule just did not work for me so now I'm back to square fucking one.

Applied to FedEx as a handler which I know is a fucking tough job but it's better than the nothing I have now.

 

[Entropia]

Got some good news from my sister, an Information Architect at her office recommended that I come in and job shadow for a week. I'm hoping that leads to a possible job/internship.

 

[Darkatomz]

On a side note; The Rejection Emails have to be the worst thing ever. The rejection part being a bummer is a given, but being told your experiences are "impressive" and they will keep your resume on file for future positions is just the type of bullshit I can't stand.

Really? I actually like getting rejection notices. Yeah, it sucks that you were turned down, but I really believe that it's a lot more gratifying KNOWING that you won't get the job instead of waiting days, weeks, or more on the possibility that they might call you back.

 

[lush]

I am the same way. I quit that resort job I got because the schedule just did not work for me so now I'm back to square fucking one.

Applied to FedEx as a handler which I know is a fucking tough job but it's better than the nothing I have now.

Checked in to this after seeing your post. Looks like they're hiring here, 5 hour shifts, really like the 5 pm to 10 pm shift as that would work for me for a while. No application though, looks like I have to call and attend a "sort observation" at 6 am Thursdays. Looks like they pay pretty well though, might as well give it a shot.

edit: Called and the lady told me to just show up at 6 am if I want to work twilight shift or 6 pm for the evening shift. If you're still interested after watching the job being performed then you can submit an application. I guess I'll head over tomorrow, the lady was pretty vague as to where to go/what to do.

 

[LosDaddie]

Employed!

Congrats!

Really? I actually like getting rejection notices. Yeah, it sucks that you were turned down, but I really believe that it's a lot more gratifying KNOWING that you won't get the job instead of waiting days, weeks, or more on the possibility that they might call you back.

You misunderstood me...probably my fault, though. What I meant was that the content of the Rejection Emails/Letters is what I hate. The bullshit lines of "Your experiences are impressive" and "We will keep you in mind for future positions"....all of that bullshit is what I can't stand. Lies, all of it.

I agree with you. It's nice to know I didn't get the job, rather than waiting for an email/call that never comes. It almost makes me rage when I have an awesome interview and the guy/gal never gets back to me. At least send me a Rejection Email, dammit.

 

[MrHicks]

 

[Etrian Oddity]

OMG guys, this store is testing my patience. All I can do is wait because I've followed up twice and both times they said they're waiting for paperwork to come in from corporate hq so they can give me the offer and it's been a week. I'm getting restless as fuck and I need money. -_-

 

[Guts Of Thor]

Checked in to this after seeing your post. Looks like they're hiring here, 5 hour shifts, really like the 5 pm to 10 pm shift as that would work for me for a while. No application though, looks like I have to call and attend a "sort observation" at 6 am Thursdays. Looks like they pay pretty well though, might as well give it a shot.

edit: Called and the lady told me to just show up at 6 am if I want to work twilight shift or 6 pm for the evening shift. If you're still interested after watching the job being performed then you can submit an application. I guess I'll head over tomorrow, the lady was pretty vague as to where to go/what to do.

I just filled out an application online but I think I'm going to call tomorrow to see if they have something similar going on here.

Thanks for the update!

 

[otakuderek]

Job market sucks in Ohio. I guess I was always mean't to be in the military just like the rest of my family. Started with Great-Grandfather up to me now.

 

[1stStrike]

I am rather lucky, in a way. I went to college for a year after I got out of highschool and decided I didn't like it. Up here in NY, even then, the economy was total shit and I wasn't really seeing anything that would get me far when I graduated.

I ended up enlisting in the Air Force. "Aerospace Propulsion" was my job. In layman's terms, I was a jet engine mechanic. Spent the next 6 years covered in all kinds of fun chemicals, jet fuel, oil, even worked with a anti-seize that could dissolve a plastic cup in under 30 seconds.

It was mostly shitty. It definitely had its cool moments, but the fact was that I had a place to live, steady work and a pay check coming in every 2 weeks.

However, over a year ago now I was done. I had no plans in re-enlisting and separated. I had a lot of leave built up, which they had to pay me for, so I bummed around for a couple of months and then I applied for a job at a web hosting company as a system administrator.

Now, you might think - how do you go from a jet mechanic to a system admin? Well, I went to college for networking originally and all throughout those years I'd kept my skills polished. I started at like $13.00 an hour at this company working from home doing tickets and phone tech support online, plus managing servers.

December came around and I decided that I really hated my boss and just wasn't fond of how he was running the company, so I applied at the place I work now and was hired. I've been there for about 7 months now as a senior system administrator and I'm about to be promoted to a technical manager here shortly, which will include a pay increase (I'm making $15.00 an hour atm, so I'm guestimating $17.00 an hour so with the raise).

The big advantage to the job is, well, I work from home. I don't have to buy gas, I don't even own nor need a car where I live. It saves me a lot of money every year and you have no idea how great it is to not have to worry about rush hour traffic.

Now, for those of you that read this all the way through - the company I work for is hiring right now. If you have some CentOS/CPanel and general linux/system admin skills, send me a tell and I'll put you to the test and give you some more info.

My company is currently hiring 1 of each:

Level 1 Support Specialist - Handles basic technical questions in tickets and chats.
System Administrator/Server Specialist - Watches nagios all day and managers servers/VPS's
Level 2 System Administrator - Handles mostly complicated level 2 issues that require a more in-depth knowledge of CentOS and CPanel.

You even get full healthcare including vision/dental and all that good stuff after 6 months. They pay half the premium.

 

[pje122]

That's very nice of you

 

[TheSeks]

i mean i havent even gotten calls from retail stores that i put my applications into. i have no idea what i'm doing wrong and im kind of depressed right now. i'm trying to send my resumes out to listings on craigslist for just about anything i have an interest in doing, and i feel like i have no ambition for myself.

Yeah, it really fucking sucks to feel that way. At least you have a degree, so you have a leg up over shit work that I don't have. :/

>>Stuff<<

They don't require experience or a degree or something for that? Shit, I could probably learn as I go for that. Too bad I don't really think I'd be up to snuff to do CentOS and the like.

I am the same way. I quit that resort job I got because the schedule just did not work for me so now I'm back to square fucking one.

Sucks, don't it? But at the end of the day if you're feeling run-down and not "fit" enough to work, I'd say that's a sign that things either have to change or you gotta cut your losses. For me, I knew they wouldn't change the hours so I left. Sucks, as I haven't had a job since in years but what the hell can I do other than keep applying to places and hope for the best. :/

 

[John Rabbit]

joined the unemployment party today.

feels bad man.

 

[1stStrike]

That's very nice of you

I don't mind helping a fellow gaffer out if they've got skills for it.

A friend of mine just got accepted for his masters at a local college today after working for $7.50 an hour at a local convenience store for like 8 months now. He got a bachelors previously, went out to the real world and hasn't been able to handle it. The pressure of trying to find a job and not being able to get anything except being barely above minimum wage has driven him back to college. He's going to end up with a masters, be around 30 years old, and have almost no real life work experience.

I can see why people are depressed.

 

[2th]

I was a grad student working on my masters in psychology. Then had a massive falling out with my advisers. Essentially it was an existential crisis for me because they were old school gambling researchers that had no interest in technology at all. They also cared nothing about me and used me as tech support to run the slot machines we had in the lab as well as the website and the lab computers as well. Ive also worked in cognitive and neuropsychology labs. Yeah you try finding a job that isnt research related when all your job experience is laboratory work. It sucks.

 

[Jamesfrom818]

joined the unemployment party today.

feels bad man.

Been in the party for a month now. I just scheduled an interview for next week but I did a little more research concerning the company and I don't think I'm going to go anymore. Everything I've read about them colors them as shady.

Should I bother calling them back to let them know I won't be coming? From what I read, the first interview is a group interview so its not like they'll miss me.

 

[JonCha]

Got a rejection from the biggest employer in my area (Stoke, England) after two rounds of interviewing. Had to wait almost two whole weeks before I got back.

Looking at what I can apply for, O2 has vacancies in my shopping center. However that's full time and since I still have three months to go in my recovery from a double op last year full time is still a bit of a push (cannot stand up all day really).

My cousin also works for what is is called jobseekers here in the UK and she said my council is really pushing apprenticeships at the moment, and looking at their website they're for office work and Human Resources. Not exactly the kind of work I want to do but I may just have to apply there.

After getting my rejection today (and they have more openings, so I'll be applying their again) I'm thinking about enquiring about internships. I've asked my local newspaper, and there is also a gaming firm about 20 minutes away from me that I might send an e-mail to. The problem though may be that I'm not a grad of undergrad. I was successful at college and that's it.

It sucks big time when you see people who are layabouts, full-time druggies and generally not as intelligent as you getting jobs. When I went for that interview a couple of weeks ago I seemed to do a lot of things really well.

 

[Ivan A Nguyen]

Been in the party for a month now. I just scheduled an interview for next week but I did a little more research concerning the company and I don't think I'm going to go anymore. Everything I've read about them colors them as shady.

Should I bother calling them back to let them know I won't be coming? From what I read, the first interview is a group interview so its not like they'll miss me.

Depends on where you live, but to get unemployment, you can't be skipping out on interviews. They can contact the local authority and have your unemployment canceled.

 

[Star Power]

Interview tomorrow (I've been unemployed since February)! Wish me luck!

 

[bucknuticus]

Job market sucks in Ohio. I guess I was always mean't to be in the military just like the rest of my family. Started with Great-Grandfather up to me now.

Where do you live in the state? Columbus has tons of job opportunity compared to the rest of the state.

 

[otakuderek]

Where do you live in the state? Columbus has tons of job opportunity compared to the rest of the state.

Marion. I drive to Cbus 5 days though.

 

[ReBurn]

Interview tomorrow (I've been unemployed since February)! Wish me luck!

Good luck!

 

[smokeymicpot]

Where do you live in the state? Columbus has tons of job opportunity compared to the rest of the state.

Does it really? I actually been looking to move to Columbus. I am getting tired of living in New York plus I have some family located in Columbus.

 

[1stStrike]

Does it really? I actually been looking to move to Columbus. I am getting tired of living in New York plus I have some family located in Columbus.

As a fellow New Yorker I feel ya. I spent 4 1/2 years in Las Vegas and then a year in South Korea before coming back to NY and man, what an experience. This state is absolute garbage compared to everywhere else. I'm looking at moving down to something like North Carolina in the future.

 

[hydragonwarrior]

Have faith guys. I was unemployed between January 2010 to May 2011 and still managed to get somewhere! Just keep focused on nailing the tough interview q's but also keep yourself busy with things that keep u socializing (being able to show you can be social can show via e-mail and on the interview which helps so so much at decision time).

 

[Laurentius]

Hoping you all are able to find jobs! I've been in the unemployment position for awhile before, and it does indeed suck.

To tell the truth, I kind of hate my job. But it's so much better than the alternative. The pay is decent, the hours are good, and I have good coworkers. The stress is very high most of the time, but I'll live through it.

Good luck to you all! Keep pushing forward, things'll work out.

 

[AstroLad]

As a fellow New Yorker I feel ya. I spent 4 1/2 years in Las Vegas and then a year in South Korea before coming back to NY and man, what an experience. This state is absolute garbage compared to everywhere else. I'm looking at moving down to something like North Carolina in the future.

there was a NY thread in here that had like three or four people moving from NY to SF a few weeks ago (me included ). love NY tho, not many other places in the US I would live

 

[CiSTM]

Holy shit I got a job... That I really didn't even want Gotta move to france I didn't even take the interview seriously and I made every freaking genric joke that I could come up with "Do you have a police record ?" "No but I do have a sting album." got a few chugels out of the three guys who interviewed me with that line (gal kept her poker face) . "Where do you see yourself in five years?" "I never think of the future. It comes soon enough." "Aah, you have read about Einstein ?"

Whole 3 hour inteview was joke to me and I never expected them call to me back but I was there friday and now they called me that I got the job. I gotta see some people in france too in two weeks before my final assignment will be decided.

 

[MrDanger88]

Holy shit I got a job... That I really didn't even want Gotta move to france I didn't even take the interview seriously and I made every freaking genric joke that I could come up with "Do you have a police record ?" "No but I do have a sting album." got a few chugels out of the three guys who interviewed me with that line (gal kept her poker face) . "Where do you see yourself in five years?" "I never think of the future. It comes soon enough." "Aah, you have read about Einstein ?"

Whole 3 hour inteview was joke to me and I never expected them call to me back but I was there friday and now they called me that I got the job. I gotta see some people in france too in two weeks before my final assignment will be decided.

Don't show up. Very simple. If you want to be nice, call them or send an e-mail saying you won't be coming in. That's what I did earlier this year when I was hired as a financial professional. I had no idea the job required you to go build your own client base. Maybe they should have told me that before I wasted time and money. F*** that s***.

 

[Mgoblue201]

What part of France? If it was Paris, I'd consider going.

 

[jaxword]

I'm starting to feel really bad for some of you guys...you seem kindhearted and willing to work, but just aren't nailing the interviews or getting the callbacks. I've felt that before, but I got out of that slump MIGHTY fast when I started dipping into life savings, and have vowed to never go back. And I'd like to help others avoid that too. I worked for a brief period as a recruiter in one of my jobs (despite being really new) so I have a bit of experience browsing resumes. First tip: One page resumes actually work better than two, IF you know how to write just the necessary facts.

Tell you what: If you want, PM me your resume, and I'll be happy to look at it and give tips. Just black out your name or whatever for privacy reasons and I'll do my best.

 

[Carl]

Still unemployed (over a year now) but i start a 13 week unpaid placement on wednesday. 25 hours a week. Eurgh. Some experience and something to put on my CV i guess

 

[MrDanger88]

I'm starting to feel really bad for some of you guys...you seem kindhearted and willing to work, but just aren't nailing the interviews or getting the callbacks. I've felt that before, but I got out of that slump MIGHTY fast when I started dipping into life savings, and have vowed to never go back. And I'd like to help others avoid that too. I worked for a brief period as a recruiter in one of my jobs (despite being really new) so I have a bit of experience browsing resumes. First tip: One page resumes actually work better than two, IF you know how to write just the necessary facts.

Tell you what: If you want, PM me your resume, and I'll be happy to look at it and give tips. Just black out your name or whatever for privacy reasons and I'll do my best.

This is very generous of you. It is always a good to have someone experienced help you with your resume. My aunt helped me with mine (she works for the Oklahoma state government) and she had a ton of experience in hiring people and reading resumes. My resume she helped me with got me a ton of callbacks.

 

[shanshan310]

*sigh* Almost a year and a half now. I still live at home, so the need for cash isn't that great, but moving out is looking more and more impossible...

There are basically no part-time jobs going in my city. You keep handing in resumes but really the only time I ever got a response was cause the manager remembered my mum (who handed in a resume for me without me knowing), and I messed up that interview so bad ("what's your weak point?" "um... I'm not so great at talking to people"). It just seems like a big waste of time, having to type up cover letters and go out to stores etc.

 

[CiSTM]

What part of France? If it was Paris, I'd consider going.

Manche. Yeah, never heard of it before. It's in the nuclear industry and I got the job because I have done programming in power plants before and I know Siemens tech pretty well so I'll do some updates there and after that in two other plants.

Don't show up. Very simple. If you want to be nice, call them or send an e-mail saying you won't be coming in. That's what I did earlier this year when I was hired as a financial professional. I had no idea the job required you to go build your own client base. Maybe they should have told me that before I wasted time and money. F*** that s***.

I was contacted certain agency and if I don't keep my appointments the agency will stop calling me and I will lose jobs that I might actually want. If I can make 6 to 10 month contract I will take the job but I doubt it will happen since they have reserve at least 14 months for the job.

 

[Bleepey]

I just spent 6 hours straight, doing the written portion of the interview i have in 6 hours. I now need to get about 4 hours of sleep and pray i can keep my eyes awake tomorrow. I would have done the test ages ago but for some reason i do not remember noticing the huge fucking written portion in the attachments in my email. Lord knows ow. So if i get up tomorrow on time, tomorrow will be hard. The only small mercy is i spent a lot of today reading up around Healthcare PR. If i pass the interview, then i will buy a lifetime's subscription of GAF Gold. PR is essentially making bullshit sound like poetry right?