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[SolidSnakeUS]

So apparently my first day wasn't today. I was told by the recruiter that I was starting today at 9AM. Well, it turned out he really jumped the gun. I have the job, but everyone at the company had no idea I was supposed to start today. So yeah, I was sent home and will hear back later.

 

[obijkenobi]

So....anyone ever work with the Girl Scouts? I might have a volunteer management position with them.

 

[entremet]

So apparently my first day wasn't today. I was told by the recruiter that I was starting today at 9AM. Well, it turned out he really jumped the gun. I have the job, but everyone at the company had no idea I was supposed to start today. So yeah, I was sent home and will hear back later.

Ouch. That's awkward lol.

 

[Downhome]

Can any of you offer advice on applying for, and getting, a job out of state? My wife and I are both employeed but we are looking to move from SC to NC to be closer to her family. We are worried places just take apps and resumes and trash them if they see they are out of state. Is that true, or does it look good in that folks obviously are really looking for something seriously?

Any thoughts on this one?

 

[MC Safety]

Can any of you offer advice on applying for, and getting, a job out of state? My wife and I are both employeed but we are looking to move from SC to NC to be closer to her family. We are worried places just take apps and resumes and trash them if they see they are out of state. Is that true, or does it look good in that folks obviously are really looking for something seriously?

Any thoughts on this one?

Big companies usually offer relocation.

But, and this is a big but, most open positions receive a lot of applications. One easy way to thin the applicant pool is to only consider local candidates.

Maybe you can improve your chances by using your relatives' home address.

 

[Dreamwriter]

Can any of you offer advice on applying for, and getting, a job out of state? My wife and I are both employeed but we are looking to move from SC to NC to be closer to her family. We are worried places just take apps and resumes and trash them if they see they are out of state. Is that true, or does it look good in that folks obviously are really looking for something seriously?

Any thoughts on this one?

I think there are many employers who will do what you say, trash out-of-state resumes, when there are local alternatives - they'd rather deal with fewer choices than the hassles of interviewing non-locals. Especially smaller employers. Something you might consider doing, if you don't mind heading out there quickly for interviews - put your address down as your wife's family's address, so it's local to the job. I mean, they don't need the mailing address for anything else but to see that you are local. Then if it comes up during an interview/phone call, you can tell them that you are staying with family during the job hunt.

 

[Downhome]

Interesting, I have considered that but didn't want it to come off as shady, haha. I'll give that some thinking, thanks.

 

[Mupod]

well, been a while but I'm back job hunting again. Really thought this place was the one but I guess it was a red flag when they cut out half the IT department including the guy who was there for 7 years.

still kind of in shock but not as much as you'd think. I don't even know what job security is like so I'm always prepared for this shit.

 

[PeterLegend]

What did your career path look like, if you don't mind me asking? I'm just curious as a current entry level research technician since I'm still trying to decide if, when, and where I should go for graduate school. (It's always nice to know what kind of options are out there.)

I started off working food science jobs, I started at the bottom as an R&D Lab Technician, moved up to Technical Services and then Associate Product Manager at my last job. Now i'm a full Product Manager, it takes a couple of years to build the experience but keep in mind the fastest way to get a pay raise is to find a new job.

I also spent a lot of time rehearsing for interviews, if you make yourself sound intelligent and match your experience to fit the job description youre in a good position

 

[JetForceGemini]

Does anyone have a great free website to make a resume on?

 

[Slo]

well, been a while but I'm back job hunting again. Really thought this place was the one but I guess it was a red flag when they cut out half the IT department including the guy who was there for 7 years.

still kind of in shock but not as much as you'd think. I don't even know what job security is like so I'm always prepared for this shit.

Sorry you lost your job. I've been there and it sucks. Unfortunately it's the nature of our business it seems.

BTW, stop looking for "the one." You aren't getting married here. Jobs aren't like that anymore, sorry to say, and having that mentality like you're looking to find the place that you're going to retire from is really not productive. You should think of getting your next job like you're signing a cell phone contract or something. You plan on being there for at least a couple of years, and then after that we'll see who's got the best data plan.

 

[Mupod]

Sorry you lost your job. I've been there and it sucks. Unfortunately it's the nature of our business it seems.

BTW, stop looking for "the one." You aren't getting married here. Jobs aren't like that anymore, sorry to say, and having that mentality like you're looking to find the place that you're going to retire from is really not productive. You should think of getting your next job like you're signing a cell phone contract or something. You plan on being there for at least a couple of years, and then after that we'll see who's got the best data plan.

I guess I should clarify that I thought it was the one that would last me longer than a year

it's funny - I have never been fired in my life. I've never quit a job (except for the one where they stopped paying me, even then I stayed beyond a reasonable time period). And yet aside from the night janitor thing I did straight out of high school I can't seem to keep one past a year. Not even a week ago I had a conversation with my roommate who has been in the IT field since the early 90s - I understand that I can increase my salary much faster by job hopping (hell i doubled it last time) but I just wanted to get 1 year under my belt before I did it again. Even disregarding that I liked where I was I just wanted that milestone. I literally am going to fall short by 1 week.

 

[xXBetter Off DadXx]

Finishing up my Master's soon and have not been able to find a job, internship, fellowship, etc.

I really hurt my chances by not accruing more experience in the interim and making more connections while I was in school.

Now I'm in that spot where I don't have the experience, and am close to my having my degree conferred, but don't quite have it yet. Vast majority of jobs I find where you don't have to have the degree already require experience that I don't have.

Ugh.

 

[Captain Tuttle]

Finishing up my Master's soon and have not been able to find a job, internship, fellowship, etc.

I really hurt my chances by not accruing more experience in the interim and making more connections while I was in school.

Now I'm in that spot where I don't have the experience, and am close to my having my degree conferred, but don't quite have it yet. Vast majority of jobs I find where you don't have to have the degree already require experience that I don't have.

Ugh.

Are you applying anyway? Someone might see you as a perfect fit and be willing to wait on your degree

 

[Royal_Phalanx]

Finally got a part time permanent retail job, awesome. I'm lucky that they decided to give me a chance. Finally an end to this job hunting crap.

 

[Jzero]

permanent retail job, awesome.

Hahahaha damn son you're in for a rude awakening. Good luck though, at least you'll be getting paid.

 

[Murder. She Wrote]

Apply to jobs -> no call backs -> keep applying -> still no callbacks -> give up -> be miserable -> apply to jobs

Rinse and repeat ad infinitum. Today I'm redoing my resume. Then I'll keep applying and not give up, lets see where thatll get me.

 

[SolidSnakeUS]

Ouch. That's awkward lol.

Yeah, the guy who recruited me for this job had no idea I wasn't supposed to start yet (yet he was the one who told me to go in on Monday) and yeah... He said it was some sort of breakdown in communication, but I have no idea. Sent emails to each other about it yesterday and still has yet to get back to me today.

 

[entremet]

Apply to jobs -> no call backs -> keep applying -> still no callbacks -> give up -> be miserable -> apply to jobs

Rinse and repeat ad infinitum. Today I'm redoing my resume. Then I'll keep applying and not give up, lets see where thatll get me.

Just remember to balance yourself out.

Work out.

Spend time with friends

Volunteer.

Get sunshine--you will miss this when you're working.

If you're just sending apps and no one is biting it will demoralize you if you're not finding successes in other areas of life.

Change your strategy as well. Network. Go to Job Fairs. Ask your entire network for about openings.

If cash flow is a problem try getting a low skill, easily filled job--pizza delivery driver, valet, uber, data entry. Any job. It will help your confidence and get you out of the house.

I've been there. You will come out stronger when you find a gig.

 

[StoneFox]

Welp the place I interviewed with a week ago went ahead with someone else.

I was still applying in the meantime but I was really hoping I could work there, darn. :/ I came across an ad today that only accepted resumes sent via fax. Fax only, really? lol

 

[Bacon]

Welp the place I interviewed with a week ago went ahead with someone else.

I was still applying in the meantime but I was really hoping I could work there, darn. :/ I came across an ad today that only accepted resumes sent via fax. Fax only, really? lol

They may get a low number of applicants because of that. Could increase your chances

 

[SOLDIER]

A few of my biggest questions, in the hopes of optimizing my job searching abilities:

1. My biggest, number one question is deciding what career path to take. I keep bouncing around different ideas, from going back to school to get a new education (be it something "quick" like a cert or long-term like a master's), or try to find something with my current credentials. I just don't know what I want to do with my life, or what the best opportunities are with my current skill set (along with what is realistically attainable). Obviously this is something I have to discover on my own, but I seriously need some advice on how I could find that answer.

IT and computers constantly gets brought up, but I don't know what kind of job title I should shoot for, since it's such a broad term. I just can't seem to find a reliable online source that tells me "these jobs are hot and always in demand". Job security and availability is more important to me than anything else: I want to be absolutely certain of my path before I commit to it. I don't want to jump into something and decide halfway it won't work out.

2. A big part of what makes job applying so draining is having to register and enter all my credentials over and over every time I see a new job for a new company. Am I better off just focusing on quick-applying, either with sites that have that option like Indeed or with companies I already registered for? How many resumes a day/week would be considered a progressive amount?

3. Are CVs really recommended? Is there a way to create a generic CV that could also save time in the job applying process, or should I put in the extra work to build it around every job/company I apply for?

4. Lastly, the bulk of my experience from the past decade has been online reviews for videogames. I also have a weekly podcast, a published e-magazine and no limit of written articles. Is there any way I can transform that experience into something more lucrative (and actually pays)? It doesn't necessarily have to be in the field of videogames (which in itself has proven to be borderline impossible to make a career with). Would a news studio be interested in my credentials, or some other sort of writing-related job?

Sorry for the bump, but I feel like I'm stuck on a job-searching limbo. If anyone's got any advice to help answer any of these, I really think it would help me immensely.

 

[Pimplitosaurio]

Sorry for the bump, but I feel like I'm stuck on a job-searching limbo. If anyone's got any advice to help answer any of these, I really think it would help me immensely.

The only part I can offer an opinion is part 1, about IT:

IT(like every other profession I assume) is really varied in what can be considered "hot" and currently in demand. A few years ago(seven? eight? I don't remember) Oracle developers and DBAs were all the rage in my country and you could land a job with little experience for lots of pay but after a few years, I assume we had a oversupply of oracle dudes and then every oracle job started paying like shit(like, imagine that there where jobs for DBAs with 5 years of oracle experience paying like 30k a year). So what is "hot" right now probably won't be in a few years.

In my experience, there are three IT areas with constant demand, no matter the year or what is hot or not:
-Service Call: the lowest of the totem pole, tends to burn out people really fast and doesn't pay that much
-Tech support: if you can fix a pc, a printer and things like that, you can do this. This area to me can have lots of job security(you can be the Tech Support for a company for years without much problem) but doesn't offer lots of pay or lots of growth
-DBA: it seems like everyone needs databases, so they are always looking for DBAs. This can pay a lot, but you need more knowledge to be a DBA compared to the other two

There are other areas in IT for sure, but from my limited experience, those 3 areas will always be on demand. I hope other members of ITGAF can give you a better advice

 

[Darren870]

Sorry for the bump, but I feel like I'm stuck on a job-searching limbo. If anyone's got any advice to help answer any of these, I really think it would help me immensely.

1. No one can tell you what career path to take, besides yourself. Look into what interests you but what is also realistic. Video games might interest you but your probably never going to be a professional video game player. Apply the skills you do have and use that to find a job in a career you want to progress. There are hundreds of streams of IT to go into. If you want to get an idea find some of the big companies in your local area, browse their job sites and see what IT jobs they have. See if any of them interests you and look to going down that road.

2. Everyone has to do this, and everyone hates it. If you don't do it then you don't really have a leg to stand on when you complain about not having a job. See if there is some browser plugin that helps auto fill in fields faster. But come on.... this is a lame excuse.

3. Of course CVs are recommended/required. Unless you are confusing a CV with a Cover Letter. A CV is similar to a resume. One could argue its the same thing, unless your applying for a PhD job where both may be required. In different countries they are called different things. Anyways, your CV/Resume shouldn't change much (if at all) when applying for jobs. Your Cover Letter should be somewhat unique for each job, however once you have your own template down you don't really need to change it, just reword it a bit.

4. Probably, but you should list that experience on your CV/Resume when applying for jobs. Dont make it the core focus, but make sure its there and highlight your accomplishments with it.

The only part I can offer an opinion is part 1, about IT:

IT(like every other profession I assume) is really varied in what can be considered "hot" and currently in demand. A few years ago(seven? eight? I don't remember) Oracle developers and DBAs were all the rage in my country and you could land a job with little experience for lots of pay but after a few years, I assume we had a oversupply of oracle dudes and then every oracle job started paying like shit(like, imagine that there where jobs for DBAs with 5 years of oracle experience paying like 30k a year). So what is "hot" right now probably won't be in a few years.

In my experience, there are three IT areas with constant demand, no matter the year or what is hot or not:
-Service Call: the lowest of the totem pole, tends to burn out people really fast and doesn't pay that much
-Tech support: if you can fix a pc, a printer and things like that, you can do this. This area to me can have lots of job security(you can be the Tech Support for a company for years without much problem) but doesn't offer lots of pay or lots of growth
-DBA: it seems like everyone needs databases, so they are always looking for DBAs. This can pay a lot, but you need more knowledge to be a DBA compared to the other two

There are other areas in IT for sure, but from my limited experience, those 3 areas will always be on demand. I hope other members of ITGAF can give you a better advice

I would actually disagree and say those three are the ones to be outsourced the most. The first two are okay to start in, but you don't want to be in them for any longer then 6months to a year.

 

[Fatal Futanari]

I cannot seem to squeeze into the InfoSec job market here in SoCal. Lots of senior level positions but nothing entry/2years. Sadly I don't know many people in the industry to get a referral :/

Any tips?

-DBA: it seems like everyone needs databases, so they are always looking for DBAs. This can pay a lot, but you need more knowledge to be a DBA compared to the other two

Not so sure about this one. Usually gets outsourced alot and a good chunk of companies are going towards SaaS platforms like Salesforce.

 

[entremet]

I cannot seem to squeeze into the InfoSec job market here in SoCal. Lots of senior level positions but nothing entry/2years. Sadly I don't know many people in the industry to get a referral :/

Any tips?



Not so sure about this one. Usually gets outsourced alot and a good chunk of companies are going towards SaaS platforms like Salesforce.

How's your LinkedIn game been?

 

[Pimplitosaurio]

I cannot seem to squeeze into the InfoSec job market here in SoCal. Lots of senior level positions but nothing entry/2years. Sadly I don't know many people in the industry to get a referral :/

Any tips?



Not so sure about this one. Usually gets outsourced alot and a good chunk of companies are going towards SaaS platforms like Salesforce.

Well, outsourcing seems to be how IT is usually done, but you can be outsourcing and still have an stable job. I've seen people doing ten years of tech support at a company. It isn't pretty, but it can be stable. Soul crushing yes, but stable T_T

Also, I was kinda talking from my limited experience, and it seems that our markets(us-mx) are different, I always see companies searching for DBAs and the like but I'm really biased because I've know a lot of DBAs that are always employed.

 

[Clairvoyance]

So despite the fact that one of my application statuses stated that I was hired for another position, it turns out that I wasn't. Welp, 4 weeks left before I'm homeless. Yay.

 

[Jeels]

Help me out...how do I submit my two weeks. I can't stop feeling guilty and it never feels like the right time.

 

[Necromanti]

Help me out...how do I submit my two weeks. I can't stop feeling guilty and it never feels like the right time.

I don't think you'll ever feel like it's the right time (which is kind of how people describe having kids), so you just gotta bite the bullet. My timing couldn't have been worse when I resigned from my old job 3 months ago. My boss (the CEO and CSO) was on a flight to Florida with his family for vacation when I broke the news to him by e-mail.

 

[Fatal Futanari]

How's your LinkedIn game been?

Profile wise? Ok I guess. I've been fixing it up and I got it critiqued again today so I'll be working on it again. Been also joining groups, following companies, commenting on posts here and there, and "linking" up whenever its appropriate.

I'm in that awkward stage in my career where I am not totally green but dont have enough experience, especially in InfoSec. I mean, I did pen testing competitions in college but nothing on the enterprise level. When I got laid off from my tech consulting gig, I didn't expect to go to the same level in Security, but I can even get into entry/associate roles.

Well, outsourcing seems to be how IT is usually done, but you can be outsourcing and still have an stable job. I've seen people doing ten years of tech support at a company. It isn't pretty, but it can be stable. Soul crushing yes, but stable T_T

Also, I was kinda talking from my limited experience, and it seems that our markets(us-mx) are different, I always see companies searching for DBAs and the like but I'm really biased because I've know a lot of DBAs that are always employed.

Yea, I don't see many DBA positions here. I see more and more companies going towards SaaS platforms though. I know Coke, DirectTV, Turner, and other big companies are.

 

[Watevaman]

Got a few new questions for you all. I have officially fulfilled my internship requirement for my degree, so pretty soon I'll be looking at career jobs instead of temporary, small time positions such as I'm in now. My anxiety is getting to me as always, though. My degree is a BA in Geography with the geospatial and environmental analysis option. I'm gonna be looking mostly at GIS analyst positions.

My main question is: how do I go about getting over the feeling that I won't be good enough to do a job? I feel like my degree path didn't prepare me for what actually goes on in the everyday life of what I want to do. Everyone tells me "oh, they'll teach you what you need to know in the job" but with something like a GIS analyst position where the team may be as little as an analyst I and maybe some supervisor, I'd rather not have to be asking questions all the time and seem lost. I've only ever held 3 jobs, all of which are very basic and don't come with what I would call big responsibilities. I can't get the worst case scenarios out of my head, but if I don't, I'll be stuck in dead end jobs forever.


My second question comes down to salary. Many government jobs advertise a range for each position. My girlfriend's sister recently negotiated a huge salary for a job she's never done before so I have it in my head that it's better to aim high and have the employer come down. Is that correct thinking? Being inexperienced, will I be able to have that power, or am I going to be stuck around the lower value in the range?


Thanks guys! I'm sure I'll have more questions for you in the coming months.

 

[Mr-Joker]

So I went to a job interview today despite me messing up a few times I thought that it went well.

But when I got home I got an e-mail saying that I didn't get the job...man I thought you would at least wait a day or a week before you crushed my soul. ¬_¬;

Anyway I am gonna phone them up tomorrow asking for feedback so I know what exactly what I did wrong, though my dad thinks that it was because I asked about the salary.

 

[Get'sMad]

Been unemployed for almost 2 months now since being laid off.

This. is. the worst.

 

[MC Safety]

Anyway I am gonna phone them up tomorrow asking for feedback so I know what exactly what I did wrong, though my dad thinks that it was because I asked about the salary.

I wouldn't bother. Companies don't tend to offer feedback or criticism to applicants.

Mentioning salary during an interview is probably putting the cart before the horse.

 

[SOLDIER]

3. Of course CVs are recommended/required. Unless you are confusing a CV with a Cover Letter.

I did, actually. Sorry. If Cover Letters are that important than I'll try to work on a template and change the words when necessary.

I still wish I could find an objective resource that tells me what kind of jobs in a certain field I could get, and what the realistic expectations are for said job. You mentioned the basic jobs that are available in the IT field, what their pros and cons were, etc. If I could get that info for every type of job I was interested in, it would help me narrow things down.

The closest thing I have to a type of work I've enjoyed as well as the amount of experience/skill is writing. So I was thinking of looking into the writing field, and wanted to know what kind of career options were potentially obtainable. All I know about is news writer, author, journalist, etc, so I would like to expand my knowledge of job titles and delve deeper.

 

[Darren870]

I did, actually. Sorry. If Cover Letters are that important than I'll try to work on a template and change the words when necessary.

I still wish I could find an objective resource that tells me what kind of jobs in a certain field I could get, and what the realistic expectations are for said job. You mentioned the basic jobs that are available in the IT field, what their pros and cons were, etc. If I could get that info for every type of job I was interested in, it would help me narrow things down.

The closest thing I have to a type of work I've enjoyed as well as the amount of experience/skill is writing. So I was thinking of looking into the writing field, and wanted to know what kind of career options were potentially obtainable. All I know about is news writer, author, journalist, etc, so I would like to expand my knowledge of job titles and delve deeper.

Well you have to do research. There is no list of things that has the pros and cons. You look into something that interests you and you research it there. You can't say I like something so general like IT or Writing. You need to have something somewhat specific. Then you look into how you get there.

Putting schooling as aside. You wouldn't say I want to be a lawyer! (unless you are 5) No you would say I want to be a Copy write lawyer. Then you would look into how to get to that.

The general path (excluding school) would be something like.

intern -> Paralegal -> Assistant -> Copy Write Lawyer -> Own your own firm. Or some BS.

But everything has a general path. The first few steps are shit and can be general and don't have to be specific to what you want to do, but they are still are relevant for the field.

Just as you said for writing, look into it. Do some research on what type of writing interests you. Then try to get some experience at ANY type of publication. Then after the 3rd step you can move into what you want. Everyone starts out doing shit jobs.

You say "so I would like to expand my knowledge of job titles and delve deeper." So start and do that....

 

[Ogodei]

Strange second interview today. Super-short, two "scenario" questions about how i would act in a given situation. They seemed to like my answers, but the questions were fairly mundane (first one was a little more industry specific, second one was pretty general).

I'm doing temp-to-hire right now in donor relations, mainly database work to build their Individual Giving muscle, but what i want to do is grants, which this second interview thing would give me a chance to do.

They'll tell me tomorrow or Monday. So close...

 

[crimzonflame]

Help me out...how do I submit my two weeks. I can't stop feeling guilty and it never feels like the right time.

I did this on Tuesday. I just copied and pasted a resignation letter I found online and handed it to my boss.

 

[Mr. Blonde]

3. Are CVs really recommended? Is there a way to create a generic CV that could also save time in the job applying process, or should I put in the extra work to build it around every job/company I apply for?

Just make one resume but change(some, not completely) your cover letter for each job. As for how many, if you're unemployed, treat it as a job(i.e. spend all day applying to jobs). Do a combination of applying to direct job postings, postings on third party sites like indeed, and cold emailing.

listen to darren above.

 

[radjago]

I cannot seem to squeeze into the InfoSec job market here in SoCal. Lots of senior level positions but nothing entry/2years. Sadly I don't know many people in the industry to get a referral :/

Any tips?

I'd find a local meatspace infosec meetup and talk to everyone you can there. Become a regular and make it known that you're looking for something.

http://www.meetup.com/topics/information-security/us/ca/los_angeles/

Also check out local events, like BSides LA.

http://bsidesla.org/

 

[Quick]

Couple of questions:

I'm looking to apply for a job while still employed. What's the procedure in dealing with resigning from my current job if I end up being offered a position? Do I simply submit a letter of resignation and that's the signal for the two weeks to start?

Is it common for an employer to offer some time to buffer between jobs, or would it be that once my two weeks notice is up on my old job, I start right away at the new one?

Edit: scratch off the second question. There's a start date on the job listing.

In this case, seems like I might be cutting it close while still employed if I even get considered for an interview.

 

[blue_phazon]

What's a good format for a cover letter?

I notice a lot of examples online have big headings with the employer's address and contact info and I'm assuming for because it was meant to be sent through mail.

In terms of formatting, is there a good guideline to follow in today's online-job search?

 

[xXBetter Off DadXx]

Are you applying anyway? Someone might see you as a perfect fit and be willing to wait on your degree

Oh yeah, definitely. Just keep getting responses saying that I don't meet the requirements. But yeah, I figure who know, there's always a chance!

I'm even having trouble just finding something real basic at a public health level though. Like, I'll be out of income if I don't find something soon, and I'd really rather not just take any job seeing as how I really could use to build up my experience in public health specifically, but hey, if that's what I gotta do then that's what I gotta do!

 

[Layell]

I have a phone interview for a bank call centre/customer support centre. I am really hoping I get it because I'd finally be out of retail and a decent pay bump. Any advice from gaffers?

 

[paparazzo]

I did, actually. Sorry. If Cover Letters are that important than I'll try to work on a template and change the words when necessary.

I still wish I could find an objective resource that tells me what kind of jobs in a certain field I could get, and what the realistic expectations are for said job. You mentioned the basic jobs that are available in the IT field, what their pros and cons were, etc. If I could get that info for every type of job I was interested in, it would help me narrow things down.

The closest thing I have to a type of work I've enjoyed as well as the amount of experience/skill is writing. So I was thinking of looking into the writing field, and wanted to know what kind of career options were potentially obtainable. All I know about is news writer, author, journalist, etc, so I would like to expand my knowledge of job titles and delve deeper.

For IT, I've found this site to be good starting point:
http://www.itcareerfinder.com/it-careers.html

 

[Fall Into The GAF]

I feel like I have no choice but to go back to school, incur a shitload of debt to pay for said schooling, in a field I don't particularly like or care for but supposedly pays well, just so I can get out of the cycle of poverty and unproductivity. In better news, I did set up my LinkedIn profile but good god whomever came up with the layout needs to drawn and fucking quartered.

 

[Fatal Futanari]

I'd find a local meatspace infosec meetup and talk to everyone you can there. Become a regular and make it known that you're looking for something.

http://www.meetup.com/topics/information-security/us/ca/los_angeles/

Also check out local events, like BSides LA.

http://bsidesla.org/

Will do! Although BSides LA isn't really active sadly.


I think I'll have to settle for something part-time soon. My savings is running out.

 

[entremet]

I have a phone interview for a bank call centre/customer support centre. I am really hoping I get it because I'd finally be out of retail and a decent pay bump. Any advice from gaffers?

That's where I started out of college, moved into other stuff later by hustling with that company. Today I'm doing something different but it was a great foundation.

Phone interviews suck honestly since they limit your influence since you can't use body language, eye contact, etc.

However, to make them work for you, try standing. Your voice will project better. Speak calmly and not too fast. And don't forget to ask questions.

"Who is the ideal candidate for this position?"

etc. There are tons online.

Always end the interview asking about the next steps. You're trying to engender the commitment bias. By asking that you show that you're interested in the process and you value yourself and your time.

But do the normal interview prep things. Study the company online. Study the industry. Inventory your skills and experience mentally so you can mention them back with ease.

 

[Terra]

Today I finally got the call. I got the job, and they are happy to hire me! Full time on a permanent position. It´s in the field of social work, and I have been waiting for that confirmation for about a month.

So now I have two months left at my current place, and so much tasks to do during those weeks that you cannot even imagine. I will not be able to leave this job with a clean desk.
One of the reasons that I am leaving, is simply that I am too overloaded with things to do.

<----- Me at work right now.

The person that comes next after me will arrive in a sea of madness, that I simply have not been able to cope with. That kinda haunts me. Leaving unfinished business is not a good thing...so I will have to explain that to my boss.

Cracking a beer open to celebrate tonight!