Dragon1893
Member
Finally found a job a few months ago and I'm constantly in fear of fucking up because of how much I dread going back to that situation.
Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
That's basically where I'm at right now. I've been in this position for close to 2 years. In that time I've become very comfortable in a finance role, and have basically all the Excel skill most jobs would require...trouble is reflecting that in a nice way on a resume.
Sorry to hear about the bad news; at least you're getting to know the right people.
NoblesseOblige
Banned
How does going 'down' on a position ladder look on a resume? For an IT example:
I currently work as an 'IT specialist' for a bunch of schools in which my duties go from helpdesk to sysadmin to infrastructure maintenance. However a new job I am interviewing for is simply for 'helpdesk' in a hospital. It still pays more and has better benefits, but will going down on a perceived 'importance' scale reflect negatively on future jobs?
I currently work as an 'IT specialist' for a bunch of schools in which my duties go from helpdesk to sysadmin to infrastructure maintenance. However a new job I am interviewing for is simply for 'helpdesk' in a hospital. It still pays more and has better benefits, but will going down on a perceived 'importance' scale reflect negatively on future jobs?
entremet
Member
I just got the resume rewrite. Cover letters are more personal, so I write those per position.
You also get unlimited edits for 3 months included in the price. It is pricey, but they dramatically increased my interview rate before and after.
Remember, in competitive industries, most people are using these services, so if you're not on point your resume will get binned.
Build an amazing relationship with your direct manager and coworkers. That's the best investment you make for your job security. If you need extra time and resources for projects, communicate. And don't try to anything that is over your head yourself. Ask for help when you need it.
One thing you might consider is to highlight what those Excel skills did, like "helped the department go 10% above Q1 2016 projected sales goals by steamlining the customer contact process". Plenty of people know Excel; you need to separate yourself from the pack and show you can get positive results with it.
Syphon Filter
Member
Had my phone interview today and things went fairly well. They will schedule a test next week for me remotely. Need to study hard and brush up doing work quickly and efficient. I really hope I can land this job.
Because if I'm going to work in retail at least I can look at cute animals every once and a while.
Funny enough, I got a phone interview this morning so I guess my strategy worked. That was the fastest turn around I've ever got :O
I might need to do this. It's been almost a year since I've been out of work (Electrical Engineer) and I think I'm going to have to move back in with my parents... feels bad
I've had a handful of interviews over the year, but never seem to get the position.
Dragon1893
Member
Pretty much what I've been doing, fortunately the work environment is good.
ThisGuy
Member
Advice on interview clothes. Solid color button down that accents my skin color. (Red looks great on me)
Are dark brown khakis acceptable? Or should I go black on the pants? Or does all that matter is it looks good, but not too dressy? Entry level position.
Normally I'm confident. But I'm nervous and am unsure right now.
Are dark brown khakis acceptable? Or should I go black on the pants? Or does all that matter is it looks good, but not too dressy? Entry level position.
Normally I'm confident. But I'm nervous and am unsure right now.
Some advice I wanted to ask...
So I'm approaching the end of my current internships, and at this point I have about done about six (all mostly in Digital Marketing + Communications at art organizations). I'm basically burnt out doing internships and really want to focus on my job hunt, but since I've still been unsuccessful finding paid jobs I really don't want there to be a gap in my resume.
Right now I'm working retail/visitor services part-time at a historic house. My question is, should I work + job hunt, and then maybe just volunteer once in a while at events I can find? Or is it worth it to continue applying for internships as well?
So I'm approaching the end of my current internships, and at this point I have about done about six (all mostly in Digital Marketing + Communications at art organizations). I'm basically burnt out doing internships and really want to focus on my job hunt, but since I've still been unsuccessful finding paid jobs I really don't want there to be a gap in my resume.
Right now I'm working retail/visitor services part-time at a historic house. My question is, should I work + job hunt, and then maybe just volunteer once in a while at events I can find? Or is it worth it to continue applying for internships as well?
Rebel Leader
THE POWER OF BUTTERSCOTCH BOTTOMS
Lost my job.
It was just giving me too much stress.
Now I'm back on the hunt.
It was just giving me too much stress.
Now I'm back on the hunt.
It all depends on how you word it. If you stay at the hospital job long enough that job for the school won't even matter.
I'd take the hospital job if it is offered. From what I know school district IT jobs pay like garbage and there isn't much room to move up. In a hospital setting you should have room to grow your career.
Good luck!
-Pyromaniac-
Member
a gap is fine as long as it's not some ridiculous 2 year gap where it seems like you didn't do shit
If anyone asks about it there's numerous acceptable answers you could give. Not sure I get the worry as much.
brianjones
Member
my gap is worse than 2 years and I'm pretty much terrified of even doing an interview at this point.. i don't even know what to say
im fucked
entremet
Member
Yeah and a part time job isn't technically a gap.
If I were you and money is not an issue I would prioritize interning where you can learn relevant skills and build your network.
Use your youth to build skills and connections. Don't worry about money just yet. It will come with skills and experience.
SpookyFries
Member
Okay GAF, I need some advice.
It's been over 6 months and probably 12 interviews. I am completely out of money and unemployment isnt enough for me to afford my house. So here's the delima
I interviewed on Wednesday for a pretty large company. The position is like a help desk/server support job. Not really something I enjoy doing but I'm good at it. Also the IT manager seemed pretty rude and not somebody I would really care to work for.
Yesterday I interviewed with another company who is much smaller. They are not really a startup persay, but it's tiny at the moment. They want to hire somebody who is going to basically build up the entire IT infrastructure and will become the IT manager for the whole company. My interview went really well with them.
Now today, company 1 gave me an offer. The pay is less than I was expecting but it's more than I was making at my last job. Job 2 is supposed to call me in next week for a second interview.
What the f should I do? I feel bad leaving job 1 a week or two in to go to job 2. I can't put my faith in job 2 because I don't know if they're going to pick me.
What do GAF?
TL;DR: Two job interviews. Job 1 makes an offer but job 2 seems much better. Job 2 wants to do seco f interviews next week. Job 1 wants me to start next week.
Halp
It's been over 6 months and probably 12 interviews. I am completely out of money and unemployment isnt enough for me to afford my house. So here's the delima
I interviewed on Wednesday for a pretty large company. The position is like a help desk/server support job. Not really something I enjoy doing but I'm good at it. Also the IT manager seemed pretty rude and not somebody I would really care to work for.
Yesterday I interviewed with another company who is much smaller. They are not really a startup persay, but it's tiny at the moment. They want to hire somebody who is going to basically build up the entire IT infrastructure and will become the IT manager for the whole company. My interview went really well with them.
Now today, company 1 gave me an offer. The pay is less than I was expecting but it's more than I was making at my last job. Job 2 is supposed to call me in next week for a second interview.
What the f should I do? I feel bad leaving job 1 a week or two in to go to job 2. I can't put my faith in job 2 because I don't know if they're going to pick me.
What do GAF?
TL;DR: Two job interviews. Job 1 makes an offer but job 2 seems much better. Job 2 wants to do seco f interviews next week. Job 1 wants me to start next week.
Halp
Adam_Roman
Member
Take the guaranteed thing with job 1, and if job 2 wants you, take it and put in your two weeks notice with job 1. Yeah you'll feel bad for inconveniencing them for a few weeks, but you need to do what's best for you and not worry about it. Within a month they'll forget about it.
Syphon Filter
Member
what is your field that you are applying to?
Good luck!
entremet
Member
Why? Health issue? Depression?
Try part time jobs. They'll take anyone. It sucks but it gets the ball rolling and builds momentum.
brianjones
Member
my last job was in clinical trial data (analyst) that i was promoted to after starting out in data entry but i feel like I I'm going to have to start over back in retail or some kind of service industry.. i don't feel like i would be taken seriously trying to get back into that field with my current unemployment gap
i was really unhappy towards the end of my last employment that let to some substance abuse issues.. i wasn't in any hurry to find new work after our branch closed which of course i really regret now .. eventually i just got content with being employed because i wasn't in need of money to survive which was a horrible habit to get into
but yeah I'm gonna have to just take anything i can get at this point.. need to get my life back on track somehow
thanks for talking with me
NoblesseOblige
Banned
Thanks. Not much choice on whether I'll take the job or not. My current one is contract and won't be renewed after June 30th due to the new superintendent wanting to move IT to an in-house solution, and will be offering it to a unionized staff member. So I sort of have to take the offer. I'm just looking to the future and wondering if a 'step down' means means anything.
Syphon Filter
Member
Anyone ever took an assessment test from home? If so any tips?
Rebel Leader
THE POWER OF BUTTERSCOTCH BOTTOMS
Good luck!
I think I'll be fine... I just really had to get away from there... I had an emotional outburst (Had a little depression before too). It just was getting to much for me to continue.
I just hope it doesn't become anything like my 4 years of searching.
I can say for one thing... I am very happy for now. All my stress (other than looking for a new job) is gone
dukeoflegs
Member
I know I don't post a lot in this thread, but I've been reading up on everyones posts. I was just offered a job and I will be starting Monday. This is the first time in a long time that I am actually excited about what I will be working on. I've been in the game industry for almost 10 years and this is the first job out of it since. It is in the VR sector so one could say it is still game related.
One interesting thing I found out was the VP went through linkedin and contacted old co-workers of mine and all of them talked highly of me, which for myself is difficult to understand because I am my own worst enemy, I over analyze myself and am far more critical of my work.
Well I just want to wish everyone the best of luck in their pursuit of jobs.
One interesting thing I found out was the VP went through linkedin and contacted old co-workers of mine and all of them talked highly of me, which for myself is difficult to understand because I am my own worst enemy, I over analyze myself and am far more critical of my work.
Well I just want to wish everyone the best of luck in their pursuit of jobs.
NoblesseOblige
Banned
I recently took something called an EPIC assessment test from home. It's apparently a common test for hiring in the healthcare industry. It was no big deal (well no more so than a usual test anyway). They required I had a device with camera and mic, then I had to show my ID to the camera, then spin the camera around my room to show them that I was alone and I wasn't cheating. Not sure what tips you're looking for, it's just like a normal assessment test.
Syphon Filter
Member
oh wow. they didn't mention that for me so I guess i wont have to deal with it. They mentioned it not being questions, its tasks. my field is design if that matters. looks like it will be different for me.
Camp1nCarl
Member
Alright question GAF fam:
Started my first private sector job post graduation at the start of this month (April). I wasn't really feeling it going in and it is as I feared. The work is incredibly monotonous, I'm not even challenged or pressured, it's just weird boring stuff a lot of the time. I don't plan on taking another job in research so it's not that big of a deal. However how long should I ideally stay at my first "real gig?" I don't mind (and would prefer) a job that is strenuous and kicks my ass work wise, but at the same time pays well.
I'm 99.999% leaving by Jan 2017, but could I ideally leave earlier without looking like I'm a job hopper or there is something really wrong with the company? The pay is pretty horrible too as in without my 2nd job I would be losing money each month...
Obviously I won't leave before I have another job lined up 100% for sure too.
Started my first private sector job post graduation at the start of this month (April). I wasn't really feeling it going in and it is as I feared. The work is incredibly monotonous, I'm not even challenged or pressured, it's just weird boring stuff a lot of the time. I don't plan on taking another job in research so it's not that big of a deal. However how long should I ideally stay at my first "real gig?" I don't mind (and would prefer) a job that is strenuous and kicks my ass work wise, but at the same time pays well.
I'm 99.999% leaving by Jan 2017, but could I ideally leave earlier without looking like I'm a job hopper or there is something really wrong with the company? The pay is pretty horrible too as in without my 2nd job I would be losing money each month...
Obviously I won't leave before I have another job lined up 100% for sure too.
Syphon Filter
Member
How reliable is glassdoor for reviews? If a company has a bad rating from at least 100 people is it something to consider serious?
NoblesseOblige
Banned
Remember that mad people are always more likely to leave a review than satisfied people. This goes for basically everything that is user reviewed. Take into consideration how many people work for that company. Is it a small one of 500 people? Then sure, those 100 negative reviews is probably discerning. Is it a company of 10,000 employees? Then those 100 are a statistical nothing.
Syphon Filter
Member
It says 1000-5000 employees.
The Artisan
Member
this guy from indeed emailed me, and me being the idiot that i am i didn't see the email until 2 days later but replied immediately. did i fuck my chances?
Vicetrailia
Banned
I just got laid off a temp job. Gonna apply to more temp jobs to get employed quickly. I think now I need to concentrate on post grad employment and getting a certain certificate. December is coming fast.
Roland_Gunner
Member
What's the overall rating? Things change of course, but from what I've seen and been told by others, any place with below a 3* rating should be looked at skeptically. Still might be worth it if you can learn some new skills and then move on.
Two days isn't that bad. If he doesn't respond by Wednesday try again. If his phone number was included in the signature try that as well.
RustyNails
Member
So the company I wanted to get into, I did 4 rounds of interviews with them, with the last one being a technical heavylift. This was my dream job in every sense. I passed all of them and the hiring manager even told me to sit tight and they all loved my experience, skills and interviews. They said I'm the first to get this far and the hiring manager really liked knowledge on the matters. It was positive vibes all around. Then a week later HR calls and tells me the job listing is no longer for candidates in my state. Felt like earth was swept from under my feet. I was speechless. And she was all happy and chirpy about it.
lazybones18
Banned
I might have to use this to improve my resume cause all I'm getting are calls/offers that involving trying to sell stuff which isn't something I'm comfortable with doing.
That's really rough man. It's really painful when you have multiple layers of interviews then things don't work out
That's an especially weird situation though... you could always try contacting one of the people you interviewed with to see if there was a mistake or something
ChaoticBlue
Member
really? i want to get a few certifications at a junior college. $2500 would be more than enough.
great idea. i'm going crazy just staying home and job hunting. i want to get out more and do some work.
*shudders*
Since I haven't gotten good news from any of the jobs I applied to recently, I had to get back into doing freelance graphic design work. I'm instantly reminded of why I gave it up.
I feel like I'm scamming people when they they pay for something that looks terrible but it's exactly the way they wanted it, and they won't have it any other way. "Here's my logo. It looks like it's for a tech startup in 2007, but it's actually for a clothing line. I only have it in a 300x186 JPEG, but I need it on a print ready packaging design. The text should have a gradient that goes from bright red to neon green. Here's $100. Make it look classy!"
Syphon Filter
Member
Where do you go for your freelance gigs? Any websites?
Darren870
Member
As someone else said. You take Job 1 and if you get an offer for Job 2 you quit. I've done it, loads of people have done it, its not a big deal.
Wolf Dawgz
Member
Does anybody have any resume making resources? I'm currently updating mine and would like to know things to do and not to do. Current background I am a current student in Uni, had a summer job, volunteer experience, and gained some additional certifications. My previous resume was primarily designed around having only volunteer experience. I have my last job duties that I had to do.
Bonus. I have a work reference personal reference, and planning on getting a professor reference, but should I put down available upon request? Or should I just list them(professor one when confirmed)? I'm getting conflicting responses by searching online.
Bonus. I have a work reference personal reference, and planning on getting a professor reference, but should I put down available upon request? Or should I just list them(professor one when confirmed)? I'm getting conflicting responses by searching online.
Put "references available upon request" if you put anything about them at all. It's really just a courtesy to your references so that if your resume is floating around the internet it doesn't have their contact info on it too.
Jobs sometimes ask for references during the application, or after, but they don't need to be on the resume.