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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
Kitschkraft
Member
what level do they require? A friend of mine got a job which said word/excel skills amongst other things, but when he started they were literally telling him 'if you want to select a cell, you move over it with the mouse and click'.
Kitschkraft
Member
It's a document heavy position. It says that they want "above average" knowledge of these programs.
There is another position open for the lead of this department that says "advanced". I'm not applying for that one, but for some reason, them placing a discrepancy between the level of familiarity between the positions makes me nervous.
Going through some of those videos is bringing some things back.
I'm actually going to be assessed on some other unrelated things that I'm comfortable at, so hopefully I won't look like too much of a jackass.
backflip10019
Member
Oh my god I hate waiting to hear back after interviews. Been in and out of 4 rounds of interviews with a company for over 2 months and had my latest interview last Thursday. At this point I just need a yes or no - the wait is killing me.
entremet
Member
Keep applying. Don't stop until you got an offer. It helps.
backflip10019
Member
Yeah, I'm just at the point in my career where it has to be something special for me to consider changing jobs. I'm content where I am, meaning I work decent hours and get paid fairly, but this job in particular would be very high profile in my industry, not to mention much more lucrative.
Monkeylord
Member
Just this morning I finally got an email back about a job I applied for almost exactly 3 weeks ago. I actually made it t the next stage! (an online test).
I'll get that done when i get home tonight, and hopefully do alright. Then it will be the waiting game. I've heard mixed things, but one of my friends recently started this job and has told me that he waited 18months from doing the online test before he progressed to the next step... I'm just hoping he's messing with me!
It's for a conductor position with the local train service. Sounds right up my alley too - for the first year (training) I'd be getting the same money that I currently do in this pit of despair, and then after the training it goes up by 33%! Decent pension, free travel, less hours per week than I'm currently on, and (most importantly) I will no longer be bound to an office!!!
This is a big deal, so I'm anxious as fuck!
I'll get that done when i get home tonight, and hopefully do alright. Then it will be the waiting game. I've heard mixed things, but one of my friends recently started this job and has told me that he waited 18months from doing the online test before he progressed to the next step... I'm just hoping he's messing with me!
It's for a conductor position with the local train service. Sounds right up my alley too - for the first year (training) I'd be getting the same money that I currently do in this pit of despair, and then after the training it goes up by 33%! Decent pension, free travel, less hours per week than I'm currently on, and (most importantly) I will no longer be bound to an office!!!
This is a big deal, so I'm anxious as fuck!
Jose92
[Membe
Hello i have been lurking in this thread for couple of weeks now and i think it is my turn to ask for some advice.
I am a recent graduate from a good university with a 1st class BEng in electrical and electronics engineering, and currently i am near the end of the my masters program in power and renewable energy from another top ranked university in the UK for electrical engineering.
I know i am kind of late to apply to any kind of graduate scheme starting in September 2016, however in a span of 2 month i only got one 1 to 1 interview with a company which i was pressured to interview with by a recruiter and 1 recent phone interview which i passed and now they sent me an email stating that i am through to the final stage of recruitment which is the assessment day/assessment centre. However i have no clue about their assessment procedures because it is a relatively small consultancy but with huge sustainability projects across the UK, USA, and Canada. and because of my lack of experience in these kind things i really fear squandering my only chance of getting a good job this year.
Hence if anyone got any experience, advice and tips about assessment centres in engineering firms or in general please spread the love and knowledge. i do feel that i am qualified for the role and i really fell in love with the companies vision and would prefer to work with them. however i would feel crushed if i do not get the job. Rant is over
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I am a recent graduate from a good university with a 1st class BEng in electrical and electronics engineering, and currently i am near the end of the my masters program in power and renewable energy from another top ranked university in the UK for electrical engineering.
I know i am kind of late to apply to any kind of graduate scheme starting in September 2016, however in a span of 2 month i only got one 1 to 1 interview with a company which i was pressured to interview with by a recruiter and 1 recent phone interview which i passed and now they sent me an email stating that i am through to the final stage of recruitment which is the assessment day/assessment centre. However i have no clue about their assessment procedures because it is a relatively small consultancy but with huge sustainability projects across the UK, USA, and Canada. and because of my lack of experience in these kind things i really fear squandering my only chance of getting a good job this year.
Hence if anyone got any experience, advice and tips about assessment centres in engineering firms or in general please spread the love and knowledge. i do feel that i am qualified for the role and i really fell in love with the companies vision and would prefer to work with them. however i would feel crushed if i do not get the job. Rant is over
.shadowsdarknes
Member
I can't help but feel this is all some sort of cruel joke.
I've got two degrees and limited work experience. I got laid off in January and now I still have no job. I got to the final stage of a job I was perfectly qualified for and still no luck. I had every license and then some.
My girlfriend essentially told me that we're done. I'm going to need to find my own place. And I pretty much own nothing. 6 months of unemployment is way too long. I'm behind on my student loan payments. I've got almost no savings left. And I've applied to every company under the sun and I've been rejected from so many positions.
I feel like I have nothing left. I feel so defeated.
I've got two degrees and limited work experience. I got laid off in January and now I still have no job. I got to the final stage of a job I was perfectly qualified for and still no luck. I had every license and then some.
My girlfriend essentially told me that we're done. I'm going to need to find my own place. And I pretty much own nothing. 6 months of unemployment is way too long. I'm behind on my student loan payments. I've got almost no savings left. And I've applied to every company under the sun and I've been rejected from so many positions.
I feel like I have nothing left. I feel so defeated.
I'm getting real tired of being asked what my current/past salary is. None of your business! Can you imagine if you asked someone out and they wanted to see pictures of your ex's? They should ask how much you want for this role but that should be it. Nor should past employers be giving out your salary information, this should be private information.
FaintColt388301
Member
Just had a second interview today. I think it went well and should have an answer by Monday, if not tomorrow.
I applied in early May, interviewed in early June and just now got the call for the second interview. It's been a good long wait. It's killing me. I just want to know. Glad to finally be at the end. I really want out of my current job. I've been there too long and it's a sinking ship. Praying to the GAF Gods that I get this.
I applied in early May, interviewed in early June and just now got the call for the second interview. It's been a good long wait. It's killing me. I just want to know. Glad to finally be at the end. I really want out of my current job. I've been there too long and it's a sinking ship. Praying to the GAF Gods that I get this.
My previous phone interview went great, but failed because the recruiter had a different opinion of me than the people he was recruiting for (or rather, they had their plates full already, damnit). I think today's phone interview went just as fine, let's hope it pays off.
I hung out with my boss last night, who's on vacation, and he said that he's soooo content with not being at work because of all the stupid shit and insignificant problems people bring to the table that he couldn't care less about :lol So I guess I'm not alone in wanting to get out?
I hung out with my boss last night, who's on vacation, and he said that he's soooo content with not being at work because of all the stupid shit and insignificant problems people bring to the table that he couldn't care less about :lol So I guess I'm not alone in wanting to get out?
juliushandle
Member
Congrats
UND3RxOATH
Neo Member
Been almost a month since I had contact with a talent source at Microsoft. We last spoke a week ago by e-mail. Things were looking good, but apparently Microsoft is having some changes internally and then annual meetings. Spoke to a manager, bypassing the talent source, to see if the jobs were filled...turns out they are not. Just a massive waiting game now.
esmith08734
Member
Feel another huge blow coming.
I was suppose to meet with a Branch Head 'early' this week to discuss opportunities but he hasn't even responded to me. How my luck goes, this will result in nothing but further deterioration of my self-esteem.
I was suppose to meet with a Branch Head 'early' this week to discuss opportunities but he hasn't even responded to me. How my luck goes, this will result in nothing but further deterioration of my self-esteem.
UND3RxOATH
Neo Member
Spoke to the store I've been applying at. Hours later I get a phone call from my recruiter telling me the job has been filled by someone else...however, if I'm interested in this other position I'm able to apply. I applied right there and had another 3-4 question interview over the phone. The next step is wait to hear from them for a face-to-face interview. Trying to remain positive.
It's a standard recruiter question.
RelentlessRolento
Member
Had an interview that went great yesterday. Everything they were offering sounded awesome as well as a lot of opportunity. Then they ended it off with saying they'd only pay $25 per day.
As much as I wanted to say yes, it was a clear no especially with the amount of work needed outside of regular work days.
As much as I wanted to say yes, it was a clear no especially with the amount of work needed outside of regular work days.
You mean $25 an hour right? $25 a day seems blatantly illegal.
$25 a day?
Dude what?
Strong phone interview today, scheduled a second phase: Skype interview on Tuesday at 9:30. I've already used the Doctor's Appointment excuse, so i'm going to need to call in sick that day
...but i have webinars scheduled that day. Nothing too world-ending (there are more important meetings that week, it's conference call week in general), but shit i don't want to miss either.
So... volunteer to do the webinars anyway? Then i come off looking like the office hero or something.
...but i have webinars scheduled that day. Nothing too world-ending (there are more important meetings that week, it's conference call week in general), but shit i don't want to miss either.
So... volunteer to do the webinars anyway? Then i come off looking like the office hero or something.
TheSadRanger
Banned
So I just had one of the most shattering things happen to me.
Went to a job fair on Tuesday, got a contingent offer based on drug test and background screen. I've never failed either in 15 years of working, I get an e-mail from the background check company saying they need help verifying past employment.
So I scan a copy of my W-2 and send it to em, well then they send an e-mail that they can't open PDF files, so I sent the file as a jpg in an attachment. I got an e-mail from my employer today saying they would not move forward due to my background check. I called the background check company and they said they haven't even sent them the background info yet because it's not done and that it usually takes 3-4 days.
So I just sent them an e-mail with the jpg of the W2 in the e-mail today because they said they can't open attachments period.
I really needed this job and if I lose out on it due to some BS I'll be devastated.
Went to a job fair on Tuesday, got a contingent offer based on drug test and background screen. I've never failed either in 15 years of working, I get an e-mail from the background check company saying they need help verifying past employment.
So I scan a copy of my W-2 and send it to em, well then they send an e-mail that they can't open PDF files, so I sent the file as a jpg in an attachment. I got an e-mail from my employer today saying they would not move forward due to my background check. I called the background check company and they said they haven't even sent them the background info yet because it's not done and that it usually takes 3-4 days.
So I just sent them an e-mail with the jpg of the W2 in the e-mail today because they said they can't open attachments period.
I really needed this job and if I lose out on it due to some BS I'll be devastated.
Just shot the company an email following up on the great interview I had Monday. I figure if I'm one of their leading candidates, it won't hurt anything to simply ask what's next.
There is the chance that they don't even know yet, of course.
Edit: I made it to the next round! Next interview is Monday afternoon with another guy I'd be working alongside. And it's again a phone call. Guessing I would come in for an assessment test after that.
There is the chance that they don't even know yet, of course.
Edit: I made it to the next round! Next interview is Monday afternoon with another guy I'd be working alongside. And it's again a phone call. Guessing I would come in for an assessment test after that.
EverythingShiny
Member
Congrats scitek! Good luck with the rest of the process!
I've accepted an internship on the opposite end of the country. It doesn't pay too poorly for an internship ($20 an hour) and I'm hoping it'll open a lot of doors in my new industry since it's for a prestigious hospital. So ironic that after all of my intense interviews, I get the job that I interviewed for once - and a 15 minute phone interview at that. Just goes to show how random shit can be when you're looking for a job.
I've accepted an internship on the opposite end of the country. It doesn't pay too poorly for an internship ($20 an hour) and I'm hoping it'll open a lot of doors in my new industry since it's for a prestigious hospital. So ironic that after all of my intense interviews, I get the job that I interviewed for once - and a 15 minute phone interview at that. Just goes to show how random shit can be when you're looking for a job.
csquared587
Member
Congrats!
When applying across the country, do you guys just put in the cover letter that you are willing to relocate? I always feel I am wasting my time applying for jobs that aren't in my immediate area, but I feel I need to expand my search.
It should be OK as long as you're a quick study. I put on my resume that I was an Office expert despite not having touched Excel since one high school class, and they didn't notice it took a month for me to get gud. I recommend you at least understand how to use the VLOOKUP function and basic pivot tables.
backflip10019
Member
I'd chill. I'm still waiting on hearing back from a last-round interview that I did two Thursdays ago. No news isn't bad news.
I guess, but I'd like to give my notice at the start of a cycle so I can finish it up before I'm gone.
Advocatus Diaboli
Member
I'm still taking this in, but: after nearly two years of looking, I finally received a job offer today at what's ostensibly a dream job in my field, with max-level compensation (for a federal job), QoL benefits like teleworking, and is within walkable distance from my apartment.
I seriously can't believe it. All those months of struggling were actually worth something.
I seriously can't believe it. All those months of struggling were actually worth something.
Spoiled Milk
Banned
About to get fired today. Wish me luck, GAF.
ViewtifulJC
Banned
I love the ups and downs of this thread, its like a roller coaster of depression, stagnation, with brief bursts of optimism
Syphon Filter
Member
Use google docs, plenty of nice templates there.
Congrats, this gives me hope as I am in a similar situation. It is worth it in the end. Did you notice anything different that you did?
My company is lacking business because of the oil prices. I was hired on during the slump at 27% less than average starting for my position.
There's a conference call where there will be a 10 percent reduction in wages company wide to stave off layoffs. It's now prompting my to re-engage the job search.
I just started a Linkedin. Anyone have some good tips or links on how to optimize it? Resume is up to speed; thankfully I keep this updated pretty often.
I'll now go back and start reading the backpages of this thread. Thanks!
There's a conference call where there will be a 10 percent reduction in wages company wide to stave off layoffs. It's now prompting my to re-engage the job search.
I just started a Linkedin. Anyone have some good tips or links on how to optimize it? Resume is up to speed; thankfully I keep this updated pretty often.
I'll now go back and start reading the backpages of this thread. Thanks!
I had a designer friend create a template for me. Something easy to modify depending on the job and company.
It was worth the money I spent.
Syphon Filter
Member
Treat linkedin like your resume in terms of keeping it updated. Put your experience in it, put all skills you can in the proper area, just fill as much as you can out from your profile. Also add contacts related to your profession, network with people and add them on linkedIn.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
Nevermind no one cares how I feel.
Advocatus Diaboli
Member
Honestly, I was initially going to type that I lucked into it, but that's really incorrect. It was all about networking, persistence, and cultivating a positive reputation. And luck. Here's what happened:
In 2014, I found out that I was subject to a reduction in force from the military. Basically, sequestration. I knew this was happening, so I applied to an LL.M. (think: specialization in a certain area of the law) program; I combined that with pulling various tours of extended length in the reserves. I used these tours not only to earn money and to count towards retirement, but also to gain experience in various areas that I hadn't had much exposure. I also hit the magic "3 years of experience in acquisitions," which will come into play later.
In 2015, I was a full-time student in the spring semester. I overloaded on classes, got an externship (lol) at the Pentagon, where I actually used my clearance for the first time. I also participated in a Red Cross-sponsored moot court. Basically, I nailed my studies and relaxed for a while, since the G.I. Bill paid for things. Afterwards, I went back to work. Meanwhile, I applied for positions left and right to varying degrees of no success. I had a final round interview at NSA and leveraged my LL.M. contacts into getting interviews at the Department of Justice, but no offer.
In 2016, I ended up hurting a little. I finished my program in January. I ended up interviewing at a position at an agency, where the interviewer basically told me, "I like you, but you're too junior. But still, I'll see what I can do." I legitimately didn't think she'd do anything. She didn't reply to my thank you email, and I just wrote it off and went back to the grind.
Anyway, more time passed and I picked up other military positions. I applied for a another position within that same agency, where I get a callback almost immediately. I had my initial telephone screening chat, which lasted over an hour: my interviewer/potential supervisor and I just completely vibe. And here's the luck part: they're looking to replace someone with contracting experience and an interest (and some background) in intellectual property. Which is my skillset almost exactly.
So, we arrange a second round interview about 15 minutes into the phone call, then chat for another 45. The second round panel? The woman on the phone, plus two more. One was the woman who interviewed me months ago! The third was a retired military guy, and we traded war stories, and he noted that one of my reference, which I picked up during 2015, was his old buddy . . . or, the Colonel I worked for and impressed due to a solid work ethic.
So, in short, I was legitimately a good fit, but all these other pieces pushed me over the top. Basically, I had connections I didn't even know I had, because you never know who knows others in your field. I had someone willing to go to bat for me because I impressed her during an interview for a position I wasn't even qualified for. And I managed to sound personable on a telephone interview.
Basically, all the stars aligned.
entremet
Member
Yeah.
A good recruiter will hook up and get you nice a pay bump as they see commission on that.