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[FaintColt388301]

I got my job as an Academic Advisor. I can't believe it. I'm so excited. Just have to do the background check and stuff.

I can't believe I'm moving on. I've been working for the same company for 5 years. I only get respect and gratitude from people outside of my department. I'm so happy to be out of this sinking ship of a office I've been in.

 

[scitek]

My interview today went well! The guy's questions seemed geared toward seeing if I'm under the illusion working for a gaming company means I'd do nothing but play games all day, but I know better.

Even though I do video production, I know it's still work, and I expect I'd be exhausted by it just like with any other job.

He also explained that the honeymoon period with this place is pretty incredible since you can't believe where you're working, but then reality sets in and he's seen people burn themselves out.

I asked what his boss is like and was told he understands work/life balance and trusts his employees, which is encouraging. Judging from the conversations I've had, I think I'm more stoked by how well I'd fit in more than anything.

 

[diaspora]

Just signed my 1 year contract with a bank for web development and graphic design. I thought it was going to be 6 months but a year long job doing something I like isn't bad.

 

[ZackieChan]

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.

Awesome, dude. Congrats!

Guess you're not gonna come live with me in Bangkok next year

 

[Zombie James]

I hate phone interviews... I never feel prepared.

 

[entremet]

I hate phone interviews... I never feel prepared.

They work against candidates. Yeah they suck. I hate that they're a thing.

 

[LifEndz]

After finishing a six-month temp assignment, I'm back out there looking. God does this suck.

 

[Dre3001]

So does anyone have advice on reconnecting with an old supervisor/reference that you havent spoken to in a while (1.5 years) and asking for some help with any job leads?

 

[scitek]

They work against candidates. Yeah they suck. I hate that they're a thing.

I've had three consecutive phone interviews with the same company I'm hoping the next will be in-person.

Or they just make me an offer! Lol

 

[diaspora]

I've generally excelled in phone interviews, but largely because I've learned to work people over the phone after two years in customer service IRL, over the phone, and through email.

 

[Syphon Filter]

I hate phone interviews... I never feel prepared.

Was it out of the blue? Usually My phone interviews are scheduled so I get to prepare in advance.

 

[oxidax]

Hey GAF a have aquestion for yall,

I'm going to a job interview tomorrow and so far everything looks good. I've been referred by someone from the inside and based on my experience and work history, it seems like I will be ahead of a lot of people tomorrow.

My problem is that my brother is getting married on October 8th, abroad, and I have to be there. I already purchased the ticket and I was planning on traveling from Oct 1st because is my duty as a groomsman to plan brother's bachelor party and I planned on staying until the 12th because we've been planning a getaway thing between both families before the honeymoon.

Should I say anything tomorrow? What would u do in my position.
I guess I could shorten the the trip from a couple of days before the wedding, miss the bachelor party and whatnot and leave right after the wedding. But still... I just feel like thats going to knock down my opportunity for this job so low. Ugh!

 

[ZackieChan]

Get the job first.

 

[spuckthew]

Get the job first.

Yeah, I had three weeks total (not all at once) vacation booked off as I moved into my current job. Two of those weeks were less than two months into my probation.

I told them once I accepted the job, bit they seemed totally fine with it. No worthwhile prospective employer would make a fuss about pre-bookee holidays anyway.

 

[Regginator]

I'm thinking of posting in this thread regularly, this shit is depressing. So I've graduated relatively recently in December last year, and I've applied and applied for various positions in marketing statistics, but to no avail. I've done this at least fifty times, but the most depressing thing about it is that most of the time (read: 80%+), they don't even take any effort whatsoever to disappoint you. Out of my fifty applications I've received like six notifications saying I don't fit the criteria (four e-mails, no telephone calls, of which one just now), and that's okay, but what about the other 40+ applications? Do they disappear into thin air?

I've been very naive since I was a boy, whereas my environment keeps telling me it's because of my background and the not so great image my people have in Dutch society, but I always waived those claims off. But lately, I'm thinking they had a point.

 

[gaugebozo]

Hi jobs GAF,I'm looking for some advice on what to wear for an interview. I'm looking at jobs in quantitative finance, which usually has very high standards as far as clothing goes. But some of the jobs I've looked at have pictures of people working like this:

Not very dressy, even some in t-shirts and jeans. How should I dress for an interview?

 

[backflip10019]

Hi jobs GAF,I'm looking for some advice on what to wear for an interview. I'm looking at jobs in quantitative finance, which usually has very high standards as far as clothing goes. But some of the jobs I've looked at have pictures of people working like this:

Not very dressy, even some in t-shirts and jeans. How should I dress for an interview?

In finance? I'd go suit and tie for the interview.

Even for jobs in media that I've been interviewing for, I'm wearing dress pants and a jacket. Better to overdo it than under-dress.

 

[Necrovex]

Hi jobs GAF,I'm looking for some advice on what to wear for an interview. I'm looking at jobs in quantitative finance, which usually has very high standards as far as clothing goes. But some of the jobs I've looked at have pictures of people working like this:

Not very dressy, even some in t-shirts and jeans. How should I dress for an interview?

My go to advice for interviews is to overdress than underdress. The former will almost never hurt you; the latter can be detrimental as a person could see you not treating the interview seriously.

Like I dressed up in a suit for a simple bag boy position when I was hunting for a full time gig. The interviewer stated how impressed and appreciative he was for my dressing up.

 

[scitek]

Dumb question, but where do you guys go to get a decent suit? I haven't owned one since I was a kid! lol and I certainly had no hand in that.

 

[backflip10019]

Dumb question, but where do you guys go to get a decent suit? I haven't owned one since I was a kid! lol and I certainly had no hand in that.

I'd go to either Mens Wearhouse or Joseph A Bank. Both are affordable but solid quality.

 

[many places]

Hi jobs GAF,I'm looking for some advice on what to wear for an interview. I'm looking at jobs in quantitative finance, which usually has very high standards as far as clothing goes. But some of the jobs I've looked at have pictures of people working like this:

Not very dressy, even some in t-shirts and jeans. How should I dress for an interview?

It depends on the company, even in finance. I work for an auto finance company and it is incredibly laid back in regards to the dress code. (shorts and t-shirts) However, a company in the same industry down the street will send you home if your shirt isn't tucked in.

 

[scitek]

They want to set up another phone interview, this will be the 4th! lol

This time, it's with the guy I messaged on LinkedIn to kick off the whole process. He would be my boss, so I think it will likely be the last one. I'm feeling pretty good about my chances now, but this whole thing has been like a game show where I wait anxiously all week to see if I made it to the next round. Thankfully they didn't wait until 2:30PM on Friday this time to let me know.

EDIT: This time I don't have to wait until next week. It's this Friday at 11am.

 

[gwailo]

Hi jobs GAF,I'm looking for some advice on what to wear for an interview. I'm looking at jobs in quantitative finance, which usually has very high standards as far as clothing goes. But some of the jobs I've looked at have pictures of people working like this:

Not very dressy, even some in t-shirts and jeans. How should I dress for an interview?

I work in brokerage and the dress code at companies I've worked for is usually pretty casual (collared shirt and dress pants/khakis) but I wore a suit to every interview. If you are hard up for money, try hitting up a thrift shop and try to find at least a decent dress pants/dress shirt/tie/sport coat combo.

 

[MC Safety]

I hate phone interviews... I never feel prepared.

Why don't you prepare for them? It's easy enough to write out a list of questions and responses.

I do it all the time. Not so I'm reading from a script, but rather that I have a focused answer at hand.

 

[PureYeti]

I just did a phone interview today and I got a follow up from the recruiter. He wants to know my feedback about the interview and how did I feel. How should I approach this? I never had this before

 

[Captain Tuttle]

I just did a phone interview today and I got a follow up from the recruiter. He wants to know my feedback about the interview and how did I feel. How should I approach this? I never had this before

Tell him the truth

 

[Aomber]

Am I the only one who has bad luck connecting with alum? I've tried reaching out to a good handful, one time I got to meet with somebody but it was through somebody I already knew and it never lead to anything. Everyone else I've tried reaching out to has just flat out ignored me. To be clear I'm not asking them for a job or anything like that, just to connect and such.

To be honest I feel like I don't blame them. I went to a pretty big university (20,000), I feel so awkward reaching out to people who are basically strangers but that's what everyone keeps telling me to do.

Meanwhile I've been applying to many jobs for about a month and a half and I've had not even a peep from any of them.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Am I the only one who has bad luck connecting with alum? I've tried reaching out to a good handful, one time I got to meet with somebody but it was through somebody I already knew and it never lead to anything. Everyone else I've tried reaching out to has just flat out ignored me. To be clear I'm not asking them for a job or anything like that, just to connect and such.

To be honest I feel like I don't blame them. I went to a pretty big university (20,000), I feel so awkward reaching out to people who are basically strangers but that's what everyone keeps telling me to do.

Meanwhile I've been applying to many jobs for about a month and a half and I've had not even a peep from any of them.

If you are trying to connect with an alum after years of no contact then they will think you are only contacting them since you need a job. Try to talk to alum first and ease in later on asking if they know anyone hiring. I wouldn't take offense if there are no response, some people just prefer not to talk to others they used to know, some don't use their linkedin often,etc. Also go to meetups related to your profession, this way you make new contacts that share your interest and keep up with them.

 

[Aomber]

If you are trying to connect with an alum after years of no contact then they will think you are only contacting them since you need a job. Try to talk to alum first and ease in later on asking if they know anyone hiring. I wouldn't take offense if there are no response, some people just prefer not to talk to others they used to know, some don't use their linkedin often,etc. Also go to meetups related to your profession, this way you make new contacts that share your interest and keep up with them.

I'm sorry I should have clarified. I don't mean alum I personally know - I mean alum who I don't know in the field or companies I'm interested in who I might see on LinkedIn or something. Many, many people have told me to reach out to these people just to get a discussion going, and while I have heard of success stories, I just don't like the feeling of it. Like you said, even if youre not asking for a job (ex let's grab coffee I wanna hear more about your position) to me that's what it feels like.

I'd love to go to those meetings but unfortunately I'm a post grad student in a suburban town where there isn't much access to that sort of thing.

 

[gwailo]

I would think "cold calling" so to speak people like that would get pretty much zero results, especially for bigger schools. A lot of people (like myself) use college as a tool to get a better job and don't have much in the way of identity with the school. Maybe try finding alumni groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc and posting there.

 

[Aomber]

I would think "cold calling" so to speak people like that would get pretty much zero results, especially for bigger schools. A lot of people (like myself) use college as a tool to get a better job and don't have much in the way of identity with the school. Maybe try finding alumni groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc and posting there.

That's what I'm saying, I think it sucks and I hate it. I don't get how people seem to get anywhere with that. Joining some alum groups is an idea though, might try that, thanks

 

[scitek]

That's what I'm saying, I think it sucks and I hate it. I don't get how people seem to get anywhere with that. Joining some alum groups is an idea though, might try that, thanks

I work in TV, and because I made it to a top 15 market less than 2 years out of school, I'm the guy who gets the Facebook and LinkedIn messages asking about openings.

I feel bad telling them we don't have any, but it's the truth. I still wonder if they think I'm lying. I always say they can use me as a reference, but I'm hoping to be gone soon because I really don't enjoy where I am right now.

 

[Aomber]

I work in TV, and because I made it to a top 15 market less than 2 years out of school, I'm the guy who gets the Facebook and LinkedIn messages asking about openings.

I feel bad telling them we don't have any, but it's the truth. I still wonder if they think I'm lying. I always say they can use me as a reference, but I'm hoping to be gone soon because I really don't enjoy where I am right now.

That's the thing, I'm not even asking about openings or anything along those lines, I just want to ask about what they do, how the company is, etc. Everything I've been told is to not to directly ask for a job but to just express interest and build a relationship. Thing is I can't even get my foot in the door with anybody unfortunately and I dislike the feeling of "fakeness" if that makes sense.

Yeah I've been lurking the thread and loosely seen with what you're up to, best of luck on your interview tomorrow

 

[Forerunner]

So, since I’m coming up on graduation soon I started to apply for jobs back in May. I just got something back from the federal government today and I have an interview in two weeks. This is pretty much my first professional interview. Before school I was in the military, so a job interview isn’t something I ever did. I’ve done a mock interview for one of my classes before, but that’s about it. So I’m pretty nervous to say the least. I’m not worried about attire, I have a nice plain black business suit that will work well, but for everything else I’m fairly nervous. It’s going to be in front of a panel, so that doesn’t help. I have a portfolio and I was wondering if I should bring that or only bring the items they said to bring. I’m probably overthinking this too much, but I don’t want to mess it up.

 

[Jharp]

So a little over one year ago I took a test along with about a hundred other applicants to be a Sherrif's Technician in Orange County, CA. This job is essentially a county-employed process server. They aren't deputies, but rather work for the Sheriff's Court Services division (where you go when you want to open a court-issued writ for service on someone). I've been working with these folks as an assistant with a private attorney services firm for about five years now, and in fact was encouraged to take the test by one of the clerks at the Sheriff's office that I'm friendly with after working with her for so long. In my capacity as an assistant with my company, I've also served as a private process server, a duty which I fulfilled on the side for about two years of my five years with the company. Essentially, I'm very familiar with this particular position, and all the nuances related to its execution.

After taking the test, which was designed to evaluate basic arithmetic, map reading, and logic and problem solving, I got the results a week or so later. It notified me that I had scored over 90% and that I'd be in "Group A," which was supposed to be the first group of applicants interviewed. If none were selected, they would move onto Group B, then Group C, and that was it. After receiving that email, I heard nothing. No calls, no emails, nothing, but I also never got a proper rejection either. After a month or so, I'd just assumed they had gotten in touch with other people in Group A and hired them before getting to me.

Then, today, thirteen months later, I get an email from the Orange County Sheriff's department saying that I needed to log back into the site I applied on in order to schedule an interview, or "oral evaluation." Today. Over a year later.

Seeing as I'm still with my attorney services company and seeking new work, I was ecstatic at the news and quickly scheduled my interview for a week from Tuesday at the very office I file paperwork in every morning.

Fingers crossed, GAF. This could be a huge opportunity for me, and I could actually start saving some real bucks to hopefully make a down payment on a house before my mid-30's!

 

[Estellex]

Anyone here have their resume at 0.5 margins? Is that acceptable?

 

[sbdouble]

Long time reader first time poster.

I’ve been applying for IT position for about 5 months. Last week I finally got a call back to set up an interview at a financial institute in Los Angeles.

Went through the interview process and background check with no problems. I got a call yesterday from HR making me an offer and I would need to start on the 2nd. After a long night of thinking I decided to turn down the offer.

I turned it down for one reason.
Once I walked in I didn’t feel comfortable with the environment.

Is that an acceptable reason to turn down an offer?

 

[Aomber]

Long time reader first time poster.

I’ve been applying for IT position for about 5 months. Last week I finally got a call back to set up an interview at a financial institute in Los Angeles.

Went through the interview process and background check with no problems. I got a call yesterday from HR making me an offer and I would need to start on the 2nd. After a long night of thinking I decided to turn down the offer.

I turned it down for one reason.
Once I walked in I didn’t feel comfortable with the environment.

Is that an acceptable reason to turn down an offer?

Yes it absolutely is. But what made you uncomfortable about it?

 

[Ogodei]

Missed out on an opportunity in DC and feeling kind of defeated. The timing was bad, though, since i moved to a new place not even a week ago and am under a 1-year lease, so it might behoove me to wait until mid-October to start looking in that direction again, New Year would be an easier time for me to find someone to sublet if i needed to. Meantime i can look for *good* opportunities locally (my bar's lower for DC because the virtue of moving there by itself is worth something) and go back to trying the 1 in 1000 shot of getting Federal work.

 

[sbdouble]

Yes it absolutely is. But what made you uncomfortable about it?

I didn't like the set up that I would be working with and It seemed a bit chaotic. People screaming over each other while I'm being interviewed.

After reading most of the post in the thread I feel kinda bad about turning it down.

 

[Smokey]

I didn't like the set up that I would be working with and It seemed a bit chaotic. People screaming over each other while I'm being interviewed.

After reading most of the post in the thread I feel kinda bad about turning it down.

I probably would've taken it tbh, and go from there. Maybe you just showed up on a certain day that was extra busy, who knows.

 

[HyperCroutons]

Hi jobs GAF,I'm looking for some advice on what to wear for an interview. I'm looking at jobs in quantitative finance, which usually has very high standards as far as clothing goes. But some of the jobs I've looked at have pictures of people working like this:

Not very dressy, even some in t-shirts and jeans. How should I dress for an interview?

I always wear a suit and tie to every interview even if it was for a janitor job. Can never be over-dressed in my opinion for a job interview.

 

[Phatmac]

Hey gaf, been a lurker for a bit and just got an internship for analytics. It's my first job so any advice would be nice. Anyone have experience in that field on here? Could use some help.

 

[Smokey]

Hey gaf, been a lurker for a bit and just got an internship for analytics. It's my first job so any advice would be nice. Anyone have experience in that field on here? Could use some help.

Take full advantage of the internship. Talk to folks who have been at the company for a while. Get their perspective. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Just do what you can to the best of your ability. Internships can lead to full time positions. That's what happened to me. I interned and was offered a full time position later that year. I graduated that fall and went to work for them the following January. Been with the company ever since.

 

[gwailo]

I didn't like the set up that I would be working with and It seemed a bit chaotic. People screaming over each other while I'm being interviewed.

After reading most of the post in the thread I feel kinda bad about turning it down.

It would have been prudent on you to ask about this sort of thing in the interview. Don't be afraid to speak up about things like that. But at the same time you may have to develop a thicker skin. It may be worth the tradeoff to get your foot in the door and get some experience (and get paid!) rather than holding out for a "perfect" job.

 

[sbdouble]

I probably would've taken it tbh, and go from there. Maybe you just showed up on a certain day that was extra busy, who knows.

Good point. BUT I did just get a call from a pizza co that I applied to months ago. Asking if I could Interview tomorrow @1pm.
100+ degrees in a suit. Wish me luck!

 

[Phatmac]

Take full advantage of the internship. Talk to folks who have been at the company for a while. Get their perspective. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Just do what you can to the best of your ability. Internships can lead to full time positions. That's what happened to me. I interned and was offered a full time position later that year. I graduated that fall and went to work for them the following January. Been with the company ever since.

Thanks for the advice. I'm glad it's a paid internship and they're willing to hire me if I do well this summer.

 

[scitek]

Interview over. We got disconnected TWICE because my cell phone provider sucks, but he called right back and said he understands because we have the same one.

I really played up that I like being part of a team, and ended it with a not-so-subtle, "hopefully I'll see you at some point," and got an, "oh, for sure," back. Questions ranged from rating my own technical proficiency from 1-5 to what I think makes a good boss.

Really hoping for the best. This wait will be agonizing.

 

[CosmicQueso]

Hey gaf, been a lurker for a bit and just got an internship for analytics. It's my first job so any advice would be nice. Anyone have experience in that field on here? Could use some help.

What kind of analytics?

It's "The data suggest" not "the data suggests".

Always label tables and graphs completely: Time, Measure, Geography, Product.

Correlation does not necessarily imply causation.

Answer questions objectively and directly. Don't manipulate data to come up with your own desired result. Be okay with being wrong. Data does not have feelings, stay rational and reasonable.

Most people can't understand and don't like numbers. Try to make it as easy as possible for people to understand your findings. Some are visual learners (charts and graphs) some people like tables, some even like clear commentary.

Be the expert.

Good luck.

 

[Aomber]

I didn't like the set up that I would be working with and It seemed a bit chaotic. People screaming over each other while I'm being interviewed.

After reading most of the post in the thread I feel kinda bad about turning it down.

I'd say that's fair, don't work somewhere that puts you off when you walk in. That's one of the biggest reasons for going for an in-person interview is to get a vibe of what the place is like and if you could see yourself working there.