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[Cracklox]

Had a second interview today, which I'm pretty sure went really well, for a start next week. Phone support gig. Not super excited but need something to tide me over while a military application plays out.

The weird thing was the guy that interviewed me told me he had only been with the company for about 6 monthes and I was only the 2nd interview he had done. He admitted to being pretty nervous. I was actually pretty relaxed for the whole thing. First (and likely only) time being interviewed by someone who is more nervous then me

 

[Flux]

Had a second interview today, which I'm pretty sure went really well, for a start next week. Phone support gig. Not super excited but need something to tide me over while a military application plays out.

The weird thing was the guy that interviewed me told me he had only been with the company for about 6 monthes and I was only the 2nd interview he had done. He admitted to being pretty nervous. I was actually pretty relaxed for the whole thing. First (and likely only) time being interviewed by someone who is more nervous then me

Interesting lol. I was looking into something similar with a call centre. Even though it has no relation to my field, they seem to always have job postings and I do just need some sort of salary for the time being.

 

[Oli]

GAF, I have a question. I've been job hunting for the last month and a half. I've been applying mainly for administrative work, since that is where I have experience. However, the only progress I made is with a job at a coffee shop nearby. It pays decent, I can get close to 40 hours a week, and the schedule is flexible. I accepted a job offer there and am scheduled to start training next week on Monday.

However, I JUST got a call from a children's hospital that I applied for. It's a clerical position. They want to interview me this Thursday. It's a full-time job, and the type of work is more appealing to me.

I scheduled the interview, going to give it a shot at least. But I feel really bad because hypothetically if I accept this hospital job, I've really given this coffee shop a bad deal, right? Is this normal in the job world? Should I feel guilty? Is there a normal protocol I should follow here?

 

[Kisaya]

GAF, I have a question. I've been job hunting for the last month and a half. I've been applying mainly for administrative work, since that is where I have experience. However, the only progress I made is with a job at a coffee shop nearby. It pays decent, I can get close to 40 hours a week, and the schedule is flexible. I accepted a job offer there and am scheduled to start training next week on Monday.

However, I JUST got a call from a children's hospital that I applied for. It's a clerical position. They want to interview me this Thursday. It's a full-time job, and the type of work is more appealing to me.

I scheduled the interview, going to give it a shot at least. But I feel really bad because hypothetically if I accept this hospital job, I've really given this coffee shop a bad deal, right? Is this normal in the job world? Should I feel guilty? Is there a normal protocol I should follow here?

Dropping the coffee job gig and accepting other job is not appropriate, yes. Should you feel guilty? Maybe. It honestly depends on what would be better for you and how you can deal with the consequences. Personally I've only done this with unpaid/internships where there wasn't that much pressure.

 

[Chojin]

I just got offered a new job. Imma bout to tell my coworkers at our meeting today in an hour. New job pays more but a lot more work so no more GAFsurfing at work

Wait, new job has telecommute options, maybe I can from home once in a while


Durden77 if you see this keep quiet for an hour or two.

He works with me here

 

[Oli]

Dropping the coffee job gig and accepting other job is not appropriate, yes. Should you feel guilty? Maybe. It honestly depends on what would be better for you and how you can deal with the consequences. Personally I've only done this with unpaid/internships where there wasn't that much pressure.

If it's not appropriate, then what are the options? Turn down the better job and keep working as a barista just based on principle? This is hypothetical obviously, I don't know enough about the other job yet and it may not even work out.

It's an uncomfortable feeling to leave a company that was willing to give you a chance. But you need act within your best interest. Companies will act in their best interest when it comes to making tough decisions and you as a worker need to do the same.

Yeah, I guess that's true. I feel bad because they have been very accommodating to me so far. I'll have to wait and see how this interview goes. The thing on my mind is the long-term plan though. I'm not sure I see myself working at this coffee shop indefinitely. The hospital gig seems more stable.

 

[shadowsdarknes]

GAF, I have a question. I've been job hunting for the last month and a half. I've been applying mainly for administrative work, since that is where I have experience. However, the only progress I made is with a job at a coffee shop nearby. It pays decent, I can get close to 40 hours a week, and the schedule is flexible. I accepted a job offer there and am scheduled to start training next week on Monday.

However, I JUST got a call from a children's hospital that I applied for. It's a clerical position. They want to interview me this Thursday. It's a full-time job, and the type of work is more appealing to me.

I scheduled the interview, going to give it a shot at least. But I feel really bad because hypothetically if I accept this hospital job, I've really given this coffee shop a bad deal, right? Is this normal in the job world? Should I feel guilty? Is there a normal protocol I should follow here?

It's an uncomfortable feeling to leave a company that was willing to give you a chance. But you need act within your best interest. Companies will act in their best interest when it comes to making tough decisions and you as a worker need to do the same.

 

[SolidSnakeUS]

I'm being held in suspense about this one job that this guy really wants me to have. He passed it on to the manager of the place I would be working at (and this guy is the one who hired the manager) and I've heard nothing... Fucking fuck man...

 

[Crosseyes]

Month four now with no luck. Already maxed out one credit card and I finally won my unemployment case against my asshole employers who still deserve that fucking bombing.

The unemployment will keep real money in my checking to keep paying the rent but throughout the course of my search I've had 5 on site interviews. None called back.

I'll also get to see how this half a year of being uninsured goes toward that as well, plus student loans have been ignored for months as well. Good old US of fucking A. STEM degrees don't even get you anything anymore.

 

[Armadilo]

So i had orientation today but I was supposed to work, already turned in my two weeks. had to switch with another guy and now I lose my day off and hope everything sorts its self out

 

[etta]

What are some nice places to work part-time as a transitional job? I've recently finished University but haven't had any luck with getting a job in my field yet. I don't need the income from a part-time job, I'm doing it more to get out and meet people, and just something to do in the meantime while still searching for a permanent position in my field.
So far I've come up with bookstore and library, I'd kinda like working at an Indigo.Chapters. What places did you guys like in that way?

 

[Forsaken82]

What are some nice places to work part-time as a transitional job? I've recently finished University but haven't had any luck with getting a job in my field yet. I don't need the income from a part-time job, I'm doing it more to get out and meet people, and just something to do in the meantime while still searching for a permanent position in my field.
So far I've come up with bookstore and library, I'd kinda like working at an Indigo.Chapters. What places did you guys like in that way?

Don't be afraid of temp agencies if you don't care about full time right now... easiest way to find something quick. Plenty of headhunter companies out there in a numerous fields.

 

[Roland_Gunner]

What are some nice places to work part-time as a transitional job? I've recently finished University but haven't had any luck with getting a job in my field yet. I don't need the income from a part-time job, I'm doing it more to get out and meet people, and just something to do in the meantime while still searching for a permanent position in my field.
So far I've come up with bookstore and library, I'd kinda like working at an Indigo.Chapters. What places did you guys like in that way?

Not sure what companies are in your area but lots of places in retail and call centers hire seasonal workers with Christmas coming up. Not great jobs but its a good way to get your foot in the door.

 

[etta]

Don't be afraid of temp agencies if you don't care about full time right now... easiest way to find something quick. Plenty of headhunter companies out there in a numerous fields.

Hmmm, is this the same as an employment agency?
Thanks.

Not sure what companies are in your area but lots of places in retail and call centers hire seasonal workers with Christmas coming up. Not great jobs but its a good way to get your foot in the door.

Yea I was thinking retail as well, not for a big chain like Walmart, but I wouldn't mind a gift shop or similar at a mall.
Thanks.

 

[Cracklox]

Left interview at 16.30 yesterday. Message on my phone 9.30 this morning from company. Returned call just now. Job get. Yay!

Interesting lol. I was looking into something similar with a call centre. Even though it has no relation to my field, they seem to always have job postings and I do just need some sort of salary for the time being.

Yeah its pretty easy to get into. Careful of outbound stuff though. That shits hell. I've only ever done inbound stuff, and that can be draining enough, and thats when people have taken there time to call you. The position I got was hiring like 15 people, so I'm pretty sure all they were looking for was people semi competent with a computer and could hold a conversation with another human being.

Hmmm, is this the same as an employment agency?
Thanks.

I don't think so. At least not where I'm from. Temp agencies offer a position with a company they have a contract with and when employed you will be on an x month contract with the agency . An employment agency is more a place that a company will use to advertise a position and maybe weed down the candidates before the company itself will employ you directly if successful. The later is basically the process I just went through to get a job, though years and years ago I did do some temp work through an agency or two as well

But then it could all just be semantics and they both do similar shit. Either way it doesn't hurt to get in touch with a few

 

[Experien]

I just am unsure of where to look for a job nowadays. Don't even know what to look for as well. Talking with the gf about this just demoralizes me more.

 

[NeOak]

Finally started submitting resumes and cover letters. Started local but expanded after a while and I keep making submissions everywhere in the US.

I keep getting contacted for senior engineering positions, those take a while for me to polish the cover letter and resume. Crossing my fingers the most recent one comes through once I apply tomorrow D:

This will work for a $12 an hour job. But definitely not for a higher ranking job.

A cover letter doesn't have to praise the hiring company. Simply do some of the work for the hiring manager: select key elements from the job posting and market your skills as a successful match to those elements.

I keep making variations, adding or removing things based on the job description. I have quite a few now.

I just am unsure of where to look for a job nowadays. Don't even know what to look for as well. Talking with the gf about this just demoralizes me more.

Monster.com

 

[gwailo]

Monster is pretty awful IMO. I haven't logged on to it in 2 or 3 years but I still get emails and calls about shitty jobs like $10/hour call center gigs or sales positions.

LinkedIn worked well for me, but it depends on the work you are looking for. One benefit is that many online apps will let you use your LinkedIn profile to fill in some of the information.

Another really helpful site was my state's workforce/employment center. All real jobs, no BS sales, cold calling, etc.

Temp agenices can be a good way to get your foot in the door, but continue to look for full time work. Take "temp to hire" with a huge grain of salt. Most companies are happy to keep people as "permatemps" instead of hiring them on.

 

[Forerunner]

I just am unsure of where to look for a job nowadays. Don't even know what to look for as well. Talking with the gf about this just demoralizes me more.

https://www.usajobs.gov/ is how I landed mine. However, the government is kind of slow so be warned. LinkedIn is also decent. Monster was ok, I was getting a lot of recruiters hitting me up there, but not with jobs I was interested in.

 

[The Jackdog]

I'm in a weird funk.

I applied to a number of positions and then got pretty sick, had to get surgery, and really couldnt take more days off to interview when i was already out for that stuff. So I applied to all these positions that I basically lost out on cause I wasnt able to actually interview.

Now i find myself staring at all the missed opportunities trying to find the motivation to do it all again.

 

[RiggenBlaque]

I just am unsure of where to look for a job nowadays. Don't even know what to look for as well. Talking with the gf about this just demoralizes me more.

It might be different for different fields, but for software engineering I look on Indeed, Dice, LinkedIn and occasionally Glassdoor. I've personally had the most luck with LinkedIn.

Does anyone have any advice for dealing with recruiters? Specifically I have this one right now that is being really nosy and asking about what other positions I've applied to and where I am in the process with them. I don't see how I have anything to gain by being upfront with this information, so I've mainly been really cagey with them since I'm suspicious they'll try and "swoop in" or something on the process. Am I just being paranoid?

Also, fuck recruiters, they are useless and a huge annoyance.

 

[jedezel]

I am not sure it is the right place (but I guess it is): for French GAFfers (or anyone who want to work in France - mostly Paris and Montpellier), my company is hiring.

It is a small but pretty good company (I've been here for 7 years now), it is mostly IT consulting but there are some Sales spots to be filled also.

More details by PM if you can be interested.

 

[gwailo]

It might be different for different fields, but for software engineering I look on Indeed, Dice, LinkedIn and occasionally Glassdoor. I've personally had the most luck with LinkedIn.

Does anyone have any advice for dealing with recruiters? Specifically I have this one right now that is being really nosy and asking about what other positions I've applied to and where I am in the process with them. I don't see how I have anything to gain by being upfront with this information, so I've mainly been really cagey with them since I'm suspicious they'll try and "swoop in" or something on the process. Am I just being paranoid?

The explanation I got from a couple of recruiters is that companies will use multiple recruiters for the same position, so they're trying to see if you've already applied for them. They might also just be gauging what types of jobs you're interested or skilled in.

 

[dragonflys545]

Is it normal to give 1 week notices? It's not that I don't like this place, it's just that I want to start the new job as soon as possible.

 

[dragonflys545]

I just got offered a new job. Imma bout to tell my coworkers at our meeting today in an hour. New job pays more but a lot more work so no more GAFsurfing at work

Wait, new job has telecommute options, maybe I can from home once in a while


Durden77 if you see this keep quiet for an hour or two.

He works with me here

Congrats man!

I'm about to get an offer letter from a place I was referred to by an ex-coworker. I can finally work for a company that offers perks/benefits/growth.

I'm fine with where I'm working now, but without those 3 things. It's hard for me consider staying here forever.

 

[The Shadow]

Is it normal to give 1 week notices? It's not that I don't like this place, it's just that I want to start the new job as soon as possible.

Generally, it's 2 weeks minimum. I get that you want to start a new job ASAP, but you really should give at least 2 weeks and avoid burning bridges.

https://www.usajobs.gov/ is how I landed mine. However, the government is kind of slow so be warned. LinkedIn is also decent. Monster was ok, I was getting a lot of recruiters hitting me up there, but not with jobs I was interested in.

Just out of curiosity, what is your job?

 

[dragonflys545]

Generally, it's 2 weeks minimum. I get that you want to start a new job ASAP, but you really should give at least 2 weeks and avoid burning bridges.



Just out of curiosity, what is your job?

I know it's minimum, but I don't think I'll be needing any references from anyone in this company. I also feel like the company is slowly going under because of all the turn-overs, and the company is severely understaffed. I've occasionally bring that issue up, but the management just brushes it off and my work continues to increase from doing a single person's job to multiple (The work is fine, but I feel like I can do so much better)...

 

[Forerunner]

Just out of curiosity, what is your job?

Correctional officer for the BoP.

 

[Gorillaz]

I got something right now personally but to add on to here yea monster and careerbuilder lately are the worst. Especially monster like how dude said above. A bunch of call center jobs or positions that have been up for awhile that probably has a revolving door of workers which isn't exactly something you want to see.

 

[backflip10019]

Well I feel like a bag of shit.

I was laid off at the end of last month due to "budget cuts." What do I see today but a job opening for my job. I signed severance papers so technically there's nothing I can do, but man if this doesn't feel like fucking shit. I now know that I was laid off because either the global CEO or my boss didn't like me for whatever reason, and that feels fucking shitty because I was doing great work in my job.

 

[gwailo]

Is it the same pay as when you were doing it?

I've had something similar happen to me before where I was laid off and then the job was basically given to one of the interns who was willing to work for next to nothing.

 

[backflip10019]

Is it the same pay as when you were doing it?

I've had something similar happen to me before where I was laid off and then the job was basically given to one of the interns who was willing to work for next to nothing.

I mean there's nothing written about salary, but it's a level higher than me (which I would've been promoted to within a month or two had I not been laid off), same job description, same team.

Whatever, that company was shit anyway and is falling apart. Hopefully I'll find something new soon, but it's hard not getting discouraged when you see stuff like that.

 

[Cross-Section]

So after a post-graduation summer spent in jury duty, then a month consumed by a surgery and subsequent recovery, I'm finally starting a job hunt in earnest. I've got multiple resumes lined up and vetted by relatives who review such things for a living.

I've got a few questions/ruminations regarding CareerBuilder (and job-searching in general), however:
1) If I'm applying for mainly clerical and tech support entry-level positions, is a cover letter truly necessary? The Hire Insider pages for the positions I've applied to gives single-digit percentages in regards to applicants who have attached cover letters, so I'm guessing not, but I'd like the opinions of you folks.
2) My overall job experience amounts to 9 months working part-time as an English tutor, and 5 months as co-editor of my college's literary journal (both while finishing up my BA full-time). Oh, and occasionally helping out with my parents' resale business. Part of me wonders if I should simply apply to be a bag boy at the grocer down the street, because I'm probably applying for the above jobs against people who have YEARS of experience under their belts, not months.
3) My area's kind of terrible for my writing-and-editing-focused career goals. In regards to entry-level positions, it's generally service jobs as far as the eye can see around here. I'm not totally opposed to working them, especially if it means making enough money to move out of this place, but how might I make such a job appear relevant on a resume? I can only throw in so many productive-sounding adjectives and actions before I start running into the issue of redundancy.

 

[Flux]

Left interview at 16.30 yesterday. Message on my phone 9.30 this morning from company. Returned call just now. Job get. Yay!



Yeah its pretty easy to get into. Careful of outbound stuff though. That shits hell. I've only ever done inbound stuff, and that can be draining enough, and thats when people have taken there time to call you. The position I got was hiring like 15 people, so I'm pretty sure all they were looking for was people semi competent with a computer and could hold a conversation with another human being.



I don't think so. At least not where I'm from. Temp agencies offer a position with a company they have a contract with and when employed you will be on an x month contract with the agency . An employment agency is more a place that a company will use to advertise a position and maybe weed down the candidates before the company itself will employ you directly if successful. The later is basically the process I just went through to get a job, though years and years ago I did do some temp work through an agency or two as well

But then it could all just be semantics and they both do similar shit. Either way it doesn't hurt to get in touch with a few

Thanks for sharing your experience. Didn't really think there was a difference so I sent out a few for both. I'll see where that takes me. Noticed some even have the option of working from home, though not sure how that set up works entirely. (It would let me continue my real job search easier).

 

[gwailo]

There's a lot of "work from home" scams so be careful. Also be wary of giving out personal info like SSN before you can verify the company is legit. And if they ask for any sort of fee upfront, run away.

 

[RoKKeR]

So I had a final round on-site interview last Tuesday, and upon leaving they said they'd get back to us in a "few days". It's now been 8 days and I've yet to hear anything. At what point is it appropriate to reach out for an update? If it's a no just tell me already, jesus!

 

[MC Safety]

So I had a final round on-site interview last Tuesday, and upon leaving they said they'd get back to us in a "few days". It's now been 8 days and I've yet to hear anything. At what point is it appropriate to reach out for an update? If it's a no just tell me already, jesus!

Send a note to HR asking for an update on your status. Restating your interest and recounting your experience in a brief note can't hurt.

Sadly, companies don't often send rejection notes, even for candidates who've been called in for interviews.

 

[dragonflys545]

So I had a final round on-site interview last Tuesday, and upon leaving they said they'd get back to us in a "few days". It's now been 8 days and I've yet to hear anything. At what point is it appropriate to reach out for an update? If it's a no just tell me already, jesus!

Companies loves doing this... In order to find out if you were hired, you have to be persistent and keep emailing them to get updates.

 

[RoKKeR]

Send a note to HR asking for an update on your status. Restating your interest and recounting your experience in a brief note can't hurt.

Sadly, companies don't often send rejection notes, even for candidates who've been called in for interviews.

Companies loves doing this... In order to find out if you were hired, you have to be persistent and keep emailing them to get updates.

Ok, will do this, thanks. Man, would suck to have just been ignored completely. There were only 3 other candidates.

 

[JordanN]

This may be a crapshoot to ask but any Canadagaffers here working in the VFX industry with tips on applying?

I've just finished my portfolio (only have to render out a demo reel) and was going to apply to all the studios here.

 

[Weetrick]

For those of you who have had success with LinkedIn, how do you keep it low-key without your current company/coworkers knowing that you are looking?

 

[Forearms]

For those of you who have had success with LinkedIn, how do you keep it low-key without your current company/coworkers knowing that you are looking?

There is a privacy setting to turn off update notifications under the manage Privacy and Settings option. That doesn't stop people from checking on your page and see the changes. However, I don't think any employer should be under the impression that an employee will stay with them forever. If anything, your current employer may notice and approach you to see what opportunities you're looking for, and if they can save you as an employee before you jump ship.

In other news, I landed a development job after six months of looking for "the one". I start in a couple weeks - exciting times!

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

65 bucks for just those 15 minutes? Or for more time like a week of that?

65 for the week.

 

[charpunk]

So after working 10+ years in retail leadership, I finally had enough. I desperately need out but I have no idea where to even start looking for options. I only really have retail sales / management experience, and all I know is I never want to work retail again.

 

[Flux]

So after working 10+ years in retail leadership, I finally had enough. I desperately need out but I have no idea where to even start looking for options. I only really have retail sales / management experience, and all I know is I never want to work retail again.

What kind of education do you have? What was the retail job in?

 

[TuckingFypo]

I woke up to my first written rejection. Apparently the company didn't think I'd be satisfied with the role, oh fuck off. This feels more soulcrushing then when I heard nothing - this could be because I knew I bottled the interview last time but felt really positive this time and didn't even get to that stage.

 

[Fatal Futanari]

Well got offered a 2 month (with possible extension) contract for a IS/Admin Assistant position. The pay is crap but hopefully I can bounce somewhere else soon.

I woke up to my first written rejection. Apparently the company didn't think I'd be satisfied with the role, oh fuck off. This feels more soulcrushing then when I heard nothing - this could be because I knew I bottled the interview last time but felt really positive this time and didn't even get to that stage.

What's funny is that alot of interviews I have been too lately have been like this. They see my credentials and automatically write me off thinking I will get bored with the position. I have to explain that I see this position as a stepping stone to advance within the company. But I do not always get to explain that.


I lack direction in my career at the moment. All these positions that I apply for, I am not happy with. The ones I want, I barely miss or the position gets canned. I really want a tech consulting or junior infosec position.

 

[toadsworth]

How do I know if my resume (CV) isn't getting screened by a program and just thrown in the trash because I didn't meet some arbitrary algorithmic requirements? Anyone know of a free service or program that will analyze it for me? I did a free one through monster but it wasn't that great.

 

[Akim]

Question for you GAF:

I'm starting a new job in about 5 weeks. The recruiter gave me my start date and started my background check, and told me they would email me if they needed any more information from me.

Should I keep in touch? They told me they would contact me if they needed anything, but I feel a little nervous not being in contact for so long. I don't want to pester the recruiter either though, because I know they are quite busy.

 

[Flux]

Question for you GAF:

I'm starting a new job in about 5 weeks. The recruiter gave me my start date and started my background check, and told me they would email me if they needed any more information from me.

Should I keep in touch? They told me they would contact me if they needed anything, but I feel a little nervous not being in contact for so long. I don't want to pester the recruiter either though, because I know they are quite busy.

Congrats! I would follow up after 1 week. If you don't here back, email or call again with 2 weeks before the start date.