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[Darkmakaimura]

I'm about to give up. Even temp agencies are fail and today was the final straw when I was basically told I don't have the qualifications for a fucking call center job that was less taxing than my old one. Fuck off with that shit. I am tired of this.

 

[Bill S. Preston. Esq.]

My interview yesterday was a nightmare. Way too technical for my experience level. So long dream job.

 

[Cudder]

So, I'm applying a for a basic sales position right now for my local Best Buy, and they make you write a cover letter during the application process. A freaking cover letter for an entry level retail job at Best Buy. What a messed-up world we live in.

Spoiler

For all I know they've always required you to do this, but it strikes me as baffling.

Man, that sort of thing ticks me off.

Places like that, retail, they seem to put you through more crap than even what way better jobs and places do. It's insane. I get pissed off just thinking about it.

Let me ask you guys a question, if you even have an answer for this one...

For a job with full state benefits - insurance, retirement, vacation, sick days, and all of that good stuff, is there a way to get a ballpark of what all of that can amount to in order to get a true concept of what your "pay" will be? Is there some sort of standard or is it just all depending upon this and that?

Or instead of sulking and being all "why the hell are they making me write a cover letter for a basic sales job?", you can look at it as an opportunity to differentiate yourself from everyone else. I imagine your chances of getting the job dramatically increase if they actually read cover letters, and not just choose from huge pile of resumes.

Of course, you'd have to write a pretty damn good cover letter, which is easy as piss anyway.

 

[TTUVAPOR]

Update on second interview:

Had my second interview with a company last week on Tuesday. Since then, I have heard nothing from them, no emails and no phone calls. Tomorrow will be a week from when they interviewed me for the second time, so if I hear nothing from them by the afternoon, I will give them a call to follow up on the position. This is really making me nervous that it's taking this long, but since it's a much larger corporation, the hiring process of getting a package together and putting an offer out may take longer than I'm used to.

The second interview went really well. During the interview, the person who would be my manager said, "see, I told you there was a reason I liked this guy". Then throughout the interview, the three of them agreed with pretty much all of my statements, answers, responses, etc. As the interview concluded, the lead interviewer said they would be in touch with me very soon.

So...yeah, I'm not sure how to take that other than...they liked me but then I've had this happen to me before and I get an email rejection.

One thing to note here is that my email inbox has yet to receive a rejection, so perhaps there is still hope!

 

[TTUVAPOR]

I'm about to give up. Even temp agencies are fail and today was the final straw when I was basically told I don't have the qualifications for a fucking call center job that was less taxing than my old one. Fuck off with that shit. I am tired of this.

That's their way of saying, "we actually have too many people to find jobs for, so we have no use for you at this time."

 

[Downhome]

Don't hate on temp agencies too hard. My mom works at one now, and has been there for many years now, and I see what all goes on behind the scenes. The companies that they bring on to find work for, they can be incredibly strict and hard on the agency to find the people they want. Some of their demands are crazy, it drives the people who work there insane sometimes.

 

[Etrian Oddity]

Not to rub it in or anything, but it's quite odd to see this scenario, considering I work in the service industry. Always job prospects here ( though not nice 401k or benefits or pay as high, haha).

Good luck everyone, though.

 

[Ultimadrago]

Got hired on the spot today...for retail work.

Unfortunate endings up, but all I can do it roll with the punches for now. Of course, knowing I had a degree, the interviewer held the "I was like you once, but moved up the ladder quickly!" carrot in front of my face, all of which I'm sure is bullshit to make the job seem not-quite-as-dead-end-as-you-might-think. Whatever. Just feel so aimless right now.

 

[RP912]

Sighs.

I'm still waiting to start at walmart. I have the job but they haven't called me in for a drug test yet and a start date .

I called them a few days ago and was told that they still hiring people for day/night crew but no estimate of when I start.

 

[unholyrevenger72]

Sighs.

I'm still waiting to start at walmart. I have the job but they haven't called me in for a drug test yet and a start date .

I called them a few days ago and was told that they still hiring people for day/night crew but no estimate of when I start.

i'm gonna guess Holiday Season....

 

[RP912]

i'm gonna guess Holiday Season....

Sounds like it. I'm hoping I stay on board until I find something within my field someday. It's been a stressful time because of bills and etc. I hope something happens soon

 

[Inspectah Deck]

I'm about to give up. Even temp agencies are fail and today was the final straw when I was basically told I don't have the qualifications for a fucking call center job that was less taxing than my old one. Fuck off with that shit. I am tired of this.

same bro im about to go crazy with all these rejections..

 

[JambiBum]

Anyone that lives in the Austin, TX or Indianapolis, IN area that is looking for a job with decent pay PM me. It's a call center type job where you don't actually have to talk to anyone on the phone. By decent pay I mean anywhere from 9-19/hr. If you aren't awful at the job you can reliably make 12/hr starting out. If you are interested and want more info just PM me and I'll answer any questions I can there.

 

[Corgi]

man have no clue wtf this recruiting firm is doing. They passed me the offer paper work BEFORE I've even had my technical interview.

no way in hell im signing this before I even know what im doing at this job.

 

[Wolf Akela]

Boy did I undersell myself.

I applied at a company a while ago and instantly got an offer. I put my expected salary around 10-15% higher than my current one. Of course, they offered me the lowest expectation. Given the amount of increased work I have to do (shifting scheds), I declined. I've been watching jobsites and they kept posting the same job over and over. Finally tonight I saw a post by a recruitment firm and the description was copy pasted. The offer? 60-150% higher than my current salary.

NO WONDER I instantly got an offer. Has anyone tried re-applying to a job after turning down an offer? I'm sure they'll ask why I re-applied, and it'll be obvious if I ask for a much higher salary.

 

[Spycarnegy]

All I can say is keep trying man. I swear the position I'm in now is almost purely based on luck and knowing the right people. Unfortunately it has come to that in this world even if you are qualified as I was. Good Luck and keep on pushing, the only way you can go is up. I was unemployed for more than 10 months before I found my next gig.

 

[RP912]

On some good news:

I finally reach the supervisor...found out that HR mixed up paperwork which is the main reason for the delay -_-.

Hopefully I'll hear something sometime this week...if not next week. *crosses fingers*

 

[Bill S. Preston. Esq.]

Got rejected. Fuck it!

 

[FillerB]

I need more sleep. Useless interviews with recruiters and companies everyday for the last two weeks. And of course I haven't heard anything back from anyone. All that time and sleep-consuming prepwork and nothing to show for it.

*sigh*

I wish I was better at selling myself.

 

[Woffls]

Got a rejection today, feedback was they thought I'd get frustrated in a junior role. I have no idea what level I'm supposed to be aiming at now.

I have a very good understanding of data analytics principles and whatever, but I was using a program I wrote with C# .net rather than any of the more industry standard methods like SQL, SAS or whatever. Also this was for supporting software development, not just making graphs for people.

So I thought I'd go for a junior role and learn some skills, because anything higher is asking explicitly for that kind of experience. So I'm in between somewhere, and consequently I feel completely lost.

I'm not sure I can take much more of this. It's too depressing.

 

[5amshift]

I'm about to give up. Even temp agencies are fail and today was the final straw when I was basically told I don't have the qualifications for a fucking call center job that was less taxing than my old one. Fuck off with that shit. I am tired of this.

I can top that. When I was still in high school, I applied at Target to do anything, I just wanted a job. Applied to also collect carriages and was denied. How that fucking makes sense I will never know. They said I was too qualified to collect carriages.

 

[Davey Cakes]

I'm about to give up. Even temp agencies are fail and today was the final straw when I was basically told I don't have the qualifications for a fucking call center job that was less taxing than my old one. Fuck off with that shit. I am tired of this.

It's hilarious how there's a barrier of entry for temp call center jobs.

These are the types of jobs that pretty much anyone could do with the right training. Not only that but they used to be done by high school graduates, not four-year college students.

Ridiculous. Anyone with a brain, some study skills, and solid work ethic can handle the tasks of low level office jobs.

The sheer volume of applicants is the biggest issue of course. Recruiters are basically forced to filter out people even if it doesn't seem fair.

 

[D3RANG3D]

I can top that. When I was still in high school, I applied at Target to do anything, I just wanted a job. Applied to also collect carriages and was denied. How that fucking makes sense I will never know. They said I was too qualified to collect carriages.

I went through the same thing in high school, I would apply for any shitty old job, and they would be like "you don't have any experience" and I'm like how can I get experience if no one will hire me :/

 

[cwmartin]

If anyone is in or near the Stamford CT area we are always looking for recent grads and junior/senior interns. Job is customer service answering general mainline questions from our users. Good pay for right out of school with some flexible hours. Pm me!

 

[TheSpoiler]

Ranting time!

So I'm looking for social media work ,but nearly every job I've applied to has some sort of glaring stipulation. For example, I had all of the qualifications to one position except I'm not proficient in Final Cut or Premiere. In another, it was a lack of godlike experience in Photoshop (I get by, but I'm no senior-level expert).

I almost want to say "fuck it" and apply anyway. Maybe they don't need someone who's perfect, or maybe I can learn on the fly, because these things are literally the only blockage stopping me when it comes to the requirements listed.

What really gets my goat is the fact that it's completely unreasonable for a mid-level employee to be well-versed in writing, digital marketing/social media, AND a long list of programs. It's like trying to squeeze every last drop of talent from one person.

I've seen the same job get posted on all the main places for this very reason - too many requirements.

/rant over

 

[Davey Cakes]

I went through the same thing in high school, I would apply for any shitty old job, and they would be like "you don't have any experience" and I'm like how can I get experience if no one will hire me :/

A problem that many of us face. The ol' catch 22. Want experience? Need experience first.

And with some jobs you really don't need experience. That's just another filter.

It's a problem when honest people that want to grow professionally and just want to start SOMEWHERE can't find any opportunities, even at entry levels or "sub-entry" levels.

 

[Odinson]

Ranting time!

So I'm looking for social media work ,but nearly every job I've applied to has some sort of glaring stipulation. For example, I had all of the qualifications to one position except I'm not proficient in Final Cut or Premiere. In another, it was a lack of godlike experience in Photoshop (I get by, but I'm no senior-level expert).

I almost want to say "fuck it" and apply anyway. Maybe they don't need someone who's perfect, or maybe I can learn on the fly, because these things are literally the only blockage stopping me when it comes to the requirements listed.

What really gets my goat is the fact that it's completely unreasonable for a mid-level employee to be well-versed in writing, digital marketing/social media, AND a long list of programs. It's like trying to squeeze every last drop of talent from one person.

I've seen the same job get posted on all the main places for this very reason - too many requirements.

/rant over

I feel your pain. I've been looking and applying for jobs as well. Most of them have a ridiculous list of requirements for the positions your applying for. It's like they took two or three positions and put them together for one person to do. I feel like the down turn of the economy has companies wanting to have one employee do the work of two or three. It's great to be well rounded, but asking someone to know all these requirements plus years of experience is just mind boggling.

 

[flyover]

What really gets my goat is the fact that it's completely unreasonable for a mid-level employee to be well-versed in writing, digital marketing/social media, AND a long list of programs. It's like trying to squeeze every last drop of talent from one person.

What's really stupid about this -- and it goes for many tech-related positions -- is the insistence that you be an expert on this or that specific program or language. If you have a verifiable track record (past projects, references, portfolio, code samples, etc.) of being able to learn and use any analogous technologies, then you'll be fine.

In most cases where I'd be hiring for a permanent position, I would much rather have a generally competent, empathetic, diligent worker who may need some time getting up to speed on a particular technology than a person who already has a specific skill, but lacks in any of those other areas. Also, when the technologies change (and they will), I want the person who can adapt.

Basically, it's like Aaron Swartz wrote (not that he was the first to come up it): Are you smart, do you get things done, and would I like to work with you?
http://www.aaronsw.com/weblog/hiring

 

[LegendofLex]

So, I'm applying a for a basic sales position right now for my local Best Buy, and they make you write a cover letter during the application process. A freaking cover letter for an entry level retail job at Best Buy. What a messed-up world we live in.

What, it doesn't make sense that they want to weed people out by their actual sales skills and not their resumes?

 

[Downhome]

I just got back from orientation, which wasn't much other than watching a video about this industry and then filling out the typical hiring paperwork. It was me, three older ladies, and then a really young guy in there with us. I'm talking maybe 20, but could have been 18 as well. After the video we watched he asked the lady over the meeting if he could talk to her out in the hall. She came back, but he never did. At the end when she was wrapping up with us she told us that he wouldn't be back, that he asked to speak with her privately to let her know that this wasn't the job for him, and he couldn't stay on and wouldn't be showing up next week for training.

This is a state job with full state benefits.

We were all shocked, but more power to the guy. I'm glad he had the balls to be honest about it instead of wasting their time. I really respected him for doing it how he did.

EDIT:

I guess I should also mention more about the place. It's an agency that cares for, trains, mentors, and coaches people of all ages with special needs and disabilities, many of which are mental disabilities.

 

[ezrarh]

Ranting time!

So I'm looking for social media work ,but nearly every job I've applied to has some sort of glaring stipulation. For example, I had all of the qualifications to one position except I'm not proficient in Final Cut or Premiere. In another, it was a lack of godlike experience in Photoshop (I get by, but I'm no senior-level expert).

I almost want to say "fuck it" and apply anyway. Maybe they don't need someone who's perfect, or maybe I can learn on the fly, because these things are literally the only blockage stopping me when it comes to the requirements listed.

What really gets my goat is the fact that it's completely unreasonable for a mid-level employee to be well-versed in writing, digital marketing/social media, AND a long list of programs. It's like trying to squeeze every last drop of talent from one person.

I've seen the same job get posted on all the main places for this very reason - too many requirements.

/rant over

If you have the time, I would say "fuck it" and apply. I always look at the job requirements as a wish list. You're not going to get it all. The last job I've had and my current one as well, I would have been considered "under qualified" for both of them. I applied anyway and managed to do well after getting hired despite not knowing everything. A lot of the time you just learn on the job anyways.

 

[captainnapalm]

I think the secret to job interviews when you're inexperienced is basically faking it, pretending to be super confident and lying a bit if you need to about what you've done/know how to do. Once your foot is in the door, you can generally figure it out and take it from there.

But if you go in to the interview with any uncertainty or admitting any weakness or knowledge gap, you're probably dead.

 

[CrunchyB]

A problem that many of us face. The ol' catch 22. Want experience? Need experience first.

Don't think a few years of experience will make all problems go away. The excuses simply change to "no experience in our specific niche" or even "overqualified". Thing is, companies want Goldilocks: A good degree, exactly the experience they requested and preferably young (cheap and impressionable). Many companies don't care that it will take a long while before the perfect candidate comes along.

I think the secret to job interviews when you're inexperienced is basically faking it, pretending to be super confident and lying a bit if you need to about what you've done/know how to do. Once your foot is in the door, you can generally figure it out and take it from there.

But if you go in to the interview with any uncertainty or admitting any weakness or knowledge gap, you're probably dead.

Yeah, fake it till you make it. I would never lie. But you can be sure I'll bend the truth as far as I possibly can.

If you have the time, I would say "fuck it" and apply. I always look at the job requirements as a wish list. You're not going to get it all. The last job I've had and my current one as well, I would have been considered "under qualified" for both of them. I applied anyway and managed to do well after getting hired despite not knowing everything. A lot of the time you just learn on the job anyways.

A lot of those lists are bullshit anyway. The (technology) buzzwords found further down the list can usually be picked up during the job, no problem. My rule of thumb, if you can more or less match the education requirement and work experience, it's worth a shot. They won't curse you out for not meeting their standards, at worst they simply never contact you back.

 

[TheSpoiler]

Thanks guys, I think I'm gonna go for it and just apply. Time is all my unemployed ass has anyway.

 

[BeforeU]

I just got back from orientation, which wasn't much other than watching a video about this industry and then filling out the typical hiring paperwork. It was me, three older ladies, and then a really young guy in there with us. I'm talking maybe 20, but could have been 18 as well. After the video we watched he asked the lady over the meeting if he could talk to her out in the hall. She came back, but he never did. At the end when she was wrapping up with us she told us that he wouldn't be back, that he asked to speak with her privately to let her know that this wasn't the job for him, and he couldn't stay on and wouldn't be showing up next week for training.

This is a state job with full state benefits.

We were all shocked, but more power to the guy. I'm glad he had the balls to be honest about it instead of wasting their time. I really respected him for doing it how he did.

EDIT:

I guess I should also mention more about the place. It's an agency that cares for, trains, mentors, and coaches people of all ages with special needs and disabilities, many of which are mental disabilities.

So he gave up in a middle of the orientation? Orientation is mostly about the company as whole and not his specific role he was hired for. So wtf? Didnt he know about the company before he applied and then was called in for an interview. I call this fucking stupid. To me it looks like he had no fucking idea what he was doing. He already wasted a position and company's time.

 

[Lilalaunebaer]

Well, i´m gonna go back to the job agency tomorrow, so i can apply for unemployment money.

FUCK, i didn´t want to go back to that place, but i´ll run out of money soon.

 

[Downhome]

So he gave up in a middle of the orientation? Orientation is mostly about the company as whole and not his specific role he was hired for. So wtf? Didnt he know about the company before he applied and then was called in for an interview. I call this fucking stupid. To me it looks like he had no fucking idea what he was doing. He already wasted a position and company's time.

You raise a good point, he did indeed waste their time but at least he stopped where he did. I'm not sure how he wouldn't know what the place was. They only deal with people with disabilities, both physical and mental. I think what got him was the part of the video where they went over how some of these people are completely helpless and then of course the part where it explained how they can sometimes be angry and violent and you have to deal with that. Right around that point is where I think he checked out.

What sucks for me is that I got my last unemployment payment last week. I don't start my job until Monday, and since I'll be starting in the middle of a pay period I wont get my first paycheck until after the third week of October. Ugh, this really, really sucks! At least it'll be a decent first check, and the health insurance and everything for me and my wife will start much earlier than we expected. It'll already start on November 1st. We haven't really ever had health insurance since we had it with our parents. We'll finally be able to start thinking about having a baby and all of that.

 

[KingSlime]

I'm in a very similar boat. Went for my first interview the other week, then a second interview a week ago Monday, at which point they said they are happy to offer me the job. Some following up in the meantime about reference checks, and I am waiting to have my formal offer from HR. Last I have heard from them was last Thursday. Though, one of my primary references was out of the office until this Monday, so I am assuming they held off to speak with him until then. Feels nervous though man. Does this sound like a normal timeline? Should I follow up at all?

Guess things were just a bit slow moving since it's a university job, but I've officially received and signed the formal offer for this now. Gonna be starting in a couple weeks as a curriculum developer at the university in town! Super happy about the gig-- I've worked a few jobs for the university before, but they have been research-based and largely unsecure. This one has a great salary, full pension and benefits, and I'm part of the staff association union. It's a nice feeling.

To those who are having a hard time, keep your chin up and something will turn up!

 

[Rich!]

I just had to fill in a six page application form

fuuucking hell

 

[Marcus]

Get a copy of "Cracking the Coding Interview" and brush up on your CS fundamentals, good luck!

thanks for the suggestion! i got an offer.

 

[Wilsongt]

Been putting in a couple of applications each day and praying. Nothing so far... I am just glad I have money in the bank.

 

[Moozo]

Officially on the job search train. Here's hoping.

 

[Downhome]

Let me ask you guys this, because it tends to be true for both my wife and I.

Do you guys also find that it's much easier, for whatever reason, to get a new job when you already have a job?

Now yes, I know that it likely looks better if you are already working, but that's not what I'm talking about. What I mean is when you have been out of work for an extended period of time, you just get denial after denial, and then when you FINALLY have someone say they'll hire you, all of a sudden you get phone calls and emails from multiple people saying they want to offer you a job as well.

Ever since I got the job I mentioned before I have received about three or four additional offers right after it. It's happened like that to me twice now in my life, and it happened to my wife as well when she was out of work a few years ago.

I know there is no real reason for it, but it seems to happen like that for us every single time we get a new job after being out of work for months.

 

[StickSoldier]

Shit, I'm about to start looking for a job in Pennsylvania these next upcoming weeks and I'm dreading it. I have no confidence in my IT skills, which is what I got a degree in, and I really don't even know if I want to work with computers for the rest of my fucking life lol. I've been without a job for almost a year, but I'm hoping to have more opportunities up there. I just want a damn job to start off with and work my way up. This no working thing really puts a dent into your life, like it makes you feel sort of useless. I'd say I have pretty good social skills, which I've put a lot of work into, but I just have no idea what path to pursue for my future. Is working in the IT department really what I wanna do? Every time I study for it, I start feeling bad. Maybe I'll go back to school for something else, I just don't know yet. It's definitely something I'm looking forward to conquering though! Keep yalls heads up!

 

[elrechazado]

I think the secret to job interviews when you're inexperienced is basically faking it, pretending to be super confident and lying a bit if you need to about what you've done/know how to do. Once your foot is in the door, you can generally figure it out and take it from there.

But if you go in to the interview with any uncertainty or admitting any weakness or knowledge gap, you're probably dead.

As a frequent interviewer, confidence, not fake bravado, is the most appealing thing in the world. I usually decide if someone is hire able in the first 3 minutes.

 

[Philia]

Who here have two part time jobs? I'll consider that route now that the fucking 40 hours/full time jobs are damn SCARCE out there.

Is there anything I must do when it comes to taxes? I read online that you'll need to tell the second employer that its your second job currently and they'll give you a specific form for tax purposes?

I think this is going to appeal to me a ton because a) more hours when I need it, b)less hours when I need it, c) flexibility, d) enjoy the perks of both jobs without the daily grind. E) I lose one job, I still have the other to fall back on. F) Multitasking two jobs at the same time will look amazing on a resume?

The only con I see in this is the commute, no health benefits or 401K and the break of momentum but whatever, my life had always been somewhat all over the place. Thankfully job B will be rigid as my current job A is very flexible. So what I'll do is flex job A around Job B's schedules. Job A has hours wee hours in the morning and in the evenings opposed to Job B's.

There was a week when I had to cover some call outs at Job A and my hours racked up to 30 hours. So this way, I can enjoy the extra money on the side if I had a staple 40 hours here and there from both jobs being 20 hours on average. Then again, Job B can also grow into something else, offering me more hours on other days... which what I'm hoping for too.

 

[Frustrated_Grunt]

Let me ask you guys this, because it tends to be true for both my wife and I.

Do you guys also find that it's much easier, for whatever reason, to get a new job when you already have a job?

Now yes, I know that it likely looks better if you are already working, but that's not what I'm talking about. What I mean is when you have been out of work for an extended period of time, you just get denial after denial, and then when you FINALLY have someone say they'll hire you, all of a sudden you get phone calls and emails from multiple people saying they want to offer you a job as well.

Ever since I got the job I mentioned before I have received about three or four additional offers right after it. It's happened like that to me twice now in my life, and it happened to my wife as well when she was out of work a few years ago.

I know there is no real reason for it, but it seems to happen like that for us every single time we get a new job after being out of work for months.

This happened to me too. After I accepted the system design job, I got one job offer and three interview offers within the same week. There's no reason for why this should happen, but it does.

 

[Mii]

I am currently on the job hunt while in my MBA program. I am applying to associate roles in investment banks.

From this past Monday until late January, I will be meeting with bankers at corporate presentations, informational interviews, lunch meetings, closed-list events, case competitions, and more. Typically there will be 2-3 events per workday, of which I (re)connect with about 4-6 people per big event and 1-2 per small event. For each one, I'll need to have new questions to ask about the job (about a half hour's discussion worth for each person at small events), sell myself and my story, build a rapport with them, and network.

There are about 15 banks I have in mind (9 of which anyone here could probably name). Of about 85 of us that apply, about 60 get jobs, 45 at the big name ones.

Oh ya, and there are still 2 rounds of actual interviews at the end which are both technical and behavioral.

Its going to be a very intense 4 months, but hopefully it will be worth it.

 

[Kotetsu534]

Three rejection e-mails in one day (two for minimum wage retail work, one for a legal traineeship). I'm not in a good mood right now.

Another company did say they would be arranging a phone interview within the next two weeks though, so there's still a little hope.

 

[TheChocolateWar]

Three rejection e-mails in one day (two for minimum wage retail work, one for a legal traineeship). I'm not in a good mood right now.

Another company did say they would be arranging a phone interview within the next two weeks though, so there's still a little hope.

Legal traineeship, are you are law school grad? Its hard out there for a pimp.