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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing

Flux

Member
Accidentally hung up on a recruiter calling me on my cellphone because I accidentally pressed the power button, locking my phone. Fuck. Called back and the girl on the other end doesn't know exactly who called me to begin with after giving my details :/

Got rejected for a government job, because of personality tests. Probably for the best since I don't want to help Brexit in any way.

Shoulda taken that gov job and slowed it down as much as possible. Keep trying with that recruiter.
 

entremet

Member
I've had three interviews in the past month and no job offers. Starting to think it's me.

Hell, one of the jobs even let me do one day of training two weeks ago and then radio silence... :( during that day the owner seemed like he was gonna call me back but nothing...

I wouldn't read into it. Job searching is tough. You should be improving and adapting your strategy along the way. Each interview should become more polished.

Using gamer terms, you should be "leveling up" during this process--learn new skills, network, polish your LinkedIn, resume, etc. This should be positive pressure to get better.

Think of yourself as prize fighter in training camp. It's gonna suck, but you will be better at the end of it.
 
I wouldn't read into it. Job searching is tough. You should be improving and adapting your strategy along the way. Each interview should become more polished.

Using gamer terms, you should be "leveling up" during this process--learn new skills, network, polish your LinkedIn, resume, etc. This should be positive pressure to get better.

Think of yourself as prize fighter in training camp. It's gonna suck, but you will be better at the end of it.


Cue training montage
 

OG Kush

Member
Hey guys, had 2 phone interviews for a position, and now have a 1 hour intrerview in person. It'll be 2x30 min interviews with 2 different people. I assume it will be the last interview. Do you think it will be alright to ask about the salary or shall I just leave it and wait for their response? I'm a recent graduate so salary isn't a huge motivator ATM as long as its decent (I'm living at home as well so saving won't be an issue).
 

PantsuJo

Member
I'm going to quit my job due to serious reasons. I'm working as programmer.

The idea of returning to job-applying hell is fucking terrible :(
 

OG Kush

Member
I'm going to quit my job due to serious reasons. I'm working as programmer.

The idea of returning to job-applying hell is fucking terrible :(

Find your next job before you quit! Trust me it me more hell when you're unemployed. Not trying to be pessimistic, and I don't know your resume/experience so it may not apply, but sitting at home for 2/3 months can get depressing.
 
Hey guys, had 2 phone interviews for a position, and now have a 1 hour intrerview in person. It'll be 2x30 min interviews with 2 different people. I assume it will be the last interview. Do you think it will be alright to ask about the salary or shall I just leave it and wait for their response? I'm a recent graduate so salary isn't a huge motivator ATM as long as its decent (I'm living at home as well so saving won't be an issue).

Having seen the process from both sides, assuming you know it's going to be in the right ball park (based on adverts, and perhaps initial conversation with the agent or whatever) I wouldn't mention this unless they bring it up. Which they might, it's 50/50. It's more something to discuss if they're actually interested.
 

NeOak

Member
Hey guys, had 2 phone interviews for a position, and now have a 1 hour intrerview in person. It'll be 2x30 min interviews with 2 different people. I assume it will be the last interview. Do you think it will be alright to ask about the salary or shall I just leave it and wait for their response? I'm a recent graduate so salary isn't a huge motivator ATM as long as its decent (I'm living at home as well so saving won't be an issue).

Like wind_steaker said, only bring this up when they mention salary in the interview.
 

MC Safety

Member
Hey guys, had 2 phone interviews for a position, and now have a 1 hour intrerview in person. It'll be 2x30 min interviews with 2 different people. I assume it will be the last interview. Do you think it will be alright to ask about the salary or shall I just leave it and wait for their response? I'm a recent graduate so salary isn't a huge motivator ATM as long as its decent (I'm living at home as well so saving won't be an issue).

Don't ask about salary.
 

sojour

Member
Hi fellow job searchers, hope everyone is doing well.

After applying cold for ~4 month, I haven't really had any results (not even invitations to phone interviews). I've tried my school's career center and received some advice on how to contact employers and update my resume/cover letter. But I'm still not seeing results. Any advice on how to actually get noticed?

Yea, unfortunately, I really don't have many contacts or in a great position (IRL) to make them; unless it's through contacting people online (which often gets ignored as well).
 

scitek

Member
I applied to a job, then contacted the hiring manager on LinkedIn, and we had a phone interview a few days later, and he said he really likes me,but I should another member of the team. We then set up a time to meet over coffee before deciding whether I should move on to an in-person interview. A couple days later, he changed his mind and just wants to skip to the in-person interview instead. Now, we're apparently waiting on upper management to decide who will be involved since it will be a panel interview. The wait is killing me, and the decision to forego coffee has me wondering if this is good or not.
 

NeOak

Member
I applied to a job, then contacted the hiring manager on LinkedIn, and we had a phone interview a few days later, and he said he really likes me,but I should another member of the team. We then set up a time to meet over coffee before deciding whether I should move on to an in-person interview. A couple days later, he changed his mind and just wants to skip to the in-person interview instead. Now, we're apparently waiting on upper management to decide who will be involved since it will be a panel interview. The wait is killing me, and the decision to forego coffee has me wondering if this is good or not.

Usually, skipping steps ahead is a good sign.
 

maxcriden

Member
Finally got a call back tonight, I've got a new job! Was given a verbal offer about 5-6 weeks ago subject to a security screening, which I passed. Was a bit worried because I have some financial issues from a couple of years ago and that was a section of the questions I was asked about for some reason. I was honest and explained everything, but no problems it seems.
Should be starting within a fortnight. So happy right now.

Congrats! That's awesome news.

Barring anything stupid, I may actually have a job now. It's the intern position of basically the same job I applied for (with that insane interview in the last page) but a little less money. I'm okay with this because I may move out of the area for the Fall of 2017. But yeah, they even said that if I decide to stay after 6 months, they will adjust my salary and duties accordingly. They want me to work there.

Congrats to you as well! That's terrific.

Shoulda taken that gov job and slowed it down as much as possible. Keep trying with that recruiter.

Unless I misunderstood, they weren't offered the government job.

Hi fellow job searchers, hope everyone is doing well.

After applying cold for ~4 month, I haven't really had any results (not even invitations to phone interviews). I've tried my school's career center and received some advice on how to contact employers and update my resume/cover letter. But I'm still not seeing results. Any advice on how to actually get noticed?

Yea, unfortunately, I really don't have many contacts or in a great position (IRL) to make them; unless it's through contacting people online (which often gets ignored as well).


I'm sorry to hear it. Is there any other source you could seek out for help with your resume and cover letter? Just in case that's part of why you haven't been selected yet. Also, if the person at your career center hasn't been able to successfully assist you, is there another person there who might be able to offer additional or different advice or assistance? If at all possible, try to be oo discouraged or take it too personally, employers receive so many applications and it's entirely possible you were the next person to be called for any nunber of applications. All you need is one good response, one good interview and one good offer. Each of those will often lead to the other. So each person who rejects you is hopefully one step closer to better luck and success and a good job fit. I think most successful people say they had several "no"s before their successful "yes." I'm hopeful and confident with continued perseverance you'll get a great job soon. Wishing you the best of luck!
 

beasty

Member
I try to avoid this thread because I dont want to depress myself. But after these past couple months I must say, applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing. I find myself curled up in the fetal position every night wondering where did I go wrong. But that wont stop me. The thread title is perfect though.
 

Kito

Member
After applying cold for ~4 month, I haven't really had any results (not even invitations to phone interviews). I've tried my school's career center and received some advice on how to contact employers and update my resume/cover letter. But I'm still not seeing results. Any advice on how to actually get noticed?

Same. 4 months since my graduation, 0 interviews. I'm so fucked. :(
 
Most likely have a phone interview tomorrow for another internship. If I get it I am not sure I can balance this and a retail job so should I take the risk and leave the retail job for the internship?
 

Sora_N

Member
I try to avoid this thread because I dont want to depress myself. But after these past couple months I must say, applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing. I find myself curled up in the fetal position every night wondering where did I go wrong. But that wont stop me. The thread title is perfect though.

Definitely. Even though I'm employed already, looking for another job is still stressful. I got lucky that an ex-coworker referred me after I applied to her company.
 

sojour

Member
I'm sorry to hear it. Is there any other source you could seek out for help with your resume and cover letter? Just in case that's part of why you haven't been selected yet. Also, if the person at your career center hasn't been able to successfully assist you, is there another person there who might be able to offer additional or different advice or assistance? If at all possible, try to be oo discouraged or take it too personally, employers receive so many applications and it's entirely possible you were the next person to be called for any nunber of applications. All you need is one good response, one good interview and one good offer. Each of those will often lead to the other. So each person who rejects you is hopefully one step closer to better luck and success and a good job fit. I think most successful people say they had several "no"s before their successful "yes." I'm hopeful and confident with continued perseverance you'll get a great job soon. Wishing you the best of luck!

Thank you Max for your kind words. Indeed, the only way ahead is to keep applying. Though like you said, I probably need to augment my methods, if current ones are working. But I think I've ran out of human resources for me (already asked my co-workers/students, professors, and career center professionals for help).


Same. 4 months since my graduation, 0 interviews. I'm so fucked. :(

:(
I have no words to say, other than I understand how you feel since I'm in the same exact position. Some days I'm extremely sad (feeling like a failure), and some days, I'm anguished at myself and my lack of ability to locate a job. It's definitely not building up my self confidence, for sure.
 

Flux

Member
Thank you Max for your kind words. Indeed, the only way ahead is to keep applying. Though like you said, I probably need to augment my methods, if current ones are working. But I think I've ran out of human resources for me (already asked my co-workers/students, professors, and career center professionals for help).




:(
I have no words to say, other than I understand how you feel since I'm in the same exact position. Some days I'm extremely sad (feeling like a failure), and some days, I'm anguished at myself and my lack of ability to locate a job. It's definitely not building up my self confidence, for sure.

We can start a support group or club. Been anxious over this because I think I could get a job in an unrelated/unskilled position, but I feel I need something relevant.
 

Kito

Member
Been anxious over this because I think I could get a job in an unrelated/unskilled position, but I feel I need something relevant.

I could also get an unskilled job (watier/bartender) as I have experience and 'contacts' in the hospitality industry, but I feel as though this isn't the right thing to do as a young maths grad.
 
After getting let go of a job three months ago as an RN., I am having a hard time finding work. I can get interviews. I can answer questions well. And I try to be personable. But I can't get anything. I am always beat out by someone with more experience, even though I applied for a new grad position.

Not asking for advice. Just venting. I just feel lied to right now.
 

JordanN

Banned
Well screw it, I think I'm just going to join the military now.

I traveled all the way to another city, for a job ad that said they were hiring a lot of people, only to show up and be told I would be put on a wait list behind 15 other people. This is just warehouse work.

Naw, I'm tired of this stuff now. The job market has gotten too insane for even simple labor work. Feels like only the army is the last place for any kind of job security.
 
Barring something insanely stupid showing up on my background check (where nothing bad will show up) I will have a job starting on the 1st :). Even though the pay is less than what I was getting at my past 2 jobs ($15 for this one an hour, $16/$22 an hour previously), I get some good benefits. One, it's directly with a company. Two... Three, the PTO rate is kind of awesome. Every 80 hours gives 10 hours of PTO. So if I worked 6 months, I can get 3 weeks off. Or work 10 months and get 5 weeks off. Better than any other place I know of.
 
I am being laid off as of dec. 2. The analysts are already out the door. Luckily I am an assistant and was placed on the transition team where funnel the contracts to different offices in different states.
 
"I'll get back to you by the end of the week."

4 weeks later nothing. And before you asked, I already followed up earlier. It's kind of lame when there are only 3 people on the shortlist that the employer can't contact you to let you know. Just rude imo.
 
Hey guys, had 2 phone interviews for a position, and now have a 1 hour intrerview in person. It'll be 2x30 min interviews with 2 different people. I assume it will be the last interview. Do you think it will be alright to ask about the salary or shall I just leave it and wait for their response? I'm a recent graduate so salary isn't a huge motivator ATM as long as its decent (I'm living at home as well so saving won't be an issue).

Don't ask until you have an offer.
 

entremet

Member
Well screw it, I think I'm just going to join the military now.

I traveled all the way to another city, for a job ad that said they were hiring a lot of people, only to show up and be told I would be put on a wait list behind 15 other people. This is just warehouse work.

Naw, I'm tired of this stuff now. The job market has gotten too insane for even simple labor work. Feels like only the army is the last place for any kind of job security.

Why are you limiting yourself to simple labor jobs?
 

scitek

Member
Got my itinerary today. Wednesday morning I will have several interviews, including panels of people who made games I really like in the past. It will be very interesting. Oh, and they are also taking me to lunch so if I end up not getting the job for some reason, I'll at least get a meal out of it!
 

JDHarbs

Member
My phone interview is tomorrow. I'm prepping all day today and hoping to get a decent night's sleep because my internal clock is way off right now. My nightmare is that I will sleep through my interview.

Wish me luck fam
 

NeOak

Member
Ok, so it has been a week since I was supposed to be asked for details for my in person interview through email.

Nothing so far. Getting a bit worried :/
 

JLynn

Member
I've been out of work since I moved to California over two months ago so I feel yall on the job to get a job. I was fortunate to be hired last week for a company that I never thought would hire me. Here's a tip that worked out for me. If you were fortunate enough to get an interview, either in person, via phone, or even webcasted, be sure to email the recruiter a thank you note the day after.

It doesn't have to be long, about two paragraphs. Basically thank them for their time as well as the opportunity, inform them that you are interested in the job and you feel you are the most qualified for it, and leave your contact information. Also make mention of something off the record during the interview, like if the recruiter gave you a bottle water, the recruiter mentioning anything involving their family, or if someone gave you a tour of the facility. The recruiter who eventually hired me occasionally coughed and apologized for it, so I mentioned that I hope she got over whatever ailed her during our time of the interview.

What this does is it keeps their memories of you fresh in their minds during the phase where they begin picking the people to hire. It definitely does not hinder the chances of getting the job, quite the contrary. When I got the hiring call from the recruiter, she actually thanked me for sending the note as it reminded her to pull up my resume to the consideration pile. She also thanked me for caring about her well-being due to one sentence. So make certain that you get the recruiter's contact information before your interview ends.

I wish yall the best of luck in finding employment. Yall can do this!
 

scitek

Member
Welp, nevermind. They just canceled Wednesday on me. The recruiter told me upper management decided to go a different route, but she said the hiring manager is bummed.

She also said I have a lot of potential, my work is as good as any she's seen, and she wants to help me get on somewhere else. Needless to say, I'm fucking crushed.
 
I'm officially giving up on finding a job. Trying to get work so I have some extra money for school but it always ends in me not getting the job and me feeling stupid for even trying.
 

scitek

Member
I really don't know what to do now.

People will scoff, but I hate my job. Hate it. I've never been so stressed out in my life. I can't sleep, I overeat (gained 20 lbs. in 10 months of working there), I drink excessively nearly every night now. When I'm not at work, I dread going to work. I've seriously had moments recently where I've almost walked out.

And last week, the only person who I ever bothered talking to about any of it quit. So now I'm alone. My schedule makes a social life impossible, so I have no friends (I don't get along well with anyone at work, either). I actually regret moving to Seattle. It's been nothing but a shit show here from day one for me.
 

JDHarbs

Member
If an interview was originally scheduled for an hour, but ended up being 25 minutes, is that a bad sign? Or do most interviewers schedule more time just to be safe?
 
I really don't know what to do now.

People will scoff, but I hate my job. Hate it. I've never been so stressed out in my life. I can't sleep, I overeat (gained 20 lbs. in 10 months of working there), I drink excessively nearly every night now. When I'm not at work, I dread going to work. I've seriously had moments recently where I've almost walked out.

And last week, the only person who I ever bothered talking to about any of it quit. So now I'm alone. My schedule makes a social life impossible, so I have no friends (I don't get along well with anyone at work, either). I actually regret moving to Seattle. It's been nothing but a shit show here from day one for me.
Usually around here we say don't quit unless you have something else lined up. But this sounds as if it is destroying you mentally and physically.
I say let it go.
 
I think I might be visiting this thread again :(

Last time I was in a dire economic situation. But at the right time I got an offer, we had to relocate to another state, but the job would pull us through if it was stable enough(Meaning we need a few months to stabilize and then we could start paying down debts)

It seems that it wasn't stable enough :(

I really hope its just me being paranoid, but in any case, it's time to get to networking again, just in case
 
I think I might be visiting this thread again :(

Last time I was in a dire economic situation. But at the right time I got an offer, we had to relocate to another state, but the job would pull us through if it was stable enough(Meaning we need a few months to stabilize and then we could start paying down debts)

It seems that it wasn't stable enough :(

I really hope its just me being paranoid, but in any case, it's time to get to networking again, just in case

It's always time to be networking.
But I hope you don't need it. :)
 

StoneFox

Member
Got A+ Certified today, hope it'll help to snag a job I wouldn't have previously. $600 spent because I failed one of the tests accidentally, but hopefully it'll pay for itself. Spend money to make money, as they say..
 

scitek

Member
Usually around here we say don't quit unless you have something else lined up. But this sounds as if it is destroying you mentally and physically.
I say let it go.

I agree with the first sentiment. I've been trying to find another job in the area for 5 months with no luck. Unfortunately, I have to leave my industry due to a contract with a no-compete clause. Seattle is home to a lot of gaming and tech companies, but they don't have a lot openings for video production. My other option is to leave the area entirely, which isn't out of the question, but it does complicate things.

Still, yeah, it's taking a toll on me, so I'll have to take some sort of action soon.
 
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