A company I applied to for my first post-college career got back to me today for a job interview. The pay isn't great (~33k/year) and it has a high deductible HSA health insurance plan that would have to cover myself, my wife, and 2 year old son. Since I have a preexisting condition and have maxed out my parent's deductible every year since I've been 12, I honestly don't think it's enough to live off of. The nice thing is it's close to a University and I want to take 3 more courses to get into a graduate program, but just living would be tight. Should I go for it or let it go and look elsewhere? I only want the position for a year or two until I transition into grad school.
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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
In terms of interviews.
At the end of the interview or those parts where its time for "what questions do you have for us"
What kind of questions are you asking?
Usually through reading the application and description and the general interview process, I don't have much left other than standard benefit kind of questions.
At the end of the interview or those parts where its time for "what questions do you have for us"
What kind of questions are you asking?
Usually through reading the application and description and the general interview process, I don't have much left other than standard benefit kind of questions.
That sucks man, I'm right there with you. Had an assessment with a bunch of tech questions, nailed every single one and the recruiter even said they were looking for someone to fit that role with harder technical skills, and they knew I was a tech major.
Cold rejection a week later, "you're not the right fit".
If it's any comfort, you're not alone.
Welp. I just got the call today that I'm being furloughed (power engineering firm). Sucks because they still have work for me, they furloughed the majority of our group today to avoid paying us for the hoilday break (we usually get December 23rd-January 1st off and fully paid). I'll still have work until the end of the year, but it looks like our group is going to be eliminated (there are no projects on the horizon, and there's a total of 3 high ups who are still working regular hours, those are the only people still there).
I get unemployment, but because I'd been working 20 hours/week off and on over the last 8 months I'm not sure how measly that's going to be. I'm also still finishing a degree and may just take out loans, stay unemployed for the next year and wrap that up.
So here we go, I'm taking today and tomorrow to brood/panic/chill before I start doing all the things one does in this scenario. Pretty scared, as this the first time in 8 years I've had this happen (I had two job changes during that time, but both were initiated by me). Look forward to going through this thread and contributing during that time. Hold me GAF...
I get unemployment, but because I'd been working 20 hours/week off and on over the last 8 months I'm not sure how measly that's going to be. I'm also still finishing a degree and may just take out loans, stay unemployed for the next year and wrap that up.
So here we go, I'm taking today and tomorrow to brood/panic/chill before I start doing all the things one does in this scenario. Pretty scared, as this the first time in 8 years I've had this happen (I had two job changes during that time, but both were initiated by me). Look forward to going through this thread and contributing during that time. Hold me GAF...
Those are times when you're supposed to interview them. If you had 5 other job offers in your pocket, what questions would you ask to help make your choice? (Aside from salary, that's sort of poor taste to bring up in an interview.)
What is the typical day-in-the-life like for my position? What's the typical career path? Are you supportive of continuing education? Does your company believe in Industry Buzzword XYZ?
This part of the interview seems to be often overlooked but is crucially important. I've been on both sides of the interview process a bunch lately and here's what I'd say.
1. Come armed with a LOT of questions to ask. Many will be likely be answered during the normal flow of the conversation but it's absolutely critical that you have at least a couple questions to ask at the end. Not asking any questions tells the employer that you either didn't bother doing any research at all, or will just take any job that comes along.
PS on this one if it turns out no questions were answered during the interview, don't grill the interviewer for 45 minutes after it's over. They will typically have 5 or 10 minutes planned for your questions so stick with the most important ones.
2. Do NOT ask questions that could be answered by looking at the company's website for a few minutes. Stuff like "how long have you been in business" or anything else super generic is poison. Asking something that's not immediately discernible from the website but is spawned by information there is good.
3. DO ask questions that show them you know what you're talking about and showcase your skills. In my line of work (IT) this is pretty easy. I'll ask how they use specific technologies I have experience with, then use the opportunity to connect my experience to their use of the subject. "How are you guys using (whatever)? Ok cool at my current position we've used it to accomplish (whatever). Give yourself a bonus opportunity to show them you know what your'e talking about.
I also use the questions at the end to demonstrate ambition and eagerness to learn new technologies by asking about stuff that I want to work on in the future.
I've got two second interviews next week (a second interview at two companies, not interviews that last two seconds) so I'll be putting this stuff into practice. I'm pretty excited about one opportunity and through-the-roof excited about the other. Looking forward to both chats!
Roberto Larcos
Member
Hate it when recruiters don't even feel the need to send a rejection email. That's all.
shadowsdarknes
Member
Does anyone have any good recommendations for weekend work? I currently work 9to5 in financiall services and cannot exceed 40 hours. Ideally I want some extra weekend work but I'm not sure what to do.
Graduated in 2015. Looked for work for about 8 months before I got an offer - it was in a different city. So I moved. I couldn't cope with the massive change and being alone. So I left and moved back after about 6 months (on a positive note - everyone was happy to provide references). Now I've been looking for a job locally for about 5 months. I've had several interviews but no offers. I recently had a technical interview with a couple of engineers at a well reputed company for a hardware/software engineering development role. Things apparently went well so they scheduled another interview with the division director a week later. The day after arranging this interview I get a call from HR saying they're no longer recruiting any graduates for this year, there's been a change of plans. I feel like my future is all but doomed. I can't seem to get any sort of professional work at all. I don't know what to do any more.
I've (thankfully) had a steady job for almost 4 years now, but before that I was bouncing between freelance jobs that were never often enough and never enough to live off of. I spent almost three years after I graduated living with my parents sending thousands of applications & resumes, and it was absolutely soul crushing, as you say.
What made it worse, for me at least, was my parents' idea of helping was to tell me 'go knock door to door and hand out resumes. That's how we did it in our day!' I don't think they ever understood that for my desired line of work (web programming) that just wasn't a feasible option. On top of that I felt like I'd never be able to progress with my limited experience and even entry-level jobs asking for more than I had. It was one very large fail sandwich.
If there's one thing the job search taught me it's how invaluable a job agency can be. As long as you keep in touch with them and keep updating your resume they'll keep hunting jobs for you and they're very good at helping you push your boundaries for more than you might think you're worth (because they get a bigger cut that way, obviously). The agency I was part of found me a nice 3 month freelance gig and literally a week later had another job lined up for me (which ended up becoming my current job).
What made it worse, for me at least, was my parents' idea of helping was to tell me 'go knock door to door and hand out resumes. That's how we did it in our day!' I don't think they ever understood that for my desired line of work (web programming) that just wasn't a feasible option. On top of that I felt like I'd never be able to progress with my limited experience and even entry-level jobs asking for more than I had. It was one very large fail sandwich.
If there's one thing the job search taught me it's how invaluable a job agency can be. As long as you keep in touch with them and keep updating your resume they'll keep hunting jobs for you and they're very good at helping you push your boundaries for more than you might think you're worth (because they get a bigger cut that way, obviously). The agency I was part of found me a nice 3 month freelance gig and literally a week later had another job lined up for me (which ended up becoming my current job).
Syphon Filter
Member
job agency? you mean recruiters that find jobs for you?
My last interview right out the gate I was asking specifics about their business needs and gave suggestions on what technology alternatives were available to the listed job description. They loved that.
PandaPandaPanda
Member
Well, if you're desperate for work-you have to be able to make some changes and even move if you need to. I graduated in 2014 and I couldn't find any work where I was living and I ended up moving. I mean I know you tried and it didn't work out but at the same time, it's better than being unemployed. Yeah-it's outside of your comfort zone(massive change, being alone) but you gotta do what you gotta do. If you can't find anything locally, then you need to broaden your radius and if it comes down to it-you may have to relocate.
Humdinger
Gold Member
This thread (of which I've only read a small portion) has given me more empathy for my brother. He lost his job in 2009 and was out of work for about 5 years. He looked for work for the first year or two -- applied to lots of different places -- but then gradually just gave up and stopped looking. He got depressed and started drinking more. By his own report he was hanging out with "losers."
I felt bad for him. I knew that his self-esteem was taking a beating. I tried to encourage him, but nothing I said seemed to help. At times I would push him to get out of what seemed like a rut, or expressed concerns about his drinking, and that only drove him further away.
He's gotten a job now, although much lower-level than the one he lost. He is working a lot harder than he did before, in a much less professional environment. But at least he has a job, and I know he feels better about that.
Anyhow, thanks to those of you who shared how hard it is. As I said, it's given me more empathy for what my brother has gone through. I admit at times I probably wasn't as sensitive as I could have been.
I felt bad for him. I knew that his self-esteem was taking a beating. I tried to encourage him, but nothing I said seemed to help. At times I would push him to get out of what seemed like a rut, or expressed concerns about his drinking, and that only drove him further away.
He's gotten a job now, although much lower-level than the one he lost. He is working a lot harder than he did before, in a much less professional environment. But at least he has a job, and I know he feels better about that.
Anyhow, thanks to those of you who shared how hard it is. As I said, it's given me more empathy for what my brother has gone through. I admit at times I probably wasn't as sensitive as I could have been.
Hi guys,
After 8 months of contracting for this company, they finally offered me a job. I looked at the offer its pretty much where i should be (abit on the lower end). One of the requirements for this job is to take a drug test. Last time i had weed was like Oct 25th one day (and the previous time before that was July something) should i be worried? Also, how can i approach classes and getting certifications as an addon to my contract is that even possible?
Thanks !
After 8 months of contracting for this company, they finally offered me a job. I looked at the offer its pretty much where i should be (abit on the lower end). One of the requirements for this job is to take a drug test. Last time i had weed was like Oct 25th one day (and the previous time before that was July something) should i be worried? Also, how can i approach classes and getting certifications as an addon to my contract is that even possible?
Thanks !
SoRuffShoNuff
Member
Can you find more work out of town? I'm in a rather competitive industry and after graduation I had to move to get my career started. I didn't start getting hits on my later job searches in my home town until I amassed 6 years experience. Sometimes you just have to go and make the best of it if you really want to get ahead.
Syphon Filter
Member
Yea around this time it is dry, after the holidays early next year will get a lot better. Keep your head up.
Best thing to do is probably by a home drug test, whichever one has the lowest drug cutoff thresholds. Sounds like you're not a regular smoker, so I'd think you should be OK, but better safe than sorry. The price of a home kit is worth it for a potential full-time job.
SolidSnakeUS
Member
I start my job tomorrow morning... and I have to be up in 7 hours... I'm so fucking nervous. I hope I actually sleep.
Fox Mulder
Member
I was unemployed for three months because I had saved money and just wanted to do nothing for the first time in years really. No unemployment or anything due to contractor work.
I'm starting at a new place this week and feel bummed I cant just sit on my ass and play Xbox or watch movies. If only I won the lotto or something.
Super Moop
Banned
Long time lurker, first time poster here. Anywho...I'm putting in my two weeks notice tomorrow (for one of my jobs. I'll survive).
I work two jobs, one of them between 24-32 hours a week and another 8-16 hours a week. I'm quitting the latter. This job is part time at a funeral home, which is not in my desired career path, but I took it because I needed the money and hours. I regret it now, though. I'm frustrated with the management who didn't teach me enough but expected me to know how to do everything, and operated with the mentality of, "oh, you aren't scheduled to work for us or your other job on this day, so obviously you're free to come in on your only day off within ten days...".
Not to mention I think the funeral business is pretty damn scummy.
Anyway, I wish the best to those who are in worse situations than I am. Truly. But I can't do this job anymore and I needed to vent.
I work two jobs, one of them between 24-32 hours a week and another 8-16 hours a week. I'm quitting the latter. This job is part time at a funeral home, which is not in my desired career path, but I took it because I needed the money and hours. I regret it now, though. I'm frustrated with the management who didn't teach me enough but expected me to know how to do everything, and operated with the mentality of, "oh, you aren't scheduled to work for us or your other job on this day, so obviously you're free to come in on your only day off within ten days...".
Not to mention I think the funeral business is pretty damn scummy.
Anyway, I wish the best to those who are in worse situations than I am. Truly. But I can't do this job anymore and I needed to vent.
Well it's only took since Feb but I finally have an offer for a new job!
Start on Jan 9 as I have a 4 week notice period.
I am anxious to just started now, I want all this over and done with! Just waiting on my contract to be sent over and an adverse credit check and criminal record check and I should be good to go! I have never been in trouble with either, but I am still kinda anxious and I am not sure why.
Start on Jan 9 as I have a 4 week notice period.
I am anxious to just started now, I want all this over and done with! Just waiting on my contract to be sent over and an adverse credit check and criminal record check and I should be good to go! I have never been in trouble with either, but I am still kinda anxious and I am not sure why.
Royal_Phalanx
Member
Got a retail interview tomorrow. This is a stop gap to what I've decided I actually want to do (web/software development) so I'm not really sure as to what to say should they ask me "where do you see yourself in 5 years".
Essentially, yeah. There's millions of them out there. There's bound to be one tailored to your field of work.
Roberto Larcos
Member
I took the 20ng test and passed. stupid questions would i pass the 50ng standard test?
If they ask this question they just want to know you're not going to bail in a month. Something about how you're working toward a long-term goal that will take a few years shouldn't sink your chances. If anything, someone telling me they see themselves folding shirts five years from now would cause me to be worried about a lack of ambition.
dreamlongdead
Member
I'm just going to take anything part-time that pays. I should have done something like this a while ago, but I'm certainly not abandoning my desired career path at all.
I need something to keep me occupied, and at least I'll have more excuses to explore the great new city that I live in. No need to stress anymore, since I'm just revamping my strategy. I'll invest the pocket money in Wordpress themes, more learning resources, etc.
The work make the wait between interviews far more bearable.
I need something to keep me occupied, and at least I'll have more excuses to explore the great new city that I live in. No need to stress anymore, since I'm just revamping my strategy. I'll invest the pocket money in Wordpress themes, more learning resources, etc.
The work make the wait between interviews far more bearable.
Syphon Filter
Member
What do you do? Design? If so ignore the BA requirement as it is bs, your portfolio is what matters. Never not apply to something just because of that, I have gotten interviews that required that. I wouldn't waste your time or money on a degree in design, just work on your portfolio as that is what actually matters.
Syphon Filter
Member
How did it go?
Yea it really does, I took a retail recently since it took a long time to find a job besides some freelance earlier in the year. It makes me feel a lot better to at least make something instead of nothing and let the time go by with zero money in return. Then keep applying just as hard on the side everyday.
Graduating this month with a degree in Statistics and minor in Computer Science. Had my first phone interview for a full-time position but I dunno man, it feels like such an uphill battle. I think it went okay, but it was my first one ever so who knows. And even if I pass this phase, the next interview is a technical one and I've never done any of those.
I feel like the market for recent graduates in anything statistical or data science related in NYC should be pretty okay, but I'm having a hard time finding openings.
I've also been applying to internships but none of those have even responded which is discouraging.
I feel like the market for recent graduates in anything statistical or data science related in NYC should be pretty okay, but I'm having a hard time finding openings.
I've also been applying to internships but none of those have even responded which is discouraging.Syphon Filter
Member
Graduating this month with a degree in Statistics and minor in Computer Science. Had my first phone interview for a full-time position but I dunno man, it feels like such an uphill battle. I think it went okay, but it was my first one ever so who knows. And even if I pass this phase, the next interview is a technical one and I've never done any of those.
I feel like the market for recent graduates in anything statistical or data science related in NYC should be pretty okay, but I'm having a hard time finding openings.
Look out for internships soon especially in Jan since there will be a bunch for the spring. Around now it is usually dry but after the holidays they will be back and make sure to apply and check everyday.
Yes. I've been applying to them all anyway regardless of the requirements. There are just extremely limited positions in my part of the country, and I'm not at a stage where I can move to where more jobs are available. I'm just in a rut right now where freelance is all I can do for awhile, which will help me improve my portfolio, but I'd like to take the time to open more doors in other fields in case this lasts longer than expected.
Yeah, I'll definitely be checking. Hopefully not being a student anymore won't be a huge obstacle.
Congratulations
thanks very much.
Royal_Phalanx
Member
Questions weren't too bad. Interviewer asked me the '5 years' question and I talked about the opportunities for training and development offered and developing my career within the company. Still received an email saying I didn't get it though. I think I could definitely speak with more confidence, I felt like I was visibly nervous and low on confidence during the whole process. Thankfully I have another place which I applied to a while ago offering an interview this week though, so I can still try my luck further and get better at doing interviews. If not I'll keep applying and taking advice from reading the government careers advice website.
Even for US users this stuff should be helpful. A lot of this is the same worldwide anyway. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/get-a-job
Heya folks, I'm also looking for work. On my very last semester of college for my Bachelor's in Studio Art. Had a canvasing job a few months ago for the Democratic party and sadly didn't work as much as I hoped I could. I just wanted to echo some of the people above me and encourage everyone still looking not to be discouraged, as a lot of employers aren't really hiring this time of year. Once Christmas is over, I plan to redouble my efforts and apply to some on campus jobs, a few of which offered more than the usual $8 and some change per hour.
Sorry if all this sounds cliche and droll, but hang in there, and Happy Holidays!
Sorry if all this sounds cliche and droll, but hang in there, and Happy Holidays!
Can anyone recommend good job hunting websites for entry level IT. Im still in school going for a Security job in the IT field but I need to have some experience before I can even work in Securities. I have my A+ and working on all the other "Fundamental" certifications while im in school. In only have a year and a half of college left and I would like to have at least a year of experience under my belt when I graduate because most security level jobs require at least 3 - 5 years of exp without a degree or at least 2 with, so trying to get work in the field in any capacity is a necessity. The problem is I can't find where these jobs are at. Any help would be appreciated.
I don't know about entry-level specifically but for tech jobs in general I've found Dice and Indeed to be pretty good, as well as linkedin.
Security is a bit harder to jump straight into for sure. If you're not seeing much out there you may want to consider looking for more of a general help desk role and hope to find one where you can help out with security or work your way up to a junior level security position.
That was pretty much my plan, work in any capacity and fit in security type roles where possible. Thanks for the resources. I didn't think it would be possible to jump into securities without at least some experience and education anyway, so I figure I should start on the ground floor so that when I do graduate I would have education and some job experience.
toadsworth
Banned
How do I answer the question "What could you improve upon at your current job?" I'm having a hard time coming up with an answer that doesn't make me sound incompetent.
Is the question about you personally or the job itself? If it's about you, no one is an expert in everything. As an I.T. type person I would probably say something like, "I think there's always room to improve the way we manage our workloads. I would look for opportunities to automate any repetitive or time-consuming tasks to free up more time for other projects. I also think we could all do better in documenting the systems we work on for other people."
If it's about the position use the question as an opportunity to talk about something you'd like to get in to. "I've read about (whatever) and see a lot of value in doing things that way. I'd love to look into that further to see if it could be beneficial to our organization."
So I majored in IT and I just spoke to someone about opportunities at one of my dream companies - they said to really emphasize data analytics on my resume since that's what they're going to be mostly looking for.
I know a good amount of Excel and SQL experience but anyone got any tips on what I should emphasize in terms of actual wording? I don't really have work experience in data analytics (I'm a new college grad) but wondering if anyone has ideas on how to pump that up.
I haven't really had the best success with LinkedIn because even when you customize your search to be "entry level", the companies posting the jobs don't fill out the "experience level" category and instead put it in the general description. What ends up happening is you get a bunch of jobs that ask for seven years of experience because it doesn't filter it properly.
I know a good amount of Excel and SQL experience but anyone got any tips on what I should emphasize in terms of actual wording? I don't really have work experience in data analytics (I'm a new college grad) but wondering if anyone has ideas on how to pump that up.
I've found The Muse to be the most helpful job searching website so far. It gives you a much better idea of what the companies are like than other sites I've used, the descriptions are the same but it's just more nicely laid out.
I haven't really had the best success with LinkedIn because even when you customize your search to be "entry level", the companies posting the jobs don't fill out the "experience level" category and instead put it in the general description. What ends up happening is you get a bunch of jobs that ask for seven years of experience because it doesn't filter it properly.
toadsworth
Banned
Ah, thanks! Definitely using that first one. I had this question thrown to me during a phone interview and I totally biffed it. I think it's the reason they didn't go furrher with me.
Sounds like you'll be ready for it next time! My last few phone interviews I did my best to scribble down their questions when I could (or after the call) so I could practice answers for the next interview. Worked well for me (starting a new job in January).
I have my first technical interview next week and I'm slightly freaking out. D:
We're kind of in the same boat although I majored in Statistics. Good luck!