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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing

maxcriden

Member
Thanks man, really appreciate it.

Got another call from the same guy today, that the interview will be in a café. Gonna wear the same as i would have in their office. Black shirt, dark blue jeans and some nice shoes. Gonna order a coke if he offers, don´t like coffee. Btw it´s IT-Support on site. Barely at the service desk on the phone. Which is great, love actually doing stuff, like assembling PCs, changing parts, running around the building, instead of telling people to reboot their pc :)

But i´m getting kinda nervous right now.

Also good luck to everyone else, job searching really is horrible.

Best of luck, man. If you haven't had the interview yet, don't go for a drink at the cafe. Just stick with water. Coke can dehydrate you and make your throat dry. I'm sure you'll do great, be confident, you're the best man for the job! :)
 

Lord Fagan

Junior Member
Awwww, man! Get a load of this bullshit, everybody!

I drove through five states to interview for a position that I'm now finding out was already essentially filled before I even got there. I commend the woman for at least getting back to me and having the courtesy to tell me over the phone, but goddamn did it get awkward when I politely asked what made her decide to pass me over. You can tell when they're not prepared for that kind of thing at all when they question the validity of the request for honest, constructive critique with something like, "Oh, um, gee. Well, gosh...I wouldn't say we passed you over, necessarily. You have a very robust skill set and we really had a tough time given that the candidate we chose has worked here before, blah, blah, blah..." Doing backflips and riverdancing around the word, "favoritism."

Why the fuck do they do that shit? I mean, honestly, is it just a way to justify a bloated HR department, or some kind of hedged bet if their pre-approved candidate vanishes? I get it that it's a buyers market out there and and they can always just sit on their hands and wait for 97% of a loaf, but why waste people's time?

I feel like drop-kicking a puppy, right now.
 

Moozo

Member
Just got a call that I'm in for an assessment centre a week today at one of the places... in fact the best place... I've applied to.

So this will be my first ever interview/assessment centre/anything. It's only a year maternity cover contract but a better salary than I ever could have hoped for fresh out of university. I also know a couple of people who work there - the person calling me to confirm my attendance just now even acknowledged it - so hopefully that will go in my favour.

Either way it'll be good practice.
 
Been offered a 20 week paid internship with a job at the end of it. Soooo happy to have finally found something and be off the dole.

Keep going guys, hard work and perseverance does pay off eventually :)
 

SKINNER!

Banned
Been trying to find another job recently after being 4 years in my first job I got since leaving university. While I definitely feel like I got work/corporate experience I didn't get much formal training in what I was doing and my work consisted mostly either googling or asking someone how stuff is done. Plus, I'm still considered a "Uni graduate" even though I got promoted a year ago and I'm not entry level anymore.

Fingers crossed I get something better.
 
Im kinda torn at the moment, im in a job that, technically, is actually quite good. Its manager level, most days are quite quiet, and i can handle the day to day work easily enough.
But then the problem is it seems like every other week a literal disaster happens, from users almost corrupting our entire corporate server with viruses, to day long outages requiring server restores, and all this with only me as the sole IT admin/Manager. So its like it can flip a switch between being a chilled, great job to being the worst nightmarish scenario ive ever been in. Ive been crazily stressed these last few months over it.

Ive been asked to go for a technical interview for Citrix, and tbh the job sounds more like tech support, but they know how much money i want and they still want to interview me. Im gonna go along (even tho i always perform HORRIBLY in these kind of examinations), but i dont know whether i should actually pursue it, realistically at this stage i kinda just want less stress and a workplace where i have people who can help me out if something goes horribly wrong instead of it all being on my head. But the thoughts of going back to being tied to a phone all day doing tech support...urgh. Wish id never left my last job now :/
 

Amentallica

Unconfirmed Member
Since June I've applied for over 2000 jobs, via my school's career center, LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, Craigslist, and individual company websites. I have heard only from maybe a dozen of them, all of which have been rejections.

I currently work in a nonprofit organization. I made a year just two days ago. I need a better paying job and it's driving me crazy. I received my BA in psychology this past June, and I'm in grad school for my MPA. I apply for jobs that are in the field I'm looking to work in, specifically at the city level, investigator positions and such, but a vast majority of jobs I apply to are executive admin jobs or anything similar so that I can at least get a better paying job if I don't get a career position yet.

I don't get it. I have work experience. My resume looks fine. But nothing. I'm losing my fucking mind. :(
 
Three hours before my interview. I have no idea what to expect. But chatting with you guys certainly makes me calmer.

Awwww, man!
Why the fuck do they do that shit? I mean, honestly, is it just a way to justify a bloated HR department, or some kind of hedged bet if their pre-approved candidate vanishes? I get it that it's a buyers market out there and and they can always just sit on their hands and wait for 97% of a loaf, but why waste people's time?

I feel like drop-kicking a puppy, right now.

Holy shit. Make sure to write a review on Glassdoor or something of the like to stop others from getting fucked.

Just got a call that I'm in for an assessment centre a week today at one of the places... in fact the best place... I've applied to.
.

Congrats!

Been offered a 20 week paid internship with a job at the end of it. Soooo happy to have finally found something and be off the dole.

Keep going guys, hard work and perseverance does pay off eventually :)

Damn, all I got at my internship was a stipend for travel. Impress the hell outta them and you'll have a better chance at landing a job there than most.

Fingers crossed I get something better.

Fake it till you make it. Apply for shit outside your realm. It never hurts to try.

So its like it can flip a switch between being a chilled, great job to being the worst nightmarish scenario ive ever been in. Ive been crazily stressed these last few months over it.
/

I'd say take the new position if offered, because while it might be boring as fuck, you'd at least not come home stressed. Plus, you can search for something else in the meantime.

I don't get it. I have work experience. My resume looks fine. But nothing. I'm losing my fucking mind. :(

Ask one of the rejectors about their decision.
 

TTUVAPOR

Banned
Just an FYI to anyone who cares, I finally landed the job I've been interviewing with for a month. The offer came on Monday and I start in two weeks. Feels great!!!
 

SKINNER!

Banned
Fake it till you make it. Apply for shit outside your realm. It never hurts to try.

I have but I don't get much back apart from the "your application has been unsuccessful". I get the sense that they're looking for even more experienced folk. Will keep trying either way and just focus on training myself while I'm working. Also was tempted to see if I should restart my career and eventually become a game designer by starting from QA and working my way up but I can't seem to bring myself to go backwards salary-wise and I'm concerned that I won't get the chances to progress career-wise.

I dunno...I'll figure it out in the end :)
 
Just an FYI to anyone who cares, I finally landed the job I've been interviewing with for a month. The offer came on Monday and I start in two weeks. Feels great!!!

Git it grrll

Nothing is better than working for a position you want for weeks and finally landing it. Great job!

I have but I don't get much back apart from the "your application has been unsuccessful". I get the sense that they're looking for even more experienced folk. Will keep trying either way and just focus on training myself while I'm working. Also was tempted to see if I should restart my career and eventually become a game designer by starting from QA and working my way up but I can't seem to bring myself to go backwards salary-wise and I'm concerned that I won't get the chances to progress career-wise.

I dunno...I'll figure it out in the end :)


You probably have, but has the idea of applying for a job semi related to your career ever crossed your mind? It may help to find something tangibly related. For example, my resume was writer focused, but since I did a lot of social media stuff, I started applying for jobs in the latter, and found both categories pining for my assistance (not so much anymore, but if this interview goes through well, I won't matter!)

Update edit: Interview went awesome. First time I've ever been comfortable saying that about an interview, to be honest. They gave me their cards and told me they'd be in touch after introducing me to the whole crew. Hopefully that's a good sign.
 
Got a call about a resume I sent out over a month ago. The very first thing the lady interviewing said to me was that they had 33 applications and narrowed it down to 8 for phone interviews, then would do half those in person.

It was strange. First off, I expected there to be way more than 33 even if the place is in a smaller town. Second, who tells you how many they have in the running? It was sort of refreshing how honest she was. She even told me the salary range right up front.

The interview went well to the point that she used the words "extremely impressed", but she also said I'm the very first person she called so I wonder if that will work against me. We'll see, I suppose.
 

Marcus

Member
I need some advice.

I currently have a job offer for a software engineer role that pays about $15k more than what I currently make. I need to respond to this offer by the end of the month. I also have an interview for a microelectronics position with the department of defense later this month. This job requires a security clearance which could take about 6 months to get.

I honestly don't know which field I prefer more, software engineering or microelectronics engineering. I can either leave my current job immediately and start in the software role, OR I can interview with this other organization and potentially get an offer, but I'll have to wait 6 months before I actually begin working there.

GAF help me
 
I need some advice.

I currently have a job offer for a software engineer role that pays about $15k more than what I currently make. I need to respond to this offer by the end of the month. I also have an interview for a microelectronics position with the department of defense later this month. This job requires a security clearance which could take about 6 months to get.

I honestly don't know which field I prefer more, software engineering or microelectronics engineering. I can either leave my current job immediately and start in the software role, OR I can interview with this other organization and potentially get an offer, but I'll have to wait 6 months before I actually begin working there.

GAF help me

attachment.php


But serious, accept the software one, apply for the other one anyway, as you´d have to wait 6 months anyway.

That way you have a job you want and maybe half a year later one that you want even more.

If i understood you right.
 

Pastry

Banned
Missed a call this morning about scheduling an interview for a great job at a Fortune 100 company. Called back 30 minutes later, left a message and didn't get a call back today :( I guess I'll follow up on Monday, doesn't help that I'm an anxious person haha. I'd feel much better if I just new when the interview was.
 

Marcus

Member
attachment.php


But serious, accept the software one, apply for the other one anyway, as you´d have to wait 6 months anyway.

That way you have a job you want and maybe half a year later one that you want even more.

If i understood you right.

I feel like its a little unethical to accept a job offer knowing that you'll leave in 6 months. But then again, this is strictly business. I will go to whichever company has the better opportunities
 

zychi

Banned
I feel like its a little unethical to accept a job offer knowing that you'll leave in 6 months. But then again, this is strictly business. I will go to whichever company has the better opportunities
Companies arent loyal to employees, why should you be loyal to a company?
 

LosDaddie

Banned
Alright, so here it goes; I like my current job. Pay is good/great, the drive is 15min at most, and I enjoy the challenge (I learn something new almost every day). My co-workers are cool people. It's a fun company to work for, at least my position is.

But I don't feel too secure in my job. My boss is an asshole....she writes people up for little reason. Constantly threatening to suspend people. She just....sucks at being a good manager. She doesn't know how to handle pressure from her bosses. I feel that if I mess up on a job on one of her bad days, she'd just fire me. Nobody at the manu. plant likes her.

So I updated my resume a few weeks ago, and this recruiter contacted me about an opening in the A/V industry (the industry I worked at before my current company recruited me away from), and I'm now at the second phase of interviews (with the recruiter, not the actual company yet). I just don't know if I'm really willing to make the jump if I end up getting an offer. I loved the A/V industry when I was in it (really cool industry), but thinking back on it, the company was very small and job security was never assured there either.

I guess I should let the recruiting process play itself out. I feel....anxious...nervous about the whole situation. I don't know what to do. Can't smoke to call the nerves either with a potential piss test coming up
 

nateeasy

Banned
Since June I've applied for over 2000 jobs, via my school's career center, LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, Craigslist, and individual company websites. I have heard only from maybe a dozen of them, all of which have been rejections.

I currently work in a nonprofit organization. I made a year just two days ago. I need a better paying job and it's driving me crazy. I received my BA in psychology this past June, and I'm in grad school for my MPA. I apply for jobs that are in the field I'm looking to work in, specifically at the city level, investigator positions and such, but a vast majority of jobs I apply to are executive admin jobs or anything similar so that I can at least get a better paying job if I don't get a career position yet.

I don't get it. I have work experience. My resume looks fine. But nothing. I'm losing my fucking mind. :(

2000? Wtf
 

BeforeU

Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.
I feel like its a little unethical to accept a job offer knowing that you'll leave in 6 months. But then again, this is strictly business. I will go to whichever company has the better opportunities

Companies arent loyal to employees, why should you be loyal to a company?

This.

If they want to fire you tomorrow, they will do it in heartbeat and won't care about how you "FEEL". If you have made close friends and your manager is like your go to buddy then I understand you might care for them. But even then, they all know that at the end everyone will do what is better for them. You manager would do the same. No one should have heard feeling about this.

So if you think new job is good, and its worth it for you. Then just quit when your clearance is passed. By then keep working and making money.
 

t26

Member
I love this shit. A company I'd really like to work for has a new job posted on their site but the site won't let me apply. I applied for another position back in April and while the new one is similar it has a different title. When I go to submit my application it says I've already applied. It's an automated system and there is no generic jobs or hr email address for me to contact. I've tried to find a friend of a friend type connection but nothing so far.

Apply using a new account?
 

Goodsprings

Neo Member
I feel you, man.

I currently have a job which is one of the worst jobs few humans have ever done. Shitty lowest pay. My career hit a dead end a long time ago. Tried to get out of this mess several times in the past, but I've been stuck in the ditch too long.
 

Tc91

Member
Got a interview on Tuesday for my local Sainsbury's. I applied on Wednesday online and in the online account section it still said 'application in progress' Friday came round and I had heard nothing even though it said they'd be in touch either by phone or email.

I phoned the branch on Friday evening and even the lady said it was a little weird cause they normally get back in touch within a few hours of applying. She got me to contact HR and when I did the lady explained it was because I was the only person who had applied for this role and if I didn't hear anything back by mid next week phone back. Well this morning I got a email asking to phone HR to organise a interview, after booking it I checked my online account and noticed that the vacancy is now closed.

Should I be confident that the job could be mine? Or is this usual stuff.

Anyway, I'm pretty damn nervous for Tuesday it's my 2nd proper interview (the last one I wasn't successful)
 

maxcriden

Member
Got a interview on Tuesday for my local Sainsbury's. I applied on Wednesday online and in the online account section it still said 'application in progress' Friday came round and I had heard nothing even though it said they'd be in touch either by phone or email.

I phoned the branch on Friday evening and even the lady said it was a little weird cause they normally get back in touch within a few hours of applying. She got me to contact HR and when I did the lady explained it was because I was the only person who had applied for this role and if I didn't hear anything back by mid next week phone back. Well this morning I got a email asking to phone HR to organise a interview, after booking it I checked my online account and noticed that the vacancy is now closed.

Should I be confident that the job could be mine? Or is this usual stuff.

Anyway, I'm pretty damn nervous for Tuesday it's my 2nd proper interview (the last one I wasn't successful)

No point being confident you've got the position yet or worrying about it one way or the other. Just go in, be awesome and pleasant, and you'll have a good shot either way. Best of luck. Remember to give a firm but not too firm handshake, unbutton your jacket as you sit down if you're wearing one, and make eye contact. :)
 

Tc91

Member
No point being confident you've got the position yet or worrying about it one way or the other. Just go in, be awesome and pleasant, and you'll have a good shot either way. Best of luck. Remember to give a firm but not too firm handshake, unbutton your jacket as you sit down if you're wearing one, and make eye contact. :)

Thank you mate.

I asked my aunt who has worked at Sainsbury's for a long time and is in management, she said it gets closed if it's gone past the date (which it hadn't cause I asked HR when I rang if they had a date they were looking to fill the position) or 2 people have passed the online test, so she said I'm one of them. Got some good tips from her too so I'm hopeful.
 

maxcriden

Member
Thank you mate.

I asked my aunt who has worked at Sainsbury's for a long time and is in management, she said it gets closed if it's gone past the date (which it hadn't cause I asked HR when I rang if they had a date they were looking to fill the position) or 2 people have passed the online test, so she said I'm one of them. Got some good tips from her too so I'm hopeful.

Sweet! Sounds great. So at worst you might have one person you can easily do way better than. That poor guy doesn't even know what hit him! Good luck, man, keep us posted!
 
Thank you mate.

I asked my aunt who has worked at Sainsbury's for a long time and is in management, she said it gets closed if it's gone past the date (which it hadn't cause I asked HR when I rang if they had a date they were looking to fill the position) or 2 people have passed the online test, so she said I'm one of them. Got some good tips from her too so I'm hopeful.

Stay in the middle like that if you didn't get it you wont be sad and if you did then you are happy. Good luck.
 

Pastry

Banned
Just got an interview two weeks from now for a project management position at a Fortune 100 company. Suuuuuper nervous but I have two weeks to prepare.
 

MC Safety

Member
Yea, no exaggeration. It's mainly that easy to rack up the number because some of those sites I listed allow you to apply for jobs at the click of a button, since my resume and cover letter are already saved on them.

If you're applying for multiple positions at a single company, are you qualified for each and every one?

Are you sending out resumes and cover letters tailored to each position and each company?

This may be part of your problem. Casting a wide net may seem like a good idea, but it's pretty easy to spot a generic cover letter and resume. Human resources people get loads of applications for each and every job posted, and they're more than likely to toss a cover letter that's clearly been sent out to X number of other companies.
 
Thank you mate.

I asked my aunt who has worked at Sainsbury's for a long time and is in management, she said it gets closed if it's gone past the date (which it hadn't cause I asked HR when I rang if they had a date they were looking to fill the position) or 2 people have passed the online test, so she said I'm one of them. Got some good tips from her too so I'm hopeful.
Wait... Only 2 people have passed the online test, or it gets closed after 2 people pass it? Because the latter seems really odd.

P.S. I worked at Sainsburys for 2.5 years. They're a good company, but it really depends on the management at your store.
 

Tc91

Member
Wait... Only 2 people have passed the online test, or it gets closed after 2 people pass it? Because the latter seems really odd.

P.S. I worked at Sainsburys for 2.5 years. They're a good company, but it really depends on the management at your store.

I take it 2 people passed the test so they close it and interview those 2? I'm not really sure.
 

Aylinato

Member
Had two interviews got offered 1 fulltime job, may get offered a second. I don't really know which one I would choose then the other.


Ones at a law firm the other may be at a bank
 

FiggyCal

Banned
I really don't understand how to write a cover letter. Any cover letter you're forced to write is bound to be generic. :/
 
I really don't understand how to write a cover letter. Any cover letter you're forced to write is bound to be generic. :/
You've just got to follow a certain structure and within that address all the ways you fulfil the job description, complete with brief examples.

Don't be too verbose. Keep it succinct and to the point. If they're interested in you then you'll get a chance to tell them more in the interview.
 

Aylinato

Member
I really don't understand how to write a cover letter. Any cover letter you're forced to write is bound to be generic. :/


I've had no luck with cover letters, every position I've had an interview with was because of straight up resumes.



So, law firm
Or bank

Idk. Both have ups and downs. Idk


I was applying to like 20 jobs per weekend, for like 3-4 months.
 

MC Safety

Member
I really don't understand how to write a cover letter. Any cover letter you're forced to write is bound to be generic. :/

This is absolutely not true.

A cover letter should give a sense as to who you are and why you would be a good fit for a specific position.
 

jamie0601

Neo Member
I've just been turned down for a supermarket job not once, but twice. I have a law degree. Being a graduate sucks at times.
 

FiggyCal

Banned
This is absolutely not true.

A cover letter should give a sense as to who you are and why you would be a good fit for a specific position.

I've been trying to get an internship. I'll put more effort into my cover letters. But Im struggling with what to say.
 

Aylinato

Member
I've just been turned down for a supermarket job not once, but twice. I have a law degree. Being a graduate sucks at times.


Sometime they don't want people who seem overqualified which happens to almost every college student


Including me, at least 1000s
 
I'm still looking for jobs around my area and can't nab anything. I have a feeling it's my Supervisor and Manager experience in multiple places that is making me "over qualified" and it's destroying my chances at getting at new job. I lost my previous one due to a severe leg injury. I wasn't able to walk and had a Doctor's notice, but they demanded another one (To return to work, but they made that up to get rid of me since most of us are losing our jobs due to machines coming in) and I lost my health insurance, so I couldn't afford to go back and they let me go under "Voluntary Resignation". When you can't find anything with a bunch of experience, it really makes you feel worthless sometimes.
 
Sometime they don't want people who seem overqualified which happens to almost every college student

It is worse for law graduates. It is nigh impossible to get a regular job without leaving off the JD from your resume. I had to do that when I first graduated for a part time job while I studied for the bar exam.
 
How do people in my situation not kill themselves?

Stuck at $13/hr in retail with no chance for advancement, don't make enough to go back to school, can't take out loans, can't find a job that pays a living wage with the qualifications i have, can't even find another $13/hr job in a less dehumanizing and humiliating atmosphere.

Absolutely stuck and advancement is impossible, what is the point?
 
How do people in my situation not kill themselves?

Stuck at $13/hr in retail with no chance for advancement, don't make enough to go back to school, can't take out loans, can't find a job that pays a living wage with the qualifications i have, can't even find another $13/hr job in a less dehumanizing and humiliating atmosphere.

Absolutely stuck and advancement is impossible, what is the point?

Foreign countries maybe? If you are a white american I hear you can get a teaching job in china without much problems. Sorry if that's not helpful though.
 
I've just been turned down for a supermarket job not once, but twice. I have a law degree. Being a graduate sucks at times.

I've been turned down for supermarket jobs and I have two degrees and 3 years of experience of working in those types of jobs. I no longer think about why.

How do people in my situation not kill themselves?

Stuck at $13/hr in retail with no chance for advancement, don't make enough to go back to school, can't take out loans, can't find a job that pays a living wage with the qualifications i have, can't even find another $13/hr job in a less dehumanizing and humiliating atmosphere.

Absolutely stuck and advancement is impossible, what is the point?
I'd be a liar if I said that it didn't cross my mind. There is a feeling of "what's the point?" that I began to feel after realising that despite all of my efforts, all the things I've learnt and experienced, I still couldn't get a job in the area in which I'm qualified. But yet, each morning I wake up and feel compelled to shovel food into my mouth and keep this body alive.

I just wish someone had told me at a young age that social skills and charm were far more important than the useless stuff I'd end up learning.
 
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