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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing

Well, I'm pretty pissed off this afternoon. I've been in training for the last two weeks and today they revealed to me, for the first time, that the training pay would be minimum wage. Here in the state of SC that pay is $7.25/hr. Yes, you read that right. They didn't mention that to me at any point during the three different interviews I had with them, they didn't mention it to me during orientation, and they certainly didn't mention it until today at any point during the last two weeks of training. So the check I get next Friday is going to be WAY less than what I was expecting.

Then to top that off, after finding that out, they told me I'd be working third shift this coming Sunday night after telling me it was an exclusively first shit job (as I told them it had to be for my situation) and that work on 2nd or 3rd would only happen a handful of times during a year, and even then it would only be going in for an hour or two during those shifts to help train people or help catch them up when needed.

My first official day of normal work will be this Friday. The very first thing I'll be doing that morning will be asking the lady who will be training me to do what she does to clarify the 3rd shift thing. I have a horrible feeling that she has decided, without letting me know, that she now wants to work 1st shift and wants to push her 2nd and 3rd shift duties over to me. If that is the case I'll instantly either quit or put in my two weeks notice and move on to that retail management job I mentioned earlier. I really don't want to do that, I am very much looking forward to working with the disabled, but I'm not going to be screwed over like this.

I'll update when I know more. For now though, I'm pretty ticked off.

Why didn't they set up a pay rate? Or why didn't you? You have every right to negotiate that before getting the job. I think when you sign all your W2s and shit like that, people pretty much list how much you'll be making in the paperwork, and you sign off on that.

Drop this place, though. It's not worth your time if they lied.
 

Downhome

Member
Why didn't they set up a pay rate? Or why didn't you? You have every right to negotiate that before getting the job. I think when you sign all your W2s and shit like that, people pretty much list how much you'll be making in the paperwork, and you sign off on that.

Drop this place, though. It's not worth your time if they lied.

No, they did set up the pay rate.

What I'm saying is that they never told me that the pay during the training would be substantially less than what my "normal" pay would be after training. They never said that there was an almost non-existent pay during training and only after then would my normal rate kick in.
 
No, they did set up the pay rate.

What I'm saying is that they never told me that the pay during the training would be substantially less than what my "normal" pay would be after training. They never said that there was an almost non-existent pay during training and only after then would my normal rate kick in.

It's only training, not really a problem.
 
No, they did set up the pay rate.

What I'm saying is that they never told me that the pay during the training would be substantially less than what my "normal" pay would be after training. They never said that there was an almost non-existent pay during training and only after then would my normal rate kick in.

How long will the training last?
While I agree it's not right or fair, you might just want to bite the bullet?
 
Canceled the interview with the place too similar to my old job (the one that canceled my contract because of restructuring). From his response, it sounded like I was a shoe-in, but I really don't want to swim through another hellish ocean of office politics and uncaring higher ups.

No, they did set up the pay rate.

What I'm saying is that they never told me that the pay during the training would be substantially less than what my "normal" pay would be after training. They never said that there was an almost non-existent pay during training and only after then would my normal rate kick in.

Oh damn, I didn't read that properly.

Welp, so long as the training only lasts a few weeks, it might suck, but it could be worse.

What about these odd shifts they are making you work? Could that be fixed?
 

I'm an expert

Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
Isn't training being minimum wage pretty standard? Like in retail and such? Not overpaying someone who quits after they get the picture of what its going to be like.
 

Rich!

Member
Just got a reply back from the police for a finance officer role. Just had to send back some details about living history and family details for security checks. Will get an interview date soonish.

So yeah, two decent jobs lined up. Aw yeah
 

RedSwirl

Junior Member
I think I'm finally just going to say "fuck it" to all those 2-year or 3-year experience requirements that all cite VERY specific areas of experience that are required. It's literally the only thing hanging me up when I look for jobs related to my skills and education. Like technical writers for instance. My mother has worked with technical writers before and always tells me how relatively simple and straightforward the job is (given my work history).

It's also the only thing that hangs me up in interviews. They'll ask me to cite a very specific kind of experience I've dealing with a very specific type of job. I'll have to figure out how to generalize that kind of shit. Any tips?
 
Details were finally posted for a teach abroad job I've been wanting for 3 years now... totally flaked on doing stuff early like making copies but have a month to get it together. Going to do as much as possible as soon as possible this time.

In the mean time though still filling out applications for other junk.

Question though!

It in the typical previous employment section it says "Explain any gaps in employment." This is the first application I've seen that even asked me, so where should I write it? This is what it looks like.
5BXLY0Z.jpg
Last job was in 2012, then I stopped working to finish school. wondering if I should just add that sentence to my last employment description or add it to a field of its own. There is no specific field for it, even though they ask.
 

Aesius

Member
I've had three interviews lately that all went well, but no jobs yet.

I lost one because they rehired a long-time employee who moved back to the area. The other was super promising, but the woman in HR just suddenly stopped all communication with me. And the third is still in the early stages, as I interviewed with the CEO (small ad agency).

I haven't worked full-time since February, but luckily, I can fill in the gap on my resume with freelancing--which is actually truthful. I'm trying to make that my full-time gig, but it's tough to find enough work.
 

malfcn

Member
It still irritates me when it says an entry level position requiring 5+ years of experience or something else ridiculous.
 
The shittiest part is being rejected after the 2nd or 3rd interview. I've had several of these in the last few months. Makes it a bit challenging to stay "eager and enthusiastic".

What sites do you guys use when applying to jobs? I use mostly Indeed.

+ monster.com, linkedin.com, job and industry specific sites.
I only look for purchasing jobs, preferably as a technical purchaser. There are are at least 4 recruitment sites just for purchasers in my country and several tech job sites that have purchaser vacancies.
 

Moozo

Member
My assessment centre thing was today. I think it went well. There were three other candidates and fingers crossed they liked me. I find out tomorrow if I get a follow-up interview.
 

RedSwirl

Junior Member
The worst part is not being able to apply because the application system they use at a particular place is ridiculously rigid, requiring information that simply doesn't apply to you.
 
To the guy above, how bad would it be if I accepted a job from some random place for money reasons, but found out that the job I wanted is willing to hire, and left the former? Because it's getting down to the wire.

Also, I hate it when they ask me how much I've made at other jobs. I always feel like that's an extremely intrusive and rude question, and one that could be found by looking at my records (if that's possible, I have no idea.)

The worst part is not being able to apply because the application system they use at a particular place is ridiculously rigid, requiring information that simply doesn't apply to you.

I had one require some bullshit like the above - filling out payment even though some places were merely intern positions.
 

maxcriden

Member
In addition to the sites listed above, when I was last job-hunting I used city, state, and national government job listings sites for government work (employed with my state currently), and craigslist.
 

Laekon

Member
Has anyone pursued a job that they didn't really want just to get an offer? I'm planning on going back to school but have still been applying to a few jobs that catch my eye because of either the job itself, the company, or the location. One I like because of the location seems to be going good but in the long run I don't really think it's for me. I'm just keeping it going because I want to see what they will offer and think it might be good for my ego.
 

Tonza

Member
I graduated as an MSc two months ago and I am still looking for a first 'real' job. I've mostly looked at jobs in my own country because I think companies aren't keen on hiring new grads from outside of their country. I would be willing to relocate though. (living in Finland)

I have had a few promising/positive interviews but the response has been that they've taken someone with more experience or that they do not currently have jobs for UX/UI -side.

Oh, and video interviews are the worst.
 

omgkitty

Member
I graduated as an MSc two months ago and I am still looking for a first 'real' job. I've mostly looked at jobs in my own country because I think companies aren't keen on hiring new grads from outside of their country. I would be willing to relocate though. (living in Finland)

I have had a few promising/positive interviews but the response has been that they've taken someone with more experience or that they do not currently have jobs for UX/UI -side.

Oh, and video interviews are the worst.

I applied to work at Dropbox, and they made me answer questions on a website where it used a webcam to record me and only gave me 1 minute to answer. It was super awkward, especially since all I could see was my face the entire time.
 

Tonza

Member
I applied to work at Dropbox, and they made me answer questions on a website where it used a webcam to record me and only gave me 1 minute to answer. It was super awkward, especially since all I could see was my face the entire time.

I had the same for Accenture. 30 seconds time to prepare and the go. No redo's.

I did get a second in-person interview though so I guess it was fine. But as you said, super awkward.
 
Lost my job about a month ago. Went to school online e and have no practical experience in what I went to school with, and what I want to do, content creation, all the jobs are like an hour away.

I've had about 4 interviews for various jobs, only one of which I got an offer for which was nixed because of my background check(two misdemeanors). Things are pretty bleak at the moment. Unemployment royally screwed me, too. Starting to get really frustrating. And it's affecting my self confidence and my relationship to. The relationship is fairly new also so not sure what hope I have of salvaging it right now.
 

Darren870

Member
To the guy above, how bad would it be if I accepted a job from some random place for money reasons, but found out that the job I wanted is willing to hire, and left the former? Because it's getting down to the wire.

Also, I hate it when they ask me how much I've made at other jobs. I always feel like that's an extremely intrusive and rude question, and one that could be found by looking at my records (if that's possible, I have no idea.)



I had one require some bullshit like the above - filling out payment even though some places were merely intern positions.


I took a job offer once, then a better one came in 3 weeks later so I handed in my notice and left. I had never done it before and did feel bad, but in the end it's going to be what works out best for you and what makes you happy.


Well guys.

I'm back!

Barely 3 weeks after I started, I get laid off.

I feel so sick in my stomach T_T.

Ouch, what happened?
 
It still irritates me when it says an entry level position requiring 5+ years of experience or something else ridiculous.

That shit is the worst, part of me wants to believe they do that shit to troll. Where one of my clients work, their internships require like 2 years of in-field experience. Even worse if you're long term unemployed it doesn't matter they wouldn't hire you anyway.
 

B-Dubs

No Scrubs
That shit is the worst, part of me wants to believe they do that shit to troll. Where one of my clients work, their internships require like 2 years of in-field experience. Even worse if you're long term unemployed it doesn't matter they wouldn't hire you anyway.

It's because they don't want to train anyone, why go through all that effort when you can just poach someone from another company? It is fucking dispicable.
 

Guesong

Member
Ouch, what happened?

Dam that must suck hard. What did they say?

Well, I was working for a non-profit organisation. Three weeks ago they said they were looking to make this position a permanent one.

Then today, if I am to believe their words, well, something happened with next year's funding, and I turned out to be the most expendable out of the team. Which I was, to be honest.

It just kind of baffles me...like, I got this job via another program by another organisation which seeks to help young students get their first relevant job experience to their domains. My job was half-funded by that organism until the end of February. Was that 6.50/h really burning a hole in their pocket or something?

I don't know. I'll try to get more details tomorrow via the funding organisation and see if any contract has been breached, but I'm doubtful anything can be done.

It just really, really sucks. I always figured this was a temp thing, despite them initially claiming they wanted to turn it permanent, because quite frankly there was simply not enough for me to do in the long-term, and even now I was slowly beginning to twindle my thumbs. But I certainly did not expect my time there to end after just three weeks.

*sigh*

Good thing I had the 3rd part of my application process for a federal clerk job coming up Thursday. Basically an oral English test (main language is French, so...). I have to hit the best grade there, which shouldn't be a problem but still, now I'm stressed out. Won't have any hair left by 2016.

Already started back my old job-seeking routine. Hopefully now that I have this crucial (albeit small but hey I don't have to put the months on my resume!) experience, I'll get more callbacks.
 
I took a job offer once, then a better one came in 3 weeks later so I handed in my notice and left. I had never done it before and did feel bad, but in the end it's going to be what works out best for you and what makes you happy.




Ouch, what happened?

Yeah. I just get worried because one person asked why I had so many jobs on my resume. But that was a dumb question on her part.

This is the week where I find out if I get to work at my dream job, or be forced to settle at some terrible, soul sucking corporation again. Funny how there are more than enough of the latter types running around, but the stress is almost not worth it.
 

SKINNER!

Banned
What's the consensus on using job agencies? Yay or nay? I feel like I'm just wasting my time by going through them instead of applying directly to the source/employer but majority of the job websites I look at use these agencies.
 

Rich!

Member
just had my interview for the council officer job...that was intense. I think I did OK...maybe. Who knows.

they said they will contact me by the end of today to let me know. gulp.
 

Zingerale

Banned
It still irritates me when it says an entry level position requiring 5+ years of experience or something else ridiculous.

Yep. This happens a lot and it's so sad, really. If you can't afford a senior level salary, it's your own damn fault.

What also pisses me off is when a company hires me as a junior but expect me to do the job of a senior. They think they're saving money but they're only wasting it. Obviously I'm not gonna be able to do the job as fast or as good.
 

BeforeU

Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.
What sites do you guys use when applying to jobs? I use mostly Indeed.

Indeed is great. Also apply on company website directly.

Just got a reply back from the police for a finance officer role. Just had to send back some details about living history and family details for security checks. Will get an interview date soonish.

So yeah, two decent jobs lined up. Aw yeah

Good luck man.

Has anyone pursued a job that they didn't really want just to get an offer? I'm planning on going back to school but have still been applying to a few jobs that catch my eye because of either the job itself, the company, or the location. One I like because of the location seems to be going good but in the long run I don't really think it's for me. I'm just keeping it going because I want to see what they will offer and think it might be good for my ego.

lol I didnt know this was a thing. Its too much time consuming but I also get why you would want to do it. It does boost your ego. Now when I think about it, when I was in University, I couldn't apply to AMD because their min was 3.0 GPA. Now I have experience and I want to apply and when I get the offer, i want to tell them to go fuck yourself.


I applied to work at Dropbox, and they made me answer questions on a website where it used a webcam to record me and only gave me 1 minute to answer. It was super awkward, especially since all I could see was my face the entire time.

This is hilarious. I had interview on Skype but nothing like this.

Well guys.

I'm back!

Barely 3 weeks after I started, I get laid off.

I feel so sick in my stomach T_T.

Damn that sucks, what happened?

What's the consensus on using job agencies? Yay or nay? I feel like I'm just wasting my time by going through them instead of applying directly to the source/employer but majority of the job websites I look at use these agencies.

Why not both? Always apply as many places as you can. You never know when and from where you get a call.

just had my interview for the council officer job...that was intense. I think I did OK...maybe. Who knows.

they said they will contact me by the end of today to let me know. gulp.

Thats good. At least you will know today and wont have to suffer for weeks lol
 

Rich!

Member
didn't get the job.

Apparently there was only two of us interviewed (I believe it, they called me only two hours after mine), and the other person had more experience in this role.

however, they've recommended me to another department in a management role which is similar pay. I just applied, so lets see
 

Darren870

Member
Yeah. I just get worried because one person asked why I had so many jobs on my resume. But that was a dumb question on her part.

This is the week where I find out if I get to work at my dream job, or be forced to settle at some terrible, soul sucking corporation again. Funny how there are more than enough of the latter types running around, but the stress is almost not worth it.

You wouldn't list the job if it was only for a few weeks. I never did. In fact, you shouldn't really in general unless its relevant. Round employment gaps with months or years on resumes if need be. That is if you can hide it.
 

Leependi

Member
After six months of nothing, had two interviews last week but I made the mistake of telling the first guy about the second interview.

First place offered me a job for Christmas last week but then they phoned yesterday saying they've changed their mind because they're worried I'm going to get a permanent job offer from the second place and leave them.

So I've learnt that if an interviewer ever asks if I have another interview coming up, just say no.
 

Rich!

Member
After six months of nothing, had two interviews last week but I made the mistake of telling the first guy about the second interview.

First place offered me a job for Christmas last week but then they phoned yesterday saying they've changed their mind because they're worried I'm going to get a permanent job offer from the second place and leave them.

So I've learnt that if an interviewer ever asks if I have another interview coming up, just say no.

I would never mention any other interviews. If you do, the interviewer gets the impression that they aren't your main focus.

I turned away a few people when recruiting in my old store for doing that.
 

SKINNER!

Banned
So I've learnt that if an interviewer ever asks if I have another interview coming up, just say no.

I dunno about that, the current job I'm in I got asked if I had any interviews or if I have been to any interviews. Responded by saying that I had numerous and we've been going back and forth in communication. The interviewer proceeded to negotiate a salary price directly afterwards - I believe - because they were concerned I'd not be interested in their offer.
 

br3wnor

Member
I dunno about that, the current job I'm in I got asked if I had any interviews or if I have been to any interviews. Responded by saying that I had numerous and we've been going back and forth in communication. The interviewer proceeded to negotiate a salary price directly afterwards - I believe - because they were concerned I'd not be interested in their offer.

Yeah depends on your leverage. If the place wants you, saying you have other interviews can make them offer job quicker and might even entice them to boost the pay. If you're one of 10 faceless applicants though, it will probably hurt you and give them excuse to narrow the candidate pool.
 
Okay, I guess its time to tell my story.

I have posted about this on other threads, but I now consider myself a job seeker. My small company was swallowed whole by a HUGE monster of a company. Think 250k employees. I went from a big fish in a tiny pond to a tiny speck on a fish in an ocean. I was put in a job where my peers dont have half of my experience or education. To top it off, it is a dead end job. My boss told me I was topped out and would have to leave to get promoted.

Thankfully, I am still getting a paycheck. But, I have started looking for other jobs full time. For the first time in my career, I am considering moving out of state. I am married, have a great kid and a beautiful house. I hate to leave, but I can no longer advance where I am.

I have applied to about 5 jobs at a large telecom OEM, 4 jobs at NASA and about 10 jobs at a large defense contractor. I am very excited about a few jobs at the defense company. I really hope I get an interview. I have to say that I can only imagine what you guys are going through who do not have a paycheck like I do. This is depressing enough without the stress of worrying about money. Fingers crossed for an interview...
 

rjc571

Banned
Is this normal? I was approached by a job recruiter a few weeks ago about a software consulting position (at a different company than the one the recruiter works at). He set me up for an interview with the hiring manager, and last Monday he told me that I was being hired, and that he would provide me with more details on my job assignment within one week. I did not hear back from him yesterday, so I called him up asking for an update, but he did not answer his office phone or his cell phone. I left him a message, but he has yet to respond. Should I be worried?
 

Guesong

Member
Sometimes I consider suicide.

I find myself thinking about that possibility at times. But I quickly dismiss it. No matter how dark and depressing the job-hunt can be, it is absolutely only just a temporary problem. I think everyone has to deal with it at least once in their life, and it's a challenge that only makes us stronger in the end.

Talk to your friends. Talk to GAF. But honestly, do not pollute yourself with such thoughts. Just sit down and chat, take a small break, and pounce on the next interesting offer.

Or call the hotline if it's really severe. But really, all of us in this thread share the same boat, and we're all getting out of this eventually.

Is this normal? I was approached by a job recruiter a few weeks ago about a software consulting position (at a different company than the one the recruiter works at). He set me up for an interview with the hiring manager, and last Monday he told me that I was being hired, and that he would provide me with more details on my job assignment within one week. I did not hear back from him yesterday, so I called him up asking for an update, but he did not answer his office phone or his cell phone. I left him a message, but he has yet to respond. Should I be worried?

Yes. Or maybe he's just busy.
 

DyTonic

Banned
I'm seriously fed up with hiring agencies who are vague about which company they are hiring for because I want to know how reputable the company is before I go in for an interview.

Question though..

This IT manager said he will contact me either way if I did or didn't get the job, it's been 2 weeks. Should I wait or reach out?
 
Is this normal? I was approached by a job recruiter a few weeks ago about a software consulting position (at a different company than the one the recruiter works at). He set me up for an interview with the hiring manager, and last Monday he told me that I was being hired, and that he would provide me with more details on my job assignment within one week. I did not hear back from him yesterday, so I called him up asking for an update, but he did not answer his office phone or his cell phone. I left him a message, but he has yet to respond. Should I be worried?
If you're speaking with a recruiter, keep in mind that he also has to await responses from the company that is actually intending to hire you, so any broken link in the chain can cause a delay.

I'd shoot him an email and ask what's up, though.
 
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