I may have a lot of the core writing skills and competencies to do well with this. I'm based in Toronto too. How much technical expertise would you require for this work?
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
I may have a lot of the core writing skills and competencies to do well with this. I'm based in Toronto too. How much technical expertise would you require for this work?
anonymous_abc
Member
Personally I would never leave a permanent position for a temporary position. But that is just me.
Athough if you hours are constantly being reduced it doesn't sound like your current position is all that permanent anyway.
It it were me I would just continue looking for a permanent position stat.
So, let me write this down for further advice down the road.
Being added by the CEO of a company on LinkedIn means nothing for the selection process.
Didn't even get to the second round!
At this point, I'm seriously considering going back to school. I've had it with this degree and specific market.
Being added by the CEO of a company on LinkedIn means nothing for the selection process.
Didn't even get to the second round!
At this point, I'm seriously considering going back to school. I've had it with this degree and specific market.
Well it's been three weeks since I heard from the recruiter that I was being hired, but I still have yet to hear back from them regarding my job assignment/training. I attempted to contact the hiring manager last week but my email was ignored. Is it possible that they decided not to hire me after all but can't be bothered to let me know? Would this even be legal?
SniperHunter
Banned
What about networking/it? Possible to get a job with certs? I am about to write my a+ netwoek+ and ccna exams soon.
the_firewithin
Member
Went back to looking after getting laid off last week. Yikes I'm already depressed again
anonymous_abc
Member
People in employment apply to jobs too, so only partially.
DCharlie
And even i am moderately surprised
I had a period of unemployment at the start of 2013 - it was 4 months, of which 3 was gardening leave where i couldn't take up employment but yeah - the whole process in Japan was horrific.
The job market had changed drastically and i was starting to look at around a 70% pay cut - a glut of skilled people in the market, and few jobs to go round meant that it was a "buyers market"
Interviewing in Japanese (my japanese at the time wasn't anywhere near where it should have been) and having to create a Japanese CV just added further complications to the whole thing.
I would add that in three interviews at three different companies that my Linkedin profile was directly referenced. Of main interest was to see which contacts you have and what feed back you have (if any). I would suggest getting the feedback from collegues once a year or so.
Anyways, the whole process of searching and going to interviews was exhausting but definitely don't give up - at one point i was having multiple late stage interviews at four companies. On one day i had to complete a written test and then go for two interviews. Also - the number of interviews for the four companies was, in the best case, 6 and in the worst case 12. :/
The job market had changed drastically and i was starting to look at around a 70% pay cut - a glut of skilled people in the market, and few jobs to go round meant that it was a "buyers market"
Interviewing in Japanese (my japanese at the time wasn't anywhere near where it should have been) and having to create a Japanese CV just added further complications to the whole thing.
I would add that in three interviews at three different companies that my Linkedin profile was directly referenced. Of main interest was to see which contacts you have and what feed back you have (if any). I would suggest getting the feedback from collegues once a year or so.
Anyways, the whole process of searching and going to interviews was exhausting but definitely don't give up - at one point i was having multiple late stage interviews at four companies. On one day i had to complete a written test and then go for two interviews. Also - the number of interviews for the four companies was, in the best case, 6 and in the worst case 12. :/
All this talk about people who have degrees and still cant get a job is depressing. I went back to school two years ago when I was 26 and just finished my Associates. There are days I feel so tired and stopping with work/family and school but I keep pressing. This is depressing though I hope all of you with degrees find the light at the end of the tunnel because your hard work should pay off.
Currently working towards Bachelors in Accounting /Business Management.
Currently working towards Bachelors in Accounting /Business Management.
I once told one of my interviewers that my biggest flaw was being honest.
"Oh but good sir, that is not a flaw!"
"I assure you it is, in this day and age."
Seriously! I never lie. Ever. To anyone. Personal ethics code. At best I abstain from speaking. It's not an option when someone asks you stuff directly in an interview, though.
Case in point. Just got off a phone call about a paid internship in management. (Only need a high school diploma for that company, apparantly). It was going well. I was telling her that I want to be in a position where I can contribute to a goal, be it a societal goal or the traditional business goal of simply growing bigger. I don't only want to be a cog, I want to make stuff happen, and management is definitively a crucial part of it.
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
Oh boy. Fuck that classical bullshit question I swear. It's a blinds store! I don't want to stay there forever. It's a good environment, sure, but at the end, you're only still selling blinds.
So I answer truthfully. I never bash anything, rest assured, but in my head the perfect place for me is within the education sphere, where I can help the next generation grow everyday, be it even a little, with my efforts (even if I'm just the lowest of clerks). "Well, it's a tough question m'aam, but eventually, one day, I hope I can contribute to this society's education system and help out futures generations in their development."
Was it a good answer? Yes. It's noble, it shows ambition. Was it the one she wanted to hear? Probably not! Probably wanted to hear me say "Well golly gee I'd sure love to manage one of your blinds store!" Well duh. It's a great stepping stone. But who would really just want to do that, settle in and leave 40 years later?
Think I'm gonna have to write down a truthful yet evasive yet good answer for that question. Something among the lines of "It doesn't matter where I will be nor when I will be there, as I will always look forward to more and better ways to improve myself and the company for which I'm working".
But even that would show too much ambition. I don't know.
TL;DR : Silly employers asking questions nobody in their right mind would truthfully answer "Yes, I totally want to stay here all my life".
"Oh but good sir, that is not a flaw!"
"I assure you it is, in this day and age."
Seriously! I never lie. Ever. To anyone. Personal ethics code. At best I abstain from speaking. It's not an option when someone asks you stuff directly in an interview, though.
Case in point. Just got off a phone call about a paid internship in management. (Only need a high school diploma for that company, apparantly). It was going well. I was telling her that I want to be in a position where I can contribute to a goal, be it a societal goal or the traditional business goal of simply growing bigger. I don't only want to be a cog, I want to make stuff happen, and management is definitively a crucial part of it.
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
Oh boy. Fuck that classical bullshit question I swear. It's a blinds store! I don't want to stay there forever. It's a good environment, sure, but at the end, you're only still selling blinds.
So I answer truthfully. I never bash anything, rest assured, but in my head the perfect place for me is within the education sphere, where I can help the next generation grow everyday, be it even a little, with my efforts (even if I'm just the lowest of clerks). "Well, it's a tough question m'aam, but eventually, one day, I hope I can contribute to this society's education system and help out futures generations in their development."
Was it a good answer? Yes. It's noble, it shows ambition. Was it the one she wanted to hear? Probably not! Probably wanted to hear me say "Well golly gee I'd sure love to manage one of your blinds store!" Well duh. It's a great stepping stone. But who would really just want to do that, settle in and leave 40 years later?
Think I'm gonna have to write down a truthful yet evasive yet good answer for that question. Something among the lines of "It doesn't matter where I will be nor when I will be there, as I will always look forward to more and better ways to improve myself and the company for which I'm working".
But even that would show too much ambition. I don't know.
TL;DR : Silly employers asking questions nobody in their right mind would truthfully answer "Yes, I totally want to stay here all my life".
Well, I have some advice. You don't have to take it, but I got a job at a fortune 50 company, I took a fantastic technical writing course (my professor ended up using my resume as an example for her future classes), I've spent hours and hours over the years editing my resumes with career counselors, and my recruiters at my company were a fan of my resume (and even though my credentials weren't as amazing as the interns I competed with, I got the job, they didn't). I would say that even though my resume isn't perfect and I'm still trying to get it the way I want, I have a great eye for good resume design. Mind you, I'm not filled with years of industry experience, so my advice comes mostly for young professionals/new college grads looking for a job.
My main advice in three bullet points that people often overlook in resume design:
- Communicate the bottom-line. With bullet points, deliver the news first with powerful verbs, then elaborate.
- Don't simply list accomplishments. Everyone does that. That's not remarkable. Emphasize RESULTS and how you influenced the organization you participated in, not just "I did this and that every week for x hours."
- Pick 2-3 core characteristics you want your resume themed upon. Creativity? Organizational skills? If that's what makes you "you", your resume better constantly point back to these traits with the words and bullet points you pick.
I'll tell you what I told the GAFer that PM'd me (don't worry, guy, I made it anonymous).
I did something like that.
The interviewer asked me the same question, and I told her I was planning to get a scholarship in a year or two for get my Master's Degree.
Biggest mistake ever.
DCharlie
And even i am moderately surprised
I was given coaching for 2 months when i was on gardening leave by my firm by an external consultancy and they really emphasised this point.
The whole listing thing doesn't tell the company anything about you - the advice was to "tell a story, don't throw up a list" - you need to go that extra bit to add some texture to what your experience is.
Exactly. You have mere seconds to explicitly tell them about your skills and how your skills have affected the organizations you've been involved with, not just a checklist of things you've done.
There's a world of difference between the bullet point:
"Interacted with customers daily and handled transactions."
And:
"Ensured customer satisfaction by prioritizing individual customer needs and managing up to $1000/day for over 30 clients/day."
The first bullet point has no apparent purpose. It's not quantifiable. It's generic and doesn't sell you.
The second bullet point has the purpose of demonstrating that you're good at meeting client needs. It quantifies the volume of clients and money you handle, and it uses language that emphasizes you dedicate yourself to the customer. It's results-driven, not vaguely "checklisty".
Basic example I came up with in a minute, but you get the idea.
bengraven
Member
This is me. Two weeks in and I am non-stop stressed. I can't actually spend a moment enjoying it.
Back on the job search because this Walmart position is hell. I'm trying to keep a level head but it seems like no one understands the anxiety attacks, shakes, and depression I'm going through at the moment. It's like it hit a ultra turn for the worse ever since I started working for that place. I can't talk to HR because they are busy and will try to keep me in the position I assign for...
I don't want to quit because I have a family and I don't want to put so much on my wife. It's like I feel all alone in this situation and trying hard to get myself out of the state. Looking for work in a small college town can be depressing because it's who you know and how lucky you can become.
I don't want to quit because I have a family and I don't want to put so much on my wife. It's like I feel all alone in this situation and trying hard to get myself out of the state. Looking for work in a small college town can be depressing because it's who you know and how lucky you can become.
I'm starting to get ready to go back to school as my job search hasn't gone anywhere. Lost it at the end of March but then spent May through July recovering from a bad accident. My experience is in purchasing and management/development of cycling clothing and accessories so not a lot of positions exist. I've been looking at other sporting good companies like REI, Nike, etc.
It's impossible to get feedback but I think my trouble is because I have wide but shallow experience. I worked for the world's largest bike company but they aren't known for what I did and no one before me left and moved on. I've also have been a little picky as there are a lot of places I really don't want to move to. For some reason there are a ton of companies in my field in Irvine and i really don't want to live in Orange County. Others like REI only take resumes and no cover letters so they are looking at a very small amount of information.
For schooling I'm looking to go into nursing but because of science pre-reqs it will take 3 years to get a BSN. Hard part is figuring out what part time work to get for 3 years.
It's impossible to get feedback but I think my trouble is because I have wide but shallow experience. I worked for the world's largest bike company but they aren't known for what I did and no one before me left and moved on. I've also have been a little picky as there are a lot of places I really don't want to move to. For some reason there are a ton of companies in my field in Irvine and i really don't want to live in Orange County. Others like REI only take resumes and no cover letters so they are looking at a very small amount of information.
For schooling I'm looking to go into nursing but because of science pre-reqs it will take 3 years to get a BSN. Hard part is figuring out what part time work to get for 3 years.
Syphon Filter
Member
Can i pm you my resume so you can give me tips?
texhnolyze
Banned
I feel you.
I just got a new job last month after a month struggling to find one. It's only a mere one month, but it's my worst days ever. I just married last May. My wife is working, and I'm sitting at home playing games inbetween the interview calls. Man..
I just got a new job last month after a month struggling to find one. It's only a mere one month, but it's my worst days ever. I just married last May. My wife is working, and I'm sitting at home playing games inbetween the interview calls. Man..
sasimirobot
Junior Member
Have any of thought of working in Asia as an English teacher?
The qualifications are low, a 4 year degree in any field. The pay is decent, and with the cost of living so low it is easy to save. We just had a guy work at my school for 6 months and he left with 9,000$US. He was a cheap bastard (or smart?) though, never went out drinking, only ate at school, didn't buy anything as far as I know...
Here is the link for the job, if anyone is interested:
http://www.shenzhenparty.com/jobs/e...r-11000rmb-month-2-months-paid-holiday-guaran
The qualifications are low, a 4 year degree in any field. The pay is decent, and with the cost of living so low it is easy to save. We just had a guy work at my school for 6 months and he left with 9,000$US. He was a cheap bastard (or smart?) though, never went out drinking, only ate at school, didn't buy anything as far as I know...
Here is the link for the job, if anyone is interested:
http://www.shenzhenparty.com/jobs/e...r-11000rmb-month-2-months-paid-holiday-guaran
Yes sir/ma'am, feel free to PM me.
Thanks, no problem! I like helping with resumes.
Today, I just got turned down from a job working as a Library Assistant. I went to grad-school for Information Science for a year, and this job was basically what I was trained to do. It would've paid well ($42-45K) and would have helped me out tremendously.
I'm just so fucking crushed right now. Nothing has been going well for me this year, and I've accrued so much debt because of my mistake to continue higher education. I don't know what to do anymore.
I'm just so fucking crushed right now. Nothing has been going well for me this year, and I've accrued so much debt because of my mistake to continue higher education. I don't know what to do anymore.
It's a crappy job market and employers can pick and choose from hundreds of applicants for each and every open position.
Losing out on one job doesn't equal failure. And you can either beat yourself up or use this setback as motivation to redouble your efforts.
bonesmccoy
Banned
Canada job hunters:
The company I work for (big telecom, signature colours are gurple and preen),
are hiring customer service agents, QA analysts, business analysts, systems analysts, programmer analysts, DBAs etc etc all the time. Positions are available all over the country... But mostly in BC, Alberta and Ontario.
The company I work for (big telecom, signature colours are gurple and preen),
are hiring customer service agents, QA analysts, business analysts, systems analysts, programmer analysts, DBAs etc etc all the time. Positions are available all over the country... But mostly in BC, Alberta and Ontario.
Would you mind looking over mine if you had time at some point? Just looking over what you posted I feel my whole thing is generic as hell and is probably one of the reasons I've barely gotten any bites in two years.
Yeah sure, feel free to send it.
Can you apply elsewhere?
Is your program just a 1-year program or was this Library Assistant position an internship for a degree program you've yet to finish?
Did you get to interview or not? If you weren't invited to interview, your resume might need some tweaking. Let me know if you want some suggestions for your resume.
Keep you heads up. This job market has no sympathy or logic. The most fundamental thing, and it's probably been said in this thread again and again, is to use your connections. Sending an online application is basically like sending it to a trash bin because of the amount of applications that a typical job listing gets. Get connected, contact people even if it might be a little daunting. Having someone recommend you is probably the best chance of getting your application or resume seen.
Hmm...thanks for the heads-up! There's an interesting internship here and at worst a clerk job right around the corner of my apartment...this could be g---
OH GOD THEY USE TALEO FOR THEIR APPLICATIONS.
Hopes crushed.
I understand. I slept it off and I feel much better now. I'm trying to keep positive, but it's really tough to when you're unemployed in the Bay Area. Thanks, though.
Oh yeah, definitely. I already applied to two other places last night. This program was like any traditional grad school major. I stopped after the first year because of expenses and not wanting to take on more debt, but completion of the first year also gives you a leg up at some of these types of jobs. The process for this job was a two part phase. The first was an exam/interview with supervisors, which would've led up to the second interview. I felt did OK about the exam, but I guess they found people there that they felt were more suited for the job during the interview process.
I think my resume is pretty solid. I had others look it over and they felt it was presentable and thorough. But since I live in the Bay Area, which is notorious for its shitty job market and competition, many of my applications go nowhere.
Thank you very much! I'll send it along then.
TrAcEr_x90
Member
Made it to second interview!
I'm currently playing the waiting game. I had my interview last Wednesday with a company that I really want to work for and they said they would let me know their decision in about a week. They said they were impressed by my design test, but I also know I'm competing with ten other applicants over two open positions. So now I get to wait by the phone, knowing I'm going to get a call that will either make me completely elated, or totally crush me after how long I've worked applying to this position.
Great to see you people moving forward. The waiting game is so exhausting 
. I am into that right now after an interview with five people on the other side of the table today...damn. I felt I did my best. But it was hard. Also, have been keeping the contact for a while and been to more interviews at the same place. A lot of traveling and effort put in from me. I hope it's for something.
It's for a permanent position in another city, compared to my current temporary one. It would make a huge difference in my life if I should be able to land that job. I am just hoping...hoping...hoping for the best. Cannot even sleep.
. I am into that right now after an interview with five people on the other side of the table today...damn. I felt I did my best. But it was hard. Also, have been keeping the contact for a while and been to more interviews at the same place. A lot of traveling and effort put in from me. I hope it's for something.It's for a permanent position in another city, compared to my current temporary one. It would make a huge difference in my life if I should be able to land that job. I am just hoping...hoping...hoping for the best. Cannot even sleep.
TheSpoiler
Member
A place I applied to long ago and didn't get (said another candidate had more experience) just put up the same job posting online again after about a month or so. Should I apply again?
How should I go about doing this? I have the guy's personal email (he send me a message after the automated one went through), or should I go through the application process again?
How should I go about doing this? I have the guy's personal email (he send me a message after the automated one went through), or should I go through the application process again?
anonymous_abc
Member
Write to him directly enquiring whether it's worth you reapplying.
TheSpoiler
Member
Done. The most he can do is shit on my self confidence and tell me I'm not worth his and his company's time, right?
anonymous_abc
Member
Always remember, the worst they can do is say 'no'.
-Plasma Reus-
Service guarantees member status
Third interviews?
I have been considered for a good position that is closer to home and pays better. It is also in a tremendously exciting industry. The job will be harder, but I appear to be holding my own in process so far and they seem confident I can do the job.
I have had one interview with the managing director, then another one with the head of the department I am going to work at. The MD said he was positive with me and was glad to arrange for a second interview with the head of department. She was also very positive with me and said she was confident that the MD and herself would be speaking again with me soon.
It turns out there's a third interview I have to attend. This one will be face to face with the MD and perhaps the head of department as well. Will this really be a third interview? What sort of questions could they be asking me? We already addressed the pay/salary etc. And also had my technical interview done.
Is this so that they can get to know me better? I am having to travel quite far to go to central office. Would be terrible thing on their part to tell me I failed after travelling that far.
I have been considered for a good position that is closer to home and pays better. It is also in a tremendously exciting industry. The job will be harder, but I appear to be holding my own in process so far and they seem confident I can do the job.
I have had one interview with the managing director, then another one with the head of the department I am going to work at. The MD said he was positive with me and was glad to arrange for a second interview with the head of department. She was also very positive with me and said she was confident that the MD and herself would be speaking again with me soon.
It turns out there's a third interview I have to attend. This one will be face to face with the MD and perhaps the head of department as well. Will this really be a third interview? What sort of questions could they be asking me? We already addressed the pay/salary etc. And also had my technical interview done.
Is this so that they can get to know me better? I am having to travel quite far to go to central office. Would be terrible thing on their part to tell me I failed after travelling that far.
Manmademan
Member
usually. Lots of times third interviews are a formality, and usually less about surprising you with tough questions and more about letting the department heads meet with you before giving you the stamp of approval. show up on time and be professional and you shouldn't have a lot to worry about.
The_Joker1721
Member
Yes I agree. I think leaving the U.S. to travel around a bit over the last year has definitely hurt me a bit. I've been applying to retail stores and restaurants and anywhere I can find that is hiring but I can't seem to get an interview. I'm heading to college in September next year but I need something to do until then other than study but I've also heard about bank teller certification programs. Is that really a thing? Should I look into that? Cause I've also thought being a banker after highschool.
Off the subject but my biggest problem is I don't know what to do for a career. Some days it's programming others it's banking and some others is business marketing. Why do I have to have a rotating Interest? All I know is that seeing new places has made me want to better my life in every way possible.
Off the subject but my biggest problem is I don't know what to do for a career. Some days it's programming others it's banking and some others is business marketing. Why do I have to have a rotating Interest? All I know is that seeing new places has made me want to better my life in every way possible.
elrechazado
Banned
But I shouldn't have to use an email other than my rainbowdashluvr@hotmail.com I've used it for years what does it have to do with my ability to do the job????
Great idea though, seriously
-Plasma Reus-
Service guarantees member status
Is it a good thing to ask for a slightly larger annual salary before signing contract?
It appears they have the budget for it.
I will be honest with them and tell them I do get other job offers and I want to prevent a back and forth.
It appears they have the budget for it.
I will be honest with them and tell them I do get other job offers and I want to prevent a back and forth.
anonymous_abc
Member
It's not something I would wait till the last minute to bring up.
'yea sure let me just sign that contract. *moves pen towards paper* Just one more thing before I sign, can I have more moneyz?'
That probably wouldn't go down too well.
-Plasma Reus-
Service guarantees member status
That is a good point. I will e-mail the Managing Director today.
dragonflys545
Member
Finally got a full time gig again. It all happen so fast. Don't ever give up guys, I was at the point where I was really stress out with life because of how terrible it is to find a job in this market. My hard work has finally paid off after numerous interviews and sending out tons of resumes.