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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
So I emailed an application off to one company and got an email response saying I'll hear back within two weeks, but he wrote at the end, "Ps - I liked your cover letter, well written..."
The ellipsis is strange, but I looked back at my email quote and the format seemed to have stuffed up with double lined spaced paragraphs and a random 'I" in it's own line. This isn't how I sent it!
Now I'm paranoid.
The ellipsis is strange, but I looked back at my email quote and the format seemed to have stuffed up with double lined spaced paragraphs and a random 'I" in it's own line. This isn't how I sent it!
Now I'm paranoid.
Pancakes
hot, steaming, as melted butter slips into the cracks, drizzled with sticky sweet syrup OH GOD
Just got called in for an interview on Friday at my friend's company that does AutoCAD design work for the local governments and my own university.
Now to brush up on my AutoCAD which I haven't practiced >2 years...
Now to brush up on my AutoCAD which I haven't practiced >2 years...
Just did the online test. Was quite optimistic because the tutorials and most of the questions in the test were quite easy. But the last 4 questions (of 24) were a real difficulty spike and I couldn't even answer 2 of them in the given time frame
Hope it is enough to get me a job interview, did the others quite well I think.
Just got a job interview for another of the big 4 ones on tuesday though
Did a little mistake in the cover letter and thought I won't hear anything from them. Wish me luck guys.
betweenthewheels
Member
Does anyone have experience working a job that had a negative public perception?
I've been trying for the past year or so to land a job in my field (Graphic Design) with no success. Recently been revamping my online portfolio and resume which landed me some interviews which seemingly went well at the time only to get no response, which is so fucking annoying.
Anyway, I work currently part-time as a library clerk which has above average pay and is unionized, but is notoriously hard to land a full-time position.
Back to my point. There has been a recent internal posting for a full-time custodian, which I may have a good chance at landing. I wonder if having this on my resume would look bad, if i'm going for Graphic Design work down the road. Also, the fact that my parents shame me for even considering the position as if it's beneath me. I'd be making double what I am now, plus benefits and the continued security of a union.
Any advice would be appreciated.
I've been trying for the past year or so to land a job in my field (Graphic Design) with no success. Recently been revamping my online portfolio and resume which landed me some interviews which seemingly went well at the time only to get no response, which is so fucking annoying.
Anyway, I work currently part-time as a library clerk which has above average pay and is unionized, but is notoriously hard to land a full-time position.
Back to my point. There has been a recent internal posting for a full-time custodian, which I may have a good chance at landing. I wonder if having this on my resume would look bad, if i'm going for Graphic Design work down the road. Also, the fact that my parents shame me for even considering the position as if it's beneath me. I'd be making double what I am now, plus benefits and the continued security of a union.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Darren870
Member
Ideally you would have 2 CV's at this point. One CV to show off your portfolio, side & free lance work, schooling etc. The other CV would show off the other jobs, eg library clerk and custodian.
My missus was in the same boat. She listed all her "crap" jobs on her cv as she didn't want to seem like she was unemployed for 4 years. She wasn't getting calls back from any of the jobs she was applying for, which was in a totally new career for her. I redid her CV, removed all them and just literally put one line that said "2010 - 2014 : Various Jobs" and boosted up the actual jobs she did work in that would give her somewhat relevant experience to her new career. She wound up getting calls within a few days.
We kept the other CV to apply for jobs that wasn't in her career choice just so she could start working until a role she wanted opened up.
Government jobs can be very hard to get into with great benefits and stability that you would not get in the private sector .
Im a Manatee
Member
Just did the online test. Was quite optimistic because the tutorials and most of the questions in the test were quite easy. But the last 4 questions (of 24) were a real difficulty spike and I couldn't even answer 2 of them in the given time frame
Hope it is enough to get me a job interview, did the others quite well I think.
Just got a job interview for another of the big 4 ones on tuesday though
Did a little mistake in the cover letter and thought I won't hear anything from them. Wish me luck guys.
I just accepted at a Big 4 in advisory. Same thing, made a mistake in the cover letter. We're human, after all.
You're more likely to die than get fired from a government job. Might be a little different if you have a security clearance but there is unmatched stability.
I would definitely follow-up if it has been a week with no further communication.
They had asked for 2 weeks of availability, so I figured "maybe this is how long it takes?". Then, as I was headed out the door yesterday they called and said that somehow my email went to the wrong folder etc. etc. and booked a phone interview. I had that this morning, and now I have an in-person interview tomorrow.
Super hopeful, really want this job!
Pancakes
hot, steaming, as melted butter slips into the cracks, drizzled with sticky sweet syrup OH GOD
Welp. I was asked about of stuff about power systems and circuit design that I hadn't used in years and felt like I didn't do too hot on the exam portion. Hiring manager and I basically talked about my interests in the engineering field and what I hope to achieve and I guess something clicked because he said that we can discuss my salary, schedule, and start date when he gets back from a trip to Houston next Wednesday.
I guess I'm not unemployed anymore. Woohoo?
I was offered an interview for a training program job after I applied for a buyer position. I felt like I nailed the interview and she asked me to call her the next week if I hadn't heard back by then which has to be a good sign. Then she said we would do a skype interview this week. Didn't hear back, contacted her again and she said;
"I apologize for the delay in response due to busy schedules regarding the DMMs. At this time they are not hiring more GGTs. I will reach back out to you when we are ready to move forward with interviews again."
Whatever that means. DMM has to be some inner company lingo, which she just presumes I would know for some reason. GGT doesn't match the title of the job I interviewed for either but that must be what it is referring to.
Soooo, back at square one. Dammit! Why can't anything ever work out.
"I apologize for the delay in response due to busy schedules regarding the DMMs. At this time they are not hiring more GGTs. I will reach back out to you when we are ready to move forward with interviews again."
Whatever that means. DMM has to be some inner company lingo, which she just presumes I would know for some reason. GGT doesn't match the title of the job I interviewed for either but that must be what it is referring to.
Soooo, back at square one. Dammit! Why can't anything ever work out.
Just got out of a second interview for a call center that services Netflix. They passed on me because I wasn't outgoing.. so much for being introverted. I feel no one even looks at my college degree at all. Thinking of just getting my m.b.a. sick of relying on others for the past 6 months.
I heard back from a company recently that told me they passed on me as well.. then said "Happy Holidays" at the end of the email... WTF!
I heard back from a company recently that told me they passed on me as well.. then said "Happy Holidays" at the end of the email... WTF!
shindoku21
Member
So after I posted this, I shot out some resumes/cover letters and got 3 interviews set up right after finals. First interview wasn't too shabby. The company is a clinical microbiology lab and I had more experience in a food microbiology lab, so they noticed I had the skill set and seemed really interested in the food aspect. Thought it went well... but I totally forgot the second interviewers' name and she didn't have a business card. Oops.
Second interview, I was not prepared. I'm usually ready to answer 1-2 difficult questions, but they asked like 6-7! Oh man, my answers started sounding less detailed and stupid/made up. The interviewers were engaging and interested but I felt like those answers didn't really showcase me. Weird thing too was that they didn't ask about my skill set. It was more about my work ethic/work habits.
Last interview was today. All I can say is, I've never felt more confident after an interview than after today. It was more casual towards the end of the interview and he really just wanted someone to fit in with the other employees. Hope I get a call back for this one...
The full time version of the mat leave position I was in earlier this year was just posted. You'd think I'd be the ideal candidate considered for this, as I've documented my interest strongly and I'm essentially already trained. Nevertheless, I'm worried.
Is it a thing for companies to not bring people back to the same position? I wasn't let go or fired or anything - it was a Mat leave that ended because the lady came back.
Hoping for the best here. I'd love to go back, and this time, full time. No contracts. No temporary status.
Is it a thing for companies to not bring people back to the same position? I wasn't let go or fired or anything - it was a Mat leave that ended because the lady came back.
Hoping for the best here. I'd love to go back, and this time, full time. No contracts. No temporary status.
I've heard a couple others on here say they have been told they weren't outgoing enough or something similar. What a lousy thing to say to someone, it seems like an unnecessary insult on top of rejection.
I think it might be a standard excuse for rejection though so I wouldn't take it too personal, I got rejected for an internship at a credit union once and I sent a thank you letter the next day asking for any suggestions for improvement. She emailed me back some six months later out of the blue, stating that "At times in the interview you seemed uninterested. Honestly, your facial expressions made it seem like you were bored with what was being shared or asked.""
Does she really remember me that well 6 months later? Lol, I must have looked REALLY bored to leave that much of an impression. I honestly couldn't even tell you what she looks like after this long. It just sounds like a boilerplate way to reject someone, the "I have a boyfriend" of the HR world.
I'm introverted as well but it doesn't show much in interviews. There's a different thing that has hindered my aspirations: There have already been two interviewers who weren't sure whether I am assertive enough. It's difficult for me to get this across since I come across as a "nice guy" usually and of course also in interviews. But that doesn't mean that I can't be assertive. However, they can't see that part so it's difficult.
It has been one year since I finished my bachelor thesis and I'm still looking for a (full-time study related) job. However, the last interview I had (this week) felt good (although he was one of the guys who didn't know if I can be assertive enough). Hope it works out, would be great to get a job before the holidays.
It has been one year since I finished my bachelor thesis and I'm still looking for a (full-time study related) job. However, the last interview I had (this week) felt good (although he was one of the guys who didn't know if I can be assertive enough). Hope it works out, would be great to get a job before the holidays.
TrAcEr_x90
Member
I've been on the grind for a good 6 months, trying to get out of the job I currently have. Probably been on 5 interviews. Some were real close, or I just had to turn down because I didn't want to just be int the same position as I am in now. I know I should be thankful that I actually have a job, but its definitely wearing me down to the point I think I'm starting to have depression. I've gained about 14lbs, I'm fighting with my girlfriend alot, and my weekends just fly by even though I just mostly stay home. The job I've been interviewing with for the past month (had to go in for 3 interviews with 3 separate people at the company) told me they would have a decision most likely mid-December. I feel positive since I made it through all the levels of interviews but I'm getting anxiety as the days count down. They might not even let me know until after the 1st. If I don't get this position, its going to be soul crushing.......I'm thinking then I'll have to try and pull myself together, and start saving money anyway I can. If I can save up at least 1.5 months of pay, maybe I can just put in my two weeks and see where the cards fall. Has anyone been on a very long thourough job interview? They told me I wouldn't have an answer until mid-december, should I contact them at the end of next week and check in? Or have some patience?
HalfwayOrb
Member
I was looking for a job for 6 months after I graduated from college. Had many interviews. Indeed it was soul crushing. Then I got a job that pays well. Now I'm happy. I love my job. Just hang in there, be patient, keep looking.
anonymous_abc
Member
betweenthewheels
Member
Would any of you work a cleaner/custodian?
It's full-time $20-23/hr plus benefits and also unionized.
I'm more unsure if I'll hate it due to all the gross stuff I'd have to clean. It's downtown at a busy public library. The money and hours are definitely a pmis for me. Its just the stigma against the profession that has me second guessing
It's full-time $20-23/hr plus benefits and also unionized.
I'm more unsure if I'll hate it due to all the gross stuff I'd have to clean. It's downtown at a busy public library. The money and hours are definitely a pmis for me. Its just the stigma against the profession that has me second guessing
Go for it. That's decent pay for decent work, nothing wrong with that.
My current job was boring the fuck out of me, so I applied to two places, had two interviews, and got both jobs. I accepted the one with the most time off and I start in January. I'm pretty excited.
I'm hopefully going to bring in a third source of income with a new property venture with a few of my buddies. Our background in the industry basically secures that if we decide to get this off the ground, we'll kill probably 60% of the competition in the area. Mad hyped about that.
I'm hopefully going to bring in a third source of income with a new property venture with a few of my buddies. Our background in the industry basically secures that if we decide to get this off the ground, we'll kill probably 60% of the competition in the area. Mad hyped about that.
ChuyMasta
Member
I'd do it. If it came down to it, I would be ok with landscaping, truck driving, construction, concrete. Sometimes it strikes me as odd people having a hard time finding a job and months go by. But yet, I see tons of now hiring announcemnts on the areas I just described.
shindoku21
Member
Looks like a got the job as long as I pass all the background check and drug testing stuff. I'm happy, but part of me feels like I should've negotiated salary... even if it is my first real job out of college. I was totally in a position to negotiate too during my interview (he asked about my other interviews and what offers I had on the table already-- I was honest and said the actual offers, which were around ~$30k).
I haven't done in paperwork yet, but how should one go about that if it is mentioned? Obviously I don't want the job offer to be rescinded and I don't actually have the other job offers in the bag... I guess part of me is mad that I wasn't more aggressive. I know now =p
I haven't done in paperwork yet, but how should one go about that if it is mentioned? Obviously I don't want the job offer to be rescinded and I don't actually have the other job offers in the bag... I guess part of me is mad that I wasn't more aggressive. I know now =p
Jason's Ultimatum
Member
Anyone in this thread applying for or landed a job with a political science degree? Finding govt jobs isn't helping since the vets are getting them.
I just don't know what private sector jobs to look for. I've tried analyst or research positions. I've thought about Raymond James financial, but I wouldn't want to be a salesman.
I just don't know what private sector jobs to look for. I've tried analyst or research positions. I've thought about Raymond James financial, but I wouldn't want to be a salesman.
To be fair, your negotiating powers are pretty limited if this is your first job.
MetalGuardian
Banned
How do most of you go about even looking for a job? I've been going exclusively through online job sites, with little luck. Are there any viable alternatives to this, apart from visiting the site of a specific company you are interested in to see if they have any openings?
Also, are there better job sites than indeed.com? That's the one I've mainly been using - again, with little luck.
Also, are there better job sites than indeed.com? That's the one I've mainly been using - again, with little luck.
shindoku21
Member
Yeah, I kinda realized this too. My dad is telling me that I should've negotiated, but I don't think he understood the circumstances. At one point during the interview when was asking about my other interviews, it did feel like I could've bluffed and negotiated though. Just wondering if people have done it, especially for an entry-level position (science-related job).
unfortunately, I might have to be reliving this nightmarish process again any day now, long story short, family feud over the business might mean new people are taking over and either shitcanning everyone that worked here before, or just outright closing the place and selling it. Ive been hearing rumbling for weeks and it seems its about to blow up
the buzzards are deffinately circling, and Im actually worried now. Merry xmas to me
the buzzards are deffinately circling, and Im actually worried now. Merry xmas to me
It depends on what type of job or career field.
If it's a government job try USAjobs, state, or local websites.
Monster is okay but there are a lot of jobs posted by staffing agencies.
The Ladders are supposedly for high paying jobs.
Career Builder can be good.
LinkedIn can be a good source especially since you can contact the recruiter who posted the job.
Don't forget your local newspaper! They are still good places to find local jobs.
Also try looking at your school's career section or the career sections of professional organizations. The postings tend to get less resumes so you have a better chance of getting a job.
I like Indeed because the website gathers postings from a lot of sources. However, I do look at different websites.
Breh, don't do this...
Why you say that?
Fuck screwed up another interview. This shit is becoming a complex for me. She basically said I had the right qualifications and seemed very intelligent, but I was chaotic in the conversation. My damn career is fucking dependent on my shitty interviewing skills. I do practice, but it doesn't mean shit for the real deal. I used to be better at this, but the constant rejection is getting to me.
I didn't want to start a new thread for this, and figured this one was close enough: we hired a contractor to help out with an on-going project. He somehow got it into his head that he was sticking around, and really loves the money (we make above the national average for high-level IT). But I found out he's gone come March. Should I tell him? He seems to be building plans around his newly increased income, and I just can't find the heart to break the bad news to him. He just doesn't have the level of expertise we demand, though I think with time I could train him up. Sucks.
Such bullshit, if you had the right qualifications and attitude but didn't interview well I would still hire you; you're understandably nervous and it should be dismissed not considered some flaw.
Their loss.
I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
Negative. There's being slightly nervous in an interview - natural - and then there's being, in the interviewer's own words, chaotic. Plenty of people have the aptitude but lack the social skills required to interact with colleagues and clients. These type of frictions are best avoided depending on the type of teams you're hiring for. No clue what industry we're talking about, but in mine, for example, anyone without the ability to give a good first impression is dismissed.
Just did the online test. Was quite optimistic because the tutorials and most of the questions in the test were quite easy. But the last 4 questions (of 24) were a real difficulty spike and I couldn't even answer 2 of them in the given time frame
Hope it is enough to get me a job interview, did the others quite well I think.
Just got a job interview for another of the big 4 ones on tuesday though
Did a little mistake in the cover letter and thought I won't hear anything from them. Wish me luck guys.
Almost had a heart attack when I saw unpaid and big 4 but then I see you're located overseas. Phew.
Yeah, but the job involves going to clients a lot (assistant accountant position). She's probably afraid I'll be like that with clients as well, which would be false since I do have my experience working with clients (albeit with non-related jobs). I do understand where she's coming from, but it just sucks for me.
It's still kinda surprising, because the Netherlands which is next to Germany have decent paying internships (from the big 4).
I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
Well since we're all talking about the same industry, exactly. We're client serving so it's natural we pass on candidates that we're not confident putting out there to represent us.
Rawket Lawnchair
Member
Hey guys,
I have a normal interview, a technical interview, and a 10-minute presentation the day after tomorrow, at a company's offices, for a position I am a great candidate for. I know I will do my best, but I need this job so much and I am nervous.
I also need to vent a little, so please bear with me.
I landed a job at the beginning of the year, but got fired after 4 months for basically no substantial reason whatsoever. At the time they cited performance issues and not devoting my whole attention to work, which did not make any sense as they had not given me a heads up or a warning. I had only received praise until that time, had not missed a deadline, and we were all playing football two days earlier. Months passed, I lost contact with my ex co-workers (3 of whom I learned had moved on but did not know the specifics), I had a few interviews which didn't pan out, and in the meantime my self-esteem has fallen in shambles as I feel totally worthless and useless for the last 6 months. I am not an idiot, I have a bachelor and two masters degrees, but I seem to be unable to land a job in the oil & gas industry.
In any case, an ex-colleague from my previous job contacted me yesterday to give me the news; he just quit the company, as apparently shit is starting to hit the fan. 7 more people (8 with him) have left (that's 50% of the company), been fired or forced out after my dismissal, the company is not doing well, their financials are horrible, and the GM is totally oblivious to the problems as he thinks it's everyone else's fault. They basically have one more year, and if they can't produce something substantial to show to their investors, they're going under. The people who have departed have not been replaced. There were red flags all over the place since I were there, for example no mid-level staff (just fresh graduates and experienced professionals who had started out as consultants) and a year before I started, the previous team (about 8 people) just up and left in the span of two months with many processing workflows ending up lost as no one had even thought of documenting them...
Two days before I was fired the GM had told us that the company would not be making this year's aims and people would have to be more serious with their work if they wanted to be kept in the company. My girlfriend always thought my dismissal was an elaborate play to show the rest of the team he wasn't kidding and to save some money (my salary) in the process (two summer interns were supposed to start 3 days later) but I had my doubts until yesterday.
So yeah, I really need this job to turn my life around. I am preparing these last few days and revising some subjects pertinent to the job for the technical interview, and will rehearse my presentation countless times today and tomorrow.
Please, wish me some luck and send some positive vibes.
I have a normal interview, a technical interview, and a 10-minute presentation the day after tomorrow, at a company's offices, for a position I am a great candidate for. I know I will do my best, but I need this job so much and I am nervous.
I also need to vent a little, so please bear with me.
I landed a job at the beginning of the year, but got fired after 4 months for basically no substantial reason whatsoever. At the time they cited performance issues and not devoting my whole attention to work, which did not make any sense as they had not given me a heads up or a warning. I had only received praise until that time, had not missed a deadline, and we were all playing football two days earlier. Months passed, I lost contact with my ex co-workers (3 of whom I learned had moved on but did not know the specifics), I had a few interviews which didn't pan out, and in the meantime my self-esteem has fallen in shambles as I feel totally worthless and useless for the last 6 months. I am not an idiot, I have a bachelor and two masters degrees, but I seem to be unable to land a job in the oil & gas industry.
In any case, an ex-colleague from my previous job contacted me yesterday to give me the news; he just quit the company, as apparently shit is starting to hit the fan. 7 more people (8 with him) have left (that's 50% of the company), been fired or forced out after my dismissal, the company is not doing well, their financials are horrible, and the GM is totally oblivious to the problems as he thinks it's everyone else's fault. They basically have one more year, and if they can't produce something substantial to show to their investors, they're going under. The people who have departed have not been replaced. There were red flags all over the place since I were there, for example no mid-level staff (just fresh graduates and experienced professionals who had started out as consultants) and a year before I started, the previous team (about 8 people) just up and left in the span of two months with many processing workflows ending up lost as no one had even thought of documenting them...
Two days before I was fired the GM had told us that the company would not be making this year's aims and people would have to be more serious with their work if they wanted to be kept in the company. My girlfriend always thought my dismissal was an elaborate play to show the rest of the team he wasn't kidding and to save some money (my salary) in the process (two summer interns were supposed to start 3 days later) but I had my doubts until yesterday.
So yeah, I really need this job to turn my life around. I am preparing these last few days and revising some subjects pertinent to the job for the technical interview, and will rehearse my presentation countless times today and tomorrow.
Please, wish me some luck and send some positive vibes.
Interviewing is something you have to practice. You have to train yourself to give short, concise answers and relay brief anecdotes.
Have a friend ask you questions and then time your responses. And have him note any weird mannerisms you might have that you can address those, too. Interviewers are put off by people who are aggressive, who rock in the chairs, who gesture overmuch with their hands, etc.
That's the thing. I do practice and I do fine during practice, it's only during the real deal that I act wonky. I wasn't always like this, but it's just my mind is placing way to much importance on these interviews after a string of rejections.