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[hastethedav]

Just heard my work is closing down (one of the owners 8 companies)

Woo.

Been here for 6 years and have no experience for my college major (marketing). Here we go.

Applying for jobs is so foreign

 

[Blader]

Applied for an internship at what would be a dream job. They emailed me back this morning with a rejection. Didn't make even it to a phone interview, for an internship.

Feels bad man.

 

[m_shortpants]

Had a phone interview with a VP of a major software company. I thought the interview went well, I had good rapport with them I think.

Wasn't selected to move forward. Recruiter said they'd put my resume in their active database because I'm still a good candidate but not sure if that means anything.

Feels bad man, this is my dream company. One day...

 

[LosDaddie]

Guys, keep your LinkedIn profile updated. Seriously. Even though I found a new job in December and am no longer job hunting, I still have recruiters contacting me for interviews via LinkedIn. I do send them my updated resume because I'll switch jobs if the new one is a better opportunity.

Had a phone interview with a VP of a major software company. I thought the interview went well, I had good rapport with them I think.

Wasn't selected to move forward. Recruiter said they'd put my resume in their active database because I'm still a good candidate but not sure if that means anything.

Feels bad man, this is my dream company. One day...

Sorry, but it means nothing. Personally, I've never been called back when I've been told that.

 

[m_shortpants]

Guys, keep your LinkedIn profile updated. Seriously. Even though I found a new job in December and am no longer job hunting, I still have recruiters contacting me for interviews via LinkedIn. I do send them my updated resume because I'll switch jobs if the new one is a better opportunity.




Sorry, but it means nothing. Personally, I've never been called back when I've been told that.

I have a former colleague who jumped ship to that company. This company recruits heavily from referrals. I'll try that route. I also have a very good rapport with another recruiter there. One day!

 

[CreepingFear]

I swear I really hate what applying for jobs has turned into. I just spent 45 minutes filling out a "pre-interview questionnaire" full of the same old personality questions. BS like "what sounds more like you" or "how would you handle this". As soon as I hit next after the last question the next page told me that I did not meet the qualifications for the job. And this wasn't even on the website for the company itself, it redirected me to a third party company that apparently specializes in this shit.

I don't know why this one in particular upset me so much, but it really discouraged me. I could understand if my work history or lack of qualifications makes them want someone else, but being turned down by a computer algorithm really blows.

Those things are bullshit. They say they want "honest answers" but really you need to game the questionnaire to the position you are applying for. For instance, if you are working in customer service, you have to lie and say shit like how you are so outgoing and love people.

In other news on my front, I changed my cover letter a little bit and my resume. I feel a little more positive for some reason. I think I was also asking for too low of a salary as well. That might have scared off a few people. I asked my manager at my current work place if they were hiring in the IT department and she said she would email the IT department to help me out. Later, she tested me. The monitor in her office wasn't turning on. I plugged it in to another outlet and was able to detect that the UPS either needs a battery or is completely dead. I wasn't expecting to have this test, but I felt good afterwards. I have no idea if there is a position available, but it would be nice to get help and get an IT job for experience at least. I need to get in the door someplace and get some more IT certifications.

P.S. Fuck these insurance and investment firms that send me emails because I posted my resume on job sites. I want an IT job, not sales, fuckers!

 

[anonymous_abc]

So I'll try asking again, anyone have tips on how to get on your feet in the job world. I graduated with a BA almost 5 months ago but don't have an actual clue about how or where to look for jobs. Living in a small town/city where most of the people here own their own places, and the other options are retail kinda limits my experience with searching and what not.

Basically only know how to apply for specific jobs I already know about/of but thats not enough and limits my prospects immensely. Mostly looking for advice on.... i dunno, types of jobs to look at outside of a simple retail job or how to look for recruiters/info on them and what not.

Literally have had no advice or support on this type of thing so I'm super lost and don't want to be stuck anymore.

What do you enjoy doing? What did you do during your BA studies? You will have to figure out what you want before anyone can give you advice.

Those things are bullshit. They say they want "honest answers" but really you need to game the questionnaire to the position you are applying for. For instance, if you are working in customer service, you have to lie and say shit like how you are so outgoing and love people.

Absolutely!

 

[?oe?oe]

Got another reply. A business acquisition and Christmas delayed response, but I've been chosen for a shortlist for an interview! He said he is looking for 5-7 people to interview and will get back to me shortly.

I am really liking the casual nature of the responses. He once again said he was impressed with my application. It's a job that is up my alley and my goals, so I'm excited!

And it's a no go

 

[diamount]

Anyone apply for a job that they are perfect for, match and exceed the criteria and yet not even reach the interview stage? Makes my blood boil.

 

[MC Safety]

Anyone apply for a job that they are perfect for, match and exceed the criteria and yet not even reach the interview stage? Makes my blood boil.

Don't take any of this personally. It's nothing against you.

In a crappy job market companies get hundreds of resumes for each open position. Sometimes they only interview two or three of those applicants. And sometimes, they post an open position and solicit applications, but already have a candidate in mind.

I've stopped trying to understand the hiring process. I put in my due diligence with each application, and move on if I'm not contacted.

 

[anonymous_abc]

Anyone apply for a job that they are perfect for, match and exceed the criteria and yet not even reach the interview stage? Makes my blood boil.

Been there done that. I've gotten to the point where I say it's their loss.

Spoiler

screams internally

 

[Hlebalicious]

Great news!!! Got the call today and I start my new job Feb 2nd and I put in my 2 weeks tomorrow for my current job!!
Had an interview with this same Government department last year and they said they loved me and wanted to make me an offer but due to budget cutbacks the position was withdrawn but for me to please keep an eye out for future vacancies....I thought yeh yeh I've heard stuff like that before.
Almost 1 year to the day I see the vacancy
come up again online and I send the exact same application. Got an interview with the same 2 people and they remembered me and we're happy to see me again.

Nailed the interview and bang got the call today which was the good news I desperately needed since I had my car stolen and my dad passing away all between Christmas and New Years.

Good news can be right around the corner guys, don't lose hope in sending those applications and networking. Stay strong JobGAF!!!

 

[Cream]

Just finished the last of 6 online applications. I'm really worried. They liked me at my last job for the most part, I've got plenty of experience and good references, but I didn't really leave my last job on great terms...I'm scared they will call them and it will hurt me.

 

[Circle Jerk]

I fucking hate this. Every company shouldn't have their own fucking website for applying for jobs. I don't need a hundred accounts so I can get 99 rejections. Job searching was supposed to get better with the internet, this is actively worse. I can't imagine how having to deal with their own career website, and then posting their listings on every job site is saving them time or money. I just hate this.

 

[clav]

All right GAF.

New year.

New job (hopefully new career) soon.

Let's do this.

Interview tip as I've sat in the hiring manager at my last job in the process of delegation: If you generally sound unhappy and a debbie downer, that will be the only impression about you despite skill set. Sometimes, the way interviewers setup the process can make it nearly impossible to sound happy (i.e. delayed flight, no sleep). Keep this in mind.

 

[Google]

but being turned down by a computer algorithm really blows.

I mean, it's not really a computer algorithm. It's a psychological algorithm created by people who (probably) have masters/doctorates in measuring personality/work traits.

You simply don't fit the profile the company has specified that they need.

While it might be discouraging it's as important as having the relevant experience/education so feel better than you've not wasted your time going to interviews only to be told you're not a good fit.

 

[the_firewithin]

Had two phone interview today. I always think they OK then never hear back. Will probably be more the same

 

[TTUVAPOR]

Just wanted to pop in and say I love this thread. Love hearing people's success stories and the drive people have here. Pretty uplifting stuff to read.

 

[Cudder]

Had two phone interview today. I always think they OK then never hear back. Will probably be more the same

Follow up with them a week later.

 

[StickSoldier]

Well, I finally got a job again. It's nothing great, but after thinking I wouldn't be able to get a job because of my stupid background check, it feels good to know at least I'm not going to be unemployed for the rest of my life lol. Of course, this is only temporary, but I'll most likely stay here until I'm off probation in May and save up money while I'm staying with my parents. In the meantime, I'll be using that money I save up to hopefully study and get IT certificates to go with my 4 year CIS degree that will lead me down a better path in the future.

Sometimes we all make decisions that impact our future, but hopefully we can move forward and grow from those experiences to ultimately make us a much better person. I'm hoping that regardless of all that's happened in 2014, that I'll be able to look back on it when I'm older and say that it was a turning point in my life to get my shit together. Good luck guys.

 

[elrechazado]

I fucking hate this. Every company shouldn't have their own fucking website for applying for jobs. I don't need a hundred accounts so I can get 99 rejections. Job searching was supposed to get better with the internet, this is actively worse. I can't imagine how having to deal with their own career website, and then posting their listings on every job site is saving them time or money. I just hate this.

Yeah because sending in letters via mail would be so much better.

 

[Cudder]

Yeah because sending in letters via mail would be so much better.

Going to places and meeting people and handing in your resume..?

 

[darthbob]

Bleh... 6 months and only 3 interviews. About ready to give up on this. :/

 

[batbeg]

So I've been employed for a few years and am now trying to move into a higher position at a different facility, but I still needed to do an online application. And the thing I'd forgotten about being doing applications online, at least here in the USA, is everywhere fucking assumes my work experience is entirely in the USA. "Which State did you work in?" Ummmm... Phone Number? Zip code? Fuck. Fuck that, seriously. Don't give me drop down lists, don't limit the numbers on the phone number, or if you do that shit, don't make it compulsory for me to fill that information out. Let me have a comment box where I can say "Hi, sorry, but your formatting makes it fucking impossible for me to give you anywhere near the correct information, but rest assured I haven't just worked for two companies in the last 10 years, your online application is just a piece of shit that makes me disregard half my experience in that time."

Sorry for the rant. I'd forgot all about this nightmare and how awful it was when I first moved to the US especially trying to get my first job here.

 

[elrechazado]

Going to places and meeting people and handing in your resume..?

You can apply to hundreds of jobs all over the country in your underwear. How do you not see this as progress? And your response is that you can drive around and apply in person??

 

[Mr.Fresh]

So I'm back in the applying for jobs boat. Worked my last retail job for 1.5 years and had to move my transfer is down to a maybe so I have to wait until they give me an answer. Job applications suck man. I go into stores people act like they don't wanna talk to me when I ask about jobs, I do applications online and call the store and they say they have to review the applications and hang up. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

 

[SniperHunter]

I am also back on the job application boat. Finally quit the airport security job I had for the last 7 years, it was a small company and the owner wife's is too busy running it into the ground.

sigh, I really wanted a computer science degree or something in IT, I really love computers, but i have no education. I want to go back to college, but I really need a stable job first. I really have no money at all

 

[Syphon Filter]

I am also back on the job application boat. Finally quit the airport security job I had for the last 7 years, it was a small company and the owner wife's is too busy running it into the ground.

sigh, I really wanted a computer science degree or something in IT, I really love computers, but i have no education. I want to go back to college, but I really need a stable job first. I really have no money at all

learn it on your own.

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

So I'm back in the applying for jobs boat. Worked my last retail job for 1.5 years and had to move my transfer is down to a maybe so I have to wait until they give me an answer. Job applications suck man. I go into stores people act like they don't wanna talk to me when I ask about jobs, I do applications online and call the store and they say they have to review the applications and hang up. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

That's how shit is. You go to ask in person they tell you to go online and when you call they say they'll look at the application and you'll probably won't hear back from them. From the jobs I got I never had to call them back to see if I got it. If they want you they'll call you.

I just graduated about a month ago and filled out a couple so far because I think most companies were on holiday break and I've been waiting for replies on who to address these cover letters to. Only one company replied to that. I don't like doing the generic to whom it may concern, but it looks like it since the majority are not answering the phone or replying to emails.

 

[Cudder]

You can apply to hundreds of jobs all over the country in your underwear. How do you not see this as progress? And your response is that you can drive around and apply in person??

What? You told the other guy who was fed up with applying online that sending in letters via mail would be the only other alternative if he couldn't apply online. As if he'd actually have to physically mail out letters instead of just...going to places and applying in person.

 

[ViewtifulJC]

just wanted to tell you that I lucked into a good ass accounting job like two weeks after I graduated with a BA in accounting. My grades weren't great, no networking, no internships, job is 10 minutes from where I live.

sometimes its just about luck

 

[CreepingFear]

I applied for 11 PC technician/help desk jobs in the last two days. I'm mentally drained. A part of me dies inside every time I get an email from an insurance company or investment firm wanting to offer me a chance at sales. Fuck off.

 

[ElTopo]

I applied for 11 PC technician/help desk jobs in the last two days. I'm mentally drained. A part of me dies inside every time I get an email from an insurance company or investment firm wanting to offer me a chance at sales. Fuck off.

I'm in the same exact situation.

 

[Syphon Filter]

I applied for 11 PC technician/help desk jobs in the last two days. I'm mentally drained. A part of me dies inside every time I get an email from an insurance company or investment firm wanting to offer me a chance at sales. Fuck off.

That happens to me too lol.

 

[Advocatus Diaboli]

Like so many others here, as of this year I'm also looking for a job. Due to budget cuts and general downsizing, I was laid off from my position as an Air Force attorney at the end of last year -- it was the only job I've ever known and I'm finding it extraordinarily difficult to adjust to a completely different mindset. (There were transition services, but they were government-run and not especially helpful.)

I'd appreciate any sort of résumé or LinkedIn profile review (and I'd be happy to reciprocate, especially if someone PMs me). I'm looking for: (1) something in the defense policy industry, (2) something operational in the Intelligence Community, or (3) anything I'm not thinking of, because there's an entire universe of stuff out there and I'm kind of paralyzed by what I should be looking for.

It's (3) that's crushing me. I'm effectively mid-career and looking to lateral somewhere, but it's an important transition and I don't want to screw it up.

 

[Chiggs]

Great news!!! Got the call today and I start my new job Feb 2nd and I put in my 2 weeks tomorrow for my current job!!
Had an interview with this same Government department last year and they said they loved me and wanted to make me an offer but due to budget cutbacks the position was withdrawn but for me to please keep an eye out for future vacancies....I thought yeh yeh I've heard stuff like that before.
Almost 1 year to the day I see the vacancy
come up again online and I send the exact same application. Got an interview with the same 2 people and they remembered me and we're happy to see me again.

Nailed the interview and bang got the call today which was the good news I desperately needed since I had my car stolen and my dad passing away all between Christmas and New Years.

Good news can be right around the corner guys, don't lose hope in sending those applications and networking. Stay strong JobGAF!!!

Congrats, dude!

 

[m_shortpants]

Saw two people get let go today, right in front of me.

Feels shocking to be honest. My manager told me there were layoffs on the horizon but said we'd be safe. Feels like there's a noose around my neck though.

Going to step up the applications and linkedin networking.

 

[Eye for an Eye]

sigh, I really wanted a computer science degree or something in IT, I really love computers, but i have no education. I want to go back to college, but I really need a stable job first. I really have no money at all

As long as you're over the age of 24 and no longer need to use your parent's income on a FAFSA form, you'll probably get a decent amount of financial aid, even for community college.

I haven't worked in nearly 4 years because I've been at school full time and using the money for rent. Unfortunately, I've reached my limit on credits and my Pell Grant has been denied for further payments. So now I need to get back into the real world and I'm dreading this.

 

[The Horror the horror]

Saw two people get let go today, right in front of me.

Feels shocking to be honest. My manager told me there were layoffs on the horizon but said we'd be safe. Feels like there's a noose around my neck though.

Going to step up the applications and linkedin networking.

In my experience, when a manager says you're safe during layoffs, that's when you need to start looking. The two managers that have told me this lied because they didn't want me to jump ship before they were prepared or had a backup.

 

[EmptySpace]

can't seem to get any interviews or calls.

got an econ major/math minor, but i don't have any experience. due to personal reasons (and other reasons), i wasn't able to work during my college years save for a retail job on my 1st year. i didn't know any better, yes.

but right now no one even gives me a chance. i work a temp/contract desk job and it's so fucking boring and mindless i feel like i'm about to go crazy.

all i ever need is a place to start, that is challenging and interesting. right out of uni i applied as bank teller and no one called me. went to the job fair and one rep from a bank told me flatly that they aren't looking to hire econ grads and more on finance grads. like, wtf? everytime i search online i always get, "oh, work at a bank" and this bank employee tells me i can't get a job at their bank (canadian western bank, btw).

anyways, that was almost two years ago. i was unemployed for almost 2 years, applying for jobs here and there. now at my temp job i've been here for 13 months and it's ending in april. i had one interview throughout the whole year of applying and i didn't get it.

this seriously blows. okay, i'm not that good at interviews (because i'm an introvert) but i can't even get called into what i think are very simple jobs. i do practice alot, edit my resume and all the other advices the internet can give me. i don't have a lot of friends so networking is basically nil at this point (and their industries aren't exactly somethign where an econ grad can find work).

i don't even know what to do anymore. i get that whatever job i'll get i probably won't love, but really i want something that is really challenging and not some data entry job yet i can't. ugh....everyday i just don't like going to work because all the tasks that i do are so braindead, although i get paid (i think) quite good for the job that i do ($23/hour).

sorry for the rant. sometimes i want to give up but then again what good would that do. the moment you give up is the moment it will be over. i never lose hope, i get sad about it but more than anything i get frustrated. i didn't go to uni and just end up doing a job i could've done without the student loan. ughhh...

 

[Magnus]

2015, new year, new attitude. I'm starting strong again tomorrow on this search.

It's been six months since I've had full-time in my field, with only short contracts or part-time work since. Communications/PR in Toronto. I must find full-time again, and soon. Life just seems to be getting more expensive all the time...

 

[m_shortpants]

In my experience, when a manager says you're safe during layoffs, that's when you need to start looking. The two managers that have told me this lied because they didn't want me to jump ship before they were prepared or had a backup.

My manager has been there for a long time and has a really good connection/relationship with the most senior VP ahead of us. He and I both also have really good relationships with other departments so there's a chance I could move if things go south.

But in any case, way ahead of you. Whether or not I can actually get hired anywhere is another story altogether.

 

[Deadly]

Should I reapply for a place where I didn't get any answer the first time around I applied? Depressing seeing the job posting reposted and you didn't get anything the first time around...

 

[DiddysKongQuest]

Had an interview in december. The boss apparently forgot about me and wasn't there that day. I called the company 5 times in the following weeks and they always promised to get back at me. Nothing from them after nearly a month.

They recently relisted the job agent and I don't know if I should apply again or just move on.

 

[Cudder]

Should I reapply for a place where I didn't get any answer the first time around I applied? Depressing seeing the job posting reposted and you didn't get anything the first time around...

If the job was reposted, yes.

 

[?oe?oe]

Should I reapply for a place where I didn't get any answer the first time around I applied? Depressing seeing the job posting reposted and you didn't get anything the first time around...

I had an interview for a job like that. Didn't get it. But I noticed it was reposted so I applied again. Didn't get an interview this time. But the position was getting reposted again and again. Must be a more to the job than they made it out to be in the interview.

 

[ExpressGalaxy]

I'm losing my part-time retail job in a few weeks (the store is closing down) and had someone from an Apple store come in and offer to vouch for me to their manager since I gave them good service. I figure that that's great seeing as how a couple years ago I applied for another part-time job at Apple and made it all the way to the final interview but they ended up deciding against me. Since then I'm way more confident, better looking, have much better interview skills, more retail experience, and I have a college degree. The best part was that despite the gap in time from me applying with them a couple years ago, their first round group interview was exactly the same as last time so they weren't able to surprise me at all.

I got an email today saying I won't be moving on in the interview process and they're going with the other candidates.

 

[SniperHunter]

learn it on your own.

doing that right now. but a degree helps. If I get a good full time job, I am going to college in summer or fall. I really need it badly. All my past grades were great.

As long as you're over the age of 24 and no longer need to use your parent's income on a FAFSA form, you'll probably get a decent amount of financial aid, even for community college.

I haven't worked in nearly 4 years because I've been at school full time and using the money for rent. Unfortunately, I've reached my limit on credits and my Pell Grant has been denied for further payments. So now I need to get back into the real world and I'm dreading this.

yea just waiting for a job, will go for sure.

 

[Valkerionseven]

What do you enjoy doing? What did you do during your BA studies? You will have to figure out what you want before anyone can give you advice.

Part of the problem honestly. As lame as it is of an excuse and what not, never really got to choose as many of the things I would have been interested in during my degree, or anything before it. Found I had a love for stuff like soocial sciences, writing/reviewing, and presenting, and foreign language/studies/topics, pretty much in my last year and a half of schooling mostly cause I dropped out then came back to simply get it over with have that that degree for w/e job prospects. Sadly all the stuff I'm into does not really work out to well here in a little historical town. Sure I want to move but that takes money... which I am all out of.

Applied to a teach abroad program but those are super unrealistic and even worse take months to even get confirmed or denied an interview, even more if they accept or make you a secondary.

I dunno currently just spamming applications to hotels and what not but thats not a career or job that leads anywhere, its just a job for spending money.

 

[ElTopo]

Had an interview today for a Customer Service job (ugh) but it went well and the pay is decent and it's close to where I live. So I'm waiting to hear back from another hiring manager and hopefully I can start next week if all goes well.