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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing

Quick

Banned
It's none of their business and honestly, I doubt they care as to why you're leaving. Just make sure no bridges are burnt if you're gonna put this job on your resume and list references.

Thanks. I'm on good terms with my manager, so it shouldn't be a tough talk.

One last thing: she leads the management team, rather than being one sole manager. Do I refer to each member, or should I refer to her? If the former, do I list down their names individually, or does "Dear Management Team" cover it?

One last-last thing: I have never referred to them by their last names (pretty casual work environment), should I address them by their first names (Dear John vs. Dear Mr. Smith), or really stick to last names?
 

RBK

Banned
I've done this once, but the job wasn't so critical on my resume. I wouldn't ever do it again, though.

Probably hurt me a lot since it was the 2nd time I left with no prior 2 week notice, out of my first 2 jobs at that. Other was at a movie theater.

Can make a ton of excuses on why I did it, but just a bad decision.
 

Quick

Banned
Out of curiosity how come you are writing instead of just letting them know? I never heard of that so i am curious.

I thought it might be best to write a letter to have it in writing, in case any issues come up. Pancakes made a good point about having a paper trail to back me up, if they somehow decide to put me down as "terminated" vs. "resigned" on any documentation.

I figured I would let them know, then give the letter to make it official.
 
This is me coming out of college. Gotta wake up at 6 M-F and sit at the computer til 4:30 rolls around

dat job security tho

I'm sorry, but you cannot compare coming out of school after 12+ years (even working during them) to being suddenly out of work after having a steady job for so long (especially a stay-at-home).

Not being an asshole, they are just two totally different situations.
 
Let me ask you guys a question. Not sure if it's the right thread so delete or let me know if it's not.

So I work in retail (it's not walmart or fastfood, fwiw) for some money before I start school, which I hopefully begin next year. Been at my job for 8 months. Never been written up, never late, managers always give me compliments ect.

The problem is that I'm still at minimum wage. That's just not enough for an hourly wage. So here's my question:

Since I work in retail, is there any chance I could get a raise by asking? Any people in retail, or who have worked in retail, ever done this? I'm not even sure if it's worth asking since it IS retail.

You probably don't have a chance of getting a raise by just asking if it's a big national chain. Most of them do a small percentage raise every year you're with them but it's not going to look that much better than minimum wage. I'd ask your manager or HR how they handle raises before trying to ask for one.
 
Yes, it is soul-crushing. I've been without work since October! Looking for the next gig is the worst part. I feel invisible this time. The fact is, if you're not a people person and have dozens of friends, you're going to have a bad time.
 
I'm sorry, but you cannot compare coming out of school after 12+ years (even working during them) to being suddenly out of work after having a steady job for so long (especially a stay-at-home).

Not being an asshole, they are just two totally different situations.
if i may ask, what did you do at home for work?
 

zychi

Banned
Been out of work since end of November and lurking this thread. Great positive thoughts in here.

Got offered a position an hour away, haven't accepted or signed anything yet. I really don't want to work for this particular company and have been applying like a mad man to get something else. If I take the gig, and decide to quit/find something I want, what is the protocol? Do I give them my two weeks? Do I just tell them it's not working out? I don't have to sign a non-compete or sign anything besides what they agreed to pay me.

I've only ever done this for min wage jobs I wouldn't use on my resume, never something based around my degree(s).



Keep at it unemployed-GAF, you'll eventually find something!
 
I can provide some resume and/or LinkedIn advice if needed. I've gone through three internships, and have talked to a lot of hiring managers, so I think I finally understand what they want. I'll try my best to reply by the end of the weekend, since I'm busy with exams and stuff.

I'll probably be able to provide the best advice for banking and software development jobs, but I'll try my best for any field.

Please PM only.
 
I can provide some resume and/or LinkedIn advice if needed. I've gone through three internships, and have talked to a lot of hiring managers, so I think I finally understand what they want. I'll try my best to reply by the end of the weekend, since I'm busy with exams and stuff.

I'll probably be able to provide the best advice for banking and software development jobs, but I'll try my best for any field.

Please PM only.

I'll take you up on that. :) Thanks.
 
At least you got a 3 week notice. I worked at a video game company as a temp before this and they just deactivated your badge and that's how you knew you were done. I thought that's the worst way to handle it and no where else could be like that. New job for the temps is exactly like that. My badge has been working a good two weeks after the majority has been cut but it is still soul crushing the moment before my badge hits the door. It's about time I start looking for something more serious even if I have to take the pay cut.

This seems comon for a lot of IT. There is always the risk of if you let them in when you know you are fireing them, they could try to get some revenge by screwing with your data.

Only one place i've worked at actually gave you two weeks, mainly because stuff was so heavily staged data wise that no one save a very select few could effect live data.

As for game developer temp..we have a lot of folks like that at work whom we picked up after they were laid off at local game devs. Seems a good source for the IT/Support/programming folks we are always seemingly to be looking for more of.

On a related note, I'm actually dreading the job market right now. My wife just got her PHD and is looking for something, but there is a pretty strong possibility of us having to move, which would mean leaving my current position as well. With a newborn in the house, i'm not really looking forward to two parents trying to get resettled while still taking care of him. IT was hard enough doing that while single, I can't imagine what it will be like now.
 
I can provide some resume and/or LinkedIn advice if needed. I've gone through three internships, and have talked to a lot of hiring managers, so I think I finally understand what they want. I'll try my best to reply by the end of the weekend, since I'm busy with exams and stuff.

I'll probably be able to provide the best advice for banking and software development jobs, but I'll try my best for any field.

Please PM only.

As someone who also works in banking / software, I can tell you what we looked for as well, if he can't help you.
 
D

Deleted member 102481

Unconfirmed Member
blah I hate my job. It's a career job and I lucked my way into it but I want to look for a job job. Is craigslist still the best option? I'm pretty sure Monster never works and indeed never works
 

numble

Member
blah I hate my job. It's a career job and I lucked my way into it but I want to look for a job job. Is craigslist still the best option? I'm pretty sure Monster never works and indeed never works
What is the difference between a career job and a job job.
 
I'm throwing my hat into this thread. I've been looking for a little while now for a new job. The commute and other small things are really starting to get to me, so I decided to do something about it.

Finding a job is a job in itself. I spend about 2-3 hours a night sending out resumes, and I've had little to no bites.

I just have to keep it moving I guess, and stay positive.
 

xam3l

Member
I'm throwing my hat into this thread. I've been looking for a little while now for a new job. The commute and other small things are really starting to get to me, so I decided to do something about it.

Finding a job is a job in itself. I spend about 2-3 hours a night sending out resumes, and I've had little to no bites.

I just have to keep it moving I guess, and stay positive.


New to the thread as well.

I've been doing that for almost 3 months and I can agree. Only had 1 job interview so far.

Its really exhausting.
 

RBK

Banned
Do you guys usually call in the place of business to follow up with a application?

Always been told that help a lot, but majority of the time, you're usually given the runaround and told to call back later.
 
Do you guys usually call in the place of business to follow up with a application?

Always been told that help a lot, but majority of the time, you're usually given the runaround and told to call back later.

I've heard of calling or following up if they actually called you or interviewed you with interest, but just sending an application?
 

RBK

Banned
I've heard of calling or following up if they actually called you or interviewed you with interest, but just sending an application?

Yeah, Dad and other elders tell me to do it all the time. Means you're "interested" in the job and less chance of being overlooked.
 

dark_chris

Member
I updated my resume on Monster since I hadn't touched it in 4 years.
Uploaded last night. Got 6 phone calls already from different companies in the city. Jeezuz.. >.<
 
Yeah, Dad and other elders tell me to do it all the time. Means you're "interested" in the job and less chance of being overlooked.

I've heard of this too, but it comes off as really kiss-ass and presents a totally unrealistic side of who I am. I never do it. It's just part of the soul-crushingness of the grind to find any paid work.

I updated my resume on Monster since I hadn't touched it in 4 years.
Uploaded last night. Got 6 phone calls already from different companies in the city. Jeezuz.. >.<

Are they trying to employ you as a life insurance salesman? Because that's all that did for me. Monster has been 0 help so far.
 

dark_chris

Member
Are they trying to employ you as a life insurance salesman? Because that's all that did for me. Monster has been 0 help so far.

Mostly accounting and marketing stuff which is not really what I'm looking for.
Im mostly looking at HR stuff or into my field of psychology. Ive had two calls for HR stuff so those were within what i was looking for.
 
We used to have a resume/CV-writing thread on GAF somewhere but I believe it has fallen to the wayside. Is there any interest in having people on GAF reviewer each other's documents? I'm actually not in need of having mine looked over, but was thinking if there was interest, we could get a list of volunteers going that would look at whatever it is people need reviewed. Check for typos, give formatting suggestions, devise other methods to improve the content, etc.

Any interest in this? I'd be happy to act as the first volunteer to look over resumes/CVs and also help coordinate it all.
 

njean777

Member
Been looking at indeed and monster so far. I feel like both are kind of not the right way to go about applying. I applied at fed ex and hope to get a part time job as a dock worker and then move up. I am going to call them Thursday to see if they had time to look at any applications. Anybody else have any good places to look for jobs? I need to call my school up becuase they have dedicated site for graduates also. Just trying to get a feel if there is anywhere else I should look on the Internet.
 

Blader

Member
Been looking at indeed and monster so far. I feel like both are kind of not the right way to go about applying. I applied at fed ex and hope to get a part time job as a dock worker and then move up. I am going to call them Thursday to see if they had time to look at any applications. Anybody else have any good places to look for jobs? I need to call my school up becuase they have dedicated site for graduates also. Just trying to get a feel if there is anywhere else I should look on the Internet.

search LinkedIn and Indeed, filter based on most recently posted listings. Respond to the newest ones first, ignore anything more than a week old.
 
blah I hate my job. It's a career job and I lucked my way into it but I want to look for a job job. Is craigslist still the best option? I'm pretty sure Monster never works and indeed never works
Getting in front of people is the only thing that worked for me, job fairs, networking events etc. I ended landing a really good gig after I heard about a company having a job fair, got hired 2 days later
 

meowmixer

Neo Member
I went to apply to an Assistant Brand Manager job and realized I had applied to it before more than a year ago. How has this position not been filled in all this time? I see this all the time and it makes me feel like a lot of these postings are complete BS.

What a strange process. I've tried changing my resume so much, even using different titles and job descriptions but the response rate seems about the same for each one. It is almost like your resume is just chosen at random through a lottery.
 
I've never posted in this thread before, but I could definitely use some help at this moment. I've been asked to come in for an interview (the first in very long time - or, at least, it feels like it), and I was hoping that someone here might be more familiar at interview etiquette than myself:

1) Said interview is on the west coast of the US - I live on the east coast. The potential employer has not offered to pay for transportation costs for the interview. Is it verboten to ask for some compensation for plane fare? Even if it was a small amount, it would still go a long way for me.

2) I'm thinking of calling the person who emailed me/would be my supervisor before I commit to an interview. Is this okay? What questions might you recommend asking?
 

egruntz

shelaughz
I would be willing to help on this front too if people are interested. Happy to provide what mine looks like as well.

I can also offer to help. A year in HR and spent a lot of them time going through the hiring process. Thousands of applications, hundreds of interviews, dozens of orientations.

That was in the medical field in particular. Office administrative resumes I can also provide some insight on. Other industries I'm not exactly qualified on so please pass on me. :)
 
I just took a typing test for this staffing company. Depending on how well I did,(This test doesn't give you the results)I'll get a job interview for this IT/help desk job. She said I'd get $15.50 an hour if hired. I'm currently making only $9.50 an hour. That's a 63 percent raise if I did the math correctly. Plus, this job would be full time 40 hours vs 20-30 hours that I get in my current job now that the holidays are over with. Sounds like they are hiring multiple people, so if I do alright on the interview, I could have a job. I don't want to get my hopes up too much for disappointment, but wish me luck guys! I'll come back to give you updates good or bad.
 
I just took a typing test for this staffing company. Depending on how well I did,(This test doesn't give you the results)I'll get a job interview for this IT/help desk job. She said I'd get $15.50 an hour if hired. I'm currently making only $9.50 an hour. That's a 63 percent raise if I did the math correctly. Plus, this job would be full time 40 hours vs 20-30 hours that I get in my current job now that the holidays are over with. Sounds like they are hiring multiple people, so if I do alright on the interview, I could have a job. I don't want to get my hopes up too much for disappointment, but wish me luck guys! I'll come back to give you updates good or bad.
I was always curious on what exactly that help desk IT position was? Do you help people on computer issues?specifics or anything? And what do they look for in terms of skills or requirements? Good luck!
 

MC Safety

Member
I've never posted in this thread before, but I could definitely use some help at this moment. I've been asked to come in for an interview (the first in very long time - or, at least, it feels like it), and I was hoping that someone here might be more familiar at interview etiquette than myself:

1) Said interview is on the west coast of the US - I live on the east coast. The potential employer has not offered to pay for transportation costs for the interview. Is it verboten to ask for some compensation for plane fare? Even if it was a small amount, it would still go a long way for me.

2) I'm thinking of calling the person who emailed me/would be my supervisor before I commit to an interview. Is this okay? What questions might you recommend asking?

I don't know that it would be worth it to fly out on my own dime for an interview. If the company won't pay for a flight and for a hotel, it likely wouldn't pay to relocate you, either.
 
I was always curious on what exactly that help desk IT position was? Do you help people on computer issues?specifics or anything? And what do they look for in terms of skills or requirements? Good luck!

There are different levels(i.e. 1-3). I'll be level 1. I will receive phone calls and try to diagnose problems. Sometimes I'll use remote access software to log in to computers to resolve issues. It's an entry level job. Hopefully, I can get experience and more IT certifications and find a higher paying and better job in a year or two.

As far as what they look for: IT certifications such as CompTia A+(which I have), internships or experience in other IT jobs, and computer science or engineering degrees. It helps to be real experienced with Windows and Microsoft Office as well. Also, as I pointed out, I had to take a typing test to prove that I can type fast enough.
 
I've been kind of lucky. But I know how that feels. The economy isn't very nice, and Capitalism isn't fair. I used to have a much better job, but recently I lost it. I had to move to other house, to a cheaper one. My house now is old and needs a lot of work. Right now I'm still lucky, I make more than minimum wage, but things aren't like they once were.

I'm hoping that someday, if not Barack Obama, can create a time where people can get a free education. I'd like to go back to college and become a Licensed Practical Nurse. I think I would be able to make closer to the amount of money I used to, that way. And I'd be able to help people.

I'm sad for all the people who are having a hard time in the world trying to make money right now. :<
 
I've been kind of lucky. But I know how that feels. The economy isn't very nice, and Capitalism isn't fair. I used to have a much better job, but recently I lost it. I had to move to other house, to a cheaper one. My house now is old and needs a lot of work. Right now I'm still lucky, I make more than minimum wage, but things aren't like they once were.

I'm hoping that someday, if not Barack Obama, can create a time where people can get a free education. I'd like to go back to college and become a Licensed Practical Nurse. I think I would be able to make closer to the amount of money I used to, that way. And I'd be able to help people.

I'm sad for all the people who are having a hard time in the world trying to make money right now. :<

I know how it is man. I lost my childhood home last year and now live in a crappy apartment and my grandmother disowned my mother and I because my cunt aunt told her lies to get control of my grandmother's assets when she dies. . I've been working like a mad man to get an IT job and hopefully make a better life for my family. I also plan to go back to college in a few years. Keep hope alive and you will be a nurse someday.
 
Just got one of those "Thank you but we will not be taking your application any further" emails from a company I really, really would have loved to work for.

Normally I shrug these things off, but it's a bit harder when you find somewhere you could really imagine yourself enjoying working at. That kinda thing is super rare for me, and it makes going back to applying for stuff that you're inevitably not going to be as fired up for taste a bit sour.

It's fucking hard being a writer, man.

Oh well. Gonna take the day and then get back to it tomorrow!
 
Had another phone interview today, this time for a job that's a bit of a step up from what I've done previously. They asked for ten years of experience at a minimum, but I have just eight. They even mentioned that I was the youngest applicant they're talking to.

Went better than I expected, all things considered. Was never stumped at any point, but it's hard to gauge over the phone since you can't judge body language.

Oh well, we'll see how I go. At least this time, I'm not likely to miss out on account of being overqualified.
 
Now that I didn't get it, I'll come out and say what that dream job that I applied for at a certain gaming company was. I applied for a help desk technician job for Blizzard. Today, I got an email saying the position had been filled, but they'd keep my profile and to check for more jobs periodically on their site.

Now for some good news... I found out that I typed 60 words per minute on the typing test I took last night and the talent agency woman that I talked to was going to try to get me an interview for one of ten jobs that a company is hiring for.
 
At least you got a 3 week notice. I worked at a video game company as a temp before this and they just deactivated your badge and that's how you knew you were done. I thought that's the worst way to handle it and no where else could be like that. New job for the temps is exactly like that. My badge has been working a good two weeks after the majority has been cut but it is still soul crushing the moment before my badge hits the door. It's about time I start looking for something more serious even if I have to take the pay cut.

god damn thats brutal. Yeah I lucked out with a nice boss. Did my interview yesterday, was real short and from the sounds of it my old coworker (the other temp) is getting axed (3 weeks notice as well) and they're combining my old position with his to a full time one that I interviewed for. Should be hearing in a day or 2 about whether I got it or not. I'm assuming they were interested in me from the get go since I was told to interview before a job description was even written
 
I don't know that it would be worth it to fly out on my own dime for an interview. If the company won't pay for a flight and for a hotel, it likely wouldn't pay to relocate you, either.

It's a small, non-profit place, so I recognize that they don't have a lot of money to throw around.

Still, I called and spoke to the program supervisor, and she suggested doing an initial phone interview first. I don't think she realized I didn't live nearby - she sounded surprised when I told her (although my address is at the very top of my resume).
 
Got a rejection from a start up today. After passing the phone interview and then having 3 hours of interviews with all different types of people in person at their office. Feels bad man.
 

MC Safety

Member
It's a small, non-profit place, so I recognize that they don't have a lot of money to throw around.

Still, I called and spoke to the program supervisor, and she suggested doing an initial phone interview first. I don't think she realized I didn't live nearby - she sounded surprised when I told her (although my address is at the very top of my resume).

It may be your resume was garbled when it was sent. Or maybe the person who read it was inattentive.

I recommend taking every interview, even if you're not going to get the job or the circumstances prohibit such.
 
Got a rejection from a start up today. After passing the phone interview and then having 3 hours of interviews with all different types of people in person at their office. Feels bad man.

Damn, that would be demoralizing to have them seem that interested in you to interview that long only to not get it.
 
Damn, that would be demoralizing to have them seem that interested in you to interview that long only to not get it.

Yeah. Got home and applied to a good number.

Man. I just feel so trapped. I really dislike my current company and feel like there's a noose tightening around my neck there. Despite my best efforts I just can't seem to get anything. It's depressing.
 

nampad

Member
Still heard nothing back from last week's interview :(
We agreed to get in touch with on another starting this week. I wrote an email on Monday morning saying that I am still interested.
Not sure when and how I am supposed to ask about their decision again.

Got a call back two days ago from another big 4 asking if I am still interested in the job I applied for because the application was 1 month old. When I said yes, they said they will contact me again after talking to the department. Again, still heard nothing.
 
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