Support NeoGAF

[Sora_N]

Had this happen yesterday. E-mailed the guy and still haven't received a response 24 hours later.

It really annoys me how the job hunting system is so terrible. If you don't respond immediately, you're considered a flake, if the guys looking for employees take 2 months to get back to you, you're supposed to drop everything for them.

I was about to type a response to you saying I guess I'm not alone that no one calls for real.

Then he just called me.

I don't know how I feel about it but eh, guess I'll just do the normal process and thank him for calling, etc.

 

[EloquentM]

I found my most recent internship through my school's career services website. The job isn't listed on any of the main job search engines.

I graduated 2 years ago so this doesn't really help unless I put down money for an alumni membership. Thank you though!

 

[numble]

I graduated 2 years ago so this doesn't really help unless I put down money for an alumni membership. Thank you though!

Wow, I though all schools provided this for free to alumni.

 

[H1PSTER]

I just finished a test for a graduate role at Royal Mail.

Wish me luck JobGaf!

 

[Syphon Filter]

I graduated 2 years ago so this doesn't really help unless I put down money for an alumni membership. Thank you though!

Huh? I can still go and i was done around the same similar years you were. I didn't buy an alumni ID but i can still go.

 

[Jotamide]

GAF it finally happened!

After 6 months I got a 1-year tenure at my company my dad currently works. I wish I had gotten the job on my own but at this point I was getting a bit too desperate and he managed to help me out. I'm stoked! Best of luck to everyone in this thread. Hang in there, things are gonna get brighter!

 

[Cudder]

GAF it finally happened!

After 6 months I got a 1-year tenure at my company my dad currently works. I wish I had gotten the job on my own but at this point I was getting a bit too desperate and he managed to help me out. I'm stoked! Best of luck to everyone in this thread. Hang in there, things are gonna get brighter!

Getting a job is anything but a solo effort these days. Connections/networking are 95% of it. Take what you can get. Congrats.

 

[Loxley]

GAF it finally happened!

After 6 months I got a 1-year tenure at my company my dad currently works. I wish I had gotten the job on my own but at this point I was getting a bit too desperate and he managed to help me out. I'm stoked! Best of luck to everyone in this thread. Hang in there, things are gonna get brighter!

Congrats! Don't feel guilty about having an "in" to get your job, most of the people I graduated from college with got their jobs because of someone they knew or had networked with. It's exceedingly common these days.

Getting a job is anything but a solo effort these days. Connections/networking are 95% of it. Take what you can get. Congrats.

Exactly.

 

[Assanova]

Wow, I though all schools provided this for free to alumni.

Nope. My previous school provides career services for up to two semesters after graduation. After that, you have to pony up the money for a yearly alumni membership and use their career services.

 

[nampad]

My new contract finally arrived today
Some confusion because not everything was send twice and the HR department didn't exactly know what I meant when I called and asked them.

 

[DarkChronic]

Decided to take a different approach to the search. I'm using LinkedIn and using 1st and 2nd degree connections to try and reach out to old colleagues and classmates who work at companies I'm interested in to try and get me talking to the right people.

Feels a little slimy reaching out to friends I haven't spoken to in years asking them to do me a big favor, but this is what it's come to.

 

[Suite Pee]

Recently finished my Master's in Sociology and I'm having a hard time trying to apply for work on my days off from my shitty (hopefully) temporary job. I don't know what it is about writing resumes/CV's that frightens me to a standstill. It also doesn't help that Milwaukee doesn't really have many research analyst positions available, and I can't really afford to move unless I get assistance.

I guess I'll work on keeping up my network with my old department for now.

 

[hastethedav]

Passed my first interview with their HR head and then a week later they sent me an exam to take. Passed that and a week and a day later they scheduled another interview with the COO. It's been a week and 3 days and I haven't heard anything back. :/

I feel like I have student debt for no reason at this point

 

[Sora_N]

I'm exhausted and soul crushed as fuck now. Trying to keep positive and exercise but it's not helping much

Got a voicemail from the place where I did 2 interviews. Since it took them 8 days to decide to reject me at least I feel kind of wanted.

Is it appropriate to ask them what I did right or wrong or what they were looking for since I went that far into the process?

 

[DiddysKongQuest]

I'm exhausted and soul crushed as fuck now. Trying to keep positive and exercise but it's not helping much

Got a voicemail from the place where I did 2 interviews. Since it took them 8 days to decide to reject me at least I feel kind of wanted.

Is it appropriate to ask them what I did right or wrong or what they were looking for since I went that far into the process?

Of course you should ask. I mean, what do you have to lose?

 

[BigMastadon]

So I gotta share a tale with you all.

I was recently given a job offer. I was excited as it seemed like this was going to be a good opportunity for me with a solid company. The offer was contingent on passing the background check and a drug screen which is fine.

I submit everything for the background check and receive the drug screen paperwork via UPS. I go to do the test. I get checked in around 1:30 PM and am taken back to the testing area and am given the specimen cup. After 10-20 minutes in the bathroom I realize nothing is going to happen right then. I exit the bathroom and they discard the cup and have me go drink some water. The limit is five small cups of water. I was also given a three hour window to complete the drug screen.

I go in and out of the bathroom three more times over the next three hours and nothing happens. I was approached by another nurse who stated, "You are a guy, can't you just whip it out and squeeze something out? I've never known a guy who can't get something in a cup." After this point I knew nothing was going to happen. I felt embarrassed and like less of a man. At this point I ask if there's any other option for getting a sample and they tell me no. It was considered a failed drug test because I couldn't pee on command.

I called the hiring manager and explained the situation. I was told that it was a failed drug screen because I couldn't produce a specimen and I had lost my job
offer. I offered to give a specimen in other forms (hair, saliva, or blood) and was declined.

I even offered to give a doctor's note showing Paruresis but they still declined it.

What a sucky way to lose out on a job -_-..

Now it's back to job searching again.

 

[Sora_N]

Of course you should ask. I mean, what do you have to lose?

Already lost the the other candidate I guess, heh.

It's the first time I even got that far so I want to know and I guess I'll see if he wants to tell me the truth.

EDIt: Well, sent the email. Doesn't matter anyways since he hired someone else. They actually did seem interested in me but too bad, and also that job was PT 20hrs anyways and I really want a full-time job.

I have another phone interview tomorrow for a place I wouldn't mind working at, pretty damn nervous since I blew a phone interview on Tuesday already.

So I gotta share a tale with you all.

I was recently given a job offer. I was excited as it seemed like this was going to be a good opportunity for me with a solid company. The offer was contingent on passing the background check and a drug screen which is fine.

I submit everything for the background check and receive the drug screen paperwork via UPS. I go to do the test. I get checked in around 1:30 PM and am taken back to the testing area and am given the specimen cup. After 10-20 minutes in the bathroom I realize nothing is going to happen right then. I exit the bathroom and they discard the cup and have me go drink some water. The limit is five small cups of water. I was also given a three hour window to complete the drug screen.

I go in and out of the bathroom three more times over the next three hours and nothing happens. I was approached by another nurse who stated, "You are a guy, can't you just whip it out and squeeze something out? I've never known a guy who can't get something in a cup." After this point I knew nothing was going to happen. I felt embarrassed and like less of a man. At this point I ask if there's any other option for getting a sample and they tell me no. It was considered a failed drug test because I couldn't pee on command.

I called the hiring manager and explained the situation. I was told that it was a failed drug screen because I couldn't produce a specimen and I had lost my job
offer. I offered to give a specimen in other forms (hair, saliva, or blood) and was declined.

I even offered to give a doctor's note showing Paruresis but they still declined it.

What a sucky way to lose out on a job -_-..

Now it's back to job searching again.

That fucking sucks man, but do you really want to work for a company that treats people like this before they even get hired? Good luck, you'll find something else.

 

[Cels]

So I gotta share a tale with you all.

I was recently given a job offer. I was excited as it seemed like this was going to be a good opportunity for me with a solid company. The offer was contingent on passing the background check and a drug screen which is fine.

I submit everything for the background check and receive the drug screen paperwork via UPS. I go to do the test. I get checked in around 1:30 PM and am taken back to the testing area and am given the specimen cup. After 10-20 minutes in the bathroom I realize nothing is going to happen right then. I exit the bathroom and they discard the cup and have me go drink some water. The limit is five small cups of water. I was also given a three hour window to complete the drug screen.

I go in and out of the bathroom three more times over the next three hours and nothing happens. I was approached by another nurse who stated, "You are a guy, can't you just whip it out and squeeze something out? I've never known a guy who can't get something in a cup." After this point I knew nothing was going to happen. I felt embarrassed and like less of a man. At this point I ask if there's any other option for getting a sample and they tell me no. It was considered a failed drug test because I couldn't pee on command.

I called the hiring manager and explained the situation. I was told that it was a failed drug screen because I couldn't produce a specimen and I had lost my job
offer. I offered to give a specimen in other forms (hair, saliva, or blood) and was declined.

I even offered to give a doctor's note showing Paruresis but they still declined it.

What a sucky way to lose out on a job -_-..

Now it's back to job searching again.

wow that's fucked up. best of luck to you.

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

Man, it's dumb how you get out of college and the jobs in your field already want you to have experience and the shitty jobs tell you that you're overqualified.

 

[B-Dubs]

Man, it's dumb how you get out of college and the jobs in your field already want you to have experience and the shitty jobs tell you that you're overqualified.

It comes down to internships and connections man. I wasn't hearing anything until I had two under my belt, even now I'm just hearing about freelance stuff. Seems like you need two or three years experience to get anything.

On a bright note I heard from a better place with better hours and pay, all i have to do is pass a piss easy test and I'm in, so fuck those other guys.

 

[m_shortpants]

GAF, the promised day arrived for me last week or the week before.

I basically added a guy on LinkedIn who said he was recruiting for his LOB. I inquired with him about another role and he said he would forward it to his colleagues. Although I had applied through their system 2 weeks prior with no acknowledgement, I received an email from the recruiter within 30 mins of sending my resume to him. Keep in mind this is a multinational fortune 100 company.

I did each phone interview (3 of them) as soon as they would let me and did well enough for them to invite me in to do a presentation to the hiring manager, his director, and some senior folks. Prepared like hell over that weekend and delivered it that week. They were impressed and I got a verbal commitment that same day.

I just started this week and it's been great.

TL;DR - network like hell on LinkedIn. Get comfortable sending cold messages and talking to people. I should note that I've been doing this kind of networking for months now so it won't always work but it's a great way to get in.

 

[SUPER DESTROYMAN]

Hi guys,

I recently finished my contract job as I was not extended further. This is my first time being unemployed since I was 18. The world is a scary place.

For the past 2 weeks (before the contract ended), I have been applying and getting some calls but nothing really sticking.

I don't know why, but every day nothing happens, I get more and more nervous about the future, and if me being unemployed will be a long term thing.

 

[Ichi_]

While I am still employed my days are numbered due to our company being bought out. I have been looking daily for three months and have received one reply, "thanks for applying but we are seeking other candidates." - so it begins.

 

[Sora_N]

Hi guys,

I recently finished my contract job as I was not extended further. This is my first time being unemployed since I was 18. The world is a scary place.

For the past 2 weeks (before the contract ended), I have been applying and getting some calls but nothing really sticking.

I don't know why, but every day nothing happens, I get more and more nervous about the future, and if me being unemployed will be a long term thing.

I hear ya, I feel the same way but I've never had a good job. I guess I was naive to think that more schooling would help, I'm not prepared for this world still and I'm not very social so don't have good connections. My next step is to try to dig at it and just hide my shame and ask random people I sorta know.

 

[Cth]

So I gotta share a tale with you all.

I was recently given a job offer. I was excited as it seemed like this was going to be a good opportunity for me with a solid company. The offer was contingent on passing the background check and a drug screen which is fine.

I submit everything for the background check and receive the drug screen paperwork via UPS. I go to do the test. I get checked in around 1:30 PM and am taken back to the testing area and am given the specimen cup. After 10-20 minutes in the bathroom I realize nothing is going to happen right then. I exit the bathroom and they discard the cup and have me go drink some water. The limit is five small cups of water. I was also given a three hour window to complete the drug screen.

I go in and out of the bathroom three more times over the next three hours and nothing happens. I was approached by another nurse who stated, "You are a guy, can't you just whip it out and squeeze something out? I've never known a guy who can't get something in a cup." After this point I knew nothing was going to happen. I felt embarrassed and like less of a man. At this point I ask if there's any other option for getting a sample and they tell me no. It was considered a failed drug test because I couldn't pee on command.

I called the hiring manager and explained the situation. I was told that it was a failed drug screen because I couldn't produce a specimen and I had lost my job
offer. I offered to give a specimen in other forms (hair, saliva, or blood) and was declined.

I even offered to give a doctor's note showing Paruresis but they still declined it.

What a sucky way to lose out on a job -_-..

Now it's back to job searching again.

Sorry to hear, I know how that is..

I was offered a nice contract job and was all set until he asked for my cell phone number (they needed me to send in proof of job completion via photo each day). I said I had a prepaid phone I'd need to re-activate and that I'd call him back in 10 minutes with the new number.

It cost $40 that I didn't have, but I did it anyways and call him back. Hours later he still isn't returning my calls or emails. He calls me the next day to say he gave the job to someone else.

Anyways, as for myself, I've since taken a part time job.. this month 4 full time positions opened at work and I've interviewed for each one. So far, 2 haven't panned out (one was in the bag until someone did a lateral move to get more experience so she could get a job outside of the company).

So yeah, soul crushing is definitely a good way to describe it.

 

[anonymous_abc]

So I gotta share a tale with you all.

I was recently given a job offer. I was excited as it seemed like this was going to be a good opportunity for me with a solid company. The offer was contingent on passing the background check and a drug screen which is fine.

I submit everything for the background check and receive the drug screen paperwork via UPS. I go to do the test. I get checked in around 1:30 PM and am taken back to the testing area and am given the specimen cup. After 10-20 minutes in the bathroom I realize nothing is going to happen right then. I exit the bathroom and they discard the cup and have me go drink some water. The limit is five small cups of water. I was also given a three hour window to complete the drug screen.

I go in and out of the bathroom three more times over the next three hours and nothing happens. I was approached by another nurse who stated, "You are a guy, can't you just whip it out and squeeze something out? I've never known a guy who can't get something in a cup." After this point I knew nothing was going to happen. I felt embarrassed and like less of a man. At this point I ask if there's any other option for getting a sample and they tell me no. It was considered a failed drug test because I couldn't pee on command.

I called the hiring manager and explained the situation. I was told that it was a failed drug screen because I couldn't produce a specimen and I had lost my job
offer. I offered to give a specimen in other forms (hair, saliva, or blood) and was declined.

I even offered to give a doctor's note showing Paruresis but they still declined it.

What a sucky way to lose out on a job -_-..

Now it's back to job searching again.

That sucks... As someone else said previously it is mind boggling to me as it is absolutely inconceivable here that anyone would ask for a drug test for a regular job.
Good luck with the hunt!

 

[Blablurn]

You know whats depressing?

When you find a job where the requirements actually match the skills and degrees you have.

In my case that doesn't happen to often.

What's so depressing about it is the fact that you kinda get scared to actually apply. Cause after dozens of emails where they said they don't want you, you kinda lose confidence.

 

[Sora_N]

You know whats depressing?

When you find a job where the requirements actually match the skills and degrees you have.

In my case that doesn't happen to often.

What's so depressing about it is the fact that you kinda get scared to actually apply. Cause after dozens of emails where they said they don't want you, you kinda lose confidence.

Yep...:/

Or when you apply for shittier jobs than what you studied and they still don't want you.

 

[H1PSTER]

This is becoming an incredibly familiar type of e-mail.

 

[anonymous_abc]

'required behaviour'? What does that even mean or what did you do to evoke that?

 

[H1PSTER]

'required behaviour'? What does that even mean or what did you do to evoke that?

I did four online tests, one of them was a character test.

Edit: I also mention quite openly in my applications that I have high functioning autism/asperger's.

 

[Palpable]

Had an interview today. Went well. HR lady went and grabbed the hiring manager to talk with me almost immediately after her interview with me (normally it isn't same day). Then they told me it'd be about a week before they contacted me. 3 hours later I get a call from them saying they want me to do another interview next Thursday. So long as I don't muck it up from here, I think I should be good.

I'm not entirely sure what to expect when I interview with the hotel manager and the GM. All the questions and scenarios that could've been asked were already asked today.

 

[DiddysKongQuest]

Already lost the the other candidate I guess, heh.

It's the first time I even got that far so I want to know and I guess I'll see if he wants to tell me the truth.

EDIt: Well, sent the email. Doesn't matter anyways since he hired someone else. They actually did seem interested in me but too bad, and also that job was PT 20hrs anyways and I really want a full-time job.

I have another phone interview tomorrow for a place I wouldn't mind working at, pretty damn nervous since I blew a phone interview on Tuesday already.

I got rejected a couple of weeks from a fairly big company and sent them an E-mail about that as well. They didn't respond yet and I doubt they ever will. Maybe you have more luck.

Good luck with your phone interview

 

[popeutlal]

It's been more than 7 days since I han an interview, went well I thought, the position is still open and I have not heard back.

Should I send a email to the recruiter for an update or wait for a response back, if ever?

 

[Sora_N]

I got rejected a couple of weeks from a fairly big company and sent them an E-mail about that as well. They didn't respond yet and I doubt they ever will. Maybe you have more luck.

Good luck with your phone interview

Yeah this us a pretty small company. I think he decided not to email me back also.

Thanks!

I also have another opportunity with another employer which asked me for an interview on Wednesday. I might ask if I can do it on Thursday but not sure if it will hurt my chances. She did say that she will try to accommodate me though.

 

[Cudder]

Had an interview today. Went well. HR lady went and grabbed the hiring manager to talk with me almost immediately after her interview with me (normally it isn't same day). Then they told me it'd be about a week before they contacted me. 3 hours later I get a call from them saying they want me to do another interview next Thursday. So long as I don't muck it up from here, I think I should be good.

I'm not entirely sure what to expect when I interview with the hotel manager and the GM. All the questions and scenarios that could've been asked were already asked today.

If they got back to you that quickly you're definitely doing something right. Good luck!

 

[Blablurn]

Yep...:/

Or when you apply for shittier jobs than what you studied and they still don't want you.

hahaha

Yeah :/ Been there.

Sucks big time.

 

[Sora_N]

I just finished my phone interview with this company, the guy seems pretty cool and I think I did alright. I'm pretty bad at phone interviews though.

I also went to a career services place in my neighbourhood area as well to get extra help, it's for age 16-30...man I'm nearly 29 so thank god I made the cutoff. I had to lie slightly to get help though, you're only allowed to work 20 hours max a week, at the moment I work 16 but might have 24 hours sometimes lol. I only work the closing shift (4-12) so it wouldn't affect me going to this career service place.

I got a retail store administrator interview at the retail chain I work at, but at a different location next Thursday and have a different interview on Wednesday.

I hope these are good signs and this makes me pretty busy now! Lol

 

[cursedDice]

Just thought I'd pop in and give me 2 cents. 6 months ago I got a new job at a Solar Energy start-up. I got the interview by doing two things better than every other candidate; I had the best cover letter and I walked into the office looking great and handed them my resume and cover letter in person 2 day after emailing it in. They were already super impressed with my cover letter, so when I walked in and introduced myself, they already had a great impression of me through my cover letter, and I gave them a face to go with that resume and cover letter.

An edited version of my cover letter can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pf2EgrSiogh6zDSVCoo8UzAHH61Hm1HeczIdcmOeVik/pub

I did very well in my two interviews and negotiated a $2.50 an hour raise over what they offered me.

6 months later, the CEO came to me to put me in charge of our new job hunt for a Regional Sales Executive (our company has only 5 employees, so no HR yet). I am getting to see a whole bunch of resumes and cover letters...only 30% so far have cover letters...and not one of them has been well written.

My advice:

Step 1: Put effort into your cover letter. Research the company you are applying to and make your cover letter tailored to them. Do NOT use a template for a cover letter. If you find a job you really want, take the time to make it just right.

Step 2: Show up to the company you are applying for and hand the resume and cover letter to the CORRECT person, within 2-5 days of emailing it. The idea is to hand a physical copy of your resume to the a person who has already read your (hopefully) amazing cover letter. This can be hard, it often requires extra research and phone calls, and can take multiple tries, but if you want a real chance at an interview, this has to be done.

Step 3: Give an amazing interview. This can also be hard. Either you are good at interviewing or not. If you are not, there are many places to get advice on getting better: read them.

 

[cyberheater]

It took me 18 months. 18 long frustrating months to finally get another full time permanent job.

I managed to pick up some short term contract work in between but it's been a soul crushing exercise spending hours tweaking my CV and applying for jobs to not even get a response from companies.

The person that gave me this job said they received over a 100 cv's for this post. They interviewed loads. I was very luck to land it.


I have to admit. There were weeks where I simple didn't bother because I was so fed up about it. There were times that I wondered if I would ever work again. It really sucked. The emotional impact of being unemployed was devastating to me. It effected almost every aspect of my life. My relationship with my wife and family. How I felt about myself in the community and my place in society. It was pretty terrible.

I can finally get my life back on track and my wife can finally stop nagging me to get a job. I really don't know how she managed. She was very supportive even if it meant some tough love.

One thing I think that helped was changing my CV to a functional one. Where all my skills were in the top section and my work history was last. I got a lot more responses from that then my normal chronalogical job based one.

For those that are looking for a job. I wish you the very best. For those that are in crummy jobs and would love to quit. Don't until you've got another job.

Don't give up and try to keep positive. Join a agency if you can. They managed to get me work even if it was not in the field I wanted. Any work is better then no work and to be honest. Even a few weeks work did wonder for my self esteem and gave me a huge boost.

Good luck.

 

[Ultimadrago]

Just thought I'd pop in and give me 2 cents. 6 months ago I got a new job at a Solar Energy start-up. I got the interview by doing two things better than every other candidate; I had the best cover letter and I walked into the office looking great and handed them my resume and cover letter in person 2 day after emailing it in. They were already super impressed with my cover letter, so when I walked in and introduced myself, they already had a great impression of me through my cover letter, and I gave them a face to go with that resume and cover letter.

An edited version of my cover letter can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pf2EgrSiogh6zDSVCoo8UzAHH61Hm1HeczIdcmOeVik/pub

I did very well in my two interviews and negotiated a $2.50 an hour raise over what they offered me.

6 months later, the CEO came to me to put me in charge of our new job hunt for a Regional Sales Executive (our company has only 5 employees, so no HR yet). I am getting to see a whole bunch of resumes and cover letters...only 30% so far have cover letters...and not one of them has been well written.

My advice:

Step 1: Put effort into your cover letter. Research the company you are applying to and make your cover letter tailored to them. Do NOT use a template for a cover letter. If you find a job you really want, take the time to make it just right.

Step 2: Show up to the company you are applying for and hand the resume and cover letter to the CORRECT person, within 2-5 days of emailing it. The idea is to hand a physical copy of your resume to the a person who has already read your (hopefully) amazing cover letter. This can be hard, it often requires extra research and phone calls, and can take multiple tries, but if you want a real chance at an interview, this has to be done.

Step 3: Give an amazing interview. This can also be hard. Either you are good at interviewing or not. If you are not, there are many places to get advice on getting better: read them.

How do you negotiate pay raise?

 

[Shadybiz]

Decided this past week that I should find a new place of employment. I switched departments at my current job because I KNEW there were going to be cuts in my previous department, which there eventually were.

Now, I want to leave for a couple of reasons. Short and sweet of it is:

1. I'm not learning much. It's a finance-related job, but it seems that most of the time, I'm just looking up invoices and plugging dates into Excel. I've been shown SOME higher level stuff, but it's few and far between, and it's tough to retain the information or use it in any meaningful way when, most of the time, I'm doing grunt work.

2. Undue pressure on employees. The department simply has too few employees, because they cut several positions before I came on board. There are tight deadlines, and not enough people to comfortably meet those deadlines.

3. Frankly, it's not enough pay. I definitely don't mean to sound entitled, but with my degree, my experience, and my years at the company, we could do a bit better. I am at pretty much the bottom of my pay grade...midpoint is about 20% more than what I make. I was willing to make the lower pay for awhile, if it would mean learning a lot, and being able to move up in position quickly, but with the shit they have me doing, it doesn't seem like that's going to happen. I have student loans, which I don't want to be paying off until I'm freakin' 50.

All this has caused me to become fairly depressed since starting there in August, and I just need to get out. I feel bad leaving so soon, but I just can't take it there anymore.

Submitted a few resumes so far..set up a few online profiles. God this sucks.

 

[cursedDice]

How do you negotiate pay raise?

Negotiating a pay increase can be tricky. I was lucky enough to be in a position where I already had a good paying job, so I didn't have to worry about pricing myself out of the position.

That being said, I followed these general rules:

1.) Know your high and low price. Before your interview you should know what salary range you are okay with.

2.) In all phases of the process, display enthusiasm. Even if your enthusiasm for the job is lowered when they come in with a low salary, make sure you lead all communication with some variation of: 'I'm excited about this opportunity...I know I will bring a lot to this position / company, etc...Always phrase your sentences to somewhat imply that you are ready to start today, even though you aren't hired yet. For example, 'I know that my experience will bring an increase in efficiency' vs. 'If hired, my experience could bring an increase in efficiency.'

3.) Whenever communicating about salary increase, always try and ask for a day or two to 'think it over' so you can compose a well written counter offer.

4.) Your counter offer letter should always indicate what salary they offered you, why you think you are worth more (this should be some variation on your cover letter), and your actual counter number.

5.) It really helps to be able to self-evaluate yourself. If you know you are perfect for a position (and not delusional) then your potential employer knows that also, or you would have not gotten this far. Assume they came in low with their offer because they assume you will have a counter.

6.) If you can afford to turn the job down, walk away. Sometimes you are the #1 candidate and if you walk away, they may look at their #2, bring them in for an interview and some red-flag will come up. You now look even more attractive. You may get a call saying 'we are ready to offer you more'.

Hope that helps. If you have any specific questions, I will try and answer them.

Also, I encourage people to post their cover letters here. I know I would be willing to offer advice, and others are as well I'm sure. To me, a cover letter is a first impression to a company. You have to nail it.

 

[cyberheater]

Decided this past week that I should find a new place of employment. I switched departments at my current job because I KNEW there were going to be cuts in my previous department, which there eventually were.

Now, I want to leave for a couple of reasons. Short and sweet of it is:

1. I'm not learning much. It's a finance-related job, but it seems that most of the time, I'm just looking up invoices and plugging dates into Excel. I've been shown SOME higher level stuff, but it's few and far between, and it's tough to retain the information or use it in any meaningful way when, most of the time, I'm doing grunt work.

2. Undue pressure on employees. The department simply has too few employees, because they cut several positions before I came on board. There are tight deadlines, and not enough people to comfortably meet those deadlines.

3. Frankly, it's not enough pay. I definitely don't mean to sound entitled, but with my degree, my experience, and my years at the company, we could do a bit better. I am at pretty much the bottom of my pay grade...midpoint is about 20% more than what I make. I was willing to make the lower pay for awhile, if it would mean learning a lot, and being able to move up in position quickly, but with the shit they have me doing, it doesn't seem like that's going to happen. I have student loans, which I don't want to be paying off until I'm freakin' 50.

All this has caused me to become fairly depressed since starting there in August, and I just need to get out. I feel bad leaving so soon, but I just can't take it there anymore.

Submitted a few resumes so far..set up a few online profiles. God this sucks.

Do not leave until you have secured employment somewhere else.

 

[Foxix Von]

Glad I'm not the only one in this boat.

I feel like my life is one prolonged disaster and I'm running out of options.

I'm 24, nearly 25 and have no relevant skills for any long term career. I studied computer animation for a while but after a series of panic attacks and developing an anxiety disorder made me miss so many damn classes that I ran out of funds to continue studying. That and my laptop's GPU blew out and I realized that animation wasn't really for me. Especially after RSI/tendinitis kicked in and an antibiotic for a sinus infection gave me carpal tunnel. Having 2 years of animation training with nothing to show for it and a two year work gap, looks terrible. Not only that but the only skill set I have is in retail and I'd rather claw my eyes out than work in that environment again.

I thought I'd finally figured out a stable job at Best Buy for a while, however I later got a job offer to work full time in cell phone sales and I couldn't pass up the pay. I took up the offer and quit Best Buy after getting the paperwork filled out at the cell phone sales position. I then sat around for 3 weeks waiting to get emailed the location of a drug testing facility so that I could start employment. They never got back to me. Eventually I got a call from them saying they needed to interview me again and that they would explain everything at the interview the next day.

Next day comes and AGAIN they don't contact me.

I just said fuck it at that point and decided to look elsewhere for work but I'm having trouble finding any employer that will give me the time of day.

*vent*

 

[Shadybiz]

Do not leave until you have secured employment somewhere else.

Oh no, would definitely never do that. It's frustrating, but not to the point where I would just up and quit with nothing lined up.

 

[Miroku129]

Glad I'm not the only one in this boat.

I feel like my life is one prolonged disaster and I'm running out of options.

I'm 24, nearly 25 and have no relevant skills for any long term career. I studied computer animation for a while but after a series of panic attacks and developing an anxiety disorder made me miss so many damn classes that I ran out of funds to continue studying. That and my laptop's GPU blew out and I realized that animation wasn't really for me. Especially after RSI/tendinitis kicked in and an antibiotic for a sinus infection gave me carpal tunnel. Having 2 years of animation training with nothing to show for it and a two year work gap, looks terrible. Not only that but the only skill set I have is in retail and I'd rather claw my eyes out than work in that environment again.

I thought I'd finally figured out a stable job at Best Buy for a while, however I later got a job offer to work full time in cell phone sales and I couldn't pass up the pay. I took up the offer and quit Best Buy after getting the paperwork filled out at the cell phone sales position. I then sat around for 3 weeks waiting to get emailed the location of a drug testing facility so that I could start employment. They never got back to me. Eventually I got a call from them saying they needed to interview me again and that they would explain everything at the interview the next day.

Next day comes and AGAIN they don't contact me.

I just said fuck it at that point and decided to look elsewhere for work but I'm having trouble finding any employer that will give me the time of day.

*vent*

I've had similar experiences lately. Good luck and patience, that hope is the last thing you lose!

 

[SolicitorPirate]

Feels a little slimy reaching out to friends I haven't spoken to in years asking them to do me a big favor, but this is what it's come to.

Don't feel bad about it. A lot of companies give referral bonuses for successful hires, so it's often "you scratch my back, I scratch yours" situation these days.

Hell, I wish more old acquaintances would reach out to me so I could have a shot at that sweet bonus money.

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

Glad I'm not the only one in this boat.

I feel like my life is one prolonged disaster and I'm running out of options.

I'm 24, nearly 25 and have no relevant skills for any long term career. I studied computer animation for a while but after a series of panic attacks and developing an anxiety disorder made me miss so many damn classes that I ran out of funds to continue studying. That and my laptop's GPU blew out and I realized that animation wasn't really for me. Especially after RSI/tendinitis kicked in and an antibiotic for a sinus infection gave me carpal tunnel. Having 2 years of animation training with nothing to show for it and a two year work gap, looks terrible. Not only that but the only skill set I have is in retail and I'd rather claw my eyes out than work in that environment again.

I thought I'd finally figured out a stable job at Best Buy for a while, however I later got a job offer to work full time in cell phone sales and I couldn't pass up the pay. I took up the offer and quit Best Buy after getting the paperwork filled out at the cell phone sales position. I then sat around for 3 weeks waiting to get emailed the location of a drug testing facility so that I could start employment. They never got back to me. Eventually I got a call from them saying they needed to interview me again and that they would explain everything at the interview the next day.

Next day comes and AGAIN they don't contact me.

I just said fuck it at that point and decided to look elsewhere for work but I'm having trouble finding any employer that will give me the time of day.

*vent*

That's pretty fucked. You can try to go back to Best Buy, but I expect that they'd be salty and might have a rule about rehiring that soon.


Does anyone know of any indie game studios that could use a writer?

 

[Syphon Filter]

Glad I'm not the only one in this boat.

I feel like my life is one prolonged disaster and I'm running out of options.

I'm 24, nearly 25 and have no relevant skills for any long term career. I studied computer animation for a while but after a series of panic attacks and developing an anxiety disorder made me miss so many damn classes that I ran out of funds to continue studying. That and my laptop's GPU blew out and I realized that animation wasn't really for me. Especially after RSI/tendinitis kicked in and an antibiotic for a sinus infection gave me carpal tunnel. Having 2 years of animation training with nothing to show for it and a two year work gap, looks terrible. Not only that but the only skill set I have is in retail and I'd rather claw my eyes out than work in that environment again.

I thought I'd finally figured out a stable job at Best Buy for a while, however I later got a job offer to work full time in cell phone sales and I couldn't pass up the pay. I took up the offer and quit Best Buy after getting the paperwork filled out at the cell phone sales position. I then sat around for 3 weeks waiting to get emailed the location of a drug testing facility so that I could start employment. They never got back to me. Eventually I got a call from them saying they needed to interview me again and that they would explain everything at the interview the next day.

Next day comes and AGAIN they don't contact me.

I just said fuck it at that point and decided to look elsewhere for work but I'm having trouble finding any employer that will give me the time of day.

*vent*

Why did you leave without making sure you got that other job? That was a huge risk and look what happened. Did you leave best buy in good terms?