Ultimadrago
Member
Thanks Sora. I never thought of the putting your notes/resume out thing. Sounds like a plan!
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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
No problem, I think it will help if you get nervous during the phone interview.
machemachete
Banned
I just applied for a LATAM position in a very important videogame dev. It have been a dream for me and my friends since I was a child. Last week I saw the requeriments and all good.
But the job is in Irvine and I live in Perú, I suppose in case (in the very slim case) I get the job, the company can make a job visa for the US.
It have been a week and I've been praying all days and checking my mail every hour.
But the job is in Irvine and I live in Perú, I suppose in case (in the very slim case) I get the job, the company can make a job visa for the US.
It have been a week and I've been praying all days and checking my mail every hour.
Long story short: I quit my well-reputed, low-paying gig at a college in October to move back home. I went from intern to director in a fundraising/writing environment. There were a lot of changes going on at the college and in my department, and as a fairly young person I didn't feel like I wasn't growing, just paper-pushing. I was also homesick and over the town I was living in so I decided to move home (New England).
I figured the job hunt would be short. I was wrong. I'm working part-time, bringing home under $200 a week, and living at home with mom. I've interviewed at loads of places across, mostly in communications, but no offer has been extended. I've also applied for general work at a variety of placeslibraries, museums, etc. My most recent interview was at Whole Foods, and I'm pretty confident they'll turn me down.
I believe I'm in this conundrum of having too much experience for "lower" jobs, and not enough for "higher" jobs. I've been using friends to get my foot in the door at a variety of places, and all those have turned out moot.
In short, networking isn't working, crap jobs won't hire me, good jobs won't hire me. I'm lost. I don't know what to do. I'm so broke and so miserable. I can't even get a callback from a temp agency! Any advice?
I figured the job hunt would be short. I was wrong. I'm working part-time, bringing home under $200 a week, and living at home with mom. I've interviewed at loads of places across, mostly in communications, but no offer has been extended. I've also applied for general work at a variety of placeslibraries, museums, etc. My most recent interview was at Whole Foods, and I'm pretty confident they'll turn me down.
I believe I'm in this conundrum of having too much experience for "lower" jobs, and not enough for "higher" jobs. I've been using friends to get my foot in the door at a variety of places, and all those have turned out moot.
In short, networking isn't working, crap jobs won't hire me, good jobs won't hire me. I'm lost. I don't know what to do. I'm so broke and so miserable. I can't even get a callback from a temp agency! Any advice?
Photolysis
Banned
It's kind of arrogant to automatically assume your customs are superior (and implicitly state that anyone who does it differently is essentially being rude).
Regardless of what you think, it is a regional and cultural thing. And here in the UK, it would likely be taken as either sucking up, or desperation, and thus have the complete opposite effect of what is intended.
Good interview etiquette means you've already thanked them once for their time at the end of the interview.
I just finished discussing interview skills at the employment centre.
On the way there I got an interview require at the retail pharmacy I work at currently, a different store...for Assistant Manager. I guess I'd rather do that than Supervisor which I am currently.
I have another interview in an hour. Just eating lunch now.
Tonight I have a networking event as well. Busy day lol
On the way there I got an interview require at the retail pharmacy I work at currently, a different store...for Assistant Manager. I guess I'd rather do that than Supervisor which I am currently.
I have another interview in an hour. Just eating lunch now.
Tonight I have a networking event as well. Busy day lol
TrojanBlade
Member
Went through 2 phone interviews and 5 hour long on-site interview where I thought everything went well as each interviewer kept saying 'oh good you have made it this far '. After 3 days got a phone call that I was rejected
Yeah talk about soul-crushing
'. After 3 days got a phone call that I was rejected Yeah talk about soul-crushing
That's cute. You somehow think a thank you note is desperate and an attempt to suck up.
Sorry my post on the Internet murdered your cat.
The_blonde_and_blue
Member
So, I felt like sharing the events of this past week, if nothing else to remind you to keep looking up, because things can turn around at any point, and will do so when you least expect it.
I'm an independent contractor in the IT world and even though I am fairly skilled, it's not uncommon for there to be gaps in employment between gigs. Unfortunately the job application process is bullshit, (as everyone here likely knows already) and sometimes finding the ideal job takes a bit. This typically isn't a big deal as I save money always for such instances, and try to live below my means.
My last big gap in employment was about 6 months in duration, which ended up being fairly depressing and stressful. I felt like I was nailing 90% of my Interviews but still just never received an offer. It didn't help that some interviews would be with these extremely senior guys who just tear you a new one in technical questions and leave you wondering or questioning whether you are really good enough for any job. Eventually I landed a gig, was promised a permanent position but then became unemployed when budget fell through. 3 months have went by and honestly those depressed feelings were coming back and I wasn't really feeling like much of anyone anymore. I accepted an interview request for a position that's technically way out of my league. During the interview I was honest about areas where I was lacking and where I wanted to grow. I really nailed the interview and feeling good, I came home and applied to a similar position on a whim, from which I received another immediate interview request. Nailed this interview too. Both jobs requested follow-up interviews to which they informed me that they liked me so much, that they've been wondering if they should be looking at someone like myself, who could be trained to fill the role, instead of someone senior as originally intended.
Fast track to today. Job 1 made an offer on Monday. Job 2 made an offer later that day. I was honest and informed both that I would have to consider both offers before I could choose as both jobs have pros and cons. The next day became a bidding war in which they competed and the pay rate increased dramatically, eventually reaching a point where they both felt they had offered their max. This just made my decision all the more difficult and I informed them I'll consider their offers and get back to them. Out of nowhere my last place of employment calls and says they've worked out the budget and they'd like me back. One of these is offering a permanent position, which prompts the others to also make permanent position offers as well. So suddenly I have my choice of a few different contract opportunities, or few different permanent role opportunities, the rate has increased dramatically to a place where I really didn't expect I'd be for at least another few years.
Last week I was wondering why in the hell I couldn't find anything after 3 months. Today I'm having difficulty choosing between the offers because they're all surprisingly great.
tl;dr: Random job interview request turns into awesome offers/bidding wars. Keep your head up and good things will happen when you least expect it.
I'm an independent contractor in the IT world and even though I am fairly skilled, it's not uncommon for there to be gaps in employment between gigs. Unfortunately the job application process is bullshit, (as everyone here likely knows already) and sometimes finding the ideal job takes a bit. This typically isn't a big deal as I save money always for such instances, and try to live below my means.
My last big gap in employment was about 6 months in duration, which ended up being fairly depressing and stressful. I felt like I was nailing 90% of my Interviews but still just never received an offer. It didn't help that some interviews would be with these extremely senior guys who just tear you a new one in technical questions and leave you wondering or questioning whether you are really good enough for any job. Eventually I landed a gig, was promised a permanent position but then became unemployed when budget fell through. 3 months have went by and honestly those depressed feelings were coming back and I wasn't really feeling like much of anyone anymore. I accepted an interview request for a position that's technically way out of my league. During the interview I was honest about areas where I was lacking and where I wanted to grow. I really nailed the interview and feeling good, I came home and applied to a similar position on a whim, from which I received another immediate interview request. Nailed this interview too. Both jobs requested follow-up interviews to which they informed me that they liked me so much, that they've been wondering if they should be looking at someone like myself, who could be trained to fill the role, instead of someone senior as originally intended.
Fast track to today. Job 1 made an offer on Monday. Job 2 made an offer later that day. I was honest and informed both that I would have to consider both offers before I could choose as both jobs have pros and cons. The next day became a bidding war in which they competed and the pay rate increased dramatically, eventually reaching a point where they both felt they had offered their max. This just made my decision all the more difficult and I informed them I'll consider their offers and get back to them. Out of nowhere my last place of employment calls and says they've worked out the budget and they'd like me back. One of these is offering a permanent position, which prompts the others to also make permanent position offers as well. So suddenly I have my choice of a few different contract opportunities, or few different permanent role opportunities, the rate has increased dramatically to a place where I really didn't expect I'd be for at least another few years.
Last week I was wondering why in the hell I couldn't find anything after 3 months. Today I'm having difficulty choosing between the offers because they're all surprisingly great.
tl;dr: Random job interview request turns into awesome offers/bidding wars. Keep your head up and good things will happen when you least expect it.
Can you give evidence of why it would be seen as desperation?
"Thank you for taking your time to meet with me. I enjoyed discussing X, Y, and Z and blah blah blah."
Photolysis
Banned
Why is this person breaking the social convention and not waiting for the employer to get back in touch? They're either ignorant of it, which makes them look bad. They're overeager, which looks bad because they're socially awkward. Or they're trying to ingratiate themselves. Or they don't think the employer will remember them otherwise. Or they're desperate for the job.
See, that's the beauty of this, as a cultural thing. It doesn't matter what you or anyone else thinks as an outsider, all that matters is how things are done here.
How is saying "Thank you for meeting with me" socially awkward?
Many responses here seem to say that many people think it is good or at worst neutral in the UK:
http://ask.metafilter.com/192891/thank-you-bad
I've had an interview and am looking to get back into a field of work I enjoy and feel I'm a good fit for. Needing to take time off for my health stresses me out despite stress being a component of why I needed to take time off. Not having something to work for gets to me. It's odd having to take time off work to learn to relax and not overwork myself, of all the reasons. '_'
Ultimadrago
Member
Went through with the phone interview...waaaay too many "Umms". On the bright side, I found out the job relies on cold calling for sales, which I hate. So if I don't get the job, it's not a huge loss. Think I'll focus on my other options now.
FireAndBlood
Member
I was recently terminated and my boss wants me to tell everyone I quit. I am here still for two weeks to train my replacement. I need money, so what do I do?
If I wanted to claim unemployment benefits later, would this disqualify me?
If I wanted to claim unemployment benefits later, would this disqualify me?
Why were you terminated?
FireAndBlood
Member
He said they needed a person who can make sales in addition. I talked to the replacement, he said they never spoke to him about sales. He has no experience in sales either.
Got an interview already. Then they emailed that they filled the position internally. Lol. Soulcrushing.
BeforeU
Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.
I am pretty sure if you quit on your own term then you can't claim for unemployment. That's probably one of the reason he wants you to quit
The employer may need to pay higher unemployment premiums if you are fired, since you will be collecting unemployment benefits. Do not quit.
Ziltoidia 9
Member
He's trying to use you to get witnesses from your own co-workers to say you quit. Horrible.
FireAndBlood
Member
I didn't quit. He wants me to tell everyone I did. Said it makes it easier for transition. Less drama. This is a trick right?
SpookyFries
Member
I have a pretty good feeling that I'm about to be let go... Dreading that 2:00 meeting so hard right now.
Magna_Mixalis
Member
Yes, it is. They probably don't want to look like the bad guy. Whatever the case, do not play along. If you absolutely need this person as a reference, you can keep it on the downlow, but otherwise (politely) tell them to go fuck themselves. They fired you, they need to take responsibility for their decision. After all, you already have.
That, and could have unemployment insurance consequences, but I don't know enough about that to say anything either way.
EDT: Were you laid off or fired? If laid off, just say that. If fired, you owe your former boss absolutely nothing.
Magna_Mixalis
Member
Assuming you're in the US, it's not a loan, it's a payout based on the insurance you and your employer paid. As for percentage, I got a little more than 60% when I was on it.
It does have a time limit, but it varies depending on a number of factors, including whether the feds extend the benefits or not.
djplaeskool
Member
It doesn't need to be repaid, however it is taxable.
Confrontation
Member
Got a group interview/selection day kind of thing for a telecommunications company on Wednesday for a position as Sales Agent.
Received an e-mail where they explained that we'd also have to present ourselves in an elevator pitch. They mentioned all the questions in the e-mail which we must have answered during that 3-5min period of presenting ourselves, one of which is: "Give us one concrete example which shows us that you have perseverance".
For some reason, I'm having a hard time finding a really good answer on this. I've barely got any previous work experience to fall back on to give them an example for that. Can't find anything from general life experience either to give them either.
All I got is a sports career that I've pursued last 5 years but I can hardly tell them that I was 0-3 down in matches and managed win them 4-3 or something along those lines lol.
Received an e-mail where they explained that we'd also have to present ourselves in an elevator pitch. They mentioned all the questions in the e-mail which we must have answered during that 3-5min period of presenting ourselves, one of which is: "Give us one concrete example which shows us that you have perseverance".
For some reason, I'm having a hard time finding a really good answer on this. I've barely got any previous work experience to fall back on to give them an example for that. Can't find anything from general life experience either to give them either.
All I got is a sports career that I've pursued last 5 years but I can hardly tell them that I was 0-3 down in matches and managed win them 4-3 or something along those lines lol.
Out of work again but I saw an ad on Craigslist for a position. It was through Express Employment but by the time I saw the ad it was late Friday night and I wasn't able to call in. And of course Express Employment is closed over the weekend. I called in this morning (and they have me on file over there) and was told that the position was already filled.
The Craigslist ad was posted last Friday... And no one ever contacted me and I wasn't told if I was submitted to the position.
Avoid Express Employment guys.
The Craigslist ad was posted last Friday... And no one ever contacted me and I wasn't told if I was submitted to the position.
Avoid Express Employment guys.
Why did they ask for your previous W2s? That is horrible. Tell them to get lost.
Looks like the company's salary is based on your previous salary.
smokeandmirrors
Banned
I'm really starting to apply after having graduated and I'm scared :c
Syphon Filter
Member
I was going to say at least they offered you something but that is messed up indeed that they based it on your previous salary. I was thinking maybe they thought your experience was not up to par or something. Hey it is still something, there are people struggling to find any job. Just take it and then see if you can find something higher later on.
EmptySpace
Banned
haven't gotten any calls at all.
project has dwindled down and here i am sitting and doing nothing the whole day and just waiting for the termination email to arrive.
sigh.
project has dwindled down and here i am sitting and doing nothing the whole day and just waiting for the termination email to arrive.
sigh.
Escape Goat
Member
Wow. Unless you're desperate for work I'd pass on that company. When companies ask me what salary I made previously I tell them that I think my salary should be based on the experience and skill I will bring to the new position. Nobody's challenged me on it yet but if they do I guess I'd have to weigh how badly i need the job. I shouldn't have to tell them but if they are prepared to pass me over because of it I have no choice but to play ball or continue being unemployed.
Purple Cheeto
Member
I had an in person interview for a job I really wanted a week ago today. It took 4 months of phone interviews and programming tests to get to the in person part.
I made it through the first 2 hours of the morning interview and the lunch portion and then they sent me home. Pretty crushing.
I made it through the first 2 hours of the morning interview and the lunch portion and then they sent me home. Pretty crushing.
I just got a job offer from a company I interviewed at last week and thought I failed.
She said she filled the position already and a new opportunity came up and she called me right away...for a better position lol. She said she felt I was more senior than the person they chose for the other (worse) job.
I'm waiting for the contract now...plsss
She said she filled the position already and a new opportunity came up and she called me right away...for a better position lol. She said she felt I was more senior than the person they chose for the other (worse) job.
I'm waiting for the contract now...plsss
Congrats!
I had something similar happen to me recently. Feels like winning the lottery.
Thank you!
I need to get and sign the contract (after I read it...) before I feel at ease.
Hope all is good, and yeah that call was the best call I got in ages...I almost gave up hope a few days ago.
EDIT: I got the contract! Everything is the same as what she told me, I will probably just finish going over the employment handbook and send it back to her. I don't have bargaining power anyways due to my lack of experience which I hope to gain by starting here anyways! A little nervous but really happy. Unfortunately I have to cover peoples' shifts all week.
Gratz. It always feels good when posts like these pop up.
Not sure if it has been said before, but you might want to try Googling for some of the smaller companies in your field. Every job offer that I received recently was by one of these types of companies. I feel like corporate type jobs are too heavily advertised, get flooded with a ton of applications, and their HR departments are too strict with who they choose to bring in for an interview. Also, these smaller companies like bringing in new grads because they can train and mold them the way that they want. The place that I currently work for is very laid back and the CEO spends a lot of time personally training me. I absolutely love it.
Smaller companies are double-edged swords. Some welcome new grads and will train them, but others only want experienced people since they don't have the time or money to train new grads.
Congrats!
PS: Nice username
Also thanks everyone. It's been really stressful and I felt like I was having a midlife crisis. Hope this is a great start for my life but they will be paying tuition so I plan to stay until I finish that.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
When a job is asking you for current base salary, what should you say? I currently just been offered a job that pays $8, but haven't started it yet and I don't want to be taken advantage of from this new opportunity.