m_shortpants
Member
The company I work for now for did an extensive background check, even asking for paystubs to confirm the salary I told them was true. It's a pretty big corporation though.
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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
The company I work for now for did an extensive background check, even asking for paystubs to confirm the salary I told them was true. It's a pretty big corporation though.
shadowsdarknes
Member
Finally heard back some positive news from someone.
I had to take this LIMRA test.
It had about 46 questions in 35 minutes.
They were SAT-esque. Math, English, logic.
I only finished 41-ish questions.
Jeez I hope this doesn't disqualify me. I felt my answers were mostly correct. At least, I know the math answers were correct.
I had to take this LIMRA test.
It had about 46 questions in 35 minutes.
They were SAT-esque. Math, English, logic.
I only finished 41-ish questions.
Jeez I hope this doesn't disqualify me. I felt my answers were mostly correct. At least, I know the math answers were correct.
Syphon Filter
Member
I was asked for the last 5 digits of my social security. Anyone know what they will use that for?
NipplesAndToes23
Member
weird it was only the last and not the whole thing, but basically it's for background checks.
Either a background investigation or they are trying to hack into your bank account.
The Broken Ska Record
Member
After two weeks, I got a possible first interview. The date and times the person I talked to suggested didn't work for me as I had, well, work during those times. She said she would call back tomorrow and see if another day was possible. I'm gonna keep applying to stuff until I hear back. It's nice to get a little bit of hope after trying for so long and getting rejection letters.
Valkerionseven
Member
Just got called for a interview for a hotel position at some place... I just sent out a bunch of applications one day months ago. No clue where or what this place is lol. Connection was a bit crap too so I'm not even sure what the place is called ....
Last time I applied to a hotel was like 8ish months ago, who waits that long @.@
Last time I applied to a hotel was like 8ish months ago, who waits that long @.@
My old roommate interned at a government agency for two years, and applied when it was time for graduation. He got a response back 1.5 years later.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
I'm glad I finally got a job after months of being unemployed after getting my degree, but some shit is just bothering me. I started my first day of work from this temp service doing assembly work. I am so tired of seeing nothing but blacks and Latinos at these jobs with all the supervisors and office people being white.
I'm going to leave this job at the drop of a hat as soon as something I actually want to do comes up.
I'm going to leave this job at the drop of a hat as soon as something I actually want to do comes up.
Got rejected for a paid editorial internship yesterday after just a phone interview. It's the only thing in my 5 or so month job search so far that has responded with an interview of any sorts. I feel like any full-time jobs that seem interesting to me are already out of my skill set and experience range and so I'm mainly looking for internships but there aren't many since I'd prefer a paid one.
Needless to say, I'm getting super bummed out since it'll be a year since graduating college this May and I feel like I've done nothing.
Needless to say, I'm getting super bummed out since it'll be a year since graduating college this May and I feel like I've done nothing.
Carnby
Member
After six months of networking with a company, I got my interview today. It went terrible. They wanted to end the interview after ten minutes, didn't mention the next steps in the interview process, and mentioned "next time" there is an opening. I was confident and asked lots of questions, which extended the interview another 20 minutes. I tried my best.
This was my dream job and I doubt I'll get a call back. I don't think I'll ever break into a networking career. I'm feeling crushed. Now back to my desktop support job of ordering cell phones and troubleshooting java. Ugh.
This was my dream job and I doubt I'll get a call back. I don't think I'll ever break into a networking career. I'm feeling crushed. Now back to my desktop support job of ordering cell phones and troubleshooting java. Ugh.
Darren870
Member
Crap, what happened!? Why did it go so bad?
Escape Goat
Member
At least you have a job to go back to! I got another Dear John Email today and I really felt like I aced the interview last week. They called back with feedback though. They really liked me but felt other candidates had more experience compared to me. Its tough not to feel like you got punched in the teeth but its not personal.
Everyone involved, including you, is trying to find the best fit. Keep looking and use tgese experiences in the next intervuew!
NipplesAndToes23
Member
See that's the kind of shit that pisses us off. How are we supposed to get experience if they aren't willing to give us experience?
Thought I'd get some input from GAF.
Up for an interview next week for a supervisory position, but I was wondering how do you answer the question, "what is your leadership style?"
I was thinking of going with : I lead by example, and set my co-workers up to be in a position to succeed.
Any suggestions? I really do try to lead by example, like, i mean I wouldn't make someone do something I wouldn't want to do, and I am a hard worker so there's that.
Up for an interview next week for a supervisory position, but I was wondering how do you answer the question, "what is your leadership style?"
I was thinking of going with : I lead by example, and set my co-workers up to be in a position to succeed.
Any suggestions? I really do try to lead by example, like, i mean I wouldn't make someone do something I wouldn't want to do, and I am a hard worker so there's that.
Do you have examples or anecdotes to tell regarding that?
Carnby
Member
I'm so desperate for networking experience I want to buy my own switches and routers just to say I've worked in real ones.
Escape Goat
Member
has anyone lived in or near LA? I have a third interview with a company based in El Segundo and i know its premature but I was looking at apartments on craigslist just in case. i'm not sure how close I need to find a place to live or if I can use public transportation easily enough.
Photolysis
Banned
Unfortunately even with kit, "real world" experience is what counts, though the fact that you physically took the time to get to grips with some hardware is better than purely theoretical knowledge.
Figured I'd ask here. I have an interview coming up with a college for an I.T. position. I worked there previously but in another department on a temporary basis through an employment agency. I generally know what to expect when it comes the roles of the position but I haven't worked in quite a while. I'm planning on telling them that I've been doing some freelance stuff (which is true) and doing a free online courses (which is not so true) like knowing Microsoft Configuration Manager.
Any advice?
Any advice?
Captain Tuttle
Member
I've used this before and was told that it's easy for people to take advantage of you
I'd recommend going with something like you talk to your team members and listen to what they have to say.You try to build consensus but ultimately the decision is yours as well as the responsibility, for good or bad.
Something like that, emphasize your listening skills
So I guess your leadership style if you do that (I actually do) hybrid democratic/authoritarian style. You listen to everyone but ultimately the decision is yours
anonymous_abc
Member
Do a free course online this evening and voila it's true.
Nathan_Drake
Member
Hey guys,
So I am coming up on graduation from a BS Degree in International Business. It is my second BS degree. My first was in Intelligence Studies and I felt like that was a pretty weird degree and I better get a more mainstream one. I should clarify that I was in the Air Force for over 9 years and did intelligence. That is why I got the first BS degree but I no longer want to work in Intel so that kind of makes that degree worthless. I had my GI Bill and I didnt want to waste it and having one degree allowed me to knock this one out in 2 years.
So now it is time to find a career but it is weird since I have not been in the real work force for 12 years! I have a family I need to provide for so I can't take too long. Fortunately my wife has been holding us down plus we had savings and the GI Bill gives me 1400 a month for living expenses but that goes away in May when I graduate.
I got lucky and had an instructor end up being a high up dude at Boeing here in Charleston SC. He also helped me get a scholarship through his company for like 2500 bucks which was nice. Last Monday they had a dinner and tour for the 5 of us that got scholarships and they were really selling their company to us. The #2 guy at this location was at the dinner as well and invited us to use him as a reference. It is an amazing company (Fortune 50). While it seems I have some good ins there it is still an uphill battle. There are not many business related jobs, mostly engineers, IT, and other science or math related fields. I applied for 5 job through their online site.
I get worried with these new online application processes. I have read (Boeing does this as well) that many large companies are using software that scans resumes for keywords and then a human will look at it if it makes the cut. They say many qualified people are not even given a chance because they didn't have the right terminology in there. Like if you use blueprint but they are looking for schematics or plans it can overlook you. Sounds like a nightmare. I do really well in interviews and human interactions but I am afraid I wont make it pass the electronic gatekeeper. I did what many suggest and peppered in the key words from the ads in my resume but it feels so cheap. I would not use a lot of the words they put so it sounds unnatural.
Has anyone here had any luck with these types of job searches? or any horror stories? I don't graduate till May (technically June because I need one online class but they are letting me walk). That gives me some time to look around. I don't know if that will stop me from being considered for these jobs though since they might want to fill them ASAP.
Good luck out there it is scary
So I am coming up on graduation from a BS Degree in International Business. It is my second BS degree. My first was in Intelligence Studies and I felt like that was a pretty weird degree and I better get a more mainstream one. I should clarify that I was in the Air Force for over 9 years and did intelligence. That is why I got the first BS degree but I no longer want to work in Intel so that kind of makes that degree worthless. I had my GI Bill and I didnt want to waste it and having one degree allowed me to knock this one out in 2 years.
So now it is time to find a career but it is weird since I have not been in the real work force for 12 years! I have a family I need to provide for so I can't take too long. Fortunately my wife has been holding us down plus we had savings and the GI Bill gives me 1400 a month for living expenses but that goes away in May when I graduate.
I got lucky and had an instructor end up being a high up dude at Boeing here in Charleston SC. He also helped me get a scholarship through his company for like 2500 bucks which was nice. Last Monday they had a dinner and tour for the 5 of us that got scholarships and they were really selling their company to us. The #2 guy at this location was at the dinner as well and invited us to use him as a reference. It is an amazing company (Fortune 50). While it seems I have some good ins there it is still an uphill battle. There are not many business related jobs, mostly engineers, IT, and other science or math related fields. I applied for 5 job through their online site.
I get worried with these new online application processes. I have read (Boeing does this as well) that many large companies are using software that scans resumes for keywords and then a human will look at it if it makes the cut. They say many qualified people are not even given a chance because they didn't have the right terminology in there. Like if you use blueprint but they are looking for schematics or plans it can overlook you. Sounds like a nightmare. I do really well in interviews and human interactions but I am afraid I wont make it pass the electronic gatekeeper. I did what many suggest and peppered in the key words from the ads in my resume but it feels so cheap. I would not use a lot of the words they put so it sounds unnatural.
Has anyone here had any luck with these types of job searches? or any horror stories? I don't graduate till May (technically June because I need one online class but they are letting me walk). That gives me some time to look around. I don't know if that will stop me from being considered for these jobs though since they might want to fill them ASAP.
Good luck out there it is scary
Artofwar420
Member
Hello everybody, I have a question regarding resumes.
I don't have a lot of job experience, but I do have a college degree and am still pursuing further education. How can I make my resume look a bit fuller? It feels like I'll be going up against people who have worked more which might make me less competitive.
I'm looking for super entry level part time jobs.
I don't have a lot of job experience, but I do have a college degree and am still pursuing further education. How can I make my resume look a bit fuller? It feels like I'll be going up against people who have worked more which might make me less competitive.
I'm looking for super entry level part time jobs.
Nathan_Drake
Member
What style are you using? When I got out of the USAF we had to go to a class that taught some basic job search skills. I was unaware there were different types. Using the correct one for you may help you cheat the system. They told us that employers do not have the time nor do they want to read a lot. So brevity is key but you have to make it look good too. I would recommend using a Functional style resume. Google it to see how. My MS Word program actually had a few templates for the different styles. Anyways we were told a full one page resume is the best but if you need to you can go into a 2nd page but never anymore than that. Mine was a 1 page until tonight but I had to add a skills and abilities section to plant keywords from the job ads I was applying for. Functional is very basic and is just personal info, education, last couple jobs. That is it just go chronological. Good luck!
Artofwar420
Member
Thank you! I will look for that type which might suit my needs at the moment. Appreciate your reply.
Also, you should provide examples of transferable skills, skills you picked up during your education. Things like time management, project management, etc.... Pick ones that are relevant for the job you are applying to.
(I usually have an big list and delete the irrelevant ones, and save it as name_company_position.)
You should NOT list it blatantly, but use quantifiable examples that display that skill you say you have. (Managed international team of 50 students for college annual carnival, etc)
If you did'nt do too much during college, maybe list out your community service experience?
If you still lack things to fill in....it's about time to go do something abt it =) Maybe go do some pro-bono work that can showcase your desirable skills.
That said, if you are in the field of computing science/creative/photography/arts, a well polished portfolio is much more important to land the gig you want...
anonymous_abc
Member
May/June sounds like a perfectly reasonable time frame. No employer should (or will) expect you to jump at the drop of a hat.
As for online systems I am with you, they are awful, but not much you can do about it unless you have an in to get past that in the first instance. And it sounds as if you do. So good luck with that.
Any suggestions?
anonymous_abc
Member
No, but I'm sure you can find some dodgy certified courses online somewhere.
If you cannot you better not say you did anyway.
Hey guys,
I thought it might be of some value if i shared my experience with all this.
The first thing i would like to recommend each and everyone is to always save money, each month. I have taught myself trough self development programs to control my income, and only invest and buy things that i really need. If you can teach yourself this, and break free from the many factors that ultimately influence your spending behaviours you have a lot to gain in the long run.
This obviously goes hand in hand with having a steady regular income stream. The reason why this is so damn important is that you NEVER know what actually can happen in the job market. If i should give a practical task/example, try to start save like 20 or 30% of your monthly salary and see how your brain reacts (whatever starting amount that you feel comfortable with but that also is a bit outside of your comfort zone).When you have built up a solid capital i would recommend that you start to count how long you could live of that, if you of some reason where laid off. It makes things clearer and you can be better prepared, if you are being laid off as i was.
I was unemployed for more than a year, and It was probably one of the most depressing times i have had in my entire life. During this period I found myself in a very dark place where i actually started to think what would happen if i kill myself. I basically lost all my motivation to live.Around 6-7 months into that period i took a very important decision. I decided i would put a large amount of my saved money in a solid education, investing in myself, and ultimately make myself more attractive to the job market, but also open more career roads and opportunities that previously where closed to me. You see i did not have any education after finishing high school many years ago.
And you know what..?, recently i signed a new job contract!, and i know my education played a part in them wanting me. This interview process was quite different from the previous ones iv had. Basically i contacted them during my education on mail, saying i was interested in their company, but that i was studying now (of course i name dropped the education and school in the mail since i know it has a very good reputation). They replied saying they didn't have any open positions at that time but that we should keep contact. After a few months they contacted me on mail, sending me a job description and asked if i where interested. We then met and i spoke largely about who i am, whats important for me, and where i am in my life. Another interview happens after a week with their country manager and the department manager i met in the first place. Again i talked about who i am, whats important for me and where i am in my life. They where NOT detailed oriented regarding my previous jobs, and i think that had much to do with me knowing EXACTLY how i should express myself and my career with as few, yet relevant words as possible. 3 days after that second interview they sent me a concrete job offer, witch i without drama negotiated to be a little better (mainly the base salary), and after that i meet with them and signed. The package they offered me is overall the best iv ever had in my 10+ year long career, and i think the personal chemistry will be great between me and them.
Some things i learned during my journey.
- Your social network and contacts is almost always a better road than a good resume. There is even recruting firms who now says ”the resume is dead these days”.
- I know many dont like this but you need to start think more in terms of ”your personal brand”. Information travels fast these days, and sometimes its good to keep your mouth shut about bad management, or previous horrible job experiences you had. If you would like to open your mouth on things like that, you should really know how and what to say.
- If someone wants you to send them their resume on mail, or register on their site, try to book a lunch meeting or something similar instead. You do NOT want to be placed in a large database with thousands of others where its hard to see why you are so much more valued than others. Know this aswell, that many companies use programs and services that scan all the resumes for important keywords. If a resume have xx amount of keywords it get placed in the right pile, if not it gets no attention.. Also dont be surprised if you go into a interview, finding that the person on the opposite table dont have read a single word on your resume except your name.
- Practice, practice, practice and try to sell yourself with your own words! Iv made so many misstakes going into interviews thinking ”well my resume sells itself”. WRONG!.
- Keep track of EVERY job application you make, write down what works and whats not working. Use a spreadsheet for this!
- There is much information and knowledge FREE on Linkedin such as how you can prepare and answer ”the 10 most common yet stupid interview questions”.
- When you get a mail response from a interview / or job application you sent that says something likes ”Hi mister xxx , we really liked your application/meeting and think you would be a very good addition to our team, but have decided to move forward with others” . Realize that this is their basic response to EVERYONE not just yourself!
I thought it might be of some value if i shared my experience with all this.
The first thing i would like to recommend each and everyone is to always save money, each month. I have taught myself trough self development programs to control my income, and only invest and buy things that i really need. If you can teach yourself this, and break free from the many factors that ultimately influence your spending behaviours you have a lot to gain in the long run.
This obviously goes hand in hand with having a steady regular income stream. The reason why this is so damn important is that you NEVER know what actually can happen in the job market. If i should give a practical task/example, try to start save like 20 or 30% of your monthly salary and see how your brain reacts (whatever starting amount that you feel comfortable with but that also is a bit outside of your comfort zone).When you have built up a solid capital i would recommend that you start to count how long you could live of that, if you of some reason where laid off. It makes things clearer and you can be better prepared, if you are being laid off as i was.
I was unemployed for more than a year, and It was probably one of the most depressing times i have had in my entire life. During this period I found myself in a very dark place where i actually started to think what would happen if i kill myself. I basically lost all my motivation to live.Around 6-7 months into that period i took a very important decision. I decided i would put a large amount of my saved money in a solid education, investing in myself, and ultimately make myself more attractive to the job market, but also open more career roads and opportunities that previously where closed to me. You see i did not have any education after finishing high school many years ago.
And you know what..?, recently i signed a new job contract!, and i know my education played a part in them wanting me. This interview process was quite different from the previous ones iv had. Basically i contacted them during my education on mail, saying i was interested in their company, but that i was studying now (of course i name dropped the education and school in the mail since i know it has a very good reputation). They replied saying they didn't have any open positions at that time but that we should keep contact. After a few months they contacted me on mail, sending me a job description and asked if i where interested. We then met and i spoke largely about who i am, whats important for me, and where i am in my life. Another interview happens after a week with their country manager and the department manager i met in the first place. Again i talked about who i am, whats important for me and where i am in my life. They where NOT detailed oriented regarding my previous jobs, and i think that had much to do with me knowing EXACTLY how i should express myself and my career with as few, yet relevant words as possible. 3 days after that second interview they sent me a concrete job offer, witch i without drama negotiated to be a little better (mainly the base salary), and after that i meet with them and signed. The package they offered me is overall the best iv ever had in my 10+ year long career, and i think the personal chemistry will be great between me and them.
Some things i learned during my journey.
- Your social network and contacts is almost always a better road than a good resume. There is even recruting firms who now says ”the resume is dead these days”.
- I know many dont like this but you need to start think more in terms of ”your personal brand”. Information travels fast these days, and sometimes its good to keep your mouth shut about bad management, or previous horrible job experiences you had. If you would like to open your mouth on things like that, you should really know how and what to say.
- If someone wants you to send them their resume on mail, or register on their site, try to book a lunch meeting or something similar instead. You do NOT want to be placed in a large database with thousands of others where its hard to see why you are so much more valued than others. Know this aswell, that many companies use programs and services that scan all the resumes for important keywords. If a resume have xx amount of keywords it get placed in the right pile, if not it gets no attention.. Also dont be surprised if you go into a interview, finding that the person on the opposite table dont have read a single word on your resume except your name.
- Practice, practice, practice and try to sell yourself with your own words! Iv made so many misstakes going into interviews thinking ”well my resume sells itself”. WRONG!.
- Keep track of EVERY job application you make, write down what works and whats not working. Use a spreadsheet for this!
- There is much information and knowledge FREE on Linkedin such as how you can prepare and answer ”the 10 most common yet stupid interview questions”.
- When you get a mail response from a interview / or job application you sent that says something likes ”Hi mister xxx , we really liked your application/meeting and think you would be a very good addition to our team, but have decided to move forward with others” . Realize that this is their basic response to EVERYONE not just yourself!
Syphon Filter
Member
I had a phone interview with someone about 1-2 weeks ago and about a week ago they contacted me again having me confirm a rate that they included in the email. I confirmed it and that was a little over a week ago with no response yet. Should i email them or give them more time?
DiddysKongQuest
Member
The worst thing is that I'm no longer in dependents' co-insurance since the beginning of march. It fucking sucks that I can't even visit the docotor. The only way to get back in is to go to school again, which is something I don't really want. Or of course getting a job.
I'm getting more and more frustrated with looking for one. I don't have any work experience and that makes it just so much harder. The last 2 years of eductional training were basically for nothing at this point.
I'll probably have to get a side job till August and then just go to school again. Which just sucks.
I'm getting more and more frustrated with looking for one. I don't have any work experience and that makes it just so much harder. The last 2 years of eductional training were basically for nothing at this point.
I'll probably have to get a side job till August and then just go to school again. Which just sucks.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
Are you sure you want to get your Master's? It seems pointless depending on the kind of job you want.
Went for an interview today for an office position at the place I currently work. I've only been working here for three days, but fuck I want something better than this crap. I basically didn't get it because I didn't lie. They wanted someone efficient in Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, web design, and some other program I never heard of that starts with a C.
Syphon Filter
Member
What field are you applying to and what did you get from the 2 yrs you did? I don't think you should go back just because of that.
Syphon Filter
Member
What was the name of the position you applied for there and what is your field in general?
NipplesAndToes23
Member
Social Media Coordinator. I have a degree in media studies.
DiddysKongQuest
Member
Syphon Filter said:
I am a foreign language assistant, which is basically a secretary that speaks german, english and spanish. This far I only had one interview for this specific job after a 5 month search. I also applied for various desk jobs and it's pretty rare to even get an answer.
I want to get my A level in order to go a university here in Germany and finally go into a field that I'm acutally interested in. Would ultimately probably be the better choice than to be in job I never really was interested in in the first place.
bodyboarder
Member
.
Doczu
Member
So i finally found the courage to change my job. After months of searching (i am proficient in Dutch language, there are not many positions to find) i finally found a job that's better than my current one.
I'm very nervous to resign, as it will be the first time i will do it, but i know it's the right thing to do. I worked my ass of for almost 3 years, did a ridiculous amount of overtime (at least they paid for it), was always there when something had to be done, but at the moment when my supervisor found someone else as a favorite one i felt all my dedication was nothing worth to them.
So now i sit with my resign letter in my bag and i feel dizzy and confused. I'm affraid things won't go as i want them to be.
I'm very nervous to resign, as it will be the first time i will do it, but i know it's the right thing to do. I worked my ass of for almost 3 years, did a ridiculous amount of overtime (at least they paid for it), was always there when something had to be done, but at the moment when my supervisor found someone else as a favorite one i felt all my dedication was nothing worth to them.
So now i sit with my resign letter in my bag and i feel dizzy and confused. I'm affraid things won't go as i want them to be.
bodyboarder
Member
J
Jpop
Unconfirmed Member
So, I graduate in May.
Right now I have good references and I have good work experience.
What I don't have are internships (Worked through school)
Savings (Paid for school)
License (Didnt have the opportunity in highschool and now I am at work/school full-time)
Family
Friends who live near me.
I've applied to the PeaceCorps and hopefully I get because I have no where to go after graduation except being homeless. Honestly I'm starting to stress out and have panic attacks lately
Right now I have good references and I have good work experience.
What I don't have are internships (Worked through school)
Savings (Paid for school)
License (Didnt have the opportunity in highschool and now I am at work/school full-time)
Family
Friends who live near me.
I've applied to the PeaceCorps and hopefully I get because I have no where to go after graduation except being homeless. Honestly I'm starting to stress out and have panic attacks lately
anonymous_abc
Member
So you have the other job in the bag though, right?
Doczu
Member
Yes, everything is set. Yesterday i got a mail that they gladly offer me the position (around 12 noon) which i didn't read because i was at work and they even called me later that day just to be sure that i got the e-mail and if everything is ok. So it looks like they really want me. I responded and today they wrote me that around monday-tuesday i'll be signing my new contract and start from May.
Just handed over my resign letter. I feel a lot better. They didn't even wanted to ask if i got something, no counter offers. Just a simple "You were good, bye".