Support NeoGAF

[Anjelus_]

I just scheduled a short notice employment interview for tomorrow at noon. A bit unexpected really. They told me not to worry about getting dressed up and to just go casually, but I could have at least gone to buy some Allen Edmonds Wilbert shoes if I'd known a bit more in advance.

Oh well. Casual is casual, will throw on my Converse's and call it a day. I already spruced up my resume, so we'll see how it goes.

 

[sometimes i game]

I just accepted a job offer after a soul crushing 3 month search full of positive interviews that ended up going nowhere since a 3 month gap in my resume was offputting, which is bullshit, who cares.

Anyway, I wanted to give up a lot in those three months but tried thirty different things and put on a happy face for each interview and phone call. Feels good, and I wish everyone luck.

 

[EmptySpace]

gah i think i did terrible in the interview. i prepared a lot but my mind went blank when the questions came and i repeated myself a lot. fuck..


and i even knew about the questions beforehand....

 

[Portalbox]

Hey everyone,

I've been a job hopper for some time now (average of 1 year/company). I mean, it doesn't look *that* bad on my resume because I always seemed to get better positions, but I think this is causing me some problems now.

I've been looking for a job for almost 2 months now but I've rarely got interviews... I walk out confident out of these 1st meetings because I feel like I did my best but no one has called me back yet.

I'm the equivalent of a junior manager but I absolutely dread my current job. We are a debt management office but everyone here thinks they're part of the Wall Street Elite. Everyone seems to be so moody and demanding, even if it means stomping other people's dignity. Our working hours are from 9:00 to 20:30 *at least*. I can't even go to the gym or do anything other than work. I feel very miserable.

Sometimes I feel like quitting even if I can't find another job because this one is seriously hurting my self-esteem, but I still have to pay for my student loans + 4,000 in credit cards.

Looking for a job sucks and even more so when you're stuck in a bad place and you know you've had it better before. Even so, I'm not giving up and just wanted to vent in this thread.

TL;DR: Don't be a job hopper, you could get stuck in a hellish place.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Hey everyone,

I've been a job hopper for some time now (average of 1 year/company). I mean, it doesn't look *that* bad on my resume because I always seemed to get better positions, but I think this is causing me some problems now.

I've been looking for a job for almost 2 months now but I've rarely got interviews... I walk out confident out of these 1st meetings because I feel like I did my best but no one has called me back yet.

I'm the equivalent of a junior manager but I absolutely dread my current job. We are a debt management office but everyone here thinks they're part of the Wall Street Elite. Everyone seems to be so moody and demanding, even if it means stomping other people's dignity. Our working hours are from 9:00 to 20:30 *at least*. I can't even go to the gym or do anything other than work. I feel very miserable.

Sometimes I feel like quitting even if I can't find another job because this one is seriously hurting my self-esteem, but I still have to pay for my student loans + 4,000 in credit cards.

Looking for a job sucks and even more so when you're stuck in a bad place and you know you've had it better before. Even so, I'm not giving up and just wanted to vent in this thread.

TL;DR: Don't be a job hopper, you could get stuck in a hellish place.

Do recruiters hate it because they are worried you will leave them too?

 

[Portalbox]

Do recruiters hate it because they are worried you will leave them too?

They've never told me that straight-forward, but I'm beginning to think that is the reason why they're not calling me back. I don't think my resume is that bad.

 

[Jpop]

Brahs, I just got an email to set up a phone interview for this job in NYC I applied for!

The job is in my field and exactly what I want experience in before I go to grad school!

Really hope it goes well.

 

[Ultimadrago]

Applying internally with my current crappy job after losing that last job interview.

Kill me now.

 

[JTripper]

Man, this sucks. I've been out of college for almost a year and have been looking for jobs seriously for the past 6-7 months and the best I've gotten was a phone interview.

Either I'm limiting myself to internships or just applying to things way out of my skill/experience set, though I don't think so because nothing I applied for so far has absolutely required previous experience or high requirements.

I don't know, I'm kind of stuck in this place of confusion as to what jobs I should be applying to being a graduate without much professional experience, and most internships require you to be currently enrolled, which I am not.

Advice?

 

[Kaladin]

Man, this sucks. I've been out of college for almost a year and have been looking for jobs seriously for the past 6-7 months and the best I've gotten was a phone interview.

Either I'm limiting myself to internships or just applying to things way out of my skill/experience set, though I don't think so because nothing I applied for so far has absolutely required previous experience or high requirements.

I don't know, I'm kind of stuck in this place of confusion as to what jobs I should be applying to being a graduate without much professional experience, and most internships require you to be currently enrolled, which I am not.

Advice?

Find something that is entry level and go from there.

 

[BeforeU]

Man, this sucks. I've been out of college for almost a year and have been looking for jobs seriously for the past 6-7 months and the best I've gotten was a phone interview.

Either I'm limiting myself to internships or just applying to things way out of my skill/experience set, though I don't think so because nothing I applied for so far has absolutely required previous experience or high requirements.

I don't know, I'm kind of stuck in this place of confusion as to what jobs I should be applying to being a graduate without much professional experience, and most internships require you to be currently enrolled, which I am not.

Advice?

You finished your collage and applying to Internship and positions that doesnt even require highschool diploma? I think thats your problem. They wont call you if you are over qualified for the position either.

You need to apply to new grad/entry level positions.

Whats your field/degree if you dont mind me asking.

 

[Assanova]

To the engineering/programming guys:

If you look good enough on paper to get called in for an interview, I wouldn't worry too much about the technical stuff. Based on my interviews and the people I spoke to who interviewed me, they care a lot about how well you communicate. The field is filled with high achieving people, but very few of them can communicate well, and a lot of them are very hard to understand due to them not being native English speakers or being extremely introverted.

 

[JTripper]

You finished your collage and applying to Internship and positions that doesnt even require highschool diploma? I think thats your problem. They wont call you if you are over qualified for the position either.

You need to apply to new grad/entry level positions.

Whats your field/degree if you dont mind me asking.

It's in English, so I'm focusing on an entry-level writing position or something related. Also, "high-school requirements" wasn't what I meant. The positions definitely require at least ongoing college-level education for internships (for the ones that don't require me to be currently enrolled) and a degree for the full-time positions. I just meant that the positions don't require years of previous work experience in the same field and such.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Find something that is entry level and go from there.

Unfortunately entry level jobs seem to be rare, or maybe it depends on the industry.

To the engineering/programming guys:

If you look good enough on paper to get called in for an interview, I wouldn't worry too much about the technical stuff. Based on my interviews and the people I spoke to who interviewed me, they care a lot about how well you communicate. The field is filled with high achieving people, but very few of them can communicate well, and a lot of them are very hard to understand due to them not being native English speakers or being extremely introverted.

Interviews aren't that hard to get, it's getting the job that is. I doubt they will hire someone who is extrovert and does not know how to do the job.

 

[Assanova]

Hey Guys,

I've been applying for programming internships for about 3 months, but haven't had any luck. Are there any programming interns on GAF that have any advice? Could it be my experience? I've only taken a year of programming courses.

On paper, the competition is extremely high when it comes to academics. I think that maybe you should try to compete in areas that are in high demand and low supply. I really emphasized my leadership, communication, and management skills on my resume. I would also highlight the software that you've used. If it is not too late, I reccommend that you take classes in project management, speech, or leadership and place them on your resume. These are skills that employers are looking for but don't exactly mention in their postings for engineers and programmers.

 

[Syphon Filter]

On paper, the competition is extremely high when it comes to academics. I think that maybe you should try to compete in areas that are in high demand and low supply. I really emphasized my leadership, communication, and management skills on my resume. I would also highlight the software that you've used. If it is not too late, I reccommend that you take classes in project management, speech, or leadership and place them on your resume. These are skills that employers are looking for but don't exactly mention in their postings for engineers and programmers.

Interesting, never thought of that. I took a speech course so i might add that to some other relevant courses.

 

[Assanova]

Unfortunately entry level jobs seem to be rare, or maybe it depends on the industry.



Interviews aren't that hard to get, it's getting the job that is. I doubt they will hire someone who is extrovert and does not know how to do the job.

This can easily be solved by just being honest. I went on an interview and was asked about a skill. I told them that I was weak in that area, they said that they appreciated my honesty, and within a week I was hired. At my current job, I explained my strengths and weaknesses, and my boss hired me anyway, placed me in an area where he thought I would be a good fit, and personally trains me in areas where I am weak. What's more important is that you don't lie, that you work hard, show a willingness to learn, and ask questions when you get stuck.

 

[Assanova]

One last bit of information, I think you kind of need projects on your resume, even if they aren't major. They show that you are able to see things through from start to finish, and they allow you to demonstrate your abilities during an interview. I didn't have any Git Hub type projects, so I just listed every type of technical project that I did. This included websites that I've built, computers that I've built for others, and anything that seemed like a meaningful project that I could think of. They also add a little bit of personality to your resume, in my opinion.

 

[johnny956]

Couple weeks ago I found out the government contract I was on switched contractors which means I needed to reapply to my same position. I got the job but they offered it with 80% of my current pay. Thankfully it doesn't go into effect until June so gives me a couple months to look around.

I did a couple of phone interviews last week and this week. Just got a job offer that almost doubles my old pay. I was just looking at something similar to my old pay or a little better so this blows me away. I wasn't even in the job market until my pay cut. Senior System administrator to those wondering

 

[Odoul]

GODDAMN GODDAMN GODDAMN!

I JUST read an email offering me employment.

I tested last month and interviewed yesterday.

And I ALMOST missed it.

I didn't get a notification email, I just happened to look at the website Monday night and see I was silently scheduled.

It's only seasonal and I don't have a ton of experience but who gives a shit, I GOT A FUCKING JOB

 

[cyberheater]

gah i think i did terrible in the interview. i prepared a lot but my mind went blank when the questions came and i repeated myself a lot. fuck..


and i even knew about the questions beforehand....

When will you know?

 

[Mupod]

oh man had ANOTHER great interview a few hours ago and 5 minutes ago got a request for references - which I had ready, of course. I was even told in the last one that the interviews had gone very well and they would get back to me today or monday. I want to believe.

 

[Empyrean Heaven]

Just had an interview last week. I think it went well, but they were kind of rushing to get me out of there so I may have bombed.

Any truth to employee blacklists? I read a couple articles about them and how easy they are to get on, and now I'm concerned I'm on one.

 

[Armadilo]

I'm tired of working in fast food, I need an actual job. I've been looking at Salt Lake city Utah and looks amazing with the unemployment being super low compared to where I'm at. Just that I'm in my 20's and just don't know where to look and escape this terrible dream that I live in. If I could choose a job field it would be entertainment, I would say i'm a creative person so something with that. I really need a job but I'm wondering if theirs jobs with graveyard shifts that are easy to get just because nobody wants graveyard shifts, anybody know any ?

 

[sdijoseph]

Ok, thanks. This is my first interview ever, so I am a tad nervous. Will have to remember to take some deep breaths before the scheduled time.

So the phone interview went fairly well I think, she said she would get back to me before the end of next week on whether or not I am advancing to the Skype interview. Should I send her a thank you email or is that excessive for a 10 minute phone interview?

 

[NYCmetsfan]

So I have an interview in New York next week and am excited but nevous as all heck.

I know I'm super qualified and am an excellent candidate but I have to take a test "which tests my critical thinking and writing skills". I'm not bad at either but I'm worried my nerves and spelling will hurt me.

Guess I just gotta be positive and know I'm great for the job and they will see that

I really want to move to New York and the job seems wonderful.

 

[Shadowlink]

Do you have anything to show for it?
A year of courses is rather limited on paper I would say.

Try to develop a portfolio with some projects and link it together with your application if you haven't already.

Thanks for the advice! I haven't worked on many projects, so I'll have to be patient and play the waiting game for a bit longer.

 

[EmptySpace]

didn't get the job from that first interview i did last week. only 4 were interviewed out of 40+ applicants. apparently i was #2 for the position. i will know the result of the interview for that other job within the next 2 weeks.

i wanna feel sad about it but i know it's not going to get me anywhere feeling sad. i guess i just have to throw away all the nervousness, hours of preparation, and stress i felt before doing the interview. all those wasted just like that. literally nothing can give me any comfort right now. the cloud hanging over my head just keeps getting bigger.

 

[witchedwiz]

Nvm

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

Thanks for the advice! I haven't worked on many projects, so I'll have to be patient and play the waiting game for a bit longer.

It doesn't have to be something big. You can start off with small scripts, depending on what you want to do. Script some interactive effects for front end jobs for example. It can be anything, but it should show that you have the ability to code, and the ability to solve an actual problem with your coding.

 

[Goodlife]

Had a telephone interview last week for a job I really fancy.

Did well enough to get a face to face interview planned in for this week, but need to fill in a application form before then.

Have to list my 3 weaknesses and a reason why I've said them...

????? Really stuck on what I should be putting there without sounding useless.

 

[numble]

Had a telephone interview last week for a job I really fancy.

Did well enough to get a face to face interview planned in for this week, but need to fill in a application form before then.

Have to list my 3 weaknesses and a reason why I've said them...

????? Really stuck on what I should be putting there without sounding useless.

1. Inability to list weaknesses.

 

[Goodlife]

1. Inability to list weaknesses.

 

[Escape Goat]

Had a telephone interview last week for a job I really fancy.

Did well enough to get a face to face interview planned in for this week, but need to fill in a application form before then.

Have to list my 3 weaknesses and a reason why I've said them...

????? Really stuck on what I should be putting there without sounding useless.

Did you do any preparation before the interview? Lol

 

[Goodlife]

Did you do any preparation before the interview? Lol

Not really I had my one stock "what's your weakness" answer ready, but it was a fairly informal chat.... they just wanted to make sure I wasn't weird I think before getting my in for a face to face.

But 3 weaknesses???!

 

[Syphon Filter]

Do recruiters consider college as experience? For example when they mention multiple years of experience, can you get any credit for going to college?

 

[Tamanon]

Do recruiters consider college as experience? For example when they mention multiple years of experience, can you get any credit for going to college?

Generally no. You can get credit for knowledge by going to college, but not experience.

 

[Sora_N]

GODDAMN GODDAMN GODDAMN!

I JUST read an email offering me employment.

I tested last month and interviewed yesterday.

And I ALMOST missed it.

I didn't get a notification email, I just happened to look at the website Monday night and see I was silently scheduled.

It's only seasonal and I don't have a ton of experience but who gives a shit, I GOT A FUCKING JOB

Congrats

 

[Talka]

This is only kinda applicable, but...

I'm applying to a thing somewhere, and asked a former colleague / mentor for a letter of recommendation, and he said he's decided against providing one.

I don't know why. He gave some excuse about policy, but his excuse doesn't really make sense. It would seem he either doesn't want to do it or doesn't think he should (i.e., he doesn't think I'd be good for the position).

I dunno. I'm upset.

I'll rebound tomorrow, but tonight I'm upset.

 

[Murkas]

When Junior/graduate positions ask for 2 years experience.

 

[MonorailCat]

When Junior/graduate positions ask for 2 years experience.

I just got rejected for an unpaid (!) internship because I "lack experience".
Even though I have my masters degree in that field.
Fuck my life.

 

[Roland_Gunner]

Had a telephone interview last week for a job I really fancy.

Did well enough to get a face to face interview planned in for this week, but need to fill in a application form before then.

Have to list my 3 weaknesses and a reason why I've said them...

????? Really stuck on what I should be putting there without sounding useless.

The best advice I've received on answering questions about your weaknesses is to list things that used to be problems but you've taken steps to address. For instance, in school I had problems with organization so now I schedule all of my time on a google calendar. This shows that you're aware of challenges and willing to change things.

 

[Mupod]

Waiting for that phone call is so agonizing. This place seems to move really fast so I'm hoping I don't get left hanging for long...but in a way that's making me more impatient. I mean this is a place that called me for an interview an hour after I applied. Does make sense that they are taking some time to check my references though.

 

[MC Safety]

I just got rejected for an unpaid (!) internship because I "lack experience".
Even though I have my masters degree in that field.
Fuck my life.

I would take that as a win. Unless you're earning high school- or college credit, you should be paid for your labor.

 

[Quazar]

I'm in last couple of semesters as an undergrad, major in CIS. I've been looking forever for an internship as I have most of the technical skills and business skills I need to fill positions. Last month I finally got an internship making 20/hr. Even with a 3.8+ gpa it took a year of solid applying & catering cover letters/resume. Feels good to be in door. I'm working in analytics which has promise to expand my skill set into big data. Just felt like sharing, as I worked retail forever, and it feels so good to be out and in my own desk. Hope it all works out for you'll.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

Waiting for a phone call to hear back on an interview I had an hour ago.

It was so brief and the interviewer gave me very little chance to talk.

I know I haven't got it. So depressed.

 

[Wilsongt]

Waiting to hear back from a position in which I have had two interviews for. I feel I am a good candidate for the position, but each week comes and goes and I don't hear anything except rejections from other jobs I have applied for. Not even an opportunity for another interview somewhere else... Going on 9 months now. Time to throw my Master's degree away and go worn retail, I guess.

 

[Shy Fingers]

Just found out this morning I'm a part of a layoff. In two weeks is my termination date, and then my severance will cover the next 3 months.

Going to take a couple days, then it's time to hit the road running. I'm sure I'll be joining you all in here more frequently.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

Would a few of you be willing to look over my CV please? It would be greatly appreciated.

Is it too much of an info dump?
Not creative enough?
Needs rewording//Formatting/restructuring/overhaul?

Any input would be appreciated and can PM a link to download.

 

[sometimes i game]

didn't get the job from that first interview i did last week. only 4 were interviewed out of 40+ applicants. apparently i was #2 for the position. i will know the result of the interview for that other job within the next 2 weeks.

i wanna feel sad about it but i know it's not going to get me anywhere feeling sad. i guess i just have to throw away all the nervousness, hours of preparation, and stress i felt before doing the interview. all those wasted just like that. literally nothing can give me any comfort right now. the cloud hanging over my head just keeps getting bigger.

Don't feel this way. Job searching is 1/3rd qualification, 1/3rd charisma, 1/3rd luck.

Be so happy that all your prep got you to the #2 spot. You can't control if someone else exists who happens to have worked in the field a year or two longer and thus looks like a better deal to the hirer. That's out of your hands. You can control how awesome you are, and you clearly did an awesome job here.

It's 1/3rd luck/chance/perfect storm, so you know you're good, just going to take some more frequency. Keep your head up!