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[DarkChronic]

Had a second interview last Monday. Nailed the first one, second one seemed incredibly short. Like, 10 minutes short. Almost like before she came in, she knew if I was being hired or not.

Seemed like a formality interview. I either had it before going in, or didn't, and she didn't want to be rude and cancel.

Sent her a thank you card yesterday. Keeping fingers crossed I hear back soon...

 

[FrontalMonk]

Took the assessment test. One part was personality test. The other was non-verbal reasoning, math, and questions like if A is taller than B, and C is shorter than A, then... etc

I had 15 minutes to answer all 50 questions, which seems impossible, but the email said that try and answer as many questions as possible. I was only able to answer 25.

See if I did ok.

I've taken tests like that before. They don't expect you to get through all of them, and they get more difficult as you go through (the first few are a cake walk and then they ramp up considerably). I didn't end up getting that job though so I couldn't tell you how it works out on the other side. Rooting for you though, dude. A lot of help desk supervisors I've known are always looking for the person who has the soft skills. The tech portion is important, but teachable, but keeping your cool when someone on the phone or in person is losing their mind is something they can't teach and actively look for.

 

[vypek]

Had a second interview last Monday. Nailed the first one, second one seemed incredibly short. Like, 10 minutes short. Almost like before she came in, she knew if I was being hired or not.

Seemed like a formality interview. I either had it before going in, or didn't, and she didn't want to be rude and cancel.

Sent her a thank you card yesterday. Keeping fingers crossed I hear back soon...

Good luck!


GAF, I have two interviews in one day. Wish me luck. There was supposed to be a 3rd one next week but I think I'll have to cancel it due to some circumstances. Maybe try to reschedule. Anyways, the first of two interviews tomorrow is a phone screen and is the job I'm hoping for most.

 

[Laekon]

Going through the interview process with a company I'm fairly interested in but in a location I would love to live in. The process seems to be going quickly, got a email a day and a half after applying and 2 phone interviews (HR and boss) a week apart. Today though they pushed back my in person interview cause the bosses boss wouldn't be there. Can't help but feel paranoid about it now. I've never had an interview where I meet someone a few levels up for anything beyond just a " Hi nice to meet you". Is this more common then I think?

 

[Stuggernaut]

I am so lucky I fell into the job I have.

I started at the grunt level and worked my way up to working in our Corporate office.

Been there 15 years now.

I have nothing but respect for anyone struggling to find work, wish you the best of luck.

On the flip side, ironically my company struggles to find good employees that stay longer than a few months.

 

[vypek]

One of my interviews for today was cancelled because they officially decided to hire a candidate who already interviewed. He has prior experience with the company and the role.

Not all bad news, I had a great phone screen and about 10 minutes later I was notified that they want to bring me on-site for a face to face interview. This is awesome. Definitely the job I want most too!

 

[GutsBlade]

Keep your head up and keep on trying. There was a time period where I was without a job for several months it sucked but I got through it. Find things you love to do to keep you busy and keep on applying.

 

[Jpop]

So I have a job interview at a 5-star restaurant as a server today. It would be nice as I could schedule it around my current job and I have had two friends who worked there and generally made $200+ a night.

I'm nervous though, getting prepped right now.

 

[kingwingin]

I applied at a company who's name I remembered but couldn't remember from where but after getting a call back for an interview it dawned on me it's the warehouse across the street from my last job.

I quit that job due to verbal harassment and almost being assaulted by another employee. I'm not sure how I feel about this but a job is a job.

The loading docks face each other so I will see them and they will see me.

 

[Pastry]

I applied to a job with a closing date, not actually used to seeing those. It's a short period though, only two weeks.

In y'all's experience would they go through resumes on a rolling basis or wait until it closes to review them?

I got my app in on Saturday but edited in a referral on my app last night. On paper I'm very qualified but that doesn't always necessarily work out, I'm concerned they will look negatively on the fact that I've only been at my current job for 9 months.

 

[vypek]

I applied to a job with a closing date, not actually used to seeing those. It's a short period though, only two weeks.

In y'all's experience would they go through resumes on a rolling basis or wait until it closes to review them?

I got my app in on Saturday but edited in a referral on my app last night. On paper I'm very qualified but that doesn't always necessarily work out, I'm concerned they will look negatively on the fact that I've only been at my current job for 9 months.

I've only applied to a handful of jobs with a closing date and from my (limited) experience they go through the resumes on a rolling basis and sometimes knew who they wanted to hire before they period closes.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I've taken tests like that before. They don't expect you to get through all of them, and they get more difficult as you go through (the first few are a cake walk and then they ramp up considerably). I didn't end up getting that job though so I couldn't tell you how it works out on the other side. Rooting for you though, dude. A lot of help desk supervisors I've known are always looking for the person who has the soft skills. The tech portion is important, but teachable, but keeping your cool when someone on the phone or in person is losing their mind is something they can't teach and actively look for.

thanks.

anyone ever follow up with hr or introduce themselves? What's the introduction to say when calling hr and saying you've applied for a position?

 

[Minamu]

I'm having soem troubles figuring out good skills I have :/ I'm almost 30 and very little job experience, but I'm good at what I do, and I have 5 years of higher studies at this point. I'm currently using a resume that GAF recommended and it has a list of software that I'm proficient at. But that's apparently not a good idea (although, I'm applying for game dev jobs, it's good for them to know what software I'm familiar with tbh), and I should focus on job skills and personality properties I have that are useful at work. Putting that into words that don't sound over the top ain't easy :/ As for my cover letter, I'm using the same base a my resume, with a picture of myself and regular contact information at the top, with everything else removed so there's enough space to write about myself, but so far, I'm not having much luck. Could be the summer vacation period though for all I know.

Edit: So my question is, is there a good resource for cover letter tips and tricks and perhaps some sort of list of common job skills that are sought after? I'm not really sure where to start with all that :/

 

[Alucrid]

have a phone interview coming up. don't really have a problem with normal ones, but haven't had to do a phone one yet. any tips or suggestions?

 

[Captain Tuttle]

I'm having soem troubles figuring out good skills I have :/ I'm almost 30 and very little job experience, but I'm good at what I do, and I have 5 years of higher studies at this point. I'm currently using a resume that GAF recommended and it has a list of software that I'm proficient at. But that's apparently not a good idea (although, I'm applying for game dev jobs, it's good for them to know what software I'm familiar with tbh), and I should focus on job skills and personality properties I have that are useful at work. Putting that into words that don't sound over the top ain't easy :/ As for my cover letter, I'm using the same base a my resume, with a picture of myself and regular contact information at the top, with everything else removed so there's enough space to write about myself, but so far, I'm not having much luck. Could be the summer vacation period though for all I know.

Edit: So my question is, is there a good resource for cover letter tips and tricks and perhaps some sort of list of common job skills that are sought after? I'm not really sure where to start with all that :/

Is this typical? I've never really heard of it before. Not sure how I would take it if I was looking at resumes

 

[The Broken Ska Record]

Has anyone heard about or used Flex Jobs? It's a website that specializes in telecommuter jobs. I'm interested in using it, but it's $50 to use.

 

[MC Safety]

Has anyone heard about or used Flex Jobs? It's a website that specializes in telecommuter jobs. I'm interested in using it, but it's $50 to use.

I wouldn't pay to join a job application Web site.

 

[demonkaze]

So I've been in a 7 step recruitment process, recently passed an online assessment and a full application and now I only have 2 steps to go, a competency based phone interview and then a face to face interview.

I'm actually nervous about this phone interview, it's always been my weak point and the questions I was asked in my full application (which I had a 250 suggested word limit for each) took me a while to come up with answers for. Knowing that I'm going to have similar questions and that the interview will be approximately 45 minutes has me worried, any advice here?

 

[Minamu]

Is this typical? I've never really heard of it before. Not sure how I would take it if I was looking at resumes

What's the issue? That my cover letter (sometimes) share the same base as the resume? I read somewhere that it's a good idea to keep a coherent design between your documents. As for your specific bold, I have a profile picture of myself in the top right corner, with my name, email, portfolio link and phone number to the left/in the center. It was a "gaf sanctioned" design from an older thread that had a documented success rate. Which is why I'm curious about the skills section now :/

 

[Ultima_5]

What's the issue? That my cover letter (sometimes) share the same base as the resume? I read somewhere that it's a good idea to keep a coherent design between your documents. As for your specific bold, I have a profile picture of myself in the top right corner, with my name, email, portfolio link and phone number to the left/in the center. It was a "gaf sanctioned" design from an older thread that had a documented success rate. Which is why I'm curious about the skills section now :/

I think he means the profile pic. Which seems odd and unnecessary

 

[ZackieChan]

Is this typical? I've never really heard of it before. Not sure how I would take it if I was looking at resumes

Hopefully it's a shirtless mirror selfie with the flash on

 

[Minamu]

I think he means the profile pic. Which seems odd and unnecessary

They get a face to go with the name and resume content before potentially meeting me. First time I'm hearing it's odd :O There's been at least one other in here with a picture on their resume without issue.

Spoiler

Unless you meant that his comment was odd.

Hopefully it's a shirtless mirror selfie with the flash on

It's my current facebook picture xD Taken by a professional so not some random party photo or whatever. Got the same picture on LinkedIn, business card and my portfolio.

 

[MC Safety]

have a phone interview coming up. don't really have a problem with normal ones, but haven't had to do a phone one yet. any tips or suggestions?

For phone interviews, I take time out to prepare by writing a list of responses to questions I'm likely to be asked. That way I can refer back to it if the questions come up. Also type up a few anecdotes or examples that highlight your skills and experiences so you can reference them, too.

Then, practice reading your responses so it seems you're not reading them off a Word document or whatever.

Have a copy of your resume handy. Also, make sure you write up a few questions for the interviewer -- stuff that highlights your interest in the company or its structure or your day-to-day role. Don't ask about salary or benefits. Interviewers will give you a chance to ask questions. Use the opportunity.

Finally, thank the interviewer for his time.

Be positive. Speak clearly. Don't use a cell phone if you get bad reception. It may help to get you feeling more professional if dress up as if you were doing an in-person interview, although I absolutely never bother. Do the interview somewhere quiet.

Good luck.

 

[ElTopo]

So, I got this nice I.T. job back in mid May. Great company, great people to work with, good pay and all that, I came on as contractor while the company is in the middle of merging. I've been told that a lot of people started as a contractor and eventually became full time. I emailed one of my bosses with my first request for a day off (sick day) in early August and he told me that my contract was ending on July 31st and he doesn't know if I'm going to get extended or if the company wants to hire me full time.

I've done everything I possibly can to appease everyone at this job, I've volunteered for work, I haven't been late a single time, everyone likes me, as far as I'm aware no one is saying anything behind my back. I really, really, really, really, really need this job. And because I've only worked for 2 and a half months I can't collect unemployment. One of my supervisors told me about two weeks ago that he'll need me to come in early when another employee (my shadow who reports directly to two of my three bosses) is leaving for vacation. I've emailed all of my bosses with the info that my contract is up on the 31st and have expressed a desire to either work here full time or to have my contract extended. I've yet to hear back today.

 

[Ezalc]

What are people's opinion here on letting an applicant know after an interview if they are not being hired? What I mean is a company notifying you in some way that you, for whatever reason, won't be hired.

I find that to be something that all companies should do, just as a matter of courtesy. It's awful having to sit and wait for some kind of reply when they just go the: let's not tell them and maybe they'll forget about it route.

I went to an interview on thursday, there were 4 interviewers all asking me questions. I got out of there pretty confident that I answered everything and made a good impression. They told me that it was only that interview they needed to do and that they'd contact me on monday about whether or not I got the job. Monday comes and nothing. Today I've tried calling several times, the one time the secretary answered she told me the interviewer was still out to lunch and for me to call me back later. I do so after about an hour and nothing, repeat a few more times. I just want to know if I got the job or not.

 

[Coolluck]

What are people's opinion here on letting an applicant know after an interview if they are not being hired?

Businesses should do this. But that'd be respecting the workforce which not many do. I just assume I didn't get the job and move on. No use dwelling on it. It's worse because my current company doesn't even let applicants they interview internally know until the other person already signs the offer letter or worse when the person is announced to have gotten the job. Really makes you feel like they don't respect or value you at all.

 

[B4s5C]

For anyone who needs any advice or help, feel free to PM me.

I have a Master's in I-O Psychology and work in HR so I can help review application materials, give interview advice, or clarify anything in the hiring process as best as I can.

 

[Pancakes]

I hate the waiting so much. Applied to my buddies company about a month ago and he said I'm the top candidate so far with multiple recommendations but still...nothing. I know this stuff takes time and I (luckily) have a job to hold me over for the meantime.

It just feels like my life is on hold until this job process moves forward and I can start making real progress.

 

[TheSadRanger]

I really should have thought about public service more after the military, the suburb I live in is hiring firefighters and recruits start out at $50k a year :/

Hardly anything in the private sector can beat government employee benefits to :/

 

[Advocatus Diaboli]

I hate the waiting so much. Applied to my buddies company about a month ago and he said I'm the top candidate so far with multiple recommendations but still...nothing. I know this stuff takes time and I (luckily) have a job to hold me over for the meantime.

It just feels like my life is on hold until this job process moves forward and I can start making real progress.

+1. I'm still waiting to hear back from the Department of Justice for a job I interviewed for back in mid-March.

 

[openrob]

"We regret to inform you..." is becoming mightly annoying right about now.

Haven't sent off a lot of application because I am still woriting my final University project to be handed in within the month, still, it's pissed me off haha.

But a lot of my classmates already have jobs. I might have posted before, but basically I deffered some work, and didn't get the best work placement - I loved it but not the best experience for future employment...LONG!

 

[BobLoblaw]

I really should have thought about public service more after the military, the suburb I live in is hiring firefighters and recruits start out at $50k a year :/

Hardly anything in the private sector can beat government employee benefits to :/

My brother was in his early 30s and decided to go into public service. So he went the Paramedic/Firefighter route. And since the state government gravy train was so good (and flexible), he also went into the Air National Guard a couple of years ago. He was in his mid 30s by then. Now, he'll have both state and federal retirement money coming in. You can always change what you're doing if you really want to.

 

[kayos90]

I hate the waiting so much. Applied to my buddies company about a month ago and he said I'm the top candidate so far with multiple recommendations but still...nothing. I know this stuff takes time and I (luckily) have a job to hold me over for the meantime.

It just feels like my life is on hold until this job process moves forward and I can start making real progress.

I hope it goes well man.

 

[Philia]

I got a call back at an animal hospital and I went in to just do the interview and so far they're going to have me come in on Friday as an intern and see how I do. I really hope to land a position there!

 

[mrdeiz]

working in the office was the worst time of mylife.
self-employed now

 

[vypek]

I was offered a job this morning. I accepted right away since its the exact position I've been hoping for while applying all this time. Was offered just two days after the interview. I'm so incredibly happy right now. The company is awesome and so are the employees there. Just waiting on formalities before I can officially start.

 

[Alucrid]

For phone interviews, I take time out to prepare by writing a list of responses to questions I'm likely to be asked. That way I can refer back to it if the questions come up. Also type up a few anecdotes or examples that highlight your skills and experiences so you can reference them, too.

Then, practice reading your responses so it seems you're not reading them off a Word document or whatever.

Have a copy of your resume handy. Also, make sure you write up a few questions for the interviewer -- stuff that highlights your interest in the company or its structure or your day-to-day role. Don't ask about salary or benefits. Interviewers will give you a chance to ask questions. Use the opportunity.

Finally, thank the interviewer for his time.

Be positive. Speak clearly. Don't use a cell phone if you get bad reception. It may help to get you feeling more professional if dress up as if you were doing an in-person interview, although I absolutely never bother. Do the interview somewhere quiet.

Good luck.

Thanks for the tips. Seemed to go fine, although it strange not being able to pick up on when they're finished speaking.

 

[ElTopo]

Job ending on the 31st. Incredibly depressed right now. Completely uncertain over imminent future.

What are some free online training for Active Directory?

 

[kingwingin]

So I have an interview with home depot and they want me to dress business casual and im not sure what that means.

I have blue jeans and a dark polo which I usually wear and am not spending 100 dollars on a new pair of pants for home depot interview

Should I just go with jeans or cancel?

 

[Rose of Eternity]

weird double post

 

[Rose of Eternity]

So I have an interview with home depot and they want me to dress business casual and im not sure what that means.

I have blue jeans and a dark polo which I usually wear and am not spending 100 dollars on a new pair of pants for home depot interview

Should I just go with jeans or cancel?

Don't cancel, but business casual is essentially khakis and a golf shirt. You can easily get a brown color khaki cheap.

 

[kingwingin]

Don't cancel, but business casual is essentially khakis and a golf shirt. You can easily get a brown color khaki cheap.

I have to shop at big and tall so it won't be cheap for pants that fit.

Also they want 3 references but I don't have any since I quit suddenly and on bad terms from my last job of 6 years.

 

[Rose of Eternity]

I have to shop at big and tall so it won't be cheap for pants that fit.

Also they want 3 references but I don't have any since I quit suddenly and on bad terms from my last job of 6 years.

Three references? So this is not just a floor/cashier role? Do you have any dress pants at all? Just that with a button down or the golf shirt (that matches) should be fine.

 

[kingwingin]

Three references? So this is not just a floor/cashier role? Do you have any dress pants at all? Just that with a button down or the golf shirt (that matches) should be fine.

it's a job in lumber. Interview Seems so fancy for a job dealing with wood for minimum wage.

I emailed back and cancelled. Not worth spending money or looking like a fool.

 

[Rose of Eternity]

it's a job in lumber. Interview Seems so fancy for a job dealing with wood for minimum wage.

I emailed back and cancelled. Not worth spending money or looking like a fool.

You don't have any trousers whatsoever? How are you planning to go to other interviews? And even if you left on bad terms with the previous employer, you said you worked there for 6 years. 3 people over 6 years would surely vouch for you. Don't give up on stuff so easily!

 

[kingwingin]

You don't have any trousers whatsoever? How are you planning to go to other interviews? And even if you left on bad terms with the previous employer, you said you worked there for 6 years. 3 people over 6 years would surely vouch for you. Don't give up on stuff so easily!

my issue was with all 4 of my managers and they said no coworkers as references. I could use HR but that's only 1

I don't have any other pants. Been wearing my jeans for interviews. I go for warehouse jobs that don't require you to dress nice for a meet and greet.

 

[grkazan12]

Reviewing for a temp agency for a Financial Analyst position, I don't have any experience in this field, but I figured why not because the invited me. It's an entry level position as well.

I'll do my best, but what do you think is the over/under for any entry level position in this field with no experience?

 

[Cudder]

my issue was with all 4 of my managers and they said no coworkers as references. I could use HR but that's only 1

I don't have any other pants. Been wearing my jeans for interviews. I go for warehouse jobs that don't require you to dress nice for a meet and greet.

References don't have to be people you've worked with in the past. They can be family friends, or acquaintances you know.

Also, invest in a decent pair of clothes for interviews.

 

[openrob]

it's a job in lumber. Interview Seems so fancy for a job dealing with wood for minimum wage.

I emailed back and cancelled. Not worth spending money or looking like a fool.

Are you an idiot.
Would have at least gone in the jeans sheeesh.
I understand you may have been self conscious, but it would probably have been worth the risk.

 

[kingwingin]

References don't have to be people you've worked with in the past. They can be family friends, or acquaintances you know.

Also, invest in a decent pair of clothes for interviews.

they told me no friends, family or coworkers.

Said I can use supervisors, volunteer, teachers.

They emailed an actual list saying that