entremet
Member
I wish I would've known the stuff years ago. It's pretty enlightening.
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Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing
- Thread starter Moofers
- Start date
I wish I would've known the stuff years ago. It's pretty enlightening.
That's a great infographic, the interview process is about convincing someone to like you just as much as it is about credentials. Credentials are what get you into the interview though, obviously.
Freeza Under The Shower
Member
Since this comes up in Snoop (2008), there are only two indicators that hold up in research:
- formality of clothes
- leaning forward
everything else is apparently insignificant (statistically) in terms of getting the job at the end.
- formality of clothes
- leaning forward
everything else is apparently insignificant (statistically) in terms of getting the job at the end.
GoldenEye 007
Member
Well after one interview where I flew across the country for didn't work out, I have two more this week. One is out of my state, in which I actually had a phone interview for yesterday. i think that went pretty well. I should know if I am selected to move on by early next week. The other is in my home state and I have an in-person tomorrow.
So ok results and I'm confident at least one of these two options will work out. If they don't I'm really screwed. I've been out since mid May.
I think I've sent out about 35-40 apps so far.
So ok results and I'm confident at least one of these two options will work out. If they don't I'm really screwed. I've been out since mid May.
I think I've sent out about 35-40 apps so far.
entremet
Member
Best of luck. I'm sure you'll land some offers.
openrob
Member
First interview on Monday since graduating (Well technically I haven't graduated yet haha. Official in Sept). Interview with a Charity close to where I live. TBH it's not the best job I could hope for - I could potentially earn £5k less than other jobs I'm qualified for, but it beats nothing right?
I'm just thinkng, the salary was advertised as "Between £XX - £XX".
At what point will the discussion around salary happen. I beleive I am worth the top end of their bracket.
Also 1st interview = nerves. I have to give a presentation
EDIT:
Just emailed me to postpone my interview. Ahhhhhhhhhh well gives me time to prepare
I'm just thinkng, the salary was advertised as "Between £XX - £XX".
At what point will the discussion around salary happen. I beleive I am worth the top end of their bracket.
Also 1st interview = nerves. I have to give a presentation
EDIT:
Just emailed me to postpone my interview. Ahhhhhhhhhh well gives me time to prepare
DiddysKongQuest
Member
She meant it as bad thing. At least that's my impression.
I told her that it takes some time for me to "warm up" with new people and that I'm different/more open after a while, but she didn't believe it.
DiddysKongQuest
Member
Good luck for the big interview! You can do it!
Just finished my first ever phone interview :O The guy sounded really timid and he's meant to be the Infrastructure & Technical Operations Director of this company. He spoke cleanly but didn't have that loud, in your face confidence I was expecting. I haven't interviewed for over two and a half years so hopefully I wasn't too rusty, but I do have a 100% conversion rate of interviews into jobs 
(even though the next stage will be a face-to-face).
I REALLLY need this because it's literally the perfect progression from my current role, and the salary is very nice.
(even though the next stage will be a face-to-face).I REALLLY need this because it's literally the perfect progression from my current role, and the salary is very nice.
The_Darkest_Red
Member
Amazing how similar this is to my situation. I've got a big second interview tomorrow to get out of the coal industry into construction aggregates.
Hope it goes well for you, you got this!
Probably just telling the hiring manager how interested you are in the position and how you'd appreciate the opportunity to work there. Politely begging basically.
entremet
Member
"Do I have an offer?"
Something along those lines. You usually ask around the final interview.
I know. :/
I'm reading it right now, actually. I like it. Not very far in yet, though.
Well like I myself and others said, it's unreasonable and unfair. But I suppose the silver lining is that you don't have to work with someone who thinks the only people who have any value in this world are the rock stars.
Don't apologize for who you are, man. Pick up that book if you haven't already.
Small rant. Last four jobs I have gone to I haven't gotten the job, shits pretty depressing. Nothing impressive just looking for a job while I study online.
Resume is ready good, experience is decent retail,hospitality,customer service,worked with NRMA. Certificate in both training and assessment and human resources, yet no luck so far :/
Resume is ready good, experience is decent retail,hospitality,customer service,worked with NRMA. Certificate in both training and assessment and human resources, yet no luck so far :/
DiddysKongQuest
Member
Thanks man, I just bought the audiobook with my Audible trial month. Let's see how that will turn out.
On the bright side, I have another interview next Thursday. They have a Youtube video about their hotel and they all seem really down to earth and friendly in it. Plus we had the nicest E-mail conversation with each other. Have a good feeling about this.
That's great! What kind of position are you going for? Would love to hear how it turns out.
Man, the OP totally describes how I'm feeling.
I graduated last December with a Communications and PR degree and have been applying to tons of different places since. I've only just recently had four different interviews: two at some small-ish marketing firms (which both turned out to be positions they falsely advertised... meaning I did not want the position they were interviewing me for), one phone interview for a PR agency of sorts (but this interview was with their outside hiring agency so I haven't even had an interview from the company itself!), and one group interview for an Apple retail store position.
The only interview I felt bad about how it went was the phone one and it was my first phone interview so I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know what to expect because it was being conducted by someone outside of the company I was applying for so I didn't know they were going to ask roughly the same type of questions I had read up on and practiced before. Unfortunately, I flubbed pretty bad on one or two questions and today is basically the last day I can hear back from the PR company (the hiring person said "hopefully you'll hear back by the end of the week if they want to set up an interview with you"... not very promising).
The Apple store interview I just had on Wed. and I thought I did really well despite the circumstances (group interview, four people including myself). And I'm very knowledgeable about Apple products and software etc etc but unfortunately... they declined me -- interested in other candidates. :/
So, I've been SOL. I never got any prior job experience due to personal circumstances with my family but I have volunteer experience over the past 5 years that are very relevant to what I'm trying to apply for yet it's almost like it doesn't matter to these companies. And every other job I'm ever interested in is like, "Oh, you need 1 year or more of experience for this position!" and to get that experience you need to either have a degree for it or you need to apply for that job but then you learn that job requires some other amount of experience, usually a few months, in order to be considered for the position at all.
Truly does feel like a degree is worthless. You could be the most dependable, organized, responsible, dedicated, and passionate individual about your potential career/work but if you don't have any experience (despite having a degree which not many people can get!) you're not good enough. You need to waste away several months to a year on a minimum wage job before you can even hope to get something remotely resembling a proper and stable career.
The media and other people talk up about how few people get degrees and how important a degree is to get yet it seems to matter very little now. I don't get it. It's incredibly frustrating to have worked to get something through blood, sweat, and tears for years only to be getting ignored or outright declined despite the work ethic and clear dedication one has. I'm just... frustrated... :|
Anyway, I'm still trying... the only hopeful I have right now is this internship with a theater (for plays) who is accepting recent graduates for the internship. It's a PR/Marketing internship and it's like 5 minutes away so I hope I get messaged back -- they're reviewing applications now. Really, really hoping for it. Only reason I'm hopeful is because they e-mailed me back confirming they got my application (most companies fail to do just this) and they're starting to review applications.
I graduated last December with a Communications and PR degree and have been applying to tons of different places since. I've only just recently had four different interviews: two at some small-ish marketing firms (which both turned out to be positions they falsely advertised... meaning I did not want the position they were interviewing me for), one phone interview for a PR agency of sorts (but this interview was with their outside hiring agency so I haven't even had an interview from the company itself!), and one group interview for an Apple retail store position.
The only interview I felt bad about how it went was the phone one and it was my first phone interview so I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know what to expect because it was being conducted by someone outside of the company I was applying for so I didn't know they were going to ask roughly the same type of questions I had read up on and practiced before. Unfortunately, I flubbed pretty bad on one or two questions and today is basically the last day I can hear back from the PR company (the hiring person said "hopefully you'll hear back by the end of the week if they want to set up an interview with you"... not very promising).
The Apple store interview I just had on Wed. and I thought I did really well despite the circumstances (group interview, four people including myself). And I'm very knowledgeable about Apple products and software etc etc but unfortunately... they declined me -- interested in other candidates. :/
So, I've been SOL. I never got any prior job experience due to personal circumstances with my family but I have volunteer experience over the past 5 years that are very relevant to what I'm trying to apply for yet it's almost like it doesn't matter to these companies. And every other job I'm ever interested in is like, "Oh, you need 1 year or more of experience for this position!" and to get that experience you need to either have a degree for it or you need to apply for that job but then you learn that job requires some other amount of experience, usually a few months, in order to be considered for the position at all.
Truly does feel like a degree is worthless. You could be the most dependable, organized, responsible, dedicated, and passionate individual about your potential career/work but if you don't have any experience (despite having a degree which not many people can get!) you're not good enough. You need to waste away several months to a year on a minimum wage job before you can even hope to get something remotely resembling a proper and stable career.
The media and other people talk up about how few people get degrees and how important a degree is to get yet it seems to matter very little now. I don't get it. It's incredibly frustrating to have worked to get something through blood, sweat, and tears for years only to be getting ignored or outright declined despite the work ethic and clear dedication one has. I'm just... frustrated... :|
Anyway, I'm still trying... the only hopeful I have right now is this internship with a theater (for plays) who is accepting recent graduates for the internship. It's a PR/Marketing internship and it's like 5 minutes away so I hope I get messaged back -- they're reviewing applications now. Really, really hoping for it. Only reason I'm hopeful is because they e-mailed me back confirming they got my application (most companies fail to do just this) and they're starting to review applications.
How did your interview go?
Mine was pretty good, I ended up being interviewed by two people simultaneously that would be my coworkers. I'm pretty sure it was just a culture check to make sure I would get along but they seemed curious about my experience and it ended up being the most difficult out of all the meetings. I answered about 90% perfectly but I was honest about programs i'm using at work instead of bullshitting and I think that could hurt my chances. Although I have academic experience with the program they're looking for some I made sure to hammer that home. I'm always good with questions too so I did great once I had a chance to start asking.
There were some positive signs and comments made by them so we'll see. I think the next time I hear from the company will be whether I got the job or not, they're moving pretty fast on this so hopefully it's soon.
Captain Tuttle
Member
I'm in the same business (aggregates for construction) looking for a new job and have had a couple of recruiters call, have an interview set up for Monday with one company. I'm in South Eastern PA and the business is absolutely booming, we simply cannot crush enough to meet demand (we run two twelve hour production shifts 6 days/week). It's a niche industry but absolutely vital so the experinced labor pool is pretty small.
Good luck to both of you
theepicoftyler
Member
I just accepted the job offer I talked about a page ago. I was able to get them to up their starting salary by $2k which was satisfying. I will be out of work for about a month and a half by the time I start this new job, and I ended up with a 10% raise and a better job.
Getting fired ended up being a good thing generally speaking.
Get those resumes out there, and appear confident in your job interviews even if you're not.
Getting fired ended up being a good thing generally speaking.
Get those resumes out there, and appear confident in your job interviews even if you're not.
AuthenticM
Member
I hate searching for jobs. I haven't had any luck for the past month. I'm glad I'm back with my parents temporarily. It helps.
DiddysKongQuest
Member
It's for an apprenticeship as a hotel clerk, so the the same thing as with the other hotel.
I will definitely post here after the interview
I got a job offer that position today! I'm so happy I'll be out of oil and gas lol. The company is great, the position will be awesome for developing my career and its a 17% pay increase! I'll probably start the position in three weeks, depends how long the background check and drug test take to come back.
Captain Tuttle
Member
Nice! Congratulations!
I have a job atm, but want to move in a field relevant to my science degree.
I've had two interviews for good jobs where my answers were pretty good. I didn't get hired though, and I honestly think being nervous (which caused fidgeting, face touching and probably bad posture) has cost me these two roles. Does anyone have legitimate advice (not deep breaths...) for circumventing nerves in job interviews? I really can't see any solutions besides maybe some form of drug.
I've had two interviews for good jobs where my answers were pretty good. I didn't get hired though, and I honestly think being nervous (which caused fidgeting, face touching and probably bad posture) has cost me these two roles. Does anyone have legitimate advice (not deep breaths...) for circumventing nerves in job interviews? I really can't see any solutions besides maybe some form of drug.
Commander Jameson
Member
This has worked for me in the past when I would be in a similar situation...
When you are sat waiting for an interview (for example), push the base of your palms together in front of your chest, fingers pointing away from you. You should feel your chest tighten. Breathe in while you push your palms together for a few seconds. Then exhale gently through your mouth as you release your palms. You should feel your tension ease off.
You can do this quite subtly without drawing any additional attention to yourself. Might be worth trying and seeing if it works for you.
I completely empathize with your frustration. It's pretty rough and unfair out there in the job market these days. However, don't take this personally, but did you know in college and leaving college that a communications degree is one of the most run-of-the-mill and unimpressive degrees to any hiring team? It's a major many people change into when they want an "easier" major in college. The degree alone doesn't prove you have any sort of exclusive or high-value skills or exceptional work ethic; not only is it generally one of the easiest college curricula out there, hiring teams are going to easily identify the communication skills they want for their company through the interview process, and most competitive job-seekers already have effective communication skills. I wish college advisors were honest with communications majors about this reality, but they're not because they need students to stay enrolled (so they tell them things like "this major is really diverse! You can do anything with it!" - uh huh)
I'm not saying you don't HAVE great, employable skills. Clearly from your post, you DO. Like work ethic and perseverance. The problem is that with little experience and your degree, no one has any reason to choose you over the competition in some of these instances for entry-level jobs.
Now, besides all the dreary observations in my post (again, please don't take offense, it's nothing against you or your character), please keep your head up and do not give up! Apply and stick with it. All you need is that ONE first job to get your foot in the door, get some experience, have the upper hand, and have people vouch for your skills. Focus on making sure your resume is spectacular and focus on nailing interviews. Make sure every interview you land, you do your very best. Get a LinkedIn and message recruiters and apply directly through the website! Keep at it until you get that job.
Your skillset is valuable, you just need the experience to vouch for you here, so hopefully you find something soon. Good luck!
OrlanisWorks
Banned
Lucky me, I had a pair of interviews last week, one tomorrow, and then some training for a temporary store job on my school's campus for wednesday (which better be paid for my 8 hours of life). Tomorrow, a custodial position interview at the nearby gym. Big interview last week was to work seasonal at a big photography studio company. I'm hoping I get that gig and manage to get my way into something more permanent that uses my computer/photoshop skills, cleaning up people's photos and stuff.
I have a feeling, I'll probably be forced to leave at the end of my lease due to the massive unemployment in this town. A lot of retail-ish jobs are absolutely fucked with dozens of applications (I'm assuming) and I'm always counted out as a reasonable candidate. Full-time jobs are extremely scarce, so I'll probably have to start applying for jobs elsewhere, probably up near where my parents live so I can live with them, save up some money and work my ass into a nice, filled bank account.
It all feels like it's for naught. It's now not just "finding a job," You need a job more than an employer needs you. At least that's how I've come to see it. Fucking bootstraps.
Hopefully I'll find something in the arts field. Not soon, but some time in the future.
I have a feeling, I'll probably be forced to leave at the end of my lease due to the massive unemployment in this town. A lot of retail-ish jobs are absolutely fucked with dozens of applications (I'm assuming) and I'm always counted out as a reasonable candidate. Full-time jobs are extremely scarce, so I'll probably have to start applying for jobs elsewhere, probably up near where my parents live so I can live with them, save up some money and work my ass into a nice, filled bank account.
It all feels like it's for naught. It's now not just "finding a job," You need a job more than an employer needs you. At least that's how I've come to see it. Fucking bootstraps.
Hopefully I'll find something in the arts field. Not soon, but some time in the future.
theepicoftyler
Member
I just got a job with this resume. Got compliments on it during interviews. *shrug*
Sorry it's huge.
Don't do an objective of you can otherwise fill a page. If you need one, tailor it with job specific keywords.
Acrylic7
Member
Thats how the one I'm making looks.
I'm changing my page width just a little bit so the viewers eyes aren't looking everywhere, instead they are drawn toward a more compact but easier to read body of text.
Is this a good idea?
entremet
Member
For UK peeps, specifically London area, someone in my LinkedIn network posted this position.
Thought some people from here could fit given the gaming interest:
https://space-ape-games.workable.com/jobs/68591
Thought some people from here could fit given the gaming interest:
https://space-ape-games.workable.com/jobs/68591
I wouldn't recommend increasing margins, I think that would just make a resume look more empty. By being 1 page, it is already a format that is presumed to be compact and easy to read.
So I just had a phone interview with a large medical communications company and that went very well, doubt I could have done much better besides taking the day off and taking the call at home.
Now I have an editorial assessment to do, the application process is so loooooooonnnnnnnngggggg.
Now I have an editorial assessment to do, the application process is so loooooooonnnnnnnngggggg.
The_Darkest_Red
Member
Congratulations, man! I'm glad to hear your interview went well and you landed the job, that is fantastic news!
My interview consisted of three one hour interviews with a total of six people and then lunch with one of them. I walked out feeling like it went exceptionally well in the sense that I feel confident in how I represented myself. I am on the low end of what they're looking for in terms of experience and I'm coming from a different industry but if they are willing to deal with that I should be in good shape. It was a pretty intense interview at times with some fairly tricky questions but I felt like I handled most of them well.
After the interview the recruiter I'm working with called the company to get some feedback and see where we stand. They said I did well but as previously mentioned their only concern is my experience. He pushed them for more info and they eventually admitted they were deciding between me and one other candidate. He seemed fairly positive telling me about this but the pessimist in me can't help but look at it as a glass half empty type of deal.
Anyway, they said I should hear something today. I'm pretty nervous, needless to say. Really hoping this works out as it would be an improvement in just about every way from where I am now.
I hope your interview goes well today! If you know of any companies that are looking for mining engineers or project engineers feel free to let me know.
Honestly I would be okay leaving mining completely if it came down to it but that's where I feel most comfortable. Aggregates would be a fantastic fit for me, I'm sure of it.
A friend of mine who referenced me gave me a heads up to expect a call tomorrow morning to set up an interview for an entry-level assistant producer gig (tv related). Any advice?
This'll be my first in-person post-college interview I'll be going on and I'm not sure I'm totally qualified (since I have really no tv related experience, but I have academic experience working with audio tech and a degree concentrated in film), but I'm psyched and I think I'm confident enough. This is also a field I'm really interested in, so I'm hoping I can show that.
Is there a better chance for me to land the job since I was referenced than if I were called for an interview by being just a random applicant?
This'll be my first in-person post-college interview I'll be going on and I'm not sure I'm totally qualified (since I have really no tv related experience, but I have academic experience working with audio tech and a degree concentrated in film), but I'm psyched and I think I'm confident enough. This is also a field I'm really interested in, so I'm hoping I can show that.
Is there a better chance for me to land the job since I was referenced than if I were called for an interview by being just a random applicant?
Captain Tuttle
Member
I hope your interview goes well today! If you know of any companies that are looking for mining engineers or project engineers feel free to let me know.
Honestly I would be okay leaving mining completely if it came down to it but that's where I feel most comfortable. Aggregates would be a fantastic fit for me, I'm sure of it.
Thanks! Your good vibes worked, I thought it went well. I interviewed with the Operations Manager who answers directly to ownership, he would be my boss. The recruiter told me it was for an asphalt plant manager position but this guy wanted to interview me for the Superintendent of their flagship site; I'd be responsible for a 1.7 million tpy quarry, a 450,000 tpy asphalt plant and a clean fill site. A big step up from where I am, right now I just manage a quarry and I'm not sure that I want the extra headaches (unless the pay was right). It's also 25 minutes closer to my house which is fantastic. I don't know, I told the recruiter that I'd have to think a couple of days on it. I REALLY hate my current job and I've all but given up on it so it's tough.
Regarding Mining Engineers, how much field experience do you have? He told me that a few off his Supers are approaching retirement and he's looking to "fill his bench". This is in SE Pennsylvania btw, both North and West of Philadelphia. PM me of you're interested in this area, I can at least tell you the companies to avoid haha
I'm about to enter the job hunt. I've worked as a reporter or editor for the last two years and now I'm looking for anything even slightly media related. However, after three months I've had no bites even after having some more experienced professionals help me with my resume and portfolio. Starting to get worried since talk around the company I work for is that they're looking into shutting down their news division and going to focus on printing/publishing.
I've been looking on some job boards like angel.co, journalismjobs, the PRSA website and Media Bistro.
I've been looking on some job boards like angel.co, journalismjobs, the PRSA website and Media Bistro.
flaxknuckles
Member
I'm entering the job hunt again even though I am currently employed. I don't like the atmosphere of my job but could bear it if I didn't get paid like a McDonald's employee to do level 2-3 IT support.
IT, especially at the lower levels, is absolutely horrible. Unless you're getting a fat paycheck (which you almost never are), it's wise to look elsewhere.
entremet
Member
It happens. Don't quit.