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[smokeandmirrors]

phone interview in 10 minutes. kinda freaking out..

edit: so that went.. something. two questions one was fairly easy the other was more difficult and if i don't get an in person interview then I know that question is what caused it.

 

[Pimplitosaurio]

I once saw a $10/hour help desk job that required 5+ years of experience. This job was in Los Angeles.

Hate that. Saw a "junior DBA" position. I have like 1 year of experience of that, so I said hey, let's read.


They wanted 6 years of experience. SIX years as a DBA. And of course, they were offering like half of what a 6 year of experience DBA would ask. Also they asked for like 3 years of experience in another thing, that's completely bonkers, when I see those positions, I pray that they don't get a single applicant(but I know that someone dessperate will take the offer gladly )

Got an interview the 8th, thanks to the power of networking.

Networking, it helps

 

[FalsettoVibe]

Question GAF......so I have already accepted a 6mo contract to hire position and I am currently doing all the paperwork. I just did a phone interview with another potential employer and it went well so they want me to come in for a face to face. Pay is 20k higher than the one I agreed to. If job 2 wants to hire me and I accept, does that make me a jerk?

 

[AzureRonin]

Question GAF......so I have already accepted a 6mo contract to hire position and I am currently doing all the paperwork. I just did a phone interview with another potential employer and it went well so they want me to come in for a face to face. Pay is 20k higher than the one I agreed to. If job 2 wants to hire me and I accept, does that make me a jerk?

Perhaps the first job might think so but you need to make the right decision for yourself. No company deserves to be taken into account in that decision.

 

[Acrylic7]

Totally bombed a phone interview

They asked me why I was interested in the role of packaging designer trainee and I replied

"I've always been interested in packaging design and I think I did well in my material and process course"

The interviewer then said "did you just say I think I did well"

Then they asked me what I didn't like about my old job and I talk something about too much red tape >_<

Finally they asked me if I have any questions and I said " Since this is a trainee position, will I be expected to have...ummm...er...(3 seconds later) an education on this subject matter"

WTF?

So embarassing!

:s
Yeah always expect those stupid questions. Always. They will be asked.

They only ask them to see how you handle weird ass questions that put pressure on you for no reason other than to see how you handle yourself confidence wise.
The only thing you have to worry about in interviews are those questions they got you with and body language.

 

[mugwhump]

Asked old boss for a reference and he said he'd write me a paragraph. Will that be good enough or do I need his phone number too?

 

[Slo]

Hate that. Saw a "junior DBA" position. I have like 1 year of experience of that, so I said hey, let's read.


They wanted 6 years of experience. SIX years as a DBA. And of course, they were offering like half of what a 6 year of experience DBA would ask. Also they asked for like 3 years of experience in another thing, that's completely bonkers, when I see those positions, I pray that they don't get a single applicant(but I know that someone dessperate will take the offer gladly )

Got an interview the 8th, thanks to the power of networking.

Networking, it helps

I used to work for one of the uber-huge software companies, the one that is always laying off and always outsourcing, Yet somehow the company always had literally hundreds of jobs listings out there that would never, ever get filled.

Seems like they're always claiming that they can't get qualified candidates in the US so they're forced to go overseas. How much would a DBA with 6 years of experience cost in India?

 

[jrDev]

I am a Retail Manager currently trying to get out of retail altogether, just can't stand upper management anymore and retail just in general. I have a BA in game design and development in 3d art and I've been teaching myself c# using Unity3D for the past 5 years.

I'm currently applying for everything and anything that pays more even if not Game Development as long as it has something to do with 3d art...which is not easy when you are in the tri state area...pray for me...

 

[dallow_bg]

So I got called in for a second group panel interview after my first went so well though I'm kinda nervous. I've never actually done a panel interview and assume it's just multiple people interviewing you instead of just one. I'm just wondering what I would ask them.

Would salary and benefits be acceptable to discuss or should I wait until the offer stage?

I wouldn't talk salary with a group no.
Wait till the offer.

 

[Acrylic7]

Trying to find office work without having any office workspace type experience. But I know how to operate PC's and software better than most.
Cant get my fucking feet in the damn door.

I am a Retail Manager currently trying to get out of retail altogether, just can't stand upper management anymore and retail just in general. I have a BA in game design and development in 3d art and I've been teaching myself c# using Unity3D for the past 5 years.

I'm currently applying for everything and anything that pays more even if not Game Development as long as it has something to do with 3d art...which is not easy when you are in the tri state area...pray for me...

Do you have a nice portfolio to showoff your skills?

 

[openrob]

Doing another Job application (actually waiting to hear back from an interview last week, but found my ideal job advert today). and the application wants job history since leaving school. Like, seriously?

That was 10 years ago, and spent the years between 16 and 21 either unemployed, or doing a myriad of shit jobs that I can't even know the names of companies I worked for, mainly labouring, Painting & Decorating, etc

 

[Pimplitosaurio]

I used to work for one of the uber-huge software companies, the one that is always laying off and always outsourcing, Yet somehow the company always had literally hundreds of jobs listings out there that would never, ever get filled.

Seems like they're always claiming that they can't get qualified candidates in the US so they're forced to go overseas. How much would a DBA with 6 years of experience cost in India?

I don't know about India, but here(MX), let's say that you are a really generous boss and give all benefits and all that. A six year DBA can get, I don't know, above 50k a month

Now, those 50k are in MX Pesos, so you divide that by the current exchange, using this page you get that a 6 year DBA can get something like a little less than 3k USD a month

Let's say that you are very generous, you can get a very experienced DBA with only 4k a month

 

[Wilsongt]

Rejected from Target.

 

[dallow_bg]

Well, the two recruiting agencies haven't really lined up anything for me though one had a position I'd love to interview for. He's "working on it", whatever that means.

In the meantime, one of the places I had applied to via an online listing called me for a phone interview, and they've asked me back for a final interview next week.
It's my first face to face interview in 5 years so I'm a little nervous.

 

[BobLoblaw]

Well, the two recruiting agencies haven't really lined up anything for me though one had a position I'd love to interview for. He's "working on it", whatever that means.

In the meantime, one of the places I had applied to via an online listing called me for a phone interview, and they've asked me back for a final interview next week.
It's my first face to face interview in 5 years so I'm a little nervous.

I had my first real face to face interview a few weeks ago (in nine years). I start my new job on Wednesday. Just try to be as engaging and confident as possible. Also, make sure you have at least a couple of really good questions lined to to ask then interviewer.

 

[WillyFive]

I am a Retail Manager currently trying to get out of retail altogether, just can't stand upper management anymore and retail just in general. I have a BA in game design and development in 3d art and I've been teaching myself c# using Unity3D for the past 5 years.

I'm currently applying for everything and anything that pays more even if not Game Development as long as it has something to do with 3d art...which is not easy when you are in the tri state area...pray for me...

What projects on the side have you made? Where are your classmates from college?

 

[Morrigan Stark]

Totally bombed a phone interview

They asked me why I was interested in the role of packaging designer trainee and I replied

"I've always been interested in packaging design and I think I did well in my material and process course"

The interviewer then said "did you just say I think I did well"

Then they asked me what I didn't like about my old job and I talk something about too much red tape >_<

Finally they asked me if I have any questions and I said " Since this is a trainee position, will I be expected to have...ummm...er...(3 seconds later) an education on this subject matter"

WTF?

So embarassing!

Don't be embarrassed. This interviewer sounds like a jerk. They ask you trick questions and then make you feel bad when you hesitate or reply cautiously. It's complete bullshit. There was nothing wrong with saying "I think I did well", at all, the employer repeating it to you the way he did to make you feel bad is such a dick move.

Like, shit, asking something like "what didn't you like about your old job" is totally a trap. For these people, what kind of answer would be considered acceptable? Anything you say might be spun in a way that make you look bad. Your answer about red tape was totally fine to me, but who knows what these assholes would think of that. Some employers just have some sort of high about their power trip, I guess.

Don't feel bad about being a bit nervous with your last question, especially after they made sure to make you feel like crap beforehand. Any worthwhile employer will expect that most applicants will be a bit nervous, especially a junior/trainee candidate.

So yeah. Don't feel bad. This employer sounds like a complete ass.

:s
Yeah always expect those stupid questions. Always. They will be asked.

They only ask them to see how you handle weird ass questions that put pressure on you for no reason other than to see how you handle yourself confidence wise.
The only thing you have to worry about in interviews are those questions they got you with and body language.

Yeah it's bullshit to me. I haven't ran that many interviews, but I never asked them of applicants and neither did my co-worker when we co-interviewed applicants. I might ask why someone who is currently employed wants to leave their current employment, but even then I'd hesitate to ask, as I wouldn't want them to feel like they'd have to give me a bullshit answer (like, I'd be totally fine if they said "my boss is a complete jerk who doesn't appreciate me" but I know the applicant would likely be too well-bred to say that and would say something more polite like "I want to expand my learning or grow blah blah blah").

 

[GoldenEye 007]

So the search is over finally. Been out of work since mid May and spent the summer applying to places. Had a few interviews and was even flown to a couple places to do final interviews.

One place I started interviewing in June and July flew me out for a final across the country and I ultimately wasn't selected. Still scratching my head over that one.

But in late July and August things kind of just hit all at once to where I was put into a position of turning a place down. Got another final interview which I don't think I was selected for and an offer in a different part of the country which I was selected for and start at the end of this month.

 

[mugwhump]

OK, I'm looking for some part-time work to make next month's rent. I just graduated with a bachelor's in Compsci though and haven't had any non-programming work in over 3 years, and that was just 3 months lifeguarding. Will that hurt my chances of finding a McJob?

 

[Silentagony]

Hi Guys!

I'm supporting my (Canadian) charity's fund-raising efforts by providing resume writing services for a fee (ie. donation) on their CauseVox page (linked to mine).

I have 3 donation levels ($25 to $60) that you can contact me about -- for Canadians, this means you get the tax receipt and the brand, spanking new resume!

Take a look at my samples and let me know if I can help you.

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

Just touching upon this advice again as I'm feeling anxious..! When would actually be a good time to call them to find out if I'm still in contention? I originally thought I'd call on Friday, but here in the UK we had Monday off (public holiday) and they said they were still doing interviews this week. Is Friday too early? On the other hand, it's that whole 'pandering' thing you mentioned.

Also, should I ask to speak to one of my interviewers directly or the contact I have in HR?

First time back to this thread. A week is fine. Some people do go slow. It's ok. Did you get a business card of one of the interviewers? Go to them directly. Never be afraid to take charge/control and ask questions. Cut out as many middlemen as possible.

 

[unholyrevenger72]

Rejected from Target.

On the application, during the long ass questionnaire, when it asks "Can you count to 100?" answer "no". It's how i got hired there.

 

[Hylian7]

I was let go from the second job in a row in may. Found out I have ADHD and realized that was probably causing the mistakes that lost me both jobs I have had within the last year, made a thread about it that briefly sums up my story.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1054238

I have been applying nearly every day, get a ton of rejection emails, some calls/emails, some phone interviews, and not a single fucking on-site interview, and I have been trying since May! The closest thing I had to one was a company scheduled an on-site interview for a day, then the day before it emailed me and said they would have to postpone because their office got busy. Then Monday rolls around (the interview was originally scheduled on the Friday before this) and tells me they can't move forward with me. I email them back and ask why and they said it's because they lost a Senior developer and have to fill that position. I honestly think that's a lie and they just figured I'm completely worthless, as it's true. I took a programming test for these people and sent it in, and it was quite an easy one!

I don't know what to do, I'm at the end of my rope here and haven't even gotten close to getting a new job. I look and see all these "Junior" jobs that want fucking 5 years of experience or some shit. I don't fucking have that and don't have the time to get that. I need a job now, not in 5 years.

I'm fucking worthless anyway. Almost every other day I'm crying just because everything feels so hopeless. I don't know what else to do. I'm worthless.

 

[Schadenfreude]

Got any resume tips, GAF? Mine looks like shit and I need to beef it up.

 

[Wilsongt]

On the application, during the long ass questionnaire, when it asks "Can you count to 100?" answer "no". It's how i got hired there.

I didn't even see that question, though some of those questions on that assessment were bullshit. It was choose between a shit answer and an even shittier answer.

1 3/4 year looking for a job and nothing so far, as well as 13 months since I graduated it.

I'm never going to find a job and I don't quality for any assistance whatsoever.

 

[Tristam]

I was let go from the second job in a row in may. Found out I have ADHD and realized that was probably causing the mistakes that lost me both jobs I have had within the last year, made a thread about it that briefly sums up my story.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1054238

I have been applying nearly every day, get a ton of rejection emails, some calls/emails, some phone interviews, and not a single fucking on-site interview, and I have been trying since May! The closest thing I had to one was a company scheduled an on-site interview for a day, then the day before it emailed me and said they would have to postpone because their office got busy. Then Monday rolls around (the interview was originally scheduled on the Friday before this) and tells me they can't move forward with me. I email them back and ask why and they said it's because they lost a Senior developer and have to fill that position. I honestly think that's a lie and they just figured I'm completely worthless, as it's true. I took a programming test for these people and sent it in, and it was quite an easy one!

I don't know what to do, I'm at the end of my rope here and haven't even gotten close to getting a new job. I look and see all these "Junior" jobs that want fucking 5 years of experience or some shit. I don't fucking have that and don't have the time to get that. I need a job now, not in 5 years.

I'm fucking worthless anyway. Almost every other day I'm crying just because everything feels so hopeless. I don't know what else to do. I'm worthless.

You're a much more valuable asset than you're presenting yourself right now! You're a bright guy, Hylian, and you have the skills to secure a good dev job. Have you been trying to stick to your locale in your job search? If you can expand beyond that, I used to work as a dev in DC and in the whole metro area there is still a pretty big demand for devs.

 

[Hylian7]

You're a much more valuable asset than you're presenting yourself right now! You're a bright guy, Hylian, and you have the skills to secure a good dev job. Have you been trying to stick to your locale in your job search? If you can expand beyond that, I used to work as a dev in DC and in the whole metro area there is still a pretty big demand for devs.

Moving out is not an option I can do or want to do. I live with my girlfriend here in Austin and don't want to leave, also we're locked into this apartment lease for another year.

 

[spuckthew]

First time back to this thread. A week is fine. Some people do go slow. It's ok. Did you get a business card of one of the interviewers? Go to them directly. Never be afraid to take charge/control and ask questions. Cut out as many middlemen as possible.

Recruiters or candidates?

I never called Friday and my only chance to call yesterday was after 4pm when they presumably closed up (left a voice mail). I'm gonna go out of my way to call after lunch tomorrow though.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[PBalfredo]

What's a good way for inquiring at a place that doesn't list what openings they have. On their website it's just a "Work for us! - jobs @ouremailcom" listing. Should I send an email asking what openings they have? Should I just send in a resume and hope there is a match? If so, should it be a more general resume or try for something more specific, given that even though I'm aiming for a design job, at the moment I'd even take something in QA.

 

[smokeandmirrors]

Interview went decently well I think but not getting my hopes up at the moment. Location and salary are great though.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Got feedback from an interview i had about a week ago. They said they liked me but wanted a little more experience. I am applying for ui/ux design jobs by the way, I got an associates degree and my portfolio is what I work on since it is my ticket to land a job. Anyone got any tips, been looking for about a year, hanging in there and not getting discouraged. Also anyone care to look at my portfolio and give me some feedback?

 

[PBalfredo]

Every time I see an associate position that requires 2+ years experience I swear I'm one step closer to having an aneurysm.

 

[Bacon]

Every time I see an associate position that requires 2+ years experience I swear I'm one step closer to having an aneurysm.

It seems like every junior position available requires 2 years minimum. So absurd

 

[Spladam]

Yes. Agreed.

 

[Wilsongt]

Every time I see an associate position that requires 2+ years experience I swear I'm one step closer to having an aneurysm.

High school diploma + 5 years experience gets me.

 

[Silentagony]

Got any resume tips, GAF? Mine looks like shit and I need to beef it up.

I would be willing to re-do your's for a donation! see above post

 

[Grexeno]

It seems like every junior position available requires 2 years minimum. So absurd

"We don't want to do any training ever. We want every employee to come with all the per-packaged experience we need, preferably on their dollar."

 

[DJChuy]

Should I be cautious? Let's say this company made a job offer for $500/weekly, and my employer counter-offered. Now this company raised their offer $150 more to $650/weekly. Offering way more than what was originally discussed kind of worries me especially since we haven't met in person - just phone interviews. The place is legit though, but I'm puzzled on why they're willing to risk a big salary raise for someone they don't really know. The phone interviews weren't particularly well done.

As for everyone looking for jobs, hang in there. It took me well over a year after graduating to find my first full-time job. I basically got it because I got a pull from the inside. The interview process was laughable; the manager asked me if I knew how to operate a PC and if I knew how to count. Then I got hired after that.

 

[machemachete]

I got a Skype interview for a very big VG company in south america. A friend of mine who applied early told me that I would have to go for like 4 interviews (being the last one in their offices, so I have to travel by plane).

Is my first time being interviewed for a very big VG company and for a role that I've never worked directly in a formal way or educated, but they said that that role fitted me (I applied for a different position)

Any advices? How should I dress for the skype interview or just by voice?

That job would change my life and be the breakthrough I've been waiting for.

 

[dallow_bg]

I got a Skype interview for a very big VG company in south america. A friend of mine who applied early told me that I would have to go for like 4 interviews (being the last one in their offices, so I have to travel by plane).

Is my first time being interviewed for a very big VG company and for a role that I've never worked directly in a formal way or educated, but they said that that role fitted me (I applied for a different position)

Any advices? How should I dress for the skype interview or just by voice?

That job would change my life and be the breakthrough I've been waiting for.

If they requested a Skype interview that means they want to see you. Find somewhere comfortable, set your phone/tablet/PC up and make sure it looks good background wise.
Dress up and good luck!

 

[bodyboarder]

Well this is a new one, video interview with pre-taped questions. Should be interesting.

 

[Bacon]

I got a Skype interview for a very big VG company in south america. A friend of mine who applied early told me that I would have to go for like 4 interviews (being the last one in their offices, so I have to travel by plane).

Is my first time being interviewed for a very big VG company and for a role that I've never worked directly in a formal way or educated, but they said that that role fitted me (I applied for a different position)

Any advices? How should I dress for the skype interview or just by voice?

That job would change my life and be the breakthrough I've been waiting for.

Hmm very big video game company... Riot?

 

[tmac456]

Rejected from Target.

you dodged a bullet. fuck that company. fuck retail in general though

 

[Fbh]

I recently moved from Chile to Switzerland (most of my family lives here and I just see more opportunities here than in Chile) and after 2 months of looking for a job I finally have 3 interviews next week. Hope at least 1 of them goes well.
I was starting to think no one would call, I do have 4 years of experience and excelent recommendations from my 2 previous employers but I guess that being from Chile they just don't have the same relevance for people here.

Any swiss Gaf member that could give me some advice on doing interviews over here?

 

[BPBiorr]

Well, after a depressing 2 year ordeal I have finaly found a job. Honestly I'm really surprised, I think I had conditioned myself to always expect failure and now something has finally gone right I'm not sure I remember how I'm supposed to feel, its a really bizarre sensation.

I start Monday for my 2 weeks of training.

 

[PeterLegend]

I got laid off today, at least 10 people were laid off the past two weeks. Massive budget cuts throughout the entire company.

I filed for unemployment and am looking for a new job...

 

[machemachete]

If they requested a Skype interview that means they want to see you. Find somewhere comfortable, set your phone/tablet/PC up and make sure it looks good background wise.
Dress up and good luck!

Thanks a lot!

Just bought a tripode to place my phone on it and use headphones.

Given the fact they appreciate to be myself, I'll probably wear a VG shirt and a nice black jacket.

Not too formal, not too casual.

I'm still pretty nervious

 

[Mr. X]

Trying to leave a retail management position (pay sucks).

I have a B.S. in Business Management and Administration (feels like everyone does)
Concentrated in Marketing
About to start my year 3 with the company, year 2 at this position.

I'm a bit lost on the type of job titles I should be throwing into the search bar to maximize my chances for interviews.

 

[KrisB]

Hate that. Saw a "junior DBA" position. I have like 1 year of experience of that, so I said hey, let's read.


They wanted 6 years of experience. SIX years as a DBA. And of course, they were offering like half of what a 6 year of experience DBA would ask. Also they asked for like 3 years of experience in another thing, that's completely bonkers, when I see those positions, I pray that they don't get a single applicant(but I know that someone dessperate will take the offer gladly )

I've seen that before and it was for a junior dba position as well. It's an absolute joke.

 

[grkazan12]

Welp, just got rejected from another job that was entry level and didn't really require too much experience. This was my fourth in person interview in my search for a first job out of college that has lasted 9 months so far. I'm tired of getting rejection email replies on a daily basis. I just don't know what to do anymore, it's a constant cycle of email rejections.

I'll even take advice on my resume, if that's problem and if anyone is willing to help. This shit sucks man.