Support NeoGAF

[Silentagony]

Trying to get work in the jobs thread, ey? Very clever.

LOL! the irony.

No, this is a side project!!*

Supporting my charity in whatever way I can and because I love making people sound spectacular on paper (I found out I have a real knack about bragging about how great other people are but I am really crappy on bragging about myself).

I can't help it if I'm opportunistic -- the job market sucks (even in Canada). I am trying to create a solution for those that have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn.

All of you who have jobs and are complaining--don't. You should be thankful, but never stop looking for opportunities to move up, or to be your own boss.

I target entry level and intermediate business/commerce/management professionals, as well as retail and blue collar professions as that is what I have experience in.

New resume and tax receipt**-- Win-Win for you!

*(Edit: employed as an accounting coordinator with a multi-national grain-trading company, but teaming up with a Career Coach to offer a job-seekers seminar in the new year)


**Canadian residents

 

[Silentagony]

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.

Tip #1 if you don't know what to write --fake it.

It is as simple as reading the job description, copying and pasting, then adding a little 'flair'.

Example from a previous client (Starbucks Barrista applying as an Administrative Professional):

counted inventory and worked the till (original)

Now reads:
· Control and adjust inventory of over 120 items through task management of ordering and receiving; tracking and recording spoilage; and forecasting demand
· Handled daily cash management, including daily cash deposit, cash count, reconciliation of prior-day sales, balancing cash registers, and correcting discrepancies between cash on-hand versus system report

 

[Silentagony]

Hey GAF, quick job application question: I do a really good job at my current job and I'm pretty well liked by my managers. That said, when it comes to putting down references on Job applications, I heasitate to include them because I'm still working here. This is my first major job and I've worked in it for several years now, so I don't really have any other professional references outside of these. Unfortunately, a lot of job apps require so many references.

Any suggestions?

I hate when they do that on applications!

Honestly, the best answer is the one you have already stated: Because I am currently employed with this company, I would prefer to keep my professional references confidential until I receive a job offer.

If not, then...
- ask for help from your network on LinkedIn (this is why it is crucial to follow-up with previous co-workers, classmates, instructors, mentors/coaches, etc. every couple of months!)

 

[Silentagony]

I have a resume dilemma:

I've worked as a IT consultant for over nine years. I'm employeed and salaried by a consulting company, so I'm not independent. Currently, my resume lists this employment along with all my client engagements, including their durations. Some were several years long, others only a few months. Basically this:

This is very confusing to look at!

I would execute the latter:

"Employer X -- 9 years - Present"
- list some general responsibilities under this employer (ie. deveploment of web protocols, methodologies and technologies such as HTML, CSS, XML, javascript)

Projects:
TacoBell Inc. 2015 - accomplished this this and this
KFC LLP 2013 - accomplished this this and this
Subway and Co. 2013 - accomplished this this and this
Pizza Hut 2011 - accomplished this this and this

(dates being dates of project completion)

 

[jrDev]

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.



Do you have a nice portfolio to showoff your skills?

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

I've worked a lot with Unity Engine and a current seller of multiple assets from their Asset Store. I haven't done these job searches before, what's the over/under with time to expect a response and when to move on when there is no response?

I also have no idea what my classmates are up to, I graduated 6 years ago...

 

[Tornado Condor]

Have a job interview Tuesday for a gummy bear position. Wish me luck!

 

[Wilsongt]

Online applications are such bullshit, because if you don't put in the right words you are completely fucked.

 

[Buddha Beam]

Online applications are such bullshit, because if you don't put in the right words you are completely fucked.

I'm getting strung up in these silly things a lot too. Once my resume actually gets looked at by a real person, I usually get a request for at least a phone interview. But these automated things pull the completely wrong keywords out. My resume mentions 'Sales' once, and the systems I've seen it run through think I work in sales. Yeesh.
I'm supposed to be working with a company to fix this, as it's a service provided by my former employer, but getting this company to respond to me has been... so far very frustrating. I've sent 4 emails and they've only responded to my first one asking for confirmation that I signed the severance agreement.

 

[machemachete]

I just got the reply of the interviewer and yes, not being a fan of their game killed my application.

They just send a no-reply telling that they will move forward with other candidates.

I'm crushed because I do really wanted to start working in a big game company(I kinda hate where I am now) but I should hace expected that when the interviewer asked me about that game.

 

[Antiwhippy]

If you actually wanted to work at the company you should have lied and says that you liked it. It doesn't make sense for people to hire someone to work on a product they don't like.

 

[machemachete]

If you actually wanted to work at the company you should have lied and says that you liked it. It doesn't make sense for people to hire someone to work on a product they don't like.

I told them I just started playing their game (thats true but the MOBAS have a very steep learning curve) and the interviewer asked me which champ do I like the most and which build do I like, lanes, etc etc.

They were looking for hardcore fans to work there and I understand that, I will continua playing their game because I starting to like it.

Starting to zero again, finding VG companies in LATAM is hard-mode :/

 

[PBalfredo]

11 days ago this company emails me after I applied, saying they want to set up an interview. After delays on their end to schedule the appointment, the date gets set for today. Just now, 2 hours before my interview, while I'm getting dressed and ready to go, I get an email from them saying that they have to cancel the interview because they just now realized that I had previously interviewed with them 9 months ago, even though its for an entry level job that I'm easily qualified for and have over three years experience in that exact position.

Fucking unbelievable.

 

[Polioliolio]

Where's that ambitious looking thread on setting up a good resume?

I should have subscribed to it when I first saw it..

 

[unholyrevenger72]

Online applications are such bullshit, because if you don't put in the right words you are completely fucked.

Applications or Resume? If it's a Resume the solution is simple. Use all of the words, even words that don't necessarily apply to you. You do this at the bottom of the Resume and just type out a bunch of buzzwords then you highlight the wall-o-text and change the text color to white. The HR person can't see the wall-o-text but the computer can as it screens resumes for the aforementioned buzzwords.

 

[Davis_McGee]

When I advised her that there's a strong chance that they'd not bother to respond and go for a new employee through a recruitment agency as opposed to a lone CV submitted through taleo

This really isn't true. The bounty to a recruitment agent for a successful professional hire is usually 30% of the advertised salary. That gets expensive quickly. Companies are rarely in a position where it matters (100+ applicants per post is more of an unskilled thing), but recruiting off your own website is massively preferable to taking someone from an agent. It all ends up in the same ERP system anyway.

 

[Psyae]

I just moved to Seattle, Washington from New Jersey to live with a friend here and get out of my parents' place. I was a royalty analyst (first job) at a music company for a year and a half before moving, but I really want to get something more in the accounting field (mainly looking for a staff accountant position). So far I've mainly just been using indeed to look for positions, does anyone have any other suggestions?

Also another stupid question, but salary... what exactly am I supposed to be asking for since half of the applications ask desired salary? I wasn't exactly making much at my old job, but I'm not sure if I should be asking for more or even the same because only a few of the skills can transfer over into the ideal position I'm looking to get into. I feel like I'm going in without experience. I do have all sections of the CPA Exam passed right now, but I would need to talk to a CPA to verify if my previous experience meets the requirements to become licensed because the requirements are very vague.

I almost feel like I don't know what I'm doing with my life right now. I left my previous job in June to avoid another statement rendering period over there and to focus on completing the CPA Exam while preparing for the move that happened at the end of August. I've been without a job for nearly 3 months and I hate having that employment gap on my resume.

 

[Grexeno]

I have absolutely no idea how to find positions to apply for in any large amount.

 

[Silentagony]

I told them I just started playing their game (thats true but the MOBAS have a very steep learning curve) and the interviewer asked me which champ do I like the most and which build do I like, lanes, etc etc.

They were looking for hardcore fans to work there and I understand that, I will continua playing their game because I starting to like it.

Starting to zero again, finding VG companies in LATAM is hard-mode :/

Ouch! Gotta learn the hard way...

When I got an interview for a company I absolutely would have killed to work for, I researched the shit out of them.. Knowing their company and their division inside and out. It was like cramming for an exam over a week, a lot of information and not that much sleep!

If you think just getting an interview is hard, then you better work your ass off for the actual interview. If you want to be a real keener, you can create a business plan, portfolio, write a code, or develop something for them before you interview. Then present it to them, just to show them your passion and readiness. (If it doesn't work, hey, you can always use it for the next interview)

When my fiance really, really wanted to be a company valuation analyst, I suggested to him to develop a public blog that would evaluate companies to invest/buy stocks in... these are the extra-curricular things that you do that will make you stand out from the competition.

The idea is to go into the interview and show them that you can do the job already!

Psyae:

I've been without a job for nearly 3 months and I hate having that employment gap on my resume.

glassdoor.com - website you can look at to see what the typical salaries are for a profession; I am not sure if the states has stats on industry salary, but I know our province does - try to do some research using government websites as well.

As for the 3 month gap, can you not write something like:

Enrolled in CPA program
June - Present

The cover letter would re-iterate: "I am currently completing the CPA program requirements"

Seems like a lot of you already have the answers you need!

 

[Septimus Prime]

I told them I just started playing their game (thats true but the MOBAS have a very steep learning curve) and the interviewer asked me which champ do I like the most and which build do I like, lanes, etc etc.

They were looking for hardcore fans to work there and I understand that, I will continua playing their game because I starting to like it.

Starting to zero again, finding VG companies in LATAM is hard-mode :/

I know exactly which company this is, and they do that to everyone. Last year, a recruiter pushed me to them (even though I told him I don't play that game), and they had me go through all the tests and interviews, only to tell me no because I didn't play their game, which I told them up front.

Don't be discouraged, though; as far as I know, they're the only gaming company that acts this way.

Ouch! Gotta learn the hard way...

When I got an interview for a company I absolutely would have killed to work for, I researched the shit out of them.. Knowing their company and their division inside and out. It was like cramming for an exam over a week, a lot of information and not that much sleep!

If you think just getting an interview is hard, then you better work your ass off for the actual interview. If you want to be a real keener, you can create a business plan, portfolio, write a code, or develop something for them before you interview. Then present it to them, just to show them your passion and readiness. (If it doesn't work, hey, you can always use it for the next interview)

When my fiance really, really wanted to be a company valuation analyst, I suggested to him to develop a public blog that would evaluate companies to invest/buy stocks in... these are the extra-curricular things that you do that will make you stand out from the competition.

The idea is to go into the interview and show them that you can do the job already!

That particular company expects you to be an expert. They have minimum level requirements for your champion and everything (they'll ask for your account info to verify), so you really have to have been playing their game for some time to have any chance.

 

[Perfect Cha0s]

I've been applying for a lot of jobs the past few weeks, but I always get stuck on what to put in the Preferred Salary box. I feel like this being my first professional job puts me in a situation where I don't have a ton of negotiating power.

I know a lot of people say to take your preferred amount and add some to it, but the point I always hesitate on is where to start. Since this is my first professional salaried job, the numbers listed on a lot of (seemingly) popular salary-listing sites seem a little high, but the job is also in a pretty expensive part of the country.

I don't want to overshoot and get immediately glossed over for being too pricey, but I don't want to lowball and end up getting paid less than I should be making.

 

[Antiwhippy]

I told them I just started playing their game (thats true but the MOBAS have a very steep learning curve) and the interviewer asked me which champ do I like the most and which build do I like, lanes, etc etc.

They were looking for hardcore fans to work there and I understand that, I will continua playing their game because I starting to like it.

Starting to zero again, finding VG companies in LATAM is hard-mode :/

Oh wow, ok, that sounds a lot more unreasonable.

 

[Mr. X]

2 interviews for very similar companies in Wall Street. Both of them marketing groups people outsource to. One said we take you on for year and see how you do but we have 95% failure rate, they want super competitive and entrepreneurial people. Other was like there's a 9-12 month program you start in sales and move up to project manager, doing all tasks.

Got a 2nd interview/job shadow for job 2 for tomorrow.

Anyone else in marketing can confirm this standard stuff for jobs in this field? I just want to look at numbers and data and make suggestions or work on marketing plans.

 

[DarkChronic]

Curious to see what you guys make of this...had a job interview 2 weeks ago, followed up mid last week, said they were still in the process of first round interviews and they will keep me updated when the next round will be.

Little surprised the process is taking so long. Normally I hear back within a week of the interview whether or not I got the job.

I have to imagine I must still be a contender, right? Otherwise they would say they are moving forward with someone else?

*sigh*... what a terrible process this whole thing is.

 

[Pancakes]

What sorts of questions should I ask in a 2nd group interview?

 

[Ultima_5]

I've been waiting to hear back from this job that I really want. I was told to expect to hear something this week, regardless of getting it or not.

I went for a run and missed the HR phone call. Their msg just said to call them back when I get the msg.

Called them back, left a voice msg saying I was returning their call. Called back a few hours later (they called around 11 am, called back around 1230 & 3). Still haven't heard anything. Been sitting on my cell all day waiting to know if I got the job or if I didn't. It's been like 4 hrs of this. Goddamit.

 

[dallow_bg]

Had my interview today.
Wasn't too bad, I feel I did well. Didn't really stumble or anything, said the right things.
The only thing that bothered me was that the interviewer seemed slightly disinterested... ugh.

Oh well. I'll find out in a week either way.

I've been waiting to hear back from this job that I really want. I was told to expect to hear something this week, regardless of getting it or not.

I went for a run and missed the HR phone call. Their msg just said to call them back when I get the msg.

Called them back, left a voice msg saying I was returning their call. Called back a few hours later (they called around 11 am, called back around 1230 & 3). Still haven't heard anything. Been sitting on my cell all day waiting to know if I got the job or if I didn't. It's been like 4 hrs of this. Goddamit.

Damn I can only imagine.

 

[Syphon Filter]

wtf i am in internships.com and i saw a post looking for 5+ yrs of experience. btw anyone have any luck with this website?

Anyone think/know if "virtual" positions are worth it?

 

[PBalfredo]

I hate when I'm filling out an online application and suddenly...

IN 150 CHARACTERS OR FEWER, TELL US WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE. TRY TO BE CREATIVE AND SAY SOMETHING THAT WILL CATCH OUR EYE!

... companies want me to fill out an online dating profile.

 

[Hieberrr]

wtf i am in internships.com and i saw a post looking for 5+ yrs of experience. btw anyone have any luck with this website?

Anyone think/know if "virtual" positions are worth it?

It depends what you want out of it. If it's an internship that you're looking for, you're not going to get much out of a virtual position in terms of development and experience.

 

[anonymous_abc]

I've been waiting to hear back from this job that I really want. I was told to expect to hear something this week, regardless of getting it or not.

I went for a run and missed the HR phone call. Their msg just said to call them back when I get the msg.

Called them back, left a voice msg saying I was returning their call. Called back a few hours later (they called around 11 am, called back around 1230 & 3). Still haven't heard anything. Been sitting on my cell all day waiting to know if I got the job or if I didn't. It's been like 4 hrs of this. Goddamit.

You'll learn to never leave your phone unattended during the job hunt.

Spoiler

Good luck!

 

[Jpop]

I just want to thank everyone for all the support. I've had my job 3 months and finally have a decent amount of savings, an apartment, and can afford going out and doing things when I want.

 

[Stabby McSter]

I had a job interview today that had me sign an NDA. I thought it went well for the most part. Hope it goes well!

Still waiting on a response from another one, and I might have another interview opportunity within the next week. Things have sure turned around from the beginning of the year where I was getting no responses.

At this rate, I should have my career job by the beginning of next year rofoflslsfosmfl;askdm D:

 

[Mr Solo Dolo]

Got an interview with Johnson Controls next week, anyone had an interview with them before? Any tips?

 

[Captain Tuttle]

Got an interview with Johnson Controls next week, anyone had an interview with them before? Any tips?

Glassdoor has some info
http://www.glassdoor.com/Interview/Johnson-Controls-Interview-Questions-E365.htm

 

[smokeandmirrors]

I know 3 days isn't long but damnt if im not getting stressed over not hearing back. Did the interviews, met with people, things seemed to go well. Sent in some references and my transcript 3 days ago. The radio silence is really kicking my anxiety into overdrive

 

[Mr. X]

And it's door to door sales. I just walked away from the on site part.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Is internship.com only for students? I graduated 4 years ago.

 

[DarkChronic]

Is internship.com only for students? I graduated 4 years ago.

Doesnt this suck? I am having this exact problem. Most companies are saying I should get an internship (already have one, but clearly that is not enough these days), but almost every internship I applied for is strictly for students still in college.

I graduated 3 years ago. Frustrating.

 

[Bacon]

And it's door to door sales. I just walked away from the on site part.

This happened to me too. Felt totally played when they finally revealed what they were as a company

 

[Syphon Filter]

Is internship.com only for students? I graduated 4 years ago.

Doesnt this suck? I am having this exact problem. Most companies are saying I should get an internship (already have one, but clearly that is not enough these days), but almost every internship I applied for is strictly for students still in college.

I graduated 3 years ago. Frustrating.

Not all of them are for students, some require it but I found one and out of college already.

 

[Septic360]

I worked my ass off for FREE for a year at my firm just to get my foot through the door into my field.

Alas, 5 years later it paid off. Dont ever underestimate the value of work experience, especially when youve just come out of uni. Experience is key and don't obsess about the money at the start. That's my advice from my experience.

 

[Pancakes]

Also having 2 internships is very preferable if you can do it. Competition is getting rougher and one internship isn't enough these days.

 

[Window]

wtf i am in internships.com and i saw a post looking for 5+ yrs of experience. btw anyone have any luck with this website?

Anyone think/know if "virtual" positions are worth it?

Psychometric tests which make you question your very own identity and existence may be worse.

 

[Captain Tuttle]

I worked my ass off for FREE for a year at my firm just to get my foot through the door into my field.

Alas, 5 years later it paid off. Dont ever underestimate the value of work experience, especially when youve just come out of uni. Experience is key and don't obsess about the money at the start. That's my advice from my experience.

Yeah well working for free is definitely not obsessing about money.

It's way tougher getting a job out of college than when I graduated, millenials got fucked

 

[Dimefan3]

So very unbelievably frustrated right now. Another no from a spot I really bloody wanted. I'm starting to get very jaded with my industry right now (radio), I have no idea what I want to do anymore.

 

[spuckthew]

Heh. So Tuesday I get a call from some recruiter about a job, forwards my CV on. Gets back to me a bit later saying the MD wants a phone interview..for tomorrow (Wednesday). So I did it and I think it went well. The recruiter then gets back to me 30 min later saying the MD liked me enough to blow tradition and wants a face-to-face as soon as possible, which has turned out to be today.

Seems kind of rushed, but maybe that just means I'm in with a good shot.

 

[anonymous_abc]

Heh. So Tuesday I get a call from some recruiter about a job, forwards my CV on. Gets back to me a bit later saying the MD wants a phone interview..for tomorrow (Wednesday). So I did it and I think it went well. The recruiter then gets back to me 30 min later saying the MD liked me enough to blow tradition and wants a face-to-face as soon as possible, which has turned out to be today.

Seems kind of rushed, but maybe that just means I'm in with a good shot.

Good luck, I hope it doesn't sound too good to be true.

 

[spuckthew]

Good luck, I hope it doesn't sound too good to be true.

Yeah, fingers crossed! Unfortunately it hasn't given me much time to prepare as I had an event on after work yesterday as well, but my previous interview was only a few weeks ago so I'm not feeling too rusty.

 

[Captain Tuttle]

Yeah, fingers crossed! Unfortunately it hasn't given me much time to prepare as I had an event on after work yesterday as well, but my previous interview was only a few weeks ago so I'm not feeling too rusty.

I got my latest job basically the same way and I start on Monday

Good luck!

 

[mhayes86]

I've been applying for a lot of jobs the past few weeks, but I always get stuck on what to put in the Preferred Salary box. I feel like this being my first professional job puts me in a situation where I don't have a ton of negotiating power.

I know exactly how you feel. I didn't want to undercut myself, but at the same time I didn't want to turn an employer off by requesting too much. Typically, I just wrote in "negotiable", or in other cases, looked up sites like Glassdoor for average salaries if the job listing didn't include a starting salary. If you're lucky, some jobs are reasonable and will offer, or at least negotiate a salary that consider the Cost of Living for the area.

At the very least, if an employer offers you a salary during an interview, you can ask if they could bump it up a bit due to CoL (don't be afraid to ask).

Applications or Resume? If it's a Resume the solution is simple. Use all of the words, even words that don't necessarily apply to you. You do this at the bottom of the Resume and just type out a bunch of buzzwords then you highlight the wall-o-text and change the text color to white. The HR person can't see the wall-o-text but the computer can as it screens resumes for the aforementioned buzzwords.

Holy shit, that's awesome. Can any one testify to this? I would hope that whatever program/algorithm that's used for screening resumes doesn't highlight all of the buzzwords, though.