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[Wag]

Argh!!! I just went for a fucking interview for an application online. A nice big 7-11 type chain restaurant/store in their corporate office. I get there the mgr tells me the job is not that it's for one their local convience stores (with gas pumps) down by the parkway. Uh, no. What the fuck dude, don't waste my time and tell me that on the phone!!! 😡 😡 😡

 

[Woffls]

Keeping in contact with agencies might help, calling them every few weeks to ask if they found anything will make it more likely that they put your name forward.

I'll email a bunch of people I've spoken to in the past, but prior attempts were utterly fruitless. I imagine nobody wants to hear from someone who failed last time, and is still unemployed months later.

It does align with my latest approach, which is moving back to London and engaging with recruiters more directly by insisting on coffee or whatever. Hopefully they'll respond to a bit of pestering :\

I can barely bring myself to make applications any more, though

 

[Nether!]

Wanted to follow up in this thread.

12 months of basically full-time unemployment, working freelance, struggling to make minimum life requirements.

I'm moderately educated with a degree, diploma and several certificates, around 6 years of experience working in my field and it still took about a year to find a job.

It was honestly the most depressed I have ever been in my life. I was, at times, paralyzed with hopelessness.
Being unemployed for this extended period made me feel powerless and worthless.
If it hadn't been for my brother, financially, and my friends, emotionally, I don't know how I would have made it.

I consider myself lucky that I came out without any serious debt (credit cards overdrafted but that's it) and only minor personal issues.


I feel for anyone going through this and hope everyone is able to find something, anything, to get them to where they need to be.

 

[Grexeno]

Holy shit. In the last hour I got my offer for a job in KC, a phone interview for an enviro eng job for a solar panel company in STL and invited to Virginia beach for a eng job in recycling.

To much going on. Need to lie down

This is an awesome problem to have.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Someone contacted me regarding an account representative position. My resume is for ui/ux design positions however. How come they decided that I can be a good fit for an account representative if my resume is not tailored towards that? They said my resume is a good match for some reason. Anyone know why? And is it worth going for it?

 

[Cth]

So, here's my dilemma..

I was laid off in 2011, where I had worked as a CAD Technician for 9 years. Prior to that, the past 20 years worth of jobs consist of companies that have gone out of business. Last week, I discover that the job that laid me off in 2011 has shut down their local office.

I'm starting to wonder if one of the reasons I'm having a hard time finding a full time job is that none of my experience can be verified (despite having certifications, etc).

Two weeks ago, I went in for an interview (with a lot of odds in my favor) but the waiting game is killing me. I've followed up with other companies in the past, but I'm paranoid about ruining my chances with this job. I'm so desperate to land a full time job, not only to save my house, that I'm constantly second guessing things.

I feel I nailed the interview. I'm local. I said I'm looking for something stable and not planning on using the job to springboard to something else. I'm affordable (even willing to negotiate on it if need be). I came highly recommended by someone high up in the company. Etc, etc.

I guess what I'm saying is, after 4 years, it's frustrating. I've come down to the final 2 on multiple occasions.

Thanks for letting me vent. Wish me luck!

 

[zeshakag]

So, here's my dilemma..

I was laid off in 2011, where I had worked as a CAD Technician for 9 years. Prior to that, the past 20 years worth of jobs consist of companies that have gone out of business. Last week, I discover that the job that laid me off in 2011 has shut down their local office.

I'm starting to wonder if one of the reasons I'm having a hard time finding a full time job is that none of my experience can be verified (despite having certifications, etc).

Two weeks ago, I went in for an interview (with a lot of odds in my favor) but the waiting game is killing me. I've followed up with other companies in the past, but I'm paranoid about ruining my chances with this job. I'm so desperate to land a full time job, not only to save my house, that I'm constantly second guessing things.

I feel I nailed the interview. I'm local. I said I'm looking for something stable and not planning on using the job to springboard to something else. I'm affordable (even willing to negotiate on it if need be). I came highly recommended by someone high up in the company. Etc, etc.

I guess what I'm saying is, after 4 years, it's frustrating. I've come down to the final 2 on multiple occasions.

Thanks for letting me vent. Wish me luck!

You deserve a good vent. Good luck.

 

[Darren870]

So this is sort of off topic but I can't create posts but I have a question that maybe someone here has the expertise to answer.

I work a full time 8-5 job with a 1 hour lunch break and I applied for a second part time job in order to keep up with bills including food/clothes for my daughter and soon to be born son, my wife also works 2 jobs but she is nearing the end of her pregnancy and is getting stressed out, but anyway the second job I picked up is a measly minimum wage job at GameStop, and I was told I would get at least 7 hours a week there which is all I really needed, but they ended up only scheduling me 1 day a week which is about 3-4 hours, on top of that my hours kept getting cut so the days I was scheduled for 2 ended up just being 1 day, and this happened nearly every other week. When people called out I would go in no problem on short notice because I needed the hours. Last week I was scheduled for one day and she called me a couple hours before I was supposed to go into my shift and told me she had to cancel my shift because they weren't meeting sales goals, so I told her I was going to give her my 2 weeks because I need to be able to afford things for my family and she told me I was going to get at least 7 hours a week. Through a text message she told me not to come in for any future shifts after I gave my 2 weeks. I am looking for another job now but it took me a few weeks to find this job to begin, so I am wondering if I am able to collect any kind of money from GameStop temporarily because I'm wondering if she "fired" me for telling me not to come in for futre shifts after I gave my 2 weeks and lied about the amount of hours I would receive every week. I don't like handouts and I work hard for what I have but I am struggling right now and am wondering if I can get some money from them until I find another job, which could be hopefully next week but possibly longer if I am unlucky. Sorry for the wall of text, hope someone knowledgeable can answer though.

Huh?

You quit. She is telling you not to come in since you quit and doesn't need you. Two weeks is just a formality thing, its not by law unless stated in your contract.

Not sure what you are looking for? Well, besides a hand out (despite what you say). Not like you can collect unemployment anyways, since it was a part time job and you have a regular job as it is.

(I'm not a lawyer, nor do I pretend to be one)

 

[The Artisan]

anybody here doing google partners?

 

[Bleepey]

Ok, I need to fake a reference, basically I have been out of work for too damn long and a bad reference as the reason for this. I basically wanna say I did cash in hand work. Any tips to ensure it doesn't fuck me over?

 

[SUPER DESTROYMAN]

Alright so, ever since finishing my HR management certification in 2014, all I have had are 2 contract jobs, and a permanent job that did not work out for me. Now all it seems like I can get now are contract positions. Any way to change this? Ive been told that its just a red flag when my resume is seen with only contract positions.

 

[demonkaze]

So my job interview on Friday is a Final Selection Board, what kinda things should I expect and how many people is there likely to be involved with it.

 

[Huw_Dawson]

Find a godlike trainee developer role. Rare as hen's teeth.

Recruiter calls me up five minutes after I apply to tell me it's in Knutsford, two hours away from me and £300 a month just to commute.

I love living in Liverpool. Land of opportunity.

 

[TheyTookOurJobs]

I was out of work on and off for 2 years. I worked in retail seasonally, but hooked up with a voc rehab counselor at Goodwill who had me working there and who then found me a job to work at where I am now. It was soul crushing and I was severally depressed for two years, but it worked out and I've been at the job where I'm @ now for a year.

 

[Heimbeck]

So, here's my dilemma..

I was laid off in 2011, where I had worked as a CAD Technician for 9 years. Prior to that, the past 20 years worth of jobs consist of companies that have gone out of business. Last week, I discover that the job that laid me off in 2011 has shut down their local office.

I'm starting to wonder if one of the reasons I'm having a hard time finding a full time job is that none of my experience can be verified (despite having certifications, etc).

Two weeks ago, I went in for an interview (with a lot of odds in my favor) but the waiting game is killing me. I've followed up with other companies in the past, but I'm paranoid about ruining my chances with this job. I'm so desperate to land a full time job, not only to save my house, that I'm constantly second guessing things.

I feel I nailed the interview. I'm local. I said I'm looking for something stable and not planning on using the job to springboard to something else. I'm affordable (even willing to negotiate on it if need be). I came highly recommended by someone high up in the company. Etc, etc.

I guess what I'm saying is, after 4 years, it's frustrating. I've come down to the final 2 on multiple occasions.

Thanks for letting me vent. Wish me luck!

Man that sucks.
Wish I had more to say than good luck but after that long I think you deserve to catch a break.

I was out of work on and off for 2 years. I worked in retail seasonally, but hooked up with a voc rehab counselor at Goodwill who had me working there and who then found me a job to work at where I am now. It was soul crushing and I was severally depressed for two years, but it worked out and I've been at the job where I'm @ now for a year.

It's a bit late but congrats on the job!
Being out of work can be very depressing, hate to see people in this situation.

 

[clav]

I think I bombed mine for the nth time.

Talking to a dead audience who doesn't laugh or react to your responses, so you throw the panel a curveball by asking them questions like "Can everyone hear me?" Motionless responses and dead air. Almost like you're talking to a herd of sheep or to no one in an empty room.

The experience is extremely nerve racking.

Have to impress someone within 5 minutes. Otherwise, the rest of the interview is looking at cognitive bias by confirming illogical suspicions to write you off as a candidate.

Yep confirmed.

Sometimes I feel like you can't really know someone within a short time frame if the interview doesn't test required skills.

 

[zeshakag]

Just got home from a great IT interview. Answered all the questions well, had a lot of laughs with the owner and interviewer, impressed with my personal projects. Fingers are crossed and I'm hoping so hard. It's nice to feel good after an interview, but I know I shouldn't hang all of my hopes on this yet. What's the appropriate time for a thank-you-for-interviewing-me email?

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Anyone know of any private sector immigration jobs dealing with visas, etc? Even on a voluntarily basis. I'm looking for the experience so I can get a job as a immigration service officer for the govt.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Just got home from a great IT interview. Answered all the questions well, had a lot of laughs with the owner and interviewer, impressed with my personal projects. Fingers are crossed and I'm hoping so hard. It's nice to feel good after an interview, but I know I shouldn't hang all of my hopes on this yet. What's the appropriate time for a thank-you-for-interviewing-me email?

Usually is right after the interview when you get home. Are you a designer by any chance since you mentioned projects?

 

[zeshakag]

Usually is right after the interview when you get home. Are you a designer by any chance since you mentioned projects?

Eh, I'm nowhere near qualified to call myself that. While I've done web "design", the projects were mostly tinkering type stuff and event running.

Thanks for the info, I'll send one out.

 

[unholyrevenger72]

Does any one have tips for cover letter writing for some one who is depressed, has cripplingly low self esteem, and no confidence, besides use a service?

 

[bluethree]

For those who have full time jobs but freelance or have other sources of income - do you put these things on your resume or leave them off? Seems that taking on extra work could be a turn off to some employers, but at the same time doing some freelance/side work can be a good way to get experience for certain things.

 

[shintoki]

First career fair. Got my resume into 21 companies. 4 companies expressed interest, two wanted a college GPA at my current school(Just transferred). Both expressed interest in me returning. Talked to a consultant firm that straight up said keep returning and building on your current experiences(Already have more work experience than most seniors), but only interested in seniors, and one that is a maybe, but the guy liked me.

Followed up with filling out online applications for multiple companies, after doing about 30 applications over the past month and a half.

I've starting to get really depressed and tired. Ended up missing out on part of class today because of it. Trying to get out of the funk, but its getting harder without summer employment lined up or a current position.

 

[Pancakes]

I've starting to get really depressed and tired. Ended up missing out on part of class today because of it. Trying to get out of the funk, but its getting harder without summer employment lined up or a current position.

I know exactly what you mean everyday without a call back you lose motivation to fill out more and more applications and feel guilt for enjoying everyday shit like gym and videogames. It really sucks.

 

[Syphon Filter]

First career fair. Got my resume into 21 companies. 4 companies expressed interest, two wanted a college GPA at my current school(Just transferred). Both expressed interest in me returning. Talked to a consultant firm that straight up said keep returning and building on your current experiences(Already have more work experience than most seniors), but only interested in seniors, and one that is a maybe, but the guy liked me.

Followed up with filling out online applications for multiple companies, after doing about 30 applications over the past month and a half.

I've starting to get really depressed and tired. Ended up missing out on part of class today because of it. Trying to get out of the funk, but its getting harder without summer employment lined up or a current position.

It could be worse, you are still in school. If you are done and looking for a while, that is a new level of guilty and sadness.

I know exactly what you mean everyday without a call back you lose motivation to fill out more and more applications and feel guilt for enjoying everyday shit like gym and videogames. It really sucks.

Yea but gym at least helps to an extent, just sucks not doing anything productive.

 

[Voror]

Can someone explain to me what it takes to write a good cover letter? No matter what it is, that is always the part of the application process that stonewalls me the most. I just don't have any clue as to what to write. I've read many articles giving tips but while they do have some tips that seem universal other aspects seem completely at odd like in how long the letter should. One says it should be relatively short and straight to the point while I'll see another example that's really long making jokes or creative examples.

I know what I'm doing currently isn't working since I can't so much as get an call or email back, but have utterly no idea what I'm supposed to do.

I've been applying the past few days, but just don't have much confidence what I've written will result in anything happening any differently. I found an opening at a company I'd really like to work at but have no clue how to approach things so that I have a chance.

And this is something that has been bugging me a while, but how badly are your chances killed when you are someone who doesn't live in the same state you're applying to?

 

[Syphon Filter]

Can someone explain to me what it takes to write a good cover letter? No matter what it is, that is always the part of the application process that stonewalls me the most. I just don't have any clue as to what to write. I've read many articles giving tips but while they do have some tips that seem universal other aspects seem completely at odd like in how long the letter should. One says it should be relatively short and straight to the point while I'll see another example that's really long making jokes or creative examples.

I know what I'm doing currently isn't working since I can't so much as get an call or email back, but have utterly no idea what I'm supposed to do.

I've been applying the past few days, but just don't have much confidence what I've written will result in anything happening any differently. I found an opening at a company I'd really like to work at but have no clue how to approach things so that I have a chance.

And this is something that has been bugging me a while, but how badly are your chances killed when you are someone who doesn't live in the same state you're applying to?

You are overthinking a cover letter. It's main purpose is to separate yourself. Some jobs don't even ask for a cover letter either. I got several interviews without sending in a cover letter and just my resume.

 

[Voror]

You are overthinking a cover letter. It's main purpose is to separate yourself. Some jobs don't even ask for a cover letter either. I got several interviews without sending in a cover letter and just my resume.

Really? The only jobs I've ever seen that don't need cover letters are things like retail jobs and the like. It's just that I have no professional experience in my field as I haven't been able to find a job and thus the only way I can express any experience is in the cover letter.

 

[unholyrevenger72]

Really? The only jobs I've ever seen that don't need cover letters are things like retail jobs and the like. It's just that I have no professional experience in my field as I haven't been able to find a job and thus the only way I can express any experience is in the cover letter.

If the employment ad doesn't specifically ask for a cover letter, it isn't necessary

 

[MaximumSpider]

My job is fucking terrible and I've been applying for a new one for weeks and nothing. I've been calling but nothing. I feel so trapped.

 

[lustrate]

...

 

[Zapages]

a recruiter is going to have a phone interview with me on Monday. Any suggestions guys?

 

[numble]

a recruiter is going to have a phone interview with me on Monday. Any suggestions guys?

Type/write out a list of potential questions and their answers for you to reference quickly. See if you can use a landline with a speakerphone.

 

[nampad]

Have any of you ever lied on a resume? One of my work experiences was as an independent contractor for a tech company. I'm wondering if I'd get away with backdating my start date by about 5 months. That job was a smaller operation without a dedicated HR person. It's a real possibility they may just say "Yes" immediately when asked by the background checking company. I'm still nervous, though.

Everyone tunes their resume but blatantly lying in it can backfire really bad. You can be fired without respect to the usual policies because you lied. It is a document you sign to confirm everything is correct after all.

 

[AzureRonin]

Can someone explain to me what it takes to write a good cover letter? No matter what it is, that is always the part of the application process that stonewalls me the most. I just don't have any clue as to what to write. I've read many articles giving tips but while they do have some tips that seem universal other aspects seem completely at odd like in how long the letter should. One says it should be relatively short and straight to the point while I'll see another example that's really long making jokes or creative examples.

I know what I'm doing currently isn't working since I can't so much as get an call or email back, but have utterly no idea what I'm supposed to do.

I've been applying the past few days, but just don't have much confidence what I've written will result in anything happening any differently. I found an opening at a company I'd really like to work at but have no clue how to approach things so that I have a chance.

And this is something that has been bugging me a while, but how badly are your chances killed when you are someone who doesn't live in the same state you're applying to?

First paragraph is intro: I'd like to apply for (the position) with (company). I feel my experience in blah blah blah makes me an excellent candidate. Mention what attracts you to the company or position.

Second paragraph: outline direct work experience which applies that isn't fully explained in the resume or just what you think will appeal the most.

Third paragraph: talk about your education and how it relates.

Fourth paragraph: conclusion, restate your interest and thank them for their consideration.

Keep it under a page.

Also don't be discouraged about not getting responses. Resumes are so subjective that one person can be amazed with your resume while the next will trash it immediately. Finding work is more about luck. It's hard to control after you've done all you can. I was looking for work for a year and had 2 interviews.

 

[Voror]

First paragraph is intro: I'd like to apply for (the position) with (company). I feel my experience in blah blah blah makes me an excellent candidate. Mention what attracts you to the company or position.

Second paragraph: outline direct work experience which applies that isn't fully explained in the resume or just what you think will appeal the most.

Third paragraph: talk about your education and how it relates.

Fourth paragraph: conclusion, restate your interest and thank them for their consideration.

Keep it under a page.

Also don't be discouraged about not getting responses. Resumes are so subjective that one person can be amazed with your resume while the next will trash it immediately. Finding work is more about luck. It's hard to control after you've done all you can. I was looking for work for a year and had 2 interviews.

The problem is the second paragraph you outline. I have no direct work experience in my major. The only jobs I've been able to get are in food and retail and those can't really be applied in any fashion. All I've got are what I did in college and my internship. One of the positions I'm currently working on I have experience in as it was something I did as a sort of volunteer every day my last two years. I ultimately don't know what that's worth but it's about all I've got.

I've been looking for three years and only have gotten 2 interviews so I must truly be doing something wrong. Still, I guess all I can do is keep at it.

 

[Syphon Filter]

The problem is the second paragraph you outline. I have no direct work experience in my major. The only jobs I've been able to get are in food and retail and those can't really be applied in any fashion. All I've got are what I did in college and my internship. One of the positions I'm currently working on I have experience in as it was something I did as a sort of volunteer every day my last two years. I ultimately don't know what that's worth but it's about all I've got.

I've been looking for three years and only have gotten 2 interviews so I must truly be doing something wrong. Still, I guess all I can do is keep at it.

What industry are you applying to and for what position? Also ever considered recruiters? You go to them and let them know what you are looking for and they will call you if they have something and set you up with an interview.

 

[Husker86]

Have any of you ever lied on a resume? One of my work experiences was as an independent contractor for a tech company. I'm wondering if I'd get away with backdating my start date by about 5 months. That job was a smaller operation without a dedicated HR person. It's a real possibility they may just say "Yes" immediately when asked by the background checking company. I'm still nervous, though.

That sounds like a really bad idea.

 

[Voror]

What industry are you applying to and for what position? Also ever considered recruiters? You go to them and let them know what you are looking for and they will call you if they have something and set you up with an interview.

Radio and TV Broadcasting. I've been looking into it recently and know some people who have used some as well that I've reached out to. Just waiting on them to get back to me.

 

[0OoO0]

After about 5 months of unemployment, I finally got a call for a job offer. I have not accepted the offer yet because I insist on seeing the employment contract but if it's okay I will finally be back in the workforce =)

 

[Pancakes]

What do you guys do for applying to jobs out of your state? I have a brother in law who lives in a different state where I would like to work. Do you think it's worth moving there and then looking for work? Or just applying with that state's address so I don't get filtered out and wait for an offer.

 

[NEO0MJ]

I have an interview with Ernst & Young in a couple of days. I'm not exaggerating when i say this might be my last chance of getting a good job. Pretty tense about it all and I feel like I really need to brush up my knowledge. Kinda scared because I forgot what I wrote as answers to some of their online questions and I'm worried they might use them in the interview. Also, I shamelessly looked up answers online while taking their online test so I'm even more worried if they ask technical questions.

TLDR; pray for me

 

[Rose of Eternity]

I have an interview with Ernst & Young in a couple of days. I'm not exaggerating when i say this might be my last chance of getting a good job. Pretty tense about it all and I feel like I really need to brush up my knowledge. Kinda scared because I forgot what I wrote as answers to some of their online questions and I'm worried they might use them in the interview. Also, I shamelessly looked up answers online while taking their online test so I'm even more worried if they ask technical questions.

TLDR; pray for me

Tax? Audit? IT? Advisory? Campus interview? Experienced hire?

 

[DarkChronic]

Nailed an hour interview two weeks ago with the two managers. They emailed me immediately afterwards and asked me back to meet with some members of the team.

Went in last Tuesday and sat with 4 people in a conference room for 30 minutes. 2 of them seemed to like me, 2 of them looked bored to tears.

Anyway, tomorrow will mark a week, and I still haven't heard back.

Ugh. I know it's not "over until it's over" but I really think I would have heard something by now.

 

[NEO0MJ]

Tax? Audit? IT? Advisory? Campus interview? Experienced hire?

Tax, graduate program. I graduated more than a year ago, which is another thing that's worrying me.

 

[Rose of Eternity]

Tax, graduate program. I graduated more than a year ago, which is another thing that's worrying me.

Just applied through our site? Pretty good then if you got an interview during this time. We're doing campus interviews right now. CPA is done? I've been with EY for 8 years now. Glad you want to come tax.

 

[Sora_N]

I have an interview with Ernst & Young in a couple of days. I'm not exaggerating when i say this might be my last chance of getting a good job. Pretty tense about it all and I feel like I really need to brush up my knowledge. Kinda scared because I forgot what I wrote as answers to some of their online questions and I'm worried they might use them in the interview. Also, I shamelessly looked up answers online while taking their online test so I'm even more worried if they ask technical questions.

TLDR; pray for me

Be confident man even getting an interview with then is tough. Did you network to get the interview?

 

[Syphon Filter]

I'm speaking with a recruiter through email and he is sending my resume to a company but he says that he needs the last 5 digits of my SS# and DOB. I am always cautious about giving that info online due to scams. I have been to this recruiters office however, it's just that I am extra careful with this. Should I respond with the info?

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Wish I could get into auditing. Seems like decent pay.

 

[NEO0MJ]

Just applied through our site? Pretty good then if you got an interview during this time. We're doing campus interviews right now. CPA is done? I've been with EY for 8 years now. Glad you want to come tax.

No CPA, but studying for the CFA. Maybe I should look into that more and show interest for it as well in the interview. Truth be told I'm kinda surprised I even got it. I have BS in Finance, though I have been working in accounting at a small company the last few months.

Be confident man even getting an interview with then is tough. Did you network to get the interview?

Thanks for the kind words! And networking, just applying online. networking is something I should have worked on more during college but I was too shy.