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[Syphon Filter]

Should I send a thank you note for an internship meeting?

 

[Edwardo]

Got an offer!

I've been trying to get a job at this company since mid-September. I got turned down from one job, then I was asked to apply to another position there. I got the call today. I just need to fill out some paperwork and pass a background check/drug screening.

Question though..

They want me to have a start date of 2/8, but I would like to put in a two week notice at my current job. Also, I don't want to do that until everything goes through with the background check and drug test. They shouldn't give me any trouble if I request that the start date be two weeks from a confirmation that these things have gone through, right?

 

[entremet]

Got an offer!

I've been trying to get a job at this company since mid-September. I got turned down from one job, then I was asked to apply to another position there. I got the call today. I just need to fill out some paperwork and pass a background check/drug screening.

Question though..

They want me to have a start date of 2/8, but I would like to put in a two week notice at my current job. Also, I don't want to do that until everything goes through with the background check and drug test. They shouldn't give me any trouble if I request that the start date be two weeks from a confirmation that these things have gone through, right?

Two weeks is just a courtesy. It's not set in stone at all. It mean it helps, but people really get caught up with this these unwritten rules as if they're gospel.

Companies can fire you at a drop at a hat. The employee/employer social contract has been dead since the late 70s.

Why are you worried about the drug and background test? Are their things you are not aware of lol.

 

[Septimus Prime]

We had a guy today walk in and pretend he had a scheduled interview. The problem was he came in during our lunch time, where we would never schedule an interview for that time. When asked who confirmed the interview, he said he forgot, and he didn't bring a resume or anything. Then he said he'd be back in an hour. He never came back.

Ballsy move, I guess, but man. I assume he figured out we weren't stupid, so he didn't come back. Ironically, had he just walked in and asked for an interview, we might have done it.

 

[That1BlackGuy]

If anyone wants to work from home and live in the US, consider taking a look at U-Haul. For one, they're always hiring for remote jobs and they hire as young as 16. Two, you ain't got to waste money on a commute. Now granted, it's a phone job and yall know how that is but at least it's something to hold you over until you find something better.

Here's the link:
http://jobs.uhaul.com/contact_center.aspx?jobtype=workfromhome

I've had enough with this temp service I recently joined. This woman asked me if I was sure if I actually applied with them, after just speaking to her last week and working for them before. They do this every time I call them or go in person. Asking me if I submitted my transcripts and resume when we just covered this over the phone and last week told me about a job, couldn't tell me where it was, just generally what I would be doing and said to meet with her today. Got there today and she told me I couldn't do it because I don't have much experience with it, when she could've just told me that shit over the phone when she had my resume and shit.

She said there's a substitute teacher thing I could do, but I get to get a blood test and drug test for it. A criminal background check too, which I had to remind her I already did a while ago. I have to pay for these tests myself. They'll probably end up losing the results from my tests. I think I'll just say fuck it, forget this temp agency and go back to the desperate plan and go back picking up boxes at Fedex.

If they givin you the runaround, you should go to another temp service. I've never heard nothing like that, usually Temps want to get you placed ASAP so they can get their cut.

 

[Roland_Gunner]

They want me to have a start date of 2/8, but I would like to put in a two week notice at my current job. Also, I don't want to do that until everything goes through with the background check and drug test. They shouldn't give me any trouble if I request that the start date be two weeks from a confirmation that these things have gone through, right?

I've never heard of an employer refusing to allow for two weeks notice. Surely they want people to give them the say courtesy when leaving. Just let the recruiter know what you want to do. Honestly, I'd be leery of any company that wouldn't accept this.

 

[Roland_Gunner]

I
If they givin you the runaround, you should go to another temp service. I've never heard nothing like that, usually Temps want to get you placed ASAP so they can get their cut.

Totally this. You're dealing with a shitty temp agency. Good ones exist! Unless you're in a very small area there should be a number of alternatives you can switch to.

 

[Edwardo]

Two weeks is just a courtesy. It's not set in stone at all. It mean it helps, but people really get caught up with this these unwritten rules as if they're gospel.

Companies can fire you at a drop at a hat. The employee/employer social contract has been dead since the late 70s.

Why are you worried about the drug and background test? Are their things you are not aware of lol.

I've been at my current job for nine years now. I'd rather leave on good enough terms with them.

There's nothing im really worrying about for the test. I'd just rather be safe and have it all set enough in stone before I leave my current job.

I've never heard of an employer refusing to allow for two weeks notice. Surely they want people to give them the say courtesy when leaving. Just let the recruiter know what you want to do. Honestly, I'd be leery of any company that wouldn't accept this.

Ya I'll talk to the recruiter tomorrow. I doubt there will be a problem.

 

[gwailo]

I've had enough with this temp service I recently joined. This woman asked me if I was sure if I actually applied with them, after just speaking to her last week and working for them before. They do this every time I call them or go in person. Asking me if I submitted my transcripts and resume when we just covered this over the phone and last week told me about a job, couldn't tell me where it was, just generally what I would be doing and said to meet with her today. Got there today and she told me I couldn't do it because I don't have much experience with it, when she could've just told me that shit over the phone when she had my resume and shit.

She said there's a substitute teacher thing I could do, but I get to get a blood test and drug test for it. A criminal background check too, which I had to remind her I already did a while ago. I have to pay for these tests myself. They'll probably end up losing the results from my tests. I think I'll just say fuck it, forget this temp agency and go back to the desperate plan and go back picking up boxes at Fedex.

That place is a scam - no legit agency will ask you to pay for background checks/drug tests. And by transcripts, do they mean your school transcripts? Highly suspect. Ask for all your records/paperwork with them and never deal with them again.

 

[Fury Sense]

Need advice on followup email

I had my first and second phone interviews with a company on Monday and Tuesday. They seemed to go fine, and I was told they would do their best to get back to me on Wednesday with an answer on whether I'd be moving on to the next round. However, they have a company retreat from Wed - Fri (today). I didn't hear back, so I would expect that I'd hear something on Monday or maybe Tuesday if work piled up from this week delays them.

I already sent one thank you note after the second call on Tuesday -- should I write another one today/monday?

 

[Roland_Gunner]

Need advice on followup email

I had my first and second phone interviews with a company on Monday and Tuesday. They seemed to go fine, and I was told they would do their best to get back to me on Wednesday with an answer on whether I'd be moving on to the next round. However, they have a company retreat from Wed - Fri (today). I didn't hear back, so I would expect that I'd hear something on Monday or maybe Tuesday if work piled up from this week delays them.

I already sent one thank you note after the second call on Tuesday -- should I write another one today/monday?

If they've been on a retreat for three days everyone will be slammed on Monday. Wait until Tuesday afternoon and if you haven't heard anything by then send a followup asking for status. There's a better chance the recruiter actually reads your email if they aren't going through three days of backlog.

 

[half a moon]

Probably going to bomb an interview tomorrow. It's only for some production/printer/packer job. Blah.

 

[Blablurn]

Probably going to bomb an interview tomorrow. It's only for some production/printer/packer job. Blah.

Dont be half a moon

Be a full moon

You can do it

 

[Transistor]

Probably going to bomb an interview tomorrow. It's only for some production/printer/packer job. Blah.

Try to have a better attitude at the job interview =P

 

[Window]

Starting my first job since graduation tomorrow after 6 months of unemployment. Really nervous right now!

 

[bumclot]

Probably going to bomb an interview tomorrow. It's only for some production/printer/packer job. Blah.

I hope the interview went better than you thought it would!

I have an in-person interview coming up in a couple days and I am scared out of my mind. Anyone have any tips/advice on combating interview anxiety?

 

[mrklaw]

got a rejection from my most recent interview (note to recruiters - please don't send those out on a Sunday afternoon, thats a real downer).

I asked for feedback and they rang me back just now with really good feedback. A few points I disagreed with regarding my experience but I realise perhaps I didn't get that across in my interview - so a good learning to cover a broad range of experience before drilling into detail. The other points were valid though, and I'd like to ask for advice regarding them

1) Backend services. My primary experience is around consumer facing apps. Some of those hook into backend services but we leveraged existing ones. So that is a potential weakness of mine. Are there good courses or things to look into, so I can say 'I have some limited experience but I've done x/y/z to help overcome that'?

2) Budget management. I've rarely spent real money (probably not in the last 10 years). Its all internal budgets, spending time rather than euros. Again, is there something I can look into to help with this? I think I can partly cover that by talking about my early experience with third party contractors, but for more complex projects that won't be enough.

 

[entremet]

got a rejection from my most recent interview (note to recruiters - please don't send those out on a Sunday afternoon, thats a real downer).

I asked for feedback and they rang me back just now with really good feedback. A few points I disagreed with regarding my experience but I realise perhaps I didn't get that across in my interview - so a good learning to cover a broad range of experience before drilling into detail. The other points were valid though, and I'd like to ask for advice regarding them

1) Backend services. My primary experience is around consumer facing apps. Some of those hook into backend services but we leveraged existing ones. So that is a potential weakness of mine. Are there good courses or things to look into, so I can say 'I have some limited experience but I've done x/y/z to help overcome that'?

2) Budget management. I've rarely spent real money (probably not in the last 10 years). Its all internal budgets, spending time rather than euros. Again, is there something I can look into to help with this? I think I can partly cover that by talking about my early experience with third party contractors, but for more complex projects that won't be enough.

For number 1 have you worked with with PHP, Java, Python? That's a good way to leverage that into a point of experience.

I'm not too familiar with budgets either, so I can't give you advice there.

 

[Fury Sense]

Today is the third Monday of my job search. Here are my latest numbers:

55 Applications
14 Rejections
4 Phone interviews
1 Second phone interview
1 Take-home assignment

Lessons

• Always be enthusiastic. I forced myself to be so with a company I talked to today until they told me they were moving downtown (half the commute!). Now I AM excited
• Network and get internal references. 2/2 references have led to interviews compared to 2/53 cold applications
• Companies that don't reply might not even be hiring and don't respond to follow-ups either. Many are just 'putting out feelers'.

 

[entremet]

Today is the third Monday of my job search. Here are my latest numbers:

55 Applications
14 Rejections
4 Phone interviews
1 Second phone interview
1 Take-home assignment

Lessons

• Always be enthusiastic. I forced myself to be so with a company I talked to today until they told me they were moving downtown (half the commute!). Now I AM excited
• Network and get internal references. 2/2 references have led to interviews compared to 2/53 cold applications
• Companies that don't reply might not even be hiring and don't respond to follow-ups either. Many are just 'putting out feelers'.

I like your updates. They give people a realistic understanding on how persistent you need to be during a job search.

 

[Wilsongt]

I had a pre interview test for a lab positio . Was not chosen futher for an interview.

Two years since I started my search, a year and a half since graduation from grad school. Probably going to lose my apartment and have to move in with my father.

Suicide seems a better option, lol

 

[entremet]

I had a pre interview test for a lab positio . Was not chosen futher for an interview.

Two years since I started my search, a year and a half since graduation from grad school. Probably going to lose my apartment and have to move in with my father.

Suicide seems a better option, lol

Have you taken any jobs at all? Even the least prestigious may give you the confidence while on the job search.

Are you networking, producing content related to your field, learning skills on your downtime, volunteering?

All of these will help keep your spirits high.

Also look to find success in other areas, such as fitness and friendships. American society places too much of our worth on career and money, so when we struggle in those area we can have existential crises.

Do all this while job searching. It helps.

 

[Wilsongt]

Have you taken any jobs at all? Even the least prestigious may give you the confidence while on the job search.

Are you networking, producing content related to your field, learning skills on your downtime, volunteering?

All of these will help keep your spirits high.

Also look to find success in other areas, such as fitness and friendships. American society places too much of our worth on career and money, so when we struggle in those area we can have existential crises.

Do all this while job searching. It helps.

I've applied for jobs at retail places but have not heard anything. I am reluctant to do anything with food because I have eczema pretty much everywhere, and there are enough people out in the world who wouldn't want someone with the way my skin looks handling their food, so I don't want to do that.

 

[entremet]

I've applied for jobs at retail places but have not heard anything. I am reluctant to do anything with food because I have eczema pretty much everywhere, and there are enough people out in the world who wouldn't want someone with the way my skin looks handling their food, so I don't want to do that.

What about data entry or customer service? Those jobs always need warm bodies.

What about tutoring? Specifically tutoring college kids since you seem to a science major.

 

[JetForceGemini]

So today I dropped off my resume at tmobile(at the managers request after I called and told them I applied online)

How many days should I wait before I call to ask for an update on the job application?

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I have a phone interview for a reporting specialist position with Raymond James tomorrow morning. I had one about 4 months ago, but bombed it.

I tried finding interview questions in glassdoor for the position, but couldn't find anything.

Also, what I'm going to do is write down everything that I think may be asked.

 

[Wilsongt]

What about data entry or customer service? Those jobs always need warm bodies.

What about tutoring? Specifically tutoring college kids since you seem to a science major.

Have been applying. I am involved with a job placement/temp agency, but I've not heard anything from them just yet.

 

[gwailo]

I have a phone interview for a reporting specialist position with Raymond James tomorrow morning. I had one about 4 months ago, but bombed it.

I tried finding interview questions in glassdoor for the position, but couldn't find anything.

Also, what I'm going to do is write down everything that I think may be asked.

I work in brokerage. Companies tend to use canned situational questions: tell me about a time you overcame a problem and the like. Usually it is about 5-10 questions. Be prepared to give very exact examples and the results you got. Also if you have experience with particular software, emphasize that. Be willing to work overtime, especially during tax time and year end. Dress up - wear a suit with tie.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I work in brokerage. Companies tend to use canned situational questions: tell me about a time you overcame a problem and the like. Usually it is about 5-10 questions. Be prepared to give very exact examples and the results you got. Also if you have experience with particular software, emphasize that. Be willing to work overtime, especially during tax time and year end. Dress up - wear a suit with tie.

This is a phone interview as I've said. Also, when I'm asked, tell me about yourself, what should I say? That I went to said college, my current employment and what I do, and my internship in college?

Also, why work at Raymond James? I know it's a good company to work for, but really I've been applying to anything there that I qualify for. What should I say?

 

[gwailo]

Sorry, missed that it is a phone interview. Don't sweat it too much. You'll probably just be talking with someone in HR who will ask you general questions like what interested you in the job, what pay are you looking for, etc, and then they will explain the job in more detail to see if you would be interested.

If they ask about your history, just be honest - you're working in retail and while you have enjoyed building your customer service skills, you are looking to get into an industry that has more growth potential, or something like that.

Why Raymond James? Just blow smoke up their ass, say the company is well established in the industry and looks like a great place to start a career in the field.

 

[entremet]

Have been applying. I am involved with a job placement/temp agency, but I've not heard anything from them just yet.

Have you been networking with friends and family?

Asking, "Do you know of any openings?"

How is your alumni network? Any fellow alumni currently working?

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Sorry, missed that it is a phone interview. Don't sweat it too much. You'll probably just be talking with someone in HR who will ask you general questions like what interested you in the job, what pay are you looking for, etc, and then they will explain the job in more detail to see if you would be interested.

If they ask about your history, just be honest - you're working in retail and while you have enjoyed building your customer service skills, you are looking to get into an industry that has more growth potential, or something like that.

Why Raymond James? Just blow smoke up their ass, say the company is well established in the industry and looks like a great place to start a career in the field.

Ok, thanks. This is the job:

http://raymondjamesmobilejobsearch....rting-st.-petersburg-fl-jobs/description/true

What would be good to say as far as strength and weakness that's related to the job itself?

I have my phone interview at 1130. For strength, is detailed oriented, I absorb information quickly, and I like to be challenged good for strength? I can't figure out weakness related to the job.

 

[gwailo]

The strengths are good, I would also maybe add in customer service skills you gained in retail. If they ask you about a time you overcame something, tell a story about how you dealt with an irate customer. Even though the Raymond James position isn't customer facing per se, you will probably have to deal with pissed off advisors. I deal with cost basis and it can be a real pain in the ass, especially at tax time.

Also something that shows teamwork and adaptability, like how you were willing to move from being a cashier to helping in the warehouse when they got extra freight in so that your store was able to pass inspection from a district manager, which led to bonuses (a hypothectical story, you get the idea). You will be expected to take on things and learn them with short notice and little training.

For weaknesses, I usually said I tended to get too involved in one job and not look for opportunities elsewhere in the company and/or not using internal resources (networking) as much as possible. Avoid BS answers like "I'm a perfectionist".

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Yeah, thanks for that.

So HR called and said they have no idea what's going on with the position. They're not sure if it's cancelled or not, and they'll get back to me if it's re-opened, lol. Back to my shitty retail job today.

 

[gwailo]

Happens a lot - probably they already had someone internal in mind for the position but HR has to put something out. I had a HR rep from Wells Fargo tell me that after the third job in a row that I had an interview for "disappeared".

If you got the HR rep's name, it's a good idea to add them on LinkedIn. That seems to be the best place to find brokerage jobs, at least in my area.

 

[Splash Wave]

I have an application question:

If the instructions ask for three writing samples, would I be wrong to just include a link to my portfolio website? The formatting of what I've written is such that the samples are presented much better as they are (rather than simply pasted as text).

 

[anonymous_abc]

I have an application question:

If the instructions ask for three writing samples, would I be wrong to just include a link to my portfolio website? The formatting of what I've written is such that the samples are presented much better as they are (rather than simply pasted as text).

I wouldn't count on anyone on the other end to click on links and make an effort to find what you want to show them.

 

[Syphon Filter]

I am talking with two companies and recently I had a phone interview with them. I told them that I need an answer by monday because I am speaking with someone else but I prefer to be with them. Do you think that was a bad idea?

 

[gwailo]

Most interviews I've had ask if you have been interviewing anywhere else. I don't think offhand there's really anything wrong with telling the person that you have an offer from company x and they need to hear an answer by xxx date, but you would rather work for company y if the made a similar offer.

If you interviewed with a bigger company, it might be a moot point though. HR tends to move pretty slowly and they'll give you a BS answer like "we still have candidates to interview" etc.

 

[JetForceGemini]

anybody wanna critique my resume?

 

[Markitron]

I interviewed for a job in a major pharmaceutical company the week before Christmas. I know that I didn't get it and need to let it go, but my mind seems to want to hold out a sliver of hope.

It's this sliver of hope that's gonna kill me when the confirmation comes through.

 

[Fury Sense]

Had my first on-site this morning at 10:30am. It lasted till about noon and they called me back an hour later to return at 3pm to meet the CEO (only 19 people in the company currently).

I think everything went really well with everyone I talked to except the CEO. He asked me some unexpected personal questions and threw me completely off guard. Then it kind of switched back to professional mode but I was still disarmed and didn't have my best answers ready.

At the end, he starting speaking as if he were consoling me for not getting the job and it just made me feel plain bad. He didn't say I didn't get it, but he also didn't say I was a top candidate. After I got back to a coworking space, I sent sincere thank you emails to each person I talked to.

I am definitely feeling anxious right now, which is completely different from this morning. On the bus ride to their office, I was filling myself with positive thoughts. Replaying all the times in my head my friends said things like "If anyone can get a job, it's you," and "How could a smart guy like you have to work so hard to get a job?" and "Bah, I'm sure you'll find something." Totally convinced myself I was going to kick ass and I'm certain that I did this morning. After that, I must have psyched myself out or something because I do NOT feel good about the second one.

Bottom line I think is to never let your guard down. Always maintain a fair command over the conversation rather than letting the other person drive it completely. No timeframe given for a response, but I would expect it this week.

Still waiting on responses from 3 companies who have already phone screened me. Gotta send out more applications...

 

[NEO0MJ]

anybody wanna critique my resume?

I'd be willing, though I'm not sure how much my critique would help. Just pm if you feel like showing it.

I interviewed for a job in a major pharmaceutical company the week before Christmas. I know that I didn't get it and need to let it go, but my mind seems to want to hold out a sliver of hope.

It's this sliver of hope that's gonna kill me when the confirmation comes through.

They might still be considering you, though you might want to lower your expectations a little.

 

[Arex]

So it seems like I'll be returning to my home country (Indonesia) after 7-ish yrs working in the games industry Singapore.

The goverment rejected the renewal of my work pass last August so I had to resign and apply for other companies. I got the offer from one of my fav company last December, was happy with increased salary and all, but in the end it got rejected again.

It sucks when we've signed the contract and all, and I can still fail to get the job, just because I'm a foreigner.. I guess they wanna protect their own people, but :/

Just wanna get this out of my chest lol

 

[half a moon]

I hope the interview went better than you thought it would!

I have an in-person interview coming up in a couple days and I am scared out of my mind. Anyone have any tips/advice on combating interview anxiety?

I bombed it. I feel like a retard. Amazon didn't even do interviews for a similar job. They just handed them out to hundreds of people. It was he'll working there tho and probably would have sucked just the same at this new place. I fear I'll never find sucess in life and get an actual decent job since I can't answer basic interview questions well.

 

[1.21Gigawatts]

I'm 22 and I've had 6 different jobs so far in my life. they were all small jobs because I'm still studying, so I'm basically just looking for something thats flexible so I can do it after uni or on the days I have no courses and also allows me to work less during finals.
I consider myself lucky because so far I've never even wrote an application or had a job interview. I usually just call and get the job, because around here the employment situation is such that its basically no problem whatsoever to get a job.
My jobs also have been pretty decent so far. I don't work less than 12€ an hour(which is on the upper end for mini jobs, most places only pay around 8-9€) and I only do stuff that isn't too stressful. I would never work in retail or customer service or something like that.

But I'm scared of the real deal once I got my degree. So far everything has been easy, but I don't think it'll stay like this.

 

[anonymous_abc]

I'm 22 and I've had 6 different jobs so far in my life. they were all small jobs because I'm still studying, so I'm basically just looking for something thats flexible so I can do it after uni or on the days I have no courses and also allows me to work less during finals.
I consider myself lucky because so far I've never even wrote an application or had a job interview. I usually just call and get the job, because around here the employment situation is such that its basically no problem whatsoever to get a job.
My jobs also have been pretty decent so far. I don't work less than 12€ an hour(which is on the upper end for mini jobs, most places only pay around 8-9€) and I only do stuff that isn't too stressful. I would never work in retail or customer service or something like that.

But I'm scared of the real deal once I got my degree. So far everything has been easy, but I don't think it'll stay like this.

In my experience the first job after graduation is the most difficult to land.
So do what you can while still at uni to get yourself into a good starting position.
Intern at companies you would like to work for, network there as much as possible. Anything to get your face known above a sea of other candidates.

 

[gwailo]

Had my first on-site this morning at 10:30am. It lasted till about noon and they called me back an hour later to return at 3pm to meet the CEO (only 19 people in the company currently).

I think everything went really well with everyone I talked to except the CEO. He asked me some unexpected personal questions and threw me completely off guard. Then it kind of switched back to professional mode but I was still disarmed and didn't have my best answers ready.
...

IMO you dodged a bullet. If the guy is seriously calling himself a "CEO" running a company with 19 employees, he sounds like a power hungry/self-important dick - throwing in curveball personal questions is very unprofessional also.

 

[oni_saru]

I am talking with two companies and recently I had a phone interview with them. I told them that I need an answer by monday because I am speaking with someone else but I prefer to be with them. Do you think that was a bad idea?

Nope. I did that with my previous job. Told them i got an offer elsewhere and had until this date to say yes so i needed to know asap if they wanted me so i didn't miss the other opportunity. Saying you prefer to be with them & stating why is a good way to show that they're your top pick as much as you hope you're theirs.


Poster with the shitty CEO, don't sweat it much. You may have dodged a bullet. Sometimes the people interviewing can be fickle or just outright picky. I know at my sister's previous job, her manager liked her replacement but the manager above that manager did not like the replacement. So because one found something not to like they didn't hire the potential replacement.

Also when my sis interviewed at a different dealership, all the employees really liked her and thought her sales and CS scores were impressive. Then the HR lady interviewed her & straight up disliked her from the get go.

 

[mhayes86]

Starting my first job since graduation tomorrow after 6 months of unemployment. Really nervous right now!

Congrats! I got my current job's offer the day of my college graduation, but it took 7 months for me to finally start. That period of unemployment was rough, especially while trying to apply to various places to fill the void while waiting around for the okay to start.