Job Search Thread

[Shawn Hopkins]

I've noticed a lot of people who post in the Cafe are looking for work, some have been doing so for a long time. I thought it might be good to share our stories about our job search and tips and advice, talk about what has worked for us and what hasn't and encourage the members that are looking for work.

I'm not trying to put myself forward as a know-it-all expert here, but I do work in this job development field and write about it as my job so if anyone wants advice or resources I can probably point you in the right direction.

So, does anyone have stories?

[G. Wen]

I heard scheduling your interview between 9-11 in the morning will more likely land you your job than scheduling it in the afternoon.

[GWOtaku]

No interesting stories I'm afraid, although I think that my resume advice (http://www.toonzone.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2913198&highlight=resume#post2913198) from awhile ago still holds up pretty well.

[Tay the Cat]

OK, this thread is right up my alley.

I've been looking for quite a long time, with no luck. I'm convinced that it's because I'm not a good talker, but I don't know.

[Shawn Hopkins]

OK, this thread is right up my alley.

I've been looking for quite a long time, with no luck. I'm convinced that it's because I'm not a good talker, but I don't know.

If you're not a good talker find some common interview questions on the Web and get a parent or a friend to sit down with you and do practice interviews until you feel comfortable with it. That's one thing that can help.

[Master Moron]

I've noticed a lot of people who post in the Cafe are looking for work, some have been doing so for a long time. I thought it might be good to share our stories about our job search and tips and advice, talk about what has worked for us and what hasn't and encourage the members that are looking for work.

I'm not trying to put myself forward as a know-it-all expert here, but I do work in this job development field and write about it as my job so if anyone wants advice or resources I can probably point you in the right direction.

So, does anyone have stories?

Stories? I've got stories.

I one time applied for a job, and during the initial phone interview he asked me if I knew the difference between a slut, a skank, and a skeezer.

I also had one job interview where I got an offer and about a week after I had accepted the offer he sent me a rejection letter saying I accepted the offer the wrong way.

I had a job interview where the interviewer complained the whole time about how much her job sucked and how much of a hardass her boss was.

I had an interview where the interviewer answered the phone in the middle of the interview.

I'm finding that no matter how much you perfect your interview skills, it really doesn't matter if the other person is a terrible interviewer.

[Daxdiv]

I one time applied for a job, and during the initial phone interview he asked me if I knew the difference between a slut, a skank, and a skeezer.

What kind of interview would even bring up a question like that?

[Shawn Hopkins]

Stories? I've got stories.

I one time applied for a job, and during the initial phone interview he asked me if I knew the difference between a slut, a skank, and a skeezer.

I also had one job interview where I got an offer and about a week after I had accepted the offer he sent me a rejection letter saying I accepted the offer the wrong way.

I had a job interview where the interviewer complained the whole time about how much her job sucked and how much of a hardass her boss was.

I had an interview where the interviewer answered the phone in the middle of the interview.

I'm finding that no matter how much you perfect your interview skills, it really doesn't matter if the other person is a terrible interviewer.

Yeah. It's just not something you can control, though. Someone is going to get that job, you have to figure out what you can do to make it you even if the interviewer is an idiot. One thing to do is, if they do ask inappropriate questions, don't answer them. I mean I hope you didn't actually give your opinion on the slut, skank or skeezer question.

Maybe it's just the field that I've worked in but I've never ran into anything that unprofessional in interviews. Maybe sometimes the reviewers could have had better questions and there was one where they seemed irritated to have to deal with me but that's about it.

Speaking generally to anyone that might be reading, jobseekers should know that are some questions, by the way, that you never have to answer in an interview. If someone asks you about your religion, your race, your disabilities, your marital status (including whether you're using your maiden name), if you have kids, your age (as long as your old enough to work there and if you're over 18 that should be no problem), your national origin, any sexual or sexuality questions or any political questions, don't answer them and be aware that it's illegal and inappropriate for them to ask that, at least in the United States. Try to avoid the question or say you'd rather not talk about it first, but if the employer presses tell them it's not appropriate under the law. They should back off there. It might be tempting just to give in and answer them, but do you really want to work at a place where they judge you for inappropriate reasons?

As a caveat, you do have to consider the intent, though, if the interviewer is just chatting about the pictures of his kids and asks you if you have any he's probably not sneakily trying to get info out of you, just making conversation. Also note that though they can't ask you questions about disabilities, they can ask you if, say, you are able to lift a certain amount of weight or reach items on a shelf of a certain height or perform other job duties.

[Master Moron]

Yeah. It's just not something you can control, though. Someone is going to get that job, you have to figure out what you can do to make it you even if the interviewer is an idiot. One thing to do is, if they do ask inappropriate questions, don't answer them. I mean I hope you didn't actually give your opinion on the slut, skank or skeezer question.


Oh, but I did come up with an answer. At first I actually thought he was trying to test me. I knew a girl who was working for him that was a feminist, so I figured he was trying to test me to see if I would say anything sexist, so I gave a very politically correct answer and said that third wave feminists wouldn't use any of those terms and would merely say that a promiscuous woman is a woman who chooses to have multiple sexual partners. I thought that was a great answer, but apparently he wasn't impressed as he then explained that the difference was that the word skank is used when a woman is considered diseased, whereas the term slut does not have that connotation. At that point I figured I might as well go along with him and I asked him what a skeezer was, which he explained meant a woman that was older. And no, I'm not making any of that up.

[Shawn Hopkins]

Oh, but I did come up with an answer. At first I actually thought he was trying to test me. I knew a girl who was working for him that was a feminist, so I figured he was trying to test me to see if I would say anything sexist, so I gave a very politically correct answer and said that third wave feminists wouldn't use any of those terms and would merely say that a promiscuous woman is a woman who chooses to have multiple sexual partners. I thought that was a great answer, but apparently he wasn't impressed as he then explained that the difference was that the word skank is used when a woman is considered diseased, whereas the term slut does not have that connotation. At that point I figured I might as well go along with him and I asked him what a skeezer was, which he explained meant a woman that was older. And no, I'm not making any of that up.

That kind of question is a tar baby. If you touch it, even gently, you at least get dirty and probably get stuck. Also, what the hell were you applying for, assistant pimp?

[ABrown]

Jobs??? There's no jobs. I open up the JOB SECTION of the Sunday newspaper, and it's about one quarter of a page.

[Tay the Cat]

Supposedly my city has the 8th-best job market in the country.

I believe it, but I apply to places I'm qualified for and close to me.

Nothing.

[Master Moron]

That kind of question is a tar baby. If you touch it, even gently, you at least get dirty and probably get stuck. Also, what the hell were you applying for, assistant pimp?

It was an attorney position. Bankruptcy, to be exact. And of course, I didn't even get into how the actual interview went. At the interview he asked me where I see myself in five years. I gave the usual answer that I wanted to have challenging work, a large client base, etc. and he responded by telling me that that was a ******** interview answer and that he wanted my real answer. Needless to say, I didn't get the job.

[Peter Paltridge]

Jobs??? There's no jobs. I open up the JOB SECTION of the Sunday newspaper, and it's about one quarter of a page.
Natch -- nobody uses the classifieds anymore. The postings are at Craigslist now.

Not that there's anything there either...

[Daxdiv]

Jobs??? There's no jobs. I open up the JOB SECTION of the Sunday newspaper, and it's about one quarter of a page.

Wow, I guess sites like Snagajob.com, and Careerbuilders.com are taking up more space than the good ol' fashion paper want ads.

I remember when I didn't have a job that my mom suggested looking at Snagajob for job openings, since I was mostly looking for part-time and not focusing on making anything a career at this point in time. Out of the times I used it, only a few jobs actually called me to schedule an interview, and that's when the site would normally link me to the regular site to fill out an online application hosted by the employer. I blew the first one, was very nervous, and wouldn't provide good answer.

Another one I had problems with scheduling an appointment, since they would call when I was out of the home during class time. I did try to call them back, but every time I did, they would tell me that the person in charge wasn't in at that time, or when she was, she needed to look back at my application. It was getting very frustrating to do that since most of the time she was in, I would be in a class, or whenever I had free time, she wasn't there.

I was able to find a job back in October thanks to my dad finding a position at the local grocery store that was hiring. I was late with getting it in with what I applied for, but since the employer was a friend of my dad, she allowed me to work there as a cart attendant. You know what, it isn't really a bad job. I just spend most of the time talking to the other cart attendants whenever we can, and due to poor management, we practically do this everyday. That is whenever we have enough carts up near the door. So yeah, basically I was able to get a job due to the fact that I knew someone, that knew someone that worked there.

[PC!]

I like the job site suggestions. Anything's better than the incredibly minuscule classifieds of my local paper that feature nothing but nursing jobs.

[mumbo]

Yeah I've found newspaper classifieds pretty useless frankly. Half of them are telemarketing jobs in my local paper.

I got my current job by knowing someone who works there and so I got a jump on the position. The interview went horribly and I was a stuttering wreck, but I got the job anyway, and the interviewer said I was one of the nicest and most charming applicants they'd ever had.

It's a warehouse job though, so it's not like interview skills are important. I think they were just glad I don't do drugs, unlike a good lot of my co-workers.

Really having connections is by far the easiest way to land a job. You pretty much have to luck into having good connections though.

[PC!]

It seems nowadays that so many businesses (big businesses, I mean) don't even have paper applications anymore. Most of the jobs I've searched for have required filling out online applications.

My question is, how exactly do you follow up on them?

[ABrown]

My question is, how exactly do you follow up on them?

"Don't call us, we'll call you."

[Shawn Hopkins]

No, not calling is a bad idea. Always call after a reasonable amount of time to follow up and check on the process, letting them know you're still interested and asking if they need any additional information from you. This may even remind them to take a look at your application. You should also call and do the same thing after the interview. And you should also send a well-written thank you letter or e-mail shortly after the interview. Keep yourself in their minds as best you can without appearing desperate about it or getting annoying.

"Don't call us, we'll call you," usually, not always but usually, means "We won't call you."

[PC!]

I'm actually referring to a corporation (for example, Wal-Mart or Starbucks) where there are locations all across the country and you apply for a job on the corporate website. Does the information get filtered down to the local stores? Would I simply follow up by calling the local stores in my area?

[BartWinkle]

Ever since leaving my job as a bagger at a supermarket in 2001 I've been having a very terrible time finding work. I keep applying and applying but to no avail.

[SilentBat18]

Does anyone have any advice for someone with a BA in psychology and no work experience in the psych area? Ive tried looking for jobs within that field but all i get is occuparional therapist (underqualified) or mental health tehnician (overqualified). I mean, im on my way to starting my masters which will defentely secure me a job, but before that theres nothing i can do. My most recent job experience is bathing dogs but before that i was an RA and math tutor. I cant seem to find that job to give me some experience to put on my resume either because of the economy or because i havent recieved my masters yet.

[Shawn Hopkins]

Ever since leaving my job as a bagger at a supermarket in 2001 I've been having a very terrible time finding work. I keep applying and applying but to no avail.

Give us a little more info on what you've been doing. The job market is tough, but it ain't looking for nine years tough and it was even less tough for most of the time you've been looking.

[dothesmartthing]

Does anybody know the current hiring process for travel agency? That's one of the fields I'm considering after graduating from college.

[FireWarrior]

Does anyone have any advice for someone with a BA in psychology and no work experience in the psych area? Ive tried looking for jobs within that field but all i get is occuparional therapist (underqualified) or mental health tehnician (overqualified). I mean, im on my way to starting my masters which will defentely secure me a job, but before that theres nothing i can do. My most recent job experience is bathing dogs but before that i was an RA and math tutor. I cant seem to find that job to give me some experience to put on my resume either because of the economy or because i havent recieved my masters yet.

I'm very much in the same boat as you. I just graduated with a BA in psychology and currently taking a break between semesters til I head back to grad school in the fall. Although I haven't had any luck have you tried any treatment centers or hospitals that might be looking for peer advisors or peer assistants? One of the treatment centers near my college was advertising employment and I really wished I had stayed in town instead of going back home since that would have gotten me a job that was in my field as well. Anyways I'd suggest go for a treatment center and see if they have any positions that you might qualify for. I feel for ya since getting a job with a BA in psychology is pretty tough but keep the faith.

As for the topic at hand I just started a new job this past Monday at a video camera manufacturer facility. It's a very blue collar job but it pays well and hours are great (Mon-Fri.) and since my parents knew the owner they were able to negotiate a good pay rate and help me secure the job. I did almost botch up the opportunity since I stupidly mentioned that I had another interview when they were practically throwing the job at my face. Luckily I wised up and called the guy the very same day apologizing and saying that I was still interested and he said I got it. I did start a week later than I would have but then that's what I get for having a moment of stupidity.

[Master Moron]

Give us a little more info on what you've been doing. The job market is tough, but it ain't looking for nine years tough and it was even less tough for most of the time you've been looking.

Whoa! Deja vu. Didn't you guys have this exact same conversation several months ago?

[SilentBat18]

I'm very much in the same boat as you. I just graduated with a BA in psychology and currently taking a break between semesters til I head back to grad school in the fall. Although I haven't had any luck have you tried any treatment centers or hospitals that might be looking for peer advisors or peer assistants? One of the treatment centers near my college was advertising employment and I really wished I had stayed in town instead of going back home since that would have gotten me a job that was in my field as well. Anyways I'd suggest go for a treatment center and see if they have any positions that you might qualify for. I feel for ya since getting a job with a BA in psychology is pretty tough but keep the faith.


I appreciate the advice! i'll try to stay hopeful, but with this economy, they seem to be hiring those who need less time training or have more experience. Hopefully, i'll be starting grad school in the fall, and i know with the required internships, i'll eventually find the necesary experience. i know that won't happen till at least another year, that's why i was trying to find experience now.

oh and my advice for nailing a job, do some research about the place your applying to. if you know about their company or what they do, it makes you look competant and ambitious. when i applied for the dog bathing job, i never had any experience with dogs, but i learned about dog breeds and behavior thanks to the bookstore and cesar millan. it landed me the job. i know this sounds crazy, but it was hard to nail that interview because the owner of the salon was really picky. she went through twenty employees in three months when i was there. i was one of the few that ended up quitting rather than fired. she even told me if i ever want my job back, i just have to ask. tempting.... but that won't help my resume much except for the recommendation....

[Michael JJ]

Yesterday I attended a Criminal Justice career fair at my campus. I'm graduating at the end of the semester, so it's time I finally joined the real world and got a permanent job. I'm not picky, I just apply anywhere I can get with a degree in CJ and a Bacheloers of Science.

Plus, my job at Dairy Queen isn't bringing in money. This is my third week with no hours. I'm just glad my dad's supporting me through college.

[Captain Highwind]

I'm actually referring to a corporation (for example, Wal-Mart or Starbucks) where there are locations all across the country and you apply for a job on the corporate website. Does the information get filtered down to the local stores? Would I simply follow up by calling the local stores in my area?

Seems like they should. When I was applying for a small job at Walmart, Krogers, Target, etc. they almost immediately ask you which store in your area you'd like to work at (usually making you choose one only. And FYI--for Walmart, Meijer, or Kroger, get the one with a gas station for the discount and locality) =D