• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Applying for jobs is exhausting and soul-crushing

Got fired today. New job, was only there for 3 days. I have really bad sleep apnea and fell asleep for around 5 minutes.

Finally land a good job, and I fuck it up.
 

Dalek

Member
I lost my job of 9 1/2 years last week. It was very specialized and I’m having trouble finding a similar replacement.

I’m 40 but I want to start learning programming because nearly every job I’m looking at wants you to be a developer as well. It’s ridiculous.
 

Bacon

Member
Got fired today. New job, was only there for 3 days. I have really bad sleep apnea and fell asleep for around 5 minutes.

Finally land a good job, and I fuck it up.

Seems crazy that they would just immediately jump to firing someone for one fuck up considering how much of a pain in the ass it is to go through the hiring process.
 
Seems crazy that they would just immediately jump to firing someone for one fuck up considering how much of a pain in the ass it is to go through the hiring process.

No warning, didn't even seem angry or annoyed when he found me. Just told me to "try to get a better sleep schedule."

I think he was just looking for a reason to fire me, because he is a loud jokey type, and I'm not. We would have to work together a lot, and he never seemed like he wanted to say a word to me.

I wonder if they'll even give me pay for those three days I worked.
 

Amani

Member
Mind if I vent real quick?

Had 2 job interviews for positions at my university, one part time, and one full time. Said they would start calling people in 2 weeks. That was back in August.

Walked in to my favorite game store and grabbed a paper application on a whim, since they mentioned that they were hiring.It's retail, but they're a small store and not very busy. Plus, it's all games, movies, music, and posters so sounds like a nice in-between gig. Got an interview, still waiting for a call back. But it's going on 3 weeks now. I'm going to either call or stop by the store tomorrow to get an update. If they found someone for the position then fine, I just wish they'd call and say that then, especially in the case of the 2 university jobs. Meanwhile, I'm going to continue practicing my drawing and painting. Don't think I'm going to do online apps for a bit, as I've only had 3 call backs in the past 4 months. What I will do is get my artistic skills to where I want them. I just hate having all this time to actually do the things I want and improve on them, but there's still this lingering feeling of worthlessness, like I should be devoting all my time to applying. But nothing's going to change if I keep doing that. Again, 4 months.

Sorry for rambling. Good luck to everybody still looking.
 
How much of this holds for internships? I can see a big company like Apple or Amazon have 2-3 internship positions that seem very interesting to me. They’re all focused in work done by CS majors. But I don’t get why I should be perceived as lacking focus because I’d be willing to work as either a full stack web developer or a iOS developer, for example.
For internships I guess this doesn't hold as much. Just tell the HR because they'll be the single point that'll handle all the positions you're applying to that you want to get interviewed with all the positions. But really, you should have an order of preference at the very least on what internship you really want to get. These companies aren't handing out internships, they mean serious business when they consider your application.


Two interviews tomorrow. One at 9 the other at 11. Wish me luck GAF
Good luck!
 

Ten_Fold

Member
My current factory job which pays $11 an hour is starting to get too tiring I just took the job because I needed a job, been here 6 months an its starting to wear on me from working 6 days a week to lifting heavy parts, I only have 2 more years left of school to finish up, I wanna try to apply for a banking job I perfer a more office setting, an I need to be less tired while doing school work, I havent put out 100 apps yet, only 10, had a call from kelly connect's apple services now Im waiting for background check, been at least 2 weeks so far never had a background check take that long. Anyways im gonna just keep up with putting 5 apps a day.
 

WarLox

Member
Got my first job offer as a CS major. Without turning the offer down, I politely asked for a small bump in pay.

Im kind of nervous since I haven't graduated yet, and I really dont have any experience. Lol

I explained my reason for asking for an increase and how my qualifications can contribute to the company.

Did i screw up? Lol
 

Kelsdesu

Member
Got my first job offer as a CS major. Without turning the offer down, I politely asked for a small bump in pay.

Im kind of nervous since I haven't graduated yet, and I really dont have any experience. Lol

I explained my reason for asking for an increase and how my qualifications can contribute to the company.

Did i screw up? Lol

Not at all. I'm actually curious to know what you told them.
 

Ogodei

Member
No warning, didn't even seem angry or annoyed when he found me. Just told me to "try to get a better sleep schedule."

I think he was just looking for a reason to fire me, because he is a loud jokey type, and I'm not. We would have to work together a lot, and he never seemed like he wanted to say a word to me.

I wonder if they'll even give me pay for those three days I worked.

They have to. If they don't, tell them that you'll call your state's department of labor (if you're US-based).
 

Assanova

Member
Hey gaf, umm what are my chances of finding a job as computer programmer without bachelor or degree?


I’ll give you a straight answer: unless you have experience or connections, you can forget about it. The only way you are getting your foot in the door otherwise is by working for free until you get experience, building one helluva portfolio, or taking a job that no one else wants. And even then, a lot of places won’t even look at you.
 

Ten_Fold

Member
Yep, I tired to find a job without some degree or cert, its pretty hard to do nowadays, which is why I'm going to school. Anyways it seems the only jobs near me that are hiring pretty much anybody is low end retail jobs, or temp agencies which is like 99% factory work both I hate but had to take this factory job till I pray an find something else. Job searching can get really depressing.
 

Slo

Member
Hey gaf, umm what are my chances of finding a job as computer programmer without bachelor or degree?

Prove that you can perform the job. Put some finished, working, and demoable stuff out on Github. Include the links with all your cover letters.

Some HR departments will filter your resume out for not having a degree, but others will only care about what you can really do.
 

sturmdogg

Member
Good news and bad news on my job hunt.

Good news: I got hired as a maintenance and support tech part time.

Bad news: The 2 full-time jobs I applied for turned me down for reasons unknown, after I felt I aced their technical skills test and their interviews. I was really sure I got it them both.

Fuck. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.
 

Sarek

Member
This isn't a fulltime job, but I got long xmas holidays from college, and asked a firm I've worked before if they needed extra hand for few weeks. The person I emailed literally replied in less than a minute, and said yes, and that it was great that I was available. It is nice to feel appreciated. :)
 

Raide

Member
Good news and bad news on my job hunt.

Good news: I got hired as a maintenance and support tech part time.

Bad news: The 2 full-time jobs I applied for turned me down for reasons unknown, after I felt I aced their technical skills test and their interviews. I was really sure I got it them both.

Fuck. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

If they gave you no reason, contact them and ask them. It is better to know a potential issue before the same thing comes up at every interview you attend. It could be a skill gap, a personality thing or something else. Arming yourself will make is easier going forward.
 

BraXzy

Member
Been in my software testing role for almost a year and a half now and it's really starting to wear. I can't complain because I'm earning but the general ethos / culture is getting worse and worse. Sometimes I'm tempted to just call it a day and work on myself for a bit. It would be incredibly stupid to do so of course, but the temptation is still there.
 

sturmdogg

Member
If they gave you no reason, contact them and ask them. It is better to know a potential issue before the same thing comes up at every interview you attend. It could be a skill gap, a personality thing or something else. Arming yourself will make is easier going forward.

Just heard back from them.

1 company I applied to as a Project Manager, they told me they decided to hire someone with actual experience in that capacity.

The other company decided not to hire anyone from this batch of applicants, so they're going to do another round of hiring.
 

dabig2

Member
Hey gaf, umm what are my chances of finding a job as computer programmer without bachelor or degree?

Are you self-taught or did you take some classes but just not complete your degree? Either way, you can find a job without a degree, it'll just be harder and you'll need to prove yourself with real, tangible work to show off. As has been said, build a portfolio of projects that show off your skill, and put all of your projects into Github or something like it.

And you don't have to start out by being super fancy. When I was an intern at a mobile software company, they hired an intern for coding who had no formal training with programming (he was majoring in econ). But what got him the job was that he was self-taught a little and he spent his free time making some programs, including a student debt solver Java program.

In this program, one screen would have you input new student loan data into a couple of text fields (loan company, loan type, principal amount, interest rate, disbursement date, minimum payment expected, etc.). Another screen would show the list of loans you had already input, where you could then sort the list by one of the fields mentioned. And then another screen utilized some finance formula and now showed the list sorted in the anticipated order of which should be paid off first, and if you give the program a starting salary, it'll calculate an expected payoff date for each loan.

Again, doesn't have to be fancy. Maybe try to do something similar to the above by starting off in the language of your choice and creating some form that takes in input of some kind and outputs it back to the user. And then just build from that like the above. Try to build a couple of projects and make sure of course that you can understand and explain each program, which is probably more important than the actual coding itself.
 

Omadahl

Banned
So my sister has an in at the company she works for where I might land a starting IT specialist gig. The only problem is that I'm an elementary school librarian with little experience outside of what I know by being self-taught, but I also have a lot of experience delivering professional development. I don't think getting CompTIA+ certified would really be difficult based on what I know and I'd like to move on to Network + and Windows Server certification. I'm really finding out how limiting my degree is since it's so specialized.

My question is where do I start? I started watching the CompTIA+ videos on Cybrary but their virtual labs and practice tests cost money (not much) so I want to make sure this is actually worth buying before jumping in. Any ideas?
 

mhayes86

Member
Got my first job offer as a CS major. Without turning the offer down, I politely asked for a small bump in pay.

Im kind of nervous since I haven't graduated yet, and I really dont have any experience. Lol

I explained my reason for asking for an increase and how my qualifications can contribute to the company.

Did i screw up? Lol

Not at all. I took the first offer that I got, but I probably could have asked for more when I started three years ago due to the CoL of the area, but I didn't want to take the chance since I was excited to finally have a job. You can always mention that it's up for negotiation, but the fact that you mentioned how your qualification could contribute to the company explains why instead of "just because".

Hey gaf, umm what are my chances of finding a job as computer programmer without bachelor or degree?

In what region/area? Programming gigs are practically always in demand, and though experience is great, a lot of places require a minimum of some college degree which can screw some people over. A colleague has years of experience, but is having difficulty landing a new job due to not having a college degree. It will just take more effort on your part.

Don't just say that you know this or that programming language on your resume; list what you have done with said language, projects (professionally or hobby) that you have created, and problems that you solved. Perhaps mention in your resume or cover letter that if requested, you are willing to provide the hiring manager a program that you've written.

So my sister has an in at the company she works for where I might land a starting IT specialist gig. The only problem is that I'm an elementary school librarian with little experience outside of what I know by being self-taught, but I also have a lot of experience delivering professional development. I don't think getting CompTIA+ certified would really be difficult based on what I know and I'd like to move on to Network + and Windows Server certification. I'm really finding out how limiting my degree is since it's so specialized.

My question is where do I start? I started watching the CompTIA+ videos on Cybrary but their virtual labs and practice tests cost money (not much) so I want to make sure this is actually worth buying before jumping in. Any ideas?

Do you have any experience with virtualization (VMware workstation or VirtualBox) or have access to any Windows Server OS' like Server 2008 R2, 2012 R2 or 2016? I would probably just get a text book and go through everything in a VM instead of paying for a lab. But how much are they? I'm not familiar with the site, but if you are low on resources, it might be worthwhile. I would look into CompTIA+ books since I think some may come with lab logins or a lab disc. On top of A+ and Network+, consider Security+. If you want to go forward with Windows, definitely work on getting familiar with PowerShell. That alone will put you ahead of a lot of people, in which case I highly recommend starting off with the book "PowerShell in a Month of Lunches".
 
So my sister has an in at the company she works for where I might land a starting IT specialist gig. The only problem is that I'm an elementary school librarian with little experience outside of what I know by being self-taught, but I also have a lot of experience delivering professional development. I don't think getting CompTIA+ certified would really be difficult based on what I know and I'd like to move on to Network + and Windows Server certification. I'm really finding out how limiting my degree is since it's so specialized.

My question is where do I start? I started watching the CompTIA+ videos on Cybrary but their virtual labs and practice tests cost money (not much) so I want to make sure this is actually worth buying before jumping in. Any ideas?

A+ is all you need to get a Help Desk job, which is where most people start out at. I recommend Professor Messer videos on youtube. They are free. You don't need labs for A+, at least I didn't when I took mine in 2013. You'll definitely want to purchase a few books if you pursue that route.
 

Fuzzery

Member
Got my first job offer as a CS major. Without turning the offer down, I politely asked for a small bump in pay.

Im kind of nervous since I haven't graduated yet, and I really dont have any experience. Lol

I explained my reason for asking for an increase and how my qualifications can contribute to the company.

Did i screw up? Lol
You should always negotiate. There are plenty of new grads getting 150-200k+ total comp right out of school,

It all depends on the area and company, your experience

Do your due diligence and don't get screwed
 

Omadahl

Banned
Thanks for the help! I'm watching the Professor Messer videos and taking notes. So far, it's nothing I haven't worked with before so that's comforting. I'll probably buy his e-book and start practicing with VMware just to ease myself into newer content.
 

BizzyBum

Member
Fuck me, GAF.

So good news, I received a job offer for a company I interviewed with 2 weeks ago and was asked to come in this morning to discuss it. Great. I sat with the same HR lady who interviewed me and she handed me a bunch of forms to fill out as per norm. I filled out about 75% of the paperwork when I realized I was writing the date as 10 / 17 / 07. Fucking 2007. So I ended up just bolding a 1 through the 0's but it just made it look like a freakin 0 with a line through it.

She came by and asked if she could take anything and I tried to play it off in a joking matter by saying, "Yeah, um, just a slightly embarassing note, I wrote 07 instead of 17 for a lot of the dates so I just put a 1 over it." *nervous laughter* .. She said it was fine but I could tell she was probably thinking "the fuck is wrong with this kid."

I also ended up signing the sheets using an abbreviated version of my name instead of my full name and asked a probably really dumb question or two about the W-4 tax form (usually my father helps me with this and has a friend that takes care of us) that made me seem like I'm an idiot who never filed taxes before.

Great start. She seemed like a nice lady plus it's just someone from HR and not like my manager or whatever but still...
 

Canucked

Member
Fuck me, GAF.

So good news, I received a job offer for a company I interviewed with 2 weeks ago and was asked to come in this morning to discuss it. Great. I sat with the same HR lady who interviewed me and she handed me a bunch of forms to fill out as per norm. I filled out about 75% of the paperwork when I realized I was writing the date as 10 / 17 / 07. Fucking 2007. So I ended up just bolding a 1 through the 0's but it just made it look like a freakin 0 with a line through it.

She came by and asked if she could take anything and I tried to play it off in a joking matter by saying, "Yeah, um, just a slightly embarassing note, I wrote 07 instead of 17 for a lot of the dates so I just put a 1 over it." *nervous laughter* .. She said it was fine but I could tell she was probably thinking "the fuck is wrong with this kid."

I also ended up signing the sheets using an abbreviated version of my name instead of my full name and asked a probably really dumb question or two about the W-4 tax form (usually my father helps me with this and has a friend that takes care of us) that made me seem like I'm an idiot who never filed taxes before.

Great start. She seemed like a nice lady plus it's just someone from HR and not like my manager or whatever but still...

Don't sweat it. I hire and onboard people for a living and that stuff happens all the time. She's already forgotten. Being nice to her is all that matters on day one.

Edit: I hired a guy last month who asked me how to pay rent on his new apartment. But he's a good kid so I didn't care how weird the question was.
 

RDreamer

Member
Just got notified I didn't get another job. Was interviewed and didn't get one about a week and a half ago, too. Don't really have anymore irons in the fire as of now. My career path is ridiculously sparse where I live and I can't seem to get anything when I do apply. It's crushing my soul so much. I feel so useless, like I made the wrong choice in my career and can't do anything about it.

The worst thing is that I don't know why I'm not getting a lot of these jobs. I really wish some of them would tell you when they reject you. Is my portfolio not up to snuff? Did I fuck up during the interview? Do I need more experience at a different sort of place? Do you think my last job title means I don't want something "lesser"? I have so many questions. This fucking sucks.
 

///PATRIOT

Banned
I’ll give you a straight answer: unless you have experience or connections, you can forget about it. The only way you are getting your foot in the door otherwise is by working for free until you get experience, building one helluva portfolio, or taking a job that no one else wants. And even then, a lot of places won’t even look at you.

Prove that you can perform the job. Put some finished, working, and demoable stuff out on Github. Include the links with all your cover letters.

Some HR departments will filter your resume out for not having a degree, but others will only care about what you can really do.


Are you self-taught or did you take some classes but just not complete your degree? Either way, you can find a job without a degree, it'll just be harder and you'll need to prove yourself with real, tangible work to show off. As has been said, build a portfolio of projects that show off your skill, and put all of your projects into Github or something like it.

And you don't have to start out by being super fancy. When I was an intern at a mobile software company, they hired an intern for coding who had no formal training with programming (he was majoring in econ). But what got him the job was that he was self-taught a little and he spent his free time making some programs, including a student debt solver Java program.

In this program, one screen would have you input new student loan data into a couple of text fields (loan company, loan type, principal amount, interest rate, disbursement date, minimum payment expected, etc.). Another screen would show the list of loans you had already input, where you could then sort the list by one of the fields mentioned. And then another screen utilized some finance formula and now showed the list sorted in the anticipated order of which should be paid off first, and if you give the program a starting salary, it'll calculate an expected payoff date for each loan.

Again, doesn't have to be fancy. Maybe try to do something similar to the above by starting off in the language of your choice and creating some form that takes in input of some kind and outputs it back to the user. And then just build from that like the above. Try to build a couple of projects and make sure of course that you can understand and explain each program, which is probably more important than the actual coding itself.

Not at all. I took the first offer that I got, but I probably could have asked for more when I started three years ago due to the CoL of the area, but I didn't want to take the chance since I was excited to finally have a job. You can always mention that it's up for negotiation, but the fact that you mentioned how your qualification could contribute to the company explains why instead of "just because".



In what region/area? Programming gigs are practically always in demand, and though experience is great, a lot of places require a minimum of some college degree which can screw some people over. A colleague has years of experience, but is having difficulty landing a new job due to not having a college degree. It will just take more effort on your part.

Don't just say that you know this or that programming language on your resume; list what you have done with said language, projects (professionally or hobby) that you have created, and problems that you solved. Perhaps mention in your resume or cover letter that if requested, you are willing to provide the hiring manager a program that you've written.

Thank you all for being honest, supportive and most important, for pointed me out a good strategy. To give you a proper context I actually dropped college, I was studying Electronic Engineering then I fucked up for being lazy and childish but now in my 30s I am at a bad position, my country is a mess and soon I will have to emigrate without a college degree, basically I played myself. I know I like programing, I know I can be good at it if I work hard. I'll take your advices, make a portfolio and try my best to growth as a person.
 

woolley

Member
I'm so close to getting a position for a job that I really want. After three interviews since the end of August I'm in the final group and all I need is some references. But the problem is that they only want to talk to past supervisors and I quit my last job in September and my previous supervisors refuse to take any calls. I didn't even do anything wrong when I left, I just felt like it was time for me to leave. So now I'm so close to a job that would change my life in a major way and I don't know what to do.

I can try talking to the people hiring about this but they seem pretty set on the idea of only having supervisor references so without them there is no chance for me to get the position. Why do people have to be assholes for no reason?
 

dabig2

Member
Thank you all for being honest, supportive and most important, for pointed me out a good strategy. To give you a proper context I actually dropped college, I was studying Electronic Engineering then I fucked up for being lazy and childish but now in my 30s I am at a bad position, my country is a mess and soon I will have to emigrate without a college degree, basically I played myself. I know I like programing, I know I can be good at it if I work hard. I'll take your advices, make a portfolio and try my best to growth as a person.

Don't even worry about it man. I started out like you too. I started my college career in electrical engineering as well, but squandered the first 4 years of my college career. I say the first 4, because it took me 8 years and 3 major changes to graduate with my Comp Sci degree. I didn't drop college, but I came close for sure.
But yeah, just continue working hard in programming, maybe take a couple of those online expedited courses in programming, and most important of all - just start thinking of ideas of programs and just start coding them. Pick a language you're comfortable with and just go at it. Learn as you go and never be afraid to ask questions. Of course there's Stackoverflow, but there's also a programming thread in OT here if you need help with theory or actual coding itself. Lot of smart folks here who can help.
 
I'm so close to getting a position for a job that I really want. After three interviews since the end of August I'm in the final group and all I need is some references. But the problem is that they only want to talk to past supervisors and I quit my last job in September and my previous supervisors refuse to take any calls. I didn't even do anything wrong when I left, I just felt like it was time for me to leave. So now I'm so close to a job that would change my life in a major way and I don't know what to do.

I can try talking to the people hiring about this but they seem pretty set on the idea of only having supervisor references so without them there is no chance for me to get the position. Why do people have to be assholes for no reason?


Are you sure the supervisors are knowingly ignoring your calls? Maybe ask your former colleagues to drop a word for you to your supervisors that you would like to ask them to be your character references.
 

Sorithin

Member
So about 3 months ago, I interviewed for a job I really really wanted. Out of 100 applicants, 6 were selected for a phone interview and 3 of those moved on to the in-person interviews. I was one of the people selected for an in-person interview, but did not ultimately get it.

3 weeks ago, a different woman from that company (that I never talked to from a different department) emailed me asking if I had accepted another position yet, and if not, if I'd be interested in a certain position that opened in her department. She already had a couple of phone interviews set up, but reached out to me anyways. I said definitely, had a phone interview with her on September 15 and felt I aced it. She said she had a couple more phone interviews still, then they would move on with in-person interviews and were looking to have the position filled in a month (around October 16). I emailed her on September 26 thanking her again for her time and just to follow-up. She never responded. Do I email her again? Is it too soon?

I just think it'd be odd for her to just never get back to me because she sounded enthusiastic about my interview and she was the one who reached out to me, so I obviously fit the criteria well. Maybe she isn't allowed to respond to emails if they haven't selected people for in-person interviews yet?

I ended up hearing back from the company yesterday and I have an interview tomorrow! The only downside is I am spending half an hour "interviewing" with someone I met during the first go-around. When I say "interview," I mean we just talked about what I currently do and college and stuff. Then I asked him questions about the company, etc. So I have to meet with him for half an hour again tomorrow.. what are we supposed to talk about? I've already answered all the questions he has for me and vice versa. After that, I meet with two people I haven't met, but one was who I did the phone interview with. I already know literally everything about the company, its culture, etc. from the previous job interview so I'm not sure of good questions to ask. What are some good questions to ask GAF? I've already asked about culture, what they like about working there, their biggest challenges/opportunities, amongst other things.
 

Wvrs

Member
Could do with some advice.

I'm a recent graduate and managed to get a good degree classification, finished studies in July. I had big plans: I was going to move to the south of France, get qualified as an English teacher, and spend a year there teaching. I went in August, got qualified, but wasn't able to find enough teaching hours or long-term accommodation, so after two of the most stressful months of my life I moved back to the UK.

I wasted all my savings, ended up getting into short-term debt, and now I'm working at a bar to make ends meet. It's a high-end cocktail bar (lots of performing, throwing bottles around and putting on a show, great tips) and the money is good for the industry, but I tended bar all through university and I'm so burnt out on the long, unsociable hours.

My problem is that I don't know what else I can do. My degree was academic but not vocational; I've been looking at general graduate jobs, had a couple of offers from the recruitment industry but I've been told by friends to avoid it like the plague, and I'm not sure of the next step to take. I've received a job offer to go teach in China from April, and part of me is thinking I should just stay in this bar job until then, but equally I'm starting to feel ready to get my head down and make some money.

I feel imprisoned by too much choice, and the fact that my original plan to move to France ended up badly has really knocked my self-belief. How do I know what direction is the right one to take?
 

Ten_Fold

Member
Seems like it doesnt matter where I apply to I cant get pass the first interview, I'm just trying to get a job with less lifting, as I'm not a fan of temp service low pay factory work. I guess I should try a retail job again seems its easier for me to study school an not feel tired every single day. I didnt think at the age of 25 would I still be stuck looking for a job that is barley helping me live.
 

Rad-

Member
I'm so close to getting a position for a job that I really want. After three interviews since the end of August I'm in the final group and all I need is some references. But the problem is that they only want to talk to past supervisors and I quit my last job in September and my previous supervisors refuse to take any calls. I didn't even do anything wrong when I left, I just felt like it was time for me to leave. So now I'm so close to a job that would change my life in a major way and I don't know what to do.

I can try talking to the people hiring about this but they seem pretty set on the idea of only having supervisor references so without them there is no chance for me to get the position. Why do people have to be assholes for no reason?

If he isn't answering any calls (weird...) then email him about it. If he doesn't answer that either, well, nothing you can do about that. Then I think you should just try to explain why you left as truthfully as possible to the new company. Also if you tell them that "I just felt like it was time for me to leave" then be prepared to answer a question of "how do we know you won't do that again with us, for example, in the middle of an important project?".
 

woolley

Member
If he isn't answering any calls (weird...) then email him about it. If he doesn't answer that either, well, nothing you can do about that. Then I think you should just try to explain why you left as truthfully as possible to the new company. Also if you tell them that "I just felt like it was time for me to leave" then be prepared to answer a question of "how do we know you won't do that again with us, for example, in the middle of an important project?".

I did send an email and was told to not contact them again. And I've already been through the whole interview process so why I left isn't an issue.

I've sent an email to my prospective job and tried to explain the situation that I won't be able to get them as a reference and asked if there was anything else that I could provide for them but I haven't gotten anything back so now I'm just waiting.

Like I have references just none of them are from a supervisor like they are requesting, I really hope they give me some leeway since it's out of my control and it doesn't prevent me from getting the job.
 

Bluemongoose

Neo Member
After over 2 years I have a possible job locked down but they really want a person with a car. I don't make enough now to warrant such a purchase. They seem willing to move me over to an admin position until I sort that out but I'm starting to get antsy after three interviews. I feel like I should just buy the damn car and lock it in. I really hate my current job and I've always wanted a car. With the money from this job I would be able to afford the car. Mind you, I live in NYC. Having a car here is a pain but totally worth it for a new job. Any thoughts?
 
What are the collective thoughts on group interviews?

Honestly, I see them happening more at more "cutting edge-wannabe" companies who think they are being unique, but I'm not a fan.

You don't really get a chance to shine, and build a 1-1 connection.

I have one tomorrow for a job, that I honestly don't see why they are doing a group interview for the position. It's for a Quality Control Data Entry Clerk, and they are seeming to have like 10 people in one big group setting for this.
 

entremet

Member
After over 2 years I have a possible job locked down but they really want a person with a car. I don't make enough now to warrant such a purchase. They seem willing to move me over to an admin position until I sort that out but I'm starting to get antsy after three interviews. I feel like I should just buy the damn car and lock it in. I really hate my current job and I've always wanted a car. With the money from this job I would be able to afford the car. Mind you, I live in NYC. Having a car here is a pain but totally worth it for a new job. Any thoughts?

Do the numbers. With a car in NYC you will be paying insurance, upkeep, and a possible car payment, unless you buy in cash. Along with Quality of Life issues of parking, unless you have a guaranteed parking space.

Is it worth it in pay? Or will the new salary be eaten up with car expenses? Do you get gas reimbursement?

Moreover, what's your endgame? Are you at a crappy job right and this is a good opportunity? Or it is just something to get out of your current, yet unsatisfying role?

What are the collective thoughts on group interviews?

Honestly, I see them happening more at more "cutting edge-wannabe" companies who think they are being unique, but I'm not a fan.

You don't really get a chance to shine, and build a 1-1 connection.

I have one tomorrow for a job, that I honestly don't see why they are doing a group interview for the position. It's for a Quality Control Data Entry Clerk, and they are seeming to have like 10 people in one big group setting for this.

Only seen them in entry-level roles and specific industries like retail. I've never seen them for an office job. You're the first one I've heard doing it for an office job.

From my experience, they favor the loud types.
 

dcelw540

Junior Member
I'm a bit bummed out today. I had an interview with a school board for an educational assistance job. I already have been working at one school board but some friends and colleagues I know said apply for this school board since it has better benefits and ability to grow. I had my interview yesterday and I felt the two people who were interviewing me were looking a bit down on me. Primarly I'm so young compared to the other people being interviewed. I'm 21. It's not terrible i can apply again in 6 months if I I want. Also I still have my job with the other school board and I make decent $25 and hour. Just feels weird first time being turned down by an interview. :(
 
Only seen them in entry-level roles and specific industries like retail. I've never seen them for an office job. You're the first one I've heard doing it for an office job.

From my experience, they favor the loud types.

I had one a few months ago for this tech company as their bookkeeper. Really seemed odd especially for that position. I didn't get a callback because when they only ask everyone like 1 question, to everyone it's hard to make an impression.
 

GoldenBuddha

Neo Member
Hoping it's cool to vent in here

In late 2014 I got tasked with training my (unbeknownst to me at the time) replacement at the small IT company I worked at for 8 years. I was then demoted to part time and eventually made to leave the company a few months later. Since then, I've been in five different cities sleeping on couches and floors in six different homes and not finding any meaningful work. I've put in countless applications, signed on with recruiters and temp agencies and even interviewed at places where it seemed employment was certain only to come up empty-handed.

I worked for a certain hosting company for a bit but was let go after an extended stay in the ICU when I didn't have the PTO to cover myself. These past three years, I've lost my house, all my savings, my car in an accident a few days before last Christmas, all my personal possessions aside from some clothes and this old laptop and had to find long-term foster care for my dog. I'm at the end of my rope and most of my family has turned their backs on me.

Every time I have an interview, in my head I keep seeing me getting a new car, a place to live and my dog back. All my hopes get dashed once I find out the position goes to someone else or I'm pushed out of yet another house. It's crazy, but just being able to come home after work and play with my dog and do some gaming and not worry about affording food or insurance is what I dream about. I just wanna be comfortable. All my cousins and friends have homes and families and I feel like there's nothing good in store for me. They say you shouldn't compare yourself to others, but...I don't know, I'm just over feeling like a loser and trying so hard with only shitty results to show for it.
 

Socivol

Member
Just had a final interview today for a company and I really don't know what to think. It's my fourth and final interview with them and it seemed like it went well but you can never tell. Hopefully i get it since I left my previous position earlier this month. I have been looking for a job for the past year while working one I hated and now I need a new one. I'm not going to hold my breath but I hate that I don't have anything else in the pipeline right now.
 

Bluemongoose

Neo Member
Do the numbers. With a car in NYC you will be paying insurance, upkeep, and a possible car payment, unless you buy in cash. Along with Quality of Life issues of parking, unless you have a guaranteed parking space.

Is it worth it in pay? Or will the new salary be eaten up with car expenses? Do you get gas reimbursement?

Moreover, what's your endgame? Are you at a crappy job right and this is a good opportunity? Or it is just something to get out of your current, yet unsatisfying role?

My endgame is to find a position in communications, which closely aligns with this. They keep telling me they want me but I don't have the damn car. 35k and room for growth. Not sure about gas reimbursement.
 
Top Bottom