Job search strategy discussion thread

So the boss was more honest with me.

He told me I was in the final 5 in consideration and the only reason he didn't choose me was the previous candidates had already done a job very similar to this and they had more education than me. He stressed that he was more than confident that I could learn the details of this job, but due to the immediacy of the situation, he needed someone ready made.

I get that. I respect that. But at the same time that doesn't make me very happy. What's the point? But he did stress I was a serious candidate. He acknowledged that I have proven myself very capable with customers in person and over the phone, and that I already get along well with the rest of the people in "The Hive" as it's called. So I have that going for me.

We'll see. They still haven't made a decision on my old boss's position and that is getting just plain stupid. They're swamped because they don't have an Operations Manager. They can't make a decision on a new Operations Manager because they're swamped. Blah...

Oh well. At least I am making and keeping good impressions and there isn't any drama at the job. That's a rare luxury I just need to hang on to while I cry over my pathetic paycheck.

Just doesn't sound like they're very well-run, Gabrael.

Honesty is nice, though. Here's hoping.

My new place has a suspicious number of new hires, which couples with some bad hearsay i've heard about the place before, though as a mere intern i should be shielded from troubles of incompetence.

It's the state. Go figure.

Had interview, two people alternating questions, I think it went reasonably well. It helped that my brother got his doctorate there, so I was able to mention that.

Nope, they felt I came across a bit too nervous. Really worried about making rent now. (Did qualify for EBT, but not housing assistance.)

I've been in that situation.

Go to your local utility company and ask them to refer you to someone who can help. They'll be the best in not only helping you get to a reputable assistance program, but they can also put a note on your account and maybe get you some help that way.

If you have an EBT account, many charities and aids will fast track your applications, so bring that with you so they can verify you and use your DHS account to fast track you to other help.

Otherwise, hang in there man. I know that's so hard to say, but I have been there sitting in front of the CAPCA desk and when the lady asked if there was anything else she could do for me, asked to fill out a job application.

Here's something that's been bugging me since I've been having more interviews lately. How do I talk about my current job when I, not to mince words, cannot stand it? I know enough that explicitly badmouthing any past jobs during an interview is an incredibly stupid move, but when I'm asked to say something positive about it, to be honest it's extremely hard for me to fake the kind of enthusiasm they probably expect to see from me. I also worry that some of the things I come up with to say about it might come off as sounding a little backhanded. I can definitely say that in my most recent interview, I was acutely aware of how long it took me to come up with an answer to the question of what I liked most about my current job, until I finally mentioned how it has helped me learn how to deal with people better.

edited 30th Sep '14 8:29:15 AM by CombatC122

Say something about how your current job has given you explicit experience in working with both a variety of personalities in a high stress environment. Through this job, you have been able to increase your empathy and patience, making yourself a reliable and consistent employee even in a high stakes situation. Because of this job you have been able to hone your ability to multitask, be flexible, and improvise while still maintaining integrity as situations spontaneously evolved around you. You're very adept in adapting to situations and solving problems immediately.

Always thank your job for the education it has given you. You're a badass because you're surviving it. And the ability to make the best out of a crappy situation and also use it as a character exercise is something bosses look for. You won't quake under pressure, even when your miserable. You have class and loyalty. That's rare.

I found out that they're not replacing my immediate boss so bye bye chance at 40K a year... I haven't heard back on the minor promotion, but we are up for budget review and I got to look at the salary sheet. According to that, my position makes 29K and change. Heh, I wish. I pointed out this discrepancy with my boss and she said she would get on it. I trust that she will look into it, though considering this is the state I don't know what control she has over the situation. I was informed that due to my extended responsibilities, I will have a chance at another position or at least being reassessed so we'll go from there.

That's... actually a damn good way to think about my current situation. I suppose then the real trick would be getting that message across without putting too much emphasis on the fact that I consider it a bad situation. Maybe say that it's a "challenging" situation instead of something like that. Thinking of myself as a badass for surviving it as long as I have does inspire more genuine enthusiasm about my situation also.

I have another interview tomorrow with a company I've interviewed at before, for the same position, with the same interviewer. Let's hope for better results!

CHEERS! I'm rooting for you!

Don't even say anything about your situation. Just begin with how grateful you are that it has taught you ... They will get the idea that it isn't the best situation but because you aren't lying and you're not trashing your current job, you are only showing yourself more mature and respectable than what most of the people in front of them will probably be.

If you have to, pick out a person you like to work with who has helped in a challenging situation or taught you something, or is there a specific task at your job you excel at that is legitimately positive. Use every question as an opportunity to showcase your talents and character.

EDIT: It just hit me:

I appreciate is a phrase you can use without lying. For example:

"What do you like about your current position?"

"I appreciate the chance to work with various personalities, etc."

edited 30th Sep '14 10:07:03 AM by Gabrael

In that same interview, they also asked me what part of my current job I liked the least. A lesser interviewee in my situation might see that as an excuse to slam their current employer on something that particularly bugs them, but in my case I simply said that even though it's taught me a lot and allowed me to hone some of my strengths, it's just not the environment I wanted as a career when I went to school. Ultimately, that's likely the root of all my problems anyway. I guess I wouldn't need to specifically bring that up if I was asked what I liked about my job, but if it comes as part of a two part question that includes my dislikes, couldn't I gently work that in as a "challenge" I've overcome?

Oh completely! I think that could really work for you.

I GOT THE PROMOTION!

Thank all that is holy I just got the news today! I beat out some really awesome candidates to get the minor promotion with the starting gross annual pay of $30,713.00! For the first time in my 28 years of existence, I will be above the poverty line! I have no idea how to feel about that. It's just amazing.

Because there are only two of us Admins, they don't know when I'll actually move to my new office yet. But they are going to fast track my paperwork as soon as possible so I can at least be getting my new salary even if I'm not actually doing my new job.

I am so grateful to finally have an answer and finally have some sort of upward mobility. I wasn't expecting this so I am very surprised.

Congratulations!

(hugs)

Thank you sweets!

Good stuff Gabrael.

List of people I know who have earned this more:

That is all.

Seriously, well done, thoroughly deserved! All your hard work has paid off! Okay it's not as good a promotion as you were hoping for, but it's a damn good start and will hopefully lead to better in the future!

edited 1st Oct '14 11:25:32 AM by CaissasDeathAngel

Yeah, congrats! Seems like genuine good news in this thread is hard to come by.

Seriously from the bottom of my fuzzy heart thank you so very much m'dears! I am still just amazed at everything that I'll be able to do from now on like have a savings account or be able to go grocery shopping without having to choose between milk or bread. I may not be able to buy my kid designer clothes (like I would anyway) but at least I don't have to shop at the thrift store unless I want to.

I'm just happy over the things I can do for him. He can pick a kid from the Angel Tree this year instead of being on it.

I just hope that my raise kicks in before December. I don't see why it should take that long, but this is a state job and things are a little crazy. But I'm hoping since we get paid this Friday, it'll be around Thanksgiving at the latest for my raise.

Huzzah for Gabrael! May your hard work continue to pay off.

In less happy news, it turned out that second interview with the same company was an error because they didn't notice I was the same person. By the time they figured it out, I was already on the train, so didn't find out until I was already in the lobby.

Bogus...

Congrats, Gabrael!

Last night my wife and I went out to dinner with one of her good friends who just recently got a part time job at a local upscale grocery store. She had nothing but good things to say about it and promised to put in a good word for me if I submitted an application.

Now, if I did get hired on there, I'd consider it a replacement to my current situation rather than a way out of it. I wouldn't stop looking for an entry level job somewhere better fitting my college education. That said, the prospect of doing what I'm doing now only with a properly staffed department, genuinely respectful and supporting management, and an actual union to back me up does sound attractive. I don't know if I'd get full time hours to start, but the minimum pay there is roughly the same as what I'm making now, even slightly more. It's also worth a mention that this company just so happens to have connections to the nonprofit where I'm getting my job coaching, so my chances of getting on there if I applied seem promising. If nothing else, I'd be happier, far less stressed, and hopefully better motivated to be productive in and out of work.

edited 2nd Oct '14 6:58:17 AM by CombatC122

There are more ways to be promoted than just money. If it will be a job with a more supportive staff and less stress, then that alone it worth it! Good luck man!