Searching For A Job - Rant/Rave/Discuss Here

Well, my interview at Best Buy went great and the interviewer loved my answers.  I just have to wait till Tues for the GM to call me back for the final interview.  I really hope I get this job and at a decent wage

 
Fellow CAG's,

I wish you the best for those who are surviving and trying to earn a job. I am in the same boat, but just taking it one day at a time. 

"Jobs don't fall out of the sky!" like a CAG said, but it is all about perseverance. Just keep trying.

Specter

 
Does anyone have any stories about working at acme markets? I applied there yesterday because I want something to do.

It wasn't my first choice but because I'm 15 with no prior work related experience it's my best shot.

 
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aShufflinZombie said:
Does anyone have any stories about working at acme markets? I applied there yesterday because I want something to do.

It wasn't my first choice but because I'm 15 with no prior work related experience it's my best shot.
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At 15, you may have to get your parents to sign a work permit for you. But that may also depend on your area. I know in VA, to work at 15 you need a work permit. Also, some places require you to be at least 16 on general principle. It never hurts to ask a manager or call before you request an application/apply online. If none of those apply to you, I certainly wish ya best of luck.

 
yeah, I believe that varies by state.  In my state (NH) I know the earliest I could work was 16.

My girlfriend hears back about a position today, and tomorrow we tour an apartment we're looking at in the area.

 
^Yeah I managed to get my working papers already. In PA, it's 14 but until recently, you needed about ~8 signatures to get the papers. Thanks for the luck! 

The online application for acme had a section for people under 18 just asking about you age and somewhere in there it said that you had to be at least 14.

 
Don't know if this is even remotely the right forum, but the company I work for is looking for Electrical Engineers, Software QA Leads, 3D artists, and a few other positions as needed. The company is in Oregon. I've been here for almost 7 yrs and dig it. Lots of interaction with the videogame industry, entertainment. Basically we make motion capture systems.

If you're interested or have questions, feel free to PM me and I'll send you the job postings.

 
An accounting job at my company was posted yesterday afternoon. I talked to a couple people in the department and the position will definitely be more of a challenge than my current role, but also a pay raise and good experience for the future. I've been in my current role about 8 months, is that too soon for an internal move?
 
Well, I start at Goodwill as a paid employee doing an assessment of my skills on Tues. What's this I've heard they can get away with paying sub-minimum wage to disabled workers due to a depression era loophole.

 
It's a little nice to know that I'm not the only one in this boat. I've been trying to get an internship in IT for a while now and haven't had anything pan out.  It's so disheartening to put all that effort in to get nothing in return.

At the very least I have a job but it doesn't help me out in the slightest as far as my goals are concerned.  I have an Associate's in Microcomputer Science and Networking but nothing for experience.  The school I went to touted that they help students get placed in jobs but did nothing for me except for a small gig doing a website for a realtor who paid in cash -__-

I have a profile on LinkedIn but I haven't done much with it so I'm thinking of going through there and spending more time looking up stuff.  I'm just not sure what companies I should follow for something like Networking.  Any ideas?

 
EnvyNeko said:
It's a little nice to know that I'm not the only one in this boat. I've been trying to get an internship in IT for a while now and haven't had anything pan out. It's so disheartening to put all that effort in to get nothing in return.

At the very least I have a job but it doesn't help me out in the slightest as far as my goals are concerned. I have an Associate's in Microcomputer Science and Networking but nothing for experience. The school I went to touted that they help students get placed in jobs but did nothing for me except for a small gig doing a website for a realtor who paid in cash -__-

I have a profile on LinkedIn but I haven't done much with it so I'm thinking of going through there and spending more time looking up stuff. I'm just not sure what companies I should follow for something like Networking. Any ideas?
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Forget the internships for now and get some certs. A+, CCNA, and Sec+. People say A+ is worthless, but I think it shows the prospective employer that you're not looking to take any short cuts and as well as being well versed on the very basics that can help with day-to-day tasks if need be.

Not getting my CCENT before I got my current job is a big regret of mine because all that knowledge was fresh in my head. Now I have to basically study from scratch again.:D

 
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Forget the internships for now and get some certs. A+, CCNA, and Sec+. People say A+ is worthless, but I think it shows the prospective employer that you're not looking to take any short cuts and as well as being well versed on the very basics that can help with day-to-day tasks if need be.

Not getting my CCENT before I got my current job is a big regret of mine because all that knowledge was fresh in my head. Now I have to basically study from scratch again.:D



Getting some basic certain would be a good idea. I'd think about looking at the lpic Linux cert also.

The advantage to most of the ones mentioned so far is they aren't crazy expensive.
 
So remember when I said I have more fun working with vendors?  Well I found out from one of them that there was an opening for a position that covers a territory in Northern Broward and it's basically the same job that he is in. I expressed interest and gave him my contact information.

Fast forward two weeks later and the rep comes in along with his district manager to see how I interact with them and go about getting their products to the floor. Before leaving, he gave me his business card and offered me to call him with any questions.

The card doesn't mention his available hours but it does contain an e-mail address. Would it be dumb of me to e-mail him instead of randomly calling him?  I've never had an experience like this before.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 
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Remember to keep that linked in profile up to date. Lots of headhunters go through those. I've gotten a few offers but all in New York. Don't feel like moving across the coast since I bought a house in LA.

 
Searching for a reasonable software development position in this area sucks when 90% of postings don't specify salaries, because of the 10% that do, half of the ones I've seen offer way below (less than half of) what is typical in the industry.  Maybe I just need to stop looking on Craigslist and search elsewhere.

 
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Josh1billion said:
Searching for a reasonable software development position in this area sucks when 90% of postings don't specify salaries, because of the 10% that do, half of the ones I've seen offer way below (less than half of) what is typical in the industry. Maybe I just need to stop looking on Craigslist and search elsewhere.
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Where are you located in Wisconsin? And what type of software development do you do?

Also, try searching outside of Wisconsin. A lot of companies nowadays allow you to work remotely. I can definitely say that living far away puts you lower on the list, but if you're qualified that'll definitely bump you up.

 
Access_Denied said:
Where are you located in Wisconsin? And what type of software development do you do?

Also, try searching outside of Wisconsin. A lot of companies nowadays allow you to work remotely. I can definitely say that living far away puts you lower on the list, but if you're qualified that'll definitely bump you up.
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In the La Crosse area right now, but I'm tentatively planning on moving to Green Bay/Appleton since the job market is much better up there.

These days, mostly web application development (what I've been doing for the last ~9 years, freelance and formally), but my preference goes toward stand-alone software development (which I've done mostly independently and a little formally). That's all while juggling school, though-- what I'm looking for now is my first full-time position for after I graduate in December.

That's a good idea; I'll definitely look and see if I can find a remote position.

 
If you can stomach it, Silicon valley is the place to be. Beware of rediclous rent.

Josh1billion said:
In the La Crosse area right now, but I'm tentatively planning on moving to Green Bay/Appleton since the job market is much better up there.

These days, mostly web application development (what I've been doing for the last ~9 years, freelance and formally), but my preference goes toward stand-alone software development (which I've done mostly independently and a little formally). That's all while juggling school, though-- what I'm looking for now is my first full-time position for after I graduate in December.

That's a good idea; I'll definitely look and see if I can find a remote position.
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Josh1billion said:
In the La Crosse area right now, but I'm tentatively planning on moving to Green Bay/Appleton since the job market is much better up there.

These days, mostly web application development (what I've been doing for the last ~9 years, freelance and formally), but my preference goes toward stand-alone software development (which I've done mostly independently and a little formally). That's all while juggling school, though-- what I'm looking for now is my first full-time position for after I graduate in December.

That's a good idea; I'll definitely look and see if I can find a remote position.
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I can tell you with certainty that web developers are in short supply right now (and mobile developers). You just need to have the right talents and look in the right places. Clean up that resume and starting sending it to whoever will read it. Also, if your school offers any kind of employment help or counseling, TAKE IT. An hour getting your resume polished and a few hours posting it on the job board will help you more than you can possibly imagine.

Also, I don't know if it's possible for you, but be open to moving. I movee from the Chicago suburbs to Indianapolis and I love it so far, plus the drive isn't too far. (Although I absolutely hated Illinois from the start, so that might be why I like it so much. :lol:)

 
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So yesterday I went ahead and sent an e-mail to the district manager asking for the best time to contact him. 

I received a message on my phone from him this morning (I provided my contact info. and work hours as well) to call him later to discuss the opening.

This could really be it for me. I'm happy yet nervous at the same time. It feels like my nine years in retail could actually be worth something if this opportunity comes through for me.

 
This economy is so broken.

I graduated with a BA in two fields in 2010. My first job, the department collapsed, so they transferred me completely out of my field. I quickly got another job, then got laid off 10 months later. 

I'm willing to move almost anywhere, have had 6 interviews and even had companies call me to get me to apply. And yet, still trying to recover from this last lay off. And still don't have a job.

I really don't even know what to do anymore, but keep plugging away. I've managed a little freelance, but meh, it isn't really keeping me afloat. 

 

 
I'm still confused on all this certification bizz.  I hear so many people saying it's a great way to get yourself noticed, but then I hear that it's a waste of money compared to having experience.

Considering how much certifications cost, I don't think I can afford something like that just for me to be passed over by someone with experience. Is it really worth the amount spent on it?

 
certs get you through HR who will search through key words provided by the department hiring.

experience get you an interview with the group hiring if it get through HR to the people that can properly interpret your experience level.

 
Access_Denied said:
Congrats man! I knew you'd be able to land a job as a developer. Where are you working and what are you going to be doing? Did you manage to land a job in game development?
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Thanks dude. :) I wouldn't want to publicly say the name of the actual company, but it's a pretty big company with a fairly small in-house development team.

It's a programming job in my favorite language to use (Java), but it's not actually game development. I decided against going strictly into the game development industry after realizing it'd usually mean less pay, much longer hours, and more limited creative freedom than one might anticipate... so I decided I'll just do game development in my free time for now, might be better off that way as I'd like to get some more of my own projects launched soon.

 
Josh1billion said:
Thanks dude. :) I wouldn't want to publicly say the name of the actual company, but it's a pretty big company with a fairly small in-house development team.

It's a programming job in my favorite language to use (Java), but it's not actually game development. I decided against going strictly into the game development industry after realizing it'd usually mean less pay, much longer hours, and more limited creative freedom than one might anticipate... so I decided I'll just do game development in my free time for now, might be better off that way as I'd like to get some more of my own projects launched soon.
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I know a few people who have gotten out of game development for the same reason. Unless you work for a large game company, I hear it can be kind of hectic. As for working in Java, I'm glad you like it, but I try to stay as far away as possible. :lol: I work with it every day, and every day I ask my co-worker the same question: "Is it time to move to Scala or Clojure yet?".

 
Access_Denied said:
I know a few people who have gotten out of game development for the same reason. Unless you work for a large game company, I hear it can be kind of hectic. As for working in Java, I'm glad you like it, but I try to stay as far away as possible. :lol: I work with it every day, and every day I ask my co-worker the same question: "Is it time to move to Scala or Clojure yet?".
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Hahah. I haven't tried Clojure, but when I worked with Scala during one of my classes, I came to hate it. :p

 
What is the best way to ask about salary when job hunting? At least half the ads I apply to don't list salary anwhere in the descriptions. I don't want to waste time applying if it's too low for me, but I don't want to bring up a red flag to employers when I ask. Should I provide a salary requirement in my cover letter or ask about it during an interview?

 
cruzfactor said:
What is the best way to ask about salary when job hunting? At least half the ads I apply to don't list salary anwhere in the descriptions. I don't want to waste time applying if it's too low for me, but I don't want to bring up a red flag to employers when I ask. Should I provide a salary requirement in my cover letter or ask about it during an interview?
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I don't see how asking about the salary is a red flag. If anything, that is a quick and easy way for both parties to determine whether the interview process is a waste of time.

 
cruzfactor said:
What is the best way to ask about salary when job hunting? At least half the ads I apply to don't list salary anwhere in the descriptions. I don't want to waste time applying if it's too low for me, but I don't want to bring up a red flag to employers when I ask. Should I provide a salary requirement in my cover letter or ask about it during an interview?
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Don't ask about salary. That is like asking a girl if she will put out. It is rude and in bad taste.
 
I got hired by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office last week as a deputy. I'm really excited. It took me almost a year and a half to get a job plus I put myself through the academy ($4,000) during that time. I know this doesn't quite fit in with everyone elses job hunting on here but I thought I would mention it

 
NinjaPenguin777 said:
I got hired by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office last week as a deputy. I'm really excited. It took me almost a year and a half to get a job plus I put myself through the academy ($4,000) during that time. I know this doesn't quite fit in with everyone elses job hunting on here but I thought I would mention it
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Nice work Ninja!

I actually have some good news myself, accepted a position in the Business Analysis division of my current company, will be starting in 2-3 weeks. Its not much of a raise but the department is more friendly and has better advancement opportunities going forward than my current department, so I'm pleased.

 
I think I would like to find a different job but I don't want to drive any further than I do now (15min) but we only get .20 a year for raises and I now have to get medical which will bring my checks down $40 a week.

 
bumping an old thread for some advice...

I currently work as a Finance Analyst for a non-profit.  Today I was offered a Staff Accountant role at the same company.  I would get about a 3% raise over my current income but one of the drawbacks is that I would be going from salaried to hourly and due to the way time off is structured I would lose about 3.5 days off a year.  Are there any other pros/cons to switching from salary to hourly I should be thinking of?  

 
Overtime is the only thing I can think of.

Unless you really love your company or staff accountant is a big step up or important stepping stone in your career, that sounds like an awful trade off.

3% raise vs 2% more work days? That's not a raise, that's a rounding error.
 
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working in the same place for many years... might be time for a change.

My buddy just got accepted into JET (Japanese Exchange Teaching?)

Not a bad gig, I'm partially jelly even though it pays far less. At least he'll get to experience something new for a couple of years.

 
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Zoglog said:
working in the same place for many years... might be time for a change.

My buddy just got accepted into JET (Japanese Exchange Teaching?)

Not a bad gig, I'm partially jelly even though it pays far less. At least he'll get to experience something new for a couple of years.
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I'd research it a bit first before thinking it is a good idea. Go to someplace like gaijinpot, there are lots of English teachers over there. From what I understand the field is pretty glutted thus leading to very few jobs, and many that do pay very very low pay and treat the teachers pretty poorly.

I do kind of know a girl who did it and liked it, but she was rich so she didn't have to worry about the whole money thing.

 
mask-air-raid said:
What are some easy volunteer jobs to get that build up resumes for other jobs?
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It might help if we knew what field you're planning on entering.

Personally, I graduated from law school about a year ago and still don't have any solid prospects so I started volunteering with legal aid back in February. I'm carrying a case load of about 10 clients and while I'm putting in about 25-30 hours a week I'm not getting paid for I am building up my resume with actual law practice experience.

I think using a volunteer job to build up your resume is a great idea though and while it hasn't quite led to a paying job for me yet I'm getting experience that should put me ahead of other job seekers.
 
RedvsBlue said:
It might help if we knew what field you're planning on entering.

Personally, I graduated from law school about a year ago and still don't have any solid prospects so I started volunteering with legal aid back in February. I'm carrying a case load of about 10 clients and while I'm putting in about 25-30 hours a week I'm not getting paid for I am building up my resume with actual law practice experience.

I think using a volunteer job to build up your resume is a great idea though and while it hasn't quite led to a paying job for me yet I'm getting experience that should put me ahead of other job seekers.
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Good advice. The legal job market is awful right now but you seem to be making the best of the situation. Have you considered looking for a judicial clerkship?

 
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Confucius said:
Overtime is the only thing I can think of.

Unless you really love your company or staff accountant is a big step up or important stepping stone in your career, that sounds like an awful trade off.

3% raise vs 2% more work days? That's not a raise, that's a rounding error.
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I want to go for a Finance MBA and work in the accounting field directly at some point so it would be a good stepping stone for that. You are right though, the more work days is a big bummer.
 
kill3r7 said:
Good advice. The legal job market is awful right now but you seem to be making the best of the situation. Have you considered looking for a judicial clerkship?
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Applied for a few but no bites. They're just as competitive, if not more competitive, than firm jobs. Everything is hard to get into with the legal market right now.
 
RedvsBlue said:
Applied for a few but no bites. They're just as competitive, if not more competitive, than firm jobs. Everything is hard to get into with the legal market right now.
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I hear you. I was in your shoes back in 2010. It's par for the course in this profession. Keep at it, I'm sure you'll find something.

 
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