Laid Off? Join our Support Group.

[crystal_dance]

Economy and job market got you down? Share your story with us, discuss resume tips, interview questions, job/networking opportunities or just come and vent.

Special thanks to Sondra for her suggestion to start this group!

[nikorock28]

Count me in. I was laid off 3 weeks ago and have not applied for anything as of yet. To be precise, I have not even updated my resume.

[crystal_dance]

Count me in. I was laid off 3 weeks ago and have not applied for anything as of yet. To be precise, I have not even updated my resume.

Yeah I was laid off about that time as well. What field were/are you in? It's actually admirable that you've been able to take it easy for a bit. What activities have you been upto? I think alot of the times we beat ourselves up over getting laid off and go into a state of panicked emailing, calling, applying for just about anything and ofcourse curling up into a ball freaking out.

[nikorock28]

Yeah I was laid off about that time as well. What field were/are you in? It's actually admirable that you've been able to take it easy for a bit. What activities have you been upto? I think alot of the times we beat ourselves up over getting laid off and go into a state of panicked emailing, calling, applying for just about anything and ofcourse curling up into a ball freaking out.

I am a civil E.I.T. (E.I.T. = engineer in training). The firm that I worked for did residential and commercial developments, so that has obviously dried up as developers are holding off on building.

I finished college in March '05 and the "professional" working world, quite frankly, frightened me at the time. I am most definitely a late bloomer and social situations/phone calls/communication have always made me uncomfortable (avoided them my entire life). I moved to AZ and worked at my first position for 1 yr 3 months until I was fired. I wasn't sure if the field was right for me, but I decided I would give it another try and applied for positions in the Phoenix area, which was approximately 100 miles south of me at the time. I landed a position "in the boonies" at a new, satellite office for one of the Phx firms and relocated. I was a contract employee for 6 months and then when my position became permanent last October I decided to purchase a home in a new community 10 miles from my work. So, now I am kind of stuck out here as all the positions are in and around Phoenix. The closest one I have found that I can apply to is about 35 miles away so I will probably do that. I passed the E.I.T. exam last year and have gained valuable work experience so I am a lot more confident in my abilities than I have been in the past. The whole starting a new job in a new company thing still scares me though.

I am only able to take it easy because I have some savings to fall back on. If I didn't, trust me, I would be freaking out!

As far as activities, I am exercising more, though I have always been kind of a gym rat. I walk in the morning/afternoon for one hour most days and then hit the gym in the evening. Other than that, honestly, I haven't done very much. I am thinking about going to Vegas. Right now, I am thinking I will get serious on the job search after Thanksgiving. However, if I can't land a job within a reasonable commute distance, I am not sure what I will do. Rent out my house? Crash in someone's room for the workweek? I can't sell because it has dropped since I bought and I am upside down. So we'll see what happens.

Sorry, I wrote a lot =)

[winneythepooh7]

The administration at my agency have been alluding to lay-offs over the past several days. We had one meeting today where they told me they want to put "in writing" for my program I run a policy and have my staff sign-off......that if they don't improve significantly (with honestly issues that are about 80-90% out of their control since I run a program that is pretty much broken at the state level), they could be held to disciplinary action or possible dismissal.

We had a second meeting today with all the program directors at my company to learn we are NOT getting our bonuses and the VP spent an awful lot of time talking about how we are not getting in new business, overspending on positions/staffing, etc. etc. etc.

[crystal_dance]

The administration at my agency have been alluding to lay-offs over the past several days. We had one meeting today where they told me they want to put "in writing" for my program I run a policy and have my staff sign-off......that if they don't improve significantly (with honestly issues that are about 80-90% out of their control since I run a program that is pretty much broken at the state level), they could be held to disciplinary action or possible dismissal.

We had a second meeting today with all the program directors at my company to learn we are NOT getting our bonuses and the VP spent an awful lot of time talking about how we are not getting in new business, overspending on positions/staffing, etc. etc. etc.

Yeah I keep hearing/reading about deep budget cuts accross NYC public services and programs. You mentioned in some of your posts that you are well connected in your industry and that you could perhaps hop over to a rival agency, right?

[winneythepooh7]

I could. However, it's frustrating because where I am now, I know would probably be a lot more flexible/family friendly w/ a newborn. Don't know what I would be walking into at other places........I hope I am just getting ahead of myself though.

[sondra_finchley]

Alright, someone took my suggestion and made it a reality! Thanks Crystal...

I was laid off what... almost 6 weeks ago now? and have only applied to a job here or there which I never heard back from. I have no idea what my field is- most recently I was working with international real estate development, but I dont see that job coming back any time soon (which is a shame, that job description seemed to be written just for my skills). Thanks to an overly curious mind and short term attention span- not to mention multiple moves- I am not quite in marketing, not quite in business development, not quite in real estate, not quite in business intelligence, not quite economic development. I suppose most of my experience is in entrepreneuriship and business strategy but unfortunately its now centered predominately in the leisure/hospitality industry which, as we all know, is utterly terrible at the moment. It is extremely frustrating and Im also a bit caught in an area that is too small and I had the only job that was in the industry I was in. I am willing to relocate anywhere, however, though my partner will have to stay here and finish school so it would be back to the LDR.

Now Im not too sure what to do. I could go back to school here at a FAR better school than I did my undergrad at and really focus on business or decision sciences (which I really got into before I left my last university and is something I know i enjoy, become excited by, and would like to pursue further). I could look for jobs in other areas and crash with friends and live cheap while my partner finishes school here. I could start my own company (doing what Im not quite sure at the moment though I have ideas). Sometimes I just feel like a square peg trying to fit into the round hole of what "society" (what a cliche!) expects but Ill come through somehow.

I suppose Im waiting as well for the New Year- ive seen a TON of jobs I was ready to apply for in October disappear. Fortunately I havent had to touch my savings yet or unemployment (though the severance is almost gone). I was able to pick up a second shift seasonal packing job at a local company I wouldnt mind working for at their corporate HQs but it is more for something to do to get out of the house than for a desperate money grab to pay bills. Our November has been extremely hectic- we went to London the first weekend (relax- got $200 tickets and I have a travel fund I have been adding to every week this year), helped my mom tidy the house and her massive lawn this last weekend, the Swedish in-laws are coming on Friday so we have to show them around Chicago and entertain them through Thanksgiving when we go back to my parents. Since I dont reckon the job market and economy is going to improve by leaps and bounds through the holidays I figure I may as well try and enjoy them and take care of what I need to take care of rather than overly worry about a job.

A friend of mine has also passed some Ci work my way which pays pretty ok so we will see how far that takes me.

At any rate it still sucks to be unemployed but I suppose Im seeing it as a personal challenge rather than a bunch of doom and gloom. Be interesting to see how things turn out!

[nikorock28]

I have a question about a potential gap in employment. If I happen to not work for the next 2, 3 or 6 months, how do you think potential employers would view this? Would I have to explain why there is such a sizeable gap? Or, in this day and age with so much unstability present, is it not nearly as big a deal as it was, say, 10 or 15 yrs ago? Thanks!

[crystal_dance]

I have a question about a potential gap in employment. If I happen to not work for the next 2, 3 or 6 months, how do you think potential employers would view this? Would I have to explain why there is such a sizeable gap? Or, in this day and age with so much unstability present, is it not nearly as big a deal as it was, say, 10 or 15 yrs ago? Thanks!

2-3 months won't matter since employers know how crappy the economy is. For periods longer than that you will need to substantiate yourself during an interview. It doesn't even have to be work related activity, it could even be volunteering. Many employers look favorably at volunteer work.

[crystal_dance]

I had a challenging phone interview today. They didn't really care about past experience. Instead they grilled me with hypothetical situations and puzzles. They presented me with one seemingly innocuous looking question but it was tough because you can't sit there and "brainstorm" while you hem and haw. Ah well...

[crystal_dance]

I can't take it anymore guys. Being laid off is one thing but being laid off this time of year is absolutely awful...all the family and friends being "sympathetic" when you know some of em' don't really mean it...all the silent judgements going around...it makes me feel even more depressed and hopeless. Relatives complaining about why I haven't keep in touch - I just lost my job man, leave me alone!!!

My girlfriend's younger sister is obnoxious and one of those privileged snob types who doesn't really understand the concept of hardship. She tends to be shallow and judgemental and I'm not looking forward to having dinner with her tomorrow.

The fact that the holidays are here means recruitment will pretty much be shut down until January...provided the economy doesn't worsen. It leaves me with this uneasy feeling that everything is up in the air. I feel unsettled and helpless. Even with the job postings I see available, I feel like I'm either underqualified (MBA/CFA, 7+ experience please) or overqualified (retail or entry level sales jobs).

Anyone relate? How do you cope?

[winneythepooh7]

That sucks. Any way you can distance yourself from everyone during the holidays? I know people have good intentions, but I think unless they are actually in the situation, probably cannot truly relate.

[spiritedaway]

I can relate, but I don't really have much advice other than keep yourself busy by doing other stuff (whether it is going to the gym or some other activities) and try to stay positive.

I remembered when I was unemployed at the last recession, I just want people to leave me alone. I'd imagine this will be a bit more difficult around the holidays. You can always say you're heading into early retirement. :p

I think one of my cousins have been laid off for months now, and the job market isn't exactly great where he is (NY).


Anyone relate? How do you cope?

[winneythepooh7]

I also think it's positive that you are actually attempting to do something about your situation. I know someone personally who got fired months ago and is just sitting around collecting unemployment doing absolutely nothing to better his situation. His family enables him too by giving him a free apartment and paying his bills/giving him food/etc. so this adds to the problem. :rolleyes:

[crystal_dance]

I also think it's positive that you are actually attempting to do something about your situation. I know someone personally who got fired months ago and is just sitting around collecting unemployment doing absolutely nothing to better his situation. His family enables him too by giving him a free apartment and paying his bills/giving him food/etc. so this adds to the problem. :rolleyes:

My friends and relatives have good intentions. They're all good people (most of them atleast) and are genuinely concerned about my situation. I just wish they'd be more tactful and stop bombarding me with questions like "so what's next?", "how's the job situation coming?any leads?", etc. I dislike pity and I cannot stand the thought of people feeling "bad" for me.

Which brings me to your post above - I don't really get people like the one you describe above. I've always been proud of the fact that I am self made. I don't have the luxury of falling back on my parents. My dad just retired and has scaled back on full time work to only take up part time consulting projects. My mother has been a homemaker for the last 10 years and I constantly worry about their financial stability in the years to come. People who mooch off their parents because they can annoy me. I don't have much patience or respect for them. A "friend" of mine is like that. She got laid off in March/April and has done nothing since. Her father is wealthy and so she has her dad paying her $2000 rent, car payments, gas, insurance, groceries, entertainment, etc. Infact as I type this she is "vacationing" in Paris and Barcelona because she "needs to get away from New York and feel better about herself."

Her family is so accomplished and amazingly humble people who give back alot to the community. I just don't get why this one is such a money pit who keeps fuckin' up. She has a good heart but a bad head, anyway I digress. I'm just venting and I know that things will pick up for me eventually. I just need a sounding board to let off steam else I'll go crazy.

[crystal_dance]

So where my laid off peeps at? How's your job searches going? I don't think there's gonna be much movement until January but the anxiety is killing me.

Anyone looking into jumping careers? Since I come from the world of finance I've been thinking of leaving the field since I doubt that there's big money to be made here for the next 5-10 years anyway. Sure the paychecks will still be far better than average but I don't know if it'll be worth the stress and regulatory scrutiny.

[sondra_finchley]

Hey!

Was wondering what you were up to- was going to post in here but time got away from me yesterday...

Im doing ok for the month of December- busy actually. I took that part-time seasonal job to get out of the house and it has been an experience for sure, but most days, even though its second shift, Im glad to get out of the house. That should be ending today or tomorrow, which is fine, Im ready to get back to a normal sleep schedule. Also working on some private consulting stuff I picked up- this one company business plan Im writing- grrrrr. Its amazing how dense people in this world make it as far as they do when times are good.

I did see a job open here in town and I inquired about it, but the top end of the salary range was FAR below what I should be at for my experience. I may be unemployed, but Im not going to take just anything (if I dont have to at this point) and be bored off my ass again subject to management who dont know what they are doing.

Im thinking about maybe going back to school for operations research specifically- I didnt want to have to do school again, but it was the last class I took and probably the only one I really, truly enjoyed and would love to keep pursuing. From there maybe movement into agriculture or pharma and away from hotels/leisure/gaming but honestly, it seems that every industry is tainted. I wonder if our generation will come in and sweep some of the idiots out and change how business is done- at least in some cases. One can hope anyway :)

I am worried about January though- its become cold and snowy and while I have outdoor activities planned with some friends, still the whole days looking for a job can be tiresome with nothing to do and nowhere to go and a feeling of frustration and lack of accomplishment. Sure you can go to the gym, and I probably will take advantage of this time to get back into my 1.30-3 routine I established back in grad school the first time, but you can only do that so much and it doesnt interact with other people. We may take a road trip down to Florida for a week just to get some beach time and sun- with hotel and gas prices the way they are now we could do it on the cheap and be just fine. Maybe that will help ward off the winter blues.

Anything new on your end?

[crystal_dance]

Hey Sondra, wow you seem to be keeping yourself busy! It's good that you've been doing some work on the side - atleast your resume doesn't have a gaping hole in it and the money always helps. I've been trying to get some part time work as well but so far no luck. To be honest though, I haven't been very enthusiastic about applying over the last 2 weeks. It's a real downer spending time tailoring your resume and cover letters only to get very few (if any) responses. These days most of my job applications are half assed though they shouldn't be.

I've been looking into volunteering and found this really cool program that might come in useful to you as well: http://www.usaleadershipcorps.org/
The program takes business and financial professionals on as volunteer "management consultants" to help regionally located non-profits and grass root social entrepreneurs with problems related to maybe their operational efficiency, CRM, business development strategy, etc. I think it's a pretty cool program and am currently studying some of the material available before I interview with them.

On the plus side for what it's worth, I have been going to alot of Professional networking events here in New York and I find that far more effective than the internet. Infact even tonight, I'm going to this event called "Get Canned" for all the laid off people out here in NYC. It's a soup can drive but there'll also be a bunch of recruiters, HR reps and consultants to overlook your resume. There'll be cheap drinks, a DJ and John Oliver from the Daily Show will be performing there as well so not a bad evening either.

I've been trying to get back into my writing but I find myself surfing the web instead. Maybe I can spin a funny story about a laid off guy and his antics to get a new job...oh wait that's my life! That could actually be the foundation for a decent sitcom.

Do you plan to go back to school in the fall? I've been pondering over going back to school but I don't feel like I would want to for another couple years and more importantly until I am certain what it is that I want to do. Now that I have thoughts of leaving the finance profession I'm trying to determine what next? I might go back for a Masters in Public Administration. I love to travel and since my dad used to be a UN diplomat at one point I know the upside and the downside of a UN job. It's definitely exciting because you get 6 month,1&2 year postings in these fascinating locales such as Papua New Guineau, Botswana, Argentina, China, etc. Downside is the instability. The instability is far less pronounced when you're young, single and dont have a family ofcourse. I've also thought about going for an MBA but NOT in Finance.

Anyway I think I've rambled too long so I'll stop now lol.

[sondra_finchley]

I know what you mean about networking events- I need to find some in this town and see what happens- I know there is a young professionals group and this and that, but nothing that sounds as good as what you have going out in NYC ( then again, i was able to find something seasonal out here with little effort given the large distribution centers floating about so I guess its all relative!) At the moment we(my partner and I) are in a holding pattern STILL waiting to find out if he got into university here as he was applying as a transfer student with a strange background and all sorts of exceptions to the standard student profile. We have to find out in the next week or two, and he SHOULD be a shoo-in, but you never know. If he doesnt get in then we dont really have anything tying us to this town and it could mean yet another move somewhere. I knew when I took the job here that I could get caught should I be laid off (talk about intuition!) but that there was the back up of a good school too should that happen. Time will bring clarity I guess!

I shall look into that program you suggested- thank you.

Are you worried about the holidays with your family as you did with Thanksgiving?

[crystal_dance]

Are you worried about the holidays with your family as you did with Thanksgiving?

I underestimated my family. They've actually been very supportive since my parents told the "news" to everyone at a cousin's wedding. I was supposed to be in London last week for the wedding and was hoping to network and see if there were any useful leads out in Europe. Unfortunately the trip got scrapped since a trip to London would set me back a couple quid which I can now use for things like y know, rent and groceries.

The good news is that since the family knows what happened, I've gotten a few calls and emails asking me for my resume. I even got a few invitations to crash on couches if worse comes to worse. Whether I take up any of their offers remains to be seen but it's good to atleast know the options exist.

[sondra_finchley]

So whats the latest updates for everyone in the laid-off club? I know we just got through the holidays but to me they seemed to last forEVer- nothing like taking a break from a break.

Nothing new here- about to sign on to unemployment to at least reap some of the benefit ive paid into for so long. Its cold and snowy and the malaise is definitely creeping on!

[crystal_dance]

hey sondra, I'm glad that the holidays are over. Too many awkward conversations and frayed nerves over this whole lay off business. I've learned to grow a thick skin and not care about what the others are doing/thinking, but I can't help but feel bad when my own parents keep asking me all the time if there are any updates. If there were I'd be the first to inform them right?

Other than that, I guess everything is kosher. I've started reaching out to recruiters and all the people I've spoken to over the last 2 months reminding them of my "continuing interest" in their firms. With more people losing jobs, I think it's key to figure out my differentiating factor from the vast cess pool of idle talent. There are a couple of big career fairs coming up this week that I plan on attending. Granted there are gonna be thousands of people attending, but I prefer it to the internet at this point.

Anyone have any luck with linked in? I keep hearing stories of people finding jobs via linked in.

[sondra_finchley]

I totally need to do a networking round- if anything to keep some of my major referrals in the loop (some of them are owed an update for sure). But- I like to personalize each one and its going to take a while to email all these folks so Ive been putting it off a bit.

Tonight Im actually sitting down and writing a cover letter or two- I had an AWESOME one but lost it when the last computer blew up :( So maybe two jobs applied to tonight, but neither of them in this part of the country.

LinkedIn- I have yet to understand how people get jobs through there- is it through connections and the hidden job market or what? PM me crystal if you want to add me- I have another connection on there at BoA in Manhattan, though Im not sure what she does exactly (other than they are doing well in her dept). She and I havent ever actually met, but our respective sig. others went through the green card process more or less together. Shes on my list to update.

[awhitmer83]

I don't know that I qualify for this support group, but I feel like I might. I didn't actually get laid off - I got dropped to PT work which was their way of laying off quite a few of us without having to pay unemployment. So I had another job, started last week, and quit after the first day. Basically the offer they gave me was misleading and it turned out to be a huge pay cut.

So now I'm sitting at home, looking for jobs during a time when there are no jobs to be had. I have an interview next week, but I know I'm not really interested in the job and would only be taking it until I found something else. My resume can't take many more hops. I have applied for a job that I am VERY interested in but don't quite meet qualifications. I'm hoping they'll overlook that since the position has been open for over a month.

I've called everyone I know in my field; I even coldcalled some agencies, which I hate more than anything in the world. There is simply nothing out there for me at this moment. It sucks!

[steph78]

I don't know if I really belong on this thread either but I just got a kind of disconcerting e-mail from my boss today. Since my daughter was born I work 10 hours/week, and I do it entirely from home. I am paid hourly so sometimes if there is more work to do I get paid a little more, sometimes less when work is slower. I was traveling a lot over the holidays so I billed a good bit of vacation time on that paycheck. Today was kind of my first day back from holiday/vacation, and I checked my e-mail hoping to get some news about a new project to start on, but instead I had an e-mail waiting that said that business is really slow now and they don't have any work available for me now, AND it would really help them out if I would not charge any more vacation/sick time until they get some actual billable work for me to do. They did say that my vacation/sick time would continue to accrue as usual, but they just don't want me to USE it right now. So if they don't have any billable work and I'm not supposed to use my vacation/sick time, I guess I'm not getting paid right now?? This seems kind of shady. I'm not getting laid off, I'm just in a temporary holding pattern?

I'm also in kind of a funny situation because I'm almost 5 months pregnant right now, looking at taking maternity leave sometime around Memorial Day, so it's not like anyone would want to hire me right now even if there WERE jobs to be had. I hadn't decided for sure if I wanted to continue working after baby #2 is born, but I had planned to continue working right up until maternity leave at least and earn as much $$ as possible. Guess we're going to have to take a hard look at the monthly budget starting immediately rather than later this spring...

[sondra_finchley]

Hey, come one come all! :)

[Ezra Pippen]

...a land stewardship position, didn't hire me. Onward to the migration counts and bird demographics postions for the spring, and other reasearch tech positions for the spring/summer. Right now, I am working survival jobs. If nothing else, I can have the summer position with the State Park back again this year.

[awhitmer83]

I had a job interview this past Wednesday. Drove all the way to the state capitol (it's a state job), only to find a team of 3 doing those damn behavioral interviews. When they told me they had a list of questions, I assumed there were quite a few of them, so I tried to be as concise and to the point as possible in my responses. They only asked me 6 questions, then asked if I had any for them! I fumbled through a few and it was over in less than 30 minutes. Needless to say, I won't be hearing back from that one....

I have three interviews next week. One is at a psychiatric hospital for children - one with notoriously high turnover and low pay that I have always avoided (the hiring manager told me I could have "your choice of the two open positions" which shows me how desperate they are). One is at a group practice doing substance abuse counseling. I know very little about this agency but I'm pretty sure the pay is based on billing, which makes for very unstable paychecks. Especially since people aren't exactly running to therapy right now when they can't pay their bills. The third interview is at the state psychiatric facility and will be another dreaded behavioral interview. The position is below my education/experience level but I can't be too choosy right now.

I don't know what to hope for. I may not be offered any of them at all. My worst fear is being offered more than one and having to choose, because my career choices up to this point have sucked. I would prefer to do well at one interview and get one offer so I don't have to make a decision. I just know that I need something SOON.

[sondra_finchley]

I applied to two jobs, both out of state, both were excellent fits (especially one of them considering what I would suspect would be a limited candidate pool). Didnt hear back from either. Ran another application and a resume through a contact to get into a large market researcher in Chicago- havent heard a damn thing concerning that either. Thats been about the extent of it for me- Im traditionally a pretty slow mover when it comes to applying for jobs- I hate applying for "just anything" and it can take awhile to ferret out positions I really want to take. That and I hate applying because it feels so futile a lot of the time.

Here in town the newspapers said that 237 people applied for an admin position with the city. This town only has 200-250K people- crazy!

A friend I have been doing some lucrative freelance work for asked if I wanted to come on full time so I think I may just keep working for him for the time being. Im flying out to Las Vegas for a conference in a few weeks with him and the other two involved with this company. I dont mind the work but its all home based which makes me feel kinda isolated, especially now that its winter. At least by doing this job now it would mean I wouldnt have to move from my partner who is starting school this spring, which is a plus.

[pisces2473]

I had a job interview this past Wednesday. Drove all the way to the state capitol (it's a state job), only to find a team of 3 doing those damn behavioral interviews. When they told me they had a list of questions, I assumed there were quite a few of them, so I tried to be as concise and to the point as possible in my responses. They only asked me 6 questions, then asked if I had any for them! I fumbled through a few and it was over in less than 30 minutes. Needless to say, I won't be hearing back from that one....
Ahhh, I feel your pain! (Well, kinda) My husband had the same thing happen to him for several state jobs. It sucks, esp. if you're used to a more lengthy interview.

Good luck with your search!

[wordsmith]

I think the behavioral-based interview concept is so cheesy. Just an opinion. My SO's workplace uses only this...the questions they ask remind me of junior high essay questions on standardized tests. "Describe a time when you blah blah blah..."

[awhitmer83]

I totally agree with you, words. I don't know how in the world I can prove I'm qualified for the job by explaining "how a small issue can turn into a big problem" or giving "two examples of a time when you had to work really hard." Why can't interviewers just ask normal questions to find out if they want me or not? Or, better yet, just let me talk? I do my work, I admit when I screw up and ask questions when I don't understand, I'm social with coworkers yet leave my personal life at home, I'm habitually 15 minutes late, I have 2.5 years of experience in this field, my spelling and grammar are excellent, my computer skills are excellent, I need somewhere to sit and somewhere to put my stuff to be happy. I would prefer that my paychecks not bounce. I like supervisors that give feedback to help me become better at what I do to benefit the agency, not supervisors on power trips who just want to complain about something. There, would that have been so hard?

/rant

[mlle]

I thought I was the only one who absolutely dreads and loathes the behavioral interviews. It's some bizarre and unnatural form of manipulation. It also feels like you're one of the contestants at a Miss America pageant or something when you're getting grilled at one. I've never had a behavioral interview go well, and they always seem to do those interviews at the human services-type jobs. It's gotten to the point where I basically avoid applying to nonprofits if I can, b/c I know the interview will be a behavioral one and a disaster.

I've been following your current work predicament of late, awhitmer, and I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Right now I'm kind of on hold while I'm a FT student, but it will be my turn to go through that too when I finish grad school.

[wordsmith]

They're also cliche and beg scripted answers just as much as any other type of interview question does. What's the point? We all know how you're "supposed" to answer.

[sondra_finchley]

When I interviewed for my fricken doll packing job at Christmas they had three behavioral interview questions. I mean REALLY- judging by most of the people working there I wonder how any of them came up with answers to "describe a time when you had to motivate coworkers and what the outcome was". Seriously- to work on a packing line? I think I made something up off the cuff just because I hate those questions so much.

[awhitmer83]

Well, my interview this morning was the polar opposite of the last one. The director sat me down, described the agency and both of the open positions, took me on a tour, let me ask questions, shook my hand, and told me HR will call me tomorrow with salary and benefit info. Now THAT is an interview! Actually, it scares me a little because they don't seem to care what kind of person I am - I have the qualifications and they have a spot, so they're good to go. I know it didn't hurt that I went to college/grad school with half the employees we saw during the tour.

When I got to the second interview, after wasting several hours because both of them were in the same city, I found out that (oops) they have two offices and I was supposed to be at the other one. An hour away. In my defense, I had no clue there were two of them and the woman didn't tell me when she called. It's rescheduled for next week but if the first job works out I'll be canceling.

So hopefully I won't need the support group much longer.... We can make it two more weeks without taking money from savings and I'd really like to avoid that.

[winneythepooh7]

Good luck! That sounds promising. For what it's worth, when I conduct interviews, I let potential employees interview me as much as I interview them which I think is very important. I also try not to sugarcoat any aspect of the job. I will tell people straight out what to expect (the good, the bad and the ugly) so there are no surprises later. When I got screwed over by a previous employer, I learned my lesson about not asking more ?'s so hope to not put anyone else in that same predicament!

[hoodie]

Hey all, as of yesterday, I am going to have to join this club too. I thought as an educator I was pretty safe, but our district is having huge funding issues and is at a 3.7 million dollar deficit. To relieve that, they are riffing all non-tenured teachers. Some of us will get hired back between April and the summer, but it's all up in the air now. I have no idea what I should be doing... :cry:

[pisces2473]

Oh no, Hoodie...I'm sorry. So they won't even let you finish out this school year?

[awhitmer83]

I got my offer this morning and it's... low. Really low. Like $3 less an hour than I've ever made since I got out of school. They told me it was the best they could do, I told them I'd like to think about it and get back to them. It's still better than what I was going to be making at hospice but that's not saying much.

So now I don't know what to do. I didn't really want to work at this place, but I need a job. I have two more interviews but really don't expect them to go anywhere. I'm scared if I tell them I can't accept their crappy offer, they'll say, "Okay" and go about their business. Then if I don't get anything else, my husband will kill me and we'll starve. (Okay, I'm being dramatic, but still.) No wonder their turnover rate is so high - the pay is horrible for what you have to put up with!

What would you guys do in this situation? Take the crappy offer and make bachelor-level pay with a master's degree, while continuing to look for something, or just tell them I can't accept it and go to my other interviews? Know that a paycheck is coming or hold my breath for something else to come along? I'm freaking out here!

Edited to add: Sorry, hoodie, didn't mean to ignore your situation. I hate it that you're here with us!

[winneythepooh7]

1.) I'm sorry Hoodie. I hope this situation gets resolved sooner, rather than later.

2.) Awhitmer: Honestly, with the way you've described your situation and serious lack of jobs, I'd probably go ahead and take it. You can always give your notice at a later date if something bigger and better comes along. You don't want to get in a situation where you don't have anything.

[crystal_dance]

2.) Awhitmer: Honestly, with the way you've described your situation and serious lack of jobs, I'd probably go ahead and take it. You can always give your notice at a later date if something bigger and better comes along. You don't want to get in a situation where you don't have anything.

I agree with winney. The situation sucks really hard but take what you can get for now. Making rent and eating something other than ramen is way better.

I have a masters degree as well and my background is a hybrid mix of finance, IT and marketing. I thought I'd be able to score something quickly and I'm now rolling on month #3 of unemployment.

It isn't just the monetary loss that scares me, with each passing month the growing hole in employment history leaves me terrified.

[hoodie]

Hey, thanks for the kind words and don't worry, Awhitmer, your concerns are every bit as valid as mine! Pisces, we are contractually allowed to finish out the school year; it's next year we don't know about. To make matters worse, my lease is up in a month and I'm not sure where I should go given that I might be working someplace completely different come next August. I may gripe on this one on another thread but I'm not even sure which one. Work? Habitat? YourQLC? I digress...

Anyhow, Awhitmer, I think you should take the job. Times like these are not good ones to be choosy and you can always abandon this postion should something better come along. Unlike one in my position, you are not contractually obligated to stay for a year once you sign on somewhere, so jump in!

[caostotale]

I think the behavioral-based interview concept is so cheesy. Just an opinion. My SO's workplace uses only this...the questions they ask remind me of junior high essay questions on standardized tests. "Describe a time when you blah blah blah..."

I like it when, during those interviews, the HR rep reading the questions can't properly dictate them and it becomes the verbal analogue to a baby that comes out strangled by its own umbilical cord. It puts into sharp relief just how absurd some of that hogwash sounds. "Um...okay...um...'Now please describe two...' oops, I mean '...three situations where you had to make a difficult decisions in the workplace...' " and other such bollocks about strengths, weaknesses, and expectations. People following standard ops and scripted jobs always look like they lead a life of awkwardness. Whether they give me jobs or not, I feel sorry for how lame they come across.

[pisces2473]

My husband had an interview at 9 AM with a fairly well-known non-profit/service agency for a case manager job. He gets there, checks in with the receptionist...the HR chick comes out, gives him an application to fill out. He's like, Um OK? and the HR chick says that someone will be with him soon. He fills it out, hands it back, and then they're like "thanks for coming." He's like, I thought I was going to have an interview? and the HR chick said, "we'll be in touch." He asked if there was someone else that he could talk to about this misunderstanding, so some VP comes out and my husband talked to her about the interview thing and the VP was like "no, that was last week when HR chick called you." So he chatted with the VP for a few mins and left.

WTF? Why can't any place get their sh*t together and give my husband an interview?????? What a waste of time. I'm really scared and sad and mad. THIS SUCKS.

[awhitmer83]

pisces - I'm not comprehending here. Were they saying that they already did the interview by phone, or had things changed since he talked to HR? Or were the interviews last week? No matter what the situation is, that sucks and I hate it for you guys.

[steph78]

pisces - I'm not comprehending here. Were they saying that they already did the interview by phone, or had things changed since he talked to HR? Or were the interviews last week? No matter what the situation is, that sucks and I hate it for you guys.
Agreed, this totally sucks and I'm so sorry. That ranks right up there with the job interview I had back in 2002 where I sent in my resume and an application, got extremely positive feedback from the company, got invited in for an interview, drove all the way there and dealt with a bunch of hassles and expense to park downtown, and upon my arrival was told "you know, we're not able to actually hire anyone right now, we're just interested in talking with you." Great, thanks so much for wasting my time/energy/gas money.

[winneythepooh7]

Are you frickin' kidding me? What the hell was that?!

[crystal_dance]

I had a frustrating interview experience 2 months ago. It was a phone interview with a hedge fund for a procurement/vendor management position. I prepared for it like there was no tomorrow. I remember being all pumped before the interview because I was confident that I'd nail it if they were to just focus on work ex.

Anyway,they call me and after the initial introductions ask me, "how would you sell ice to an eskimo?". I wanted to say wtf?! but I stammered around a bit and answered as best possible.

Then he asked me some sort of bizarre role playing interview question. He said "imagine you're a boat salesman. walk me through the process of how you would sell me a boat."

It was a real treat having them not ask me 1 question about my past work ex. Needless to say I never got a call back.

While I understand the motif behind the puzzle and behavior based interview, some of them are truly bizarre.

I'd like to end this post with a tragic yet funny story about a friend's interview story. About 2 years ago, this friend who's an engineer from LA was invited by this engineering company in Austin, TX to come interview. They flew him out to TX and put him up in the sheraton. They even said that he should submit receipts for car rentals and that they'll reimburse him. So far so good...

So he's scheduled for an all day interview there, comprised of 8 rounds or something. He starts interviewing, round after round everything is going well and the interviewers are giving him the thumbs up. Finally during round number 5, the interviewer starts asking him questions about some software program. My friend says that he doesn't know it and the interviewer gives him a questionable look. The interviewer then asks about some computer hardware which again my friend has no idea about. This time the interviewer is confused and says, "but you have these listed on your resume." My perplexed friend says "no I don't. May I see that resume please?" As it turns out, it was someone else's resume. They had the same name as my friend and came from LA as well. So HR was called in and after some hemming and hawing, they found out that HR brought the WRONG guy to Austin. My friend wasn't supposed to be interviewed. The sad part was that all the engineers that had interviewed him so far told him that they had all given him positive reviews. This snafu doesn't end there. Once HR found out that they had the wrong guy, they refused to reimburse my friend for the car rentals. He was stuck with a $200 bill with nothing to show except a free trip to Austin.

Now that's an interview gone horribly wrong.

[awhitmer83]

A little off the beaten path, here, but I've decided I am not accepting the position I was offered. I called them back today to attempt to negotiate the salary (didn't work) and find out more about the benefits. They have the WORST benefits I have ever seen! Six months before you can take any sick or vacation time, one week of vacation and 4 days of sick time per year until you've been there five years (at which time it goes to two weeks of vacation and 6 sick days). The woman seemed genuinely surprised that I've had FAR better pay AND benefits at every job I've ever had.

When it came down to it, I can bring home more as a substitute teacher than I could at that job. It's just pitiful that this place thinks they are offering acceptable compensation for the education and amount of work required for the job. And apparently some people don't mind, since they do have employees. I understand now why the turnover is so high.

So it's back to square one.

[pisces2473]

pisces - I'm not comprehending here. Were they saying that they already did the interview by phone, or had things changed since he talked to HR? Or were the interviews last week? No matter what the situation is, that sucks and I hate it for you guys.
Ha, yeah, I really don't get it myself.

When he talked with HR last week, SHE said to come in for an interview at 9 am yesterday. When they talked, she did ask him some preliminary questions, like why'd he leave his last job, what did he do there, a few details about this position, etc. Then he gets there and it seems that everything changed. BTW, the application was basically a rehash of his resume, but had stuff about doing a background check on him, too.

He's wondering if they'd hired someone in the meantime and just didn't have the courtesy to call and cancel. F*ckers.

BUT, what was strange was that when they had the phone "interview" they asked him what his salary range was and other questions that would be more suited to the final round of interviewing. My husband was joking that they just need a body to fill the position and that they were pleased with what he wanted, money-wise...he said, "watch, they'll end up calling me with an offer now, if they haven't hired someone else."

[pisces2473]

Agreed, this totally sucks and I'm so sorry. That ranks right up there with the job interview I had back in 2002 where I sent in my resume and an application, got extremely positive feedback from the company, got invited in for an interview, drove all the way there and dealt with a bunch of hassles and expense to park downtown, and upon my arrival was told "you know, we're not able to actually hire anyone right now, we're just interested in talking with you." Great, thanks so much for wasting my time/energy/gas money.
Thanks everyone...it seems that everyone usually has one of these random stories. I went for an interview where I thought I'd be a marketing assistant (per the AD) and I got there and the guy wanted an admin who could do bookkeeping. I was out of there in 5 minutes. Seriously? Get your sh*t right!

He also had an interview similar to yours, Steph, back in the fall. It was with the state, and he got to the end of a very good interview, and then they said "oh we just want to let you know that we're not filling this position right now, blah blah blah." That really got to him, esp. b/c what if he'd had to take a day off from a job? This was when gas was still way over $3/gal, too. UGH.

[pisces2473]

Are you frickin' kidding me? What the hell was that?!
Thanks again for your help, Winney. He had done a TON research for the job from your email, too.

[winneythepooh7]

Thanks again for your help, Winney. He had done a TON research for the job from your email, too.

Anytime. I am still shaking my head about that one.......

[winneythepooh7]

A little off the beaten path, here, but I've decided I am not accepting the position I was offered. I called them back today to attempt to negotiate the salary (didn't work) and find out more about the benefits. They have the WORST benefits I have ever seen! Six months before you can take any sick or vacation time, one week of vacation and 4 days of sick time per year until you've been there five years (at which time it goes to two weeks of vacation and 6 sick days). The woman seemed genuinely surprised that I've had FAR better pay AND benefits at every job I've ever had.

When it came down to it, I can bring home more as a substitute teacher than I could at that job. It's just pitiful that this place thinks they are offering acceptable compensation for the education and amount of work required for the job. And apparently some people don't mind, since they do have employees. I understand now why the turnover is so high.

So it's back to square one.

That sucks, but personally, based on what you've written about your situation thus far, I wouldn't be so quick to say no. You can always leave at anytime, especially if something better comes along.

Having something is better than nothing IMHO.

[pisces2473]

That sucks, but personally, based on what you've written about your situation thus far, I wouldn't be so quick to say no. You can always leave at anytime, especially if something better comes along.

Having something is better than nothing IMHO.
I agree. A lot of places now have stricter rules about taking personal time. It's to cut down on abuse.

I don't know you, but do you think you might be getting a bit picky here? What if things get worse, and there are less openings altogether?

[awhitmer83]

That sucks, but personally, based on what you've written about your situation thus far, I wouldn't be so quick to say no. You can always leave at anytime, especially if something better comes along.

Having something is better than nothing IMHO.

That's true, but how can something better come along if I can't take any time off for six months? I won't be able to go to interviews. And in that six months, I won't be able to pay all my bills. It would make more sense to start substituting because (1) they are in desperate need and the people I know who do it are getting called every day, (2) I wouldn't have to drive 80 miles, and (3) I could tell them no on the day I have interviews.

[winneythepooh7]

That's true, but how can something better come along if I can't take any time off for six months? I won't be able to go to interviews. And in that six months, I won't be able to pay all my bills. It would make more sense to start substituting because (1) they are in desperate need and the people I know who do it are getting called every day, (2) I wouldn't have to drive 80 miles, and (3) I could tell them no on the day I have interviews.


Sometimes places don't "enforce" these policies (ie. sick time). Also, if you get a good interview, wouldn't it be worth it to just take the day off unpaid?

Do you have a substitute job lined up or is that something that you are just speculating in doing? Is there a process to start doing that?

[pisces2473]

I guess my fear would be what if things in the economy got even worse, and there were NO calls for interviews. I would take what I could get, and keep looking.

[awhitmer83]

Do you have a substitute job lined up or is that something that you are just speculating in doing? Is there a process to start doing that?

I have already gone through the process months ago when I knew I was losing my job. I just haven't called them yet to start because subbing is my last resort.

I realize many of you think I'm an idiot for turning down this job, but I have to do what makes sense in my situation. I would be working well beyond 40 hours a week for two thirds of what I normally make, very stressful environment, very expensive health insurance that would further cut down what I bring home, having to be on call 24/7. I asked about flexibility for doctor appointments in the first six months, and HR told me that I would have to convince someone to cover my time, then make up the hours on the weekend. She also said that if I had too many appointments I would be written up - they expect people to be there. A friend of mine worked there and was hospitalized because she worked sick for so long without going to the doctor. I have a husband and a 10 year old and I don't want to spend my weekends working (still for no extra pay) instead of with them.

I have an interview in two hours and another next Tuesday. I have applied for three jobs today. There are jobs out there right now; they just aren't as easy to find as they once were. Even if I don't start subbing right away, we can make it a few months on our savings. So I am sorry if some of you don't like the decision I made, but I feel I did what is best for me and my family.

[winneythepooh7]

I don't think it's that we "don't like the decision you made". I guess we just didn't have all the facts, and we are going on your previous threads where you paint a very bad picture of there being basically NO jobs to come by in your field in the area you live.

[crystal_dance]

Followed up on an interview I had 2 weeks ago. The HR guy mailed back saying "The interview team was pleased with the interview, but unfortunately we will not be extending an offer of employment to you at this time".

So bummed out...you think that you nailed it but there's always someone more qualified for the job...don't understand why no one values transferable skills anymore. Think I'll grieve for another 15 minutes, then pick myself up and move on.

[pisces2473]

I don't think it's that we "don't like the decision you made". I guess we just didn't have all the facts, and we are going on your previous threads where you paint a very bad picture of there being basically NO jobs to come by in your field in the area you live.
Awhitmer, I wasn't trying to jump on you...and you don't have to answer to anyone here, but it seemed like things were really bad and pickings were already slim. That's why people were suggesting that you take just anything for the meantime.

And isn't expensive insurance better than no insurance? IMO, it is, especially with a family.

[winneythepooh7]

And isn't expensive insurance better than no insurance? IMO, it is, especially with a family.


Not to keep this going because I don't want it to seem like an attack, but I pay over $200.00 per paycheck EVERY WEEK for my insurance. But I feel very lucky because it's still pre-tax and I still have health insurance...........

[pisces2473]

Followed up on an interview I had 2 weeks ago. The HR guy mailed back saying "The interview team was pleased with the interview, but unfortunately we will not be extending an offer of employment to you at this time".

So bummed out...you think that you nailed it but there's always someone more qualified for the job...don't understand why no one values transferable skills anymore. Think I'll grieve for another 15 minutes, then pick myself up and move on.
Awww, I'm sorry to hear that. Especially when you know you did well and they know you did well, and there's nothing concrete to work with, to improve upon for future interviews.

This whole thing is so arbitrary, such a crapshoot.

[pisces2473]

Not to keep this going because I don't want it to seem like an attack, but I pay over $200.00 per paycheck EVERY WEEK for my insurance. But I feel very lucky because it's still pre-tax and I still have health insurance...........
Yeah, I feel really lucky as well to have access to health insurance. I'd LOVE not to have to pay what I pay, but I like going to the doctor when I'm sick!

I'm paid every two weeks, and pay $320 per check. Just for two people. If we had a child and were on the "family plan" I'm certain it'd be around the same as you pay. It's CRAZY!

[winneythepooh7]

It sucks, but I think insurance is one of those "benefits" that is becoming a major thing of the past. Especially for small companies/non-profits.

[pisces2473]

Yeah, I don't think it's going to be one of those things that you can negotiate or count on to outweigh a lower salary.

[awhitmer83]

My son and husband are covered through my husband's work. Coverage would be $200 a paycheck just for me. And the coverage isn't that good - $1000 deductible and no coverage of any kind until you meet it, not even prescriptions. Personally, I'd prefer to use our flex account for any medical stuff that might happen in the next few months while I continue to look.

There aren't many jobs in my area right now, but I don't want to take something horrible, make the effort of learning the job and killing myself to keep up with the hours, knowing I'm out of there as soon as I can find something. My priorities are obviously different and I'm okay with that. I don't feel attacked or anything; I still like you guys. ;): I just don't want to hog the thread with fifty posts about why I should do something I've already decided not to do. If it doesn't work out, I welcome "I told you so" posts when I come here to bitch and moan.

[SweetEm]

Hello, I've been laid off twice now in the last 6 months. I do graphic design/production art. I've been traveling around, visiting friends and family, trying to get my spirits up. Now that I'm done traveling for the time being, reality is crashing in. The weather is gray and cold, and I just got back from beautiful sunny California. I feel like moving out there, but where are the jobs? Feeling a bit blue today, and looking for a job feels so daunting.

[pepsi91307]

Followed up on an interview I had 2 weeks ago. The HR guy mailed back saying "The interview team was pleased with the interview, but unfortunately we will not be extending an offer of employment to you at this time".

So bummed out...you think that you nailed it but there's always someone more qualified for the job...don't understand why no one values transferable skills anymore. Think I'll grieve for another 15 minutes, then pick myself up and move on.

I feel ya on this one.

I had an interview that my friend helped me get at the place he works. In my opinion, my experience and my education, were far beyond what was necessary to do this job. They talked to me for 2 1/2 hours, 3 rounds of people, I was feeling like the job was a sure thing.

Few days later, same notice you got, "we enjoyed meeting you, we will not be extending an offer to you at this time"

Go figure. But yea, getting down about it accomplishes nothing, so we have no choice but to stay positive and continue!

Goodluck!

[crystal_dance]

I hear you pepsi...

How's everyone coming along with the job search? I've been hitting the job fair circuit in recent times. Went to my alma mater's career fair last week. From what I've gathered, people enjoy speaking with me and show plenty interest in my resume... but the problem is that I never hear back from anyone.

Quite honestly, I don't know what to do. I've networked through it all...linkedin, facebook, friends, family, college professors, alma mater, professional societies, meetup.com groups, head hunters...

I'm currently mulling over heading to Peru or India for a year of building huts and teaching math. I think it'll be a great adventure (minus the hygiene adjustment).

Back in college a friend of mine worked a summer as a deckhand on an Alaskan fishing vessel. He made close to $25K over the summer which helped him pay through a year of college tuition + living. He told me it was a brutally hard life but a life changing experience...who knows, I just might spend my summer on an Alaskan fishing vessel (and blog about it).

[katar26]

It's been almost a year since anyone posted. Thought I would add to this post, it's been 3 months since I was laid off and no luck whatsoever no matter how much networking I do or tweaking my resume. For some odd reason, I can remember the days I was laid off.

I admit to having little social skills growing up in HS and college because of my fear of stuttering. Plus, I look back on the past interviews I had after college and realized I wasn't being myself and marketing myself well. With the practice of having a few interviews per month, I feel better that I can explain myself. I have book smarts, not people smarts (why couldn't I have both?)

Recently, I developed a Q+A for interviews because there were some questions I wasn't prepared for in past interviews and that hurt my chances.

Now, I'm considering either going to Virginia where there's work nearby where my brother lives or to another city. I'm not sure where to go.

[curiouskev]

It's been almost a year since anyone posted. Thought I would add to this post, it's been 3 months since I was laid off and no luck whatsoever no matter how much networking I do or tweaking my resume. For some odd reason, I can remember the days I was laid off.

I admit to having little social skills growing up in HS and college because of my fear of stuttering. Plus, I look back on the past interviews I had after college and realized I wasn't being myself and marketing myself well. With the practice of having a few interviews per month, I feel better that I can explain myself. I have book smarts, not people smarts (why couldn't I have both?)

Recently, I developed a Q+A for interviews because there were some questions I wasn't prepared for in past interviews and that hurt my chances.

Now, I'm considering either going to Virginia where there's work nearby where my brother lives or to another city. I'm not sure where to go.




i hear you but i wouldnt move unless you absolutely have a job, keep your spirits up though, maybe try volunteering during the week

[katar26]

i hear you but i wouldnt move unless you absolutely have a job, keep your spirits up though, maybe try volunteering during the week

That reminds me to do more volunteer work, haven't done it since November. I will start next week for that. Thanks for the advice.