Job Search Frustrations

[MaxPower]

I recently graduated from Colorado State University with a B.A. in Technical Journalism, with two focus areas -- television/video production and computer-mediated communication. After researching multiple companies, I have found one that I really like and have a strong desire to work at.

Initially I applied for a grave-yard shift position as a Master Control Operator. I called in and requested an interview, and one was granted. I thought everything went well, but as it turns out they filled the position with another candidate -- probably one with more grave-yard experience. But that wasn't necessarily the bad news. The HR director called me back and said that she really liked my resume and what I had to offer the company, so she asked if I would be interested in coming back to interview for another position I hadn't even applied for. This sounded like a great opportunity, so I took it.

The first interview for this second position went quite well. I met with the HR director and the director of programming (this is a television production house) for a position of traffic coordinator. This person's duties basically include setting up the television schedule including filling in programs, advertisements, etc. The interview went so well that I got a call back saying I was a finalist for the position and they would like me to come back for a second interview where I would meet the two women who are already doing the same position.

I thought this other interview also went quite well. The HR director told me that they would hopefully have a decision by the end of the week. I waited, and didn't hear anything. I decided to give her some time, because once before she said she would call in the middle of the week and I didn't recieve my first call until a Friday. I waited all next week, and still, nothing. I called the company at the end of the second week, and they said that the HR director had been missing a lot of work due to personal issues (family illness), so I wasn't too surprised that I hadn't been contacted yet.

I called them up today and actually got to speak to the HR director. She stated that the second position I was a top candidate for had actually been filled, but that she put my name in the mix for another full-time position, as a production assistant for one of the show's that they produce. I'm not necessarily angry at this, as this P.A. job could be a great opportunity that would allow me to enter any area of production that I wish. Moreso than the traffic coordinator position anyway. I am just slightly frustrated that I had to wait for two weeks and didn't find out that I didn't have the position until I called them back. I also told them that at the very least, I would like to be considered for some part-time positions they have open. The HR director said they just started screening resumes for the P.A. job, but she could let me know within a few days about the part-time work.

Here's the rub. I'm pissed that they didn't contact me to let me know I didn't have the job (at least not before I contacted them). But the thing is, I really want to work for this company. They have a great attitude and friendly employees. The management and owners really appear to care for their employees. There was also a great benefits package for full-time positions. This company is also located within a reasonable distance of my current address.

Honestly I would love to get the full-time P.A. job, but if I have to I don't mind starting out part-time to prove to them that I have the work ethic and determination to succeed within their company. I feel that this is a viable option because I have been told in both interviews that there is room for growth within the company once you get some experience under your belt.

Somebody please tell me something good will come of this. I'm so sick of playing the waiting game.

[dddork]

dun worry.. its gonna happen.. keep up the hard work..

[cache]

Keep trying!

The more you interview at the same place, the more people get to know you. First off, you wouldn't be called back for a second position if they didn't like you for the first. Often times, there are very qualified candidates one right after another who may have more experience, etc., and you just have to wait to get a spot. Obviously, they want you too, since they keep trying you for different spots.

At the same time, don't let them take advantage of you - you know, filling the applicant pool with decent candidates used as fall-backs...

[MaxPower]

The HR director just called me and they want me to go in on Friday to interview for the P.A. position! I really have my fingers crossed for this one, this is my third position I'm interviewing for at this company.

[CTGirl]

Originally Posted by MaxPower

this is my third position I'm interviewing for at this company.

Interesting, sounds like they really like you but just havent found the right spot for you yet. Good luck!

[Franti]

-I think you are doing well. I am a radio journalist with an NPR affiliate and I can tell you getting a full time job out of college even if you have experience is really hard. Really hard. Took me two years.

You on the other hand are already getting yourself in front of professionals and doing what you need to do, I would say not getting the Traffic position is a blessing in disguise. That is a tough crap almost secretarial job (no offense office peeps, but if you want to do production and creative editing writing etc in media you don't want this type of postion).

Apply for more postions with other compaines in your area. Look at public and commercial broadcasting. Do you have a good reel??? Call your college placement office set up an appointment and talk to alums and former profs, use them now while your still pretty fresh out of school. Apply apply apply. Also when you interview after it's over write down every ? you were asked and your answer the second interview is almost always the same.

Lastly don't hold a grudge against them for not getting back to you, it happens, any negativity you hold towards them will show through trust me. Good luck feel free to contact me if you think I can help you any more.

Franti

[MaxPower]

Originally Posted by Franti

I would say not getting the Traffic position is a blessing in disguise. That is a tough crap almost secretarial job (no offense office peeps, but if you want to do production and creative editing writing etc in media you don't want this type of postion).

That is what I thought after I found out that I didn't get the position. The good news is that if I get the job as a P.A. the work that I do will eventually be tailored to my interests (e.g. script-writing, editing, etc.). Another great thing about this P.A. position is that they would prefer to hire somebody with a journalism background, which I have thanks to my degree and previous internships. I also have already done pretty much everything described in the job description (logging tapes, researching stories, writing scripts, coordinating voice-overs, locating footage for stories, etc.), so hopefully that will be a great benefit to me.

[MaxPower]

I go in tomorrow to interview for the P.A. position. I think I should have a really good shot of getting this one. They prefer someone with a journalism background, which I have thanks to my major. I've learned AP style, and have written journalism stories for print, video, and the web.

I think if I go in and describe all the experience I have it would hard for them to find a reason NOT to give me the job. Thanks to my schooling and internships I already have experience doing everything in the job description. I think I am also going to bring in my DVD resume in hopes that that will put me ahead of the other candidates.

[MaxPower]

Well, crap. I don't know how this interview went. I met with the HR director and two women in charge of the show. Is there not any men that work at this place?! I hope these ladies aren't sexist and don't hire me simply because of my penis.

One of the women seemed genuinely interested in my experience and resume, while the other one appeared that she wasn't too much into anything at that point -- hence, it being Friday.

I don't feel like this interview went as well as the last two, but then again I thought the previous interviews went great and I didn't get those jobs. Although, I did give them my DVD resume, so hopefully that will put me ahead of the other candidates.

I will post the results as soon as I hear back. On a positive note, if I for some reason can't get this P.A. job, the company does have part-time work availabe. I might have to work my way up from the bottom I guess...

[WorkInProgress]

Best wishes!

[politicaljunkie]

You need to not spend all your time focusing on one company. I assure you that they don't have the interest in you that you do in them. You cannot assume that you would like a particular company just because of what you read about them. And you cannot assume that you would dislike any companies based off of what you read of them. You need to apply at as many companies as you can find, have as many interviews as you can find, and go from there. Leaving out 99% of all companies in the world from even applying at is a mistake.

[MaxPower]

I met the C.O.O. this afternoon and he offered me the job on the spot! I, of course, accepted...and am just bouncing off the walls right now with excitement. I am the new Production Assistant to an hour long news show shot entirely in HD that covers stories from around the world. I will be doing tasks such as logging video, story research, searching for clips, and just generally helping out the producers and editors of the show.

The pay is decent for an entry level position, but the benefits are terrific. I am provided with full health and dental insurance, a life insurance policy, 401k, and three weeks paid vacation every year!

I am so excited right now, I can't even put it all into words. I start on Monday morning! The best part is, this place is really laid back and casual -- everyone wears t-shirts and sandals on nice days, and there is a snack break everyday at 2pm! This is essentially my dream job coming out of school, given what little experience I have.

It's going to be a great weekend...

[CuranderaC]

Congratulations Max!!!

[kdhmps]

I hope this turns out well for you.

This reminds me that one thing I have learned is that the interview process can reveal a lot about a company's culture (good and bad).
I took a job once where my boss interviewed me in a restaurant b/c she didn't want the woman currently in the position to know she was being let go... I ended up leaving that job just four months after I took it. I should have known better!

I am not employed but should be soon. I had one phone interview with a woman who questioned my software experience. She told me, "well, the woman we are replacing was sent to school and still didn't "get it."). I was actually happy that woman did NOT call me in for a face-to-face interview.

Beware of this sort of thing... it will say a lot about how things may be when you actually work somewhere.

[ocean24]

Let us know how it goes this week! Congrats