THE BORE

General => The Superdeep Borehole => Topic started by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 12:04:45 AM

Title: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 12:04:45 AM
jlahesduhaskudha budget cuts. glad I'm interviewing for a new job on friday anyway. :piss2

HOW WAS YOUR DAY MOTHERFUCKERS?
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: cool breeze on November 11, 2008, 12:07:27 AM
look on the bright side, you probably didn't know Evilbore was nuked.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: drew on November 11, 2008, 12:08:02 AM
i spent my day bumming around the house n checkin irc every hour & eating chex mix like a fucking loser
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 12:08:17 AM
I was actually at work refreshing EB all day.  :maf
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Phoenix Dark on November 11, 2008, 12:08:57 AM
At first I thought the title was I Got Laid Today

sorry bro  :-\
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: muckhole on November 11, 2008, 12:09:56 AM
I was actually at work refreshing EB all day.  :maf

 :lol That sucks, Arby's. Hopefully friday sees you back where you want to be.

And yeah, I gotta learn to use IRC.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 12:10:05 AM
come to think of it getting a sloppy dumpster BJ from five thai immigrants named "Thuy" would make my day. :maf
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: CurseoftheGods on November 11, 2008, 12:10:11 AM
jlahesduhaskudha budget cuts. glad I'm interviewing for a new job on friday anyway. :piss2

HOW WAS YOUR DAY MOTHERFUCKERS?

I totally know how you feel. I had to read GAF today.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: drew on November 11, 2008, 12:12:02 AM
 :lol
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 12:14:21 AM
:zzz :zzz :zzz :zzz

WHAT THE FUCK!? fuck today
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: drew on November 11, 2008, 12:14:59 AM
i have posted that emoticon before

just goes to show how far ahead of the game i am
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 11, 2008, 12:15:08 AM
wrong thread
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: BlackMage on November 11, 2008, 12:15:28 AM
I'm sorry for your loss

 :zzz
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 12:16:08 AM
fuck you guys we;re here to talk about my lack of occupation :maf :maf :maf :maf

spoiler (click to show/hide)
:zzz
[close]

THE FUCK
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 11, 2008, 12:17:30 AM
what job sector were you in
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: laesperanzapaz on November 11, 2008, 12:29:35 AM
 :) :D ;) 8) ??? ::) :P :-\ :'( :azn: :cheesy:

hmm, i like these
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Don Flamenco on November 11, 2008, 12:39:24 AM
I handled all this bullshit for law school applications and tried to get into irc (I get "unable to resolve server" errors with mirc and "unable to connect" errors with irc2go grrrr)
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Bildi on November 11, 2008, 12:42:34 AM
I got laid off today.

I was actually at work refreshing EB all day.  :maf

I'm starting to see a pattern here...

Sorry to hear though Arbys. :(

:zzz
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 12:53:12 AM
what job sector were you in
I was working IT Management for a small real estate (lol) company. Ungrateful turds--after I built all their IT infrastructure, websites and shit. I seriously wanted to curbstomp the HR manager this morning.

P.S. I printed this thread for my interview on friday, hope all your tips work  :-*

http://www.evilbore.com/forum/index.php?topic=17279.0
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 11, 2008, 12:58:01 AM
market's pretty rough, but best of luck!!
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 01:00:23 AM
I got laid off today.

I was actually at work refreshing EB all day.  :maf

I'm starting to see a pattern here...

Sorry to hear though Arbys. :(

:zzz

TBH i'm glad i'm out of the place, don't really see any personal nor professional growth in cruising the web all day. Thanks dude.

market's pretty rough, but best of luck!!
Thanks, yeah it is, hope I don't end up being out of the loop too long.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: xnikki118x on November 11, 2008, 01:31:10 AM
Ew, sorry to hear that man! I hope it works out for you and soon!
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 11, 2008, 07:37:21 AM
Any of you guys know if getting unemployment insurance is a good idea?
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: drozmight on November 11, 2008, 10:48:20 PM
Any of you guys know if getting unemployment insurance is a good idea?

unemployment insurance?

you mean unemployment checks from the gov'nt?
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: demi on November 11, 2008, 10:49:18 PM
Any of you guys know if getting unemployment insurance is a good idea?

If you see yourself without a job for a bit, go for it. I wouldnt really expect to live off it though.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 12, 2008, 12:32:47 AM
Any of you guys know if getting unemployment insurance is a good idea?

If you see yourself without a job for a bit, go for it. I wouldnt really expect to live off it though.

not really, I'm a pretty awesome guy so I can probably get a semi-decent job in oh, a month?

I was just wondering if it was standard procedure or something.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Bildi on November 12, 2008, 02:31:23 AM
not really, I'm a pretty awesome guy so I can probably get a semi-decent job in oh, a month?

(http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4985/rickmartel1wq8.jpg)
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 12, 2008, 11:52:25 AM
:pimp: that's right.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Olivia Wilde Homo on November 12, 2008, 12:47:58 PM
 :(

Hope you find something quickly.  Network and don't be afraid to use oral persuasion to seal the deal!
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Himu on November 12, 2008, 02:30:16 PM
I know the feeling bro. :(

Eat an Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich to make ya feel bettah.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 01:06:04 AM
Tomorrow's D-day. :punch

I don't even remember to answer the standard "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your weaknesses" spiels. I am FUCKED.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 01:59:44 AM
you'll rock it. you know what you want from a job!
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 02:10:11 AM
I'm just worried about veering wayyyy off track from the job description (simple programming and support gig) and start discussing the other shit I can do like general IT and graphics. would it be a good idea to show the interviewers the other things I can do, or should I pipe down and let them figure that out? God I hate panel interviews.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: demi on November 14, 2008, 02:10:53 AM
Good penis sucking is a definite plus
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 02:11:37 AM
that's already a given
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 02:16:46 AM
I'm just worried about veering wayyyy off track from the job description (simple programming and support gig) and start discussing the other shit I can do like general IT and graphics. would it be a good idea to show the interviewers the other things I can do, or should I pipe down and let them figure that out? God I hate panel interviews.

doesn't hurt to mention it offhand, but don't derail the interview. a "oh, and i have some experience with X and Y as well, which could apply to this job thusly <quick explanation why, then back to the question proper>"
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 02:24:32 AM
makes sense, thanks. while you're here prole, what would be the best way to downplay technical questions? although the job description clearly says that it's not required, the apps and stuff that the company does is done in C and aside from a couple hours worth of research and experimenting, I don't know jack about C (I know a bit of C++/Java, however). I'm kinda predicting that some douche on the panel will try and stump me with a C question.

Also, wearing a suit: good idea or bad? I'm pretty sure the corporate environment is super-casual, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to look good.

FUCK i am FREAKING OUT right now.

*EDIT* haha jinfash, I actually have a TON of similar articles printed out already, like 50 pages worth I've been reviewing. I'm batman son, i lurve prep time.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 02:30:17 AM
if you don't know c, acknowedge it if a question comes up. say "i'm sorry, i'm not terribly familiar with c outside of a little experimentation with it. however, i have learned other languages like <X> and <Y> and while i understand that c presents a fair few syntactical difficulties to the programming novice, it is definitely something i would love to have the opportunity to get experience in and master." if they ask you a programming question ("whiteboard a fifo queue implementation") ask if you can code it in a language you are comfortable with.

suit: probably not for a tech job. slacks, button down shirt. tie optional (i'd say no.) iron the shirt and slacks, make sure the shoes are clean, shave and groom.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 02:39:38 AM
Jinfash: I'll just print out your entire post for inspiration. :-*

Prole: That's an awesome way of putting it, and I might actually use that word-for-word. :lol

Let's see, what else do I usually bomb at—that damn "what are your weaknesses?" question always gets me, mostly because I can't name any that aren't either outright lies or lame tangents that kinda-sorta sound like weaknesses but don't. "I used to be disorganized, however..." was supposed to be my canned answer, but the job description clearly states "Strong Organizational Skills" so that's probably a bad idea. I think I'm gonna say "I used to sell myself short" and go onto a spiel about how I improved my self-confidence by actually starting work in a production environment and discovering that I actually work quicker and more efficiently than I envisioned. That actually sounds pretty weak too, but I really can't think of anything else.

Also as someone who's an MIS major, I'm someone who can probably take the programming or management career path (I honestly will take any sort of training or promotion that will make me a better employee), but I don't want the interviewers to mistake that as indecisiveness.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 02:45:49 AM
yeah, those responses would make me terminate a candidate's interview post-haste
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 02:48:12 AM
That's what I figured. :lol
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 02:50:14 AM
Jinfash: I'll just print out your entire post for inspiration. :-*

Prole: That's an awesome way of putting it, and I might actually use that word-for-word. :lol

Let's see, what else do I usually bomb at—that damn "what are your weaknesses?" question always gets me, mostly because I can't name any that aren't either outright lies or lame tangents that kinda-sorta sound like weaknesses but don't. "I used to be disorganized, however..." was supposed to be my canned answer, but the job description clearly states "Strong Organizational Skills" so that's probably a bad idea. I think I'm gonna say "I used to sell myself short" and go onto a spiel about how I improved my self-confidence by actually starting work in a production environment and discovering that I actually work quicker and more efficiently than I envisioned. That actually sounds pretty weak too, but I really can't think of anything else.

Also as someone who's an MIS major, I'm someone who can probably take the programming or management career path (I honestly will take any sort of training or promotion that will make me a better employee), but I don't want the interviewers to mistake that as indecisiveness.

so what are your weaknesses? acknowledge them, throw out the creepy and concerning ones ("i like to fantasize about female coworkers beating my genitals with their shoes" or "i'm really not motivated to do any work when i'm depressed"), and rank the rest according to how damaging you think they might be with regards to the job you're applying for. after that, pick the LEAST damaging one and go with that, and find an honest but forward-thinking way to express it. for example, "i'm shy" can be LEGITIMATELY spun as "i'm a bit of a hermit, but i also really want to break out of that way of thinking and i think this job will really help me because of <X> reason". show that you know your faults, and have a quick plan to address them in the context of the position you're applying for.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 02:54:43 AM
the "i sell myself short, but..." isn't bad, IF it is qualified. "i often sell myself short BECAUSE i don't like peer scrutiny" is honest, and can then be followed by "but i understand that being judged is something that is part of a team environment like this AND i've come to accept that i shouldn't be worried by praise -- in fact, positivity by example is a powerful motivational tool." that sounds insightful without being indirectly self-aggrandizing.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Howard Alan Treesong on November 14, 2008, 02:55:40 AM
give a real weakness. your weakness is not that you're too awesome.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 02:55:46 AM
(http://xs233.xs.to/xs233/08465/soyouwanna171.png)

I'm pimping this in case you've missed it :P

that is worthless, awful advice, and suitable only if your interviewer is a six year old child.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: BlackMage on November 14, 2008, 02:56:20 AM
give a real weakness. your weakness is not that you're too awesome.

unless you are me.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 02:57:10 AM
give a real weakness. your weakness is not that you're too awesome.

unless you are me.

half of the time.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 03:00:59 AM
an honest one. we all have weaknesses. besides, do you REALLY want to work for a hiring manager who's easily bullshitted? if s/he falls for that gawp, imagine what his/her senior employees and managers are doing with him/her. you're walking right into a dead-end career working for puppet mcchucklefuck.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 03:08:13 AM
That's what I figured. :lol

i was responding to jinfash, there.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 03:08:37 AM
let's see, in no particular order:

1. I don't have any standardized way of naming my shit. Like I can name a working, production file "cum_erection.py" and not really care about the consequences. I've definitely improved, but I often name WIP files in NSFW manners just because I can.
2. I'm too much of a nice guy. Like one dude on the team could be fucking up badly, but I'll still try my best to cover the asshole just because I don't like dealing with all the drama associated with asking the guy to clean up his act. I guess I have trouble finding my niche and asserting myself in the workplace (don't worry, I'm not liek that IRL 8)).
3. Related to that, I'm too much of a boring stiff at work (again, not IRL), but I do warm up and "be myself" after a couple of months.
4. I rely too much on code snippets or templates I already made for myself and normally can't code from absolute scratch. I CAN however explain code relatively well, and generally know what I'm doing so I think it's some kind of psychological thing.
5. I'm kind of afraid of work-related criticism, especially regarding my work, in fact I feel that I get too defensive/discouraged about my shit sometimes.
6. I'm a pretty fast worker, so I tend to lax and cram wayyy or right before a major deadline.

HOLY SHIT those are bad.

the "i sell myself short, but..." isn't bad, IF it is qualified. "i often sell myself short BECAUSE i don't like peer scrutiny" is honest, and can then be followed by "but i understand that being judged is something that is part of a team environment like this AND i've come to accept that i shouldn't be worried by praise -- in fact, positivity by example is a powerful motivational tool." that sounds insightful without being indirectly self-aggrandizing.

Seems more in line with the answer I was thinking of, but I wonder if this shit actually flies in an actual interview (then again Prole is a pro interviewer so I guess such an answer is acceptable).
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 03:12:35 AM
5 and 2 are good.

1 is "creepy"; 3 is a non-issue; 4 will lead to an interview derail; and 6 could be taken as self-aggrandizement.

5 is the best. say "i am afraid of criticism, but acknowledge its importance when delivered timely and correctly, with sensitivity to the context of my work. i've worked hard throughout my career to not take it personally and see it as an opportunity for improvement -- WHEN it is clearly constructive." follow up with the awesome "as a manager, how do you deliver criticism? how do you use it as an effective tool in the workplace?" question, which will give you a 3x combo bonus.

if they ask you "how do you KNOW if it's constructive" you respond with "when it is delivered professionally and is entirely about my work, and not ME."
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 03:16:01 AM
you want to demonstrate self-awareness and understanding -- that you are an adult capable of focused reflection and consideration towards your own actions and those of others, and can employ this in the context of your job. THAT is the real reason for the "what are your weaknesses" question.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Mandark on November 14, 2008, 03:19:31 AM
Yeah, I always figured that question was more "show me you're able to discuss your flaws" than about figuring out what those flaws were.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 03:21:45 AM
Whoa thanks, I'll keep that in mind but I'm not sure I have the skillz necessary to deliver that 3x bonus line. Just to follow-up, are you interviewer folks more partial to people that actually engage in active, flowery discussion (like someone who tends to ask counter-questions after almost every question) or do you prefer people that just pipe down and answer the questions straight? I'm figuring you're leaning on the former, but what I'm afraid of is that being mistaken for phony interest.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 03:23:26 AM
both. you are who you are. flowers often grow in manure, and brevity is often the soul of wit. on the other hand, an uncomfortable silence is uncomfortable for a reason.

just answer the questions straight. think less about trying to impress, and more about the job itself.

also remember: they should hafta sell the job to you a bit, too! you are a competent candidate, and they have acknowledged that by interviewing you. don't be afraid to expect a little give from them, as well.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 03:27:04 AM
damn, I guess I'm set then, really appreciate the advice, possibly some of the best I've heard in my life. Any other random tips/pitfalls you feel like throwing out?
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 03:29:03 AM
only one, really: be prepared for reactions/responses from the interviewer that express some form of dissatisfaction, and be okay with that. never, ever, try to cajole the interviewer into releasing his/her dissatisfaction, because you'll inevitably tangle yourself up trying to "fix" your answer. just quickly move on.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 03:30:53 AM
only one, really: br prepared for reactions/responses from the interviewer that express some form of dissatisfaction, and be okay with that. never, ever, try to cajole the interviewer into releasing his/her dissatisfaction, because you'll inevitably tangle yourself up trying to "fix" your answer. just quickly move on.

Makes sense. That's something I definitely need to look out for; like I said I enter into spin mode really quick.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Mandark on November 14, 2008, 03:33:58 AM
Prole's a veritable font but lemme pass this one on:

Don't focus on anticipating how the interviewer, who is a stranger to you, will react to your answers or dwelling on how they have reacted.  You don't know the person well enough to figure out the "best" answer for them.  It will just make you nervous or worse, transparently manipulative/ass-kissing.

Just answer the questions.  The reasons you think you're right for the job are the same reasons someone else should think you're right for the job 90% of the time.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 03:37:05 AM
I guess I am kind of worrying myself too much, no?
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Mandark on November 14, 2008, 03:38:09 AM
Lemme put it this way:

Do you think you're qualified for the actual job itself?
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 03:40:07 AM
I'm pretty sure--minus a couple of niggling, minor details--I am. Selling myself and conveying that to the panel is another thing IMHO. But I do understand that they've all read my CV and determined that I'm pretty well-qualified for the job too.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 03:42:04 AM
just relax! you'll do fine. find the raunchiest porn you can and tear one out. (don't mention THAT in the interview, though.)
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: demi on November 14, 2008, 03:43:29 AM
xhamster is hotness

also, this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTwcPADjffo
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 03:44:40 AM
:lol I will (relax that is; or maybe both depending on the amount of flaming thai ladyboy dismemberment scat porn I can amass in the short time between now and 2PM tomorrow).
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 03:25:57 PM
And I'm off! :pimp
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Olivia Wilde Homo on November 14, 2008, 03:30:58 PM
Good luck
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: duckman2000 on November 14, 2008, 03:31:08 PM
I don't ever see a realistic option other than being honest. If I have to pad the truth or be less than forthcoming about things, then I doubt I'd last long there anyway. What always surprises me about the American job hunting experience is how you're basically expected to say that you're the best. Somehow, this suggests that you're confident and dependable, as opposed to a jackass.
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Howard Alan Treesong on November 14, 2008, 03:59:40 PM
good luck.  i would have given the real weakness advice too.  Mine is i'm disorganized!

mine is I can get really agitated and outspoken when things start going seriously tits up, but it's an external thing and I don't let it cloud my judgment
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 14, 2008, 09:32:23 PM
So I got back from the interview. It was pretty fine, mostly technical questions (oddly enough, a ton of linux/command line questions, good thing I'm a linux neckbeard), wayyyy less ethical/personality bullshit questions (I guess they had their fill of that on the initial phone interview). I think they're gonna call me back sometime next week to do a final interview with the higher-ups. Word on the street is that I'm the only current candidate that survived both interviews, so yay me (unless I royally fuck up the last interview). :pimp

oh and possibly to prole's enjoyment I was able to pull the "how do you use it as an effective tool in the workplace?" line without a hitch!

And my former place of employment called me in to re-set up some servers (SMH) tomorrow. I wonder if I should just tell them to fuck off, although I haven't gotten this payday's check yet and my release is technically on Monday.

Oh and thanks go out to all the well-wishers :-*
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Van Cruncheon on November 14, 2008, 09:39:18 PM
well done. hope you get it!
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Boogie on November 14, 2008, 11:01:10 PM
laid off?  That's a shame.

spoiler (click to show/hide)
JOB SECURITY, BITCHES! :rock
[close]
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Fresh Prince on November 14, 2008, 11:04:33 PM
Boogie's become an asshole   :lol
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Boogie on November 15, 2008, 12:32:20 AM
Boogie's become an asshole   :lol

It's true.

Really, I'm just hoping it helps me get laid. :P
Title: Re: I got laid off today.
Post by: Olivia Wilde Homo on November 15, 2008, 12:33:18 AM
I saw the salary you're pulling at your job over at GAF

You're truly a rags to bitches story.