THE BORE

General => The Superdeep Borehole => Topic started by: EmCeeGrammar on February 01, 2010, 06:10:18 PM

Title: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 01, 2010, 06:10:18 PM
 :-\
It's only been a few days, but its really hard to tell who is and isn't hiring when they are only allowed to say "we're taking applications".  So far I say I've already "applied" at 15-20 different places.I only have the one job I worked at four years for, which I was fired from.  I'm under the impression that the only thing they're allowed to inquire about if I am eligible for rehire, but then someone today asked me what I thought they might say about me if they called my old job.  WTF, they shouldn't be telling you anything, right?! The questionnaires I keep filling out feel like they are full of loaded questions whereas I feel like I have to constantly cross reference what I said on some earlier inaccessable part of the form.  One question in peculiar asked if I have ever taken advantage of people.  Yes I have, but not malicously or by being deceitful.  How am I supposed to answer this?  Should I be calling every one of these businesses back in a few days to check?  I'm really starting to appreciate the ones that are straight with me and just let me know they have nothing available or won't be hiring me.  It's nice to not have my time wasted.

Sorry for rambling, but any advice would be appreciated.
 :-\
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Mupepe on February 01, 2010, 06:16:56 PM
Yes, call back after a few days.  Don't be discouraged ever unless you want to be homeless.  Answer those stupid questionnaires like you're Jesus Santa Clause Christ.

Don't worry, dude.  You'll find something.

And yeah, they'll pretty much ask your old job if they'd ever hire you again.  But they can't give specifics and usually the job will ask you why not (if they're seriously considering you).
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Akala on February 01, 2010, 06:19:46 PM
lol relax. you get better with practice.

be somewhat honest, but lie about taking advantage of people and/or other obvious red flags that have little sense being there. come on now. just think of applications as first impressions. admitting to be a manipulator? lol your shit is going in the trash.

if applications are tripping you up (god help you), make up a resume to drop off to places. it shows initiative.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 01, 2010, 06:24:22 PM
Economy sucks. There aren't a lot of jobs out there. The fact that your old job won't rehire you will hurt, and since that's really the only job you've had - I'd try to keep that as quiet as possible. Don't check boxes, say anything, etc.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Joe Molotov on February 01, 2010, 06:25:07 PM
I'd say after about 9 or 10 months.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: brawndolicious on February 01, 2010, 06:25:33 PM
What I would do is actually hand a manager or HR person etc the application directly.  It sends the message that you're a dedicated little peon.

And LIE on those questionnaires.  Nobody can check if you're telling the truth or not.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 01, 2010, 06:27:24 PM
Then what am I supposed to say I've been doing since I got out of high school?  My naive nature suspects getting fired wouldn't be a huge deal considering I was there for four years.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 01, 2010, 06:29:39 PM
I'd say after about 9 or 10 months.

yeah I don't understand how you can be unemployed for that long unless you had thousands saved up already.  I was steadily saving with the goal being about 3 grand but some things came up and now I only have a month covered.

[youtube=560,345]it sucks to be me[/youtube]

[youtube=560,345]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pq8PwHFhy8[/youtube]
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: border on February 01, 2010, 06:30:28 PM
It's nice to not have my time wasted.
People always whine about that when I give the evasive "We're always accepting applications" answer.  "Well I don't want to waste my time!"  You're unemployed -- your time is literally worthless at this point.

"Accepting applications" usually just means they want to have a bunch of applications on file in case someone gets fired or quits suddenly.  Most chain stores have one standardized application that is accepted at all stores -- grab one, go to Kinko's and scan it into PDF.   Download FoxIt PDF Reader/Editor, type out your responses, then print out ten copies and submit them to every location of the store you're applying to.  Any large company will probably already have a PDF on their website so you may be able to skip Kinko's.

None of the schlubs that apply for these jobs have the sense or the know-how to type up an application -- I've worked in a place that saw 100 apps per month and I've seen maybe 1 of them typed.  Having applications typed and saved to your hard drive means you can submit to 20 times as many places as frequently as you would like and your applications look 100 times better than anyone else's (provided there's no typos).  The only downside is it might take you an hour or two to learn FoxIt PDF Editor.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Joe Molotov on February 01, 2010, 06:31:13 PM
One of my business professors said most businesses are so paranoid about being sued by former employees for libel, that generally if another business calls and asks about your employment there, they'll only give out the dates you were employed and not go into any specifics. I dunno if that's true or not, but that's what I've been told.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Mupepe on February 01, 2010, 06:32:13 PM
They won't go into specifics.  They can answer "Would you rehire "x employee" again?"  Just with a simple yes or no.  At least it's that way in Texas
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 01, 2010, 06:37:25 PM
It's nice to not have my time wasted.
People always whine about that when I give the evasive "We're always accepting applications" answer.  "Well I don't want to waste my time!"  You're unemployed -- your time is literally worthless at this point.

"Accepting applications" usually just means they want to have a bunch of applications on file in case someone gets fired or quits suddenly.  Most chain stores have one standardized application that is accepted at all stores -- grab one, go to Kinko's and scan it into PDF.   Download FoxIt PDF Reader/Editor, type out your responses, then print out ten copies and submit them to every location of the store you're applying to.  Any large company will probably already have a PDF on their website so you may be able to skip Kinko's.

None of the schlubs that apply for these jobs have the sense or the know-how to type up an application -- I've worked in a place that saw 100 apps per month and I've seen maybe 1 of them typed.  Having applications typed and saved to your hard drive means you can submit to 20 times as many places as frequently as you would like and your applications look 100 times better than anyone else's (provided there's no typos).  The only downside is it might take you an hour or two to learn FoxIt PDF Editor.

This is all great advice, except I don't have transportation, I'm smack dab in the middle of like a hundred businesses though, but not much redundancy options.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 01, 2010, 06:42:24 PM
How long do you have before you have to move back home?

wut
spoiler (click to show/hide)
not an option I'm afraid!
[close]
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Rman on February 01, 2010, 07:14:20 PM
I once was on a job hunt for 6 months. 
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: archie4208 on February 01, 2010, 07:24:12 PM
9 months and counting.

:'( south Georgia job market :'(
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 01, 2010, 07:38:15 PM
Jesus christ I'm fucked
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Flannel Boy on February 01, 2010, 08:05:38 PM
One of my business professors said most businesses are so paranoid about being sued by former employees for libel, that generally if another business calls and asks about your employment there, they'll only give out the dates you were employed and not go into any specifics. I dunno if that's true or not, but that's what I've been told.


That's probably the case even though reference checks are protected by qualified privilege in many jurisdictions. If a past employer is contacted and makes a comment in good faith, qualified privilege should protect him from a defamation suit.

(Also, it's slander, not libel.)
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Brehvolution on February 01, 2010, 08:56:56 PM
Is there anything keeping you in that area? Maybe it's time for a change.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 01, 2010, 09:14:43 PM
    ^
Not a bad suggestion.

Do some research, see if there is a place with better unemployment numbers that suit your skills and has a good nightlife scene. Then grab a duffel bag and a few hundred dollars, and make your mark! Bright lights, big city!
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: demi on February 01, 2010, 09:22:38 PM
Jesus christ I'm fucked


Imagine all the money you saved on games by owning a nintendo wii.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Diunx on February 01, 2010, 09:26:21 PM
I'd say after about 9 or 10 months.

:'(
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: OptimoPeach on February 02, 2010, 03:34:17 AM
Haven't been able to get hired for a minimum wage position in over 6 months here in California. Get used to it
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: tiesto on February 02, 2010, 09:22:08 AM
Yeah, my girlfriend has a history degree as well, and is stuck in a customer service job she doesn't like, working for some nutty Orthodox Jews who apparently have no idea how to run a company. Kosma, why don't you go try for a Masters degree? Or like be a tour guide or something? (I could totally see you doing that, then banging the cute girls in the tour group :pimp )
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: tiesto on February 02, 2010, 10:00:38 AM
Working in travel is always one of the things I look for :pimp As long as you don't have to fly.

I don't have money for a Masters now Tiesto, plus it wouldnt help me at all if I did it in History.

How old is your GF?

Hmm, well I dunno what the situation is like in Europe, but here we could take out student loans and pay them back over a long period of time, and of course you wouldn't necessarily have to do a degree in history. Law, polisci, education seem like popular advanced degrees to go into. My g/f is 28, she's doing some slight cradle robbin' with me  :-*
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: chronovore on February 02, 2010, 05:52:31 PM
Just hang in there; getting your first job is a royal PITA for anyone, and it almost never has anything to do with your career. If you're in danger of not being able to support yourself, it may be a good time to consider a move, particularly if there is anyone who can put you up in a new area.

Note: Speaking of "up in a new area," what demi calls "paying your rent" is not a good long term strategy.

The resume and PDF printout are good advice not just because it can save time, of which you have only a nominal shortage, but because it shows more forethought and motivation than some schlub who sits in the shame corner to fill out their work record. And mgmt. is prolly watching how long it takes them to fill out a simple form; I know I would.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 06:21:24 PM
Jesus christ I'm fucked


:(

Now I feel bad for telling you not to worry and there's plenty of other waiter jobs out there. 

I think one place I stopped by today is hiring for sure.  I'm in arkansas, and the guy who gave me the application said that he was helping but was from another store.  In Branson, Missouri. 
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 06:23:17 PM
EmCee what are your qualifications/ skills? Can you do accounting? Code HTML, simple PHP? What uni did you graduate from?

IIRC Kosma has graduated in history (:lol) that's why he has some problems in getting a job. I think if you have graduated in math/ comp. sci. then you should be fine in hunting down a job.

Personally I am keeping my fingers crossed cause you are a good person. One of the very few Wii fans I tolerate.

Oh sorry to ignore this.  I'm just a simple man, a proletariat person if you will. 
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 06:28:35 PM
Jesus christ I'm fucked



:(

Now I feel bad for telling you not to worry and there's plenty of other waiter jobs out there. 

I think one place I stopped by today is hiring for sure.  I'm in arkansas, and the guy who gave me the application said that he was helping but was from another store.  In Branson, Missouri. 


I know the Olive Garden in Norman, Oklahoma is hiring if that helps!


They gave me a "peer tour" today.  I don't think they have processed the application though.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on February 02, 2010, 06:31:11 PM
Oh sorry to ignore this.  I'm just a simple man, a proletariat person if you will. 

Do you have any skills, like, at all? Or at least any hobbies that can be parlayed into real-life work?

Learn a trade skill or something, and build from that.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 06:32:24 PM
Oh sorry to ignore this.  I'm just a simple man, a proletariat person if you will. 

Do you have any skills, like, at all? Or at least any hobbies that can be parlayed into real-life work?

Learn a trade skill or something, and build from that.

... I like to argue about stupid shit on the internet?

edit: I will say that just feeling like I do right now has seriously made me think about going to tech/vocationcal school when this all gets sorted out.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 06:45:55 PM
Just join the Army.  Afghanistan 2010: The Adventure Continues

Yeah, I'll be stopping by the recruitment office in the next two weeks to see what they have to offer.  If I survive it I get free schooling.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:09:24 PM
Plus, after serving in the armed forces, not only will your soul be broken and shattered with years of horrible memories, the Army may or may not throw in a free prosthetic limb when a roadside bomb blows up your entire unit!
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:12:11 PM
Hey, I don't live in Beltsville! Have some respect!
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:14:55 PM
I tell people I live near "that place in Maryland where that sniper shot all those people".
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:15:52 PM
Plus, after serving in the armed forces, not only will your soul be broken and shattered with years of horrible memories, the Army may or may not throw in a free prosthetic limb when a roadside bomb blows up your entire unit!

Not on vet benefits. Not in this economy.

I'm pretty sure he at least gets a deductible on the prosthetic limb. I mean, does EmCeeGrammar really need two legs?
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 07:15:59 PM
Plus, after serving in the armed forces, not only will your soul be broken and shattered with years of horrible memories, the Army may or may not throw in a free prosthetic limb when a roadside bomb blows up your entire unit!

I guess it works out that I think prosthetics are kinda neat.  Losing an arm or two would suck balls though.  I wouldn't get too depressed about a leg.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:17:20 PM
See, you've already got the mindset! Your appendages are expendable! The Army will love you!
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Flannel Boy on February 02, 2010, 07:19:15 PM
A university education in the States will literally cost you an arm and a leg.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:23:07 PM
Don't forget a shattered and broken soul that will prevent you from forging any meaningful and lasting relationships, gradually sending you into a downward spiral of alcoholism and anger management. If you have a child, they will forever be scarred and never know a loving parent.

To them, their father died the day that helicopter landed in Kabul.

But - hey! - he'll have his college degree and Wii Motion Plus. He'll be fine.

Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:24:03 PM
Absolutely not. I totally rely on my pinky for when I hoist fancy drinks and mock you in a British accent.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 07:24:15 PM
Don't forget a shattered and broken soul that will prevent you from forging any meaningful and lasting relationships,

pfffft, I've been dealing with this since childhood.

edit: I just realised losing an arm still means I can play my wii.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:26:20 PM
I think you should enlist today. You will be terrific cannon fodder.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Flannel Boy on February 02, 2010, 07:27:45 PM
Army Recruit: Do you know what pain feels like, son?
EmCeeGrammar: Yes. I surf the web using my Nintendo Wii.
Army Recruit: The horror!
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 07:27:50 PM
I think you should enlist today. You will be terrific cannon fodder.

Does your disdain for ninthings really extend this far?
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Barry Egan on February 02, 2010, 07:36:33 PM
you don't have any relatives/friends that will take you in EmCee?  Have you really tried everyone?
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:36:36 PM
I probably still could have fucked her that night but my ex-girlfriend kept calling me every 5 minutes making things awkward for me.  The gimp cutey made an effort to find me and tell me she was leaving.  If I don't end up reconcilling with my ex I'm sure it'll be easy to find this girl on campus.  I just have to look for the brunette with the limp. 

The Business will be the only one scouting the Special Olympics for one-night stands.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:41:16 PM
... Hooah?
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Flannel Boy on February 02, 2010, 07:42:11 PM
The Business is now evilbore's creepiest poster.

Poor fistful.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 02, 2010, 07:43:09 PM
you don't have any relatives/friends that will take you in EmCee?  Have you really tried everyone?

I have acquantices, my issue is that I have animals and I need to live near where I work.  I may reconsider that and just get a bus pass.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:45:35 PM
That is a lie. We all know that when service men are overseas, their significant others are cheating on them back home to make up for the fact that service men bang each other.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: The Fake Shemp on February 02, 2010, 07:49:54 PM
At what point was I being anti-military, I thought I was helping to recruit EmCeeGrammar ???
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Cormacaroni on February 02, 2010, 08:15:59 PM
Free higher education is a pretty amazing deal in the United States.  It's nothing to scoff at. 

Just another illustration of how fucked up the US educational system is. I didn't pay a thing for my education, and taxpayers are (much) richer for it.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Cormacaroni on February 02, 2010, 08:24:49 PM
I think we could argue all day about whether free higher education is a pretty amazing deal at THAT price though. High value, yes, but high price. Potentially as high as it gets.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Cormacaroni on February 02, 2010, 08:29:40 PM
Depends on how much you like losing, I suppose. At Chez Cormacaroni, humble pie is always on the menu.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Eric P on February 02, 2010, 09:11:25 PM
Free higher education is a pretty amazing deal in the United States.  It's nothing to scoff at. 

Just another illustration of how fucked up the US educational system is. I didn't pay a thing for my education, and taxpayers are (much) richer for it.

the taxpayers in japan?

:smug

spoiler (click to show/hide)
i don't know what country you went to college
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Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Cormacaroni on February 02, 2010, 10:18:21 PM
Looks like The Business is closed.  :smug

Eric P - Northern Ireland
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: tiesto on February 02, 2010, 10:47:54 PM
My company reimbursed me for my Masters degree (they had an on-site Systems Engineering program via Stevens Institute of Technology)... from what I heard, way back when, quite a number of companies would pay for schooling if it related to your job.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: chronovore on February 03, 2010, 04:51:37 AM
I met a girl at a party recently where there were a bunch of dance majors so I asked her if she was a dancer.  She gave me a really dirty look and told me she was a communications major.  Then I looked down and saw that her left foot was a prosthetic.  Whoops!

You should have said "Dirty looks get in the way of communications, baby!" And then done some killer dance move requiring BOTH legs.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: chronovore on February 03, 2010, 06:13:53 AM
I met a girl at a party recently where there were a bunch of dance majors so I asked her if she was a dancer.  She gave me a really dirty look and told me she was a communications major.  Then I looked down and saw that her left foot was a prosthetic.  Whoops!

You should have said "Dirty looks get in the way of communications, baby!" And then done some killer dance move requiring BOTH legs.

Good thing you're married already, you're a cruel man  :-*
Yeah, the funny thing is, pretty women love it the most.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: Tauntaun on February 03, 2010, 09:49:19 AM
I met a girl at a party recently where there were a bunch of dance majors so I asked her if she was a dancer.  She gave me a really dirty look and told me she was a communications major.  Then I looked down and saw that her left foot was a prosthetic.  Whoops!

:rofl
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 03, 2010, 06:00:17 PM
God my legs are sore.  The feeling I get from most of these businesses I checked back with is that it would've been better if I walked away from the job instead of being non rehirable.  Fuck. 
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 03, 2010, 06:06:39 PM
Isnt there anyone at the old company that still likes you? Some shift manager or something?

Sure, two of them even.  They are professional references.  But like I said, it seems that they see one job in the work history that I'm non-rehirable for.  It doesn't matter that I was there for 4 years after I got out of high school.  So I imagine they have much better canidates to go with.  I can't blame them, but its very frustrating.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: huckleberry on February 03, 2010, 06:21:00 PM
wouldn't you have been considered non-rehireable if you had just quit instead of being fired?  Curious because I might be facing a similar situation in the not too distant future.
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: EmCeeGrammar on February 03, 2010, 06:25:09 PM
wouldn't you have been considered non-rehireable if you had just quit instead of being fired?  Curious because I might be facing a similar situation in the not too distant future.

If you wait out the two weeks notice you are rehirable afaik. 
Title: Re: So when should I start get discouraged with job hunting?
Post by: huckleberry on February 03, 2010, 07:08:36 PM
Oh...I misunderstood you to mean quitting outright instead of getting fired. Makes perfect sense.  Guess I should have read the entire thread.