job woes

exoplasm

I'll try to keep this short, so here goes...

I'm in the process of finding a new job and I'm not too keen on job searching because I've been pretty lucky with employment so far. Unfortunately my luck just ran out and I've got anxiety about getting a new job. My biggest issue is that the jobs available on craigslist that I qualify for are absolute shit. Monster, dice, etc. are all but worthless because the job requirements for even trivial entry level jobs are ridiculous. Now I'm not a worthless lacky or anything, but I don't have any certifications or degrees or any of that fancy stuff to get my name on anyone's radar. I just have experience. I am way way overqualified for the jobs that don't require any certs or degrees, and I feel like a fool applying for jobs with certs and degrees listed as requirements, even though my experience should be spot on for them.

Mainly, though, my anxiety is drawn from my current job. I was not paid last payday, and tomorrow is another payday. I am not banking on getting paid tomorrow. I'm freaking out because I have mortgage payments and bills to pay and I suck at saving money because I like buying things.

One thing I do have going for me, though, is I already got a voicemail from a place I applied at. Unfortunately I pulled an all-nighter with my roommate mainly because I'm a night owl anyway and my voice sounds really tired and/or sick. I spoke with a lady I work with today on the phone and she asked if I have a cold or something. As far as I know, I don't. This has been bothering me all morning. I want to call the guy back, but I'm shivering as if I'm cold and it's 76 degrees in here. Wish I could just chill out.

So.. uh.. TL;DR: I'm broke and have anxiety about getting a new job. halp?

urahonky

Wait, you haven't been paid from you last job? Did they give you a reason... Or is it under the table sort of work? If it's not under the table work, contact HR and talk to them about it. If that doesn't work, just bring up anything about the Department of Labor and you should have your money within a day or so.

I say take a nice shower, drink some hot coffee/chocolate, and put some music on to help ease your anxiety/voice and call him back. If your voice is still bothering you when you call him, just tell him you're feeling a little under the weather and will be recovering shortly. Most people don't mind if you're sick. I came to my job interview, at the place I work at now, when I was under the weather. Most people obliged and got me some water. As long as you qualify for it, just tell them you should be better very shortly.

exoplasm

Wait, you haven't been paid from you last job? Did they give you a reason... Or is it under the table sort of work? If it's not under the table work, contact HR and talk to them about it. If that doesn't work, just bring up anything about the Department of Labor and you should have your money within a day or so.

Well the situation is dire for everyone involved for sure. Basically, my employer can't afford to pay me. Or anyone else for that matter. I'm not sure where things are going, but even if/when they find the money to pay they will surely cut anyone they can live without to minimize the damage next pay period...

I think I will take your advice on the shower part. Since I work from home (since we moved to a smaller office...) I usually don't shower unless I have to leave the house, which isn't as often as most people I guess. Edit: wow I'm starting to feel like Milton from Office Space after re-reading this part.

Is it a bad thing if I wait until after the typical lunch hour to call the guy back? He called me earlier this morning and it's almost lunch time here so I don't know if I'll miss him then or what. I guess he will understand since I am currently employed in an 8-5 job and made mention of it in my application.

urahonky

Yeah I'd call him whenever you're ready. If he's not there, leave a message. Just so he knows you tried to get in contact with him. If he doesn't get back to you by... 4pm, I'd probably call back. If he answers at the 4pm call I'd say something around the effect of (if he brings up that he got your voicemail/message): "Sorry about calling again! I know how busy you are this time of year (everyone is)... I was hoping you had some time for..." Blah blah.

Good luck though sir.

Wylderneedshelp

Im in a rush, so this may be brief.

Im currently on the other side of the fence, recruiting a new staff member for my department. Ive only done this a couple of times, so my experience may not be the norm, but here is some things you may or may not know.

1) Most job ads stating various requirements for experience/education are a guideline only. Most people who DO have the relevant education actually fall apart really quickly in an interview situation becuase they have little or no actual experience of the tasks we are discussing.

I would hire in a second someone who can hold an actual conversation about the job role and tasks, rather than someone with a million fancy degrees. Anyone who is scared off by mention of specific qualifications that they may or may not actually need to do the job, I probably dont want to hire - since they lack confidence in their own ability, and initiative to get by without someone else telling them they are capable enough.


2) Quick, comfortable communication is key. Part of my application process was to send email responses to a bunch of applicants asking for more info about a specific difference between their stated career goals, and what the job role entails. 48 hours later, the half-to-three-quarters of applicants who have not responded are in the bin. A couple of those who did respond have interviews.


3) If someone calls you, it doesnt matter who, how, when or how awkward it is, but get back to them as fast as humanly possible. If you cant get in contact, leave a phone message and an email saying you would love to talk to them and provide a whole bag of contact details - even if they already have all of them.

Out of several people Ive tried to contact so far, one responded promptly and has already had their interview, and Im considering making an offer just to get the process over with (they were a decent candidate). The guy who has not gotten back to me (only a day or so later) may not even get an interview in the end if he doesnt hurry.


4) Finally, try to apply for Job ads posted that day or at worst, the day prior. I got roughly 50 resumes in the first two days, and now when new applications come in Im barely even looking at them because I have enough quality candidates to go through. The first 10 people to apply though really had their resumes gone through because I was keen to find someone. Apply early if you want your resume to actually get read.


To sum up, recruiting new candidates is a bitch, and a huge waste of time I cant really afford. The first person who makes it easy for me, and manages to convince me that I can get a reasonable deal out of hiring them will simply get the job. Im quite keen to be done with the haslle of bothering chasing up other, slower candidates (who may have been just as good).

exoplasm

Well I got a hold of the guy and it went pretty well, sort of. He offered me a position pretty much identical to what I'm doing now, and I explained what I want to do and he said he'd have another recruiter contact me if the kind of position I want is available. Doesn't sound promising, but I won't write it off just yet.

Thanks for the advice so far, guys. I'm going to keep at it.

Wylderneedshelp

Final thought:

Job hunting is a numbers game. 100 applications = 10 interviews = 1 perfect job. ymmv.

Keep at it, and dont be afraid to turn down shit jobs.

Idx86

Wylderneedshelp wrote: »

Final thought:

Job hunting is a numbers game. 100 applications = 10 interviews = 1 perfect job. ymmv.

Keep at it, and dont be afraid to turn down shit jobs.

That's correct. When I graduated from college, I must have applied for 50 jobs. If you're lucky you have a few offers on the table and then get to make a decision. Sometimes you can use that as leverage for better benefits.