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No Streets of Gold
April 13, 2006 by genae gThis is more to the families of job-seekers.
I don’t know how things were “back in the day.” I don’t doubt that there was a time when going to college really meant something. But I do know how things are now.
My friend was telling me how his parents and grandparents, none of whom went to college, can’t seem to fathom how he does not have a job after graduating in the fall. To quote my friend (not his family), “it’s like they think that after college your whole life is just paved in gold.” They keep lecturing him about getting a job. like he himself is the only obstacle to overcome. I felt the same way about how my parents treated me after graduation. If I don’t have a job it must be my fault, I must not be trying hard enough. If we just hound and nag him enough about it, he will get the motivation-which they seemed to think was the only necesary ingredient-and get a job and live happily ever after. The End.
Was there ever a time when employers fought each other to get the best employees instead of the other way around? Was there even a time when a diploma might as well have been a “get a job free” card? Because that cetainly does not describe today. It is frustrating enough without people on your back all the time. Want to help somebody you know find a job? Great. But do something useful. My parents lecturing me everyday about finding a job did absolutely nothing except piss me off, especially after months and months of hearing the same damn things every day that I did not even need to hear in the first place. So then whenever I would go in to fill out an app or do an interview I would think about their chronic nagging, no matter how hard I tried not to, and get angry. Furious, at times. Does that sound helpful? Understand the situation and try to lessen the frustration, do not make it worse. You will just make finding a job harder for them and make them more miserable in the process. -
One App, One Job?
March 29, 2006 by genae gSorry it has been a while. I have not been at my computer much over the past few weeks.
One of my friends, who will be graduating soon, called me over to his house the other day. Upon my arrival, he was quickly finishing up an application he was sending online, to a position he really wanted. All that day and over the next few days he talked a lot about how he was going to be at his dream job in the next few weeks, or at least before summer. Or, at the very least, at a lower level job in the same company ready to work his sweet was on up. Whether overly optimistic or just plain ignorant of his situation I could not tell, but he never really seemed to grasp that he may not get the job. If he did know, he hid it well.
It was funny to me at first. Funny until, well, I remebered that I was the same way, as well as everybody else I have ever known while they were searching for a first job. Yes, I remember handing in one application and then thinking up what I would tell the resteraunt the next day. I remeber doing that many, many times. Sure, it is easy for some. Just remember that there is a 98% chance that it won’t come easy for you. -
Second Interviews
March 09, 2006 by genae gMany employers now require second, and sometimes third interviews. Being called for a second interview used to seem tedious to me, and somewhat annoying; but I now realize that a second interview means you are liked and highly favored for the position.
At a previous second interview, I was asked case-scenario questions (i.e. What would I do in this situation?) It seemed to go well, and thankfully, I was offered the position two days later.
I now wonder if jobs regularly hire after only one interview. When I begin interviewing again, will a second interview most likely be required? If anyone has any insight, please share. -
Advice for Interviewees
February 23, 2006 by genae gI haven’t written in a while, because I just started a new job; but I’m back. I currently work for a Financial Institution-a job I received through a temp agency. So far, so good. Right now, I’m filling in for a woman on maternity leave, but hopefully this will turn into something long-term. I would love a stable, permanent job, but for right now, temping is good for me. It allows me to work in different environments and get the feel of a company before I decide to work there long-term.
Looking back, I realize why some of my previous interviews didn’t turn into job offers. In one interview, they asked why I applied for the position and what I thought I could contribute to the position. To say the least, I bs’d my answer, because honestly, I didn’t know too much about the position. My answer was geared towards another position in the company; but not the position I was interviewing for. I didn’t land that job (even though they said they’d “be in touch”).
With that said, my advice to interviewees is to be open-minded. A job may not start off permanent (if it’s with a temp), but it may end up permanent. You also should know about the position you’re applying to. Do your research before the interview, and know facts about the position and the company. This will show the employer that you’re knowledgeable and very interested, and most likely you’ll get called for that second interview. -
Offer Letters?
January 12, 2006 by genae gI was recently offered a position via telephone. The Hiring Manager called me to extend the offer, and of course I let her know that I am more than happy to accept. She gave me my starting date, salary, and benefit details. Before ending the conversation, I asked if she could email me a job confirmation. She said “Sure”. After two days, I received nothing, so I called and left a message, verifying my email address, and asking again for an offer letter. When she returned my call, she stated that she would send one, but I have yet to receive it.
I am starting the new position next week, and I am a little concerned. I wanted the offer in writing, just in case. The situation leaves me wondering if we are supposed to receive Offer Letters, or does it depend on the Employer? If anyone has any insight, please share. -
Good point
December 28, 2005 by genae gI definitely agree with the entry regarding the downside of temps. I have had similar experiences..where an assignment ended early, or where temps were “no longer needed”. They are a temporary fix when you are unemployed, hence the name; but some temps are not reliable.
On another note, I would like to start a topic for any entry-level workers to respond to..what field did you begin in after college? Are you still in that field? Do you have any suggestions for entry-level graduates? -
Try Temping
December 21, 2005 by genae gI am currently unemployed/between jobs. My solution: temping. I am registered with three temp agencies. Temp agencies “work” for us and help alleviate job-hunting stress. Temping also gives me a paycheck, while I am searching for a permanent, full-time job.
Though some temp assignments are unstable and may end abruptly, they are certainly a solution to our ever-changing, rocky job market. There is hope for anyone who feels like they’ll never get hired. I’ve been there.
