Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 21, 2013 11:08:52 GMT -5
Mid, not a mechanic and no desire to be one. I've applied for BDC/Internet Sales positions as a way to get into a dealership. Only two interviews to date, but a better hit rate than I'm getting on UNIX alone!
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 21, 2013 11:09:15 GMT -5
Yes, applying for jobs is definitely time consuming. I'm currently employed, and only apply for government jobs now. That is, when I decide to apply for one, which is a pretty rare event. They keep your resume on file at usajobs, so after you do it once, you only have to answer the questions specific to the job, upload your resume and transcripts, and that's it.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Oct 21, 2013 11:09:17 GMT -5
never followed through on an online application. ( I'd prefer to be the tech nerd you can see at the back of the store versus those standing around looking for fresh customer meat. ) Perhaps, but it doesn't really sound like you're at a point to only follow up on preferred gigs. It also might be a way to get a foot in the door so as to be eventually recognized as having some skillz.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Oct 21, 2013 11:12:32 GMT -5
Yes, applying for jobs is definitely time consuming. I'm currently employed, and only apply for government jobs now. That is, when I decide to apply for one, which is a pretty rare event. I've been trolling some job ads half-heartedly, and I agree about the time investment. For me, the time factor has been more about tweaking my cover letters for individual job openings. I've also recently realized the need to 'dumb down' one version of my resume to make it appear that I'm a little less overqualified for some gigs I want. I know, first world problems, right?
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 21, 2013 11:18:29 GMT -5
I'm not sure how credit scores are treated for temp retail jobs so I can't help you there. When I applied for my first retail job it took three interviews. When I went to work at Sears the interview/test process took several hours. But then several other retail companies had a one page sheet to fill out. Watching my friends and DH apply for jobs it seems like the worst ones are gov't jobs - the supplemental questions take hours! Good luck!!! Depends on the job. Maybe I'm just good at it because I applied for so many at a couple of points in the past. Plus I think they might have gotten a bit better at streamlining the process. You only have to fill out your biographical information and resume once, and then all you have to do for each job is answer the supplemental questions, upload your transcript and other supporting documentation (which usually doesn't apply unless you're a veteran or displaced federal employee) and send it all off. The supplemental questions usually aren't that hard, just rate yourself on 1-5 on various aspects of the job. Though ocasionally they'll want you to write essays on your KSA's (knowledge, skills, and abilities), and THOSE take forever. I'm just glad they don't make you write a cover letter, that would take forever too, writing a custom cover letter for each job. What's the point of cover letters anyway? Do hiring managers really read the cover letter of every applicant?
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Oct 21, 2013 11:19:23 GMT -5
never followed through on an online application. ( I'd prefer to be the tech nerd you can see at the back of the store versus those standing around looking for fresh customer meat. ) Perhaps, but it doesn't really sound like you're at a point to only follow up on preferred gigs. It also might be a way to get a foot in the door so as to be eventually recognized as having some skillz. I definitely agree with this. It sucks to start at the bottom, but once a company knows your work ethic its easier to move up. How has the rest of the application gone? Did you change the bk info? I would probably leave it blank with no explanation unless asked.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 21, 2013 12:27:54 GMT -5
I just finished the Macy's 11 page on line questionaire and completed my electronic record-keeping. Phoenix, try not to be overly impressed with your job search abilities. Applying to federal government jobs is different from applying to county & local government jobs and different from applying at employer websites, craigslist, Monster,Taleo.net, etc. If one applies in more than one area or type of employer its way more complicated and at least I find it hard to know how its going to go until it happens. I have profiles on a couple University sites and need to refresh what I have on places like Monster. I've gotten lazy and concentrated on Craigslist listings because if legit, those people are more likely to hire and hire quickly compared to others in my personal limited experience. Managing Logins/Pws, websites and special Q's can be a FT job. FWIW, big dept store had more identity type questions than either my bank or credit union. Five! IDK who my fave teacher is, heck when tired I hardly remember any of their names. -faint-So the Q and A is writtten down in my job website & login info because next time I might guess or decide on something different...
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 21, 2013 12:29:38 GMT -5
Doesn't always work, but nice when it does. Who the heck killed me dammit! I had some mean people to bite TYVM.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 21, 2013 12:32:43 GMT -5
For your reading enjoyment, some of the Qs from the dept store questionaire. I am disappointed if I miss an opportunity to visit with coworkers I like working by myself to complete a task. I accomplish more if I work by myself. I like working alone. Money is the best way to motivate employees. People work more when they are paid more. The prospect of a raise motivates workers the most. My work has never been criticized. I am never stressed at work. My work is always flawless. (Peopleanswers bite me and WTE is such a big deal about artistic folks?! )
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2013 13:12:49 GMT -5
For your reading enjoyment, some of the Qs from the dept store questionaire. I am disappointed if I miss an opportunity to visit with coworkers I like working by myself to complete a task. I accomplish more if I work by myself. I like working alone. Money is the best way to motivate employees. People work more when they are paid more. The prospect of a raise motivates workers the most. My work has never been criticized. I am never stressed at work. My work is always flawless. (Peopleanswers bite me and WTE is such a big deal about artistic folks?! ) How's your wardrobe for black? I heard there is a dress code now that consists entirely of black. I don't know if it's entirely or not, but it sounds dreary.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Oct 21, 2013 13:25:07 GMT -5
I thought the sole requirement for working at an apple store was to be young, hip, and wear weird glasses and skinny jeans?
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Oct 21, 2013 13:53:15 GMT -5
Have you tried temp agencies? It sounds like you have a lot of different skills and you're open to different opportunities, but need a foot in the door and enough money to pay the basics until you're back on your feet. I think a temp job could be ideal for that.
I don't have a lot of patience and if an online application is going to take me more than 30 minutes for a part time temporary job I'm not going to continue with it.
On that front though--have you looked at movie theaters near you? They are much more likely to take walk in applications. I worked in the ticket booth for about a year a few years back, and as far as part time jobs go it was perfect. Got free movies as a perk, so it cut down on our entertainment budget in addition to bringing in a little money.
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Oct 21, 2013 16:53:00 GMT -5
First - some states have laws that prohibit a credit check for employment. Assuming you are in one that does not, I think there are still rules as to how they can use that information. I would not attach anything about the bankruptcy. If you are not hired because of it, they need to let you know and then you can explain.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 21, 2013 18:01:16 GMT -5
I know Bloomingdales went to that and perhaps Sephora but I haven't heard of any other dept store or mall store doing that. I have some black, but not enough for three or more days a week. Now that I've spent the time creating that application profile I might go back after applying for some better paying jobs and look for night manager and other positions.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2013 18:11:00 GMT -5
I know Bloomingdales went to that and perhaps Sephora but I haven't heard of any other dept store or mall store doing that. I have some black, but not enough for three or more days a week. Now that I've spent the time creating that application profile I might go back after applying for some better paying jobs and look for night manager and other positions. Here's a link to Macy's dress code: hr.macys.net/magonline/emag.aspx?type=3&id=127. It is indeed all black although you can wear a different color blouse if you add a third piece like a black jacket or black cardigan. Otherwise it is black dress or black pants/black top. Shoes are where you are allowed to show your style. I have a colleague who works there, and I noticed this when we went shopping at Christmas. I asked, "Is there some sort of dress code? Everyone seems to be in black." He confirmed it. However, you can wear the same thing repeatedly with different shoes. I mean, it is black. No one is going to remember you wore it two days ago.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 22, 2013 14:08:07 GMT -5
Thanks Southern. I only have one pair of work shoes that fit FWIW. Thanks for the link. Yes Macy's did reach back and I have to click on some link to schedule an interview. Bloomies is owned by Federated and so is Macy's so its not surprising Macy's finally went to this dress code. Yep, I hate being a woman when it comes to dept store retail. Any dress or skirt is considered dressy and w/ pants you need a jacket. I have zero dress shoes right now as my feet flattened into needing size 9 shoes. I've given away or consigned all my size 8 1/2 shoes except for a tan pair of boots that I really should take to consignment while they will sell. I do have two decent dress skirts, but they are not solid black. One is black & white and the other is a bandage skirt in grey and black.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 22, 2013 14:10:57 GMT -5
Small piece of good news. The former head MS guy at a job in 1996-1999, reached back to me and might be able to help with my incident coordinator job application. At the library now and have confirmed, I can't use a public computer for the test as I worried. Oh, wellz. (Worked today for 3 hours after 4 to 5 hours sleep max. Going to local CC to an open house for adjunct teaching positions.)
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Oct 22, 2013 14:30:26 GMT -5
Small piece of good news. The former head MS guy at a job in 1996-1999, reached back to me and might be able to help with my incident coordinator job application. At the library now and have confirmed, I can't use a public computer for the test as I worried. Oh, wellz. (Worked today for 3 hours after 4 to 5 hours sleep max. Going to local CC to an open house for adjunct teaching positions.) Good luck! I actually have at least two black skirts that might fit if you need them. I would offer you a few pairs of pants but we all know I have freakishly short legs.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Oct 22, 2013 15:43:37 GMT -5
What size are you? I have like 3 pairs of black pants I think size 10 and I haven't worn them in like 5 years. I hate plain black pants, but I keep them because you "should have them".
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 22, 2013 18:05:38 GMT -5
Sadly nowhere near down to a 10 yet. Really hoping to finally power down through my on-call from hell weight and go back to a size 12 but... (FWIW I have lots of size 12 pants I'm holding on hoping to wear like yesterday ) I'm a size 14 in Land's End Ponte Pants and probably could think of going down to a 12, but they run big. Depending on the cut I can wear anything from 14 to small 18s, but mostly 16 because I think I'm too much apple and not enough hourglass at the moment. Skirts actually might be easier and looking in my closet size 14 or size 12 would be best. Size 16 I'd be wearing on my low hips, like the dress black skirt in my closet which is a 14 or 16. I do have black tops but my size M in black is pretty sparse. I wear M in Land's End, i.e. 10-12, but probably size 14 if its a non-stretchy fabric. (36DD, really wanting to be 36D or smaller... ) (Its probably not cost effective, but I have some size 8 clothes I think I'm finally ready to part with. Black suede dress and hot pink silk dress, etc. )
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 22, 2013 18:17:09 GMT -5
Oh, and guess what? The CC open house thingy is tomorrow night not tonight. Good thing I checked my printout again before I drove there. I've decided the good news is I can make a custom resume slanted to that detailing all my teaching assistant positions at Purdue and instructor and co-chair stuff with PSGCNJ. (Course redesign meeting this Friday and I volunteered to teach a module this coming month if they need me. Might be interviewing and compensation which I need to bone up on anyway. One of these interviews will take sooner or later!) And I attended a seminar at the NJ DOL this afternoon(that's why I only agreed to work until Noon) for the healthcare industry. Turns out NJ has something called talent networks and they even have one for technology and entrepenuership. It is good to talk to other participants at these things as one of the top 10 growing jobs in her powerpoint presentation was things like radiology and X-ray techs. I know from the X-ray techs I've questioned at my PT job is it is a shrinking field. The presenter really didn't know, but another girl spoke to me after it was over and told me when she was in the hospital she spoke to the technicians doing tests like that and most were struggling to get 15 hours of work per week. The position have become per diem which means no guaranteed hours and no benefits. Growing field because one FT position is probably becoming 3 per diem positions.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 23, 2013 15:45:43 GMT -5
Semi-productive day even though I'm still operating on 4 to 5 hours sleep a night. Hit both food pantries this morning and sold some books at the used bookstore. Sad he only took about half and paid less than I expected, $13. On the other hand, while I was waiting for his store to open I wandered by two car oriented busineses and spoke to a guy who does restorations including painting cars. I should get an estimate for how much it would cost to repaint my passenger side to repair the countless scrapes and chips of paint caused by my neighbor. (I don't expect him to pay it, but after talking to a fellow complex resident who has seen this guy almost hit me just because he can't park his car worth a damn unless I'm watching ... well, it seemed the universe said here's your opportunity, so hopefully in email later tonight.) Going to let this thread die and go off to the adjunct open house without an updated resume. Have email, will use it if there's anything I qualify for. The good news is my small sample of cheese at a grocery store is seeming to have the desired effect. I'm slowing down and while I look like I have a black eye almost due to sinus swelling, its all good. I'll just Neti-pot more and conclude goat's milk cheese still reigns supreme in health ill effects for me compared to cow's milk, sheep's milk cheeses. (If Angel is reading this it was a mixed milk cheese from Greece advertised as being their famous melting cheese. Goat and sheep's milk. Really good actually, but I could taste the goat millk content by the second bite. Glad I was willing to ask the cheese person what the policy was if you buy a cheese that damages your health! LOL. The answer was please ask for a sample first, and while 24 hours haven't passed yet, its a definite must not buy for me but a perfect hair of the dog remedy for the moment.)
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Oct 23, 2013 16:39:36 GMT -5
I should get an estimate for how much it would cost to repaint my passenger side to repair the countless scrapes and chips of paint caused by my neighbor. (I don't expect him to pay it, but after talking to a fellow complex resident who has seen this guy almost hit me just because he can't park his car worth a damn unless I'm watching ... well, it seemed the universe said here's your opportunity, so hopefully in email later tonight.) Not being unkind, but I'm kinda surprised you're spending money getting scratches fixed while you're so financially unsteady that you're hitting up food banks.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2013 23:02:36 GMT -5
Just our experience, but if you're looking to buff a resume and get a lot of recent responsibilities to move up, it might be best to focus on small businesses. They often don't pay too well, but in our experience they'll give truckloads of responsibility and current resume polish. Someone gets sick or stress is on, and new hires get trained in all sorts of things.
Big companies seem harder to move up in. They seem great once the resume is in a good spot from a smaller business, but advancement and cross training can be lot more limited, because tasks get so clearly defined. To move up it seems to take a lot of diplomacy and fierce pouncing on chances to stand out from the crowd, or shifting.
Also, agreed on the car. I'd save the money for when maintenance is needed, instead of repairing scratches to the shell. When money is really tight, functionality is the vital, defining basis for decisions to stay solvent IMO. If expenses didn't improve function and efficiency in major ways for us, they weren't done. Our car has scratches, dents, and a bit of rust, but it runs like a champ, and has been with us through food service and physical grunt jobs through geo engineering and international project estimation and design. It does a great job and if anything I think people have paid us extra because of it's rough appearance.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 23, 2013 23:22:19 GMT -5
Sorry if I misled anyone by not giving the complete back story, but all I will get is an estimate. I have no intention of getting it done at this time unless of course my downstairs neighbor actually puts up and follows through with his offer to pay for all the dmage done to the paint of my car. Almost everyday he bangs his car door into mine and I was inspired to get the estimate because of conversation I had with a fellow resident I had Tuesday night. I have refrigerator magnets strategically placed on my door trying to limit the damage and hopefully protect from rust. I've watched this guy lean his car door against mine, get into the car and that heavy Marquis coupe door scissors down and cuts into the paint. Not too many places where he has chipped through clearcoat, but its literally all down the passenger door into the back passenger door. I've tried literally parking on the white line on my driver's side in my assigned spot and mr. I couldn't park well to save my life, will park on our shared white effing line and still hit my car. *I think he wants to use my car as a doorstop for him to get in his damn big assed vehicle.* So, sorry if it wasn't clear from my earlier post, but I was celebrating getting an estimate to give to my neighbor, nothing else. I have front brakes to address and I'm still working on the payment logistics and thinking what I have I can sell to cover it.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Oct 23, 2013 23:24:59 GMT -5
Ah, I guess that makes more sense.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 23, 2013 23:30:48 GMT -5
Copper, thanks for the suggestions. Not looking to buff the resume, but to get enough income to break even at the very least and re-work to get myself back in the door with skills and experience I already have. I have actually have had several interviews with small companies. The one I was saddest to not get was only a five person company and I was competing to get a halftime position at $20/hr. with the hope that business would pick up enough to go FT. My experience with many of the semi-techie small business interviews that I have had is that the job ad did not really address what the interviewer wanted so I was surprised at the interview and didn't know how to address the needs and priorities they now said were important. In fact, that 5 person interview was a weird passive interviewer interview where I think he had a guy he wanted most he was going to interview in a week or so after me and only if I had taken over the interview with a sweeping vision of how to market his product and insights on smart phones and revenue opportunities for apps they could develop, well I think that's the only way I had a shot at that job. Other guy did interview and he did get hired.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Oct 23, 2013 23:38:37 GMT -5
"Ah, I guess that makes more sense. "
He(the neighbor) offered (to pay for repairs) more than 4 to 6 months ago. Hopefully that shows it was *not* a priority. I had 45 minutes to kill until the guy opened the bookstore, so I spoke to the auto guy in the shop that was open and discovered he did paint repair and would give me an estimate. So he kindly walked to the other end of the parking lot and tomorrow I will check my email to see if he did as he said and I have a estimate.
I did make it to the adjunct thing, but need Beach's or someone's help to translate what the pay might mean. The only good thing IMO I found out is this particular CC has 4 levels of adjuncts and the top one is being a FT professor with only the minimum of a Master's degree required. So I talked to the CS guys and the woman who was looking for engineering adjuncts.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Oct 24, 2013 0:45:28 GMT -5
How long have you been looking for a job now? Your posts sound a little all over the place in terms of the kind of job you're looking for.
You mentioned not having money for certs, but if the downstairs neighbor offers you cash for the damage to your car you could use that. Your UNIX experience sounds like the most lucrative experience you've got, so if the only thing holding you back is lack of certification put any found money towards that. You can pay for your own new paint job if it leads to a full time position.
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