The Job Hunt Thread

[TheHaitian]

NomoreDramaQ1015 : hopefully he gets it!!!

Seem you guys will make it work either way!

[taz157]

TheHaitian - He's applied a few places but nothing yet. He did have an interview at a staffing company but nothing there so far too. I hope for his piece of mind that something happen soon.

[emma1420]

Jan 19, 2016 13:33:26 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

taz157 : Ok, keeping my fingers crossed for you guys. Any leads right now?

steph08 : Sorry to hear you did not get the job!

Day #4 being at home and I am about to pull my hair/eyes out. Went to the gym yesterday and today just to get the hell out of the house. Today was a bit easier because my wife had to go into work and I did not have to look at her and see that she is freaking out or was crying.

I applied to a couple more jobs today and only still have the 2 phone interviews tomorrow. The good side is they got back to me so fast so shows that they are serious and looking to fill the position(s) ASAP. I am just praying and hoping it moves to the next level and I get a job ASAP.

Personally deep down I hope the local company make me a good offer first this way we don't have to relocate. Relocation is never fun unless we get to be closer to family members, that would make it somewhat tolerable.

Haven't heard back from work whether I am fired or not.

1 day at a time!

Did your current employer give you any sort of timeline about when they would tell you about the status of your job?  That's the sucky thing about job hunting.  You are always waiting on someone else and people never seem to move fast enough.

[TheHaitian]

Jan 19, 2016 15:34:27 GMT -5 taz157 said:

TheHaitian - He's applied a few places but nothing yet. He did have an interview at a staffing company but nothing there so far too. I hope for his piece of mind that something happen soon.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you guys; are you guys ok on your income alone? Did he file for unemployment yet?

Hopefully we all find jobs soon!

[taz157]

Jan 19, 2016 17:02:40 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Jan 19, 2016 15:34:27 GMT -5 taz157 said:

TheHaitian - He's applied a few places but nothing yet. He did have an interview at a staffing company but nothing there so far too. I hope for his piece of mind that something happen soon.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you guys; are you guys ok on your income alone? Did he file for unemployment yet?

Hopefully we all find jobs soon!

For right now, we are doing ok but can't make it on my income alone. He did file for unemployment and it was approved.

I hope all of you find jobs soon!

[TheHaitian]

Jan 19, 2016 15:58:40 GMT -5 emma1420 said:

Jan 19, 2016 13:33:26 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

taz157 : Ok, keeping my fingers crossed for you guys. Any leads right now?

steph08 : Sorry to hear you did not get the job!

Day #4 being at home and I am about to pull my hair/eyes out. Went to the gym yesterday and today just to get the hell out of the house. Today was a bit easier because my wife had to go into work and I did not have to look at her and see that she is freaking out or was crying.

I applied to a couple more jobs today and only still have the 2 phone interviews tomorrow. The good side is they got back to me so fast so shows that they are serious and looking to fill the position(s) ASAP. I am just praying and hoping it moves to the next level and I get a job ASAP.

Personally deep down I hope the local company make me a good offer first this way we don't have to relocate. Relocation is never fun unless we get to be closer to family members, that would make it somewhat tolerable.

Haven't heard back from work whether I am fired or not.

1 day at a time!

Did your current employer give you any sort of timeline about when they would tell you about the status of your job?  That's the sucky thing about job hunting.  You are always waiting on someone else and people never seem to move fast enough.

No timeline, I was told that HR would contact me and if I had any questions to only contact HR.

Yep I do hate that about job hunting; everyone is taking their time and no one is in any rush to get back to you or anything.

I am going to keep on pushing; got no other options unfortunately

I went grocery shopping at the location I have the phone interview for tomorrow. *fingers crossed*

[TheHaitian]

Jan 19, 2016 17:07:02 GMT -5 taz157 said:

Jan 19, 2016 17:02:40 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

I will keep my fingers crossed for you guys; are you guys ok on your income alone? Did he file for unemployment yet?

Hopefully we all find jobs soon!

For right now, we are doing ok but can't make it on my income alone. He did file for unemployment and it was approved.

I hope all of you find jobs soon!

Good on the unemployment side!

I got my first rejection letter for a job that I applied to outside of retail oh well!

I am praying and hoping for that too! 1 day at a time!

While I know that if I do get fired I have 24-30 week unemployment that will keep us afloat and another 7 months in savings I just cannot stop worrying. I don't want to be here 12-13 months down the line having exhausted every option. Having 6 months cushion is not making the process easier

[flamingo]

Having 6 months cushion is not making the process easier


No, having that cushion doesn't make the emotional aspect any easier. When I was unemployed 18 months ago, having the cushion helped me pay my bills. That's it. It didn't do squat to ease my anxiety about needing a job for the long term. I slept poorly, I was snappy to my DH, and just over all stressed. Which is too bad, because it ended up being only a 4 month unemployment stint, and I wish I'd known that I was going to land on my feet so quickly. I would have enjoyed the time off with my DH much more. I had a whole year's worth saved in my EF, my DH was still bringing in money, and we had a perfectly good fall back option that we would have jumped on if I still didn't have a job within 8 months. Knowing all of that, I still couldn't relax. 

Good luck to you, TheHaitian! I hope you get some answers soon, and I hope one of your interviews this week offers you a job!

[Cookies Galore]

Jan 19, 2016 17:57:56 GMT -5 flamingo said:

Having 6 months cushion is not making the process easier


No, having that cushion doesn't make the emotional aspect any easier. When I was unemployed 18 months ago, having the cushion helped me pay my bills. That's it. It didn't do squat to ease my anxiety about needing a job for the long term. I slept poorly, I was snappy to my DH, and just over all stressed. Which is too bad, because it ended up being only a 4 month unemployment stint, and I wish I'd known that I was going to land on my feet so quickly. I would have enjoyed the time off with my DH much more. I had a whole year's worth saved in my EF, my DH was still bringing in money, and we had a perfectly good fall back option that we would have jumped on if I still didn't have a job within 8 months. Knowing all of that, I still couldn't relax. 

Good luck to you, TheHaitian! I hope you get some answers soon, and I hope one of your interviews this week offers you a job!

Yup, that hindsight is a stupid bitch. I was only unemployed for two months, I wish I enjoyed it more. I mean, I kind of did enjoy my Tueadays at the bar, but I wish I knew I was going to find a great job fast.

[obelisk]

Jan 19, 2016 17:18:37 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Jan 19, 2016 17:07:02 GMT -5 taz157 said:

For right now, we are doing ok but can't make it on my income alone. He did file for unemployment and it was approved.

I hope all of you find jobs soon!

Good on the unemployment side!

I got my first rejection letter for a job that I applied to outside of retail oh well!

I am praying and hoping for that too! 1 day at a time!

While I know that if I do get fired I have 24-30 week unemployment that will keep us afloat and another 7 months in savings I just cannot stop worrying. I don't want to be here 12-13 months down the line having exhausted every option. Having 6 months cushion is not making the process easier

Are you kidding us, with your background, it is just a matter of days/weeks before you gain employment with a co that will appreciate what you bring to them.  Just stay strong and act like they are gaining an asset.  Sometimes reading your posts, I think that you are selling yourself short, maybe its your age.  In 10 years you will be looking back and laughing at whatever industry you choose.  You are an asset and not a liability.  Life is ahead of you and not behind, my advice is for you to act accordingly.

[Works4me]

Hang in there - any idea who is gunning for you and why?

ETA - remember my favorite Bible passage, "And it came to pass."

[TheHaitian]

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate it! Needed that little boost of support!

I received another email requesting a phone interview for a job I applied in MJ2.0 neck of the woods.

It is still retail but not grocery retail... So who knows!

Today is the day for the other 2 phone interviews!

[MJ2.0]

whaaaaat? where?!?!?! Shop Rite? A&P? Stop & Shop? Fresh Grocer?

[MJ2.0]

ACME?

[TheHaitian]

Jan 20, 2016 9:55:28 GMT -5 MJ2.0 said:

whaaaaat? where?!?!?! Shop Rite? A&P? Stop & Shop? Fresh Grocer?

Applied to Stop & shop and Hobby Lobby.

I have a phone interview for the Hobby Lobby in Englishtown... Which I believe is not to far from you

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Jan 19, 2016 17:57:56 GMT -5 flamingo said:

Having 6 months cushion is not making the process easier


No, having that cushion doesn't make the emotional aspect any easier. When I was unemployed 18 months ago, having the cushion helped me pay my bills. That's it. It didn't do squat to ease my anxiety about needing a job for the long term. I slept poorly, I was snappy to my DH, and just over all stressed. Which is too bad, because it ended up being only a 4 month unemployment stint, and I wish I'd known that I was going to land on my feet so quickly. I would have enjoyed the time off with my DH much more. I had a whole year's worth saved in my EF, my DH was still bringing in money, and we had a perfectly good fall back option that we would have jumped on if I still didn't have a job within 8 months. Knowing all of that, I still couldn't relax. 

Good luck to you, TheHaitian ! I hope you get some answers soon, and I hope one of your interviews this week offers you a job!

If I had known my current job was going to come down the pike I would not have rushed to take that Boys Town job.  I would have continued wrestling with unemployment.  In the current funding climate six months is not an unreasonable gap in employment.

However at the time I had no clue how long I would be unemployed.  I was worried about daycare, worried about our savings, worried I'd be out so long my skills would become obsolete.   So despite all the warning bells in my head AND being warned by a former employee not to take a job with those people, I did it anyhow.

Could have saved myself a lot of stress if I had a crystal ball!

[TheHaitian]

Jan 20, 2016 10:07:21 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Could have saved myself a lot of stress if I had a crystal ball!

If anyone has one can I borrow it?

Because I am about ready to freak the hell out!

Breathe... Breathe! Last time I was unemployed was in 2008 and it lasted 8 months; the 8 longest months of my life!

[NancysSummerSip]

Jan 19, 2016 17:57:56 GMT -5 flamingo said:

Having 6 months cushion is not making the process easier


No, having that cushion doesn't make the emotional aspect any easier. When I was unemployed 18 months ago, having the cushion helped me pay my bills. That's it. It didn't do squat to ease my anxiety about needing a job for the long term. I slept poorly, I was snappy to my DH, and just over all stressed. Which is too bad, because it ended up being only a 4 month unemployment stint, and I wish I'd known that I was going to land on my feet so quickly. I would have enjoyed the time off with my DH much more. I had a whole year's worth saved in my EF, my DH was still bringing in money, and we had a perfectly good fall back option that we would have jumped on if I still didn't have a job within 8 months. Knowing all of that, I still couldn't relax. 

Good luck to you, TheHaitian ! I hope you get some answers soon, and I hope one of your interviews this week offers you a job!

I agree with you on this. I got a couple of months' severance plus I have savings and some inherited money. I've been unemployed two weeks and hate it. It's mentally exhausting. I have picked up more freelance, but mostly, it's the not knowing what's next that eats at you.

I've become an even better YMer, though. I budget tough and use the envelope system for what I need to spend money on, and leave the wants until sometime in the future. I have an outstanding stockpile of food and H&B items to use. Not really spending money to add to it (unless the deals are really good and I have coupons to use as well) but I look at that stockpile as a sort of bank account now. I can withdraw from it - I worked hard at building it and now is the time to use it.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

It's the not knowing what's next that eats at you.



I'm a control freak.   I also like things to be predictable/routine as much as possible.   Being unemployed and not able to control anything regarding the process is what sent my anxiety thru the roof.  Same with DH being unemployed.

I threw myself into cleaning the house while I was unemployed.  I couldn't control what happened with my previous job, my unemployment claim or getting a new job but I sure as hell could control what my floors looked like.  I don't think they've been that clean since we had them originally refinished.

With DH it was 20 times worse b/c we used up most of our savings on my unemployment so I didn't have that to count on.   Thank God he got the Omaha Steaks job before we got the rejection letter from UE.  I can't say what I would have done if things hadn't played out as they did.

[mojothehelpermonkey]

Jan 20, 2016 10:23:00 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Jan 20, 2016 10:07:21 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Could have saved myself a lot of stress if I had a crystal ball!

If anyone has one can I borrow it?

Because I am about ready to freak the hell out!

Breathe... Breathe! Last time I was unemployed was in 2008 and it lasted 8 months; the 8 longest months of my life!

Can I borrow it too? It has now been officially 12 months since I have received a paycheck. The longest I had ever been unemployed before this was 3 weeks and for 2 of those weeks I knew I had a job lined up. I was just waiting to start.
I still don't quite regret quitting my last job or turning down the one offer I received. The company I last worked for was terribly unethical, and the other company that offered me a job seemed like more of the same. At the same time, if I had known a year ago that leaving that job would essentially mean throwing away my career (and also that the stock market was going to tank this year), I probably wouldn't have quit. Maybe I don't want to borrow that crystal ball after all.
My fiance and I are starting to get excited about moving. The beach is nice, but we are both ready to live somewhere with a more reasonable cost of living. A recruiter who set me up with an interview a few months ago just contacted me to see if I was still looking. At this point, unless I find a well-paying dream job out here, I am ready to leave.
I took a practice test for the histotechnician board of certification exam yesterday. As I suspected, I need a refresher on electron microscopy, but it should be feasible for me to take the exam soon. It is nice to have something other than job searching to focus on. Also, I got promoted to storyteller at my volunteer gig at the library. My main qualification was being able to show up on Monday mornings.

[emma1420]

Just a gripe.  I really wish that employers would post their salary range with the job ad.

I just applied for a job only to discover that the position pays less than half of what I make now.  Did they advertise that with the posting?  No.  I only find out after doing a bunch of research myself and asking in the interview.   It would have saved both myself and the organization so much time if they had just posted the salary range, particularly if the salary range is significantly out of the industry averages for the type of position.  

This could all be eliminated if a salary was just posted!

[TheHaitian]

Jan 20, 2016 11:49:40 GMT -5 emma1420 said:

Just a gripe.  I really wish that employers would post their salary range with the job ad.

I just applied for a job only to discover that the position pays less than half of what I make now.  Did they advertise that with the posting?  No.  I only find out after doing a bunch of research myself and asking in the interview.   It would have saved both myself and the organization so much time if they had just posted the salary range, particularly if the salary range is significantly out of the industry averages for the type of position.  

This could all be eliminated if a salary was just posted!

Amen!!!

I hate to find out after I posted for a job and interviewed that they would be unable to match or exceed my current salary!

And that is what I am worried about with my current job search; I am open to a 10k/year pay cut and would prefer a salary match or more.

So I find myself doubting: should I tell them my current salary and it being too much and turn them off or less but then lose out because they could have matched my current salary.

Sucks!

[emma1420]

Jan 20, 2016 11:57:45 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Jan 20, 2016 11:49:40 GMT -5 emma1420 said:

Just a gripe.  I really wish that employers would post their salary range with the job ad.

I just applied for a job only to discover that the position pays less than half of what I make now.  Did they advertise that with the posting?  No.  I only find out after doing a bunch of research myself and asking in the interview.   It would have saved both myself and the organization so much time if they had just posted the salary range, particularly if the salary range is significantly out of the industry averages for the type of position.  

This could all be eliminated if a salary was just posted!

Amen!!!

I hate to find out after I posted for a job and interviewed that they would be unable to match or exceed my current salary!

And that is what I am worried about with my current job search; I am open to a 10k/year pay cut and would prefer a salary match or more.

So I find myself doubting: should I tell them my current salary and it being too much and turn them off or less but then lose out because they could have matched my current salary.

Sucks!

If you are paid within the industry averages, then I don't think there is anything wrong with disclosing your salary, especially if you indicate that you are more concerned with the appropriate fit than a specific salary.  I know that you aren't suppose to disclose your salary, but the reality is I won't consider a job that pays less than a certain amount, and if disclosing my salary means that I get eliminated from consideration because the organization doesn't want to pay the going rate then I am good with that.

Although, I realize the fact that I have a job that I don't hate puts me in a different position than many people.

[TheHaitian]

20 minutes away from next phone interview and trying not to freak out!

And how many jobs should you apply to per week per unemployment office?? I have ran out of jobs to apply to locally and now applying for jobs out of state!

Considering CT

[TheHaitian]

Jan 20, 2016 12:12:55 GMT -5 emma1420 said:

Jan 20, 2016 11:57:45 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Amen!!!

I hate to find out after I posted for a job and interviewed that they would be unable to match or exceed my current salary!

And that is what I am worried about with my current job search; I am open to a 10k/year pay cut and would prefer a salary match or more.

So I find myself doubting: should I tell them my current salary and it being too much and turn them off or less but then lose out because they could have matched my current salary.

Sucks!

If you are paid within the industry averages, then I don't think there is anything wrong with disclosing your salary, especially if you indicate that you are more concerned with the appropriate fit than a specific salary.  I know that you aren't suppose to disclose your salary, but the reality is I won't consider a job that pays less than a certain amount, and if disclosing my salary means that I get eliminated from consideration because the organization doesn't want to pay the going rate then I am good with that.

Although, I realize the fact that I have a job that I don't hate puts me in a different position than many people.

You aren't supposed to disclose it? Is that industry based?

I am asking because all the interviews I've had outside of my company up till now has asked me my current salary straight up; the first 2 times I was taken a bit back but now I actually expect them to ask it.

I always make sure to add that salary is not everything, I am looking at overall compensation / total benefits package (401k match, health insurance, vacation/earned time off etc.)

Thank you and good luck to you too...

[flamingo]

Jan 20, 2016 12:43:21 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

20 minutes away from next phone interview and trying not to freak out!

And how many jobs should you apply to per week per unemployment office?? I have ran out of jobs to apply to locally and now applying for jobs out of state!

Considering CT

That differs by state. In FL, where I was unemployed it was 5 per week. But each state is different. And, all the jobs I applied to before I could officially file for unemployment didn't count. So that really sucked, since I had a month between my last day of work and when I was officially off the payroll.

[emma1420]

Jan 20, 2016 12:59:22 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Jan 20, 2016 12:12:55 GMT -5 emma1420 said:

If you are paid within the industry averages, then I don't think there is anything wrong with disclosing your salary, especially if you indicate that you are more concerned with the appropriate fit than a specific salary.  I know that you aren't suppose to disclose your salary, but the reality is I won't consider a job that pays less than a certain amount, and if disclosing my salary means that I get eliminated from consideration because the organization doesn't want to pay the going rate then I am good with that.

Although, I realize the fact that I have a job that I don't hate puts me in a different position than many people.

You aren't supposed to disclose it? Is that industry based?

I am asking because all the interviews I've had outside of my company up till now has asked me my current salary straight up; the first 2 times I was taken a bit back but now I actually expect them to ask it.

I always make sure to add that salary is not everything, I am looking at overall compensation / total benefits package (401k match, health insurance, vacation/earned time off etc.)

Thank you and good luck to you too...

I think that is just general job hunting guidance that I've heard.  That you don't disclose your salary to a potential employer.  I think the reasoning is so that you don't get low-balled based on your current salary.  I've read some tips to how to deflect this question, but to me it always seems like stupid to dance around that sort of question.   I never give specifics, I just tell them I make in the 20's, etc.

In my industry it's not very common to ask for your current salary, but it's very common to be asked to specify your salary range in your cover letter/resume.   And generally, I don't mind providing that information if it means that I don't waste my time on going through the interview process for a job that doesn't pay appropriately.

[TheHaitian]

Jan 20, 2016 13:06:33 GMT -5 emma1420 said:

Jan 20, 2016 12:59:22 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

You aren't supposed to disclose it? Is that industry based?

I am asking because all the interviews I've had outside of my company up till now has asked me my current salary straight up; the first 2 times I was taken a bit back but now I actually expect them to ask it.

I always make sure to add that salary is not everything, I am looking at overall compensation / total benefits package (401k match, health insurance, vacation/earned time off etc.)

Thank you and good luck to you too...

I think that is just general job hunting guidance that I've heard.  That you don't disclose your salary to a potential employer.  I think the reasoning is so that you don't get low-balled based on your current salary.  I've read some tips to how to deflect this question, but to me it always seems like stupid to dance around that sort of question.   I never give specifics, I just tell them I make in the 20's, etc.

In my industry it's not very common to ask for your current salary, but it's very common to be asked to specify your salary range in your cover letter/resume.   And generally, I don't mind providing that information if it means that I don't waste my time on going through the interview process for a job that doesn't pay appropriately.

Interview is over... I freaking hate interviewing. I will hear back in 1 to 2 weeks if I make the cut to the next step, WTF?

They asked me my current salary and I was honest. So she asked what would I be looking for to come over and I danced around that: I am looking for upward mobility, opportunities to move up, healthcare, 401k match, etc. So I may be willing to take a small pay cut or not if it provides more opportunity in the long run!

Oh well... I don't like the 1-2 weeks wait time thing, that means they will be taking their sweet time. This week they are only doing phone interviews and preliminary screening and what not. I did name drop and said I have worked for their VP of Marketing. She said if I knew him personally and I could not lie, I just said no not personally but I have worked for him. Not sure if that made it worse or move me up a bit!

Did I mention I hated Job Hunting!

[TheHaitian]

Jan 20, 2016 13:00:24 GMT -5 flamingo said:

Jan 20, 2016 12:43:21 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

20 minutes away from next phone interview and trying not to freak out!

And how many jobs should you apply to per week per unemployment office?? I have ran out of jobs to apply to locally and now applying for jobs out of state!

Considering CT

That differs by state. In FL, where I was unemployed it was 5 per week. But each state is different. And, all the jobs I applied to before I could officially file for unemployment didn't count. So that really sucked, since I had a month between my last day of work and when I was officially off the payroll.

I need to look into it for MA... because that would mean all the jobs I have applied to since Friday would not count!
Or GOD would be smiling down on me and I would not need to worry about that.

[alabamagal]

I wouldn't worry about the job applications. When I was on unemployment the number was 3 per week, but you only were required to apply to jobs in your field and it could be in your local area. I was an engineer in a small city so there were weeks that there were no jobs. Also I don't think anyone actually checked on the jobs I applied for.