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The job market is a joke. Job interviews are like a root canal.

instagramsci

instagramsci

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What the hell is going on?

I've applied to over 500 jobs in the past two years. I've gotten virtual/phone interviews for about 20. I have interviewed in person for less than 10. I've received offers for 2.

Retail, food service, IT, clerical.

I've had my resume punched up multiple times.

In the interviews, I am polite, friendly, and focused. Even though I do have ADHD, which makes it difficult to answer open ended questions (which seem to be recruiters/managersHR/etc's favorite form of question)

This shit is miserable
 
Don't me started about the pre-recorded segment you're sometimes required to do where you essentially self-interview and talk about why you're qualified for the job. It's "supposed" to tell them how you look on camera, etc. -- what it actually -does- is make you feel freaking awkward and make you wonder why you're even going to be interviewed. I am on the spectrum of … something. ADHD was an early childhood diagnosis for me. I sympathize and empathize with you very much.
 
I'd guess it's because folks have been telling us you can do everything from home. I've done 12-20 interviews, only 2 were by phone and both were 800-1,000 miles away. I was offered an in person interview on one to seal the deal but I declined because I didn't like the job particulars after the phone interview. I've conducted or participated as a panelist on a few dozen interviews. It's amazing how unprepared and how unprofessionally dressed about half of the applicants were.
I was taught you can't overdress for an interview. If you show up (male) in a coat and tie and you think you are overdressed, take off the tie. I did that once but it was because when I showed up for the interview and put on my tie in the car in the parking lot, my shirt, fressh out of the cleaners, top button broke off. I went with suit, dress shirt and not tie. Got that job.. Only a couple of times I didn't wear a tie or suit and tie and was told on the front end to dress casually. I wore a dress shirt with a collar and dress slacks. I always practiced before the interview, went through a list of possible questions and made a list of things I wanted to ask. I even asked for a guided tour of the facilities a few times when it was offered initially. Did I get all thos jobs, nope. I did make it back to a final interview numerous times and since I've held 12 different jobs in my life I'd say that my strategy worked. I also turned down about a half dozen jobs after the interview as well as sabotaging my interview with requests that I knew they would not go for because I knew I didn't want the job after I got into the interview and felt the folks were not people I wanted to work with.

Many interviewers don't seem to have much of a process.
 
multivita-man said:
Network.
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Be positive and assertive in the interview and when you talk to them on the phone. Listen, be attentive and ask questions that you have. If you don't sound or look interested you ain't getting that job.
 
multivita-man said:
Network.
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Well, that there is my weakness. I fully admit that in my college years especially, I was whiny and depressed (Sometimes things haven't changed … ) and basically just wanted to get college over with and then search for a job. Was a stressful part of my life and I was not "mature" (my word for it) enough for college (though now at 38 I am). Lucked into a job for three years, realized I couldn't handle some of the pressures of white-collar jobs (especially uncertainty), and am now seeking disability. That last sentence isn't really necessary to explain how much I messed up on networking though

So basically, if you're looking just at college and ambition to get a job regardless of degree, I had no contacts and was extremely socially isolated and depressed. Four years were wasted as far as networking … but I did get a degree … which is something. So it wasn't a total waste. Academically, I was a great success. Socially, it was one blunder after another. Now that I'm on better meds, I probably could do a much better job of being in college, but that's neither here nor there.

I don't know whether you're gonna take "I'm on better meds" as an excuse or a reason, but I do take full responsibility for not really "getting" what either college, nor the job market, was about. And that kinda sunk my chances.
 
BirdinHand said:
There is an art to interviewing.

LinkedIn will have a lot of tips, suggestions, practice interview questions, etc.
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I have done this, and I can only think of one of these interviews that I came off particularly bad in. Which is what made me practice in the first place
 
What kind of employment are you looking for? Have you spoken to any recruiters and/or to temp staffing agencies?
 
instagramsci said:
I've tried to break into something construction-adjacent (shipbuilding) but was rejected or ghosted
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That's too bad. If you learned a trade like plumbing, electric, or framing you'd have no problem. Trades are lacking, so it's easy to get a job in and pays great! Too many kiddos went to college. lol
 
I hear medical transcribing only takes a quick class, cert, and is paying well right now.
 
instagramsci said:
I've cast a wide net but my focus has been in clerical work recently

Recruiters no (I don't have a college degree) but temps/staffing agencies yes. Most recently ghosted by them though
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My wife hires clerical at about $24/hr to start.
 
instagramsci said:
I've cast a wide net but my focus has been in clerical work recently

Recruiters no (I don't have a college degree) but temps/staffing agencies yes. Most recently ghosted by them though
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Have you stopped into a temp staffing agency in person and tried talking to someone?
 
instagramsci said:
Unfortunately I am in Southeast Virginia
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Shitty. Lots of jobs in New England. My friend is head of the Carpenters Local and they can't fill the positions for their union-friendly companies that they need. Boston guys swing a hammer for $98 and hour, and laborers start at about $45.
 
Can you type? Data entry will be around for another year or so. lol
 
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