View Full Version : Job Search Support Thread
DonaDiabla
10-13-2016, 10:26 PM
I decided to peruse job listings in commercial and residential real estate management. I decided to not to focus on just residential property management and got a nice job interview this Tuesday. But it is in Marin County and I kind of hate that county. However, I am willing to give it the old college try :)
carmen_b
10-14-2016, 12:51 PM
^ Very nice. I've been hovering on getting my real estate license for about a year and I should probably just do it ! Every time I see a post like this , it sparks a " I want that ! " feeling !
carmen_b
10-14-2016, 12:55 PM
Harvest Season is over at the farm. I feel " meh " overall about the experience. It was just so different from my other smaller scale farm I was a part of. So anyway ..... another farm under my belt. The plus side is that with this type of work, I can really work ANYWHERE but it is notoriously not that well paying.
Overall, I'm not completely happy with my business either in the last 12 months. I would give it a " B " in performance and I keep cycling around mentally feeling bad about it but then I try to remind myself that we did do a HUGE move ( across an ocean ) and that itself sapped a lot of energy. I'll be reviewing things a bit more very soon. I would like to see the business preforming about 20% better if we are in the USA .
I have never had an advisor and it may be time to get one. If we were running it from a cheaper country, I would be 100% happy with it.
Velveteen.Rabbit
10-16-2016, 02:24 PM
if you're wanting to update your resume with something recent in the vanilla world, and also looking for recent legit references, I recommend seasonal jobs. I've been scouting jobs these last few days and there's sooo many seasonal ones, and not just for retail. A lot of admin positions (anything that sells a product has an influx of sales around holidays), and even healthcare ones. I'm assuming people want time off to visit family. Well this is just what I needed
Aurora_Sunset
12-10-2017, 02:20 PM
I went crazy applying to jobs in the last few days. Turns out a bartending gig has a recruitment event tomorrow, and now all of a sudden, I'm like
49239
"Ermmm... I wasn't mentally prepared to commit to this so quickly." lol
charlie61
12-11-2018, 08:19 PM
Reviving this thread!
charlie61
12-11-2018, 08:20 PM
Adding these posts from a different thread + PM in case they're helpful to anyone:
If you're committed to getting a vanilla job and are struggling to get hired for whatever reason, i 10/10 recommend trying call centers. They're always looking for people, don't require a perfect resume, offer paid training, usually have great benefits and PTO, and because turnover is high, if you stick with the job for even a year or two and prove your worth, you'll quickly find promotion opportunities. It's not the most glamorous atmosphere, but if you know why you're there and appreciate what the job has to offer, it can be low- stress, good- paying work. It's so easy to stick out in a good way in a call center if you take the job seriously and find little ways to contribute to a positive, hardworking team atmosphere.
Call centers have basically saved my sanity twice in my professional career. Both times, i was dying from sex work burnout, couldn't get a job due to being overqualified / underqualified / having a resume that looked too random and indecisive. I feel so grateful for what i do. In just a couple of years, i more than doubled my hourly wage (i now make just under$30/hr, which is pretty damn nice considering how relaxed the job is and the great benefits), plus have had full health benefits from the start, matching 401k up to 6%...i have like 25 days of PTO a year plus floating holidays, personal holidays to use, and federal holidays, i now am in management and have amazing job security... it can get boring, but i honestly DGAF. I'm grateful, i know why I'm there, and I'm as happy as i've been in any job. I am thankful to have a 40-hr/week job to occupy enough time to keep me busy (i don't do well mental-health-wise with too much free time and without a structured schedule), but still have plenty of time to have a life outside of work...
I also want to mention that humility is a good trait to have when job searching. We hire lots of younger folks who come in with this attitude of entitlement, and it's a huge problem in vanilla work. If you're looking for a straight job and don't have prior experience, you really need to have an open, non-judgmental attitude... humility and gratitude with a sprinkling of healthy confidence and open-mindedness will get you much farther than an attitude of entitlement.
Mentioning it since new hires come in all of the time thinking that they're hot shit just because they have a degree, or whatever, and they're actually hot messes when it comes to the job itself.
charlie61
12-11-2018, 08:21 PM
My response to another member's PM:
Right! After a certain amount of rejection, you have to start swallowing your pride, and attack the job search with the same vigour you'd use on a dead night in a strip club with 20 girls working and only a single patron at the bar.
I went for the call center job when i realized that my resume was all over the fucking place, and even though i knew i was a catch, i couldn't blame employers for not taking a chance on me.
I can't decide for you if it'd be worth it, of course. I wouldn't go into telemarketing. Look into medical (appointment scheduling call center, for example), customer service, banking... that kind of thing.
I'm not really sure why people think any line of work involves glamour. Stripping might look glamorous, but we all know that it isn't. Most of the time, it's HARD work, physical work, emotional work... you walk in owing the club money. The environment might look more glamorous than a call center, but the reality is the same: you're selling a service for money. So if you know why you're there, are committed to re-entering the vanilla world, and reserve your judgments, you can absolutely gain from it. Yes, you'll need to relearn how to deal with all of the straight world downsides: a schedule, a boss, a fixed hourly wage. You're the only one who knows if you can handle that, and if it's worth it.
Even if you just do it for 6 months to a year, you'll have solid work on your resume that'll make future jobs more accessible... experience you can actually talk about in future job interviews.
chanzep
12-11-2018, 08:26 PM
I am doing call center work from home.
charlie61
12-11-2018, 08:42 PM
I am doing call center work from home.
I love that! I feel like there's this stigma about working in call centers, but... they can be hella cushy jobs that offer great benefits! And would be a great option for women who want a reliable job + do sex work on the side. Turnover is so high due to flaky employees that job security tends to be unbeatable, and it's much easier to rise up in the ranks. You can get hired with little job experience, immediate benefits, paid training...
Every single job has upsides and downsides... you just trade on different factors. you're the only one who knows what's worth it to you.
charlie61
12-11-2018, 09:04 PM
Airlines also seem to have domestic, work from home call centers. Just brainstorming!
DonaDiabla
12-11-2018, 09:07 PM
Yes, I am glad that you brought up this thread. So, let me talk about what's happening in the vanilla job market for me. Since I last posted in this thread, I have been on several real estate job interviews but did not find an great fit until now. In the meantime, I decided to do some freelance real estate gigs off Upwork and gain new skills for the vanilla workforce. :)
charlie61
12-11-2018, 09:44 PM
The emotional rollercoaster of job searching is nuts. One morning I'll wake up feeling super motivated, confident, excited. The next, I wake up, like, clearly no one will ever hire me, I have nothing to offer, etc.
The realities of the job search are not lost on me. I live in a city with a booming economy, but because so many people want to live here (nationally and internationally), the job market is clogged with overqualified candidates. I'm going to have to take a position somewhere that isn't ideal, show that I can stay at a company for more than five minutes, get some grit on my resume, and trade up from there. That's my new strategy.
Lots of people get to where they are by trading up over the years. You start out working in a call center (or whatever), kick ass as much as you can, then get a slightly better job after staying put for a year or so. Rinse and repeat. I don't even care anymore. I'll just be happy to have a job.
Couple of in-person interviews this week. Fingers crossed!!!
I accepted a position! Fuck this job-search stuff...I'M DONE.
The cons:
-It's a call-center job
The pros:
-It pays well
-Six weeks of fully paid training
-Full-time
-Full benefits after six months (including 401k, insurance, etc.)
-Large, stable company
-Real opportunities for advancement
-Internal training / continuing education for specialization
-Offers a midshift (11-8pm, I think?) so I can skip rush hour, wake up a bit later, and earn more money (I get a shift differential for working past 5:00)
It won't be a "fun job" at first, but I'm ready to pay my dues and work my way up over time. I need some grit on my resume, anyway, and this will provide me with some serious experience.
It was fun to re-read my posts from so long ago! I truly followed through with my original plan. And I'm still working for the same company. My hard work has paid off, and it makes me happy for my past- decision- making self. Does that make sense? Haha.
I could easily switch departments within this company if i wanted to (most jobs out there only hire internally, so you really have to hold an entry-level position first), but I'm happy with where I'm at! Proud of myself for finally taking the leap into management, which is a first for me. Proud that i was tenacious and got through the adaptation period (going from self-employed to employed can be a rough transition, but i knew i didn't have it in me to "be my own boss" for life - i do best when i have a superior to report to and compliment my work... not in a weird way... that's just how i work best).
Okay, this post was obviously a tipsy post. :grouphug:
chanzep
12-12-2018, 09:46 PM
I do Customer service for a retailer but the actual call center company has lots of projects. Not all work at home they have a few brick and mortar call centers too, yes they do hire internally, more ops in the actual call center.
WendiStarr
12-13-2018, 09:16 AM
I've been applying to entry level IT jobs but haven't been getting any call backs. If by January I'm still not having any luck with finding an entry level IT job, I might try out a call center job. There's one that I'm seriously considering. It's right across the street from me. The only problem is that it's an 8a-5pm. All the vanilla jobs that I've worked in the past have had shift start time between 4am-7am. with a shift end time of 12:30pm-3:30pm. At least with those shift end times I still have time in my day to get stuff done without rushing. I don't like getting off at 5pm or later because then I feel like I've spent my entire day at work. Also, the traffic will be shit around here at that time of day and if I have to get to the bank, I have to hope I can make it with the heavy traffic before it closes. If I get hired at the one close by, the bank isn't too far away so I could easily head there after work and make it in time. I would just have to do my sexy job part-time on nights after I get off of work on the days when I don't have my kid here. I probably will end up applying there.
anacol
12-16-2018, 01:03 AM
I've been applying to entry level IT jobs but haven't been getting any call backs. If by January I'm still not having any luck with finding an entry level IT job, I might try out a call center job. There's one that I'm seriously considering. It's right across the street from me. The only problem is that it's an 8a-5pm. All the vanilla jobs that I've worked in the past have had shift start time between 4am-7am. with a shift end time of 12:30pm-3:30pm. At least with those shift end times I still have time in my day to get stuff done without rushing. I don't like getting off at 5pm or later because then I feel like I've spent my entire day at work. Also, the traffic will be shit around here at that time of day and if I have to get to the bank, I have to hope I can make it with the heavy traffic before it closes. If I get hired at the one close by, the bank isn't too far away so I could easily head there after work and make it in time. I would just have to do my sexy job part-time on nights after I get off of work on the days when I don't have my kid here. I probably will end up applying there.
Where do you live and what’s your degree?
anacol
12-16-2018, 01:15 AM
I feel like I screwed up on my first few applications... When asked what my ideal salary was, I put 30,000, because that really doesn't seem that "high" to me... But then talking to people, I realized that a lot of people are like... overjoyed to make 24,000/year. Of course, if I had benefits and didn't have to pay for my own insurance, or twice as much tax and retirement savings, it might not feel so low as it seems now. 30,000 a year, working 40/week, working 50 weeks out of the year (2 weeks vacation) comes out to $15/hr... I'm not looking at McDonald's jobs, so I feel like that's not terribly unreasonable. But some friends gave me "looks" when I said that's what I put.
But anything under that really does seem like "what the fuck." Idk...
Don’t ever put a salary on your app. Don’t ever bring up salary in your interview and when asked how much were you looking for, don’t say a number. Just throw the question back on them by asking what is their salary requirements for that job and that you’d like to refer to it once you’ve received an offer letter.
But if you bring up salary first, you’re going to lose the job. Always let the hiring manager bring up and talk about salary. And still never give them a complete answer as to what you will for sure accept. Because you’d lose your options of negotiating something higher when you get an offer.
WendiStarr
12-16-2018, 08:06 AM
Where do you live and what’s your degree?
Michigan. I just have an Associate's degree.
queenelayliah
12-21-2018, 04:47 AM
Heyy,
I would love to join this thread. I am also looking for vanilla work but having a hard time finding work. Its a combination of being picky and burning to many bridges when I was previously working in the vanilla world. My first job in my life was in 2011., from 2011-2015 i was in college so my work experience is spotty because i worked around my class schedule.
Then from 2015-2017 I was fired from most of my jobs do to attendance issues sigh and the other jobs I wasnt fired from I quit because of attendance issues. Im not going to make excuses for my horrible work ethic but those 2 years were very mentally rough for me and this is when my anixety disorder developed.
Anyway after graduation i was looking for that dream 30k+ job then finally landing a perfect job 4 months after graduation fucked it up and got fired. Then i was stuck in a period of purposely “unemployed” changing jobs like i changed my underwear by getting fired and quitting untill i got in to sex work in oct 2017.
I know google is my friend but do any of you have tips for fixing bad attendance habits? My issue was constantly calling off of work, aka missing days and not wanting to get out of bed at all. Also do you guys have any recommendation on how to make a very fucked up resume appealing, when my work history is 4 years of college jobs, 2years of job hoping/ unemployment and 1yr off because of sex work?
I know call centers were mentioned.
WendiStarr
12-21-2018, 01:44 PM
My state must be super desperate for substitute teachers. I found an ad on Indeed for substitute teacher position. No experience needed, as long as you can pass a criminal background check and have at least 60 credits. I definitely have 60 credits(more than that, actually) because I have a Associate's degree. I figured what the heck, I'll try.
ZeroSugarMonster
12-22-2018, 07:20 PM
Today, I found out probation officer is an actual job. Has anyone thought about doing that? It looks like it only requires a degree in something like psychology.
DonaDiabla
01-07-2019, 05:46 AM
So, this weekend...I attend an real estate career 3-day workshop. Frankly, it felt great networking with people who wanted to jump start their careers as well.Actually, it feels pretty great to take my vanilla career by the horns in 2019. :)
LaurenAus
01-07-2019, 08:08 AM
So, this weekend...I attend an real estate career 3-day workshop. Frankly, it felt great networking with people who wanted to jump start their careers as well.Actually, it feels pretty great to take my vanilla career by the horns in 2019. :)
Dona I’ve followed some of your posts on here and know you did great in the adult arena. What made you want to switch to vanilla?
i am planning on applying to teach English online as a side vanilla gig
DonaDiabla
01-07-2019, 11:14 PM
Great question, LaurenAus. Thanks for the compliments. Oh no, I am not leaving the adult industry but I do also want an great vanilla career as well. You see, I do psychic work but I really love Real Estate as an career. Finally, I found an vanilla career that can match my adult career. I want to work in both worlds.:)
Dona I’ve followed some of your posts on here and know you did great in the adult arena. What made you want to switch to vanilla?
i am planning on applying to teach English online as a side vanilla gig
ioienvyioi
01-08-2019, 10:37 AM
I am in the med marijuana field currently. Still keeping my eyes open..
I had applied at 2 places and canceled one interview and didn't get the job on the other.
Currently my job is only 2 days a week.. I like to travel for work but I can't go far or long now but there is the possibility later to sell in another state so maybe Ill keep this job for now and just keep getting the experience while I keep dancing p/t .. I recently tried to just stop dancing and be normal bc i was feeling burnt out.. 3 months later sporadically dancing going thru some savings just decided I still got too much on my plate so I'll keep this job until later I can see what I can get
bummed about the other job though.. was also considering work from home customer service jobs but kinda got overwhelmed at what was legit and unclear about the earning potential for someone that doesn't have a degree..
if anyone could leave names of legit companies that would be cool. I found a few but there was so many that I kinda got lost in it and never even chose.
I wanna travel so bad rn.. hopefully later on :0
anacol
01-12-2019, 03:22 AM
Michigan. I just have an Associate's degree.
Whats your degree field?
You probably should look for internships. That’s another way to get a foot in the door.
ZeroSugarMonster
01-12-2019, 03:44 AM
I am in the med marijuana field currently. Still keeping my eyes open..
I had applied at 2 places and canceled one interview and didn't get the job on the other.
Currently my job is only 2 days a week.. I like to travel for work but I can't go far or long now but there is the possibility later to sell in another state so maybe Ill keep this job for now and just keep getting the experience while I keep dancing p/t .. I recently tried to just stop dancing and be normal bc i was feeling burnt out.. 3 months later sporadically dancing going thru some savings just decided I still got too much on my plate so I'll keep this job until later I can see what I can get
bummed about the other job though.. was also considering work from home customer service jobs but kinda got overwhelmed at what was legit and unclear about the earning potential for someone that doesn't have a degree..
if anyone could leave names of legit companies that would be cool. I found a few but there was so many that I kinda got lost in it and never even chose.
I wanna travel so bad rn.. hopefully later on :0
You could travel for your stripping job. That is what I have done, and I do feel as though it's necessary and ordinary, especially if you are living in an area that is notoriously not good for stripping, like LA or SF and if in NYC, during the notoriously slow times like the summer, or if in NOLA, the off-season, which is also the summer.
The pot industry seems to be like a great industry though, so hopefully it's treating you well!
Jalena
01-19-2019, 09:57 AM
Yesterday my dad suggested applying with TSA. I had tried to apply online with them a few months ago but I guess there was a glitch of some kind because I couldn't get the application to go through, it kept bouncing back 'Unable to submit'
His logic was between furloughs and people flat-out quitting because they are not getting paid, it could be the perfect time to get in with them. I can see that ... but, given that they literally cannot pay their current people right now, I think that's normally the kind of thing that makes someone not want to hire new bodies. Besides, when the furloughs end and those people come back, won't it push out anyone new that they have hired in the meantime? I can't imagine that ALL the vacancies they may have now will remain once the gov't gets back on track. Last hired, first fired, right? And what guarantee would I have of receiving back pay if they are not able to pay me on time?
Thoughts, anyone?
Elektra Luxx
01-19-2019, 11:32 AM
^^^
What if you get hired, you get comfortable and totally become dependent on this job and the government shuts down again? People are suffering, being used as pawns it's just not right.
Jalena
02-01-2019, 11:33 AM
So, I finally got a follow-up call yesterday from the city PD where I applied for a dispatch position.
I had also applied for the same position in the next city over ... but didn't get the job, due mainly to my dancer work history.
The guy on the phone was calling to see if I was still interested, and I was so eager I spat out a YES! without even letting him finish the question. He seemed to think that was funny, and took some additional info so he could start my background check -- I am hoping that's a good sign that he seems to want to get that started before I have even taken the dispatcher exam. I don't doubt they will read well enough between the lines, if they are not total idiots. I put 'marketing' and 'sales' type descriptors for my club jobs.
I take the exam in two weeks. Going to work on the test prep and also typing practise in the meantime. I am a bit worried as I got the Orlando entertainer permit, even though I only worked for three nights and haven't danced in Orlando or anywhere else in the last month. Really hoping these people will be more open-minded than the last panel I interviewed with.
Jalena
02-20-2019, 03:49 PM
^^^^ Update ... I sat for the exam last Friday and don't feel too optimistic about it, but then I never do because I tend to have pretty bad test anxiety.
The curious thing came after I finished the exam. The proctor was sitting at the table behind me and over the course of the conversation we had (since I was the only person still there), I learnt that he had my exam results from the previous time taking it, for the other department, and my current application with this department. He asked why I was turned down by the other department and I told him they didn't approve of my unorthodox work history. So he started questioning me about my previous vanilla jobs, just going down the list, and couldn't see why those jobs were considered a problem. I pointed out my dancer jobs and he had no idea what I was talking about. When he handed me my file to look for myself, my dancer jobs had been omitted from my application! :O:O:O
We each looked over those pages twice, and none of them were there! Some of them were more recent than the straight jobs he was questioning me about, so I know it wasn't a matter of them being too far back in my work history to be counted ... and I certainly did not omit anything intentionally, because I know it will pop on a background check.
So now I was sitting there having not only snitched on myself, but looking like I had something to hide, especially in light of the fact that I was previously turned down because of the missing info. :-\
I was really shocked at this and at a loss as to how to explain it. He said as long as I had no legal snags on my background check it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but it wasn't his choice whether I moved forward. That will be determined by exam scores and a discussion among whoever is in charge of the next part of the hiring process. He wouldn't promise me anything but tried to act optimistic and said he would present me as favourably as possible, especially since I had already been so forthcoming. He would contact my by email when he had something to tell me, as there were still a few other people scheduled to take the exam this week. Now it's Wednesday afternoon and I still haven't heard anything.
TheBrownFox
02-20-2019, 06:44 PM
^^^^ Update ... I sat for the exam last Friday and don't feel too optimistic about it, but then I never do because I tend to have pretty bad test anxiety.
The curious thing came after I finished the exam. The proctor was sitting at the table behind me and over the course of the conversation we had (since I was the only person still there), I learnt that he had my exam results from the previous time taking it, for the other department, and my current application with this department. He asked why I was turned down by the other department and I told him they didn't approve of my unorthodox work history. So he started questioning me about my previous vanilla jobs, just going down the list, and couldn't see why those jobs were considered a problem. I pointed out my dancer jobs and he had no idea what I was talking about. When he handed me my file to look for myself, my dancer jobs had been omitted from my application! :O:O:O
We each looked over those pages twice, and none of them were there! Some of them were more recent than the straight jobs he was questioning me about, so I know it wasn't a matter of them being too far back in my work history to be counted ... and I certainly did not omit anything intentionally, because I know it will pop on a background check.
So now I was sitting there having not only snitched on myself, but looking like I had something to hide, especially in light of the fact that I was previously turned down because of the missing info. :-\
I was really shocked at this and at a loss as to how to explain it. He said as long as I had no legal snags on my background check it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but it wasn't his choice whether I moved forward. That will be determined by exam scores and a discussion among whoever is in charge of the next part of the hiring process. He wouldn't promise me anything but tried to act optimistic and said he would present me as favourably as possible, especially since I had already been so forthcoming. He would contact my by email when he had something to tell me, as there were still a few other people scheduled to take the exam this week. Now it's Wednesday afternoon and I still haven't heard anything.
That's one of the parts about job interviews that I HATE...when they sit there wanting to go over your job history with you, and then wanting to ask why you quit. *facepalm* I got turned down for a job recently because she was concerned I wouldn't stick around, since I've had a tendency to not stay at a job for very long. Lol. Oh well. I just got an offer letter on Valentine's Day from one of the daycare centers I interviewed with, and they're actually gonna pay for my fingerprinting (unlike the last daycare I worked out...smh...ALL daycare centers should pay for that stuff, imo). So I'm happy about that.
I've applied to so many jobs on Indeed, including a temp. agency congratulating me on being "hired," yet I had to sit and wait for a warehouse position to become available "real soon (This was told to me in January...)."
Hopefully, you'll hear back from him soon though. When 2 1/2 weeks had gone by since my interview with that daycare center, I was sure they'd chosen someone else over me...since employers usually do not take that long to get back to me.
Jalena
02-20-2019, 10:44 PM
That's one of the parts about job interviews that I HATE...when they sit there wanting to go over your job history with you, and then wanting to ask why you quit. *facepalm* I got turned down for a job recently because she was concerned I wouldn't stick around, since I've had a tendency to not stay at a job for very long. Lol. Oh well. I just got an offer letter on Valentine's Day from one of the daycare centers I interviewed with, and they're actually gonna pay for my fingerprinting (unlike the last daycare I worked out...smh...ALL daycare centers should pay for that stuff, imo). So I'm happy about that.
I've applied to so many jobs on Indeed, including a temp. agency congratulating me on being "hired," yet I had to sit and wait for a warehouse position to become available "real soon (This was told to me in January...)."
Hopefully, you'll hear back from him soon though. When 2 1/2 weeks had gone by since my interview with that daycare center, I was sure they'd chosen someone else over me...since employers usually do not take that long to get back to me.
That wasn't even part of the interview, though, at least not officially. There is still at least one other step in the process between exam and actual interview(s) which is what I am waiting to hear back on right now. But hopefully, the silence at least means I didn't fail the exam, as failing would be an automatic DQ and I would think if that was the case then they would have told me already.
I actually don't mind going over my job history. I have nothing to hide, and I would rather get things out in the open than have them jump to erroneous conclusions and boot me.
That's great that you've gotten something lined up, though! Since you mentioned Indeed in your post, was that how you got linked up with them? I have had absolutely ZERO results with Indeed or any of the other online job search companies, and the things that I have read about them when I reached the peak of my frustration all said those things are pretty much designed to ensure that you never get hired.
TheBrownFox
02-22-2019, 10:57 PM
That's great that you've gotten something lined up, though! Since you mentioned Indeed in your post, was that how you got linked up with them? I have had absolutely ZERO results with Indeed or any of the other online job search companies, and the things that I have read about them when I reached the peak of my frustration all said those things are pretty much designed to ensure that you never get hired.
Yes, it was from Indeed. I'm not sure what you've read about it to make you feel that way, but that's surprising because I think Indeed is pretty great. And a lot of people in the local employment Facebook groups recommend Indeed to other posters looking for jobs. I'd say the only pain-in-the-ass part is having to create a resume (unless you already have one) which you'll upload to apply for some jobs. If you're just curious about who's hiring in your area, just go on the Indeed homepage, type in your town/state to see the tons of listings that come up. You can modify your search results by typing in what KIND of job you're looking for..."customer service...hospital...waitress...daycare...dishwash er...etc." I've gotten quite a few jobs by searching on Indeed. And Walmart wanted to hire me a few weeks ago for a full-time truck unloader/stock position, but I went with this other job that's more suited for me. Plus I realized the Walmart job would've required I spend too much money per day in Uber/Lyft costs getting to/from work, and I would've been required to work some weekends (I like working Mon - Fri, and having weekends off). Then I got a call back from another daycare center wanting to interview me.
Yeah, it's frustrating when you're applying to several jobs, and keep getting rejection e-mails. But sometimes you just gotta keep trying...keep applying 'til you hear back from someone. I'm sure that eventually you'll hear back from someone. You never know 'til you try!
queenelayliah
02-23-2019, 05:48 AM
Yes, it was from Indeed. I'm not sure what you've read about it to make you feel that way, but that's surprising because I think Indeed is pretty great. And a lot of people in the local employment Facebook groups recommend Indeed to other posters looking for jobs. I'd say the only pain-in-the-ass part is having to create a resume (unless you already have one) which you'll upload to apply for some jobs. If you're just curious about who's hiring in your area, just go on the Indeed homepage, type in your town/state to see the tons of listings that come up. You can modify your search results by typing in what KIND of job you're looking for..."customer service...hospital...waitress...daycare...dishwash er...etc." I've gotten quite a few jobs by searching on Indeed. And Walmart wanted to hire me a few weeks ago for a full-time truck unloader/stock position, but I went with this other job that's more suited for me. Plus I realized the Walmart job would've required I spend too much money per day in Uber/Lyft costs getting to/from work, and I would've been required to work some weekends (I like working Mon - Fri, and having weekends off). Then I got a call back from another daycare center wanting to interview me.
Yeah, it's frustrating when you're applying to several jobs, and keep getting rejection e-mails. But sometimes you just gotta keep trying...keep applying 'til you hear back from someone. I'm sure that eventually you'll hear back from someone. You never know 'til you try!
Thats the spirit! Has anyone tried the site called zip recruiter? I recently started to use to look for customer service jobs. Since i havent been having any luck on indeed. It really sucks looking for a job when you know you have chronic physical and mental illness for most jobs. Sigh.
miss.a.p1600
02-23-2019, 07:05 AM
I think from what I understand Jalena post to mean is that most companies prefer to hire internally or through recommendations of someone they know. By they time they post the job online, they probably already have someone (via two methods mentioned) that they already have in mind for the position. Also there are massive applicants online through job boards that many get easily overlooked. I saw some lady who said she applied to large number of positions and only got 1 interview. So some would say that unbeknownst to online job board applicant they are wasting their time.
I do think online job boards are still helpful though for particularly for entry level positions
Zip recruiter has an interesting feature where you can get notified when a company rep reads your application
Jalena
02-23-2019, 09:44 AM
My experience with Indeed, CareerBuilder, ZipRecruiter and a couple others was all the same -- submitting literally 3-10 applications PER DAY for over six months and getting absolutely zero bites from employers. ZERO.
I have had maybe six interviews over these last 9 months of being unemployed and all of them came from Craigslist; the only one that hired me was this super shady ADT affiliate and I got fired before orientation day was through for calling out the HR lady for asking me illegal questions.
The other thing about the online job search engines was I started getting more and more 'suggestions' for things they were SURE I would be a great fit for ... but for which I had neither the job training, nor the educational experience. Like, getting told to apply for a technical assembly position that requires three years of experience and at least a Masters in mechanical engineering, when I have no degree and my field has little to nothing to do with the tech stuff this company supposedly does. Yes, I uploaded my resumes on all of them so my educational and work experience were very clear. I was mostly looking for entry-level positions anyway so it wasn't a matter of me trying to land something I wasn't qualified for. Eventually that was the only kind of job lead I was being given -- they all were just giving me leads that were completely beyond anything I was qualified for, and not even remotely related to my field.
TheBrownFox
02-23-2019, 12:58 PM
^Yeah, I had applied to TONS of jobs through Indeed before finally getting calls (or e-mails) back from interested employers, and I'd even applied for some dishwasher jobs too. It was getting frustrating. I still love the hell outta Indeed, as it's gotten me a couple different seasonal/temporary jobs (Santa's helper...Easter bunny...temporary store remodeler at Walmart), as well as a few daycare jobs, which I probably wouldn't have known about otherwise. I've gone through lots of job applying and interviews to finally land something.
It's disappointing, though, when I take time out of my day to walk to the nearest bus stop, and take the bus to some of these places, and do a first interview...come back for a second interview on a separate day (and if it's a daycare job, this means you're put in a classroom or two for several minutes to do a "trial run" where you help out for a while), and then they don't get back to you with a job offer. I always think to myself "Oh well. It's their loss, because I'm a fantastic employee with excellent work attendance!" At least this other place actually pays for your fingerprinting, unless the last daycare I was at, who made me pay out of pocket for that (fingerprinting, and had to pay out of pocket for my own diaper-changing gloves...smh).
charlie61
02-24-2019, 11:11 AM
I think from what I understand Jalena post to mean is that most companies prefer to hire internally or through recommendations of someone they know. By they time they post the job online, they probably already have someone (via two methods mentioned) that they already have in mind for the position. Also there are massive applicants online through job boards that many get easily overlooked. I saw some lady who said she applied to large number of positions and only got 1 interview. So some would say that unbeknownst to online job board applicant they are wasting their time.
I do think online job boards are still helpful though for particularly for entry level positions
Zip recruiter has an interesting feature where you can get notified when a company rep reads your application
That's exactly what happens. Most positions are required to post a job opening, but they already know who they're going to hire.
If you're really struggling to get a vanilla job, IMO the best way to go is to apply for an entry-level position, prove your worth for 6 mo to a year, and then trade up internally for better positions. Apply to companies that you have a personal relationship with (like, you use their services) whenever possible. Search for jobs using their websites instead of using a third-party site like Indeed.
Put up with lower pay for a bit until you've proven yourself. Think of it as an internship, where you know you'll have something better soon. Prove yourself, learn their computer systems, network internally, have perfect attendance... and then start trading up.
Just a suggestion. This strategy was a lifesaver for me.
Jalena
03-01-2019, 11:07 AM
Has anyone ever had any luck with re-applying to a place that rejected you?
I saw a just-posted CL ad this morning for a local spa that I applied to last fall, got the interview, but didn't get the job. It's the same ad for the same position, demanding the same qualifications (all of which I actually have for once) so either someone else left or whoever they hired didn't work out. I am probably going to re-apply just to see what happens.
TheBrownFox
03-04-2019, 06:36 PM
Has anyone ever had any luck with re-applying to a place that rejected you?
I saw a just-posted CL ad this morning for a local spa that I applied to last fall, got the interview, but didn't get the job. It's the same ad for the same position, demanding the same qualifications (all of which I actually have for once) so either someone else left or whoever they hired didn't work out. I am probably going to re-apply just to see what happens.
Yes, you should reapply. It'd be cool if they still have your information (your responses to the annoying-ass interview questions...lol) saved from your last interview, so you don't have to go through that all over again. :P Is it possible that the employer doesn't have a position open, and they just forgot to cancel the post renewal of their Craigslist ad? That's happened to me before when I applied to something (The employer said they hadn't realized the job post was still up). Regardless, you might as well try applying again, and see what happens. :) Good luck!
lynn2009
03-04-2019, 06:45 PM
Has anyone ever had any luck with re-applying to a place that rejected you?
I saw a just-posted CL ad this morning for a local spa that I applied to last fall, got the interview, but didn't get the job. It's the same ad for the same position, demanding the same qualifications (all of which I actually have for once) so either someone else left or whoever they hired didn't work out. I am probably going to re-apply just to see what happens.
If you still have HR or the manager's contact info (whoever you talked to to schedule the interview) I'd probably give them a heads up you are still available and interested and will re-apply.
SnuffleUffleGrass
03-05-2019, 08:40 AM
Some clerical/retail jobs will transfer you within the company if your assigned position doesn't work out but they feel you are a better fit elsewhere.
Keep that in mind when you interview. If the HR manager/manager seems on the ball about those issues, they will most likely be easy to deal with long-term.
Jalena
03-22-2019, 06:03 PM
So ... progress! I have an observation session scheduled for next Thursday and an interview for the following Monday.
And I am already bricking it. There is a background check questionnaire to fill out and bring with me next week that, among other things, asks about psych history. I would be totally fine with fudging the truth a little ... but this comes with the possibility of a polygraph as well.
I reached out tonight to an acquaintance of mine who works for one of the local departments. Hopefully I can score a lunch date with him beforehand to pick his brain on their background check process, and just how likely it will be that I have to take the polygraph. It's a civilian rather than a sworn position.
WendiStarr
03-31-2019, 08:43 AM
So, I just realized that as far as vanilla jobs go I've never had a job that wasn't jeans and t-shirt, Tilted Kilt, or the short time that I wore scrubs for a job. If I get hired at this office job, will I have to be wearing dress shirts, skirts, and heels all the time? I just realized I have no work appropriate skirts and only 1 pair of dress pants. Maybe I better hope that the computer tech job calls me instead. That way I could probably go to work in t-shirt or polo shirt and jeans, lol. I'm stuck in wanting to remain in my comfort zone
Elektra Luxx
03-31-2019, 02:17 PM
^^^
When I first started, I wore heels to dress up my look a bit. My feet and ankles were killing me by days end. Forget that! I wear leather slip on flats and go bare feet in my cubicle.
WendiStarr
04-01-2019, 02:04 PM
I had the interview today. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, just very basic stuff. There were no stupid questions like,"If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?". I don't know whether to be optimistic or not because he said that several other people applied and he still has a lot of interviews to do. He said that he will make his decision by Friday because the position will start next Monday. He also said that regardless of whether he decides to hire me or not he will call me to let me know.
WendiStarr
04-04-2019, 02:58 PM
I applied for a work at home tech support position. They emailed me back with a link to an assessment. I was thinking that it was going to be some tough computer questions so I had my notes out and both computers fired up. It ended up having nothing to do with computer or tech related questions. It was just a timed simulation of helping a guy who forgot his password and some math questions.
Jalena
05-13-2019, 10:28 AM
Just saw the email informing me that I was not selected for the dispatcher job. How considerate of them to only take six weeks to let me know. I was hoping the delay was because they were doing background-check stuff, but all of my references have told me that they were never contacted so I guess it was another case of shooting myself in the foot during the interview.
Back to Square One, while getting ready to try out the 30min-away club. I know all I can do is show up and ask to audition, but I am really nervous about trying to get hired at the start of summer, I have heard summer is horrible in Florida.
WendiStarr
05-13-2019, 12:47 PM
My vanilla job ended last week because it was only a temp project. I'm back at square one of looking for a vanilla job again. I just had an interview at 3pm today for a tech support position. I liked the $16/hour starting wage. What I don't like is that they're only hiring for afternoon and midnight shifts and I don't get to pick which one. That would be up to the supervisor. Their midnight shift is 4:30pm-1am and afternoon shift would be 2:30pm-11pm. I don't like either one because neither would give me any time with my daughter. They said I'd possibly have to work weekends too which is no bueno because weekends are the days when I spend time with my daughter all day. I hate when jobs don't have family friendly schedules. Ugh. Sigh. I guess I'll keep looking.