- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #21
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job hunting sucks!
- Thread starter tigger
- Start Date
Have you tried posting your resume on any of the online job banks like monster.com? I know there are a lot of them, and my husband used these when he was looking about 18 months ago. He's in a different industry, but there must be some that specialize in the type of work you're looking for. I believe it's free to post your resume; the companies have to pay to view them. Also, send your resume to more than one recruiter. My husband had like 5 looking for him, and eventually he got a job.
I have only worked with small companies, 10-25 employees. In those, there have usually been 2 admin assistants working in the company. One has the main responsibilities of answering the phones, and the other responsibilities are split between the two as far as paperwork, organization, word processing, office manager stuff (ordering supplies, working with building management and repair people) according to time and skills. In my previous position, at a real estate appraisal firm, I did all the editing on the appraisals (50-300 page documents), keeping our documents up to date with the real estate market, organization for filing and keeping track of all that paper, and office manager duties. In this position, at an engineering firm, I answer the phones, edit the specifications, and keep everything stocked for day-to-day office use. Of course, there is also taking care of the emergencies that pop up daily in any admin position.
At all the positions I have held, there has been a lot of word processing, letter writing, filling out forms of varying types, mail, faxing, filing, and general organization.
At all the positions I have held, there has been a lot of word processing, letter writing, filling out forms of varying types, mail, faxing, filing, and general organization.
One way to get some experience is to volunteer to do clerical work several hours a week at a place like Planned Parenthood or a charitable organization. Places like this do use volunteers and this experience could be added to your resume.
The Mayo Clinic does do some on-the-job training. If you live anywhere near Scottsdale where their satelite clinic is, you could check to see if this type of opportunity exists out there too.
Good Luck!
The Mayo Clinic does do some on-the-job training. If you live anywhere near Scottsdale where their satelite clinic is, you could check to see if this type of opportunity exists out there too.
Good Luck!
I'm with you, Tigger and Angel. I am also job hunting, which is great fun (NOT).
Nena - you do not want to work in a call-centre - I have just escaped from one - they are soul-destroying torture chambers that suck your brains out and leave you an empty shell. I suffered years of being sworn at, abused, threatened - and that was just from the management! (he he)
I have a similar problem to Tigger - I used to work for a company that paid so much more than anyone else (which is why they had to get rid of 1500 of us), plus I'd been there for so many years that I am looking at similar level roles at 50% less than my final salary and this puts employers off. I had to beg a local company to invite me to an interview - they told me they thought I would leave after a few months because of the money - I convinced them that "money is not an issue, the right role and company are the important factors".
I've had two interviews this week - one went well, but the other I completely lost it and embarressed myself with my ineptitude - keep your fingers crossed for me this week.
I am also fed up with being a "corporate *****" and am seeking roles within non-profit making organisations (charities, local government etc).
Let us know how things are going - I am keen to celebrate everyone's successes on the job front
Nena - you do not want to work in a call-centre - I have just escaped from one - they are soul-destroying torture chambers that suck your brains out and leave you an empty shell. I suffered years of being sworn at, abused, threatened - and that was just from the management! (he he)
I have a similar problem to Tigger - I used to work for a company that paid so much more than anyone else (which is why they had to get rid of 1500 of us), plus I'd been there for so many years that I am looking at similar level roles at 50% less than my final salary and this puts employers off. I had to beg a local company to invite me to an interview - they told me they thought I would leave after a few months because of the money - I convinced them that "money is not an issue, the right role and company are the important factors".
I've had two interviews this week - one went well, but the other I completely lost it and embarressed myself with my ineptitude - keep your fingers crossed for me this week.
I am also fed up with being a "corporate *****" and am seeking roles within non-profit making organisations (charities, local government etc).
Let us know how things are going - I am keen to celebrate everyone's successes on the job front
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #26
I hate interviews, too .......... Some of the questions they ask you..... Like: why do you want this job? Now, what the heck are you supposed to say? Honestly?
I've been looking at jobs that sound like they would interest me and where I put my computer skills to work ...... I hate being caught off guard, too.
I hate when interviewers think that you are not interested or motivated unless you show a lot of emotion. When I was interviewing for my present job, my boss was a little concerned that I wasn't jumping up and down with excitement about the projects in the lab. Well, it is a new area of research for me,and no one is as enthusiastic as he is! Luckily, I was able to convince him that I really was interested, and I'm very happy with my choice (and his).
Yes, interviews have become very wierd since I was last looking for a job.
The most unusual questions I've been asked are:
"Describe your circle of friends" - what is that in aid of? To show that you have got friends?
"What is your favourite joke?" - my response was - what is brown and sticky? A stick. Let's just say I didn't get that job.
The most unusual questions I've been asked are:
"Describe your circle of friends" - what is that in aid of? To show that you have got friends?
"What is your favourite joke?" - my response was - what is brown and sticky? A stick. Let's just say I didn't get that job.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #29
My husband's cousin applied for a 9-1-1 dispatcher and she said they asked her if she had had sex with an animal! Now, tell me........ what relevance does that have to do with a 911 dispatcher? She thought maybe it had to do with what type of person you are..... They also asked her what her sexual history was! I guess she took the polygraph, too!
I have worked for a call center before and I actually enjoyed it. I worked for a third-party verificatin company. This company verifies information for people who want to change their long distance service.
I HATE JOB HUNTING!!! I've got 2 1/2 years with HomeBase and 2 years of co-managing a branch of a corporation based in Phoenix. The ratio of callbacks after dropping off a resume? About 1 in 20! I CAN'T EVEN GET THEM TO HIRE ME AT CHEVRON TO PUMP GAS!!!! (pumping your own gas is illegal in Oregon) I can't wait to get my business going, so I don't have to answer to ANYBODY!!! Except my clients, of course!
I mean, you go in there and take the time to fill out THEIR application; the least they can do is let you know either way...
Keith
I mean, you go in there and take the time to fill out THEIR application; the least they can do is let you know either way...
Keith
Okay....I am hopefully going to provide a "little" assistance. I am an Admin Assistant and I review resumes and do conduct interviews and sit in and listen to my Manager conduct interviews.
I am appalled at the questions some of you have said were asked of you. It is illegal to question anyone on their sexuality, religious beliefs, marital state etc.....maybe some companies get away with this because no complaints have been made. These questions are directed at your personal life and that, is "personal".
Regarding resumes: keep it short and sweet. If you can complete your resume on 1-2 sheets, it is much more appreciated than a 10 page resume. At the bottom, state that references are available upon request and provide them if necessary. Some people attach certificates, letters of reference etc....It all just becomes too much at one point and your resume can be put aside because of the fact that it does not get straight to the point.
You can begin your resume with:
Highlights and qualifications: (use this paragraphe to describe exactly what your strong points are and your skills) You can use bullet form for this.
I for one, will look to see about the education/skills next. We need employees who at least have "Computer knowledge" and this becomes a plus for the applicant. I am not too fussy on hiring people with years and years of experience as I feel that someone coming in off the street looking for "that one chance" to prove their abilities becomes a number one employee for us. I mean, how can someone have experience if a company does not give them a chance to aquire experience? We do have employees with many years experience also who are top notch employees. I think it's wise to have a balance of both.
For the interview part: a firm handshake really gets the interview off to a good start. I know that some people are really shy and feel awkward in interviews therefore I tend to try to look past the giggles and funny comments because, I, for one have always had a hard time being interviewed. I am terribly shy when it comes to meeting new people and if it has anything to do with a job, I am almost physically ill just knowing I have to be interviewed in the first place. I love when an interviewee has questions for me! It kind of becomes a reversed role. So, be prepared with questions. Try not to start off with the "How much does it pay?". Ask questions like: is there job security here? What are the chances of advancing in the company should there be job postings? Ask about employee equity. And your final question should be the salary. If it does not meet your expectations, ask about how the raises come into effect. Sometimes companies review the salaries after a 3 month trial period. Maybe it would be worth starting lower in the beginning to end up, a few months later, with a better salary. By the time you get to the salary question, you've probably got the interviewers attention by then because of your interest. Also......don't oversell yourself. That is so obvious and people do not fare well when they do this.
I guess I am biased here because years ago, I was given "that one chance" and allowed to learn as I worked. I had no previous office work experience. I had waitressed for years and employers tend to overlook that part. It has paid off for me now but....I started at the bottom of the ladder and was willing to prove I would be a valuable employee.
Last but not least: Keep faxing or dropping your resume off to the same company on a regular basis. (because there is nothing one week, doesn't mean a position won't open up the next). Send it weekly if you have to. It might drive us nuts at times but boy does it get the attention that you want it to. I can name off people that have done that here. And yes....we hired them!!!!
I hope everyone does well in their job hunting. Keep us posted!!!!
I am appalled at the questions some of you have said were asked of you. It is illegal to question anyone on their sexuality, religious beliefs, marital state etc.....maybe some companies get away with this because no complaints have been made. These questions are directed at your personal life and that, is "personal".
Regarding resumes: keep it short and sweet. If you can complete your resume on 1-2 sheets, it is much more appreciated than a 10 page resume. At the bottom, state that references are available upon request and provide them if necessary. Some people attach certificates, letters of reference etc....It all just becomes too much at one point and your resume can be put aside because of the fact that it does not get straight to the point.
You can begin your resume with:
Highlights and qualifications: (use this paragraphe to describe exactly what your strong points are and your skills) You can use bullet form for this.
I for one, will look to see about the education/skills next. We need employees who at least have "Computer knowledge" and this becomes a plus for the applicant. I am not too fussy on hiring people with years and years of experience as I feel that someone coming in off the street looking for "that one chance" to prove their abilities becomes a number one employee for us. I mean, how can someone have experience if a company does not give them a chance to aquire experience? We do have employees with many years experience also who are top notch employees. I think it's wise to have a balance of both.
For the interview part: a firm handshake really gets the interview off to a good start. I know that some people are really shy and feel awkward in interviews therefore I tend to try to look past the giggles and funny comments because, I, for one have always had a hard time being interviewed. I am terribly shy when it comes to meeting new people and if it has anything to do with a job, I am almost physically ill just knowing I have to be interviewed in the first place. I love when an interviewee has questions for me! It kind of becomes a reversed role. So, be prepared with questions. Try not to start off with the "How much does it pay?". Ask questions like: is there job security here? What are the chances of advancing in the company should there be job postings? Ask about employee equity. And your final question should be the salary. If it does not meet your expectations, ask about how the raises come into effect. Sometimes companies review the salaries after a 3 month trial period. Maybe it would be worth starting lower in the beginning to end up, a few months later, with a better salary. By the time you get to the salary question, you've probably got the interviewers attention by then because of your interest. Also......don't oversell yourself. That is so obvious and people do not fare well when they do this.
I guess I am biased here because years ago, I was given "that one chance" and allowed to learn as I worked. I had no previous office work experience. I had waitressed for years and employers tend to overlook that part. It has paid off for me now but....I started at the bottom of the ladder and was willing to prove I would be a valuable employee.
Last but not least: Keep faxing or dropping your resume off to the same company on a regular basis. (because there is nothing one week, doesn't mean a position won't open up the next). Send it weekly if you have to. It might drive us nuts at times but boy does it get the attention that you want it to. I can name off people that have done that here. And yes....we hired them!!!!
I hope everyone does well in their job hunting. Keep us posted!!!!
Ghys - I think that might only be applicable. I place job orders for companies on the federal gov't job line and we have to ensure that human rights code are not be violated. Human rights code are governed province to province unless it is a federally regulated industry. They may not have these same types of restrictions in the USA. For example, in Canada you can't put in an ad "must be physically fit" as that is contrary to the Human Rights Act, but they can put that the job is physically demanding.
Ghys- Thanks for all that great information about resumes and job interviews! I copied and saved it, just in case i ever decide to find another job. I have never filled out a resume in my life!! Only applications. I was only 23 when I got the job I have now, 13 years ago, and before that all I did was work in a daycare center, nursing home, home health care, and I did work at a computer place for a year, printing out labels for computer disks, etc....(floppies that is) and I haven't had any formal training on computers what so ever, so I probably would have a hard time finding any work other than flipping burgers or another factory job. I got really good grades in high school, and went to college for 1 1/2 years till I got married the first time, and my then husband didn't want me going to college, he wanted me to work full time, so I quit....dumbest move I ever made!!
