DoomsdayZach
The Professor was right
I need a change of pace. And a hobby. And money. I think that means i need a new job. Man... fuck this game.
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Kenneth R.
Cináed
Kenneth R.
Cináed
I'm going to pursue a career as a literature professor, with authorship and musician/producer on the side.
noble savage
Member
I need a change of pace. And a hobby. And money. I think that means i need a new job. Man... fuck this game.
Dude that's exactly what I've been thinking these days...
Everything that doesn't include making music is probably just another lameass job..
Kenneth R.
Cináed
Graduated May 2007. Out of the 100+ (no lie) companies I've applied to, it seems the consensus is that yes, they are hiring. But no, they are not hiring new grads with no experience. Instead, no-experience jobs are going to people with 3-5 years of experience who are desperate for a job since their previous company laid them off. Poor economy. Everyone's strapped, and that wedges out people like me from getting a foot in the door.
And no, it's not my resume or my presentation or skills. Because nearly every interview the response I get is that they are very pleased with me, impressed, and enjoyed talking to me a great deal more than the other candidates. Unfortunately, then an experienced person applies, and it's all over. This trend has repeated itself ad nauseum. I've even attempted variety in appearance: cutting my hair, wearing my glasses or not {they have nearly no actual vision effect}, dressing up, dressing casual. I've tried variety of personality: seeming incredibly interested in the subject, seeming indifferent, the range in between. I've tried to emphasize different aspects of my resume, different goals.
What I find is, as I stated initially, the result is the same. None of that trivial stuff matters to them, only skills, experience. Shocking, but yes, apparently the EE field is practical when hiring. The catch is that I now have been unhired by any EE company for a year, and with more people graduating this month, it seems less and less likely that I'll land a job as the economy spirals down the drain. I can't hold out for next year after the election because my loans are coming in now.
And there's no chance getting an internship or temporary position to gain experience, because I unfortunately have a 4 year degree from a top school, so I'm overqualified and they won't take me.
So in the mean time I've been working odd jobs, and planning for an alternate future (I do like technology, but sitting at a desk all day designing or testing circuits does not sound like fun to me).
Damn, so you're like literally stuck just in the 'no EE job' area now, no matter what? That sucks man..
Exactly. My last post says it all. :Smug:
Kenneth R.
Cináed
Well, there is still the odd chance that I'll get a job so I'm still at it. If I got one, I'd show them the value of my work ethic. But I'm also exploring other options. (As any good engineer would. 
)
)
Iced Dog
The Stormrider's Pooch
Seriously, what's the rush to ban everything nowadays? Like smoking for instance...I'm not a smoker, but I believe the owner of an establishment (restaurant, bar, etc) should have the fucking CHOICE to make it smoking or non-smoking...if you don't like it, go somewhere else. Same with the light bulbs...if you don't dig a particular type, don't buy it...but at least give the rest of us a god damn choice!
CantoX
Member
Man, I'm studying to be an electronic engineer.. are you saying I'm pretty much screwed ?
I thought of all of this as well.. and even I have had experiences with jobs and shit like applying and going to interviews to never be called back again.
Damn, this system is shitty.
noble savage
Member
Well, his situation seems to be due mostly to the shitty economy. I would like to graduate with a degree in math/physics, but that job market is notoriously nonexistent even when the economy is great. Kenneth's experience seems, for the time being anyway, temporary. I say keep doing what you're doing and don't worry about it. The economy is very dynamic and could see some sort of "internet boom" that happened in the late 90s.
If that doesn't work out for you guys, as it probably won't for me, you can all come and work at my "mystical, new age, magical body healing crystal" shop that I'll open in San Francisco.
Kenneth R.
Cináed
Get an internship over the summer if you can. Get two if you have two summers left. Get experience while you can.
ABQShredHead
©1970
Interviewing is an art. It's not just about showing up and smiling and listening to what the person says. You will need to immerse yourself in the company to learn their customs and values, and then project yourself into those customs and values during your interview. Be open about yourself, ask plenty of questions, take a sincere interest not only in the company but in the person(s) interviewing you. So much of today's workforce is built around how well you function with others than it is around your individual contribution. Also, take your career development seriously. Lay out a plan for yourself in five and ten years, and live toward that plan. The plan may change, but it gives you a bearing to follow, and also impresses an interviewer when you can talk to it. Aggressively get your foot in the door - it's all up to you.
And if a company is not calling you back after your interview, it is probably because you did not call them. Call in after your interview, probably no less than two days later but no more than seven (business) days. Don't ask where you stand in the process - ask the interviewer for specific feedback about yourself, how you handled questions, and what you can improve upon at your next interview. Doing this simple act will help move you toward not having to interview any more, if you get my drift.
And if a company is not calling you back after your interview, it is probably because you did not call them. Call in after your interview, probably no less than two days later but no more than seven (business) days. Don't ask where you stand in the process - ask the interviewer for specific feedback about yourself, how you handled questions, and what you can improve upon at your next interview. Doing this simple act will help move you toward not having to interview any more, if you get my drift.
Kenneth R.
Cináed
noble savage
Member
Crap! That's great information but about a month too late. I had an interview for Barnes and Noble books, but they never called. Dammit.
Kenneth R.
Cináed
I know that there's no point in this rant, but I feel deeply offended by the means American businesses conduct themselves in regard to potential employees. Not only do you have to apply, you must also whore yourself to the company by calling back repeatedly, sending thank you notes and gifts, and generally debase yourself before the altar of their commercial indifference. I have yet to find a single company that gives even a modicum of concern to extend themselves half way to meet the potential employee in the process.
Like I said, I realize that asking that they treat me as a human being, with the minimum respect one should treat strangers met, would be an absurd request (that it is absurd and I know it is another outrage entirely). Yet all the effort is weighed upon the potential employee. Even for high school grads seeking college acceptance, the new game of "bribe us more than the other applicants and you'll be noticed" applies. How twisted and corrupt has this country become? I should not be surprised. I am not. I am, however, irritated.
What happened to the days when a man could approach an employer seeking assistance and shake his/her hand, say "I'm looking for a job, I'm willing to work hard" answer a few questions, and immediately begin? I should have been born in that era.
Like I said, I realize that asking that they treat me as a human being, with the minimum respect one should treat strangers met, would be an absurd request (that it is absurd and I know it is another outrage entirely). Yet all the effort is weighed upon the potential employee. Even for high school grads seeking college acceptance, the new game of "bribe us more than the other applicants and you'll be noticed" applies. How twisted and corrupt has this country become? I should not be surprised. I am not. I am, however, irritated.
What happened to the days when a man could approach an employer seeking assistance and shake his/her hand, say "I'm looking for a job, I'm willing to work hard" answer a few questions, and immediately begin? I should have been born in that era.
J-Dubya 777
It NEVER ends
As a current and former hiring manager/supervisor, I do work old school. I don't do quotas, I don't believe 100% in that little piece of paper called a degree. I want experience, and I want to see if the person I'm intervieweing "gets it". I'm more into the a) person and b)work experience they've had and how it may help or hinder them working for me. I mentored a kid just out of highschool, started him as a computer operator, and helped him advance to system administration, and system management. When it came time to cut heads, I was gone but he remains (as far asI know).
I bear him no ill-will, or jealousy, because he worked his ass off to get there, and helped me out (by being smart, and being reliable to do his job).
The one thing you have remember is that PC little community called Human Resources. They can, and do at times, be more of a hinderence than a help. I sent thank you notes & e-mails. I don't do bribery..
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