Apparently I've forgotten how frustrating it is to search for a job

[M A V I C]

I'm thankful that:
- For my line of work, I can work from home. So at the very least, even though I was laid off, I have the potential of finding another job.
- I did get a severance package, so I haven't been completely without income.
- I've been able to get a bunch of projects done around the house.
- Programs like being able to defer my mortgage payments are helpful and have increased how long I can go without a job.

There's undoubtedly a few more things I should be thankful for. But here's a few things that I'm not.

- Automated job postings that aren't accurate. Eg, one major tech co had job listings on their site that didn't exist. I tracked down a recruiter that worked for them and asked if they could let me know if I was still under consideration or not, and it turned out the job didn't exist and shouldn't have been posted.

- In the same vein, through all the tools that manage job applications, the fact that most of them won't tell you if you've been declined or not. At my last job, I often declined people but was told to uncheck the "send email" button. I'm going to fight that in the future because it's just rude to applicants.

- Jobs that get canceled. I had made it through a couple interviews with one company, but then the job was canceled.

- Jobs that already have offers out. If an offer is out, don't schedule additional interviews. There's nothing quite like being hopeful and then being told "sorry, we made an offer to someone and they accepted." It's not marriage, but it does feel a bit like someone going on dates with others after they've proposed to someone.

- Interviewers not getting the same date/time as the interviewee. I'm on my third round of interviews with one company. The other day I get an email from the scheduler asking me if I was going to join the interview or not. I was like "Wait, no, this isn't when it's scheduled." I triple check this stuff, but I checked it again and sure enough, my interview was actually scheduled for later than they thought. The scheduler admitted that I was sent a different time than the interviewer. I hope they don't hold it against me, but there was nothing I could do and it wasn't my fault.

- Outdated job postings. I rewrote my resume to match one job description that was a bit different than many of the jobs I've applied for. When I hit apply, I received a message the posting was expired. The main description was still listed, the apply button was there, but I couldn't proceed. Waste of time.

- The pure amount of work it takes to go through the process. Three companies I've talked to have effectively a series of four interviews. Each of them take quite a bit of prep. One took about five or six hours to prep for. I suppose at the level I'm going for that's expected.

- Outside recruiting teams competing with internal teams. I can't get one internal team to call me, even though their site says they're still considering me. However, I had an external recruiter say I was a great fit for the role, but couldn't help move me forward because I had already applied.

- No haircuts. My hair is horrible at this length.

- Buying webcams. The only luck I've had buying a webcam with through this forum (thanks!) I have stock notification on a ton of sites for cameras, but so far none of them have worked. I need to buy a camera for someone else, and haven't been able to get one.

- Unemployment. I still can't get it. I don't know why, and can't really get anyone on the phone who can figure it out either.

[SteveG]

getting thru those interviews is tough

[anonymouse1]

Oh, man--that sucks!

I know it will get better. Send me a PM, I have some resources (resume writing, etc.) that may be helpful, from a prior lifetime.

[Acer]

I understand the frustration with leaving filled jobs open without notifying other candidates or taking the posting down. I've been on that side myself, especially the ghosting of interviewed candidates.

But, in M A V I C tradition, I have a caveat...as someone who hires for a few seasonal internships every spring. You are never sure if the whole thing is going to turn out until you see them report for work the first day. So, you don't close the listing, or notify the also-rans, in case you need to reopen the search. I'm working with college students, which are notoriously sketchy, but I can imagine the same feeling for real HR's.

[freeradical]

Jobs are like girlfriends. It's easier to get one when you've already got one.

[NewtonMP2100]

.....sorry.....feel your pain.....went through same......would go to interviews with 'multiple people' at a time and some would literally just sit there and just ask you 'how your were' and nothing else for the interview......or one person came in 30 minutes late.......

[Todd's keyboard]

[quote="M A V I C
- Buying webcams. The only luck I've had buying a webcam with through this forum (thanks!) I have stock notification on a ton of sites for cameras, but so far none of them have worked. I need to buy a camera for someone else, and haven't been able to get one.
.
Also looking for a webcam. Have you considered aliexpress? I can’t vouch for any particular model or vendor, and you might consider this option. (Shipping might take a while.)

https://www.aliexpress.com/af/webcam.htm...Channel=af&d=y&SearchText=webcam<ype=affiliate&SortType=default&isFavorite=y&CatId=0&page=1

Todd’s thrifty keyboard

[NewtonMP2100]

....the worst is the interviewer who starts to talk to you like you 'already got the job'......then you never hear from them again.....

[bfd]

So much of finding a job seems to hinge on who you know that knows someone who's looking for for someone to fill a position. You've probably already let people know you're available - sometimes it helps to keep letting them know. Sooner or later, that one person who knows someone who's looking for someone with your skill set will pop up. Hopefully, that doesn't take forever.

[rgG]

I am really sorry that it is just as bad, probably worse, than it used to be.
I hope you find something very soon.