New Year and Job Hunting

[Dillon]

I haven’t been on here for a bit but I hope everyone is having a good start to the new year. For me personally it’s been good but not so good as I am still trying to get a full time career 8 months later after graduating college. So far I’ve failed over 23 interviews but the most recent ones during December to now were total let downs. I had two interviews with my States Wildlife department only to be told I didn’t have enough experience despite having hands on experience in the Biological field. I had a job within the federal sector for a hydrological technician position to be told the same thing. Couple weeks later I had a interview with a wildlife center as an environmental educator only to be told I am overqualified.
Then yesterday I had a interview with a non profit organization as an eco-art educator and that one I thought went well when at the end I was given the phrase “we will be in touch” only to be ghosted after I sent a email with additional questions this morning. Yeah I had a little trouble with thoughts or sentences but that shouldn’t be a determining factor.

I honestly do not understand what these employers want from candidates I mean you are not going to find that fairy tale/ magical perfect hire. In the meantime I’m glad I still have a job but it’s part time as an educator at $15 an hour so I’m not doing well financially given the fact I’m on governmental assistance.

Nothing has worked such as networking, referrals and even applying so I’m currently seeing a employment agency in my area that specializes in job placement of individuals who are neurodiversed and they have the option of a counselor/social worker sitting in with you on job interviews just to vouch for you. I am seriously considering that option as I cannot pass a interview to save my life no matter how much I practice.

I shouldn’t even be in this state of circumstances of having trouble for this long but I don’t know what else I need to show employers that I am literally worth something. I’ve pretty much stopped applying for jobs as I don’t know what to do at this point anymore.

 

[Judge]

It took me two years after graduating from college to actually find a job I could consider a "career". A year after that I was approached by an entity I originally sought a career with who informed me that they never approach anyone right out of college. Go figure.

All you can do is to keep trying, regardless of continual rejections. You just "soldier on".

 

[kriss72]

Sorry to hear about the lack of success so far in the job-hunt, I see it as a very positive thing that you get to the interviews! My experience is that it also takes a bit of luck to get a match. I don't know what the average time for a graduate to get a job in your area (education and location) is?

There is a joke that the employer wants a young newly educated (i.e. low payed) with 20 years of experience, and as any good joke, there is some truth to it...

 

[Dillon]

Sorry to hear about the lack of success so far in the job-hunt, I see it as a very positive thing that you get to the interviews! My experience is that it also takes a bit of luck to get a match. I don't know what the average time for a graduate to get a job in your area (education and location) is?

There is a joke that the employer wants a young newly educated (i.e. low payed) with 20 years of experience, and as any good joke, there is some truth to it...

On average for a graduate it takes 3-6 months to get a job but in other cases it may take 12-18 months.I’ve seen quite a bit of people I’ve graduated with who have already gotten good stable career right after graduation and I’m just here kind of envious.
My question is why even invite me to an interview if you weren’t going to consider me anyway? Also the fact that employers think it’s ok to ghost/not respond to candidates about anything via email is just unprofessional and disrespectful.

 

[Judge]

My question is why even invite me to an interview if you weren’t going to consider me anyway? Also the fact that employers think it’s ok to ghost/not respond to candidates about anything via email is just unprofessional and disrespectful.

I suspect for largely legal considerations to avoid any question of discriminatory practices. Beyond that I wouldn't expect much of any employer no matter how it may appear to potential applicants. Understanding that their liability is always something measured to conform to laws- not necessarily etiquette.

Leaving the whole process to be cold and impersonal to anyone who isn't hired.

 

[kriss72]

On average for a graduate it takes 3-6 months to get a job but in other cases it may take 12-18 months.I’ve seen quite a bit of people I’ve graduated with who have already gotten good stable career right after graduation and I’m just here kind of envious.
My question is why even invite me to an interview if you weren’t going to consider me anyway? Also the fact that employers think it’s ok to ghost/not respond to candidates about anything via email is just unprofessional and disrespectful.

Ok, so you are a little above average with 8 months now - I can understand the feeling of envious. Why do you think they are not considering you even you get to the interview - I mean how do you know they aren't considering you?

I have been ghosted several times after going to an interview, it's a sign of the company not being professional, but nothing more than that - to me it is a red flag, and I'm happy to not be working there

Not sure what to say about the missing replies on the e-mails, I would not expect an answer in a short time frame, they have the information they need, and it takes time to answer e-mails, I wouldn't expect an answer on the same day as it was sent - I wouldn't even expect an answer from my manger on the same day if I got the job and had been working there for 20 years.

 

[Dillon]

Ok, so you are a little above average with 8 months now - I can understand the feeling of envious. Why do you think they are not considering you even you get to the interview - I mean how do you know they aren't considering you?

I have been ghosted several times after going to an interview, it's a sign of the company not being professional, but nothing more than that - to me it is a red flag, and I'm happy to not be working there

Not sure what to say about the missing replies on the e-mails, I would not expect an answer in a short time frame, they have the information they need, and it takes time to answer e-mails, I wouldn't expect an answer on the same day as it was sent - I wouldn't even expect an answer from my manger on the same day if I got the job and had been working there for 20 years.

Because it’s either hiring managers already have a candidate lined up before interviews, they know someone internally, or and most of all it has to do with personal connections and that’s what’s been going on to me over and over again. Sometimes I feel some of these employers just despise me after making a 30 minute prediction of how I would be on the job. I really feel some do judge on my social skills and that is something I’ve struggled with all my life despite being better at communicating.
I have a masters degree and I’m basically stuck at a part time job where there is no room/potential for growth.

For emails I’m usually patient but every time I send a email just mainly asking 1-2 questions I get no response within 1-2 weeks and afterwards I get a rejection email and that’s been happening all the time. There are various organizations/agencies I will not apply to again as my thing is after applying and interviewing with the same one 1-2 times sometimes 3, I already get the hint the organization does not want someone like me.

 

[Judge]

I have a masters degree

Such a dichotomy. That having an advanced graduate degree can either make you or break you as an applicant. Where any number employers can shy away from hiring you on that basis alone.

Where they intend to pay someone less in accordance with their budget than your technical qualifications. I've actually heard people in management who outline such hiring guidelines confide this to me personally. It kept me from pursuing higher education in my line of work at the time, given a poor state of the economy.

When given various economic shifts probably force you to examine individual employers more than entire fields of endeavor. Allowing some employers to view a graduate degree like a slam dunk, and others as a pair of cement overshoes.

 

[kriss72]

Because it’s either hiring managers already have a candidate lined up before interviews, they know someone internally, or and most of all it has to do with personal connections and that’s what’s been going on to me over and over again. Sometimes I feel some of these employers just despise me after making a 30 minute prediction of how I would be on the job. I really feel some do judge on my social skills and that is something I’ve struggled with all my life despite being better at communicating.
I have a masters degree and I’m basically stuck at a part time job where there is no room/potential for growth.

For emails I’m usually patient but every time I send a email just mainly asking 1-2 questions I get no response within 1-2 weeks and afterwards I get a rejection email and that’s been happening all the time. There are various organizations/agencies I will not apply to again as my thing is after applying and interviewing with the same one 1-2 times sometimes 3, I already get the hint the organization does not want someone like me.

Did you try to ask the companies where you went for interviews, what you could improve, if anything to be better qualified in the future? (not that I know if it would be helpful, depends on what they answer, if they answer)

I think you are doing the right thing by holding onto the part time job, even there doesn't seem to be a future in it, it's important to stay active on the job-market.

The 1-2 weeks, is what I would expect the turn around time to be, I wouldn't see it in a negative way - i have also had like a month go by, and then suddenly get an offer - sometimes you get the feeling that you weren't their first choice, and hence they don't give an answer until they have tried to get another one - but have been on the hiring side also, it is not a fast process, there can be many things going on.

When you make applications, are you doing it to both specific job postings and to companies that haven't posted jobs, but that you would like to work for? I got the best job I have had, by doing a random application, actually I just gave them my CV - but I'm in a different field and have been working a long time, so it's not really comparable, and maybe you are already doing it...

 

[Aspychata]

Getting a job is like dating. The interview is the first date. It's your turn to shine. After that, it's up to the date/employer if they wish to continue the relationship. Once you view in these parameters, you won't take it so personally. If you apply for a job you liked, but were turned down, ask what additional qualifications would help you get hired. It's your attitude you bring that really helps. I think bringing a counselor to interviews is fantastic, because if you get a great counselor, they will be able to give you excellent feedback on how to better present yourself. I actually had my spouse go in for interview help. The career counselor immediately zeroed in that he wasn't giving enough energy to the interview. He was coming off way to dry. He needed to smile, lighten up, and sound energetic. After he understood this, he felt much more confident. Like you, he is very intelligent, but didn't understand the need to present himself in a certain way @Dillon

 

[Dillon]

Did you try to ask the companies where you went for interviews, what you could improve, if anything to be better qualified in the future? (not that I know if it would be helpful, depends on what they answer, if they answer)

I think you are doing the right thing by holding onto the part time job, even there doesn't seem to be a future in it, it's important to stay active on the job-market.

The 1-2 weeks, is what I would expect the turn around time to be, I wouldn't see it in a negative way - i have also had like a month go by, and then suddenly get an offer - sometimes you get the feeling that you weren't their first choice, and hence they don't give an answer until they have tried to get another one - but have been on the hiring side also, it is not a fast process, there can be many things going on.

When you make applications, are you doing it to both specific job postings and to companies that haven't posted jobs, but that you would like to work for? I got the best job I have had, by doing a random application, actually I just gave them my CV - but I'm in a different field and have been working a long time, so it's not really comparable, and maybe you are already doing it...

Yep and I had one company recently tell me I was over qualified because they weren’t looking for someone with data analytical and research experience. This was for a wildlife educator position and I just briefly mentioned that aspect. Also mentioned how I said I liked working with elementary kids since I am a substitute elementary teacher and they had a huge problem with that given that I am not specialized in teaching middle schoolers…you never stated that in the interview nor in the job description. Other companies said I didn’t have enough experience when I clearly told them I have a few years of experience in GIS and environmental field analysis. I had one other one with a maritime industry company who had a huge problem that I couldn’t articulate a thought or sentence in my interview (this was back in October). Yes I have trouble with articulating thoughts and even repeating words to get my point across but this is something I’ve done all my life and I feel we are discriminating here.

My resume is not the problem at all even lately as I am tailoring my resume to specific job. The only thing that is a hang up is the interview itself. I don’t get nervous but for some reason I can’t seem to convey information out loud properly but outside of an interview I am fine.

 

[kriss72]

Yep and I had one company recently tell me I was over qualified because they weren’t looking for someone with data analytical and research experience. This was for a wildlife educator position and I just briefly mentioned that aspect. Also mentioned how I said I liked working with elementary kids since I am a substitute elementary teacher and they had a huge problem with that given that I am not specialized in teaching middle schoolers…you never stated that in the interview nor in the job description. Other companies said I didn’t have enough experience when I clearly told them I have a few years of experience in GIS and environmental field analysis. I had one other one with a maritime industry company who had a huge problem that I couldn’t articulate a thought or sentence in my interview (this was back in October). Yes I have trouble with articulating thoughts and even repeating words to get my point across but this is something I’ve done all my life and I feel we are discriminating here.

My resume is not the problem at all even lately as I am tailoring my resume to specific job. The only thing that is a hang up is the interview itself. I don’t get nervous but for some reason I can’t seem to convey information out loud properly but outside of an interview I am fine.

I never went to a job interview with the knowledge that I wasn't NT, got diagnosed while I had my current job - so I don't have experience, but have you been disclosing your diagnosis? - before or under the interview? I hear some places can give you the questions before hand, so you can be prepared, but again, as I haven't known, I didn't try it my self. I would like to hear about your experiences if you want to share.

I'm (also?) very bad at getting my points across spontaneously, have a hard time looking at people, and can be jumping around in my thoughts - But I have been to many job-interviews over the years, so I kind of know the type of questions they will ask - So by trial and error I have learned how to answer in the way that seem to make interviewers happy, and I can't help by evaluating after an interview and find out what I should have said to their questions, so I practice that for the next interview (yeah, I did that before I knew about my diagnosis), so I see going to many interviews as a good thing, might be frustrating, but you can learn from every interview

A while back I was in an interview, and it was going ok - then they asked me a question I had really thought a lot about, and presented it brilliantly just as I had practiced - like they noticed it, and then asked, giving such a good answer to that question, what would you answer to the opposite question - and I was blank, I had never heard or thought about that question before - so I said... ohh.. I haven't thought about that before... - not the right answer to give, they came back to that question several times, ending with - Kriss, for the last time, what is your answer? - but I couldn't. that question is now on my list (I got a different job)

 

[Dillon]

I never went to a job interview with the knowledge that I wasn't NT, got diagnosed while I had my current job - so I don't have experience, but have you been disclosing your diagnosis? - before or under the interview? I hear some places can give you the questions before hand, so you can be prepared, but again, as I haven't known, I didn't try it my self. I would like to hear about your experiences if you want to share.

I'm (also?) very bad at getting my points across spontaneously, have a hard time looking at people, and can be jumping around in my thoughts - But I have been to many job-interviews over the years, so I kind of know the type of questions they will ask - So by trial and error I have learned how to answer in the way that seem to make interviewers happy, and I can't help by evaluating after an interview and find out what I should have said to their questions, so I practice that for the next interview (yeah, I did that before I knew about my diagnosis), so I see going to many interviews as a good thing, might be frustrating, but you can learn from every interview

A while back I was in an interview, and it was going ok - then they asked me a question I had really thought a lot about, and presented it brilliantly just as I had practiced - like they noticed it, and then asked, giving such a good answer to that question, what would you answer to the opposite question - and I was blank, I had never heard or thought about that question before - so I said... ohh.. I haven't thought about that before... - not the right answer to give, they came back to that question several times, ending with - Kriss, for the last time, what is your answer? - but I couldn't. that question is now on my list (I got a different job)

So I mainly avoid putting down i have a disability on any job applications due to fear of being rejected immediately based on discrimination. I get there is increased awareness about autism but in some places in the U.S. people are are still hell bent on the issue. I typically mask as hard as possible during interviews just so no one can see the “flaws” that they may find as troublesome for the job.

 

[kriss72]

So I mainly avoid putting down i have a disability on any job applications due to fear of being rejected immediately based on discrimination. I get there is increased awareness about autism but in some places in the U.S. people are are still hell bent on the issue. I typically mask as hard as possible during interviews just so no one can see the “flaws” that they may find as troublesome for the job.

Ok, kind of makes sense if you don't need special accommodations.

 

[Dillon]

Ok, kind of makes sense if you don't need special accommodations.

Honestly at this rate I believe I need some major accommodations due to my communication mishaps and being on the spectrum but I’m afraid I’ll be running into a risky situation by an employer of being discriminated if I do that. We have laws in the US that protect individuals with disabilities in the job process but people still find a way to scoot by that.

 

[kriss72]

Honestly at this rate I believe I need some major accommodations due to my communication mishaps and being on the spectrum but I’m afraid I’ll be running into a risky situation by an employer of being discriminated if I do that. We have laws in the US that protect individuals with disabilities in the job process but people still find a way to scoot by that.

I think it is more easy to ask for accommodations if you are open about it during the interview process, and if it is obvious that you have difficulties it might be more easy to accept it, like it is a known condition. But again, just my thoughts I would need to be open about my needs, because they aren't compatible with a standard 9-5 job, I tried that, it is not working for me. Even I have obviously been able to get through the interview process

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

Sounds like my start graduated college took first crappy job 40 years ago stayed for 4 years. saw no future left for unionized job. in my new specialty industrial painting, updated my education got second diploma free trade killed plant used experience and upgraded education to land position in testing lab for painting, Next position was at automotive assembly plant saw article in trade magazine on how the plant in conjunction with supplier wanted to implement reverse onus system Wrote letter to supplier where I stated I have the expertise they are looking for Supplier knew my reputation as lab tech at appliance assembly plant, so got position. upgraded education again
did amazing job just as I stated in letter.