Walk Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 I've gotten turned down for every job I've applied for in the last few months. Each time I get an interview (4 so far) they have gone exceedingly well. The recruiters I've been working with all tell me that post-interview that the employers really liked what they saw. Then out of no where they pass on me. No real reasons why. They say positive things about the way I came across during the interview. The last interview I had, the guy even showed me around the building, explaining their processes and stuff to me. It was a long interview, and before I left the manager said that they would call me in 5 days to set up the 2nd interview. It soundeed incredibly positive. I had a lot in common with teh manager and his project leader. Next thing I know... they've decided to pass because they don't feel I would be right for the company. This keeps happening, over and over. I know its a tight job market, but its not like they hired a different person who was better qualified... they just pass on me completely. I fit the requirements, and they acknowledge that. I get along great with people, and they seemed to be interested during the interview. Then boom... I'm out of the running. Which leads me to believe that my previous employer is giving me a bad rap. I left on unfavorable terms, and without giving notice. And I know the old boss is spiteful and evil enough that she wouldn't have a problem giving a negative recommendation. She never believes laws apply to her.. which is part of the reason I left running and screaming from that place. But a woman who believes that its legal to not pay you for work you did probably wouldn't bat an eye at a little bad mouthing of an ex-employee that screwed her. What do I do? We're out of money. we can't buy groceries. I'm a f*cking damn hard worker, who got into a terrible company. I've NEVER in my life had so much trouble finding a job. Never. Even straight out of college with no experience. These interviews go fantastic. I've polished my interviewing skills up with recruiters, with college advisors.. I shine my shoes, dot my i's and cross my t's. WHY THE HELL CAN'T I GET A JOB?!?!?! What do I do? How do I stop this from repeating over and over and over? No one will tell me what I'm doing wrong. How can I fix it?
Star Gazer Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Do you think your explanation to the prospective employer about why you left isn't matching up with what she would be saying? Are you honest about having left without giving notice? How are you explaining to them the reasons why you left?
Author Walk Posted July 9, 2008 Author Posted July 9, 2008 I tell them... "When I originally took the position it was as a developer, but over the course of several months it became less and less technically oriented. I really wanted to continue as a developer so I decided to focus on finding a position where I could apply my passion." Then I move on to the next question. Sometimes if the interviewer looks like he's wondering what "less technical" means, I throw in an example such as "For example, on one day I spent 8 hours moving boxes". I talked to a lot of people about how to phrase it so that I wouldn't sound vindictive, jaded, or bitter... and the above is basically what they suggested as a whole. Its the truth.. The interviewers I've talked to haven't batted an eye at it. They say "That sounds resonable. They shouldn't be getting any information from my past employer about how long my notice was, or if I gave one. Nor the circumstances of my departure. So no potential employer would get a conflicting version of this. All they would know are the dates I worked there.
jerbear Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Coming from an HR point of view. I would suggest "hiring" a friend to make a reference call. Just make sure the friend does not represent a real entity said friend is not authorized to as pretexting is illegal. The hiring a friend method is free. There are fee-based organizations which would do a reference check for you to verify your suspicions. Less technical does not seem good plus moving boxes is heading toward a reclassification and does not seem to fit under the 5% other jobs as assigned.
Author Walk Posted July 9, 2008 Author Posted July 9, 2008 Coming from an HR point of view. I would suggest "hiring" a friend to make a reference call. Just make sure the friend does not represent a real entity said friend is not authorized to as pretexting is illegal. The hiring a friend method is free. There are fee-based organizations which would do a reference check for you to verify your suspicions. Less technical does not seem good plus moving boxes is heading toward a reclassification and does not seem to fit under the 5% other jobs as assigned. That's a fabulous idea Jer. I could hug you!! Do you have any other ideas about what might be going wrong that is bumping me out of the running for these jobs? I thought for sure it'd be my lack of experience that would hinder me, but that doesn't seem to be a factor in any of their decisions.
Author Walk Posted July 9, 2008 Author Posted July 9, 2008 I have an interview tomorrow morning with a company about an hour away from where I live. I'm not optimistic about my chances.
jerbear Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 That's a fabulous idea Jer. I could hug you!! Do you have any other ideas about what might be going wrong that is bumping me out of the running for these jobs? I thought for sure it'd be my lack of experience that would hinder me, but that doesn't seem to be a factor in any of their decisions. Hmm... have you tried other recruiters and even direct? Some companies look at your ability to learn and your inner geekdom. i.e. Amazon, Google, and even Microsoft. Ask someone you know if you can even be a unpaid intern for 3 months. I know it is hard but do consider it. I have an interview tomorrow morning with a company about an hour away from where I live. I'm not optimistic about my chances. Get out of the "not optimisitic" mindset. You'll need to be positive for the interview. I've seen you gone thru hell from prior posts and you get "not optimistic" because of an measly ex-boss? An ex-boss is minor compared to what you've been through. You've got some good ideals, exercise, ex-issues, started your own business experience, and entrepreneurial spirit. A boss has never been a boss till they have to worry about payroll. I have more faith in you.
Desperado620 Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 I had the same problem when I left my clerk job at a particular law firm. The attorney (yeah, it was just one) was a volitaile man who would scream and cuss at me. I knew there was no way I'd ever get a good reference from him. I got around that by using one of the paralegals (who was, technichally, my immediate supervisor) as a reference instead of the head ahole. If you had any kind of supervisor that was between you and this boss b**ch, maybe ask them if you could use them as a reference instead. It's worked well for me. Good luck to you in your hunt!
Author Walk Posted July 9, 2008 Author Posted July 9, 2008 Hmm... have you tried other recruiters and even direct? Some companies look at your ability to learn and your inner geekdom. i.e. Amazon, Google, and even Microsoft. Ask someone you know if you can even be a unpaid intern for 3 months. I know it is hard but do consider it. Been working with 7 different recruiting companies. Only 3 have had anything in my area. The recruiters helped me polish up my explaination for why I left my last job. Started cold calling companies, but so far all have said they don't have positions open. I've been applying for contract work too, but haven't had any luck with those. I'd be thrilled with something like that... just to increase my skills while I'm in-between jobs. I'm too much of a noob still, they want more experience. Haven't tried intern position. All the ones I've seen state they want someone currently working on their bachelors. But probably wouldn't hurt to see if I can get some of them to change their minds about the 'current student' requirement . I have more faith in you. Thanks Jer. That means a great deal to me.
Harmony Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 My sister had the same problem and had a friend call for a reference. Her friend was a lawyer specializing in HR law so that helped a lot. (The friend taped the conversation which is legal here as long as one person in the converstion knows the taping is going on.) She decided not to sue the company right away, but started telling interviewers up front that her reference from her previous employer would not be positive. After that, she got a job in no time. She didn't bash her former boss, but asked that the reference be obtained from the HR department. She also learned exactly what was being said so she was able to counter that in her interview. This was a very big compnay with deep pockets and she knew that sueing would be a long, drawn out process. She did keep that option open, however. I hope this helps. Not working affects so many different aspects of a person's life - not just the money - so I would try to do something to keep myself busy as well as add to my resume. Is there a non-profit where you could volunteer? They could provide a reference and add to your resume. Good luck.
Angel1111 Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 At my company, we're not even allowed to give references. If we're called, we have to refer them directly to the HR department. And they only give out the date they were hired, when they left and what their salary was. Your ex boss is leaving herself wide open for a lawsuit if she's giving you a bad reference. I would have someone call and find out what's being said. When I interview people, I appreciate honesty so I liked the above post about saying upfront that you're not going to get a good reference - without any bashing. It may turn things around. I'm always willing to give someone a chance but if they hide something from me, it's a death-sentence. But, first, I'd make sure that that is actually what's happening. I would also recommend that even if you're in a crappy job, find another one before you quit. Sometimes you can't do that, or the pain is too great to stay, but if you can it's the best solution.
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