# 2 jobs, 2000 applicants! Argh! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 2, 2009, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003 "2009-03-02T12:58:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/61 "2009-03-02T22:01:53Z")
> [@Duke](#): > > Then why didn’t you just say that from post #1? Sheesh, man. Because I decided to give you an opportunity to not look like an idiot. Once you persisted in doing so, I fully explained the post. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/62 "2009-03-02T22:33:11Z")
I think “tax lawyer” is a metaphor for “mailroom and copier boy for tax preparation company” ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/63 "2009-03-02T22:39:27Z")
BTW, I’m amused that **Rand Rover** keeps responding to me in this here thread, despite the fact that he’s written me off as an “idiot,” when there’s a whole Pit thread dedicated to him [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=508871). How much will your firm be billing me for this, or are insults free? ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/64 "2009-03-02T23:11:31Z")
> [@casdave](#): > > I personally do not think there is any need for the Jobcentre. > > I’ll explain a few things to you **Quartz** that you may not be aware of, and its why that 2000 applications is complete twaddle. I don’t doubt you, but this job was advertised over the weekend only. Other agents to whom I’ve spoken have said that they are each getting 200-300 bona fide - that’s after the chaff has been winnowed - applications per job. Now, I’m in IT and I’m very good at what I do and I’m even better in my manner of doing it. But there have been massive layoffs in IT in the City of London and the location of this job is easily commutable from London. So her figure, given the padding you suggest, and with multiple applications, is not unreasonable. She had no reason to lie. Anyway, I hope I’ve made a good impression on her. We’ll see. In the meantime, I’m completing other applications. After all, a good IT officer always tries to have a backup. ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/65 "2009-03-02T23:18:18Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > I don’t doubt you, but this job was advertised over the weekend only. Other agents to whom I’ve spoken have said that they are each getting 200-300 bona fide - that’s after the chaff has been winnowed - applications per job. Another thought - in field being hit so hard at the moment, perhaps some (or many) of these applications are from people not actually out of work, but just making a preemptive move, given the possible surprise any of them might face on Monday morning? ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2009, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/66 "2009-03-03T08:26:06Z")
Very likely. ☹ It’s really, really grim. ---
**Author:** ![Pushkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2009, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/67 "2009-03-03T13:01:40Z")
> [@HongKongFooey](#): > > A great many of those applicants you’re competing with will make spelling mistakes on their CV, chew gum during an interview, etc. The odds aren’t necessarily as bad as they seem. Just make sure you’re not one of the ones making those little mistakes. 😉 Best of luck. That’s certainly true. I applied for a job where one of the requirements, quite clearly stated in the advert, was to have a valid driver’s license. There was a little yes/no question on the application itself to check this, the list of applicants was halved in one stroke from the answers to this alone :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2009, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/68 "2009-03-03T20:44:08Z")
> [@GorillaMan](#): > > Another thought - in field being hit so hard at the moment, perhaps some (or many) of these applications are from people not actually out of work, but just making a preemptive move, given the possible surprise any of them might face on Monday morning? Although I’d think that this would make those applicants to be more legitimately competition for the job, not less. If they still have a job, it’s likely that they haven’t yet reached the desperate “apply for anything whether it’s a good fit or not” stage. So if they’re being more selective for now, it’s likely that they’re a pretty good fit, or at least moreso than the desperate unemployed. Not to be a total downer… ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/69 "2009-03-03T21:31:58Z")
Just to expand a bit on **casdave** ’s post, in the U.K., to claim unemployment benefit / jobseekers’ allowance, you merely have to show that you are _looking_ for work. Any old job application will do for that purpose. Anyway, I’ll be ringing her tomorrow afternoon. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2009, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/70 "2009-03-03T23:56:03Z")
Couldn’t you just knock her up? (That one just slays me…) ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/71 "2009-03-04T03:55:55Z")
> [@Kaio](#): > > I am trying to branch out, but photography equipment is expensive and I have no income – you see the problem there. There are also very few photography jobs – I think I’ve seen three, two of which were part-time freelance gigs, and yes I applied to all three. _All_ creative fields are very hard hit. Does your library or local school/college have an av department that would let you sign out a DSLR ? , if not mores the pity. This coming summer is going to be an action photogs dream if you can handle a bit of stress related to being in the middle of a riot, i hope I am saying that in jest. If not , I hope something comes up for folks that are in this situation. Declan ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/72 "2009-03-04T04:00:07Z")
> [@Rand\_Rover](#): > > I suppose you can post quotes with links where I’ve claimed to be anything other than a tax lawyer? If you don’t, then we will know who the big fat liar is (hint: you). Looks like Biggirl is still a Big fat liar. ---
**Author:** ![Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Throatwarbler_Mangrove)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/73 "2009-03-04T04:17:58Z")
> [@](#): > > Damn you Brown, Blair, Clinton, Bush, and all the other politicians who got us into this mess. > Reply With Quote Clinton? What did Clinton (Bill, I assume) ever do to you? ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2009, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/74 "2009-03-05T05:47:20Z")
> [@Declan](#): > > Does your library or local school/college have an av department that would let you sign out a DSLR ? , if not mores the pity. This coming summer is going to be an action photogs dream if you can handle a bit of stress related to being in the middle of a riot, i hope I am saying that in jest. > > If not , I hope something comes up for folks that are in this situation. > > Declan Thanks. I bought the camera body (which I’m still paying off… or trying to, rather), I’m talking about things like add-on flash and additional lenses. Frex. one of the job postings I applied to was for freelance event photography, mostly evening events. The little pop-up flash on the D80 ain’t gonna cut it, and add-ons are anywhere from $200-500 bucks. Also it seems that due to technical differences I’m way too tired to explain here, the standard WYSIWYG lens for a DSLR is a 35mm, not a 50mm as it is for my film camera. I’m still using the 50 because ain’t no way I’m buying another $300 lens right now. Through a little creative networking I now have access to a fully equipped studio with lights, should I happen to stumble across someone who wants studio portraits. Unfortunately I think it’s fair to say that most instances of photography sittings are luxury items, which means people in general aren’t buying right now. I’ll probably post an ad offering sittings on Craigslist within a couple days, but that stresses me out too – whenever I hear people speak of their experiences with Craigslist, it invariably includes stories of the countless morons/scam artists who responded to their ad. If I get stuck with a deadbeat who bounces their session fee, I don’t have enough money to chase after them for it. Guy-from-the-bus-stop offered to pass my business card on to his photo editor, but that’s a long shot. They do encyclopedias, I do people and portraits. I could probably handle landscapes and such just fine, but currently cannot prove that since I don’t have anything like that in my portfolio. (And apropos of nothing, my CT scan is tomorrow, so I will shortly owe them $3 grand too. Go me. ☹ ) ---
**Author:** ![Spezza](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a698b9/32.png) [@Spezza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spezza)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2009, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/75 "2009-03-06T03:24:38Z")
I haven’t read any of the responses to the OP here. The title compelled me to respond, however. In less than a month I will have a Masters degree. I spent the last 16 months doing it full-time, this semester I am only taking one course to complete the requirements. The plan was to return home and get a job in my field. Since December I have been applying for jobs. At first only for jobs related to my graduate school education. Quickly I started expanding the job application pool. After many many days of nothing I expanded again. After months of nothing I got a job. Tonight I started my new job. I work at Tim Hortons. Canada, don’t fret, while I may have tears in my eyes, your coffee is being served to you by somebody who is probably better educated than yourself. FML. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2009, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/76 "2009-03-06T03:55:13Z")
> [@Rand\_Rover](#): > > As for empathy, this thread provides a nice ilustration of the impotence of empathy. Instead of saying “Aw poor baby” I actually give hi$ a suggestion fore how to better himself. Emnpathy would just leav him where he is instead of encouraging hikm to move forward. I don’t think that word means what you think it means. You can’t even spell it, dude. I’d love to sit down and chat about what experience you think you have with empathy. ---
**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2009, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/77 "2009-03-06T04:28:42Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > I don’t think that word means what you think it means. You can’t even spell it, dude. I’d love to sit down and chat about what experience you think you have with empathy. Oh no, he can definitely spell it. But when you are Very Important, you have license to post from your blackberry without proofreading. Or otherwise caring much how you are perceived. Empathy, in my experience, takes a bit more time and consideration. He protests too much, methinks. ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/78 "2009-03-07T01:26:39Z")
> [@Spezza](#): > > I haven’t read any of the responses to the OP here. The title compelled me to respond, however. > > In less than a month I will have a Masters degree. I spent the last 16 months doing it full-time, this semester I am only taking one course to complete the requirements. The plan was to return home and get a job in my field. Since December I have been applying for jobs. At first only for jobs related to my graduate school education. Quickly I started expanding the job application pool. After many many days of nothing I expanded again. After months of nothing I got a job. > > Tonight I started my new job. I work at Tim Hortons. > > Canada, don’t fret, while I may have tears in my eyes, your coffee is being served to you by somebody who is probably better educated than yourself. > > FML. Timmies can be a gold mine for networking, once you get to know your regular clientel. Almost everyone goes to tims, regardless if they are regular shlubs like me who work in a factory or more affluent types bringing their kids to hockey or what ever on the weekend. Yeah , your not happy about working in the service industry, but thats what you are doing now , but it is not you. When the economy gets better ( I’m an optimist) I doubt your going to stay in what ever job you have at that moment. The only real bright side is that its not going to look odd on a resume, like in years past. Declan ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/79 "2009-03-07T01:37:12Z")
> [@Kaio](#): > > Thanks. I bought the camera body (which I’m still paying off… or trying to, rather), I’m talking about things like add-on flash and additional lenses. Frex. one of the job postings I applied to was for freelance event photography, mostly evening events. The little pop-up flash on the D80 ain’t gonna cut it, and add-ons are anywhere from $200-500 bucks. Also it seems that due to technical differences I’m way too tired to explain here, the standard WYSIWYG lens for a DSLR is a 35mm, not a 50mm as it is for my film camera. I’m still using the 50 because ain’t no way I’m buying another $300 lens right now. Network the pawn shops, I’m betting that a number of different things are going to be coming on the market due to the depression. I’m sorta surprised its taking so long up here , but I have a suspicion that the local pawnshops are moving camera equipment to camera shops to sell as used, for better than what they might get in house. But your area might be different. > [@](#): > > Through a little creative networking I now have access to a fully equipped studio with lights, should I happen to stumble across someone who wants studio portraits. Unfortunately I think it’s fair to say that most instances of photography sittings are luxury items, which means people in general aren’t buying right now. Ultimately thats just salesmanship, even in the better times I dont think that weddings and portraits were a sure money maker when you could go to sears and have a good shoot done at good rates, you might want to advertise it as passport photos. > [@](#): > > I’ll probably post an ad offering sittings on Craigslist within a couple days, but that stresses me out too – whenever I hear people speak of their experiences with Craigslist, it invariably includes stories of the countless morons/scam artists who responded to their ad. If I get stuck with a deadbeat who bounces their session fee, I don’t have enough money to chase after them for it. See if you can post ads on smugmug and other sites like that, otherwise you might go guerilla style and do five dollar shots on the board walk type thing. > [@](#): > > Guy-from-the-bus-stop offered to pass my business card on to his photo editor, but that’s a long shot. They do encyclopedias, I do people and portraits. I could probably handle landscapes and such just fine, but currently cannot prove that since I don’t have anything like that in my portfolio. > > (And apropos of nothing, my CT scan is tomorrow, so I will shortly owe them $3 grand too. Go me. ☹ ) heh , see if you can get the CT techs to do a barter, you provide lifetime shots for them and kids, they do a freebie. Yeah I know , cant hurt to ask. Declan ---
**Author:** ![Revenant\_Threshold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003/80 "2009-03-07T01:45:38Z")
> [@Rand\_Rover](#): > > Become qualified for jobs that don’t get 2000 applicants. What if one of the qualifications necessary is experience? This is a problem i’m finding in my own job search - every employer requires experience in their particular field, and while i’m otherwise qualified, I don’t have that experience. And can’t get it, because I need it to get a job. What advice would you have in my case? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-jobs-2000-applicants-argh/488003.md?page=5)