# SD Job-Seekers' Support Group **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 26, 2008, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955 "2008-04-26T11:58:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 25
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2008, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/481 "2008-11-13T20:07:34Z")
Mangetout – very cool, I’m really pleased for you. If I ever get to where you are, can you fix traffic tickets? Tax bills? Just how much can you improve MY life? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2008, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/482 "2008-11-13T20:51:21Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > **Mangetout** – that is excellent news, indeed. I’m so happy for you! > > Just got a phone call from a PR guy I’ve dealt with a bit on my current project, who had a tip on someone who might be able to give me some freelance work. How nice of him! I’ve always dreamt of writing for _Lubes ‘n’ Greases_ … **rueful smiley** It could be worse. It could be [Pumper Magazine.](http://www.pumper.com/) God bless the trade press. 😃 I had a successful interview at the bank yesterday. All I can do is wait for a response. Robin ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2008, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/483 "2008-11-13T21:02:50Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Mangetout – very cool, I’m really pleased for you. If I ever get to where you are, can you fix traffic tickets? Tax bills? Just how much can you improve MY life? 😛 Hehe, no - none of those things, but I could take your bribe and make empty promises… ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2008, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/484 "2008-11-13T21:05:10Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Hehe, no - none of those things, but I could take your bribe and make empty promises… Damn – four days and already it’s like you’ve been there forever … 😉 ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2008, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/485 "2008-11-13T22:40:27Z")
I just heard back from the bank, and there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that they want to offer me the job. The bad news is that I’d have to submit another application to qualify for part of the job, and since I apparently whiffed that when I first applied, I’d have to wait six months to do that again. The recruiter is going to talk to management to see if there’s a work-around to accept the application and assessment I successfully completed. Damn procedure. Robin ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2008, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/486 "2008-11-14T17:21:38Z")
I just got my first (of two) checks for this freelance gig – $2700. I thought the check wouldn’t come till Monday and that it would be for $2000,\* so I am a happy woman. \*It was for four weeks, not three, and I had misremembered the rate discussed for one element. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2008, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/487 "2008-11-14T21:09:46Z")
Hooray for money! I’ve missed a few announcements so let me say congratulations and wish good luck to all those needing it. ---
**Author:** ![Qwisp](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qwisp/32/397_2.png) [@Qwisp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwisp)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2008, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/488 "2008-11-15T05:29:16Z")
They didn’t give me my unemployment this week, because when I certified by touch tone somehow I accidentally said I applied for SSN. Damn. I am so broke. I had to dip into the kids christmas club account money so bills don’t keep bouncing. I really hope I get a job soon,I think I may have to expand my search to the city. I really didn’t want that long of a commute but I am getting desperate. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2008, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/489 "2008-11-19T23:04:12Z")
I just talked to the recruiter, and because I whiffed the application, I can’t get the job until I’m eligible to apply again, which will be April. Meanwhile, she’ll keep my stuff on file in case anything else I’m qualified for comes open. I’m not holding my breath. Meanwhile, I’m putting my application for grad school together. The application itself is filled out, I just have to fork over the money and send it and the rest of the stuff in. Robin ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2008, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/490 "2008-11-20T23:42:45Z")
i am now a long term temporary federal employee! the u.s. census bureau is hiring for the census and needs thousands of people. the basic skills tests are being administered all over the place. some of the jobs (office clerk, enumerator) are very flexible as far as hours, days, and weekends. you get called in by test score as people are needed. no interviewing! yes, they did put me in the requitment department… why did you ask. just pm me for the number to schedule a basic skill test . no benefits, but does pay better than unemployment. the jobs can last up to the 2010! ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2008, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/491 "2008-11-20T23:47:23Z")
Congratulations **rocking chair**. Wishing you luck and joy in your new career. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2008, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/492 "2008-11-20T23:51:07Z")
thanks! and dang it… recruitment… no quiting yet. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2008, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/493 "2008-11-20T23:52:53Z")
I \*wondered \*what the \*requitment \*department was… ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2008, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/494 "2008-11-20T23:59:55Z")
i do hope i don’t find out. i’ve had a good three days there. it is a bit scary as they all seem very happy for government workers. very friendly too. almost unsettling. i hope things go well in your new job as well, khadaji. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2008, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/495 "2008-11-21T00:12:03Z")
Cool – come Saturday and I’ll pick your brains on this. ---
**Author:** ![sinjin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@sinjin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sinjin)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2008, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/496 "2008-11-21T00:27:53Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > **Mangetout** – that is excellent news, indeed. I’m so happy for you! > > Just got a phone call from a PR guy I’ve dealt with a bit on my current project, who had a tip on someone who might be able to give me some freelance work. How nice of him! I’ve always dreamt of writing for _Lubes ‘n’ Greases_ … **rueful smiley** Hey there, I have a subscription to Lubes and Greases. This is why we changed our job classification to Tribologists instead of Lubrication Engineers. Lube Engineers get nooooo respect. We much prefer to be Rubbers. (Think Greek) 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2008, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/497 "2008-11-21T01:04:58Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > i am now a long term temporary federal employee! > > the u.s. census bureau is hiring for the census and needs thousands of people. > > the basic skills tests are being administered all over the place. > > some of the jobs (office clerk, enumerator) are very flexible as far as hours, days, and weekends. you get called in by test score as people are needed. no interviewing! > > yes, they did put me in the requitment department… why did you ask. > > just pm me for the number to schedule a basic skill test . > > no benefits, but does pay better than unemployment. > > the jobs can last up to the 2010! Check your PMs. And congratulations! Robin ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Eyed\_Stranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/919ad9/32.png) [@Green\_Eyed\_Stranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Eyed_Stranger)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2008, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/498 "2008-11-25T04:39:50Z")
So instead of another drive by post asking for information, I thought I would give you some of the gory details, then ask for information :). I’ve really benefited from the advice in this thread, and that was even before I was looking for a job. I remembered this thread when I started looking for a new job. Which brings me to my story. I work(ed?) for a small company. At the end of September, we had a meeting where we were told because of crushing debt, and no capital, not enough product shipped, etc. that the Oct 1 paycheck would be late. We were assured, of course, that the powers that be were talking to investors and a reorganization would put things right. We got half a pay check the 15, and the rest on the 31st. On the 31st, another meeting that was basically a repeat of the first, with the same assurances that a reorg would be coming, but the paycheck on the 1st would be late. Obviously at that point I started getting my resume together (again thanks for the answers). Slow going at first, but once I posted my resume, I started getting more calls (mostly from recruiters). Three actual phone interviews, one which they passed on me, one with a promise of a face to face interview, and one resulting in an actual face to face the first week of Dec (stupid holidays). So my question is what next? That is, I have a face to face interview, but beyond the general questions about what the job entails, expectations, etc. What should I be looking for? I believe that salary discussions are still verboten, and this is going through a recruiting agency any way so they’ll have to be involved anyway. I will throw in that I’ve been open to any way to get a job. Job boards, recruiters, direct applications, etc. Just today, one of my co workers (former colleague?) sent me a invite to LinkedIn. I don’t know how much help it will be for an actual job, but I like the idea of keeping in contact with people I’ve worked with for the last 10 years, as well as looking up people that I’ve lost track of over the years. Does anybody have any experience with them? Anyway, sorry about the long post, but I have found this thread to be extremely useful, and I do enjoy the success stories (keep 'em coming 🙂 ) GES ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2008, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/499 "2008-11-25T07:01:41Z")
I’m not sure if I should rant here or in the mini-rants thread - I got a call out of the blue tonight from an employer who had seen my resume on a job search site. Oh, that’s cool - what are you looking for? Well, from his lack of ability to actually name the job he was looking to fill, I assumed that he was a scam who is trying to hire salespeople for his financial services company (I’ve gone to a presentation with a financial services company before - they’re just scams/pyramid schemes/salespeople, not real jobs). I politely declined to come in tomorrow so he could tell me what his business is all about. This makes me a little mad and a little sad - I got my hopes up, and it was just a scam. Poo. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2008, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955/500 "2008-11-25T13:30:42Z")
I’ve gotten those too. They always annoy me. I am having trouble getting insurance. I’m the only US member of the company at this time, so I’m the only one who needs insurance. Due to my past health issues, individual insurance won’t cover me. I have a friend who owns a business who says he can put me on their coverage - after the first of the year. I guess I’m going to try that. What a pain this is! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955.md?page=24) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-job-seekers-support-group/446955.md?page=26)