I did not get that job.

[bazooka]

I just don't understand why these companies do not have the common courtesy to let people know when they do not get it.

I had to call the guy and ask him what was up.

[CoasterCreator]

Sorry to hear that Bazooka...I really thought you had that one....


I would fax some ones resume at 3:00 am via computer and instead of faxing 1 copy I would accidently add 4 zeros after the one ....

[yoda313]

Hello,

Sorry to hear about that bazooka.....

It can be tough... You'll bounce back...

Keep the spirits high

....and keep reaching for the stars ...... (as KC Kasem would say --or is that with C's???

Kevin

[Capmaster]

Sorry to hear that, bazooka :P

[bazooka]

I am thinking of giving up on computers.

Businesses mistakenly believe you need a piece of paper to tell that you know what you are doing.

I know more than some people that have the certificates, so what does that tell you?

[bazooka]

Sorry to hear that, bazooka :P

Yeah, right.

I have the golden gate bridge to sell you.

[Capmaster]

Are the certificates really that expensive? What do they cost, and is there no possible way to get them?

I'm just thinking that if those are the game rules, you may end up having to play their game :P

[bazooka]

Let's put it this way cap.

To get all the cert's which I am qualified for, it would cost several thousand dollars.

[Roundabout]

Bazooka,

Boy, I know just how you feel. I went through the same thing a couple of weeks ago. On the initial interview, the owner of this business of about 20 employees was very hot to hire me.

It would have been great because it was close to home, the pay was very good (more than I had expected) and I could even travel occasionally to repair their products. They make units that clean PC boards after assembly, and from looking at the product (which sells for about $30K each) they seem simple to repair. There's no doubt I could have done the job.

The way the guy talked, I was all but hired on the first interview. He said things like "you're at the top of the list" and "you'll have your own office", etc. People don't usually say things like that unless they are pretty sure they are going to hire you.

Then he told me he had a couple more interviews to do. He called me back for a second interview about a week later. He had his wife interview me while he left the room. Not only that, he had a noticeable change in attitude before I even said anything or began the interview.

He tells me "I want to be honest with you, we're considering three different people for this position. One of the others is very friendly and outgoing (What? I wasn't? I couldn't have been more friendly, and I even had joked some with him in the first interview and we seemed to have a good rappor), then there's you, with all your years of experience, and the third guy who has some direct experience in this field. I wish I could clone all three of you together, but Bush says 'no cloning'". I laughed even though I didn't think it was particularly funny.

I thought "uh-oh, this isn't good". I had no choice but to proceed while his wife asked me the same questions that he had asked me the week before. I gave the same answers. She was not very outgoing, but the interview seemed to go more or less O.K.

At the end, she tells me "We'll definitely call you and let you know what we decide".

A week goes by, no word. Finally I call, and the guy answers and tells me "we hired someone else". When I mentioned to him that his wife had promised to call and let me know something, his excuse was "well, we've been busy".

A very big letdown, to say the least. I was perfect for this position, but was aced out by someone that was supposedly "friendlier". What I really think is, the other guy was offered less money and accepted it. I didn't demand or even ask for a certain amount, I was offered an amount and said it was acceptable. Really, there's no way I'll ever know exactly why he changed his mind. But in my mind, he really lost out, because I would have done a fantastic job for him, I have many years of experience and know my way around in electronics and machinery.

What can you do? Go on to the next interview and try again. But I know just how disappointing it is, especially when you know you are right for the job, if they'd just give you the chance.

Sorry to hear about what happened to you. Keep trying, even though I know it's hard. I hope you find something better.

[tekkieman]

Sorry to tell you this bazooka...even with the paper, it's a rough ride. Prior to getting my degree, there were plentiful jobs, and I could name my own pay rate. Shortly after getting the degree, the job market went to crap, and pay scales with them (at least in the computer field). After my last company closed my division, it took me almost a year to find something similar. In the meantime, I did some independent consulting, and kept as much of a paycheck as I could coming in.

I still can't get it out of my head that this down trend in our field started late in 2000 (shortly after the elections), but I discuss that in detail somewhere else...

[bazooka]

I still can't get it out of my head that this down trend in our field started late in 2000 (shortly after the elections), but I discuss that in detail somewhere else...

I hear ya tekkie, and agree with you.

[tekkieman]

Oh, to return to the good ole days.....

I admit that there were some techies that were getting a little ridiculus in their demands, what has been happening in our industry is unbelievable!

[ViRaL1]

Don't give up. Everybody gets passed up sometime. For every job there's 1 hire and usually multiple candidates that don't get hired. Sadly paper does mean something. Thankfully not everything. But you need more than your word and most places can only do so much to test you. If you don't have certs, professional experience helps a lot. Obviously it's expensive to get all the certs you're qualified for, but get something. Even though we all know that being A+ certified doesn't really mean you actually KNOW much, it indicates accomplishment. That or some other common cert. It may not get you the big bucks but it might get your foot in the door. If you get on with the right company, you won't have to worry about paying for your certs, they'll pay for them. Even when they do, it doesn't mean you have to stay or that you owe them anything, they just hope that you'll stay because they offer you those kinds of benefits. If you're in school maybe a spot at one of the labs might help as well.

[SLICK RICK]

bazooka,

I am very sorry to hear that you did not get the job. I am sure I don't have to tell you this, but keep your head up and be positive that you will get the next one that comes along. Hopefully that will not be to long from now.

[SLICK RICK]

Don't give up. Everybody gets passed up sometime. For every job there's 1 hire and usually multiple candidates that don't get hired. Sadly paper does mean something. Thankfully not everything. But you need more than your word and most places can only do so much to test you. If you don't have certs, professional experience helps a lot. Obviously it's expensive to get all the certs you're qualified for, but get something. Even though we all know that being A+ certified doesn't really mean you actually KNOW much, it indicates accomplishment. That or some other common cert. It may not get you the big bucks but it might get your foot in the door. If you get on with the right company, you won't have to worry about paying for your certs, they'll pay for them. Even when they do, it doesn't mean you have to stay or that you owe them anything, they just hope that you'll stay because they offer you those kinds of benefits. If you're in school maybe a spot at one of the labs might help as well.

Good advice ViRaL1.

[bazooka]

I have professional experience.

I have built seven pc's and repaired over sixty.

I am repairing a workstation right now.

[ViRaL1]

Professional experience you can put on paper and say 'I worked at company A and did X, Y and Z for their systems?' I don't doubt your technical ability. From what I've seen on here you seem to know a great deal. The problem is, as they say 'it doesn't matter what you know, it only matters what you can prove.' In lieu of extensive 'trials' with PCs, your resume is your proof.

[bazooka]

Anytime you get paid to do a job, that is professional.

I am in a catch 22 position.

You can't get a job without experience, and you are telling me that the kind of experience I have, cannot get me a job.

[zzyzzx]

I just don't understand why these companies do not have the common courtesy to let people know when they do not get it.

I had to call the guy and ask him what was up.

I know. It's been that way for at least 10 years now. It's like these HR people are just like chicks when you think about it.

It used to be that when you sent in a resume, you usually got a flush letter back. Than that gradually stopped. After that, the same thing started happening after interviews too. Incredably rude, I agree.

Along the same lines, you can't give 2 weeks notice at most places without getting canned either. So if you ever want to quit, do what I did and take vacation or call in sick from your old job and try out the new place for a while first. If you like it just email the old place a simple "I quit" notice. I figure that employers are giving me clues on how I should behave (and I did mention them canning people who gave notice in my email). I consider it one of my proudest moments!!!

[zzyzzx]

I am thinking of giving up on computers.

I gave up on Engineering in the mid 1990's because there were no jobs for an Electrical Engineer back then. It's way worse to be looking for engineering work that it is for computer work. It hasn't gotten any better. It went from being a good field to sometimes getting contract work, if you are lucky, then the jobs went to thirld world countries. Same thing will happen to computer jobs eventually.

Businesses mistakenly believe you need a piece of paper to tell that you know what you are doing.

Nahh, just dark skin, so that you can fill a quota.

I know more than some people that have the certificates, so what does that tell you?

That they can pass the "memory" tests. Most likely these are people who are book smart, but couldn't do anything with their hands.

Where do you live? The place I work at is hiring like mad!

[bazooka]

Garland, TX

[glockjs]

man that sucks. yeah most companys are freakin retarded these days. i just checked my email and found another email in reply to posting my resume like over 4 months ago when i was looking for a job what the hell they think i would be doing without a job all this time? yeah im gonna check the email from the freakin homeless shelter stupid

[ViRaL1]

Have you considered temp / staffing agencies? It's not a career by any means, but it gives you the opportunity to learn more about different companies without having to commit to any of them. My first REAL IT job was through a staffing agency as temp-to-hire for a major multinational publishing company. I worked with my agent and managed to get my foot in the door. Three months in, the office I was working at was doing everything they could to get me on full time. Part of the reason I was there was to justify the need for a full time IT person at that location. A little over a year later I was a hired on full time with benefits, training and everything else. I was probably luckier than some but the opportunities are out there (granted, not as many as there were at the time).

[zzyzzx]

Garland, TX

I don't know about Texas, but around here I see help wanted signs everywhere. Been that way for at least a year. Don't know how hard it is to get a good job (outside my office), but at least A job is easy enough to get around here.

[stiltman]

Let's put it this way cap.

To get all the cert's which I am qualified for, it would cost several thousand dollars.

BS

MCSE = 6-7 tests @ $100 (can be had for $ 70 sometimes)
CCNA = 1 test @ $100 (can be had for $90 sometimes)
A+ = 2 test @ 50 a piece

You said you were qualified, so their is no reason to spend any money on classes

[bazooka]

Let's put it this way cap.

To get all the cert's which I am qualified for, it would cost several thousand dollars.

BS

MCSE = 6-7 tests @ $100 (can be had for $ 70 sometimes)
CCNA = 1 test @ $100 (can be had for $90 sometimes)
A+ = 2 test @ 50 a piece

You said you were qualified, so their is no reason to spend any money on classes

You forgot Network+,Redhat Cert, and the fact that I was also shooting for CCNP, and, CCIE.

[ChrisX]

I just don't understand why these companies do not have the common courtesy to let people know when they do not get it.

I had to call the guy and ask him what was up.

I know how you feel and I did experienced the same. Sorry, mate.

A lot of these companies just don't care and don't have any courtesy.

Some are downright rude too.


In some rare cases a job interview can be canceled without notice and they don't inform you.

This happened once and I was angry that the employer wasted my time getting there for nothing.

[ZAPPER]

Sneak tactics or Idiot phsycology!
Alot of companies are afraid of picking a loser and having to deal with them. It is just as big of a deal for them to hire someone as it is for you to get picked. Offer them an easy out and yourself an easy in. Say something to them like "I know it is hard to choose who to hire and I can slip in a couple of days at a time with no major commitment on the companys part to help hold you over until I prove myself or you find someone else" Or somthing like "If you are having trouble finding someone and you need help now, I can fill in as a freelance until you do finish your search" or "I am only minutes away, if an emergency shows up give me a call" The thought that an employer doesn't have to make a hard deciesion and may not have to break the budget can make you look like a godsend. If they do call you on a temporary basis do what you have to do quickly, but not like a spaz, and "offer" to leave when you are finished (make it look like you are concerned about keeping their cost down) If you are good at what you do you will be in the pink in no time at all. Good luck, go get 'em tiger!

[jimmalenko]

Bad luck mate. I remember the fun I had looking for work when I was fresh out of university but had no experience. I got the exact opposite but same(?) to what you you're experiencing. You can't do the job without the qualifications and you can't get the qualifications without the job. In my case experience was something I was short on, but you can't get experience for a job without first getting a job, can you ?

Best of luck though mate - keep us posted.

[Rookie64]

bazooka...my advice is to advertise yourself.
Put up a website and offer your services and give some background info.


Even sites like Monster.com are maybe worth a shot.
Instead of looking or waiting for the jobs to be offered to you - offer yourself to them...you'll get better results that way.
The key thing in selling yourself is to put as much of yourself out there so people know you're there.


You could even open up your own computer repair business...just using a site to advertise yourself.

A lot of places, hospitals for example, have a bunch of computer programers and operators, but none of 'em know the first thing about computer repair...and wherever there are computers, there is high demand for a computer repairer.
I always see these hysterical people running around in a crisis when they're computers fail them when they gotta meet deadlines or in emergency siuations...and not enough repair people around to save the day.

No matter how hard it may seem it is to get a decent job, don't give up.

The type of work I do is filled with rejections - just takes a lot of effort or hustling to get yourself noticed. It took a few years of struggling to get me where I'm at now.

Believe in yourself, be bold and brave - and you'll see results.


Best Of Luck


Now I got that '80s Fun Boy Three/Bananarama song stuck in my head

It ain't what you do...it's the way that you do it
It ain't what you do it's the time that you do
It ain't what you do it's the place that you do it...and that's what gets results

You try hard...it don't mean a thing
Take it easy...then your chime will swing

I thought I was smart but soon found out
I didn't know what life was all about
But now I learned...I must confess
That life is like a game of chess

It ain't what you do...it's the way that you do it
It ain't what you do it's the time that you do
It ain't what you do it's the place that you do it...and that's what gets results...