New rules for job hunting (from a cranky job seeker)

[NWFlyer 2]

Ah yes, those are excellent additions to the list. I do so enjoy being contacted by so-called "recruiting experts" who don't appear to have reviewed either my resume or the job description for the job for which they are hiring ... because if they had it would be fairly obvious that it's an abysmal fit.

Now, granted, sometimes it's a good idea to have a conversation because no candidate's going to fit 100% of the list of criteria, and often having a conversation can determine whether it's still a good match. But usually the resume shows whether it's even close.

Every time I activate my resume on Monster, it seems there are several people out there who believe that I have a burning desire, nay, a LONGING, to sell insurance. No offense intended, of course, to those who are insurance brokers. But it is not my calling. However, the number of unsolicited offers I get to "be my own boss" and "make six figures" indicates that there are many employers who believe that I just don't know what I want.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Amazon 7]

Clueless recruiters are a pain in the butt...

NO where in my job posting does it say ANYTHING whatsoever about wanting to leave the Seattle area...I am sure some might want to relocate but there are plenty of jobs in this area with fortune 500 companies that negates any need or desire to leave here.

[NWFlyer 2]

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2. If you invent a new word, I will have to think long and hard about applying for your job.

I'm actually not really cranky right now (the job search is going pretty well). But I found a new example for rule #2 today that I had to share with the class:

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De-bottlenecking based on knowledge of system constraints and relative priorities

And I did want to add a new rule.

8. If your name is too ridiculous to be taken seriously in a professional context, change it, or change professions.

I suppose my old fuddy-duddy self needs to acknowledge that there is an entire generation of young men and women whose parents saddled them with trendy names (and spellings) that are more fitting for a stripper than an HR director... who are now capable and educated and entering the workforce.

I just have a tough time sending my resume to them.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Bolas 5]

Are you still looking for a manger position?

Stupidity if left untreated is self-correcting
If ya can't be good, look good, if that fails, make 'em laugh.

[NWFlyer 2]

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Are you still looking for a manger position?

A manger position? No, I don't like sleeping on hay.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[turtlespeed 226]

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6. When you have an unusual name, you just have to smile and suck it up when people see your name written down and still butcher it.

LOL.... when I was married (last name Krembs), I often got Good day Mrs. Cramps

I'm so used to people getting my first name wrong I just respond to whatever they call me.

g

How do you get Potty wrong?

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[NWFlyer 2]

This is getting to be fun:

9. It is possible to take your role at the company a wee bit too seriously.

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The Senior Operations Manager will play a key role as a member of Delta Force, an operations team whose primary responsibility is to provide top tier solutions for all [Large Web-Based Company] site availability issues.

10. If I did not send you my resume or inquire about employment with your company, and you have sent me more than one email message and left me more than one voice mail but I have not responded, I don't want to work for you.

It's not that I didn't get your message. It's not that I haven't had a chance to get back to you.

It's not me. It's you. Stop calling.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[PLFXpert 0]

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10. If I did not send you my resume or inquire about employment with your company, and you have sent me more than one email message and left me more than one voice mail but I have not responded, I don't want to work for you.

It's not that I didn't get your message. It's not that I haven't had a chance to get back to you.

It's not me. It's you. Stop calling.

Well, what the fuck else are you doing you can't call back and politely decline? The calls will stop--and if you get desperate it looks better if you responded and were affable.

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[ACMESkydiver 0]

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Are you still looking for a manger position?

A manger position? No, I don't like sleeping on hay.

I like rolling in it.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[NWFlyer 2]

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Well, what the fuck else are you doing you can't call back and politely decline? The calls will stop--and if you get desperate it looks better if you responded and were affable.

I'm busy, damnit. Can't you see that from my posting volume?

I finally answered the call from one of them just now (thinking it was a call from someone else). I let them know that I wasn't interested and that were I interested I would have responded.

And yes, normally I do respond, though some of the out-of-left field inquiries I get are so far off base I don't even feel the need to dignify them with a response. This one was actually a reasonable match for a recruiter to make (just not something I was interested in going back to), but in many cases these unsolicited requests make me wonder if the "recruiter" in question (and yes, I do think that's an appropriate use of quotes) has bothered to read either my resume or the job description of the job they are trying to fill.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Buffdiver 0]

" Honest opinion.. I worked at this restaurant during college. Made good $$ and had a blast. but after graduation, left for a "typical" corporate job. Was absolutely miserable... went back to said job waiting tables after 10 months. Job still affords me jumping every weekend and trips to Boogies most of the time. I feel kinda lame for sticking with a waiting job after my college degree but no other job can offer me the freedom to travel as much as i want as well as afford jumps every weekend. Should I get it together and get a real job or stay doing what i am doing now. I am 25 and am feeling pressure to get my shit together. Thanks for all the input. "

Why the hell would you feel lame for working in a job you enjoy, earning adequate money. That is such an insult to all those who work in the hospitality industry. You make it sound as though it's beneath you.

If you enjoy what you do ("have a blast") WTF does it matter what it is. you state your bills are paid and needs are met. you should be over the moon.
Not acting like an ungrateful brat.Unimpressed
Just My opinion YMMMVSmile"

"You have the rights and freedoms of an adult, you have enough money to live your current chosen lifestyle, you already have a marketable sheepskin, and you are single, childless, unemcumbered by mortgages or career demands and incredibly healthy NOW.

Most people don't realize how small that window of opportunity is until it has closed.

Unless you're a Hindu, life is a once-off: once it's done, it's done. Ask yourself this: some day, when you're on your deathbed, do you think you will muse, "Gee, I wish I'd spent more time in an office back when I was in my 20's"?"



Thanks... I needed that slap in the face! Yes, there is nothing wrong with what I am doing. And yes... it pays for my bills and hobbies. I am just wondering if there is more out there for me. I am a searching soul. I am currently happy... just venting/searching. Thanks for the reality check.

Note to self.... learn how to quote people on DZ.com