I’ve been applying to and interviewing for jobs for about two months now. Everyone says the average job search takes three months, and I just finished my classes, so I feel on schedule. But in this current interim—no new job, no classes to attend, no homework to complete—I’m doing some serious reflecting. And I have to ask: has anyone else experienced any of the following, strike-me-as-weird situations?
Here, in random order, are my top-five weird job-hunting experiences (all true, with no embellishments, and all occuring in the past two months):
1. Interviewing for jobs I never applied for
Twice now, reputable companies with actual facilities and professional websites have sought me out regarding open positions. Company MM found me through my posted resume on Careerbuilder. They thought I’d make a good copywriter or researcher. Company WA noticed my resume on my school’s e-recruiting site; they interviewed only me for a marketing role they promised involves writing.
2. Awkward meetings
There was the guy who never smiled and had a weak handshake, the woman who wanted a “voice,” the company who completely changed the open job’s description, and the VP whose first interview with me lasted four hours.
3. Multiple meetings
For Company WA (see 1), I’m going to a third interview Wednesday. As far as I know, I’m the only person being interviewed. They also said (two weeks ago) that they wanted to make a decision quickly.
4. In-House Miscommunications
This one surprises me most, I think. At Company NC, the HR woman’s explanation contradicted the position’s manager’s explanation. At WA, the first VP said things contrary to what another VP did.
5. Slow, Slow Responses
There are jobs I applied for in April that still haven’t been filled. HR says they’re considering applications or planning to interview soon or (my favorite:) “we’ll be in contact soon.”
Sigh. I know businesses are busy and hiring a writer/editor/marketer isn’t Priority One. But, really, can I just say this? There must be a better way.
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[...] 8th, 2007 by gradgirl As I mentioned in the last post, I have a third interview Wednesday with a company downtown, WA, which contacted me through my [...]
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[...] I mentioned in the last post, I have a third interview Wednesday with a company downtown, WA, which contacted me through my [...]
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Networks
8 June 2007 at 1:56 pm
I wish! My first “real” job after grad school took 6 months to find… and I was sending out 10-20 resumes a week. Monster was around at that time, but it was still fairly new–the only businesses who contacted me through it were companies looking for insurance salespeople.
I remember going on interview after interview… Sometimes I hated the commute. Other times I hated the boss. Sometimes I hated the pay.
It took quite a while to find the “right” job (and I only stayed there 2 years before moving on).
Be patient and try not to get discouraged… it’s an uphill road, but it’ll pay off in the end.
8 June 2007 at 4:24 pm
PBR, that has got to be one of the most encouraging comments I’ve gotten. THANK YOU for telling me this happens to other people!
I will try to be patient.
9 June 2007 at 2:54 pm
I’ve had HR screw me over – they contacted me about an interview and then never bothered to return my calls or emails. And this is at a decent sized trade/tech publication.
Job searching can be a slow and long drawn out process. And the wait is excruciating and drawn out terribly long. Good luck!