Things I’ve experienced when applying for a job

Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 11:44 am

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Let’s face it looking for a job is tough. It’s even tougher if you’ve had a gap in your resume or work history.

I thought I’d share some things I’ve come accross when applying for a job.

Using job boards

I’ve had my resume up on job boards for years. They can be pretty helpful if you have a selective skill set or if you’ve worked in an industry for a long time.

Yet, I’ve found some job listings to be misleading or even mislabled. I’ve noticed this to be true when it comes some of the popular job boards such as Zip recuriter.

I tend to be scent job offers daily but when I view the listing I don’t have half of the qualification in terms of years worked, the field or even education.

I’ve also had a few job offers that are mislabeled. They may be for a social media marketing positon but when you stop to read the listing it’s for an office assistant. The last time I checked those are usually two very different skill sets.

The endless online applications

I’ve filled out my fair share of applications online. That’s fine I get that everyone is trying ot waste less paper. But some of the online applicatios are so repetitive.

I filled out an application for Walmart a few years ago that asked the same questions about a handful of times. I think they were trying to gauge a person honesty. I just recall it was money related. But after seeing it the second time I was like ??? Ididn’t i just answer this question.

Now that all companies claim to keep your information to 6 months (Less or even longer depend on the company) You basically have one shot for an application. Some stores or companies may let you apply for individual postions mutiple times depending on job offer.

once your application is submitted

It feels like once your application is submitted it’s lost to the blackhole or abyss of the comapnies hiring managment staff.

I always had people tell me to call the store and ask why I hadn’t heard back. I’ve been in stores where people are told not to call because the hiring managers aren’t in store daily.

I’ve also seen application that request you not call to follow up on applications after they are submitted.

We’re sorry but we’ve chosen someone else

The reject emails are always the most annoying. Could they be anymore generic. There isn’t even a way for you to ask what you could do better or improve on.

This email can be sent months later

I once applied for a job at Petco in August I believe. I didn’t have a follow up we went with another candiate email until Februry of the following year. I’m sorry but that was a bit of a wait. I had even forgotten I had applied with them it was that long.

Let’s talk about interviews for a second

I was able to have a few interviews over th years. I will admit I’m not the best at interviews. I always feel like I’m either not talking enough or just rambing. I feel nervous and awkward. When you aren’t someone who’s great about praising themselves it’s just strange feeling.

Some interviews shouldn’t be conducted

I applied at Biglots a few years back and their interview process was odd. The day I went in it was a mass interview day. So it was myself and other applicants who were being interviewed in the same room. Granted each applicant had their interviewer but it’s kind of hard to talk about your past work expereince with someone sitting next to you talking too.

It’s pretty distracting and flat out unprofessional. I get they want to see how you work under pressure but it’s also not so great for the person being asked questions.

Some interviewers have no tact

For the the Biglots interview I had the lady interviewing me straight out asked me if i’d been in jail or had kids or something. She was refering to my gap in my job history. None of those applied and she just looked at me like I was crazy. I explained that I had applied for various jobs after I had been laid off but no one called me back. Again she gave me a side eye and started the interview.

Some hiring manager can be pushy

About a month before COVID hit I had an interview set with Lowes. The person who interviewed me was very nice and friendly. The hiring manager on the other hand seemed like she hated her job or was burnt out or very stressed. I had also interviewed for a another job that week as well. Well the Lowes hiring manger had called me back and wanted to know if I wanted th postion.

The tone she used came across to me as do you want the job or not type of attitude. When I declined she seemed rather surprised and almost mad. I undestand that I did waste their time in a sense but just talking to her on the phone and seeing how uncoordinated my local store was when it came to everyone speaking about hiring and interviews I was glad I declined.

Yes applying for a job can be tediuous and disheartening at times but congrats if you were able to get one. your hard work paid off.