Back in the hunting game myself. I lost my job today. In the meantime, I'm doing my mechanic stuff on the side until I can land another job.

In retrospect, I'm kind of ticked I didn't start looking earlier. Lot of warning signs, such as very little new work coming across my desk, which is unusual. All I did was service requests and managing some current projects.

Any leads are appreciated...I have my BSME, but I've been working the sales side (sales engineering, writing proposals, etc.) for the last three years. It's kind of a relief; even if sales or management is where the money is, I'm not really a fan of sales. I am good, however, at running my mouth and working with people.

10/3/2011 7:22:16 PM

sorry to hear, good luck

10/3/2011 7:29:39 PM

well, FUCK! the recruiter for the company I want to interview with also recruits for the company I accepted the job from and doesn't want to step on their toes and push me through to interviews. i mean, it's ok, I still have a job, assuming the recruiter doesn't go and tell them, but damnit, I really wanted to at least interview with them and have a shot of getting into the industry 10 years earlier. sucks that I know I can't lie and don't prefer to do so anyway. I'd be all "naaaaawwww, I haven't accepted that job yet. put me through to an interview, baby! yeah, just the tip!!!"

10/3/2011 10:17:20 PM

Quote :

"I'm not unemployed, but I've never had a big boy job (meaning something other than retail, freelancing, or playing music). Am I as screwed in this environment as I think I am? I look forward to your honest answers and put-downs."

...do you have any actual skills that would facilitate you getting a job?


Retail doesn't get you a second look, playing music is only good for being a radio DJ..... and freelancing what, exactly?

10/3/2011 10:34:37 PM

Quote :

"I'm not unemployed, but I've never had a big boy job (meaning something other than retail, freelancing, or playing music). Am I as screwed in this environment as I think I am? I look forward to your honest answers and put-downs."

don't use the words big boy job in the interview process. almost a guarantee to prevent you from getting your first big boy job.

do you have friends with jobs in fields that interest you? call in a favor and get them to talk to their boss about you.

10/4/2011 12:28:12 AM

For all you unemployed peoples the engineering career fair will be held at the McKimmmon Center tomorrow and Thursday. I will be there representing my company, Hospira, Inc. I think there will be close to 250ish companies there.

http://students.engr.ncsu.edu/careerfair/\

Mike

10/4/2011 7:49:49 PM

PM If Interested

Job description
A great opportunity for a senior level software engineer to exercise and extend a deep Java-based Web UI engineering skill set in helping us design, implement and build a next generation SAAS framework supporting an IBM GTS cloud line-of-business.
Employees in this role design, document and lead implementation of web-based user interfaces for internal and external portals and toolsets. They will work with cross-functional teams to define/refine requirements, provide estimates of effort, negotiate feature sets and plan projects. They create UI designs and workflows that provide end users with intuitive, usable interfaces. They work with Development, QA and Solution Engineering teams to ensure that use cases are accurately reflected in UI designs, unit testing and test cases. A person in this role will work with the team to provide documentation and training materials to the support organization during and after the project. Candidates should have at least five-to-seven years Technical/Engineering/Software Development experience with proven, high performance, development teams. Technical project lead experience is desirable. Significant experience with the following technologies is required/highly desired: Core Java (1.6), JSP (Stripes), Servlets, SQL, HTML, CSS, Ajax Frameworks (JQuery/Dojo preferred), Javascript, JSON, XML. Working knowledge or experience with Java-based portal/portlet frameworks, SOAP/REST, Spring, Ibatis, JSTL, JSF and web/UI accessibility features is desired. Experience with Eclipse, Tomcat, PL/SQL, WebSphere is a plus.

Required

At least 1 year experience in Develop Java Applications
At least 1 year experience in Apply Java Skills
At least 1 year experience in Apply Knowledge of Java
At least 1 year experience in Perform Debug
English: Fluent

Preferred

Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology
At least 5 years experience in Develop Java Applications
At least 5 years experience in Apply Java Skills
At least 5 years experience in Apply Knowledge of Java
At least 5 years experience in Perform Debug
At least 2 years experience in Ajax (JQuery, Dojo, Javascript)
At least 5 years experience in HTML/CSS

10/5/2011 11:15:55 AM

Accepted an offer. Was out of work for just under two months. Could have been worse, I suppose.

10/5/2011 5:34:17 PM

woot, way to go!

10/5/2011 6:12:41 PM

Congrats!

10/5/2011 6:40:34 PM

well, got the other position today, basically. Little issue, though. They are saying that with my years experience, the most the could offer me via their pay scales is 10k less than the job I have right now. That might be ok, considering, if I didn't have to drive 60 miles there one way every day. It would end up being a 5k cut from what I was making before I got laid off in Feb. The recruiter that presented me is willing to pay me basically what my "current" job pays me for the length of the contract-to-hire time but I would essentially be risking a 10k cut when I go full time. I'm one year away from qualifying for the next level position, and they seem to want me and appear not to like being hamstrung by this pay scale. decisions.

i would have figured this place would have way more to spend, being a utility and all. Hell, I figured the trouble would have been them wanting me, but they are ramping up a new team next year that I fit into perfectly with my experience and future direction. Haha, I had one of the "tough" interview questions tossed at me and I was damned ready for it. When the words were almost out of the interviewer's mouth I was all "you done fucked up now, here it comes!" and the like. Like knowing a fastball was coming and being ready for it. Needless to say, I hit it out of the park. yay, researching the company and shooting back the company values at them.

[Edited on October 7, 2011 at 7:21 PM. Reason : ]

10/7/2011 7:19:47 PM

If you have a technical background and QA experience (particularly with automated testing), my team is looking for contractors (with a strong possibility of being hired permanently). They're going through Aerotek so apply through their website. The name of the company is Sensus USA, Inc.

Another company is looking for QA people called All scripts. I don't know much about it, but I know several people that have been hired there and seem to be happy.

Both companies pay very well too. (located in RTP)

10/11/2011 12:50:38 PM

^^ I had that same issue when I took my current job. I'm making about 10k less than I used to make. But I'm really happy at this job and I have much more in the way of career advancement opportunities here so I think in the long run it will pay off more than the last job.

10/11/2011 3:19:54 PM

Got an email from an hr lady 2 months after my intial interview. She wanted me to come in for a "follow up" interview.....

10/11/2011 4:02:28 PM

My job closed while I was on my honeymoon.

There are supposedly some positions available but the HR lady will not call me back so I am not really sure if I have a job come Thursday (when my vac is over) or not.

10/11/2011 4:09:18 PM

Quote :

"Another company is looking for QA people called All scripts"

fwiw, i also know a couple people who work there - good company to work for

10/11/2011 4:15:15 PM

for the lawyers out there:

in a Right to Work state, can employers require employees to pay an fee to leave the job before X number of days on the job? I googled it and can't really find much on it.

10/11/2011 10:00:28 PM

That sounds like complete bullshit to me. I would call the Department of Labor and ask them.

10/11/2011 10:02:47 PM

finally found a job. Thanks Tdub for believing....now back to pee drinkin

10/12/2011 10:56:01 AM

Quote :

"in a Right to Work state, can employers require employees to pay an fee to leave the job before X number of days on the job? I googled it and can't really find much on it."

If its in your contract they can...I've seen it most in repayment of signing bonuses if you don't work atleast x number of months. Not so much paying a fee to leave as repayment of wages according to the contract/offer letter.

10/12/2011 11:01:25 AM

Quote :

"in a Right to Work state, can employers require employees to pay an fee to leave the job before X number of days on the job? I googled it and can't really find much on it. "

My wife worked at a job onetime where some really stupid shit went down and she walked in to quit on the spot. She was informed that if she doesn't give at least 2-weeks notice then her last paycheck will be reduced to minimum wage. It was company policy.

Not exactly the same thing, but I imagine if a company can do that, then they might be able to do something like what you mentioned. Especially if there was any kind of bonus or shirts/uniforms that they paid for

10/12/2011 11:05:34 AM

Herman Cain called you all losers. be sure to vote for him.

10/12/2011 11:11:49 AM

^ Take it to the SoapBox.

10/12/2011 11:44:21 AM

Quote :

"She was informed that if she doesn't give at least 2-weeks notice then her last paycheck will be reduced to minimum wage. It was company policy. Not exactly the same thing, but I imagine if a company can do that, then they might be able to do something like what you mentioned. Especially if there was any kind of bonus or shirts/uniforms that they paid for"

Just because a company says they can do that, doesn't mean they actually can. In a situation like that you better believe I'd be calling the Department of Labor to see what the actual law is.

10/12/2011 12:14:13 PM

A recruiter is hitting on me:

Quote :

"I hope this note finds you well. My firm is currently seeking a Thin Film Scientist/ Engineer who will be responsible for the conception, design and development of new inorganic thin film structures and processes for applications in organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology. Incumbent will ensure newly developed technology is successfully transferred to production, and will design and perform experiments for process optimization and yield improvement. Requirements: Advanced degree in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or equivalent preferred. A minimum of 5 years experience in Thin Film Deposition using PVD processes with extensive knowledge of sputtering and evaporation of inorganic dielectric films are essential. Familiarity with DOE and SPC techniques strongly preferred. My client is experiencing double digit growth and can offer a very strong career path with highly competitive Base Salary + Bonus. If you are interested in exploring this career opportunity, let's set up a time to speak further. Alternatively, if you know of someone better suited for this position, please do pass this note along to them."

I'm not interested, but if you are send me a PM and I can pass it along

10/13/2011 2:11:13 PM

Woohoo! New job at HTC starts Monday!

10/14/2011 8:38:49 PM

I've been underemployed for all of 2011, working for a struggling tech start-up. I've been looking around for several months and finally found something that looks much better (especially pay-wise). Got the call this evening with an offer, starts in 2 weeks

10/17/2011 8:03:47 PM

Goodnight, sweet startup

10/17/2011 10:24:33 PM

JESUS TITTYFUCKING CHRIST

After spinning my wheels for a bit I decided I needed CASH FLOW now so I'm looking for a more menial job.

It should not take me 45 mins to apply to your shitty box store!!! especially when 30 of those mins are spent filling out one of those shitty personality questionaires (you know the ones where they ask you the same question: "do you get upset when things don't go your way?" but worded 15 different ways) I mean this motherfucker was 200 questions long!!

It's becoming increasingly clear to me that hiring these days is being handled more and more by arbitrary bullshit that can be measured by computers instead of the sense another human being (hiring manager) gets from meeting you. I mean let me shake your god damned hand, look you in the eye and tell you what I'm capable of.

It's comforting to know this shit is temporary for me, I only have the utmost sympathy for people that will be caught in this world for their entire lives.


/rant

10/18/2011 1:36:17 PM

Heh I remember having to take one of those when applying somewhere. I think it was Target. Such a waste of time for a minimum wage job.

10/18/2011 1:41:02 PM

i too hate that shit

look, i'm applying to sell auto parts here, a psychological profile is unnecessary.

10/18/2011 1:52:07 PM

lol I took one of those tests and visited the box store a week later the manager pulled up my application and I was color coded yellow. Manger was all excited to hire me till he saw that. Green is pass, yellow is borderline and red means not eligible. So much for being honest on the test.

Slow moving people upset you?
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
or Strongly Disagree?

Which slow moving people are the talking about customers or co-workers?


or another stupid question

When someone makes a mistake you correct them?
SA
A
D
SD

Again which someone? What kind of a mistake? If a customer comes in saying they need XYZ, but in truth need ABC instead it's not okay to correct them? What about a co-worker that prices something $10 lower do I not correct them?

Stupid test and a complete waste of time.

10/18/2011 2:13:10 PM

If two women hassle you about verifying their large denomination bill and then leap across the counter and smack you in the face, you beat them with a metal pole until their skulls are crushed.

Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
or Strongly Disagree?

10/18/2011 2:30:11 PM

^ha probably

my favorite so far has been "I always curse when in an argument"

I wanted to write "YOU"RE DAMN RIGHT I DO"

10/18/2011 2:33:05 PM

^ha probably

my favorite so far has been "I always curse when in an argument"

I wanted to write "YOU"RE DAMN RIGHT I DO"


^^With me trying to game the test a little and answer with what I thought they wanted to hear, some of the questions were actually pretty difficult.

[Edited on October 18, 2011 at 2:35 PM. Reason : Flood control double post - not my fault --> "Most bad things that happen to me are my fault" SD]

10/18/2011 2:34:27 PM

Ha. Yep. I made a post about this on the previous page wondering why it's so much harder to apply for a $9/hr job than a $50k/yr job.

10/18/2011 3:59:42 PM

Quote :

"Ha. Yep. I made a post about this on the previous page wondering why it's so much harder to apply for a $9/hr job than a $50k/yr job."

Haha that's so true. The first job I ever had was $9.60 an hour at Carowinds in like 2001 and it was so much corporate BS. Since then the higher I got paid the less BS I had to go through.

10/18/2011 4:06:10 PM

This thread has been going strong for 3 years. Sad

10/18/2011 4:55:44 PM

so what would you guys wear to your shitty box store interview? I'm probably not going to do a tie? Probably just a button up shirt and some khakis?

^it's unfortunate that things so far out of an individual's control can have such a large affect on their life, but it is what it is. I have to be at least a little bit thankful that "this" happened early in my career instead of later (I have my health, fewer obligations, much more time to plan retirement etc)

[Edited on October 24, 2011 at 2:42 PM. Reason : tie and tye lol]

10/24/2011 2:41:53 PM

Quote :

"Probably just a button up shirt and some khakis?"

Yeah that should be plenty. If you were applying for a managerial position I might spring for the tie but probably not.

10/24/2011 2:43:53 PM

Interestingly enough, I had an interview Friday for a commissioning engineer position...but I seriously doubt I'll get it. With so many places doing comprehensive background/credit checks these days, my checkered credit history is screwing me.

Word to the wise: make better choices than I did concerning (A) Who you let have control of your money, (B) How YOU spend your money, and (C) How far you let yourself slide before picking yourself up from the ashes.

11/7/2011 3:43:29 PM

This is so awesome, it may just be a formality to publicly post the position, but I'm thinking of applying for laughs:

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/302967000

I'd love for a TWWer to make it into space

11/17/2011 5:10:02 AM

I'd love for some of them to stay there.

11/17/2011 2:01:36 PM

^YES

11/17/2011 3:36:36 PM

This is a memo I received earlier in the week. We are a utility construction company specializing in work on college campuses and military bases (but that is not all we do).

Quote :

"Our company has been fortunate over the last few months to pick up several new projects. As a result of our success, we currently have a need to increase our field work force. If you know of anyone who might be interested in working for our company, please refer them to our office to fill out an application. Our needs include foremen, operators, pipe layers, and laborers."

The job requirements are not very strenuous. Basically, a drivers license and some construction experience will get you hired as a laborer. Pay ranges from $8-$13/hr starting out and some of our foremen are topping $75k with 15 years experience and little to no secondary education. Offers will be contingent upon e-verify.

For more information, PM me or visit our website: http://www.pipelineutilities-raleigh.com

11/18/2011 10:51:02 AM

Quote :

"pipe layers"

SIGN ME UP

11/18/2011 11:11:11 AM

Quote :

"With so many places doing comprehensive background/credit checks these days, my checkered credit history is screwing me. "

I am somewhat worried about this. My credit is stellar as it is, but my 6 month-emergency account dried up about 2 months ago, and my savings are dwindling away - so i may have to live frugally on a credit card until i can land a job. Obviously the problem there is the gigantic risk that takes, especially with no real job prospects; I'd pretty much just be doing it in hopes that I get a job within a month or two, so i can pay it off within the first month of employment.

So I'm having to make the choice between cutting back on meals/ losing my car... or running up a credit card.

Finger's crossed I catch a break soon.

11/18/2011 11:15:05 AM

^ Have you tried to defer your law school loans yet?

Also, where you are looking and what type of jobs are you looking for? Didn't you clerk for a judge right out of school (I get the poster in the old school thread mixed up sometimes)?

The legal job market seems to be getting shittier and shittier.

11/18/2011 11:18:18 AM

yep, they're deferred.

i clerked for a non-profit first amendment law firm throughout law school, then went to work for a non-profit research company. that went south back in april, and it's been awful since then. i'm either overqualified or totally unqualified... same ole song and dance. Which is fine, I get it, I should have become an engineer, yadda yadda, shoulda coulda woulda, but that really doesn't solve the issue as it stands.

don't get me wrong, i've got some things out there I'm waiting to hear back on, but especially with holidays coming, it's especially depressing.

11/18/2011 11:31:02 AM

You in NC? And where? I MIGHT have a lead for a firm in Raleigh.

11/18/2011 11:42:04 AM