Job Interviews: Something that just burns me up...

[Triana]

...MORON hiring managers (who have worked for the same company for at least 5 years and who therefore have NO IDEA what it's like 'out there' in todays Enronomy/george bu$hit job market) who have the BALLS to ask me "duhhh, how come you've had so many jobs?"

EXCUSE ME? :wtf:

HOW is it MY fault that I haven't been able to get ANYTHING except contract jobs (ie: short-term, NOT permenant) since I was laid off in 2002? THAT is how the Enronomy is now, thanks to bu$hit and his selling all our decent, permenant jobs to INDIA and CHINA. How DARE them even ASK ME THAT QUESTION! What the hell planet do these nincompoops live on?

HOW is it MY fault that 3-5 companies I worked for (3 during the 'boom' and 2 during the 'bust') WENT OUT OF BUSINESS? Was I supposed to show up for work anyway? And, if in between those companies going out of business and layoffs, all I could find was contract work, how is that MY FAULT?

I HAVE NO CONTROL over any of this! The circumstances were well beyond MY control and were not my doing! But I get blamed for it by these vacuum-packed idiots.

They obviously have NO IDEA that this is no longer the 1950s and MOST PEOPLE do not work for the same organization for 5+ years anymore because the JOBS ARE NOT THERE thanks to the greedy plutocracy that sold them overseas and weasels like george bu$hit who let them do it.

FURTHERMORE, what pissy FEW permenant, STABLE jobs out there are apparently filled by these arrogant MORONS who haven't a CLUE what it's like to be in the job market these days.

HOW DARE those arrogant bastards look down their BLISSFULLY IGNORANT noses at ME like that: "Duhh. How come you've had so many jobs, duhhh?"

:mad: :wtf:

[SteppingRazor]

1. To be fair...

I think I'd ask the same thing if I saw a resume with a ton of jobs on it and only a few years. Yes, it's likely a sign that the economy sucks and you go where the work is.

But it could just as easily be a sign that you're a complete loon who can't hold a job longer than a few months.

[Triana]

2. Do they understand when you TELL THEM

that's all you can get is contract work? Do they understand when companies lay off and go out of business? Does it register with them that it may NOT be your fault or doing - that you want a stable job but can't even find one?

Would you understand that if the interviewee explained that to you?

[SteppingRazor]

4. Yes. I would understand.

But I would at least want to hear that explanation. That's all I'm sayin'

[Triana]

7. that's cool...

..I can understand that. I often wonder how many of these hiring managers actually GET it though. It's thoroughly aggravating to the interviewee who often WANTS stability and permenance but it just isn't there in today's jobs, most of them.

*sigh*

[Gormy Cuss]

5. Remember that the question isn't as important as your answer.

If you articulated the positive steps you took to stay employed in a difficult economic climate that should be seen as a plus by an experienced manager.

Having said that, yea it stinks that you have to explain the obvious, but if the hiring manager has been living in a comfortable, secure job cocoon it needs to be done.

[Triana]

8. I hope you're right...

...'cause I certainly get sick of explaining today's job market to well-employed hiring managers who haven't a freakin clue.

It's flusterating....

[Squatch]

9. Do you tell the HR folks that "that's all you could get"?

That begs the question: WHY couldn't you 'get' anything else?

And, by leading them to that question, you are setting yourself up for an uphill battle.

[Triana]

12. I tell them that I like to pay my bills and so...

...if contract work is all that's available, that's what I take to make ends meet. It's not my preference.

[Squatch]

16. It's a negative statement and it does nothing to aid your

job prospects.

How about:

-I enjoy the dynamic work environments of contracts.
-I love workingwith/leading teams to realize immediate and tangible goals. Contracts have allowed me to do that.

Instead of: "I settled for shit jobs cause I want to eat and keep the lights on."

Whenever I interview people, I shitcan those with the slightest negative attitude. It needs to be positive or realistic.

Don't go too far:

Q: What's your greatest fault?
A: I'm too perfect.

Gone. Never going to hire a person who says that happy horse shit.

[Triana]

18. thanks for that advice..

..I'll certainly keep that in mind!

[Squatch]

21. Interviewing is an art. You have to sell yourself without coming

across like you're selling snake oil.

Basically, you want to leave them with the question:

"How in the hell did we manage to survive without him/her?"

[Triana]

23. Are you in marketing?

...j/k ;)

Thanks for the great advice. It's like 'never let the bastards see you sweat'... heh.

[Squatch]

24. Actually, government contracting. LOL.

[Triana]

27. Oh my!!!

I'd have never guessed that!

[Squatch]

29. Horror story...when I went in for an interview with the VP

he asked me

"What do you think of system XXX?"

I had no earthly clue was system XXX was. I responded:

"I'll tell you what's wrong with system XXX...it doesn't do 1/2 the things that system YYY does!"

As it turns out, this was true on more than one level and he responded:

"Damn right! You're hired"

I went home and had to look up system XXX on FAS.org. LOL. Found out that XXX and YYY aren't even close to the same function. One was a radio, the other was a computer terminal.

[Triana]

32. that doesn't sound so horrible!

It's pretty funny, actually.

[Squatch]

40. It was horrible at the time. I thought I had the job sealed until that

question. Luckily, I was able to convincingly BS my way out of it.

[Cobalt Violet]

48. In other words lie like everyone else.

:sarcasm: Some people just do it better than other. May the best liar take all.

[Triana]

52. yea...seems some amount of bullshitting...

...is necessary. I have heard hiring mgrs and people I've worked with express the desire for having people with a positive attitude around/in their employ. So, even if an interviewee is feeling victimized by circumstances beyond their control, blamed, or whatever, it's probably not a good idea to show it in an interview.

*shrug* I'm not sure what else to do in these cases.

[smirkymonkey]

3. I am going through the same thing.

I had a long period of unemployment after September 11th and I live in NYC!! I have been asked numerous times "Why?" and told them that I decided to temp until the market improved becuase there were very few jobs available and too many people looking for jobs. The response? "Well, some people got jobs."

Assholes.

[Triana]

6. Yea, SOME people got jobs...

...and it appears that the ones doing the interviewing are often feeling quite entitled to them, whilst thumbing their noses at anyone who can't find a decent job that's stable and permenant. It just smacks of arrogance and ignorance.

I understand steppin razor's point, but if the interviewee explains that the market is not exactly overflowing with nice steady, stable, perm jobs so one takes what they can to pay the bills, they ought to understand that. But I'm not sure they do since THEY aren't the ones out there looking.

[BeTheChange]

22. Dont..

whine about the job market during a job interview. Find some way to spin it.. chuckle and say, its good that Im so adaptable with the current market and steer the conversation away from any negative topics. You have such a short time to make a good impression during an interview.

I really think that there are so many applicants for good positions because of the economy that you have to just be enthusiastic, can do and non threatening.

Good luck!

[Triana]

25. that's sort of what Squatch said...

...probably good advice.

[BeTheChange]

34. Indeed..

Sasquatch is as wise as his feet are big.

[Triana]

36. LOLOL

Pretty wise beast...

[Squatch]

43. Thanks! It only came from being in your shoes at a most

inopportune time.

New house, new baby, NO job.

Egads.

[faithnotgreed]

26. im sorry triana - and everyone else experiencing this same thing

what you just said in this post sums it up pretty well for people who are hurting

its because they are doing what they need to to survive
i mean most people wouldnt choose to bounce from job to job
and i dont blame you at all for your "negativity" as someone described it
youre just telling the truth
and as we know many people on the other side of that place dont often want to hear
no matter what the situation is

it has to be frustrating and confusing as all get out

we sure wish you - and everyone - all the best in this difficult enronomy as you aptly describe it

keep the faith
and let us know when you get the job and we will all celebrate with you

take good care everyone

[Triana]

28. yea it sucks cockroaches in Hell...

...but I think there was some good advice in this thread about not letting 'them' see how frustrating it is for you and not being too negative or whiney about it during interviews, while still getting facts across about your work history (layoffs, shutdowns, etc.) - being positive about the situation you find yourself in and playing up the benefits to the employer (advantages of diverse experience in lots of different environments, etc.)

It IS flusterating to have to keep answering that question though, because from our side of it, it's an absolutely idiotic question to ask and the answers seem like they ought to be obvious in today's market.

Arrrrrrrrrrgghhh!

[faithnotgreed]

38. certainly

it is important in communication to get across the truth
but as i always remind a dear friend
it doesnt mean you have to tell every little bit and there is a way to get across that truth in a way that matches the situation

so if youre in an interview then i absolutely agree that you should put your best - and truest - foot forward

the package does make a difference but just make sure to keep your head up and not bring anything into the interview except your true and best self

best wishes
its good you can vent here

[Triana]

44. venting here...

...has saved my sanity on more than one occasion! I really appreciate my DU family! :hug:

[area51]

10. I hear you.

I've had similar things happen to me. You can tell that the interviewer's a republinazi, b/c they have no fscking clue about how bad this Bush economy is.

[Walt Starr]

11. Um, ...., I HAVE to ask that question

and being told that it's all contract work is a perfectly reasonable explanation. In fact, I'd weight broad experience over multiple contract jobs relatively highly in an interview as it shows a depth and breadth of knowledge and capabilities.

[Triana]

13. Bless you...

...I'd think that'd be of some value as well, as opposed to having only 1 or 2 jobs. Having worked in a variety of environments might be of some benefit.

[Squatch]

17. Some see it as a liability...like you have no staying power.

You gotta play it like it's all part of your master plan.

[newportdadde]

14. Probably trying to find out if your a nut or poor performer.

Two kinds of people companies aren't thrilled about hiring are crazies and poor performers. I'm guessing you explained in a professional manner how you engaged in short contract work(totally understandable in todays world) or how you were fulltime until the company went out of business.

But reading your rant I'm concerned here. You sound a bit like how I would have felt in your shoes and although I hope you have a good poker face I worry that your anger came though as mine probably would have. If thats the case then your resume may have gotten circle filed.

[Triana]

15. I don't even get angry when they ask that anymore...

...I just state the facts. 1) contract work is all that's available so I take it to pay bills though it's not my preference, and 2) several companies I worked at either laid off or went out of business. Circumstances beyond my control.

I get angry afterwards, usually. When I think about it too much I get angry. It's damn frustrating to get blamed for circumstances that are beyond your contol.

[Squatch]

19. Spin it, man!

1) I enjoy the fast-paced world of contracts and leading a team to immediate, tangible results.
2) The company closing its doors has allowed me to find my niche and expand my horizons. I now bring a more rounded POV to the table which will be an assett to you.

[Triana]

20. I like that...

..thanks!

[elehhhhna]

37. Don't start "defensive interviewing", hon--

I've been in staffing consultng for years and as long as you answer the question well you're okay. The mere fact they're interviewing you tells me they aren't holding your busy resume against you. They'd be remiss in NOT asking and lemme tell ya, you'd FALL DOWN if you heard the way some people answer that question. They have no answer, get defensive, or just vomit all sorts of shocking information.

People are kooky and they prove it all the time. My hubs was trying to hire a really strong six-figure candidate just recently. I suggested he call the references himself and ask the golden reference question (Which is "How can I best manage this person successfully?"--boy do the ex-managers spill the beans for THAT one!) It wasn't necessary. Dude's most recent employer TORE the ex-employee UP. So did his next one! Point is: hiring managers have to be careful.

Take control of the interview if you must--ask them pertinent q's--then ask if there's anything that would prevent him/her from referring you to the next interviewer (or making you an offer--wherever you are in the process). If they say yes, you cna address their objection. If no, ASK FOR IT and smile expectantly until the next step is scheduled.

GO GET 'EM. You shouldn't be on the market long at all!

[Triana]

45. THANKS elehhhhna!

MORE great advice! I'm going to have to take notes here...and study them before interviews.

[elehhhhna]

49. anytime toots--pm me if ya need ANY help on specific q's--

--seems whenever there's a Bush in the WH my beloved business is DOA.

[European Socialist]

30. The only thing worse than having a job.....

is having to look for work.

[mondo joe]

31. It's a fair question, and I'd ask it.

There isn't only one answer (the job market), so don't assume they should know that's the reason.

IMO your anger is misplaced.

[skids]

33. Maniacs in control of the asylum.

<rant>

Most search committees these days are completely inept, so don't be angry. They are just asking questions that they heard when they were interviewed, or they read in a magazine. I actually recently got asked that old chestnut "do you have any hobbies?" and had to bite my tongue at the sheer farce that passes for a serious interview in our new economy.

In my case I don't have to explain my job history, it is solid, but one thing that really gets me riled is they totally ignore my references. No matter how many interviews I go to, getting them to call my references, even if I ask them to directly, is like pulling teeth. Not one has called them.

References this, references that, everyone always talks about how important good references are. I have references, great ones, pouring out my ass, and it doesn't seem to matter. Noone seems to want to bother to call them.

Ask anyone who has a real HR degree and they'll say when it comes to people, past performance is the single overriding best predictor of future performance. Heck, even the skills to do the job come secondary, as long as the worker has the ability to ramp up quickly. But these days it is all about the interview -- as if a few random middle managers are at all qualified to determine the worthiness of a person just by sitting in a room with him for one or two hours. I would blame it on arrogance, but that's not what's going on here... it is just that the interview has, over time, become the status quo and noone has bothered to question its efficacy loudly enough to lodge its hold over the corportae culture.

If they had any sense at all, they would read the resumes, take the best ones, THEN call the references BEFORE deciding which ones to interview.

</rant>

[Triana]

35. I couldn't agree more...

...I have to wonder about some of the questions they ask me - where do they get this stuff? I mean, the one about 'so many jobs' makes sense at least. Some of the others..I don't know.

It might not be a bad idea to check refs and really look over the resume before wasting the candidates and the hiring manager's time. I've been asked to interviews where I wasn't sure why they bothered to call me - in some cases, the interviewer admitted (s)he had not even looked at my resume yet - at all.

Sheeesh.

[Squatch]

42. Oh, yeah..one more bit of advice.

Trust is building when THEY'RE talking.

They may ask you questions, but you should ask them twice as many. Let them talk, be interested, and they'll come away with a nice happy feeling about you.

"So Triana, why would you be a good fit for us?"
"Well, I have x, y and z, which by the way, fits with your business plan to do a, b, and c. Can you tell me more about that business plan? It sound very interesting."

Sit back, look attentive, and listen.

Best piece of advice I ever got.

[Triana]

46. Sounds sensible...

...taking more notes and bookmarking this thread!!

:D

[elehhhhna]

39. you nailed it. a good headhunter refers candidates WITH complete

ref checks DONE. Shortcuts the process immensely. Most HR people and headhunters are however too lazy to bother. Duh.

[seabeyond]

41. i absolutely take it into consideration in hiring a person

and the answer is important. i dont care if a person quits a job because they dont like it, at least that is honest, i dont need to hear how every manager is a jerk and doesnt know what they are doing and abuse the employee. then i probably wont hire.

such anger you have. you should be on the other side of the desk, to better understand their expeirence. i think most all that do have to hire, knows how hard an interview is for people, and how hard looking for a job is.

i am sorry you feel this is arrogant of an interviewer, to question your work history.

[Triana]

47. It's frustrating, is what it is...

..because the reasons are through no fault of my own but I feel as if I'm being blamed for it. And, that given today's market, the question seems ludicrous - even though from the hiring manager's perspective, it's perfectly reasonable. I have been on the other side of the desk. I hated management though.

I NEVER talk badly about previous employers. EVER. That is bad practice.

I just feel like they're fingering me for something(s) I had no control over.

But, I got good advice here and will try to remember it all!

[elehhhhna]

50. T: try this--

rehearse your answers out loud, alone. Not that you should sound rehearsed when you interview, but saying something aloud a few times beforehand helps you edit, and it comes out easier the next time--

[Triana]

51. I did this once and

...my S.O. heard me 'talking to myself' and asked me who I was talking to. It was pretty funny. I was accused of having 'invisible friends' - jokingly, of course. When I explained, it was OK. Meanwhile, it was funny - if not a little embarassing.

Hee!