Conquering the Hiring Process

Job hunting can be a nightmare, especially around the holidays. Unemployment is a sensitive subject for many people and it seems that employers love to fire people right before Christmas. Many people become desperate for employment and are forced to take less desirable jobs for an even less desirable pay.

After months of putting up with a miserable employer, I decided it was time for me to make a change and find a new job. I really wasn't sure where to start looking, but I figured the key was to just get my resume out there. Luckily, I am pretty good about updating my resume. I know that others are not so fortunate and have to go through the grueling process of creating that perfect resume. I decided to start using various websites to submit my resume. I tried some of the more commercialized sites like Monster and Hot Jobs. Then I realized that these sites were more interested in selling me products than helping me get a job. Then I decided to rely on good old Craigslist. Craig hasn't failed me yet, so I figured it was worth a shot. I applied to tons of jobs and actually started to get call backs on my resume almost instantly. I started to arrange various interviews, which was challenging around my current employment schedule.

Next, the interview process began. After contemplating on the perfect interview outfit and map questing directions, I was ready for my first interview. Unfortunately, I repeated this process more times than I wanted to. How many times can you tell someone about yourself? This is a loaded question anyway. Nearly every question in an interview is a trick question aimed at finding out things like how dedicated you are to the company, your marital status, or your extra curricular activities. Lucky for me I have a lot of practice now and these questions no longer stump me. My college education has taught me two things. First, it's not about what you know. It's about who you know. Second, you get further by telling someone what they want to hear rather than the truth. As a person who places a high importance on education and honesty this was difficult for me to accept. Unfortunately, I can't pay my rent with knowledge or honesty.

Now, as if the whole employment process wasn't complicated and irritating enough, I realized that some employers have taken it to a whole new level. Many have very little to offer a perspective employee. Many times they won't even reveal the salary until after you have wasted a certain amount of your time interviewing with them. It was amazing to me the time I was asked to waste in the hiring process.

One perspective employer actually interviewed me at three different locations. The company itself required a group orientation interview. Then each location required a group interview, personal interview, and a couple of hours of shadowing. I was determined to stick it out through the process because this I had faith in the company and I really wanted the job. After I spent well over ten hours and $50 in a Department of Justice clearance, I had to step back and re-evaluate. This process would be ridiculous for any job seeker, but try to juggle it all without losing your current job.

Unfortunately this was not an isolated incident. I was asked repeatedly by perspective employers to come to multiple interviews, orientations, tests, etc. I can remember the day where you showed up for one interview and new right away whether you had the job or not. It looks like these days are over.

Luckily after many interviews I finally found a company that was upfront and straight forward. I only had to attend one interview and I knew before I even went to the interview what the pay and benefits were. When I got the job offer I was almost reluctant to take it because it seemed too good to be true.

I know that there are many people who are job hunting right now. My best advice to you is start with a great resume. Then send it out every chance you get. It pays to be persistent, but at the same time don't get taken advantage of. A company that demands more than it offers is probably not who you want to work for. I recommend using Craigslist to look for employment opportunities. There are endless opportunities there and they are updated constantly. Craigslist also has a really large readership. I do recommend that not matter what job site you choose to use always be aware of scams too. Employment ads that are placed for free tend to attract more scammers, but it is possible to find a legitimate one too. Also, take a minute to think about what you really want and what you have to offer a perspective employer. Then look for a company who knows what they want and what they have to offer you. If they are not willing to discuss this with you upfront run the other way. Finally, think positive and don't give up.