Job Hunting for Millennials Part Deux: The Internet Lies

A word from our sponsor:

Printer-friendly version

Author: 

Blog About: 

First things first: thank you to everyone who responded, both via comment and PM, to my last blog. I was rather upset at the time (to put it mildly,) but as with so many things in life just knowing I have others around who care and understand went a long way toward helping me cope. You're all amazing.

Now, on to today's subject: The Interview.

Part of what had me so upset the other day was nervousness. See, Tuesday at noon I had an interview, the only interview I had been offered as of yet, and I already had misgivings about it. A little background: I'm applying for jobs not in the city I'm currently living but a larger location approximately 2 hours away, a little more in fact. I'm doing so with the intent to find an apartment once I've secured a job, and I DO have a place to stay closer by until I manage to get my own place, but for now... yeah. 2 hour drive each direction. Nevertheless, I was quite happy to have gotten an interview, so at 9 AM Tuesday -- after having just worked all night -- me and my uncle packed and headed out to make sure I was there by noon.

Where was my interview, you may ask? Target. Yep! A company mostly known for being LGBT friendly, and one I had heard several people speak highly of who had worked there. So why my misgivings? My main issue before even going in was with the fact that during the call offering me the interview they had asked if I would consider a position I hadn't applied for rather than the one I had. This isn't a TREMENDOUS deal, but it became more worrisome when I looked at their website again to see that the position I had applied for was still open.

So, I went in for my interview. I got there early (half an hour) and was impressed with the other workers there while I waited. People were friendly, office staff was laughing, and in general things seemed pretty swell.

Then the interview happened.

You ever met one of those people you just immediately didn't click with? That was me and the lady who interviewed me, the manager for the hardlines side of the store. Things started off with her asking if I was nervous, and tsking when I admitted I was. Things only got worse from there: I was informed that I wasn't being offered the position I'd applied for because "you have to show us you deserve it first," and that my requirement for 32 hours a week (to justify the transfer and keep on my own feet) was "unreasonable" for retail, despite the fact that it's been the standard I've enjoyed both at my previous and current Walmarts. From being criticized for referring to customers as customers ("they're 'guests,' and we treat them like such,") to her disapproving looks at several of my interview answers, it was obvious her goal was to scare me as much as possible, which it didn't manage given my current state, AKA Still Employed Elsewhere.

Then the interview finished, and THAT'S when I really got pissed.

"I guess I'll pass you on to the second interview," she said. "That will be later in the week though; the manager who does that step isn't here today."

Two hour drive. Each direction. They KNEW that was something I was having to do for the interview. They also knew before I came in I was working third shift at my current job. At this point I had been up for about 18 hours, had a rough night at work already, and just been told that they expected me to do it all again for a retail position I'd be lucky to start at 9 an hour in.

So, what did I do?

Naturally, I thanked them for their time and shook both her and her assistant's hand. I smiled and said I was looking forward to the call. I didn't tell them I was already going to decline the job; after all, if they could waste that much of my time, it was only fair I got to waste a bit of theirs in turn.

The trip wasn't a complete disaster, however. Since we were already in town we decided to check out a few other locations that were potential employers. Some I had already applied at, some I hadn't yet but knew they were hiring, and a couple I was simply curious about. This is what brought me to the tag line of my blog: the internet lies.

Several of the locations that had spots available according to their web sites or job search sites informed me that those positions had been opened by corporate but were not being filled, merely used for reserves. Those I stopped by that hadn't had postings were enthusiastic in talking to me about positions that were opening up that weren't and wouldn't be listed online (though still required online applications, oddly enough.) And the biggest surprise, the one place that had called me back then emailed me to tell me I wasn't needed was one of the most eager of all when I talked to them, telling me that all I needed to do was update my application with several other open positions and I'd be a nearly sure shot if I still wanted in.

Nowadays we're told the internet is the go-to resource for most everything, but two hours spent walking around town gave me better and more personable leads than days of internet searches and applications had. Sure, they still needed me to fill out applications online rather than in person, but for all its wonders and advantages, there are times when the internet simply can't compete with a little good old fashioned footwork.

And that is probably the most important job hunting tip for millennials I can imagine.

Melanie E.

Comments

Being interviewed by someone who just does not gell

Yep. Been there, done that.
I went for an interview for a job that I knew that I would not only like but I could do almost with one hand tied behind my back. The reason was that I would be working for an old boss of mine but being a big company, I had to go through the process.
I duly turned up on the given day and 10 minutes early as is my won't.
Half an hour after the appointed time, I was shown into a side room by a youngish lady.

The interview lasted twenty minutes all of which was her harranguing me for not staying on at school, doing 'A' levels and then going to University. This all happened 30+ years before this event so really not relevant but even so I put up with it for a while and repeatedly tried to turn the interview into something relevant for the position. Nope, she was not having it.
In the end, I stood up and simply walked out leaving her sitting alone in the side room.

Out in the car park, I called my old boss and told him what had happened. He'd seen me arrive for the interview. He was stunned.

A few days later I got a call from the corporate HR head in London apologising for my bad experience and that he was sure that there was a position open for me.
I simply said, 'did you sack her?'
He replied, 'No'.
I said, 'thanks but no thanks.'

It takes all sorts to make the world we live in. Sometimes we have to suffer fools, bite our lip and move on. I walked out because I was on the verge of telling her what I thought of her I was so mad. I bit my lip and left her to it.

Other HR People have told me since that this is a technique they use to make people walk away rather than just saying 'No'. The find a point in your CV and they go to town on it and you.

My old boss left a few months later. Our paths crossed again around 8 years ago. He was a manager in a different department. We met on my first day. He said,'I saw your CV and passed it to Kevin you are exactly the person he needs.' Kevin was my new boss. We still have the occassional pint when I'm up in Norwich. Such is life.

Some people enjoy being a

Some people enjoy being a pest like lady that has interviewed you. But there is a bright side of those unpleasant experiences. I believe this lady will find place in your future story and she'll be a colorful character.

It's just as well

It's just as well that you will not pursue anything with Target. I have worked in the corporate offices and I know many people who have worked in other areas, including the stores themselves. Target's management is cut-throat and they would have used you up and burned you out before ever rewarding you.

I'm glad that you found a better position and I hope that you will be happy in it.

About 1%

Patricia Marie Allen's picture

I've been told that about 1% of jobs are actually filled online. Most are just as you've described. The last time I was on the job market, I was one of the 1%. However, it was for a temp position. However that position put me in contact with a company that eventually hired me. Interestingly enough the referral came through the temp agency, but the reason I got the job was because one of their customers was also a customer of the company I had the temp job with, which was also their customer. They felt that I would be a good fit because of my experience dealing with both companies.

Hugs
Patricia

Happiness is being all dressed up and HAVING some place to go.
Semper in femineo gerunt

humm?

shadowsblade's picture

well it looks like the old 'shell' game to see if you really want the job enough, but they forget one thing or many!
it's retail there are many of those jobs around!
the job market in most cities is tightening and the best workers are 'working!" like you
you already have a job---where you are fine and can wait for the right one to come along?!
so wait?

but let me tell you and others this one thing a old guy told me, one who was retiring?

before the interview, drive around the parking lot a few times!
are the cars old and beaten, not fixed up?= company pays utter crap and does not care who works for them
some older cars and some newer CHEAP cars=company pays a little better and the staff is mostly kids I am sure
Good cars, better makes all in good shape=company pays well and cars or the workers have been there for awhile
Real good car BMW Audi Volvo!=comapys pays gold and is in good shape...might be hard to get into or UNION---but worth it!

Proud member of the Whateley Academy Drow clan/collective

found out recently

MadTech01's picture

Service Techs at BMW make around $80k a year and are in high demand, no joke.
Apparently those high dollar car makers, want good service techs (they do not call them mechanics anymore) at there dealers.
Apparently those UTI commercials are real, the local news station was making a point of showcasing that there are $75k+ jobs that they need people badly.

The other job I know you are looking at $150k+ a year are certified heavy equipment operator, because they are extremely short on people there as well so they have to pay well. the people working cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, etc...
the catch is you will be is a very hot and sweaty environment all day.

"Cortana is watching you!"

Most full timers start as part timers inside the store.

MadTech01's picture

The only exception is management positions, all retail stores will gladly take good managers from other companies.
Otherwise to get a full-time spot you almost always have to come in as a part timer, and with some a to get to part-time you have to have been a seasonal-employee. Your best bet will probably be a small retailer verses a larger one. Or see if you can get a sales or receptionist job with another type of company. But the catch with the smaller ones is there benefits are much slimmer because most small businesses do not have the numbers to get the really good benefits.

I did my retail time and never want to go back, there is a reason almost all retail jobs have high turn over.
If there is a Cost Co near by check with them, they pay much better starting and offer more benefits, but it is very competitive in the stores with them.

"Cortana is watching you!"