Feeling down...

[Rae1889]

So i've been off work for a month and a half. EI still hasnt paid me (something about policy seeing as its my first time claiming) and we are running out of money fast. We havent done any christmas shopping.

I've applied everywhere that I feel I will be able to handle workign while my seizures arent controlled well and I have had a few interviews and this is the first time I havent landed the job after the interview. I keep getting told that I rocked the interview but I just didnt have enough experience (6 years of receptionist all together is apparently not enough.) But how do I get more experience if nobody is willing to hire me.

So this last interview I had I was really psyched for. It paid well and it made custom medical equipment and aides. I would have been their receptionist. I nailed the first interview and just got a call about the second interview. They told me they are doing the interviews in alphabetical order. one half tomorrow, the other half on wednesday. because of my name, I end up in the second half. But they told me that if she finds someone she likes in the first half they wont be doing the second half of the interviews. To me that pretty much sounds like I lost the job. All because my name doesnt start with an B. It irks me because I know that If I had the chance to go to the second interview, I would nail it.

the first interviewer said that she loved me and if it were up to her, she would hire me instantly. but she has to go back to her province and asked if she ever needed someone out there, if she could keep my resume and call me. I said sure (dont wanna burn bridges) even though I know I wont move from Manitoba.

Sigh.... I'm so bummed right now, I feel lost and confused and angry. why cant I go back to being "normal"? I really need a beer...

[Nakamova]

Hi Rae --

I'm hearing the same kinds of stories from folks looking for jobs who don't have any health issues. It's a very tough hiring scene out there, as you know. Anyway, big cyber hugs to you for being persistent and staying in the job hunt. I hope you are pleasantly surprised, and get the call for the receptionist job...

Is there any way you can light a fire under the butts of the folks at EI to get them moving on your payment?

[CathyAnn31]

Go get a beer! . I'd join you if I didn't have to play taxi mom.

Wow, in the past you've always gotten hired after the 1st interview? Talk about luck! I don't mean to sound rude, but welcome to the real world, times are tough now for everyone.

As far as Christmas goes, it's not all about the giving of gifts. Try to find joy in the true meaning of Christmas if you can, or focus on the good things you hope to see in the upcoming year. Your loved ones won't mind if all you can afford to give them is half a dozen cookies.

Chin up girl, at least you don't have to face those terrible holiday crowds. . And you might get that 2nd interview after all.

[nicholasscott21]

hang on in there Rae
XX

[huskymom]

You will find something soon. How can anyone resist you? If these people don't pick you, then who needs them anyway! It will be hard, but try not to worry about the money. My husband was out of work for two years and we just had my job to support us. We had to really cut back, but we found a way. I know that you will too. Keep up the good fight!!!

[Endless]

Chin up, Rae. Ooze confidence. Employers like calm steady confidence. Know in your heart you used to do the job of 4 people, and you were good at it. This we all know. Go get 'em, girl.

P.S. The hiring manager should have sorted out the resume list better so she had time to interview ALL the best candidates, not just the ones whose names start with A-M. The short list should be people who would all be acceptable, on paper. Then the interviews look at those 10-odd people and picks the best.

The weird hiring process is not you, Rae. It's a manager who is handling a large response for the first time and doesn't quite know how to do it.

Getting a job is a numbers game. Customize your resume for each job, and send them in for LOTS of jobs.

You are still with Chad, right? Or is there new status? It's so hard but one person working makes things very tight, but it keeps a roof over your head until things look up. Is there a chance to do things like housekeeping, seasonal christmas work, something else that is very suboptimal but may provides income during the holidays? Is there something you can do working for yourself?

Everything is going to be okay. <<<<<big hugs>>>>>

[jyearta]

Hang in there. Hope your phone rings soon with several offers for you to choose from.

[Rae1889]

So I didnt get the call for the second interview.

I have another interview at 1pm today. but its one of those jobs where it would be boring and doesnt pay as much as my last job did. I'm not looking forward to any new job really. I know it sounds like I have high standards but it took me a long time to work my way up the ladder to the pay I was at with benefits etc. that I just dont want to go down the ladder.

[Loopy Lou]

It does seem a shame, but it will be a job. I suppose people pretty much have to take any job at the moment.

I'm fed up of dead end jobs but it seems they are the only ones that around, and even then they're pretty sparse.

Good luck for your interview. You never know, while you're biding your time in that job something awesome could come up for you.

[CathyAnn31]

This is the problem we're having today. A good friend of mine has been unemployed 3 yrs and complains to me often. I remind him that there are in fact jobs out there right now but he doesn't want to lower those standards and would rather go without. It's sad really, or atleast I think so. I remind him that in these tough times he should try to find any job he can til the market picks up. Earning some money is better then none. Luckily his wife can support them both while he drinks away his unemployment checks.

I wish you well in this crappy job market Rae, hang in there!!

[darcness]

Hey Rae, sorry I didn't catch this sooner. I know the job market here in Michigan isn't any better. In fact, it's one of the worst in the US. It's going to be great when Kristy ends up getting her work authorization and there are no jobs!

Hang in there Rae and you will find something. For now just enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. You deserve a rest.

P.S. Check your PM's, write me back let me know how you're doing!