I still live.

[logomancer]

It's been a long time since I've posted here. Mainly because things have been so crappy, I doubted people would want to listen. But screw it, I've got to get it out.

Since I got back from Xmas, I've been looking for a job. And not finding one. It's kinda funny -- most people around me pigeonhole me as a computer geek, although that is only one of my interests. Thus, whenever I volunteer for things, I always get asked, "Hey, can you do a website for us?" or something like that. Not that I think doing websites or other computer things is horrible -- I just wish I got to do something else once in a while.

But whenever I apply to get paid for doing technical things, there's always something that keeps me from being hired. Either I'm not ambitious enough just because I don't think I can get my dream job fresh out of college, or I'm not extroverted enough to deal with researchers, or somesuch. Nobody questions my technical expertise. But apparently it's not enough.

Needless to say, being rejected constantly has had a deleterious effect on my self-esteem. What pisses me off more, however, are the people who don't even bother to tell you that much. I put my resume in, and never hear from them again. I sometimes get an interview, and afterward never hear from them again. I've gotten a grand total of one rejection sent to me directly, and one relayed indirectly through the headhunter that set up the interview in the first place. Something tells me I'll never understand business etiquette.

Things have been tight. I'm paying the bills, but April's going to be tough. Meanwhile, my mother calls me to nag about my job status, thinking I'm a bum, and that all my failed interviews can be blamed squarely on my long hair. And she goes on about her broken computer (she got a new laptop for Xmas that glitched on her, and of course she's hopeless to fix it, even if I help her over the phone), and when am I going to come down to fix it. As if I didn't have other problems. I told her I couldn't come down while I was busy trying to scare up work. She hung up.

I didn't get the chance to tell her I got my diploma yesterday. For all the good it's done me.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_bellisima/]

I hear ya. I've been applying for jobs like a crazy person and all I get back is a big fat goose egg. I blame the recession, because you and I are fabulously hireable.

[vond.livejournal.com]

Obviously I haven't seen you right before an interview, but I assume you're shaving beforehand? Have you considered tying your hair back? I don't honestly know what it'd look like on you, but it's a little more professional than the gothy hair in the eyes look.

Other than that, you've got a lot of things going against you in an interview, if you could get a handle on verbally second-guessing yourself ("i mean, umm, you know") even just for the hour of the interview that would probably help a lot too. The interview counts for an awful lot, maybe even more than your credentials, as I think you're discovering.

Anyway, good luck, you might have to consider non-technical jobs or moving at this point :/

[sonoyuu.livejournal.com]

First and foremost, you can not take care of other peoples needs until you are able first take care of your own. People asking you to do free sites etc should either pay you for your time or understandibly wait until you have stable employment to pay your bills.

Appearance is unfortunately a major factor, even if it is a predudicial factor.

Many employers are looking for willingness to conform with thier image even before you know what thier expectations are.

Your best opportunity to get a tech job (from an employer's view) is to have a business hair cut, clean shaven and a collared shirt (ironed) dress pants (ironed) a belt and shoes.

Techs often have to deal with customers, they represent the company's image. They do not necessarily have to communicate well with the customer, but they do need to have effective notes so a manager can review and attend to circumstances on a case by case basis

If you have troubles with verbal comunication, point out that strength is your good note taking skills and your ability to properly assess and troubleshoot a problem.

*hugs*

[nyghtshayde.livejournal.com]

Hair, sadly, plays a factor for some employers in jobs. It's stupid, it really is. My hubby used to have really long hair and managed to get some good jobs. But...when he decided he wanted to cut it, he's had more employers take him seriously. *shrugs*

[zannyvix.livejournal.com]

Rejections are far more common than offers, unfortunately. It's just how the system works. I've been rejected from every Tech job I've applied for, either because I wasn't qualified, they had an internal candidate, the job lost funding, or worst, I wasn't quite qualified *enough* and their first choice accepted it. The only places I've been outright accepted since graduation were the lab (which sucked ass in short order) and MishMish, which is awesome and I love.

First impressions are key in job interviews. You have to look and sound professional and confidant along with having the skills to back it up. I have firsthand experience on how hard that can be, especially after you've gotten rejection after rejection. It's easy to fall into the trap of "Well, they don't value me and my skills, so obviously I'm worthless and no one will ever hire me". It's not true, it just doesn't mean you've found the right match yet. But yes, it is possible your hair is a factor in not getting hired. Try getting it cut (go to a stylist and ask their advice. They can offer suggestions on what would look good on you), dress professionally, and present yourself professionally. This applies whether you're applying for an office job or a position at McDonalds (no fooling). Also, just putting a resumé in isn't enough. Follow up. Call back the places you're applying and ask if they've had a chance to review your resumé. It may not get you the job, but it will remind them of you and put yours on the top of the stack.

Best advice? If your mother isn't encouraging you or helping you succeed in your quest for work, she's being a hinderance. Ignore her and focus on the task at hand until you've achieved your goal. It's what I had to do with mine, and it works.

[(Anonymous)]

You can't find a job because you're an ugly sack of crap with no social skills. It has nothing to do with any factors beyond how much you suck.