h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The most frustrating part is that there are no companies out there who are honest enough about their hiring policies to tell prospective employees why they were not selected. In addition to the obvious age and weight discrimination that maybe in effect, my being out of work so long may fit into the configuration, dont know(they wont tell me).

With thiry years of experience that directly relates to most of these companies I find it outrageous that they might somehow say I am not qualified, which will come out in spades after I'm in the job and functioning well.

There was only one company in my work history (many, many years ago) where I was hired due to direct knowledge of a special industry. I was paid more than the person who was set to train me and it was rather an uncomfortable situation. Fortunately that is not true at any of the companies lately.

The website for Ron Wyden suggests that it may take 6-8 weeks before I would likely get a reply. I hope not.

Adieu

I can say that I know when I've seen a resume from someone who's been largely out of work for more than 6 months, one of the first things I wonder about is alcohol problems. The logical part of me knows that there are many reasons why people can face long-term unemployment, but I'm sure that gut instinct reaction probably does color how I look at someone. I try to be conscious of it, though -- to take a step back, and try to make assessments more objectively. But gut instinct does play a key role in the hiring process....

I belong to an unemployed men's group at church and the leader that we have has referred me to a company in Albany that makes cast titanium parts for the aircraft industry. It is called Selmet.

Anyway, my friend knows the president of this company and they are hiring right now. Even though I know almost nothing about cast titanium parts, I do know quality controls and instrumentation and I am hoping that those will get me a good job at this new company. Founded in 1983 Selmet has about 200 workers, but it has laid off workers as recently as two years ago. I understand that the JSF contract will be a long one, since they will be sold to just about any country that wants them around the world. These cast titanium parts are for the Pratt and Whitney engines.

Wish me luck

Sounds like some good networking! So would this job mean moving?

Albany is only twenty miles south of here my last full time job was in the northern part of albany. This one is just a little further south. No problems commuting, little traffic going away from Portland.

I dont have the typical 'suit' though for the interview. I do have some clean clothes that look as good as I can, polished shoes, and a tie, just no 'jacket'.

I am getting a haircut early today. I want no excuses this time.

Good luck on the interview! I'll be thinking about you.

So much for networking. The only jobs they had were welding and grinding jobs and they were filled before I called.

I did have a nice conversation with the President of the company (my contact) left him my resume and a nice cover letter he seemed to be willing to at least look at it. I dont think though that I will find anything there soon even the quality control seems out of reach.

He indicated that the company had recently hired another calibration technician 6 months ago who seems to be doing well enough.

I did get a referal to HP from one of my many agencies. They always start with a 6month contract and this one might be second shift 10% higher than days. Maybe... but I've attempted to get into HP since I've been here and nothing at all seems to work.

Adieu

so much for networking, I'm on to a position with the Maron county sheriff's department. I actually know someone there who will give me a recommend. This one pays well, is in town and is something I can do. Here we go again though, it is a computer user support position.

I know, I've heard it all before. If I dont try then where will I go?

So have you already applied and/or sent a resume in?

And I'm actually going to get to meet you this weekend -- wheeee!

You're still coming to the soggy towel meet-up today, right?

The marion county position with the Sheriffs office will start interviewing next monday (March 27th)and my friend has ensured me that I will at least get one of them. Obviously what happens in that interview will affect my prospects. There is a "scoring" that takes place based upon how well they meet the requirements of the job, after all of the application are in and so many of the highest scores get interviews.

Tom

This was the one that would be doing tech support, right? But is nice and close by?

I really hope this one works out well -- it is time for something to swing your way!

I seem to go through periods of great depression with this work search process. There are times when I'm sure there is no one out there who will hire me, it seems that even God is against me. I have seen so many "ideal jobs" go by the wayside without even a by your leave. I've seen companies who still have listing for positions I've applied for who wont reconsider. Eventually I'll just be too old and worn out to take some of these positions. But I must keep trying. Must keep trying. Must keep trying

I'm really sorry, dim, I know that must be insanely tough, I can't even imagine.

Do you have anything like volunteer work in your life at the moment? I know for me, that can provide a needed sense of 'usefulness' at low times - not to mention that it can be a great way to network for jobs.

Well its now over, at least for awhile. It looks like HP is going to take a chance and hire me. That is a miracle since I haven't even been down there to talk with them, (no interview.) It seems thay are hiring several people and included me.

This is through Techlink an agency out of San Francisco. When they called I could hardly hear the agent but it worked and I will start next week. As soon as the paperwork is completed. Wish me luck.

YAY!!!!! That is tremendous.

I can't wait to hear how it goes! Is the salary ok?


Mikey

Anything at this point is Ok... better than a kick in the face. What I am looking at is a minimum of six months before I begin again to find a real high paying job with this one as a reference.

The drive to Corvallis is one that has to go through Albany with all the downtown traffic etc. Granted Albany is really only a small city, even so the lights and traffic will be crazy during commute time. The only other way is far further. So I dont expect the commute to be one that I like.

I am reserving any judgement about the job until I actually get there and meet the people. $11.50/hr for someone like me is a slap in the face. But if it is the only job offered guess what I'll do?

This is through an agency called Techlink out of Frisco. I have never heard of them before but they did get me the job so how can I complain.
I am already getting the pre start jitters a little. Anytime I start a new job they come, but I can handle them and there is nodoubt that I am qualified for this..

Needless to say my computer time will shrink dramatically. I expect I'll be on from 9pm until 10pm and that is about it...sleep then.

I've got to go now wish me luck

Good luck! Hopefully this will translate into something even better!!!

This will be the last post to this thread for me since I need no more interviews (cross my fingers).

Thanks for being there for me to bang my head on your wall.

BTW My mother saw the "Hitchhiker's guide..."movie and didn't like it. She hasn't read the books and generally doesn't like British comedy but does go to see lots of movies.

I will see it tomorrow I already have the tickets. There is only one screen at my local movie house that is showing the movie! I thought there would be several screens like(that other space movie.) Boy was I wrong. They haven't even been selling out.

I'm guessing that you plan to see it (if you haven't yet).Seen the trailers and many of the websites already.

Adieu, see you at the BBC

Yup, I have a h2g2 person staying with me at the moment, and we will be going to see it tomorrow.