ARE YOU KIDDING? ARE YOU JOB SEEKERS REALLY NOT GOING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELVES?

Come on people lets take some responsibility for ourselves.

First, If you are not receiving a call back check your resume. Are there gaps in employment, spelling errors and/other things that are not getting your foot in the door? Let me tell you that if you are not getting a response from any staffing agency. Something is definitely wrong with your resume. With some of the spelling and grammar errors I have seen on this site, I know why a lot of you are unemployed.

Second, staffing agencies are only going to call the best candidates of all the candidates that respond to the ad. If you don't receive a call, and this will be hard for some of you to hear, you were NOT the best. Someone else had a better resume, more experience, better skills. Do a little research on the web and look up what today's employers are looking for from candidates in your field. Improve your skills so the next time you go up against the best candidates you will be able to compete.

Third, a temp job is just that TEMPORARY. It is not meant to be full time employment. You will not receive the same benefits as you would a regular job. That is the benefit of having a full time job. Your objective as a temporary employee should be (provided that you want a full time job) to do your best with the client you are assigned to so that they will hire you on permanently. If the client is not hiring you after 90 days either they don't feel like you are a good fit full time or they are not in the position to do so. You have to decide whether or not to continue to work at client if there is no possibly to be hired on full time. If you decide not to continue just give the courtesy of a two week notice before leaving that job.

Last, no one likes a whiner. Successful people do what they have to make it. Losers sit around and blame others for their failures.

anonymous in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: Successful people do what they have to make it. Losers sit around and blame others for their failures.

You are exactly right there. A winner never quits and a quitter never wins and that saying didn't become popular just by chance. It is absolutely real.

Kudos to 'Milwaukee.'

Oh, shut up.

I've worked in staffing/placement for 10 years and also have had to look for employment as well. Having been on "both sides" I am always amazed at what people do to limit themselves:
1. They don't call staffing firms or employers for follow up, but get angry if no one calls them.
2. They won't "cold call" into businesses to see if there are openings; instead, they just wait to see what's advertised. MOST jobs aren't advertised online or in newspapers; if you have every had to go through hundreds of resumes to find 10 viable candidates, you could appreciate the reasoning.
3. They don't respond promptly to employers. In Career Services, I work to place students and grads. A good number of them get calls or emails based on my efforts or their own; unfortunately, more than a few of them WAIT FOR NO REASON to get back to prospective employers.
4. They don't take the job search seriously. You can practice interviewing with almost ANYONE. I've done mock interviews and I can see how it helps.
5. It's not hard to have some questions in advance for employers. However, so many just go to the interview as if it was just another errand.
6. Hygiene 101. Some smokers don't seem to understand how much seeps into their clothing, even the resumes they bring.

Ok, so if all of that has been taken care of, what's the excuse for not getting a call back. My resume, skills, and experience are all fine. Sometimes, I think if you see MBA on a resume, employers feel they will have to pay too much to get them. If that's the case what's the point of an education and hardwork to get a good GPA.

Many employers simply don't call back.
It's everywhere.
There's no excuse for that, either.
As a former staffing firm owner, I can say we DID call everyone back. We felt customer service covered BOTH sides - the applicants and the clients. Some think that way; many others don't.

I have no doubt that it can lead to frustration.

However, as nothing on the horizon is going to change the behavior of people who don't follow up, I'd suggest moving forward knowing it's just a part of "reality." It's not pleasant, but it's going to happen.

Some employers may think an MBA can drive a salary up; however, degree alone is usually not the issue if someone is a truly qualified candidate.

I can speak from placement experience there as well. People look at the skills first and then the education that provided such. If someone has experience, that usually matters most.

Thanks for responding. The positions I apply for are those that I have experience(10years) in not anything to do with my education other than the job stating you need a BA etc. It just seems that instead of helping it hurts.I'm not expecting to make a lot of money in the beginning. I do feel i'm worth more than $10-13 an hour based on experience alone. However, I do believe at some point my hardwork will pay off.

Nala in Merrillville, Indiana said: My resume, skills, and experience are all fine.

But that is a part of the problem. You THINK that your resume, skills and experience is fine but they weren't, or at least they weren't as good as the persons who got the call and not nearly as good as the person who got the job.

Your thinking is incorrect. You think that you are fine and wonder why no call, when in fact the reality is that not getting the call is your proof that you were not good enough.

Some people have enormous amounts of skills. It would scare you to find out, most likely. There is a person on these forums who is not exactly a friend of mine but his skills set is amazing. He once taught flying lessons, was an announcer on radio and is now a paralegal. I met a fellow from Germany once who was working as a common laborer but he had an engineering degree. Another person I knew was an auto mechanic but he had been most of the way through medical school before he decided he'd just rather work on race cars than on biological systems.

I have worked as an aircraft mechanic, an electronics bench technician, a tailor, a studio artist, an IT expert, a furniture builder, a plumber, a sheet-rock finisher, a wood carver, a residential electrician, and a CEO of three companies and I can still do any of those jobs just as well as ever. How many people do you know who can offer that range of skill sets?

What are you upset about. You type as if you know me. If I can fight for this country to protect you and the land you live on then I'm pretty sure that finding out someone else have more or better skills will NOT scarry me. I'm done here.

Nala in Merrillville, Indiana said: What are you upset about. You type as if you know me. If I can fight for this country to protect you and the land you live on then I'm pretty sure that finding out someone else have more or better skills will NOT scarry me. I'm done here.

You are not the only one who was in the military. The reference to being frightened was meant I believe in the sense of whiners who think they should have gotten a call because of a mere 10 years experience. Some people who applied may have have 15, 20, even 30 years experience in your type of skills. If not getting a call causes you to think the agency did you wrong, you appear to be naive and probably would not be able to even converse with someone properly who knew ten times what you think you know (the person who got the job).

Now you show the same ineptitude by thinking someone is upset with you simply because they voiced their opinion. The world isn't all about you. Whiners always lose. Now you will take your ball from the playground and run home, eh?

As the original poster said, when will you take responsibility for your own failures and make your own way in the working world?

BTW, I have observed that there are so many people out there with an MBA degree that the education for it must have been quite useless. An MBA doesn't make you a master of business anymore than music lessons makes you a rock star.

Ok, me being me gotta respond. I am really done after this. You sound so rediculous. Maybe you need to go back and read from the beginning. It will help you make better sense of things.
you appear to be naive and probably would not be able to even converse with someone properly who knew ten times what you think you know (the person who got the job).

There you go again as if you know me. That's exactly what is wrong with this world. You are sooo out of pocket.

believe in the sense of whiners who think they should have gotten a call because of a mere 10 years experience

This is not even what I was referring to. I am getting call backs and interviews. If you look at the question, I ask what to do after that. I have had my resume reviewed by professionals and sat through many mock interviews for preparation. Again, I asked WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER THAT?
This meant, just incase in didn't get it, give some feedback as to what to change or improve. That was mainly for someone in the recruiting department. My question was answered already, so why do you speak. You have a blessed night.

Nala in Merrillville, Indiana said: You type as if you know me.

Now is that a classic Freudian slip or what? :)

And in Metter, Georgia said: BTW, I have observed that there are so many people out there with an MBA degree that the education for it must have been quite useless. An MBA doesn't make you a master of business anymore than music lessons makes you a rock star.

AGAIN, What are you talking about? I said, If feels like an MBA on my resume (especially for the position i'm applying for) hurts me instead of helping. I DIDN'T SAY IT MADE ME A MASTER OF BUSINESS. You need to go to sleep. You are sounding foolish.

Ho Ho! in Harlem, Georgia said: Now is that a classic Freudian slip or what? :)

Not at all, I hate assumption.

Nalla in ? said: You sound so rediculous.

Oh this is hilarious. What's more ridiculous than a person who can't even spell the word, calling another person ridiculous?

Nalla in ? said: That's exactly what is wrong with this world. You are sooo out of pocket.

And with that phraseology you are trying sooo hard to be kewl that you aren't.

Nalla in ? said: I asked WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER THAT?
This meant, just incase in didn't get it, give some feedback as to what to change or improve. That was mainly for someone in the recruiting department. My question was answered already, so why do you speak.

After that(?) you take responsibility for your failure to secure the position and don't expect that someone is going to solve your problem by telling you it must have been the way you were holding your ears or something. The topic is "Take responsibility for yourself." To basically ask "Well I have done everything right and it still didn't work so what should I do now" is exactly what the original poster was trying to say. It's whining. People like you should be responsible and not expect that there is any other answer for their failures than a personal failure of their own. You are a loser because you think you have done it right, defended the country, don't have to listen to any other opinions and can drop your little bombs of "You don't know me so you are stupid" and then trot off with your nose in the air like you hve been insulted that anyone else had an opinion.

Can't you see it? You think you are perfect and your question has been answered so there should be no further discussion.

Ho Ho! in Harlem, Georgia said: Oh this is hilarious. What's more ridiculous than a person who can't even spell the word, calling another person ridiculous?

And with that phraseology you are trying sooo hard to be kewl that you aren't.

After that(?) you take responsibility for your failure to secure the position and don't expect that someone is going to solve your problem by telling you it must have been the way you were holding your ears or something. The topic is "Take responsibility for yourself." To basically ask "Well I have done everything right and it still didn't work so what should I do now" is exactly what the original poster was trying to say. It's whining. People like you should be responsible and not expect that there is any other answer for their failures than a personal failure of their own. You are a loser because you think you have done it right, defended the country, don't have to listen to any other opinions and can drop your little bombs of "You don't know me so you are stupid" and then trot off with your nose in the air like you hve been insulted that anyone else had an opinion.

Can't you see it? You think you are perfect and your question has been answered so there should be no further discussion.

OH SHUT UP!! read you own mess, you obviously have a problem with spelling smaller words (it's have not hve)

Nala in Merrillville, Indiana said: You type as if you know me.

There is another mistake people commonly make, at least on the internet. Many think that they are hiding behind their PC screen and that they cannot be sussed out by what they write. I have read it many times. It is another example of the loser who says something and when others prove they are wrong, they just accuse them of assuming and say that nobody can understand them because they don't know them. That is silly. It is like being a child and thinking that if they cover their eyes no one can see them.

Actually the idea of "You don't know me" is a theme of a book by a children's author and many teens captured that idea as a way of displaying angst against their parents. Many are unable to go beyond that teen immaturity and really deal with the world as an adult. Your analogy of the child with its eyes hidden is quite accurate.

Hmm. To a first-time visitor I'm appalled at the tone on this forum.

To save myself from any flaming here I will say that I am gainfully employed, full-time for 30 years. Searching just keeps me alert as to what's going on out there.

When going on "exploratory interviews" I have found that I am often over-qualified in the eyes of the interviewer. Most times it's because my pay rate at my current job is higher than the industry standard for the same line of work. Most interviewers don't believe me when I say a cut in pay in exchange for some benefits isn't totally out of the picture. The only benefit I receive from my employer is 4 weeks of paid time off in addition to the UAW paid holidays. They add up to 6 weeks/year. Other than that, nothing. I buy my own health care.

I also want to add in defense of the veteran. I knit socks for the military and do receive pics of what they're enduring over there. Be careful when you start picking on our veterans as they are the reason we all have it so good here in the US.

You won't be seeing me here again. This site is too wicked for me and doesn't appear to be a help to anyone posting here.

Good luck in all of your job searches.

P.S.: I carefully proof-read to be sure spelling was correct.

Mah knees ur shakin in Stockbridge, Georgia said: And here we have the little soldier girl's lesbian partner to defend her honor I suppose?

I took a look at Susan's blog and I never felt so sorry for anyone in my life. She is a shutter bug and the pictures she takes are so depressing it is ridiculous. I never knew someone could lead such a drab life. Gives me the shivers.

I swear if these two women had them they'd be laying 'em out on the bar top here for measurements.

Um chuga chuga. I don't know but I've been told. Lesbo women are mighty bold.

All right! Let's get those panties out of a wad, soldier!

Cool it girl. Here comes sergeant Schutz and she's flowing heavy.

Stop it you're killing me! ROFLMAO!!!!

Where's the love?

Nalla in ? said: Ok, me being me gotta respond. I am really done after this. You sound so rediculous. Maybe you need to go back and read from the beginning. It will help you make better sense of things.
you appear to be naive and probably would not be able to even converse with someone properly who knew ten times what you think you know (the person who got the job).

There you go again as if you know me. That's exactly what is wrong with this world. You are sooo out of pocket.

believe in the sense of whiners who think they should have gotten a call because of a mere 10 years experience

This is not even what I was referring to. I am getting call backs and interviews. If you look at the question, I ask what to do after that. I have had my resume reviewed by professionals and sat through many mock interviews for preparation. Again, I asked WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER THAT?
This meant, just incase in didn't get it, give some feedback as to what to change or improve. That was mainly for someone in the recruiting department. My question was answered already, so why do you speak. You have a blessed night.

Hello...I wanted to reply to your question although I'm not certain you're going to see it but maybe it'll help somebody out there if not. I'm a recruiter and have been for just under 10yrs, I currently recruit for all Medical/Nursing positions and also do some Administrative but not a lot. I see a ton of resumes' and am constantly giving advice on how to improve them or just do it myself and email them a copy, usually an easier option! :) You said your resume' is fine though so what you should do is reflect on your interview skills; handshake, eye contact, posture, clothes, smile, attitude...it may be in something you're saying or doing. If you're getting your foot in the door it has to be something you're doing...just a thought. Good-luck!

Nalla in ? said: Ok, me being me gotta respond. I am really done after this. You sound so rediculous. Maybe you need to go back and read from the beginning. It will help you make better sense of things.
you appear to be naive and probably would not be able to even converse with someone properly who knew ten times what you think you know (the person who got the job).

There you go again as if you know me. That's exactly what is wrong with this world. You are sooo out of pocket.

believe in the sense of whiners who think they should have gotten a call because of a mere 10 years experience

This is not even what I was referring to. I am getting call backs and interviews. If you look at the question, I ask what to do after that. I have had my resume reviewed by professionals and sat through many mock interviews for preparation. Again, I asked WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER THAT?
This meant, just incase in didn't get it, give some feedback as to what to change or improve. That was mainly for someone in the recruiting department. My question was answered already, so why do you speak. You have a blessed night.

Oh...I just noticed I never actually answered your initial question which was, "what do I do after that?" referring to what to do after an interview. The ball is really out of your court at this point, go back to the old fashion values that nobody seems to apply anymore and send a thank you note to the person(s) you interviewed with stating how much you appreciated meeting them and that you're eagerly awaiting their decision...just don't be pushy or overly eager or desperate sounding, just keep it simple and sweat. When a candidate sends me notes thanking me for my interview or thanking me when I get them a job it means the world to me and it makes them stick out above the rest because nobody does that anymore. I stress to all my candidates that you HAVE TO STICK OUT, you have to be one step in front of all the other candidates, you WILL get the job

Milwaukee:
Perhaps you should proofread your little rant before you attack others on their grammar and spelling.
I honestly do not see the point of people being so nasty here. If people want to vent, then let them. Who cares if anyone spells something wrong here? Noone is going to get a job in here. This is an informal discussion. I am tired of people commenting on grammar and other such nonsense as if they are saying something so profound.

Toby89

I agree, thank you. I'm more of the quiet serious type and I can't be that way. In addition, I hate talking about myself (I can do this, that etc). I usually make it to the 3rd interview then that's it. I give a firm handshake, eye contact, etc. It's more than likely my personality. Some feel i'm unapproachable or intimidating. I'm really not but I guess that is the way it seems to those than don't really know me. Thanks again, I'm working on it.

Anonymous in Aiken, South Carolina said: Here is your answer.

You see, a person gives their point of view regarding all the whining on the forums (and you know it exists in great abundance if you have read for more than a week here) then another replies in a positive sense, then we have an idiot come waltzing in to tell us all to shut up. That invites the nastiness and such people deserve it.

A simple glance at a map will show you that the poster "Nala" linked in from Merrillville Indiana and that is in the Chicago area ("The Queen"). Clearly the same person. Then she talks about how she has a wonderful resume and is worth more money than has been offered. She ends with claiming to be a quiet serious type who cannot be nasty.

And hilariously enough, she says she makes it to the third interview and blows the job at that point? What does she do - make it to almost getting the job and then demands a lot more than she is worth and struts away thinking she has been intimidating by telling them to "stuff it" or something similar?

Sorry, I'm not the THE QUEEN. Maybe she will come and speak. Also, Merrillville, IN is not in the Chicago area it's Northwest Indiana. Please just stop responding if you are going to act silly.

George in Aiken, South Carolina said: Yes it is, only 30 miles from the loop and 45 miles from O'Hare - I call that in the area (especially for WWW routing). Plus there is this...

I suppose we are to believe that is not you either, eh? Perhaps it is your evil twin and you live in "?" right?

What is wrong with people on this thread. I said the second shut up not the first, go back and read. That came after all was said to me. The Queen isn't me, I don't have to lie. Don't worry, I won't be posting here anymore, this is crazy.

Perhaps you guys are forgetting the some other simple reasons why they won't call you and you have to be a go getter.

1. As someone with mgmt experience, also responsible for staffing my store I know I don't have time to call people for dropping off a resume/application, if I did call you thats because something really impressive stood out or you came in and talked to me personally, I'm not working an extra 2-3 hours a week to call people to thank them for applying when I'm already working 45-50 hrs a week. One guy came in with an attitude about not getting a call and I asked him 'whens the last time having an attitude got you a job?' He left in silence.

2. I'd say 3/4ths of the people I hired were people recommended to me by someone, a friend or employee. Simpler, easier, more personal and I felt it was easier to trust the person than someone off the street. Even if someone else had a better resume, if someone was recommended to me and a good interview they were usually in.

3. Hiring people off the street better have good references because companies shouldn't hire people without calling references.

I'm not very experienced and only in charge of having about 10 employees, but I have been on both sides, so my advice is have good references, good attitude and APPERANCE, its WHO YOU KNOW so network network network.

I clearly understand what you are saying and definetly appreciate the advice. It's just after gaining years of experience, working hard to complete college (with a family) and serving my country, a job isn't much to ask for if i'm qualified. Or is it? I'm in the process of networking but i'm not much of a talker, my flaw I guess. I think the whole who you know think can break a company. Many of the people I have known to get in, didn't even qualify. They had no experience, education, and no computer skills. Now, how do someone that is qualified get bumped for someone like that. Eventually the company suffers. Thanks again for the advice.

Charlie in Warrenville, South Carolina said: Liar! In other places you say that you were a co-owner. Which is it, Zeke? Did ya own the friggin place or not?

As for excuse, there is no way in hell companies are going to have the time to call everyone back unless they are some small fly-by-night outfit like the one you helped run.

You are a guide, hun? The blind leading the blind.

I wish had your expertise, son. Then I'd truly feel like I knew everything and would make certain everyone knew it. Certainly, I'd using enjoy the style in which you manage to constructively criticize in such a reserved fashion. If we only knew what you knew, we'd truly walk proud and tall with a purposeful and diligently boastful strut and shout "I know all and ye do not!"

Son, I have focused on how to help people. That's all I've tried to do. Seems to bother you for some reason. My guess is that you just aren't satisfied until someone else isn't, and you bravely show such in the comfortable anonymity of job related forums.

I try at least to focus on something positive and you just like to get your digs in. Clearly, the lack of confidence and ability isn't an issue for me. Take a bow, Charlie. You may yet drive me away from these forums.

Sad part is that at least ONE of us came in trying to provide something helpful and he's the one writing this note.

Charlie in Tignall, Georgia said: QUOTE who="Job Search Dolphin in Tampa, Florida"]
That is exactly my intent. You are nothing but a sleazy used car salesman personality, not here to help but here to advertise your own private business and you have convinced Indeed to assist you against every other placement agency person who posts here.

Let me ask you.. why can't you post ads in the job search portion of this website like all the other agencies who pay Indeed the fee? Why are you given special consideration? There are people who post helpful information on these forums who have tons more experience and at far higher levels than your employment experience.

You are dishonest in the extreme as you go and get my opinions erased while you are able to continue to tout your private business. It is a clear case of conflict of interest for you to be designated as an official guide in these forums.

It was suggested that I ignore you and I am happy to do such.
But, for the record, I have NO services to sell (I've never mentioned selling or fees or rates or charges.) With some experience in areas that are relevant to some who post on this board, I try and offer helpful advice. People are free to follow it or not.
I've done such for free in numerous other venues. Charlie, unlike you, I like to help where I can.

It's my pleasure to bring up your inaccurate, abusive, attacks to the attention of those who run this board. You have earned such.

In my case, you initiated the vitriol. Sadly, I am not the only target, nor the first where you have done so.

You so frequently write about personal responsibility. I believe you need to take responsibility for the anger, insults and inappropriate comments you direct at many on these forums.

I'll post on forums.
Just not in "conversation" with you.

Good night and good luck.

Hello,
Thank you so much for the input, I was with an employer for 11 years only to get the shaft for doing my job. Seems that economics overcom quality and customer satisfaction. Penny wise and dollar stupid. Call me a fool for training my replacement. Anyway the past 5 months have been a rude and rough awaikining. Thaoug loaded with skills as you are, it seems that if you dont have the paperwork to place a hat on your head and juggle at he same time it seems that most employers just pass. I have noticed the 2 major job data bases are loaded with temp jobs that dont pay. I have read through the fime print an made many custom taylored resumes. I am heading back to a job that I left 20 years ago with a love -hate relationship. It is what I can do and it is calling. I will however use my past life experience never to be looking from the outside again. Thank you for your article. Let the leaders lead.

Funny thing, isn't the Manpower corporate office in Milwaukee? Oh, yup, it sure is. Imagine that. I'm surprised that no one else pointed that out yet.

I love how the OP talks about grammar errors and then doesn't proof-read his own post, or at least notice his mistakes. I also love the incomplete fourth sentence.

I noticed a comment about smoking and wanted to reply specifically to that.

Any one person has the right to smoke, just as any one person has the right to walk on a paved road. As long as no laws are broken, then you shouldn't really care--especially if it IS NOT against company policy.

And what about those who wear perfume or cologne so strongly that you can smell them a mile away? I don't see you whining about that.