Why can't I get interviews?

Al B. Sure! · June 18, 2012, 16:06

"After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that you have not been selected for this position."

All I ever get. What careful consideration? I never even get phone interviews. They dismiss my resume alone.

I even had a job guaranteed. My friend works at a hotel and they had an opening for a bellhop. Before the position was officially open (posted online; it was posted the next day specifically for me to apply to because the company requires online applications; more on this later), I spoke to his manager and we got the ball rolling. I interviewed with HR. It was all an obvious formality since they were going to hire me and even said as much. They said they trusted my friend implicitly and since he suggested me, I'm in. But my friend said his manager would ask him questions like "Why is he applying to be a part-time bellman?" and "Is he going to quit in five minutes?"; he obviously gave answers that would keep them interested. They actually pay close to what I was making at Wells Fargo, anyway, so it's really not bad. However, it's been 3 weeks and counting and they still haven't called me for my first day of work. Now I'm understanding why places like Rite Aid and Staples reject me without even speaking to me. If a job I had an 'in' with plays around, of course other jobs won't even consider an interview.

I applied to Comcast, also mentioning on the application I was referred by another friend who told me they were in a hiring frenzy. Nope. A dollar store chain, also told by a friend that my experience (which exceeded his) would guarantee my hiring if I applied. Nope. Applied to BNY Mellon where that former dollar store employee currently works and he also said they have a ton of openings, nope.

Partially I blame the online-only nature of job applications now. I wish I could just go in with a resume and a suit and speak to the manager or HR and they be receptive. I've done it but I always get the 'We only accept resumes online'. At the very least, it would show I mean business.

But clearly the bulk of the blame is on me. But why? They reject me based on only two things: my resume and cover-letter.

Here's my resume:

Spoiler:

Here's the cover-letter to the BNY Mellon position:

Spoiler:

Help me out. What big mistake am I making?

Thanks

gribbler · June 18, 2012, 16:20

I think they're assuming you will quit in three or four months because you keep quitting or getting fired in that amount of time. Not to mention that with a college degree you're overqualified for the jobs you apply for. They don't want to waste money training you when they can just hire someone else. I guess you could try promising you intend to stay on the job long term in your cover letter.

Maybe find a friend who can recommend you for a job that actually wants someone with a college degree.

Al B. Sure! · June 18, 2012, 16:26

Originally Posted by gribbler

I think they're assuming you will quit in three or four months because you keep quitting or getting fired in that amount of time. Not to mention that with a college degree you're overqualified for the jobs you apply for. They don't want to waste money training you when they can just hire someone else. I guess you could try promising you intend to stay on the job long term in your cover letter.

The BNY Mellon job required a bachelor's in a business field but no other experience. It's entry-level for a college grad.

And I don't keep staying at a job short-term. If they're really looking that attentively at my resume, they would see I worked for two companies for 3+ years each.

Elok · June 18, 2012, 16:34

It's a crummy economy and you're living in an urban area with lots and lots of unemployed people. I wouldn't trust any "guarantees" for anything.

C0ckney · June 18, 2012, 16:38

if i were hiring people to be bellhops or work in a dollar store, i would think that you were overqualified and that you would leave the second you found something better.

Al B. Sure! · June 18, 2012, 16:42

Originally Posted by C0ckney

if i were hiring people to be bellhops or work in a dollar store, i would think that you were overqualified and that you would leave the second you found something better.

I actually did hiring for similar positions and the turnover is crazy (in fact, my friend says the turnover at the hotel is ridiculous) but there's also an abundance of people looking for work. You need someone? Go through the application stack or just ask an employee if they know anyone. The cost of hiring is also very small in such jobs.

So that means even if I were to quit quickly, it's really no skin off their back (maybe they think it is, but it's not), and it would not be atypical for the position.

C0ckney · June 18, 2012, 16:45

sure, but even so, if i were that position i would still hire someone who has a greater chance of sticking around for while, as opposed to someone who is obviously overqualified.

Al B. Sure! · June 18, 2012, 16:46

Originally Posted by C0ckney

sure, but even so, if i were that position i would still hire someone who has a greater chance of sticking around for while, as opposed to someone who is obviously overqualified.

So I'm overqualified for half the jobs and underqualified for the rest? What gives with the banking jobs? Wells Fargo gave me an interview (maybe partially because I used to work for Wachovia) but the other banks didn't interview me to be a teller. So Wells Fargo thought I was qualified to be a teller, but no other bank does. What gives?

Zoetstofzoetje · June 18, 2012, 16:47

1. why you are interested in the position
2. how your skills and experience match that position specifically
3. demonstrate desire to contribute to company and career therein

sending f*ck-you letters to previous employers (life is about more than burgers yo!) does not help. the place you apply to now is going to call those previous employers.

your CV shouts 'underperformer' btw.

Al B. Sure! · June 18, 2012, 16:50

Originally Posted by Zoetstofzoetje

1. why you are interested in the position
2. how your skills and experience match that position specifically
3. demonstrate desire to contribute to company and career therein

sending f*ck-you letters to previous employers (life is about more than burgers yo!) does not help. the place you apply to now is going to call those previous employers.

your CV shouts 'underperformer' btw.

No. They don't call them. Do you know how HR managers are? They're too lazy to call previous employers even if they have the phone number readily available. And guess what? I don't supply those phone numbers on apps so I know they're not looking in phone books. They're not doing that much work. There's no calling of the one job I left on bad terms with (a job I worked at for nearly 4 years!) going on.

How am I an 'underperformer' when I got promoted in every job and received commendations?

Everywhere but Sodexo, I was constantly praised. I honestly thought me cursing at Wells Fargo wasn't even going to be an issue because I was the top performer. My first day, my manager switched me to full-time.

If I'm an underperformer because of my degree, well that's the problem I'm trying to solve here by getting a job!

Elok · June 18, 2012, 17:00

Originally Posted by Al B. Sure!

So I'm overqualified for half the jobs and underqualified for the rest?

They screw you coming AND going. Just be glad you're not me; I have no job skills whatever except some time at the Census doing office work. And that was two years ago...

gribbler · June 18, 2012, 17:02

Originally Posted by Al B. Sure!

And I don't keep staying at a job short-term. If they're really looking that attentively at my resume, they would see I worked for two companies for 3+ years each.

Well yippee, I doubt that will do you much good if the other applicants aren't people who quit in a few months for half the jobs they get.

C0ckney · June 18, 2012, 17:02

elok, why did you go back to the states? was teaching in peru not working out for you?

MRT144 · June 18, 2012, 17:02

Originally Posted by Elok

It's a crummy economy and you're living in an urban area with lots and lots of unemployed people. I wouldn't trust any "guarantees" for anything.

Exactly. My wife has been applying for several jobs in the hotel industry and there are 200+ applicants.

C0ckney · June 18, 2012, 17:07

Originally Posted by Al B. Sure!

So I'm overqualified for half the jobs and underqualified for the rest?

yes, that pretty much sums it up unfortunately.

What gives with the banking jobs? Wells Fargo gave me an interview (maybe partially because I used to work for Wachovia) but the other banks didn't interview me to be a teller. So Wells Fargo thought I was qualified to be a teller, but no other bank does. What gives?

no idea. perhaps they had a lot of similar candidates and you got lucky with one and not with some others.

Elok · June 18, 2012, 17:16

Originally Posted by C0ckney

elok, why did you go back to the states? was teaching in peru not working out for you?

There were a lot of reasons; that was one of them. I probably could have pulled it off if I'd really thrown myself into it--but we were totally isolated there, trying to raise a cranky kid by ourselves, and the profession is hardly stable. You're always hustling for more classes as they evaporate under you due to clients' budgets or students dropping out.

C0ckney · June 18, 2012, 17:40

Originally Posted by Elok

There were a lot of reasons; that was one of them. I probably could have pulled it off if I'd really thrown myself into it--but we were totally isolated there, trying to raise a cranky kid by ourselves, and the profession is hardly stable. You're always hustling for more classes as they evaporate under you due to clients' budgets or students dropping out.

yeah the instability is not ideal, especially when you've got others to think about.

do you mean isolated from family and friends, or finding it difficult to make new ones?

Ben Kenobi · June 18, 2012, 18:12

Probably both I'd imagine. It's tough starting things up somewhere where you are not from.

Albert, I got my job that I have now teaching through a combination of luck, and having great references. They called up one of my former bosses, who said that I would be an excellent fit for them and their organization.

I got my second job, showed up survived the hiring process, and went from there. The first job is about square up with my qualification and the second, I was overqualified. But, once I got my foot in the door, I did around double quota so I've been on with them ever since.

I would recommend getting out of Philly if you can. That's probably the single biggest factor.

DaShi · June 18, 2012, 18:47

Originally Posted by Elok

There were a lot of reasons; that was one of them. I probably could have pulled it off if I'd really thrown myself into it--but we were totally isolated there, trying to raise a cranky kid by ourselves, and the profession is hardly stable. You're always hustling for more classes as they evaporate under you due to clients' budgets or students dropping out.

How about China? I have a friend who was an art major and is now making $100k+ in Shanghai working for a delivery company. He started as an English teacher, worked his ass off, made connections, and landed a good job. Plus, his Chinese is worse than mine. It doesn't have to be China, but I'm just saying that it can be done. That or get into porn. Lot's of money in porn.

Elok · June 18, 2012, 18:49

Originally Posted by C0ckney

yeah the instability is not ideal, especially when you've got others to think about.

do you mean isolated from family and friends, or finding it difficult to make new ones?

Both, really. There's an expat community in Lima, but they tend to live very different lives, and have different priorities, from Shelok and I.

gribbler · June 18, 2012, 19:07

Originally Posted by DaShi

That or get into porn. Lot's of money in porn.

Not really, now that people can get it for free.

DriXnaK · June 18, 2012, 19:25

You're not going to find a job right now, especially where you're living at. I would still not have a job if I hadn't gone into programming. If you really want a job, vote Obama out of office before he decides to drown us all in another "stimulus." I would also suggest you get the hell out of Philly. Otherwise, you need to start looking at either dumbing down your resume, or adding skills to your resume that aren't a dime a dozen. My marketing degree and your finance degree would both be considered dime a dozen. Also, given your fast food background and the fact that you have a degree, you could try working your way up in McDonalds or something. My brother is doing that and there is a ton of money to be made. Lots of work, but they reward those who endure it and are ambitious extremely well.

Actually this would be a good path for you. Even if you don't plan to stay with McDonalds, the fact that you worked there a few years and worked your way up in management makes you pretty much golden. They are well known and respected in business for the training they give their managers.

DaShi · June 18, 2012, 20:09

Originally Posted by gribbler

Not really, now that people can get it for free.

Well, there's still lot's of money in porn in Asia. Oddly, the only seedy part is dealing with the Chinese distributors.

DaShi · June 18, 2012, 20:12

Yes, get out of Philly, Alpert. You've burned too many bridges there. Try Connecticut. I'm sure KH will let you stay in his guest house until you get your feet on the ground.

flash9286 · June 18, 2012, 21:36

Your cover letter sucks, it doesn't show you are interested in the position at all, it is just a form cover letter filled in with applicable job information. It shows you are lazy. Your cover letter needs to be longer and tailored to each employer, each cover letter needs to tell the relevant employer why you specifically want to work there, why you specifically are better than the other 200 job applicants, and why you want to work there for the long term. Also, if possible, you should follow up every two weeks.

Al B. Sure! · June 18, 2012, 21:39

Originally Posted by flash9286

Your cover letter sucks, it doesn't show you are interested in the position at all, it is just a form cover letter filled in with applicable job information. It shows you are lazy. Your cover letter needs to be longer and tailored to each employer, each cover letter needs to tell the relevant employer why you specifically want to work there, why you specifically are better than the other 200 job applicants, and why you want to work there for the long term. Also, if possible, you should follow up every two weeks.

Funny cause I wrote that from scratch just for this position

But yeah it does look like I could madlib the company name and the position and it would work the same.

But what else can I put in it? Honestly, I don't even know what the job is. There was no real job description and searching the job title 'FAA NAV Ops Inv Acct' came up with nothing as to what the job is.

And I have no specific reason to work at BNY Mellon over any other bank. I can't even think of something to make up. All the banks are so generic now-a-days; there's no identity with all the mergers.

flash9286 · June 18, 2012, 21:47

Lie, it is what I did when applying for jobs. Do research on company, see what makes them different from their competitors.

DaShi · June 18, 2012, 21:49

Fixed your cover letter. Flash is right that it needs more padding, but this is start:

Dear Ballers,

I am an accounting wizard with a side of investing genius, dope! I'm looking to totally ride your entry-level ass...et. Consider your accounting serviced when I get in the position. As a graduate of Temple University, I know how to take it...from both sides, boyz! Both a manager and ***** be, yo!. I put up with several years of that **** and am now looking for some totally BNY putang, if you know what I mean. I can **** your **** for every angle and you won't even know I was there. I'll put the entry in entry-level and you'll be thanking me in the morning for it. Not only have I serviced many customers, I'm a professional dope machine, bro. I deliver it, I smoke it. Every time! So slap my white ass on the BNY brand and watch in rain all up in here.

Holler if you're hot,

Al P!

C0ckney · June 18, 2012, 22:01

Originally Posted by Elok

Both, really. There's an expat community in Lima, but they tend to live very different lives, and have different priorities, from Shelok and I.

i found the same thing here in rio with the expat community. it's also very temporary. you meet someone, really hit it off and a few months pass and they're gone, your relationship reduced to ever more perfunctory facebook messages and e-mails. my advice (if you were still there that is) would be to invest the time and effort in making local friends and especially the kind who don't go out of their way to befriend foreigners. of course then you come across the minefield that is the unwritten rules of social engagement which of course are different from back home, but ultimately it's worth the effort.