Unemployed and Depressed :(

Thenarrator on 10/02/2015 - 12:29
Last edited 13/02/2015 - 13:52 by 1 other user

Graduated with civil engineering/commerce, first class honours, 80+ mark, loads of extra curricular, 1 year related work experience.

I dont have a graduate role lined up and feeling depressed lately because I used to be hired by university as a tutor and even my students have grad jobs lined up with some of the tier 1 engineering companies. And some of my friends who have less experience, definitely not 80+ mark got into tier 1 construction firms. I've been saying to myself that it must've all been luck, but after multiple rejections, I think otherwise. I mean success in life is all relative. Those who used to be behind me are now ahead. I just feel depressed at that.

Anyway, all is not bad. so I had 2 interviews with this small boutique construction firm who during the interview verbally said they'll accept me. They said they'll send me employment details to my email next week (which is now 2 weeks ago and still nothing :(… ).

since then, I left him voice mails and sent him emails of which he responded "he was interstate and didnt see emails and hes back now and will call tomorrow (which was last friday.. he didnt call)". I was happy but now its tuesday, I feel my chances are slipping. Its so unprofessional. I left him another voice mail + email yesterday. he havent responded. Its now at a point i dont even feel like working for them because they seem so unprofessional. Should I even bother calling him again? Would calling him so many times make me seem desperate?

sigh…

EDIT: Hi, thanks all for the supporting messages, didnt think it'll end in hot discussions. I took the advice of many to actively seek instead of sitting around waiting. I've pretty much applied to all the relevant junior/graduate jobs on seek.com for the past few days as well as jobs advertised on google search. Can someone recommend other places to apply?

Also, some recommended to work for free. How should I go about doing this? big or small companies? (havent tried this before, so i got no idea)

These few weeks I've also thought about career change to finance or management consulting but I think its going to be tougher because I dont have any experience or knowledge in these 2 fields. Or maybe even start my own tutoring business.. so yea..just a thought

volunteer.com, bunnings, small companies on yellow page, walk in with cv, pm on linkedin

TLDR: Graduated, unemployed, got verbally accepted at an interview but they havent responded to any of my emails/calls. Should I call again? Will it seem desperate? :'(

Education & Work

Comments

  • rgr on 13/02/2015 - 21:24

    The graduates today are being let down by the system that worked well back 20-30 years ago.

  • SuperFred on 13/02/2015 - 21:58

    keep fighting, u will get there =)

  • [Deactivated] on 13/02/2015 - 22:14
    +1

    Hi mate - i'm late to the thread but I would recommend you to take a look internationally as well. Try Middle east, US programs as well.

    Also someone mentioned - post grad studies , that's a great option. Do post grad and start aligning yourself to teaching line. Start with TAFE and go to Uni lectures - it is a very safe field incase you can't find a job in the market.

    • Thenarrator on 13/02/2015 - 23:23

      Do you have experience with the teaching industry?

      • [Deactivated] on 13/02/2015 - 23:54

        I do not - but I'm finishing my post-grad in another 6 months time and sole intention is to somehow enter teaching as part time. Truth is I'm gonna grow old and won't be attractive to employers any more at some stage. I'm planning to take teaching jobs in my domain as well as can do very well in overseas schools. Do explore this option - I know one of my cousins couldn't score a good job despite very well studies in economics and now he's finishing up his Ph.d. which is a 101% job plus stipend and what not.

        Don't be depressed - start with every option you can think off. Nothing is off the table - take part time jobs at Bunnings/etc… to keep your mind occupied but keep your focus on long term goals of job or teaching or further studies etc…. and again don't hesitate to migrate if you have to.

  • maybeamacy on 13/02/2015 - 23:44

    I know someone who graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree 3 years ago and still hasn't found work - I'd imagine you'd have better chances with Civil compared with Chemical. Good luck OP!

    • [Deactivated] on 13/02/2015 - 23:57

      Exactly ! My brother in law graduated & post-grad as Chem as well but couldn't even score a decent interview. He is now doing water treatment plants overseas etc… He always regrets that he should've done Civil or electrical

  • DrStinge on 14/02/2015 - 10:30
    +1

    Good luck to you. My only piece of advice is if someone else's corporation doesn't work for you, make your own.

    You've got the brains to research things and if so engineer something yourself and try and sell it.

  • captobvious on 14/02/2015 - 11:40
    +1

    I've got an interesting story about my adventures whilst unable to find a job after uni. I decided to just go travelling around the world doing odd jobs. Worked at pubs, events etc. hell I even joined a smuggling ring to make some cash after I got mugged in africa. Did a whole bunch of stuff. The main thing I realised afterwards is the life experience you can convey in interviews can help you considerably. I didn't have this prior and I think this made all the difference and my confidence also improved being exposed to different situations.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2015 - 23:23

    Not to be a Dick, but just by from your writing, it sounds like English isn't your first language, could be why, they might want someone native.

  • HmrW on 14/02/2015 - 23:58
    +1

    OP stay strong, I normally do not leave a comment/reply in ozbargain forum but I can relate to how you feel right now.
    Take those advise from others which mentioned take any job to get things by, even if that might be working in a cafe washing the dishes or stacking boxes.

    It took me 3 years exactly to secure myself a graduate intake job in the field that I want after my graduation, however when I look back I never regret the experience that I have got after working in various industry.

    For you OP I hope it won't take that long, but stay strong and be positive.

    Just a tip here, I remember when I was looking for jobs I was active in an online forum where I got the chance to meet some nice people who work as hiring manager/ or even a company manager. I did ask them to see if they could help me fixing my resume and cover letter in which they agree and that has helped me score some interview. Perhaps you can do the same ?

    You will get there don't worry :)

  • JudasX on 15/02/2015 - 06:15

    Things can be hard sometimes, don't give up.

    In early last year, I was in a similar situation. I kept a spreadsheet of all the jobs I applied for. I can therefore tell you with certainty that I applied for 44 jobs and interviewed unsuccessfully 3 times, before getting my first job offer.

    If you think you're a good candidate with your grades, tutoring, and work experience, consider this: I was 27, with 4 university degrees (B.Bus, B.Econ(Hons), B.Maths, M.Econ), with almost straight High Distinctions throughout those last three degree programs (straight HDs in B.Econ excepting a D for one subject and for my thesis; straight HDs in the B.Maths, excepting a D for one subject; straight HDs for the M.Econ). I also had close to 4 years work experience, which included international experience and a cross between private and public sectors; plus a large raft of top-notch extracurriculars and leadership activities.

    Still.. 41 of those first 44 job applications didn't even translate into an interview.

    You might think.. "Hey, maybe this guy just didn't know how to write a good resume". The three places that did interview me included BCG and Bain (tier 1 strategy consulting firms) - places known for throwing out resumes that are too long, or which have mistakes.

    So.. returning to my first statement: Don't give up!

    • Domingo on 15/02/2015 - 23:10
      +1

      You're probably overqualified in the eyes of most places. I know when I've reviewed resumes and seen ones listing PhDs or other extensive academics I find myself asking "are they going to get bored really quickly and want to do something else?"

      It's a real consideration - you don't want to hire someone who isn't going to stick around for long because they're too smart.

  • JudasX on 15/02/2015 - 06:21
    +1

    By the way, Canterbury in New Zealand currently has a construction/building boom (following earthquake destruction in 2010 and 2011). They have been advertising skills shortages in construction/building/engineering for the last couple years and have had job fairs in Australia, trying to recruit people.

    If you are an Australian citizen, then you get automatic PR when you move to NZ. If you aren't, there are currently some fast-track options for getting a NZ visa if employers in Canterbury cannot find locals to fill their jobs.

    See here for more details: http://www.opportunitycanterbury.org.nz/

  • richox on 15/02/2015 - 21:18
    +11

    Hey OP, I am an engineer (mechanical) and have hired many grads, vaccies and professionals in the last five years. I would've given well over 100 interviews in same period. I currently work in the mining industry.

    I'll echo a couple of comments repeatedly made here - your CV gets you an interview, your interview gets you a job. First and final rule. The next thing - in your chosen field of engineering (in anything other than a job in a lab) social skills are required at 70%, work-related skills are at 30% (max) or some other similar ratio.

    So how do you get good at something? Practice, of course. So find some people - hopefully professionals in a related field with hiring manager experience and a HR person, and ask to do mock interviews. Practice practice practice. ask them to be harsh on you, and ask them to be brutally honest afterwards with how you went. I find mock interviews are the best way to practice for the real thing, and remember you don't get a second chance with an interview typically, so practice honing your skills outside of the real deal :)

    Also the whole discrimination thing, totally alive and real. I can tell from a few quirks of your writing you may be ESL / non-local heritage. Probably asian background? No big deal for me, but big deal for lots of other people. Think about ways to manage that perception. Anglicizing your name can help a lot. ask any older immigrant from Europe what they think of how little things like that helped their integration in biggoted Australian culture in the few decades before 2000.

    In the spirit of giving, I'm happy to do some trial interview practice over the phone with you if you are up for it. I can be a total bastard interviewer and I'll put you through the wringer and if you can survive that, you'll be better off next time :) PM me if you want.

    • chillybags on 16/03/2015 - 23:56

      Im studying mining engineering (3rd year), and also trying to get my foot in the door. Do you reckon there is much point sending out emails and resumes about vac work around now and try get ahead of the game? Or is there not much point getting onto it until the companies release their application processes around july/august?

  • Circly on 22/02/2015 - 01:55

    In my case experience didn't even matter. I was offered a graduate position with the government and I only had 2 weeks work experience! I just interviewed really well and showed them that I really wanted to work there.

  • Thenarrator on 26/02/2015 - 23:20
    +3
    Merged from Unemployed and Depressed :( [PART 2]

    Hi guys,

    Following from the first post: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/182375 , I just wanted to post an update and thank you guys! I'm pretty excited now because after taking some of you guy's advice, I've recently landed a job at a tier 1 construction firm Leightons.

    That month of unemployment was miserable for me because I was seeing all my friends steadily climbing that corporate ladder but I actually learnt a lot during that period especially about career paths/options, something I would have never approached to learn if I hadn't been desperate enough. Anyway, if anyone else is in the situation I was a few weeks ago, I just like to share with you what I went through to get to this position.

    The first thing I did was to change my resume 180 degrees around. i.e. I changed it to mainly achievement based with numerical back up. This article sums it up: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonyoushaei/2014/08/27/resumes/. Each achievement has its own little story to be told so you have MANY stories to tell.

    I took advice from ozbargain and I applied for Bunnings (among other ones) just for some quick, once off cash. Stocktake was good, they take about 100 people at a time.

    I called up recruitment agencies every time before I applied for a job I see fit to make sure 1) I was qualified for it and 2) just to put my foot in the door to intro myself to the recruiter

    I added people on linkedin to expand my network and I was desperate enough to ask a random connection for a job. He never replied though so this method might not be so promising.

    Finally, I looked at other career options such as trading. This guy, Anton Kriel is like in his high 20s and hes already a millionaire from trading (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6ciY8u04Kk). Kinda inspiring.

    And also I read about different career options. Working for a company is just one aspect, I'm planning to start one in future. one ozbargainer introed me to the 'good dad, poor dad' book. It widened up my views. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzH2wzg03c8)

    Anyway, thanks again.. Hope it helps and thank you all for your help

    • twodollah on 26/02/2015 - 23:34
      +2

      Congratulations! I'm glad you've secured a job - at a Tier 1 no less! One bit of advice as a fresh grad: be motivated, ask lots of questions(no question is too dumb!) and show your senior engineers that you're keen to learn!

      I do a bit of work with Leighton, I might see you on site sometime :)

      Well done!

    • [Deactivated] on 27/02/2015 - 01:41

      Congratulations!!
      Next step is impressing your bosses during the probation period. I know they like to see staff not just do what is required, but exceed! oh, and in my job, staying back late in the office when not asked is not a sign of working hard.

    • halfaznpersuasion on 30/06/2015 - 12:14
      +1

      good job mate! i replied to your post in the past. Currently I'm unemployed and looking (even with experience it's tough!). I've gone to the point I may turn to centrelink. It would be nice to start up a fresh company

      • Thenarrator on 01/07/2015 - 20:23

        I thought about starting one.. but…

  • shortgum on 30/06/2015 - 16:59
    +2

    Unemployed, don't depress. it just how it is now…

    http://www.smh.com.au/comment/universities-need-to-take-resp…

    Yes, sadly Uni education is like a mega money powerball

  • DeafMutePretender on 04/07/2015 - 00:36

    In the past, employers would throw away any resume that doesn't have a university degree. Now that everyone has a university degree, what will be the new standard (from the point of view of recruiters/employers) in the future? "You don't have 5 years work experience straight out of uni? Into the trash it goes!"

  • valour on 04/07/2015 - 00:51

    2 year IT course. You will be picked up half way through it, and finish the course by distance. At least that is the experience of many of my friends. With an 80+ mark in engineering you will relish these courses. And they will pay better. Good luck.

  • SlickMick on 04/07/2015 - 10:48

    I've just witnessed in the company I work for, there is a competitive market for experienced people (I'm in IT). Our company will make a counter offer if somebody tries to resign, and a bidding war starts. We've had people likewise change their mind after accepting a position, and we've had to try to renegotiate.

    Back in the day, employers would take on graduates to contribute to the market. Every employer has an obligation to do so. If you hire 5 programmers, then over time you should train at least 5 programmers, otherwise you're a leech on society.
    It seems most companies these days are selfish leeches.

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