Feeling unlucky [job hunting]

newbiesh on 23/11/2015 - 13:41
Last edited 25/11/2015 - 16:05

hi
im a recent grad with good grades and fair experience.
currently looking for a job, the problem with me is, i do get to the interviews stage but get rejected afterwards.
I've been to almost 10 interviews and no luck to secure a job, not sure what am doing wrong…
I asked for feedback from my last interviewee and been told i presented myself well, i was confident etc etc etc
but still didn't offer me the job..
now i feel kind of unmotivated and negative towards any possible future interviews…
I've been told getting the interviews is actually the hard part and passing it is pretty but not in my case…
any advice?

edit: i don't have an accent nor disability and have the rights to work.

Education & Work

Comments

        • DeafMutePretender on 24/11/2015 - 23:10

          Plastic surgery: You can't change your race, but you can change your face!

        • zealmax on 24/11/2015 - 23:15
          +3

          @DeafMutePretender: … I looked in the mirror, and realised I am too pretty for them to comprehend.

  • Deuce on 24/11/2015 - 21:03
    +3

    I've been to almost 10 interviews and no luck still securing a job

    Hang in there, I know for engineering it is really hard to find a job. I know from personal experience. My brother has spent 2 years looking for any job/ internship for engineering. It was only recently he was able to find a job. For me it took me 8 months to find my job and I was lucky to get the position based on my previous experience with the program.

  • CoreJava on 24/11/2015 - 21:29

    My advice, change industry. Engineering in Australia is very small.

    • Clear on 24/11/2015 - 23:49

      You'd be surprised actually. There are a lot of engineers in a lot of different fields all over Australia.

      • sd4f on 25/11/2015 - 11:52
        +1

        Most engineers don't work in engineering. It's that simple. The largest sector employing engineers is the finance sector (i.e. banks and business services). Every engineers careers fair I went to at uni, you would definitely have HR departments of the big 4 banks, then pwc, deloittes, ernst and young there as well.

        • Clear on 25/11/2015 - 11:58

          Depends on where you live and the field of engineering. My workplace has a large number of qualified engineers working in NSW, VIC and SA. There are also a large number of civil and structural engineers maintaining all of the bridges and other infastructure in my home state.

        • sd4f on 25/11/2015 - 12:01

          @Clear: I only got it from sydney uni career statistics. While, yes there are many engineering positions around, it pales into significance when compared with the number of graduates that come out yearly, and the rate of job growth in these sectors.

          The whole STEM shortage is nothing more than a straight out lie. Go onto the various uni graduate statistics, and you'll quickly find that science is the new arts degree, with the worst job prospects of any other degree. When I delved deeper, I can see why engineering still has decent employment rates, and it's simply because most engineering graduates don't get jobs as engineers.

        • Clear on 25/11/2015 - 12:09

          @sd4f: Sydney statistics would be why. A large city is going to have very different results to a smaller state or city.

  • GameChanger on 24/11/2015 - 21:43
    +1

    Whilst there is good advice in here, every employer is different. There is no golden rules that will land you a job, unless you can straight away make money for them.

    The factors that determine if you win the position at graduate level are (1) Personality (2) Looks (3) Answers to their questions, you have no control over any of these.

    How long have you been looking?

  • BartholemewH on 24/11/2015 - 22:45
    +1

    It's all about who you know, not what you know.

    • GameChanger on 25/11/2015 - 00:05
      +1

      People don't like to hear this but it's the truth. As long as you have a good work ethic and attitude most jobs don't require genius level.

  • keishton on 24/11/2015 - 23:17
    +7

    yea engineering is terrible. it seems they want fresh graduates with 5 years experience and three PhDs

    • [Deactivated] on 24/11/2015 - 23:26
      -1

      https://www.instagram.com/p/-J9veWjuND/

    • sd4f on 25/11/2015 - 11:49
      +1

      You mean, I need to get more experience, before I can get experience?

      • scrimshaw on 25/11/2015 - 11:53
        +5

        Yes, according to our selection criteria, you should have gotten at least 8 years of experience at the age of 5.

        • ItsMeAgro on 25/11/2015 - 14:00

          Don't forget at least 10 years experience with React and Node.js

        • donkeydoc on 28/11/2015 - 10:21

          Well basically I've done 'work experience' to make my resume look less shit, and it was difficult finding someone to work for free for…

        • GameChanger on 28/11/2015 - 10:29

          @donkeydoc: Yeah that's the funny part, employers don't even want free people because it cost them 'hours'

    • scrimshaw on 25/11/2015 - 11:52

      And must also be good looking, white skin blue eyes Aryan with superior genetics.

      Also, Instant fit with selection criteria if they also agree to becoming a private contractor and are ok with not getting any sick leave or long service leave.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/11/2015 - 12:17

        Don't forget male.

        “I am a young, white, educated male. I got really, really lucky. And life isn’t fair."
        - Evan Spiegel

        http://www.businessinsider.com.au/life-of-snapchat-ceo-evan-…

        • donkeydoc on 28/11/2015 - 03:31
          +1

          You kidding? Females getting first choice in engineering these days.

        • Circly on 28/11/2015 - 10:07

          @donkeydoc:

          Yep. How does women getting 50% of the jobs work when only 20% of the class are women.

  • zealmax on 25/11/2015 - 00:21
    +1

    Sometimes it makes sense to lower your expectations, and go for a job that is not worthy(you feel not worthy) of your presence. This could become a catalyst towards your career.

  • aussieprepper on 25/11/2015 - 00:31

    It is not what you know it is who you know!

    • ItsMeAgro on 25/11/2015 - 14:03

      Yep, this is always the most useful advice.

      Be born into a family of rich people and spend lots of time socialising with your rich friends and relatives. You'll have no problem getting a job.

      If that fails, just be born really, really attractive.

    • donkeydoc on 28/11/2015 - 03:33

      Yeah pretty much, I've applied to 100s of graduate positions over the past 2 years but to no avail. Been offered 3 positions now through people I know, finally getting somewhere.

  • SLY JD on 25/11/2015 - 09:06

    You mentioned you had experience. How much and how relevant to the field you're applying for? Also what stream of engineering if you don't mind saying?
    Experience is the number one thing employees are looking for in engineering. This is what will get you your interview - and the interview will tell how much experience you've really had and if you are BSing or not.

    Don't be afraid to start with a smaller company before trying to get into the tier 1 mobs. The engineering industry is very much about getting your foot in the door, after that, it's much easier to move around.

  • King Bee on 25/11/2015 - 09:16
    +1

    Serious question - How's your handshake?

    First impressions are very important. Have a firm handshake but not too hard that it hurts. Look them directly in the eye and introduce yourself with a clear voice.

  • lost69 on 25/11/2015 - 09:50
    -1

    Because I'll find a visa that will work twice as hard as you for half the price. THANK YOU GLOBALIZATION!

    And you think you have it hard imagine locals going into hospitality - your favorite cafe is 95% backpackers that you can bet money on are getting no penalties or the correct award wage.

    • braddsey on 25/11/2015 - 19:33

      For local permanent employment in professional fields this arguement does not apply. Engineering / IT etc. have a budget for the role. They are looking to employ the best person for the role that will be with the company long term. They're not looking for the cheapest option.
      Employing foreign workers on visa's on low pay for professional roles doesn't work - these guys get experience and then go looking for the better paying opportunity once they have experience. This demotivated the existing team because it's the team that has to work through training up the next person brought in for the role.

  • Titus Afishes on 25/11/2015 - 10:17
    -1

    Just tell Gerry Harvey that you're a refugee … you've got the job!!!!!

  • Mechanist on 25/11/2015 - 10:43

    Any companies out there with Graduate Programs?

    • sd4f on 25/11/2015 - 11:47
      +3

      There are a few, but along with the hundreds of other applicants, unless you're in the top 5%, you might as well not bother, that is unless you just want some experience in the early application stages.

      • Mechanist on 25/11/2015 - 13:23
        +5

        I don't think its good advice to say don't bother. You should always bother, especially if you are looking for a job. Not trying you fail by default.

        • braddsey on 25/11/2015 - 19:08
          +1

          Many years ago I got my first job via a graduate program. I applied to every relevant graduate program that came up and got rejected (or even no response) by everyone - probably 20-30 programs. Finally I got accepted (and I was probably the bottom 5% out of my degree course). I had to move interstate for the position, but once you get the first position then you out have real industry experience and you no longer trading purely on a university certificate. If you don't try it's definitely not going to happen.

        • GameChanger on 25/11/2015 - 23:46

          Graduate programs are usually a very long process, with A LOT of luck.

          Whilst its true you don't need to be superb candidate, you do need mad chrisma to compensate for a average application.

          If you're white, good looking and can talk really well than its worth applying with average resume.

        • braddsey on 05/12/2015 - 07:57

          @GameChanger:
          white: check
          good looking: check
          mad charisma: check

          no wonder i got it.

          FYI - mad charisma goes a long way to getting any position, not just graduate placements. as sad as it is, average charisma and average resume don't amount to a lot of offers… fact of life.
          if you don't have the charisma, you can at least do things to help the resume.

  • BuyoTheCat on 25/11/2015 - 11:12
    +2

    Dont give up and do not give in to the feeling of despair.
    Keep at it mate. I do not have any advise on how to land a job. All I can say is, it can be easy to slide into a spiral.

    Do not give up, do not give in.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/11/2015 - 11:32
    +1

    My mate is a Surveyor and was made redundant at the start of the year (worked out in the mines). After almost a year of packing shelves at Woolworths, he finally got a surveying job yesterday, working for the city council.

    Hang in there mate. It'll happen.

  • heyjoe on 25/11/2015 - 11:33
    +8

    I have been in IT for a very long time, I have two sons, one has completed his studies in IT and the other has one year to go. The one that has finished some 6 months ago has applied for over 100 jobs and probably ever only got about 5 replies of being unsuccessful. The IT industry is decimated with all the off-shoring etc. I have even tried helping my son with contacts I have in my industry and nothing! The universities have no qualms taking students life savings hard earned money (and in some cases parents money) and promising the word of jobs. Actually I have seen the method of university teaching thru my sons first hand and its pathetic, they end up teaching themselves - you call this value for money? The government is constantly reminding students that the university fee's are being subsidized and that the true cost is significantly more that and that sooner rather than later this will be passed on to students!

    I sincerely feel for the young of today, however my advice please don't give up, you have to be innovative, think outside the box, constantly trying and prepared to go the extra mile, good luck!

    • PartyNextDoor on 25/11/2015 - 12:12
      +1

      Completely agree with you in regards to the quality of university education. It's all about making money these days. UQ had budget cuts this year and instead of reducing spending on the lavish things they have on campus to attract new students, they cut classes e.g. my partner only has eight tutorials instead of the usual 13 for some of her subjects.

    • Circly on 25/11/2015 - 23:48

      Yep. Students basically teach themselves the course these days.

      • tonyjzx on 26/11/2015 - 12:26

        Not having a go at 'heyjoe' but thats typical of australian further education. They will teach more nurses more teachers more pharmacists regardless of the demand because its not their job to gauge market 4yrs in the future.

        Also I know the govt. doesnt want any blowback in 'recommending' courses based on future demand. Its a diploma mill.

        Some industries are perhaps in a permanent downward spiral. You know mining, you know many facets of engineering, add IT to the list.

  • FittyFitty on 25/11/2015 - 12:02
    +2

    What's your race, sex, physical appearance rating and do you have a friendly name?

    Do you exaggerate, sweat, squirm and waffle?

    Are you a weasel wordsmith?

    Do you show that you care to be there?

    Are you a top-down or bottom-up, big picture or a weed-comber kind of cat?

  • [Deactivated] on 25/11/2015 - 14:16

    Been trying to score a new job these past few weeks. I got a business degree, Advance diploma, diplomas and a first aid cert with a good amount of work experience, but it seems like no one wants to respond back saying they have better candidates. lol. I know a girl from high school how landed a management job for a small Finance firm without any degrees or certifications..just with Job experience.

    Its depressing..very depressing. :(

    • GameChanger on 25/11/2015 - 16:31

      But you have a relevant job atm?

      • [Deactivated] on 25/11/2015 - 18:23

        Nope. Working in retail atm.. its ok, but not what i want to do.

  • braddsey on 25/11/2015 - 19:01

    I understand you're a graduate looking to get directly into your chosen field, but sometimes you need to look laterally to get where you really want. Perhaps look for jobs that overlap or support your industry with the companies you want to work for - this may mean taking the long road and doing something you don't exactly want to do for a year or two, but it is a valid path forward.
    I've been working in the IT industry for nearly 20 years. I've never seen a graduate directly employed for a position unless it was part of a graduate recruitment program. Most junior positions are filled by people who move across from operational roles (moving from warehouse roles, customer services etc) into either project support roles or 1st pine support roles, and then move into the junior IT roles.
    These guys have the foot in the door with the company for the junior roles because they've had time to sell themselves - as in months or a couple of years, often working alongside the department where they really want to be. By showing enthusiasm, initiative and drive people notice them. When the junior position comes up then they have references that count and working knowledge of the business. Plus they get access to the internally advertised position before it even hits the internet.

    It is the long road, but it's gaining experience. You can always keep looking elsewhere for appropriate roles in the meantime.

  • Ryballs on 25/11/2015 - 19:32

    Wear a nice suit and tie.

    One time I got through to the final interview for a job. It was between me and this other dude. Job ended up going to him. Afterwards I asked the interviewer why and they said it's coz I didn't wear a suit. So next time I got an interview I wore a nice suit and got the job. Could be coincidence but worth mentioning.

    Also just be confident in yourself and persevere. I was in retail and wanted to get into technical B2B sales with little relevant experience. Literally applied for hundreds of jobs until I got this one.

  • antzz on 25/11/2015 - 20:17

    make a rapport with the employer especially the technical person interview your not the HR lady. When i was just graduating i was very late coming to the interview and was sure as hell can not get the job. However, i was able to make instant connection with the technical manager and relates to the fields in a very positive way. Not talking about my self but talking about the trend in the industry and what would be important to get there first. Some in depth knowledge of the field helps to separate you with the rest of the interviewee

    Probably i am very lucky that day but the discussion went down very well and i got the job. However, the pay was not according to what i wanted so i ended up in another job. I was pretty much become unlucky for the rest of the year though… :)

    • zeomega on 25/11/2015 - 23:56

      This!

      Make sure you do some research on your interviewer (your boss) and find out his likes/dislikes. People with an public online presence are the best to connect with. At a previous job interview, i pulled out some related stuff to the interviewer's blog who was a electronics hobbyist. Obviously you'll need to know what you're talking about and fortunately i play/hack around with electronics and stuff as well, was offered the job 2 hours later. :)

  • mrkyle on 25/11/2015 - 22:05

    Keep at it man, don't give up.

  • djpro on 25/11/2015 - 23:29

    https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-formats-for-a-resume

    read this and cover letter writing skills.

  • SeVeN11 on 26/11/2015 - 00:40
    +2

    Have you tried applying for jobs outside of the typical engineering industry?

    I work in the Banking/Finance industry within the data mining/analytics area.
    * Prior to the mining boom we've picked up several engineers and they've performed quite well over time
    * During the resource boom period, many engineers priced themselves out of the market so we had to stick with actuarial scientist and mathematician.
    * More recently we've managed to pick up several great engineering candidates due to the resource downturn. We find that engineers are able to hit the road running pretty well and are able solve technical challenges better than scientist mainly because engineers have clocked up hundreds of hours of programming during university

    i.e. branch outside of your comfort zone.

    Good luck.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/11/2015 - 10:21
    -2

    …

  • acersaurus on 26/11/2015 - 13:21
    +6

    Don't blame yourself, its tough for grads -too many of them.

    I'd suggest going for any job to fill in the time, then keep applying for engineering jobs. When applying for shit jobs on your resume put that you are an arts graduate not engineering. If you put engineering, everyone will think that you will leave as soon as you can get a good job. If you put arts, well everyone knows arts grads have trouble finding good jobs.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2015 - 00:21

    Try looking at smaller companies and startups. The smart and successful engineers these days are looking at more than just entry level jobs.
    Look at research jobs too.

    • GameChanger on 27/11/2015 - 01:22

      Why do people assume graduates are not doing this?

      The fact is that the Australian economy in certain states has absolutely tanked. Take for example WA, most students are struggling to get free vac work lol, The engineering community just isn't big enough to accomodate for the supply of Uni graduates.

      • Clear on 27/11/2015 - 09:42

        Or go to Tassie. Anyone over 18 can't get a job anywhere and that includes maccas.

      • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2015 - 12:13

        They're not and they're not trying hard enough. Sick of people blaming the economy.

        • Funky Moose on 27/11/2015 - 15:07

          Unemployment in the resource industry is 16+%. If you're in that field or a one with a lot of cross over (construction, certain types of manufacturing/maintenance, etc) life is pretty hard at the moment. Grads are pretty much stuffed since you can now offer an engineer with 3-5 years experience a grad wage and still get applicants.

          It'll sort out in the next couple of years as people give up and move to different careers and industries but this is probably the worst time for engineering in Australia since the last recession 20+ years ago.

        • GameChanger on 27/11/2015 - 21:54

          I just saw a guy I knew working in retail, his qualifications Engineering/Commerce and had internship at big 4 accounting, 6 months engineering big firm.

          He isn't trying hard enough eh?

        • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2015 - 22:04

          @GameChanger:

          I am an engineer. I know what it takes.
          That person has a commerce degree. He should be able to find a job at any financial institution. All my engineering/commerce friends are working at banks, as public servants, in finance; few are doing engineering work. No use blaming our current climate. It's time to become innovative and make your own way through constant networking and perhaps even looking at some work at small startup companies.
          Tell him to attend the NI instruments, engineers Australia and startup conferences. Gotta throw yourself out there and make small talk. Forget about this resume and application bullshit. Talk to engineers, not HR idiots.

        • GameChanger on 27/11/2015 - 22:09

          @tendollar: Mate I don't know what city you're in, but he walked into 30 places, just asking for more experience and still got rejected. In WA its honestly the worst economy I seen in decades, I think the Eastern states is in a better position.

          I totally agree that resume and applications through HR is utter BS.

          Also in regards to engineers walking into Banks, thats not true you still have to go through HR rubbish.

        • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2015 - 22:32

          @GameChanger:

          I meant that if he wanted to get a solid engineering job, then he has to start networking. Of course he'll encounter HR wherever he may end up, but my reference to HR was more of a frustration with how engineers are hired. Getting a job at a bank or a big company is a very long process.
          Good luck to him.

        • GameChanger on 27/11/2015 - 22:34

          @tendollar: How does a graduate go about networking, without coming off as desperate for a job? From my experience, people seem to hate people who ask for jobs via networking unless they can gain some benefit.

        • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2015 - 22:37

          @GameChanger:

          Don't ask for the job in the first meeting. lol

          You just have to make a good impression. The way I do it is I ask for their business card at the end and give them a call if the conversation went well. I often get a polite "no" or they direct me to HR, but it can be a confidence building exercise. Perhaps take an interest in what the professional does and forget about if he can get you a job. Just be friendly with them.

  • beyondtool on 27/11/2015 - 11:14
    +2

    Fake it till you make it, is probably the most sage advice I've received. Once you make it to interview it's more about the social impression you are making, if the employer feels you are one of the club they are far more likely to hire you. Knowing something about the business, the lifestyle of the manager hiring and their interest (Facebook/Linkedin them), the way they speak, dress etc. They are looking for someone who will 'fit in' with the business. You need to demonstrate this clearly and without appearing self-conscious. It helps to have something that clearly sets you apart from the other applicants too, like that you are a member of the local golf club, or are willing to demonstrate how good you are starting immediately, or offer to do a project for free to demonstrate your value etc or show some amazing project you have worked on. The worst thing you can do is go in and come across fresh faced and eager to please but full of no experience.

    All those charlatans and salesmen ripping people off on a current affair all use this trick, they make people feel comfortable like they can trust them, and that they have something valuable to offer. It's all a carefully orchestrated act, but most people will go along with someone who seems like one of them. So fake it till you make it.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2015 - 15:07

      To add to this, are you on LinkedIn? There are lots of different and active engineering groups that may include potential employers and will definitely include language, mannerisms and skill discussion that might get you over the edge.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2015 - 16:12

      "Fake it till you make it, is probably the most sage advice I've received. Once you make it to interview it's more about the social impression you are making, if the employer feels you are one of the club they are far more likely to hire you. Knowing something about the business, the lifestyle of the manager hiring and their interest (Facebook/Linkedin them), the way they speak, dress etc. They are looking for someone who will 'fit in' with the business"

      This guy speaks the truth.

  • SpendLess on 27/11/2015 - 20:50
    +1

    Are you having issues answering questions in interviews? You should write some answers for a bunch of questions and use the STAR technique to answer them
    something i googled on this method:

    Situation – set the context for your story. For example, "We were due to be delivering a presentation to a group of 30 interested industry players on our new product and Stuart, the guy due to deliver it, got stuck on a train from Birmingham."

    • Task – what was required of you. For example, "It was my responsibility to find an alternative so it didn't reflect badly on the company and we didn't waste the opportunity."

    • Activity – what you actually did. For example, "I spoke to the event organisers to find out if they could change the running order. They agreed so we bought ourselves some time. I contacted Susan, another member of the team, who at a push could step in. She agreed to drop what she was doing and head to the event."

    • Result – how well the situation played out. For example, "Stuart didn't make the meeting on time but we explained the problem to the delegates and Susan's presentation went well – a bit rough around the edges but it was warmly received. Stuart managed to get there for the last 15 minutes to answer questions. As a result we gained some good contacts, at least two of which we converted into paying clients."

  • 01011010 on 28/11/2015 - 07:55
    +2

    Ask two questions at the end of the interview.

    1. What is the next step to me securing this job?
    2. Is there any area in the role that you think I would struggle and how can I start now to work on that?

    These two questions will get you a job.

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