Laid off--Support thread

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Hugs to all. I am also having a "down" day today. Had to pay the bills and with my paycheck alone, we are $200 in the hole. The bill money is coming from my paycheck that I get paid on Tuesday, 11/04. It is already spent when it's not even in my account yet.

 

[T. Lynn]

T. Lynn,

I was wondering if you could point me (and others) to some of the information you found helpful in the interviewing process: websites to check, etc.

Also, congrats on the positive news about your interview!

Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to starting on the 10th.

Here are two website's that I saved. There were many others that I found and copied the questions into a word document and created my responses. These websites were very helpful...especially the first one. They even give you tips on what kind of answer they are looking for. Hope this helps!!!

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Articl...71e7642c1c4b588ab0f88a5d308947-278783675-JE-5

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/toughquest.htm

This one is about how to dress:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewattire/a/interviewdress.htm

There was also one about behavior (how to keep your hands, sit, etc). That one was very helpful & interesting. I'll try to find and post it later tonight. Have to get ready to run errands before trick or treat. You could also google: interview posture or interview behavior. I think that is what I did but if I find the website I really like, I'll be sure to post it.

 

[rach2674]

My husband was laid off yesterday. I have been going to school full time so I haven't worked and he was barely working as it is. I'm hoping after this semester I can find something. He was waiting tables before this job and luckily they called him a few weeks ago asking if he wanted some hours. Now he has called them and told them he is available anytime, so hopefully they will put him to work soon.

Rachel

 

[mafibisha]

I'm so sorry to read of so many being laid off. I too was laid off long ago, so have been a SAHM. I really need to get back to work though, so have been reading the job boards (like Monster) and applied to a few. I have awhile yet before we really get desperate (DH 'seems' secure, but is anything anymore??) so thought I better get start looking....just in case.....

Can anyone help me with this? One application on line asked for my drivers license!? I was shocked, although I would be driving a little as part of the job, but in my vehicle, not theirs. It is definitely a real company, a BIG one in fact, and you all would know it, so I'm not worried that its not legit.

But I always thought they weren't allowed by law to ask your age and other very personal things? Anyone know for sure? I don't want to risk NOT getting the job by not including it but still....???

Well, here's a list of everything they want on the initial application - even BEFORE they decide if I get to be interviewed!?

*Education Verification
*Employment Verification
*Employment Credit Report
*References
*Social Security Number Use Verification
*Criminal Record Search
*Motor Vehicle Records Search

Are those standard questions, even before getting a phone interview? Let alone a tentative offer? I could see if IF maybe an offer was pending IF all those all check out? But this is just the inital application! I was shocked!!!

TIA for anything you might know about this.

 

[T. Lynn]

I'm so sorry to read of so many lay-offs. I too was layed off long ago, so have been a SAHM. I really need to get back to work though, so have been reading the job boards (like Monster) and applied to a few. I have awhile yet before we really get desperate (DH 'seems' secure, but is anything anymore??) so thought I better get start looking....just in case.....

Can anyone help me with this? One application on line asked for my drivers license!? I was shocked, although I would be driving a little as part of the job, but in my vehicle, not theirs. It is definitely a real company, a BIG one in fact, and you all would know it, so I'm not worried that its not legit.

But I always thought they weren't allowed by law to ask your age and other very personal things? Anyone know for sure? I don't want to risk NOT getting the job by not including it but still....???

Well, here's a list of everything they want and check before hiring:

*Education Verification
*Employment Verification
*Employment Credit Report
*References
*Social Security Number Use Verification
*Criminal Record Search
*Motor Vehicle Records Search

Are those standard questions, even before getting a phone interview? Let alone a tentative offer? I could see if IF maybe an offer was pending IF all those all check out? But this is just the inital application! I was shocked!!!

TIA for anything you might know about this.

Not sure about all of that. I was asked for my drivers license number during the interview on a form. You had to give permission (sign the form) for them to perform background checks or contact your references even.

 

[mafibisha]

Not sure about all of that. I was asked for my drivers license number during the interview on a form. You had to give permission (sign the form) for them to perform background checks or contact your references even.

Yes, I think thats standard *during* the interview, but this is on the very first contact, where they're asking on an on-line application, where likely thousands will be applying and only a handful chosen for an interview.

I can understand them asking during or after an interview when potentially hired, but this early?? Is this legal? Is it a good idea to do, or a red flag? (although its a sizeable, legit company)

Any other ideas anyone?

 

[CarolA]

Yes, I think thats standard *during* the interview, but this is on the very first contact, where they're asking on an on-line application, where likely thousands will be applying and only a handful chosen for an interview.

I can understand them asking during or after an interview when potentially hired, but this early?? Is this legal? Is it a good idea to do, or a red flag? (although its a sizeable, legit company)

Any other ideas anyone?

Yes it's legal.

However, I would probably not give my SS# until after the interview. Most HR folks seem to understand. I would give them everything else.

If the job requires driving I would give them the DL#. If not it's a flag to them that you don't have one. Plus they want to check for DUI etc. Even if you are in your car they have a liablity risk if you are working for them.

 

[mafibisha]

Yes it's legal.

However, I would probably not give my SS# until after the interview. Most HR folks seem to understand. I would give them everything else.

If the job requires driving I would give them the DL#. If not it's a flag to them that you don't have one. Plus they want to check for DUI etc. Even if you are in your car they have a liablity risk if you are working for them.

Thanks for your reply. I guess job seeking has changed alot since I last interviewed years ago.

I'm wondering though, if the application will even go through without my SS#? It's marked as *required*? Is it possible to place XXX's in the spot so it will go through? Or will it go through that way?

 

[got2travel]

Went to my first job fair today and it was pretty much a bust. Only about 10 companies and 3 of them were home based like Mary Kay and Tupperware. The Army had a table as well as the US Border Patrol. There were a few insurance companies and a temporary staffing agency. The one recruiter that I talked to was from the CA Public Utilities Commission but I don't think I'm a match for any of their open positions. The recruiter did say she'd email me a few job listings that they didn't have printed out with them. There were several hundred people there but most of them just walked out after they checked what companies were there.

I did get a promising email from a recruiter on Monster.com though. It was a real position and not just a bulk email about financial or insurance sales jobs. I called the recruiter back but she was gone for the day. Hopefully I'll hear something tomorrow.

 

[T. Lynn]

I did get a promising email from a recruiter on Monster.com though. It was a real position and not just a bulk email about financial or insurance sales jobs. I called the recruiter back but she was gone for the day. Hopefully I'll hear something tomorrow.

That's some good news. Keep us posted...

 

[kathianne]

Well dh had a job interview today that went very well, hopefully we will know something by the end of this week. Its a very good job with excellent benefits, so lets keep our hopes up!

 

[kathianne]

Went to my first job fair today and it was pretty much a bust. Only about 10 companies and 3 of them were home based like Mary Kay and Tupperware. The Army had a table as well as the US Border Patrol. There were a few insurance companies and a temporary staffing agency. The one recruiter that I talked to was from the CA Public Utilities Commission but I don't think I'm a match for any of their open positions. The recruiter did say she'd email me a few job listings that they didn't have printed out with them. There were several hundred people there but most of them just walked out after they checked what companies were there.

I did get a promising email from a recruiter on Monster.com though. It was a real position and not just a bulk email about financial or insurance sales jobs. I called the recruiter back but she was gone for the day. Hopefully I'll hear something tomorrow.

I know those job fairs are oftentimes a dissappointment, but I look at it as interviewing experience, especially if you haven't worked for awhile. Just getting used to presenting yourself as a job seeker is difficult at first. I would suggest going to as many job fairs as you can, just knowing the pickings are slim, just to get the feel of things. BTW, I got a job at a job fair about a year ago and it was a good deal while it lasted. you never know!

 

[kathianne]

What about Civil Service exams?

Or is that a thing of the past? Many hears ago a friend of mine took a civil service exam, and many months later she got a call for a government position which she has held for about 20 years!

She just took some sort of exam which put her in the running for government jobs, then they called when they had an opening.................something to consider

 

[T. Lynn]

Well dh had a job interview today that went very well, hopefully we will know something by the end of this week. Its a very good job with excellent benefits, so lets keep our hopes up!

The waiting is what is so hard. I was pacing the floor and told my mom I will probably need new carpeting for xmas.

Here's a wish coming your way...

 

[kathianne]

Ok, let's look on the bright side of layoffs---I don't have to pack a lunch for dh to tote everyday, that was a pain, I let it go until last thing before I went to bed and that darned sandwich just stood between me and beddie bye!

Now no more lunches to pack! Ummmmmmmmmmmm...........perhaps not so good a thing?

 

[marcyinPA]

Didn't read the whole thread, but just wanted to give a hug to those of you going through lay-offs.

My Dh has been laid off twice in our 15 years of marriage. The first time was from a job that we moved two states away for. The job started out great, but only lasted 15 months. I had just found out I was pregnant when he got his pink slip.

The second time was from Lucent/Agere. Huge lay-offs. Really an awful time. We went from a VERY good income to nothing. He did find another job, but he had to commute 3 hours a day, working night shift, and for about 1/2 the pay.

BUT, the bright side of the story is that now, three jobs later, he is working for a great company. We were blessed throughout all of those years, having never missed a payment on anything. I don't know how we did it, but totally by the grace of God. Things happen for a reason, and sometimes you won't know that reason for many years.

I just wanted to tell you all to hang in there. There is something better coming!!!

 

[anabelle]

I guess I need to join this thread. I have been laid off for two months now. I worked as an engineer in the auto industry. We were blessed in the fact they let us know a year in advance and we got a nice severance package. That helped pay off most of our debt. My DH works in the auto industry as well. He just escaped the umptenth lay off at his work. He makes good money and we are able to live frugally off of his salary, but I know his day is coming soon. His company knows that they probably can not let anyone else go, so they have hinted that they might just lay them off Thanksgiving to Christmas. I started homeschooling my kids this school year so going back to work is out for me. We had an issue with our oldest child the last couple of years that we felt needed extra time from mom to help resolve. My husband is adamant that we stick to the plan of me being home, but I feel useless. I know that we are in a better position than most of his co-workers, so I am not complaining. I am just scared.

I pray that this election will help consumer confidence and spark our economy. I

 

[ldb1030]

when it rains it pours right?? In addition to getting my hours cut, last week my ignitor on my furnance went out and had to have that fixed and then one night last week ended up taking my DD17 to the ER..........after lab work and a CT scan, they confirmed a kidney stone!!!!! Poor baby was in so much pain and so sick.
She's feeling better now but I have a feeling when I get the bill for that, I'll be the one going to the ER!!!

 

[got2travel]

Went to my first job fair today and it was pretty much a bust. Only about 10 companies and 3 of them were home based like Mary Kay and Tupperware. The Army had a table as well as the US Border Patrol. There were a few insurance companies and a temporary staffing agency. The one recruiter that I talked to was from the CA Public Utilities Commission but I don't think I'm a match for any of their open positions. The recruiter did say she'd email me a few job listings that they didn't have printed out with them. There were several hundred people there but most of them just walked out after they checked what companies were there.

I did get a promising email from a recruiter on Monster.com though. It was a real position and not just a bulk email about financial or insurance sales jobs. I called the recruiter back but she was gone for the day. Hopefully I'll hear something tomorrow.

Quoting myself to follow up. Just had a great conversation with the recruiter. The job sounds like exactly what I was hoping for. It's Office Administration/Project Coordinator work, pretty much what I was doing. And they want telecomm experience. I was with AT&T for 12 years. Salary would be pretty close to what I was making before.

The recruiter will be forwarding my resume to the hiring manager. Hopefully I'll get an interview out of it. My only concern, and I'm not sure if it should be a concern, is the HMO that the job is with. It's my HMO and I've been fighting with their billing department for the last year. It just got resolved last month, but I did have to make 2 formal complaints before I got anything resolved. Do hiring companies look into whether or not you have a past relationship with them? And would my biling disputes reflect negatively? Even though I was right and they were definitely billing me incorrectly?

 

[got2travel]

when it rains it pours right?? In addition to getting my hours cut, last week my ignitor on my furnance went out and had to have that fixed and then one night last week ended up taking my DD17 to the ER..........after lab work and a CT scan, they confirmed a kidney stone!!!!! Poor baby was in so much pain and so sick.
She's feeling better now but I have a feeling when I get the bill for that, I'll be the one going to the ER!!!

So sorry to hear about all your troubles.

Did I mention that I got my notice the day after my son run away? Yes, I definitely know about the raining and pouring theory.