In Need of Some Opinions

[Smashley224]

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Hey everyone! I need some opinions on bugging possible future employers about asking about the job. I did not get into vet school this year, so I am trying to get a job. I applied for a ton of jobs related to biology and animals and veterinary work (I had planned to volunteer at a veterinary hospital if I did not get a job at one in order to boost my application). For two jobs, I got as far as the employer calling me. For the one job (vet hospital), I did get an interview, and the girl interviewing me said that she has a few more people to interview that week and then she would be scheduling work interviews to see if the people like/can handle the job. That was 2 weeks ago and I had not gotten a call for a work interview. I had found the job on craigslist, and as of yesterday, the same hospital reposted for the same job, but now they are calling for a technician instead of an assistant. I am no technician, and I think we all know the difference.

The other job is very high paying with benefits and is at a children's hospital doing research. The lady in charge contacted me first at the beginning of June telling me about the job. She told me to let her know by email within the next two days (which was about June 8th then) if I wanted to go ahead in the app process, which would be her contacting my references. I said go ahead, and she said she would get back to me. Well, 2 weeks later, I heard nothing so I first called and left a message, no reply, then I emailed her, no reply until two days later which she said she was busy with hiring two other pple and hadn't had time to hire a new assistant. She said she would contact my references then get back to me by the middle of next week (which would be July 15th, I think). I just emailed her again a couple of days ago to ask about the job status and tell her that one of my references would be MIA today (July 22nd), and have heard nothing back yet.

My question for both job situations is should I call the vet and ask what is up or assume that they did not want me? For the other job, I want to call and see about the job b/c I really would like this one, but would I seem too pushy or just really excited about it? Also, the job search has gotten me down big time. I have been searching for 2 months (even before I Moved). My b/f found a job so quickly. It was the first one he applied to, and they got back to him within a week after the interview. He did have some help as his uncle knows the CEO of the company he applied to. I feel so helpless and rejected by employers..I know the economy is bad, but I am in need of a job as funds are disappearing fast.

Thanks all for reading this super long post. I really value your opinions and need a different outlook on this.

 

[sumstorm]

Sadly, this isn't unusual. Apparently for people a generation ahead, it is astounding (at least that is the response when I mention this sort of thing and how frustrating it is.) I really can't understand why employers can't at least send out a postcard saying 'we are no longer considering your application for X position.'

Anyways, if you have a way to reach the vet, I would approach it as 'I assume you selected someone better qualified for the opening, but could you point me towards any other openingings?' Often vets know each other and have an idea of who has openings and who doesn't. You can also ask about what you could do in the mean time to make yourself more marketable for the particular position. Unfortunatly, I don't have any other suggestions.

I had a similar experience a year ago. I did a 9 person panel and individual interview...lasted 6 hours. Never heard anything despite repeated messages with the secretary, emails, and even a letter. 7 months later they called and asked me to take a temporary position for 3 months working long hours in the field trapping, tissue sampling, venom sampling, and radio tagging rattle snakes while working solo. During my interview one of the staff had mentioned how difficult it was to perform procedures like this, and I told them how to tube snakes to ensure the safety of their staff and control the snake. Apparently, the lower paying, seasonal job was all they were interested in employing me for, but while I had them on the phone, I inquired about the other position and they said they decided not to fill it after all. At the same time, I interviewed for another position. They told me they would be making thier decision immediatly after my interview, and I would know first thing in the morning, but that I was in the top three. I called at 11am the next morning (flew in for the interview on my own dime, and if I was going to relocate, needed to spend the next two days making living arrangements.) I was given the run around by a secretary who said they hadn't made their decision, after leaving me on 'hold' when I wasn't actually on hold and could hear her asking 'what do I tell her?' I called back at 3pm and was given the same story line, at which point I said 'obviously I am not your first, or possibly even your second choice, but I wish you would be forthright with me concerning the delay rather than trying to keep me baited. If your preferred candidate does not accept the position, feel free to contact me, but I may not be able to make arrangements at that time.' Two weeks later, they called and offered me the job, but I had accepted another. Apparently thier first choice wasn't as enthusiastic about the job as I was, but I wasn't about to upset my current position and make enemies by job hopping after feeling like I was disrespected.

So, I see a lot of that going around. Sorry your are experiencing that!

 

[Smashley224]

Thanks for your help in this. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and reply to my long message. I just hope that I get a job sometime soon as I can't live off of my dwindling cash supply forever.

 

[EqSci]

It is completely ridiculous the way employers ignore potential/future employees. Drives me insane, and it's happened to me many times. I just keep calling every few days. It's hard because you don't want to be annoying or overbearing, but I've found most employers need to be constantly reminded.

It's just so RUDE. Call me and tell me I didn't get the job so I can continue looking and commit somewhere else. At least send me a 5 word e-mail!! My mom is a manager and she hears my side of it all the time so she is always careful to contact people whether they are being hired or not.

Anyway, I guess my advice is to keep calling. Heck, even stop by. Most times they aren't doing it on purpose, they just get caught up with other things and forget that you are a person with your own life waiting to hear from them.

 

[Smashley224]

Thanks, EqSci! I have been calling/emailing the one place, but replies over email are few and far in between and everytime I call (only 2 times thus far) I get the machine. You're right; I don't want to be annoying or overbearing, but I guess it shows my interest. Thanks for your help!