Planning

I have an interview scheduled for next week, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about the possibility of an Excel exam. I want to prepare as best as I can, but I'm not sure what types of questions or tasks I might encounter. I'm hoping to brush up on my skills and maybe practice some common functions or data analysis techniques that could come up during the interview. Any tips or resources would be greatly appreciated!

I recently applied for six jobs and managed to get interviews for four of them—three were phone interviews and one was in person. Unfortunately, only one company got back to me, but they want me to work at a location that I didn't apply for, which is a 45-minute drive away. I have over a year of experience in babysitting, online sales, customer service, and retail, as well as teaching kids. Ideally, I’m looking for something closer to home due to the heavy traffic in my area, or at least a hybrid or remote position if possible. It seems like having a bachelor's degree isn't enough in today's job market where experience is prioritized. I'm still doing babysitting and online sales, which is going well, but I’d love to find a full-time job to keep myself occupied. I'm considering roles like school front desk or after-school coordinator, daycare admin, tutoring center admin, or customer support for local businesses. For the job that wants me to commute, I’d only consider it if the pay and hours make the long drive worthwhile.

I received a message from a local store about a cashier position I had applied for over a year ago. They reached out asking if I was still interested, which felt strange since I was their first applicant but they took so long to contact me. I confirmed my interest and asked for details like schedule and pay. They responded saying they were conducting a second interview with a group of candidates and asked when I could come in. I'm starting school in a month, and I'm worried about the timeline since I don't want to get stuck in another long hiring process. I’ve had bad experiences in the past with employers, so I’m feeling hesitant. I have the second interview scheduled for tomorrow at noon, and I'm considering whether to go or cancel based on advice from others. I plan to ask about the pay and how quickly they need someone to start to avoid wasting my time.

I'm a senior studying Electrical Engineering and I've been struggling to land a full-time role after graduation, especially since I don't have any industry internship experience. I've applied to countless internships but have only had five interviews, and I'm still waiting to hear back from them. For the past several months, I've been involved in research with a professor in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on ultrafast optics and plasma physics for 2D materials. I initially wanted to apply for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs), but my GPA is relatively low, which makes me doubt my chances of getting into one. I've been networking with engineers at various companies, and one of them is giving me a referral for a spacecraft company. However, I've heard some negative things about their work culture, specifically a demanding 9-9-6 schedule, which makes me hesitant, especially since I plan to pursue a PhD in EE or Applied Physics eventually. I'm also contemplating taking a 1-2 year gap after graduation before starting my PhD. I'm planning to attend the Quantum Career Fair at Stanford later this year to seek job opportunities that align more with my interests, as my school's career fair mostly features construction and biomedical companies, which don't relate to my field. I'm feeling a lot of imposter syndrome seeing my peers secure internships while I feel stuck without industry experience. As graduation approaches, I'm increasingly anxious about finding a full-time job. I'm worried about ending up in a financially unstable situation if I can't secure a position soon. I know my research experience is valuable, especially for academia and national labs, but I'm uncertain how it will be perceived by industry recruiters. Given the current job market, I'm trying to figure out a backup plan. Should I focus on applying to grad school, national labs, and research-oriented roles? Should I consider taking the spacecraft job despite the concerns about the work culture? Or would it be wiser to delay my graduation by a semester to gain more experience? I want to make the best decision for my final year without panicking and jeopardizing my future.

I got laid off from my first real job on July 31, and it's been a tough experience. I always knew layoffs were a possibility, but actually going through it is a whole different story. Now, I'm actively searching for work-from-home jobs, applying to as many as I can and hoping for a positive response. I'm feeling really torn between two options: continue looking for remote work or consider moving to Manila to find a job there. The thought of going to Manila is daunting, especially since I'm an introvert with anxiety about interacting with new people. Just the idea of navigating the city, attending interviews, and meeting recruiters feels overwhelming. Plus, living in Manila is expensive, and I worry about the costs of travel and daily expenses without any guarantee of landing a job. Right now, I'm stuck applying online, refreshing job postings, and sending out applications, hoping someone will give me a chance. It's frustrating because I thought I would have more stability after graduating and starting my first job, but now I'm back to square one, questioning my next steps. Some days, it feels like everyone else is moving forward while I'm falling behind. I know I need to push through my introversion and anxiety to find a job, but it can be exhausting. I just needed to share my feelings and see if anyone else has been in a similar situation, especially looking for remote work in the Philippines after a layoff. I really want to get back on my feet.

I'm feeling incredibly sad as I prepare to leave my dream job after more than two years. I absolutely love working as a leader with kids, and it's truly all I've ever wanted to do. However, I've had to make the heartbreaking decision to move on. I was eager to be mentored and grow, and I had so many ideas to contribute. I'm passionate and outspoken, and while I respect my supervisors, the past few months have been tough. I've noticed that passive-aggressive comments have become the norm, even in discussions unrelated to me. There’s a lack of direct communication and honest feedback, which I can handle, but instead, it feels like I’m walking on eggshells, constantly questioning what I might be doing wrong. Asking for help has been met with responses that feel disrespectful, and despite receiving an excellent review, I never got the raise I was hoping for. While I don’t do this for the money, I have a family to support and bills to pay. I submitted my resignation with a month's notice, and now my supervisors seem upset. One of them is avoiding me, which adds to the emotional strain. I do have a new job lined up, but it’s not what I truly want to do. I’m feeling angry and heartbroken because I believed this role was my forever job. I had so much planned, and now I’m left feeling discouraged.

I recently received two job offers and I'm feeling a bit torn about which one to choose. Both opportunities seem promising, but they each have their own pros and cons. One of the roles aligns more with my long-term career goals and makes me feel excited, while the other comes with better pay and benefits, which is obviously a significant factor. I've been reflecting on the advice I read about trusting my instincts and figuring out what feels right for me. I know I need to commit to one, but it's tough to weigh job satisfaction against financial benefits. Any insights or experiences to share?

I started volunteering at a primary school earlier this year in February, hoping to gain experience for teaching assistant roles. I initially volunteered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I enjoyed it so much that I added Fridays and participated in school events whenever needed. After four months, a paid teaching assistant position opened up, and I was excited to apply. I felt I did well in the interview, despite being anxious. The head of the school called me later that day to say I had interviewed amazingly and that I had made a positive impact on the school. However, they decided to hire a parent who had been volunteering, citing their 'more experience.' I was told I would be kept in mind for future openings. Fast forward to the end of term, when another teaching assistant resigned. I kept checking the school's website for new job postings but was confused when I found out that a new position had opened up and was filled without any notice to me. It feels disheartening because I dedicated so much time and effort, and while I appreciate the positive feedback, it seems like actions speak louder than words. I really thought my commitment would lead to a job opportunity, but it hasn't. I'm feeling quite frustrated and emotional about the whole situation.

I've been feeling really frustrated with my job search lately. I lost my job back in September of last year and since then, I've been actively looking for new opportunities. My savings ran out, so I took a low-paying job as a custodian in March just to make ends meet. Despite this, I've been applying to jobs consistently; in the last two weeks alone, I've submitted at least 20-25 applications. It feels like I've applied to every single job in my area, particularly for assistant manager and lead positions, as well as front office receptionist roles. The worst part is that I'm not even receiving the typical 'we've moved on to other candidates' emails. I apply directly through company websites, but it feels like I'm hitting a wall. I'm really at a loss for what to do next and could use any tips or advice.

I recently completed a summer finance internship at a mid-sized AI software company and received a full-time return offer. The salary looks great, but I didn't feel a connection with the company culture and have ethical concerns about their practices. Now, as a rising senior at a state school, I'm facing a dilemma. The deadline to accept the offer is just a week away, and fall recruiting for my graduating class has only just begun. I haven't applied to any other positions yet, and I'm worried that one week isn't enough time to find a better opportunity. I'm considering accepting the offer as a safety net while I continue my job search, but I'm conflicted about the potential damage of reneging on the offer later if I find something more suitable. I'm not even sure if this is the right career path for me, and the uncertainty is making this decision even harder.

I'm currently in a remote role making $100k, but I've received an offer for an in-person position that pays $130k. The catch is that I would need to relocate to another state. The new company is planning to spin off from a larger Fortune 500 company next year, which has me concerned about potential layoffs in the future. My current job has seen layoffs every year for the past three years, but at least I have the comfort of working remotely and not having to commute. I'm torn between staying in my current role where I can be close to family and continue my job search, or taking the new position and risking a layoff shortly after moving. I’ve heard mixed opinions on whether the spin-off is a red flag, with some suggesting that major changes often lead to cuts. I have six years of experience, but the job market feels tough, and getting responses on applications has been challenging. I’m weighing the benefits of a higher salary and potential learning opportunities against the stress of moving and the uncertainty of job security. Should I stay remote for stability or take the risk for a better paycheck?

I've been struggling to find a job for several months now, and it's starting to take a toll on my savings. I've applied to over 1000 positions, but I've only managed to secure less than 5 interviews, none of which have led to job offers. In an effort to improve my chances, I'm open to feedback on my CV, which is currently 1.5 pages long. I'm applying to jobs in my field as well as any other opportunities I come across, as I'm feeling quite desperate. If anyone has tips or advice on how to enhance my CV or improve my job search strategy, I would really appreciate it.

I recently started a new job just a week ago after struggling to find employment since my graduation last year. I had previously worked for two months at a company with a toxic culture, which led me to resign. Now, I've been offered a new position with a company that has three leads, and I'm in the final stage with one of them. They seem very interested in me, but the recruitment process has been slow, so they are unaware that I've already started a new job. The potential job I’m considering offers better pay and is much closer to home, only a 15-minute commute compared to my current job, which has been quite inconvenient. However, I'm worried about how this looks on my resume since I would have only been at my current job for a week and previously for just two months. I’m concerned about being perceived as a job hopper and whether I should include these short stints on my CV. Additionally, I feel guilty about leaving my current job so soon, especially since the team has been kind to me. I’m seeking advice on a few points: 1. Is this considered job hopping? 2. Can I leave the short-term toxic job off my CV? 3. How do I manage my guilt about leaving so early? I really prefer the potential job because it aligns better with my career goals and offers a more supportive environment.

I currently work for an Amazon contracted delivery service, and I really enjoy my job. I feel valued by my dispatchers, many of whom I've built close relationships with. At 22 years old, I'm exploring different career paths while making enough to cover my rent and enjoy some leisure activities like fishing and bar nights. I earn $25 an hour, plus a performance incentive that usually bumps my pay to around $26-$27 an hour. I have an interview coming up for a FedEx Courier position that starts at $24.21 an hour, with an additional $3 per hour for location pay, bringing it to about $27.21 an hour. The roles seem quite similar, but FedEx offers better 401k benefits. However, the downside is that the commute would be about 40 miles round trip, which is a concern since I was already doing 70 miles for Amazon before moving. I'm also considering using tuition assistance for trade school or to get my CDL, and I might have an extra grand available at Amazon for that. I'm torn between staying with Amazon, where I feel secure and appreciated, and taking the FedEx job for potentially better pay and benefits. I’d love to hear thoughts on which direction I should lean.

I recently got a job interview for the position of Distribution Planning Specialist at Southern California Edison. I'm aware that they prefer candidates to use the STAR method in their responses, but I'm feeling a bit anxious about the types of questions they might ask. If anyone has experience with this interview process or can share potential questions, I would really appreciate your insights. Thanks!

I'm currently in the process of relocating to a new state and city for the winter, and I've been actively applying for jobs for the past couple of months. My goal is to secure a position before I move, as I don't have enough savings to be unemployed for an extended period. I've been including a cover letter with my applications that explains my situation, but I'm finding it challenging to land a job this early. I've heard that it's quite difficult to get hired in advance, especially with modern resume filters that often reject applications from candidates outside the required geographic radius. I'm feeling a bit anxious about my job search and would appreciate any advice on how to improve my chances.

I have an upcoming interview at a cafe, but I'm really concerned about the parking situation. There’s no parking available at the cafe itself, and street parking is nonexistent. The only option seems to be parking garages, which can cost around $17 or more per shift. This is pretty much the same amount I’d be earning if I get the job. I plan to ask about parking accommodations during the interview, but I’m not optimistic that they’ll offer any help. I’m feeling stuck because I really need a job, but I’m questioning if it’s worth it to take a position that requires me to pay so much just to get there.

I recently reached the final interview stage with a large engineering company after struggling to get any interviews for full-time positions over the past few months. It feels surreal to have moved so quickly in this process, considering I received my first call just five days ago. However, I'm hesitant about accepting an offer if it comes my way, especially since I have no background in engineering. The recruiter reassured me that my lack of experience would be fine and that I would receive on-the-job training, but I can't shake the fear of hating a completely different work environment. My background is in environmental science, and my previous work experience has been limited to internships with nonprofits. This opportunity would be my first full-time job outside of academia, as I went straight to grad school after college. If I do get this job, it would be my only offer so far, but I don't envision a future where I work in engineering for the long haul. I've noticed that the company has mixed reviews online, and I haven't found many resources to gauge its reputation. Currently, I live at home and have a good relationship with my family, who are supportive of my decision to stay until I find a suitable job. Ideally, I want to move out soon, and this job would provide the financial means to do so. I only started my job search with serious effort about two months ago, which seems short compared to what I've heard from others. However, I'm concerned about the state of the job market and whether it's wise to let this opportunity pass. I have a couple of questions weighing on my mind: How much did your first job influence your career path? I'm worried about becoming stuck in engineering or technical roles. And is it better to accept the first job offered to avoid unemployment?

I recently applied for a job through a staffing agency after previously interviewing for the same position a couple of years ago. Back then, I was a finalist but ultimately didn't get the role. I reached out to the company again in April this year and had another interview that went really well, but they informed me that the position was on hold due to a rebranding effort. I received positive feedback and was told I would be a good fit. Now, I've found a staffing agency that's recruiting for the same position, and they had me complete an assessment and read a script, which I felt went well. They're now sending my information to the company for consideration. This time, the role is temp-to-hire. I'm wondering if my recent interview, previous relationship with the company, and the involvement of the recruiter will enhance my chances of getting this job.

I was laid off in mid-June from a top PBC and it really hit me hard. I felt disheartened and flustered, and I struggled with how to tell my friends and peers about it. When I confided in a close relative, they mocked me, which only added to my shame. However, I kept pushing through and I'm excited to share that I received a job offer just three weeks after my last day, and it's for a higher position with a 30% increase in my base salary! I know how demoralizing this process can be, but I want to remind everyone that there is light at the end of the tunnel. If I can make it out, so can you! I’m currently in the final interview stages with a couple of other companies, hoping to secure another offer soon.