ZalewskiJ's journey

I had an interview scheduled today at 9am EST for a Senior Software Engineer position with a Defense Contractor. I confirmed the time multiple times and adjusted my work schedule accordingly, as I work at a hospital and need to manage my time carefully. I reserved an office, opened my laptop, and waited for the call. After 30 minutes with no communication, I decided to close everything and return to my duties. At 10:45am, the employer finally called to inform me that there was a scheduling conflict and they had double-booked interviews. They offered to reschedule me for Thursday at 1pm EST. I expressed my frustration, explaining that their mistake cost me my entire lunch break and that it was unprofessional, especially for a government contractor. I asked if they would have treated me the same way if I had missed the interview without notice. The employer replied that it was different because I was the one seeking employment. I pushed back, emphasizing that my time is also valuable and questioned the impression it left about their professionalism. In the end, I agreed to the rescheduled interview on Thursday, but I doubt it will go anywhere after this experience.

I recently transitioned from a full-time 9-5 job to working strictly as a 1099 contractor, believing it would offer more financial potential. So far, that has mostly been true, but the process of engaging with prospective companies and consulting firms has been a real challenge. Just today, I was contacted about a 12-month on-site contract for network and desktop support. It sounded like a great opportunity to start after I wrap up my current contract with the Mayo Clinic, so I asked for the details. After reviewing the job description, which aligned perfectly with my qualifications, I expressed my interest and initiated the process. During a call with the recruiter, I answered several screening questions about my experience with server maintenance, LCD screen repairs, motherboard installations, and network configurations—all of which I have substantial experience in. However, shortly after our call, I received an email asking me to elaborate on my server maintenance experience. I took the time to write a detailed four-paragraph response. Then, just 30 minutes later, I got another email asking for further clarification on my server maintenance experience and whether I had ever installed new computer systems. I confirmed that I had and provided a list of my relevant experiences. Eventually, the recruiter called me back to say that the client wanted to move forward with me. They explained that the role would require travel to multiple sites, but I would be reimbursed for mileage or Uber rides, which I found acceptable. However, I can't help but wonder if this cycle of repetitive questioning is a common occurrence in contracting. During my two-year military contract, I never faced such extensive inquiries about my experience. Additionally, this company has asked me to stop seeking other contracting opportunities while we negotiate, and I made it clear that I would commit to them once I received the contract. Has anyone else experienced similar frustrations in their contracting journey?

I recently had a job offer to become an Assistant Facilities Manager at Topgolf, which I was really excited about. I love golf and frequent Topgolf with my friends, so the perks like discounts on Callaway clubs and free gameplay were a huge bonus. After a smooth first interview, I was offered the position on the spot. I told the Facilities Manager I would need until Friday to give my current job two weeks' notice, and they agreed to a start date two weeks after that. However, things took a turn when Topgolf's background check, conducted by a third-party company called Accurate, flagged my driver's license status as a "Learners License." This is completely inaccurate; I hold a full license and have the necessary certifications to operate heavy machinery on military bases, given my current role with a Department of Defense HVAC contractor. I have a clean driving record with no tickets or accidents. I provided Accurate with my driving record, DMV license status, and photos of my actual license to prove the error. Despite this, I received an email stating that they were rescinding my job offer due to the incorrect license status. I found it laughable that Topgolf, which primarily uses golf carts, would question my driving qualifications when I have the highest level of civilian security clearance and can operate heavy machinery on federal property. I expressed my disappointment during the call, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. I was really looking forward to this job as my current position is demanding and doesn't leave much room for personal time, which I desperately need for my mental and physical health. Thanks for letting me share my experience.