Job Interviews

[Silver R/T]

It all depends on the job and the degree.  You can get a doctorate in Chinese literature but what are you going to do with it?  Why would a boss give someone the chance to climb a ladder and make more money if the replacements are waiting at the door? 

Nobody is going to give you what you want, you have to fight for it.  If you're doing a job that cannot go anywhere then eiyther accept it or go do something else.

I was in a dead end job for a long time and I could bitch about it just as good as the next guy.  I wish I pulled my head out of the sand sooner.  As soon as I quit that type of job life got a little easier.

Quite a few guys (myself for an example) are stuck at a job and don't get promotion cause supervisor knows nobody else will do as a good of a job. Of course they get their .10c raise once a year so they won't complain about not getting a raise.

[Lord Warlock]

Don't feel too bad, not many get promotions from within the company anymore, most companies hire from outside for leadership positions, which has always surprised me when there were plenty of good candidates that knew the job already there.  Most of corporate america hires from outside, i've found that if you want a promotion, you have to jump firms to get that major raise, or higher level position.  I put in 10 years at one firm only to jump ship and double my salary, then finished that job in two years and moved on to another for another large 5.00 an hour raise.  Problem is that once you start pulling really decent money, if the job ends, finding something competitive gets harder.  Unless you are open to moving to take on something.  I've just about fished out the local market, and may have to seriously consider moving elsewhere as the jobs here in my specialty.

If you move on to another factory job, just try to do it to one that you'll enjoy what you do, you'll still have to build a history and seniority, I doubt i could do that kind of job myself, not that many factory type positions here anyway. 

[Dodge Don]

Anybody who stays on a job over 5-10 years today is a fool. A Damn fool. After the 5 year mark, bosses tend to think "Well, your not going anywhere, and I see you just bought that new house so I can treat you like sh*t and you gotta take it"...I usually swap out every 5 years or so. NEVER been on a job for longer than 5 years. In the auto repair business, you go where the money is, and f*ck the guy that thinks he's got the corner market on it.

Anybody on a job over 30 years is either
1. Lucky
2. Got something on their bosses
3. Part owner
4. Just so dumb, they don't know any better

Grass is never greener on the other side, but it is different. And sometimes that's all thats needed. a change. Go for it.

I could not disagree with you more.....I have now been at my Job 30 years and LOVE it...I started at $6 an hour 30 years ago in the lowest position in the company....I worked hard, didnt complain and proved I was a great worker...I learned about the company and started moving up...lead hand , supervisor, now Plant manager.......I get treated with great respect because I show respect
I have seen so many people complain their way out of jobs over the years.....I have had many a bad boss through the years and learned how to deal with each and everyone of them, and outlasted them without kissing ass...they are gone and I am still here loving it..I will retire here with a great pension, currently have 7 weeks vacation and as many sick days as required
So I believe you get out what you put in..not every time is staying at a place along time bad...
Dumb certainly Not ,Lucky maybe...but I tell you I earned it

Well said.

Whenever I'm asked for advice on careers I always say you have two questions to ask yourself...

1) What would I do for free (because you enjoy it)?

and

2) How can I make money doing it?

[Bobs69]

There are way too many college kids that drank the kool-aid way back when thinking they will need a good education to get that cushy, good job...
Sad, but all those jobs are gone. Too many are still thinking this, when in fact, they need to take up that "trade" that all of 'em used to think were below them. Like being a grease monkey. We have one of the hardest jobs on the planet reapiring today's computer controlled cars. Yet, we are still looked at as "Grease Monkeys"....I ain't got no degree, but graduated college. I never expected to come out of college and be making $100K/year. There are those that have a stack of paperwork that think this very thing today.

I have two years of college.  There are people in here with better education then me.  One sitting next to me with a bachelor of arts from University.  We all work in the same place.  Gotta make damned sure that the education I go for will keep me out of here, or places like this.  Shit.


Keep it coming guys.  Lots of experience here.  I'm sure your  vision is 20 20 by now.

What field are you looking to get into?  

I'm thinking about seeing how many of my credits will transfer over to the Law & Security Program.
A couple months back I took the Canadian Restricted firearms safety course and challenged the Prohibited test so I could apply with the CBSA.  Canadian Border Security Agency.

[Dino]

There are way too many college kids that drank the kool-aid way back when thinking they will need a good education to get that cushy, good job...
Sad, but all those jobs are gone. Too many are still thinking this, when in fact, they need to take up that "trade" that all of 'em used to think were below them. Like being a grease monkey. We have one of the hardest jobs on the planet reapiring today's computer controlled cars. Yet, we are still looked at as "Grease Monkeys"....I ain't got no degree, but graduated college. I never expected to come out of college and be making $100K/year. There are those that have a stack of paperwork that think this very thing today.

I have two years of college.  There are people in here with better education then me.  One sitting next to me with a bachelor of arts from University.  We all work in the same place.  Gotta make damned sure that the education I go for will keep me out of here, or places like this.  Shit.


Keep it coming guys.  Lots of experience here.  I'm sure your  vision is 20 20 by now.

What field are you looking to get into?  

I'm thinking about seeing how many of my credits will transfer over to the Law & Security Program.
A couple months back I took the Canadian Restricted firearms safety course and challenged the Prohibited test so I could apply with the CBSA.  Canadian Border Security Agency.

Great!  Even if the credits don't all transfer, most colleges/universities will offer a placement test so you may be able to skip a few classes.

Set up an appointment with a counselor and take it from there.

[Chad L. Magee]

There are way too many college kids that drank the kool-aid way back when thinking they will need a good education to get that cushy, good job...
Sad, but all those jobs are gone. Too many are still thinking this, when in fact, they need to take up that "trade" that all of 'em used to think were below them. Like being a grease monkey. We have one of the hardest jobs on the planet reapiring today's computer controlled cars. Yet, we are still looked at as "Grease Monkeys"....I ain't got no degree, but graduated college. I never expected to come out of college and be making $100K/year. There are those that have a stack of paperwork that think this very thing today.

People need to realize what they really get for an education when they go to a college/university, instead of thinking that they are automatically valuable to society.  Many want to take the easy way out, which leads to an surplus of those particular degrees.  Supply vs. demand issues play in and they tend to make less pay (not always, but a net overall trend).  If you want to get something worthwhile for your eductation, you have to set your sights on something that has a built-in demand.  There is a trade off though, as those are usually areas that are harder to do.  Science, engineering and math degrees are an example of this....

[Silver R/T]

It can never hurt to try something new, especially if you're still far away from retirement. A lead where I work (dept supervisor-lead) had to leave for 6 months due to stress issues. Once he came back he's working as my helper now. He cleans off weld slag and wipes metal with acetone before paint. He's 62 years old and a few years from retirement.
Sure is not what I'd want to end up doing when I'm 62, every time I look at these underpaid "old guys" it makes me feel uneasy, I start feeling sorry for them. Makes me wonder where they went wrong to end up at where they are at now.
I still have time till retirement and I can make choices for myself to not end up like these guys.

[charge69]

Sometimes, it is not your choice to make. Lots of things can influence what happens down the road and some of them are not your control. I was in great shape, or so I thought, back in 2010. Blood pressure great (115/65) cholesterol numbers great (97) not on ANY type of meds for anything and, suddenly, had a stroke that nearly killed me in June 2010 ! I lived but the residuals left me unable to work anymore. Still have noticeable weakness and limp on the left side of my whole body !  Left-handed also and can barely sign my name legibly even now! Even filling out forms by hand is beyond my ability. My wife has to do this ! My working days were suddenly over but , luckily for me , I had a retirement to fall back on , almost literally !!

Anyway , do not count on your employer being there for you. Prepare yourself for YOUR future as YOU are really the only one looking out for yourself these days.

[Bobs69]

Sometimes, it is not your choice to make. Lots of things can influence what happens down the road and some of them are not your control. I was in great shape, or so I thought, back in 2010. Blood pressure great (115/65) cholesterol numbers great (97) not on ANY type of meds for anything and, suddenly, had a stroke that nearly killed me in June 2010 ! I lived but the residuals left me unable to work anymore. Still have noticeable weakness and limp on the left side of my whole body !  Left-handed also and can barely sign my name legibly even now! Even filling out forms by hand is beyond my ability. My wife has to do this ! My working days were suddenly over but , luckily for me , I had a retirement to fall back on , almost literally !!

Anyway , do not count on your employer being there for you. Prepare yourself for YOUR future as YOU are really the only one looking out for yourself these days.

Seeing how you said you are retired I guess we can safely say you are one of the "older guys" without offending you? 

These are the guys with the 20/20 hindsight that may be able to help the rest of us.  I welcome the advice.

I had my interview today nice people, it lasted over an hour!  I was up early, went to the gym to burn off excess nerves then went to the interview.  Finally made my way home and had a nap!

These things are never easy!

[charge69]

Bobs69: Ha, you cannot offend me with my being an "old guy"anymore, that is for sure! I am 66 years old and well remember a time when someone went to work for a company and expected to work until retirement got there. Not anymore. Very few companies have a retirement plan anymore and full well expect you to fund your own retirement . I am not saying that is wrong, it is just harder to fund your ongoing lifestyle and put money away for retirement. Letting older people go and keeping on younger workers (read that cheaper) is not above ANY company now. The workplace has changed dramatically now and companies now do not have to and will not look out for their employees anymore.

Sounds like your interview went well and I hope you find a job you can get up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead. Good luck ! Interviews are a super stressful time and they almost always stress you out and make a nap shortly thereafter sound enticing! You must be a good candidate or the interview would not have lasted as long as it did!

Find someway to put something away, even if it is just a little, for your retirement. Ain't no one else going to put some away for you.

[Cooter]

Bottom line is, Employers in this country used to kinda "Expect" their workers to "Want" to stay with the company. Today as we lean towards this "Global Economy" Bullsh*t, it would seem there are gonna be more and more sweat shops in the USA. People Bending over and taking the huge D in the A. You can either take the little one, or the big one. Either way, your taking one. I see more and more of these folks that were used to say $150K/year, eatin' barrels. They have talked down to everybody for so long, they refuse to take a step back and see themselves having to swallow that medicine. Too many in this country are like this. They seem to think it can't happen here/to them...

Wake up all you guys who are gonna retire in the near future...You are the last of the Mohicans. There will NEVER be retirement again. I wish you folks well, and may you enjoy the hell outta your pensions, but for the rest of us who are just starting to see the big D headed for our A's, we find little solice in your ability to try and defend 35 years on a job now.

[Dino]

There are way too many college kids that drank the kool-aid way back when thinking they will need a good education to get that cushy, good job...
Sad, but all those jobs are gone. Too many are still thinking this, when in fact, they need to take up that "trade" that all of 'em used to think were below them. Like being a grease monkey. We have one of the hardest jobs on the planet reapiring today's computer controlled cars. Yet, we are still looked at as "Grease Monkeys"....I ain't got no degree, but graduated college. I never expected to come out of college and be making $100K/year. There are those that have a stack of paperwork that think this very thing today.

People need to realize what they really get for an education when they go to a college/university, instead of thinking that they are automatically valuable to society.  Many want to take the easy way out, which leads to an surplus of those particular degrees.  Supply vs. demand issues play in and they tend to make less pay (not always, but a net overall trend).  If you want to get something worthwhile for your eductation, you have to set your sights on something that has a built-in demand.  There is a trade off though, as those are usually areas that are harder to do.  Science, engineering and math degrees are an example of this....

Absolutely correct.  I was talking to a student last week and she was wondering if she should get a master's degree or a third bachelor's ....
She'll never work if she can help it.

I am finishing my bachelor's in math and science and then will go into the PA program.  Tons of work in that sector and good pay but yeah you have to work for it.

[Cooter]

I was talking to a student last week and she was wondering if she should get a master's degree or a third bachelor's ....
She'll never work if she can help it.

That there is the problem as I see it.

[Dino]

I was talking to a student last week and she was wondering if she should get a master's degree or a third bachelor's ....
She'll never work if she can help it.

That there is the problem as I see it.

I was going to ask what type of degrees she had but I thought better of it.  I figured I'd have to slap her if they were useless and they just may be.

[Bobs69]

Sounds like your interview went well and I hope you find a job you can get up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead. Good luck ! Interviews are a super stressful time and they almost always stress you out and make a nap shortly thereafter sound enticing! You must be a good candidate or the interview would not have lasted as long as it did!

Well I hope so.  It will be different from what I'm used to.  Which is what I'm wanting I guess.  Thing is I did something I don't usually do.  I was honest.  Well I'm always honest but I was DEAD HONEST and UPFRONT.   If they asked me a direct question and wanted an example I gave it to them.  And lets say I had some baggage to fall back on.

It was a learning experience if nothing else and I guarantee they'll remember me.  I was positive and polite.  Just not sure what they'll think of the examples I gave them from my Unionized plant.

[Back N Black]

Sounds like your interview went well and I hope you find a job you can get up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead. Good luck ! Interviews are a super stressful time and they almost always stress you out and make a nap shortly thereafter sound enticing! You must be a good candidate or the interview would not have lasted as long as it did!

Well I hope so.  It will be different from what I'm used to.  Which is what I'm wanting I guess.  Thing is I did something I don't usually do.  I was honest.  Well I'm always honest but I was DEAD HONEST and UPFRONT.   If they asked me a direct question and wanted an example I gave it to them.  And lets say I had some baggage to fall back on.

It was a learning experience if nothing else and I guarantee they'll remember me.  I was positive and polite.  Just not sure what they'll think of the examples I gave them from my Unionized plant.

Did you consider joining the Military? Education is free and pay is not bad. You go to school and get paid. 

[Bobs69]

Sounds like your interview went well and I hope you find a job you can get up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead. Good luck ! Interviews are a super stressful time and they almost always stress you out and make a nap shortly thereafter sound enticing! You must be a good candidate or the interview would not have lasted as long as it did!

Well I hope so.  It will be different from what I'm used to.  Which is what I'm wanting I guess.  Thing is I did something I don't usually do.  I was honest.  Well I'm always honest but I was DEAD HONEST and UPFRONT.   If they asked me a direct question and wanted an example I gave it to them.  And lets say I had some baggage to fall back on.

It was a learning experience if nothing else and I guarantee they'll remember me.  I was positive and polite.  Just not sure what they'll think of the examples I gave them from my Unionized plant.

Did you consider joining the Military? Education is free and pay is not bad. You go to school and get paid.  

Actually it comes up every so often.  I'm 39 years old now and physically could do it.  I'm married, no kids.  Pretty sure the wife would miss me.  Not sure if I'm mentally tuff enough for it right now.

[Paul G]

I changed jobs four years ago. Spent 31 years in a union shop. Integrated steel producer. I just could not tolerate that place, or that part of the country any more. Luckily I went through an electrical apprenticeship when I first started. I was fortunate to find a job working for a water utility company in Arizona. I am doing the same type of work as before, actually it is an easier job.

Good jobs are still out there if you have the skills they need. That is the hard part. Figuring out what skills will be in demand. This company I work for now got rid of there pension program and replaced it with a contribution in to your 401k. It is still a really good program. My advice is to get back to school before you quit your job. Make a good choice now for a better future later.

[Bobs69]

I changed jobs four years ago. Spent 31 years in a union shop. Integrated steel producer. I just could not tolerate that place, or that part of the country any more. Luckily I went through an electrical apprenticeship when I first started. I was fortunate to find a job working for a water utility company in Arizona. I am doing the same type of work as before, actually it is an easier job.

Good jobs are still out there if you have the skills they need. That is the hard part. Figuring out what skills will be in demand. This company I work for now got rid of there pension program and replaced it with a contribution in to your 401k. It is still a really good program. My advice is to get back to school before you quit your job. Make a good choice now for a better future later.

You mean goto school now and work at the same time?

[Bobs69]

Any of you apply online for a job?

Holly crap.  It's like they got no respect for your time what so ever.

[Dino]

Any of you apply online for a job?

Holly crap.  It's like they got no respect for your time what so ever.

How's your resume looking?  You need to tweak it for every job you apply for.  Whatever they need is what you need to provide and be clear that you can provide it.  I remember being interviewed for an autobody position many years ago.  The owner of the shop asked me why he would hire me instead of any of the other dozens of people that applied.  I replied because you want the best and that's me.  He leaned back in his chair and looked at me and then asked me if I was ready to be autonomous from day one and I simply said I wouldn't be here if I wasn't.  I started the same day.
You need to be aggressive.  I'm always polite but I always have a bit of an attitude as well and it helps.  If the boss asks you what you can offer and you don't have a clear answer then you likely just lost that position.  Make shit up if you need to but make it clear that you can do whatever he/she throws at you and then some.  I will hire a motivated worker before an experienced one most of the time, depending on the position.

I changed jobs four years ago. Spent 31 years in a union shop. Integrated steel producer. I just could not tolerate that place, or that part of the country any more. Luckily I went through an electrical apprenticeship when I first started. I was fortunate to find a job working for a water utility company in Arizona. I am doing the same type of work as before, actually it is an easier job.

Good jobs are still out there if you have the skills they need. That is the hard part. Figuring out what skills will be in demand. This company I work for now got rid of there pension program and replaced it with a contribution in to your 401k. It is still a really good program. My advice is to get back to school before you quit your job. Make a good choice now for a better future later.

You mean goto school now and work at the same time?

Why not?  Been doing that for a few years now, you just start out slow and work at that degree.  Pretty soon I will have to go to school more so I will likely need to quit my job but I'll get a part time gig somewhere.

[Bobs69]

Well, I've done it.

I'm scheduled to attend school in February.  Upon successful completion of that, I'll be a peace officer.  Wow.  Scary times. 

Any cops or similar in here?

As for the idiot boss I used to have.  Well they moved him to another crew.  They eventually chewed him up.  Then they promoted him, or so it seems, and keep him away from most people.

[XH29N0G]

Good for you to decide to and then make a move for change.  I am not with the police so I cannot give advice there.  It is a very important job and hope your school and transition to it goes smoothly.

[moparnation74]

Cooter, made a lot of key points here.

The majority and largest employers today are corporations.  In our current market their mindset is: you should be happy I allow you to work, get paid, have health benefits etc..  And if you have a problem with that than leave I(corp) do not care.  Plenty, others waiting in line and I can pay them less.  At a time in America this was not the case the employees carried more weight and respect.
  Our government wants small business gone and big biz to rule.  It is easier and less costly to regulate.

I have always said the grass is always not greener on the other side but is it worth staying being miserable where your currently at?  If employers do not have loyalty, why should you?
 

[Shakey]

We are all responsible for our own destiny's.  We (Canadians & Americans) live in two of the greatest countries in the world and are given ample opportunities to be successful in life.  If you want success - go out and earn it and be patient while doing so.

Job satisfaction and career advancement are no different than the relationship you have with your loved ones - you will only get out of it what you put into it.

There are numerous success stories of famous and not-so-famous people that have enjoyed success and started at the bottom.  As far as starting at a company and climbing through the ranks - it can be done but it's up to us as individuals.

Start by showing up for work early every day.  Show a positive attitude towards your job/role and with your colleagues and management.  Always try to come up with solutions on how to do things more efficiently which in turn will save the company money and make them more profitable - that's why they're in business!  Utilize your leadership skills to motivate your team members so that everyone is working together for the greater good of the company.

I know numerous people that have worked at companies for extended periods of time (myself included) and they're the ones that have the outlook and attitude noted above.  They are all very successful and have climbed the ranks to earn more and more every year.  They are valuable employees and the company rewards them as such.

If one goes through life with an outlook that there is no hope of moving up and corporations are out to screw the little man, you will not succeed.  True, there are many instances where the employees get screwed - we hear about them all the time.  What we don't hear enough about are the long-term success stories such as this one noted below - he started stocking the shelves at the local grocery store.

Chuck Mulvenna is President, Safeway Operations, for Sobeys Inc., a leading Canadian grocery retailer and food distributor. He is responsible for the Company's Safeway Operations business which includes 200 retail locations across Western Canada.

Mr. Mulvenna came to Sobeys Inc. in 2013 after the acquisition of Canada Safeway Limited. He has close to 45 years of experience in food retailing, starting his career as a Safeway courtesy clerk in 1969 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Throughout his years with Safeway Inc. he fulfilled a variety of retail leadership roles across the Prairies. Most notably, from 1996 through 2013 Mr. Mulvenna held the positions of Corporate Vice President Retail Operations with Safeway and President and Chief Operating Officer of Canada Safeway Limited.

Mr. Mulvenna holds a Certificate in Management from the University of Manitoba.