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Hi,
I would like some feedback and insight, especially from recruiters here.
Ok, so in June, I quit my job of 6 years with a state agency, where I was an administrative assistant and then was a member services rep (customer service, basically, in a small call center).
I left because I felt (well, was) stagnant there, under-employed, and there wasn't a lot of movement there. I left on good terms, with good references; I even have a very nice recommendation from a former Deputy Director there - on my LinkedIn.
Since June, I've had about 4 or 5 interviews with other state agencies, about 10 million Indian recruiters trying to get me to work at HP through their placement agencies, and some other offers that were basically low wage, low satisfaction call center jobs.
My resume is as flawless as it is going to get - I have 10 years admin and customer service experience, a Bachelors Degree, and have been taking all these short healthcare courses on Coursera (they are free, but they are all taught by Doctors and people with PhD's - so they are good knowledge courses).
I'm trying to "transition" from general customer service and call center, to something in entry level on the business side of healthcare.
With healthcare, health insurance and other applications, I've probably 250 rejections in my email.
In August, I had a group interview for a position with St. Lukes. It's called a "connect specialist" position. I did well on the interview, but after 2 weeks heard NOTHING back. Before they started calling people from the group of job seekers into the interviews, they told us all "don't worry if you don't get contacted back right away - this takes a bit". Well, after 2 weeks, I sent a polite email to an HR recruiter there, who was, by the way VERY nice to me on the phone, prior to the group interview. I asked for a status update - which is reasonable after 2 weeks. I got NO response. Instead, I got an email from a different recruiter there who said I am being considered for another position. I've heard nothing. And the recruiter who was very nice to me - I've tried to contact her again but can only get voicemail. I'm NOT trying to be a "stalker", I'm just trying to see what's going on. I'm not getting status updates.
My friends wife works there as an Admin Asst. and is trying to move up. She said that even though she has direct contacts in the departments where she wants to work, and interviewed, that St. Lukes is not communicating with her and she is in "limbo" as well - and she works there!
Bottom line - while this is supposed to be a very good job market for job seekers? What I am experiencing, and I'm sure there are many like me - is that the employers here are being downright MEAN, and acting as if we (job seekers) aren't even human, with feelings and with bills to pay and with lives on hold (literally).
I like living here. I have friends and have recently reconnected with Synagogue and I like to ride mountain bikes and road bike and all that outdoorsy stuff. BUT, I have not been able to ride hardly at all the whole summer and through this beautiful fall weather we are having, because, it's REALLY hard to enjoy what you used to enjoy when you are worried about basic survival.
I've had some temp work, but that's all it's been. Because of the help of a dear friend, out of state (more than a friend, actually) - I'm able to keep my head above water. I also recently was given food stamp card by Idaho - I've never had to do that before. I am single guy, 53.
When I mentioned something on Facebook, that I had both my mountain and my road bike up on CL for sale, 2 friends of mine asked "why?". I then gave the obvious reason and he made a comment that how can one be unemployed in "this" job market? That only made me feel worse. He obviously doesn't need to worry about is as a fully employed teacher who teaches online, and his wife has a good job and they travel and ride all over the place in summer (like Whistler), and take cultural trips to France and Ireland and post on Facebook - and seeing those photos just makes me want to just.... well let's just say they make me happy for THEM, but VERY sad for my own situation. I want to travel too!
I KNOW, I am not as bad as the Idaho employers are treating me. I'm reliable, skilled, go out of my way for customers, have good computer skills, am a continual learner, and can write a very long paragraph about both my skills and my good attitude. I don't have a criminal record, I can pass a drug test, and there is no "black marks" on any kind of records for me. So I am just......baffled.
Even the temp jobs are becoming a joke. Recently, I wasn't going to be considered for one, because it is a temporary (and I found out - seasonal) position with Blue Cross - and you can't miss even 1 day of training. Well, all my family - Mom and Dad, Brother, Sister, Aunts, Uncles, etc. live out of state and I had already bought my plane tickets so I can be with them on Thanksgiving. Why the hell would Blue Cross schedule that kind of training right before and after Thanksgiving anyway? But my point is that - this kind of thing has been happening constantly with the temp work. Also, I missed out on an interview with that "T Sheets" company. They liked my application and set up an interview at THEIR convenience. Well, I had a temp job and I NEEDED the money. I told them, since I have a temp job and I NEED THE MONEY, to pay rent, if you are interested in me, can you please schedule this for a different time? They said "no" and have rejected all my subsequent applications. THAT kind of behavior from a company that says they have a "good culture"? Seems inconsistent. No, it isn't healthcare, but I need to be a bit flexible too - and if something good comes to take it.
Bottom line, I have a LOT to offer, and am not getting many interviews. The interviews I am getting, I am nailing. I've had interview feedback and I know I am doing well. But no offers.
I recently was invited to apply for a position with Cigna - the position is in Phoenix, and also Minneapolis and Plano, Tx. I applied for all 3 and I have a direct reference from someone who works there.
But I am still hoping to get something good lined up here, then be able to enjoy the rest of fall, anticipating the start of a job - so not having worries anymore.
1.) You live in Boise, Idaho
2.) You're not Mormon
Sometimes you just have to get out of Idaho, like lots of other people do/did.
The state isn't set up for career people who want to get ahead, it's set up for retirees who move in and bring their money/pensions from elsewhere. As for the better jobs, if you aren't connected then you're a bit screwed, to be blunt.
And, don't blame yourself or let anyone else blame you. It's not you, it's just the way things are.
kttam186290 -
the Spokesman article didn't pull up but the other one did.
Thanks for posting those. What you said is helpful in that - I think I can adjust my expectations a little bit and see how it goes. I'm not ready to leave here (yet), unless I get a good offer elsewhere, or it becomes, truly a necessity.
But the idea of this place being set up for retirees and people who BRING money in here - does make sense. It's a "taker" state and not a giver (despite what the chamber may say, as they can "talk" til they are blue in the face).
I am going to adjust my expectations (downward) a bit, and see how it goes.
You are the 2nd person to DIRECTLY tell me to not blame myself. The first is my dear friend - who is a medical doctor in Houston - whom I think - regarding ME, always knew this place wasn't so great when it comes to everyone who wants to achieve their potential here, being able to do so here.
I'm just not willing to take another high stress, low satisfaction, low pay call center job here (again). I will leave before that happens, but I'm hoping to "get lucky" with something - not call center - even if it starts as a temp job but with promise, in a good company - OR, phone based customer service but in healthcare setting. If not I will have to get out - maybe even moving somewhere (like Phoenix), before even having a job...
I really wish that those who are policymakers here would know and feel all of the problems that job seekers experience here, and that when they talk about "low Idaho unemployment" that most of the jobs (with exception of St. Lukes, Micron, HP, etc) - are really just (again) low wage, low satisfaction, low quality, call center or retail. I guess those policymakers pat themselves on the back the more of those they can create...
Last edited by Fwdvision; 10-26-2017 at 10:05 PM..
I'm just not willing to take another high stress, low satisfaction, low pay call center job here (again).
You're 53, on food stamps, only do interviews on your
schedule, and aren't willing to start at the bottom?
I think your problem has revealed itself.
Idaho may not be a good fit for you.
You'd probably do better in a more union/liberal area.
Analysis:
1. At 53, you're old for the job market. Sorry to be blunt, but ageism is rampant in this valley. I've seen it myself and I'm only in my 40's.
2. You left a perfectly good job for not a very good reason - that make employers nervous you will do the same to them.
3. The customer service job has become commoditized. Companies can hire customer service reps same day in a group setting (herding), with these people bringing little to no experience. So unless you have specific experience, and perhaps you do in the government space, you will be starting over again at a new company. Figure out what you did that was unique, and market yourself as that.
4. You are placing too much emphasis on your job giving your life satisfaction and meaning - "low satisfaction job" as you note above. Your job is not responsible for your satisfaction, you are. Your mindset determines what comes into your life, and if you haven't seen anything new in your life in 6 months, that's on you, as it resonates out from you to whomever you're speaking with. Change your mind and change your life.
5. St. Lukes never gets back to anyone, forget about them.
6. T Sheets only hires 20 and 30 somethings, forget about them.
7. There are all kinds of companies that hire customer service reps that can work at home and pay good wages. Google it. This will get you around the ageism you're experiencing here and let's your 10 years of experience stand out.
8. Join groups on meetup to network and to learn new skills. No mountain bike anymore, join a foothills hiking group. You never know who you might meet that has a job opening or knows of one.
9. Connect with all of the local recruiters and remind them you are out there looking, and I'm talking about the business level recruiters, not the temp agency recruiters, as this will get you access to the higher paying jobs. Also be open to taking a contract job of only 6 months - show your value and most companies will keep you on or convert you to full time.
8. Join groups on meetup to network and to learn new skills. No mountain bike anymore, join a foothills hiking group. You never know who you might meet that has a job opening or knows of one.
9. Connect with all of the local recruiters and remind them you are out there looking, and I'm talking about the business level recruiters, not the temp agency recruiters, as this will get you access to the higher paying jobs. Also be open to taking a contract job of only 6 months - show your value and most companies will keep you on or convert you to full time.
Good luck!
Some great advice there.
When I was looking to come out here, I connected with a few recruiters, and even though I'm here with a job, still meet up with them for lunch to shoot the breeze sometimes.
They have sent me a few invites to meet up with local IT folks for lunch discussions, and they have some after hours stuff also, but I'm a dad and it's hard to find the time. I really need to start doing that stuff, because if I ever lose this job then I'm looking.
One day in 1995 I quit my job at SCP (Boise's DMV building)as a Field Service Engineer, and moved to Salinas California and doubled my salary and halved the hours I worked. The cost of living in Salinas was the same as in Boise then.
I saved for 2 years for a down on a house in Fremont, Ca. Stayed working in Salinas till IDT closed the factory and moved to Ultratech in San Jose. Been there for 14 years, and am going to retire in Boise in 19 more months. That $200K home has gone up 5X, and 20% in my 401K for the past 14 years will allow me to retire.
Boise is a great place to live, but not so great to work unless you are a business owner. When I woke up and decided I wanted to retire some day, I decided I had to get out of my comfort zone and take a chance. The Boise home I bought in 1986 for $76K is only worth $200K today. Boise is clearly a retirement destination, or a great place to live, but not a get ahead in the working world destination.
One day in 1995 I quit my job at SCP (Boise's DMV building)as a Field Service Engineer, and moved to Salinas California and doubled my salary and halved the hours I worked. The cost of living in Salinas was the same as in Boise then.
I saved for 2 years for a down on a house in Fremont, Ca. Stayed working in Salinas till IDT closed the factory and moved to Ultratech in San Jose. Been there for 14 years, and am going to retire in Boise in 19 more months. That $200K home has gone up 5X, and 20% in my 401K for the past 14 years will allow me to retire.
Boise is a great place to live, but not so great to work unless you are a business owner. When I woke up and decided I wanted to retire some day, I decided I had to get out of my comfort zone and take a chance. The Boise home I bought in 1986 for $76K is only worth $200K today. Boise is clearly a retirement destination, or a great place to live, but not a get ahead in the working world destination.
Neat story, but wow! I bought my first house in Salinas and worked in Milpitas, LONG commute. Sixty five miles, but through horrible traffic. I couldn't imagine living in Fremont (where my parents live) and commuting to Salinas (which is even farther), even though part of it was a reverse commute. That's a huge impact on your life, so good for you for being able to do that.
Fremont, like most of the rest of the Bay Area, has gotten SO expensive that we moved here. Yes, the houses won't appreciate at the rate that yours has, but I don't see how our kids could get into one in the first place. So, they'd almost have to move out of state when they did get out of college and start working. At least here there's a chance that they will be able to stay, if they want to. I also feel that the housing values in CA and some of the other higher cost areas are going to take a big hit as CA continues to move down the liberal road and do crazier and crazier things. Do some research on what is going on in that state.
- The budget is so out of control, the CA congress recently passed and just implemented a 12 cent per gallon gas tax (20+ cents per gallon on diesel)
- The CA congress just passed another one that is going to raise the cost of gas more than 70 cents per gallon around 2020. Nuts.
- The LA area passed something throurgh their legislature to pay people to either upgrade or build a second dwelling on their property to house homeless.
- They constantly talk about getting rid of Prop 13
I could go on and on, but to me the root of the problem is that the culture of government is that people owe the government the revenues to do what it thinks it needs to do, not that it needs to not spend more than it is taking in. So, expect more and more taxation as the full time legislature continues to try to find creative ways to fund the things it thinks it needs to provide for the citizens and non-citizens of the state and to fund the massive pension obligations. Interesting story on that, btw: Which American Cities Will File Bankruptcy Next? | Zero Hedge
I also think housing values in CA are finally about to take a big hit, and some won't be as lucky as you are or those are who have already left. I bought my first house in Salinas way back in 1997 for $200k (might have been your neighbor!), but in most places in the Bay Area there's no way that kids can afford a home unless they're married and have been saving for a decade. Rents are crazy expensive also.
Your story is great, and I can certainly appreciate where you are coming from (and you are not wrong), but I think times have changed and the opportunities to buy a home with a moderate job and income aren't there anymore in areas that are safe or that you want to raise a family in.
Tough decisions with no easy answer. Cost of living is low here and so are salaries, but cost of living is so high there and the barries to entry are getting steeper and steeper. I worry for my kids.
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