Vacation Opinion Question

[KB3LAZ]

I take the opposite stance: If they have the summer off why do kids need more time off?

While kids here are basking in the sun and goofing off, other kids are studying hard so they can do well in school and upon college graduation, become successful professionals. Except for rural areas, kids no longer need to take the summer off to help out on the farm--they need to stay in school so they can learn and become successful in today's extremely competitive job market.

What job market?

[WF7A]

Point taken.

Actually, there are jobs out there--I see thousands of listings everyday while I'm looking for one--just that the decent-paying ones require skills and/or experience that's above many people's knowledge or training...and education level, but I won't rant here about that.

[WB2WIK]

Point taken.

Actually, there are jobs out there--I see thousands of listings everyday while I'm looking for one--just that the decent-paying ones require skills and/or experience that's above many people's knowledge or training...and education level, but I won't rant here about that.

Re the job market: I think the internet has made it much harder to find a job.

That seems counter-intuitive, but here's what I've found:

Companies post open positions on the web, inviting resumes returned via the web.

Anyone with two brain cells would follow up a day or two later with a phone call to confirm their application was received, and pushing for an interview -- the early bird and all that.

Try making that call and see what happens.

Half the time, you can't reach anyone to speak to. In fact, I'd probably say "most" of the time. Companies have telephone automation that doesn't work. Push 1 for the directory, and there isn't any directory or the name you have isn't in it. Push 0 for an operator, and that just brings you back to the main menu because there really isn't any operator. Push 3 to be placed on hold indefinitely.

The "old days" where this was almost all done via real live people speaking to each other was more efficient.

[KB3LAZ]

Point taken.

Actually, there are jobs out there--I see thousands of listings everyday while I'm looking for one--just that the decent-paying ones require skills and/or experience that's above many people's knowledge or training...and education level, but I won't rant here about that.

Actually, I have always been lucky and have had jobs that I consider well paying and enjoyable since I entered into adulthood. Even here in Spain I got lucky with the job search. I dont know if it is karma or just plain dumb luck.

[WF7A]

It's worse than that, Steve--I've been chided by HR-people for following up on an application or résumé I've submitted. They're so overwhelmed with receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of submissions that they don't want to be bothered. Some directors actually become annoyed when I contact them directly; I do some creative detective work to find out who's in charge of the HR Department because it's unprofessional to address a cover letter or e-mail to "To Whom It May Concern".

What I really hate is when I receive nothing back to acknowledge my call, e-mail or voicemail...for the same reason, I suppose; that's rude in my book.

In addition, the submission dates have shortened to hours in some cases: "Applications will be accepted for today, only." My job-hunting software helps with that (I can whip out custom cover letters and résumés in record time with it) but I have to get my materials in before everybody else, else after "x" number of received applications HR people pretty much toss away the rest.

Sorry for the rant and going off-topic, everybody.

...and count yourself fortunate, 'LAZ!

[KB3LAZ]

It's worse than that, Steve--I've been chided by HR-people for following up on an application or résumé I've submitted. They're so overwhelmed with receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of submissions that they don't want to be bothered. Some Directors actually become annoyed when I contact them directly; I do some creative detective work to find out who's in charge of the HR Department because it's unprofessional to address a cover letter or e-mail to "To Whom It May Concern".

What I really hate is when I receiving nothing back to acknowledge my call, e-mail or voicemail...for the same reason, I suppose; that's rude in my book.

In addition, the submission dates have shortened to hours in some cases: "Applications will be accepted for today, only." My job-hunting software helps with that (I can whip out custom cover letters and résumés in record time with it) but I have to get my materials in before everybody else, else after "x" number of received applications HR people pretty much toss away the rest.

Sorry for the rant and going off-topic, everybody.

...and count yourself fortunate, 'LAZ!

I count myself as very lucky, in many ways. Very appreciative as well.

[WB2WIK]

It's worse than that, Steve--I've been chided by HR-people for following up on an application or résumé I've submitted.

Which is why they have to re-post the opening again shortly thereafter because they have the applicant screening prowess of a gnat and either hire nobody or hire someone completely unsuitable which leads to the position being open again six months later.

I honestly think the "old way" really did work better.

[KB3LAZ]

Which is why they have to re-post the opening again shortly thereafter because they have the applicant screening prowess of a gnat and either hire nobody or hire someone completely unsuitable which leads to the position being open again six months later.

I honestly think the "old way" really did work better.

When working in the auto industry, the above was something I saw time after time. Hire someone that is totally incapable of doing the job they have been assigned just to turn around and hire someone else with the same problem 3-6 months later. Or pass on someone that is suited for the job, for whatever reason (normally pay) just to re-post the position as available a few months down the road.

Particularly when it comes to the pay, I am at a loss. In this day and age many people would be willing to take a pay cut to secure a job if only you offered them that opportunity. Listening to HR I would hear the age old excuse "they will just leave when they find a better job"...what better job, in fact, what job at all? Also, even if this is the case, use that time to cross train someone so that you are prepared for the loss. Preferably someone in a position that is easier to fill when/if the time comes.

/rant

[WF7A]

It did, Steve. Funny thing...well, not so funny...

My twin made the astute observation that in our throwaway society that people have now become throwaways. You could be working for a company for 20+ years and have a wealth of experience but you'll be replaced by a college grad who'll work for peanuts who is (hopefully) trainable since he costs less to employ.

Ack--now I'm all worked up again. Where's a cute dog or little kid I can kick....

[WB2WIK]

It did, Steve. Funny thing...well, not so funny...

My twin made the astute observation that in our throwaway society that people have now become throwaways. You could be working for a company for 20+ years and have a wealth of experience but you'll be replaced by a college grad who'll work for peanuts who is (hopefully) trainable since he costs less to employ.

Ack--now I'm all worked up again. Where's a cute dog or little kid I can kick....

This is definitely the age of home business startups.

You can go to school for 20 years and get a Ph.D. and not be employable. Some people like that are making a living selling stuff on eBay. No kidding.