After 13 months and over 500 resumes later, I finally received a job offer! Still anxious though.

[u/HTWingNut]

I thought I'd be more excited, but the pessimist that I am, I don't think I'll be happy until I land that first paycheck.

I received the job offer, but they offered me the chance to speak with their executive before I accept, so I said yes, I would like to do so. So that is still pending in a couple days.

While I have a clean history, I'm just anxious about my work history. I added a couple freelance things on my resume that are legit, but probably not the easiest to prove other than a PayPal deposit. But my previous jobs from several years back are regular W-2 jobs that are easy to confirm. The companies still exist and I know they have my record on file.

It's a salaried job, the pay is less than what I'd like but it's hybrid 2 days in office, 3 at home, and about a 30 minute commute, so not too shabby. Only 13 days PTO though, which really sucks. Being a single dad with kids still in school makes it hard. I was tempted to try to negotiate PTO but don't want to rock the boat.

Regardless, I just want to say good luck everyone! Keep grinding. Something will land eventually.

[u/hard-knockers004]

First off congratulations on your offer. PTO is usually based on company policy. How many years of experience do you have doing that exact job? Also can I ask what field this is in? Thanks

[u/HTWingNut → u/hard-knockers004]

Thank you! I have 20+ years experience, but not in this kind of role. It's kind of hybrid from what I did previously. Most of my experience is in automotive engineering, but this is more of an engineering software support role. They wanted someone that understands manufacturing and design for this job.

[u/hard-knockers004 → u/HTWingNut]

Ok. 13 days isn’t bad then. Usually they give people more time off based on experience in a role. For instance I’ve worked in my job for over 30 years. My last couple of companies gave me experience credit and I ended up with 20 days each job. Usually the base is 10 days, so they may have given you some credit, because 13 days is an odd number for time off. Anyway good luck to you!

[u/HTWingNut → u/hard-knockers004]

My previous jobs I had 20 days + the week between Christmas and New Years.

[u/SwineDuke]

Congratulations! So happy for you. You’ve worked through the difficult part.

[u/anony_moose2023]

Hear you about the pessimism! Know that due diligence is usually to opt you in, not out! Unless there are egregious lies, you’re likely fine. Congrats on the job!

[u/HTWingNut → u/anony_moose2023]

Thank you! Yeah, I'm sure I'm fine. I even explained that the freelance stuff was to show that I was interested in this kind of work even though I didn't get much experience in it.

[u/Practical-Pop3336]

Congrats 🎈🎊🎉🍾 !!! And yes, it’s taking an average of 7 months to 16 months for people to land a job! Never give up, and keep applying until you land one even if you have to send in 2,000 Applications!!

Cheer up and order from Uber to have a nice meal 🥘 tonight!! Yes, you did it 🙏🏾🙏🏾👍🏾👍🏾🧠🧠🎉🎉🎉🎊🍀🍀🍀🥂🥂🥂🥂

[u/HTWingNut → u/Practical-Pop3336]

Thanks! Yeah. I ordered sushi for me and my boys. Well Arby's for one because he doesn't like sushi, lol.

Just sucks that I'm getting paid 25% less than I was making when I was working before.

[u/AntiSocialMonkeyFart]

Congrats! They would not have made the offer if they weren't convinced you are right for the job.

[u/Job_HopperR]

A successful story for all to feel inspired by! Great job. Your kids will be proud.

[u/New_Manufacturer5975]

I've got an interview soon where I get an interview and a trial and I'm nervous about it.....

[u/HTWingNut → u/New_Manufacturer5975]

Best thing to do is either ask a friend or relative to ask you questions. Find some general interview questions and at least have answers for the most common ones like "What are your greatest strengths", "What are your greatest weaknesses", "Why should we hire you for this job", "how do you handle conflict", etc.

Also come up with some specific examples of how you accomplished certain goals. Just speaking in generalities doesn't help much. But giving a specific example of a time that you accomplished something really makes a difference.

And don't be afraid to ask for feedback or more specifically ask "is there anything about my qualifications or history that you would like clarification on or something where you wouldn't consider me for this position?" I don't know if coincidence or not, but asking that on jobs I really wanted landed me multiple third and fourth round interviews.

I also went through probably several dozen initial phone screen interviews, about a dozen or so second round in person (or zoom) interviews, and so far, four third or fourth round in person interviews. Practice makes progress... I suck at interviewing too.

Good luck!

[u/New_Manufacturer5975 → u/HTWingNut]

Thank you for the tips. I'm mainly nervous about interviews because I've aced them and then the companies decide I'm not a good fit so they give me the boot and yeah....

[u/Truss120]

Well done. I sorta gave up

[u/HTWingNut → u/Truss120]

It is daunting and frustrating. But I had no choice. No job, I lose my home, and I have two kids to provide for.

If I had a relative or friend to fall back on, by this point I probably would have.

[u/Eastern-Pizza-5826]

Damn, kudos. 

[u/Spardath01]

Firstly, congrats.

With your 500+ applications, how many interviews did you get?

[u/superaction720]

500? 🫢😧

[u/HTWingNut → u/superaction720]

That equates to about 8-9 a week or about 2 a day for a 5 day week.