Job Qualifications Include...

Crisis Diverted?????

2010-11-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

Received an automated email response today that said "

Dear (omitted),
 
Thank you for applying for (omitted).

We have, however, decided to close this position without hire.

We highly encourage you to continue applying for new jobs as they post

to our job website.    This is a system generated email,

so replies will not be answered.
 
Thank you,
Nancy Lind  (Do you think Nancy googles herself?)

*phew*  I didn't even have to interview before I was laid off... errr...

I can't even remember how long ago I applied for that position.  But I do

remember that it was one of those online applications that takes you a couple hours

just to apply for one position. I'm sure their time is important too, as I am

fairly positive that people are doing two jobs at this company.

Multiply bummed status by 4 today

2010-11-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

I just posted a new resume to a job search site. New as in, I recently got married so I changed my name and I added some much needed bullets, etc....

Promptly I receive an email from the site saying thanks for uploading yet another document for us to host. We appreciate your willingness to continue to visit our site blah blah blah.... Then another email from the same people telling me how my resume can get noticed. Resume Upgrade! How exciting, I can put myself on the top of the search results when an employer searches for resumes online. Ahem... I said that wrong, I'll begin again...

How awful, now there is a whole new way to be put at the bottom of the pile. I don't have $150 dollars to get "titanium" status so that I can increase my exposure by 190%. I can venture to say that I also will not scrape together $20 for "copper" status that increases my exposure by 25%. I will however point out that it is impossible to state such an increase when this option is available to everyone. This would not have any bearing on the best candidate being at the top of the list. Assuming the best candidate is not the only person on the planet right now that has $150 dollars to throw away.
I actually teared up on this one. We used to be able to dress up nice and walk in to an office, kindly as for the appropriate person to hand your resume to and cross your fingers for an interview. They saw you, they had a first impression, they liked you ... they called. I remember the first time I got a job off the internet, and someone laughed at me. "That NEVER works" they said. Now I am competing with other documents and not just that, but that guys document is more expensive and designer... and TITANIUM than mine.

There is not a damn thing that government can do to fix the job market. Career builder, monster, big job search engines made this and are the only ones that can unmake it. We are the asset, without all the resumes and candidates there would be no reason for an employer to purchase a membership. We are what they are selling. There is no excuse for the gross liberties they have taken with people who are desperate, scared and angry. Job searches should be fair and open.

New Article, interesting read

2010-10-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39604781/

Thanks for the update MSN... did it really take you that long to connect those dots?

In my inbox this morning

2010-10-04T06:59:00.001-07:00

Dear (omitted),
Our Company is known as a payment processor with services designed for international small companies.

Our Company have found your resume in www.careerbuilder.com database reviewed it and consider you to be a ideal applicant for this job which we have.
Our Organization are currently searching few qualified persons for a vacant position "Check Assist Manager".

The general activity of this position is receiving payments [ wire transfers and checks ] from our customers in US.
Every money transfer will follow with detailed directions.
If you haven’t checking account We will help you to open a new one.

Average earnings is $650-850$ per week.

Basic Requirements:

- Available 6-10 hour per week;
- Computer skills [MS Word] personal e-mail address
- US Citizenship
- Responsibility
- Your age is almost not limited: 21-65
- Ability to work at home
It is a part-time job which doesn't require leaving your main job

NO FEE IS REQUIRED FOR ENTERING THE JOB

To apply this job please visit our web-site

New job opp in my inbox today

2010-10-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hi ,

Greetings from Jahir,

I have seen your resume on the web and I would like to contact you regarding a contract opportunity with one of our clients in (omitted) . Respond me with your resume ASAP.

(if they can't be speaking of English to respond my email send them.) What?!??!

Social Security going bankrupt?

2010-09-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, just read about this... when I was employed, paying 6.2% of gross went directly into MY social security right? Here is what the answer says "For the first time since 1983, Social Security will pay out more than it takes in this year (2010). Decreased tax revenue caused by the recession is to blame. This situation should be temporary assuming that unemployment trends downward. A new tax on health care benefits will also help. The Congressional Budget Office currently estimates a date of 2037 for the end of solvency."
So your sayin you lost the money I loaned you? I can't just keep giving you money, I don't have a job!

... I don't even want to know how a new tax helps a totally different tax...

Insider tip, I have been in payroll for years and years on the payroll company side of it. Millions of illegal immigrants get actual paychecks with actual taxes taken out. Because they are not citizens they will never stake claim to any Social Security that they have paid. As employers, our clients were legally obligated to check the status of an employees citizenship via SS records. If the name, BD and SSN don't match up then due diligence is required (sending a letter to the employee). They are not allowed to fire this employee. So the employee continues to work and continues to pay taxes.... WHERE DOES THIS MONEY GO?

I guess I was applying to another place I could apply at??????

2010-09-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

automated response from an application I submitted online this morning:

"Hi -
 
Thank you for responding to our job posting for the (omitted)
 
Your application is being evaluated against the requirements for this position.

If we determine there is a possibility of a match or if we need additional

information to make a decision, we will contact you.  If we determine that you

do not represent a good match for this position, we will keep your resume on file

and keep you in mind for any future positions for which you may be more appropriately

qualified.
 
Of course as a complete employment resource, AppleOne can do a lot more for you

than simply match you to available jobs. If you choose to register with us and come

in to discuss your career goals, then we can actively work to find opportunities that

match your goals and dreams.  To schedule an interview simply go to

http://www.appleone.com/Apply/?sc=21
 
Thanks again, and best of luck with your career search."

so this isn't a real job, I am just entering my information in your data system
when I click that "apply" button.

I read this on a community forum

2010-09-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

It was a thread about a particular company called Randstad that was luring people in with false hopes. Add this to the list of ways the unemployed are being mistreated!
"Their health benefits are phony, also. I temped with Randstad years ago, and they said after I worked for 3 months, I was eligible for their "company health insurance". Well, after I'd worked on an assignment for 3 months, I applied for the health benefits. I found out the insurance was worthless. No doctors in my area would accept that insurance, and none of them had even heard of it. The alleged "health benefits" is simply a lure to get you to stay on assignments, thinking you will get real health coverage."

I've actually fallen for the ole benefits scheme multiple times.

My experience is so specific

2010-09-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

that if I looked ONLY for the same position I held previously I would have to wait for one of the 5 companies in this city to hire for one of the 7 (tops) positions they have open for that field.
One company does, my heart palpitates, I can hardly contain myself... this is it, they can't ignore that I would be PERFECT for this job. Resume...sent Cover letter... customized sweet disposition eluding to how much they will love me... covered... now wait.

That was a week ago, new copy of the same ad now available and includes that they would also prefer a four year degree.
The more employers ask for a BA or better, I get the feeling that they are demeaning the years spent in college. Thanks for that time, it shows that you have really applied yourself towards your goals. Now here is a 10 dollar an hour job and can you stop by starbucks on your way in? What I mean to say is, not ALL jobs can require that. If you raise the standards for the lower paying jobs you are essentially lowering the curve.

Plus, I applied for a another admin position today they said it was contract work :)

The great sympathy

2010-09-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

FDR had this idea, one last big idea... a second bill of rights.

Employment, with a living wage,
Freedom from unfair competition and monopolies,
Housing,
Medical care,
Education, and,
Social security

Never put into place, because FDR died shortly after having read this to the US in a televised speech. I just finished reading Rush Limbaugh's take on it. Here is a quote from him "RUSH: This is how long they've been fighting for this. They never go away. They never stop. "Necessitous men are not free men." For those of you in Rio Linda, "necessitous men" are people that are in of need things. "People that are in need are not free." Yes, they are! This is setting the stage. The government can eliminate your needs. The government can free you from worry; the government can solve all your problems. "

I do tire of hearing how such and such politician is a socialist when they are offering help! If we simply turned the tables, and the employers were competing for candidates... would they allow us to call them or go IN to their office to hand deliver a resume? Imagine, a hand delivered resume! Remember when using a slightly heavier card stock was a good trick to have your resume stand out?
Notice how rush says "they" having never explained who "they" are... maybe us necessitous men? and what have we fought for? a job? our health?
I do at least, without the grandeur of politics, wish I had a job and health insurance again.

Here's a new one!!

2010-09-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

For a client service specialist (sales I suppose)

Please Do Not send your resume. Please answer the following 3 questions:
1. Why are you a Superstar?
2. Why should we hire you?
3. What do you expect to be paid to do this work? (Do not say my worth or negotiable)

incredible!

Opportunity of a lifetime it says...

2010-09-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Andrew King and I am the President of United Americans Branch Office Division. I found your resume online and wanted to let you know we have open positions for individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. We believe you are an outstanding match.

If you are goal-oriented with good communication skills and a desire to succeed I would like to speak with you at your earliest convenience. We are a part of the Torchmark Corporation, an S&P 500 company. Full training is provided. Bonuses and incentives are also a part of our commitment to your success.

I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, simply visit us online at www.uabranch.com or call 888-228-5858.

Sincerely,

Andrew W. King

President, Branch Office Division

United American

We will continue to update you about our open positions since you placed your resume on an internet job board or responded to one of our job ads. Compensation is on a pay for performance basis. To stop your job notifications, please visit here
You can view our Privacy Policy here
United American Insurance Company - 3700 S Stonebridge Drive, McKinney, TX 75070.

Make that multiple today!

2010-09-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

Recently I came across your resume for an accounting position our company was looking to fill. Your resume appears to be a good match for some of the accounting employers who regularly use our recruiting services in (city removed). If you are still actively looking for a job in your field, press here. If you are looking for a site specific to (city removed), try here. Remember that it is important to keep your online resume up to date.

Best of luck,

Heather Morris
HR Director

I get one of these per day

2010-09-24T18:24:00.001-07:00

CareerBuilder: Great resume! I would like to invite you in for an interview

Dear (removed),
Independent Producers of America and Independence Holding Group, ihcgroup.com, are expanding in (removed). We are seeking local candidates to fill the position of Professional Sales Representative/Sales Manager and to join the top two Regional Sales Offices in the nation. After researching and finding your resume online at CareerBuilder.com, I feel that you have the necessary qualifications to be a candidate for a position with our company...........

This is all REALLY happening!

2010-09-24T13:20:00.001-07:00

Keeping Your Online Job Search Safe

By CareerBuilder

Scenario: Imagine searching online for jobs one day, applying to a handful of them and hearing back from one of the employers. After an e-mail interview process, you are told that your new job as a finance manager requires you to transfer money deposits made to your personal bank account to a new account. You sign the contract and send it off via e-mail.

You receive your first assignment: Transfer money overseas. Upon going to the bank to make the transfer, you are arrested on the spot and charged with grand felony theft because the money you were about to forward was stolen. You are indicted by a grand jury for the theft and now, you're awaiting trial and facing prison time if convicted.

While the above situation is true, according to a report by the World Privacy Forum, it's also the worst case scenario to result from a job scam. Enticed by advertisements to work from home or make quick cash, more and more job seekers are falling prey to Internet employment hoaxes.

"Job scams target job seekers searching for high-paying, convenient opportunities," says Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder. "They con workers into divulging personal information such as bank account or Social Security numbers. Instead of getting paid, the victim ends up losing their money, their identity or worse, they can end up in jail."

Read on to get a crash course in (almost) everything you need to know about job scams, according to the World Privacy Forum, a California-based public interest research group and the Better Business Bureau.

Types of scams

The most common type of employment swindle is a payment-forwarding or payment-transfer scam, of which there are many variations. All of these stings involve forwarding or wiring money from a personal bank account, a PayPal account or from Western Union to another account, which is typically overseas. Usually, the con artist pretends to be an employer and, after he wins the job seeker's trust, he tricks job seeker into giving up his or her bank account number. For compensation, the job seeker is told to keep a small percentage of the money. While the amount of the transfer varies, almost always the money is stolen.

Another typical ruse is reshipping. These scams begin with an employment offer, usually via e-mail, for a job forwarding packages. Victims receive packages at their homes and are instructed to repackage and reship the parcels to another location, usually abroad. Frequently, the packages are stolen property.

A third set-up to be aware of is work-from-home opportunities, which generally promise quick cash and a lot of it. Victims have to pay a "registration fee" or a fee for training and/or equipment; often, the paid for materials aren't sent to the job seeker and refunds aren't available. Keep in mind that not all work-from-home opportunities are crooked, but take caution when applying for them.

Warning signsHere are a few known "red flags" of phony job listings:

A request for bank account numbers.

A request for Social Security number.

A request to "scan the ID" of a job seeker, like a drivers' license. Scammers will say they need to "verify identity" -- this isn't a legitimate request.

A contact e-mail address that is not a primary domain. For example, an employer calling itself "Legacy Inc," will have a MSN hotmail e-mail address.

Misspellings and grammatical mistakes in the job ad.

A lack of interest in meeting the employee.

Tips to avoid scamsThe following tips can help job seekers protect themselves from fraudulent job opportunities:

Never give personal bank account, PayPal or credit card numbers to an employer.

Do not transfer money and retain a portion of the payment.

Never forward, transfer or "wire" money to an employer.

Don't divulge private information such as a copy of your driver's license, passport or Social Security number.

Do not re-ship products.

Don't partake in cross-border action.

Research the prospective company.

If you have questions about the legitimacy of a job listing, contact your Better Business Bureau, your state or local consumer agency or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

If you feel you have been a victim, file a complaint about fraudulent jobs posted on an online job search Web site by calling the FTC complaint line at (877) 382-4357. If you ever receive a suspicious request that mentions CareerBuilder.com, please do not respond and immediately contact CareerBuilder customer service at (866) 438-1485 or report the suspected fraud using our feedback form.

To find a consumer agency near you, visit www.consumeraction.gov/state.shtml.

Are we meant to believe this?

2010-09-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Minimum-Wage Jobs Can Start You on a Career Path

By Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

As of July 24, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, an increase of 70 cents from last year's rate. The change might seem insignificant, but that amount multiplied over 40 hours per week for an entire year would be a welcome boost to anyone's bank account. Now, someone earning minimum wage and working full time will have an annual income of $15,080.
Jobs that pay the minimum wage are everywhere, and most of us have held one of these positions at some point in our careers. Both part-time and full-time jobs can pay the minimum wage, and they can be steppingstones toward professional goals or careers in their own rights.
Not surprisingly, our culture likes to focus on dollar signs. Look at our entertainment -- "The Hills," "The Real Housewives of [Insert City Here]." We're preoccupied with moving up and on to bigger things, which usually translates into something richer and fancier than we currently have. Perhaps that's why we often overlook the value of minimum-wage jobs. We're quick to forget that minimum-wage jobs are often our first forays into the work force, and they provide paychecks at a time when many people are having difficulty finding employment.
Here are some quick facts about the minimum-wage work force, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Half of minimum-wage employees are under 25.
- Two percent of men paid hourly earn less than the federal minimum wage, while 4 percent of women earn less.
- The leisure and hospitality industry has the largest amount of hourly paid employees working at or below the federal minimum wage.
We thought we'd highlight some jobs that earn minimum wage. Often, these positions are good starts to professional lives. Each position has its own requirements and can lead to different paths, many of which you probably didn't think of.
Note: You or someone you know might have one of these positions and earn well above the minimum wage. Earnings differ by location, employer and experience. Also, some positions can earn the minimum wage plus tips, which can have a substantial effect on total earnings.
Here is a sample of jobs that earn the federal minimum wage:
Cafeteria attendantWhat they do: Bus tables, take dirty dishes to the kitchen and make sure enough clean silverware and linens are available in a cafeteria.
Training needed: Training varies by employer.
Career path: Cafeteria attendants are privy to behind-the-scenes glimpses of dining facilities and might decide to work toward managerial roles in the food industry.
Fast food worker
What they do: Prepare food and take customers' orders.
Training needed: Varies by employer, though good communication skills are a plus.
Career path: For workers who interact with customers frequently, their customer service skills are good preparation for sales jobs.
Gaming services workersWhat they do: Assist dealers, managers and supervisors by attending to customer needs.
Training needed: Varies by position and employer, but high school diploma and customer service skills are normally required, and possibly a gaming license.
Career path: There are several gaming positions that you can be promoted to, and ultimately you could rise to manager or higher.
Baggage porters and bellhopsWhat they do: Assist hotel guests with their baggage and take them to their rooms.
Training needed: Training varies by employer, but good communication skills are helpful.
Career path: Porters and bellhops are often the first entry into the hospitality and resort industry for many workers who go on to be managers.
BartendersWhat they do: Prepare and serve drinks to patrons.
Training needed: Extensive knowledge on drink preparation and excellent customer service skills.
Career path: You can make a career out of bartending, but you can also use your knowledge of the bar scene to start your own bar or club.
Salary data based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Email response to job ad

2010-09-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

We've taken some time to look through the applications. And we've decided we'd love

to have you as a part of our team!  We'd like you to come in sometime before the end

of the week for a face-to-face interview. This is for our Computer-Savvy

Administrative Assistant position, with compensation starting at $31,760 a year

plus a benefit package which includes health, medical, dental and 401k.
 
We are REQUIRED to run credit and background checks on all our employees, due to

the nature of the work and also due to sensitive documents and materials that will

be easily accessable to you.
 
The credit check can be done now via this link: http://bit.ly/9M8o6F It's free,

no worries. We are also not judging your score, like I previously said, this is

just a security requirement. After you have taken the credit check, send us the

confirmation code via e-mail, and we'll set up an interview right away. We do not

want to see any sensitive or private info via e-mail and the background check will

 be taken at our face-to-face interview.
 
 
For any questions, feel free to e-mail me. I am looking forward to speaking with

you in person!
 
Boris McMahon

news article- the new unemployables, workers over 50

2010-09-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39265116/

VASHON ISLAND, Wash. — Patricia Reid is not in her 70s, an age when many Americans continue to work. She is not even in her 60s. She is just 57.

But four years after losing her job she cannot, in her darkest moments, escape a nagging thought: she may never work again.
College educated, with a degree in business administration, she is experienced, having worked for two decades as an internal auditor and analyst at Boeing before losing that job.............

Job offer in my junk mail folder

2010-09-24T09:58:00.001-07:00

JOB OFFER
Our corporation is pleased to propose you the position of Secret Shopper in Forward Bsiness LLC after coming across on your resume at CareerBuilder online. Our personnel department did its best to scrutinize your autobiography and remained to be pleased. We trust that your experience will be among our most valuable assets.
Necessary Criteria for being employed:

Age: older than 27
Internet access
3-5 hours of free time every day for taking your professional duties
Certificate of good conduct

Job Benefits:
As it goes, Secret Shopper is an ideal way for collaborators to earn profit in the process of providing feedback, making comments, making of, commenting out to company. This is a real challenge for you to get to the top of the career delighting in things you like above all. For instance, one may lunch in café or purchase things in online stores reveling in life and helping organization at the same time.
Remuneration:
Your monthly earned income may reach $1,500-2,000.
Time Limitation of the Position:
On account of the great amount of entrants for this job, this job is time-bound. So, it is strongly recommended for you to provide us the necessary information about yourself ASAP.
To become the member of our organization:

Please go to our site: Forward Business LLC
Register yoursel
Download, read examine carefully a agreement and sign it in a mandatory way. In underwriting this application, you confirm that your work will be on at-will basis and give up any lamentations against Forward Bsiness LLC and its team.

About Forward Bsiness LLC:
Our business is drawn in collaboration with other entities to perfect grade on an international scale by applying anonymous resources. We deal alongside with over 300 organizations internationally. Our main work includes marketing and cooperation with merchandising firms, private investigation companies, training organizations and other firms that are involved in Mystery Consumerism services. Our member organizations work with their consumers in order to fix the medium of improving level of amenities.
Regards Best wishes

Phone call last night

2010-09-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

972-215-7900
here is the message left on my voicemail " your resume has been recieved by our company, and we believe you have the skills and abilities to be successful. We're hiring and would like to discuss the possibility of scheduling an interview with you this week. To schedule an interview call us at 877-297-0490 Have a great day!"

No company name, I didn't send them my resume, nor would my qualifications have matched what they were looking for.

The Job search continues in protest

2010-09-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

My recession is not over yet!
Having recently added my resume to a new job search engine (careerbuilder this time), I am now being bombarded with emails and phone calls for sales jobs to which I am unqualified and uninterested. I feel like I am being kicked while I'm down. "Get your name out there" "get noticed" all the while I am noticed and I am putting my name, address, phone number, email address, job history and my references phone numbers out there for all to see. Everything we are taught about identity theft and being guarded goes right out the window because we are looking for work and we are one in a million. Ads for jobs say, no calls please, only emails please, do not stop by the office, don't call us we'll call you, and often do not even list the company name you are applying too. Interviewers have told me that they picked my email and ten others out of about 300 responses to the ad, a figurative lottery for interviews.
So I want to hear everyone's story. I know you have at least one. Copy the ad that says they are looking for just a female worker. Show me the news article that says recruiters throw out resumes for various reasons. Tell me about the phony job you applied for, only to be let down. Tell me how little they offered for a job requiring a masters degree. We need regulation, we need to not be preyed upon while we are down. Refuse to give out your personal information until they tell you who they are. Take a stand, because standing is about all we have left.