Anxiety over joblessness

[icedoverfire]

Hi gents,

I'm in a bit of a tough spot right now. It's been over a month since I lost my previous job. Six weeks and about 70+ resumes later, I got two interviews. The first interview, the position was not a good fit. The second interview, I really wanted this position, but I think I botched the interview. These jobs are both research technician jobs in bio-sciences fields.

This second interview I had six days ago. I emailed the person I talked to today about the status of the job, but haven't gotten a response yet. For the record, I think I hit all the right notes - sent my thank you letter and answered questions accordingly... what I think might have shot me in the foot is that he asked if I had worked anywhere else during this time and I had to tell him about my previous position and how it went bad (this last position was NOT listed on my resume).

The story behind this second interview:

He called me wanting an interview, which I offered to do that day. It couldn't happen because I had to go through HR and had to wait till the following week. He even downgraded the position from a level 2 to a level 1 so he would be allowed to talk to me. He starred a few things on my resume too... and then he asked me if I had been working anywhere else during this time, and this is where I think I might have screwed myself (see above). At the end of the interview he told me to read up on a few things too... so I'm just confused as to whether or not any of this is favorable.

Is it normal to be this anxious or should I just assume I lost it and resume hunting again?

Compounding my anxiety is that if I don't find something fast I'll have to move out of the place I'm living in and go back home.

- ice

 

[AACJ]

I would say to keep looking but be hopefull of the current interviews.

How far are you from Conneticut? I know of a biologist position open there.

 

[AlanL]

Is it normal to be this anxious or should I just assume I lost it and resume hunting again?

- ice

Always keep looking! Look for other jobs no matter how many interviews you have. Look for other jobs even if you get an offer. Look for other jobs until the day you start. And perhaps even after that.

Don't be too discouraged either. In this climate, a couple interviews is pretty good! But expect to have to send out about 50 resumes per interview.

 

[DE Shaver]

Unfortunately, find a good job that's a good fit for your career profile is a numbers game. If you haven't done so already, speak to a couple of recruiters, headhunters in street parlance, as they can dig up the opportunities you cannot. Obviously, you'll need to speak to recruiters than handle your field but I'm sure there are a number that can handle bioscience positions. They are motivated to find you employment as they get paid by their clients to do so. However, don't use you recruiter that you are not comfortable with or seems "shady" somehow, so be a little selective.

Desperation works against you so try not to let your anxiety show in the interview. If you botched it, there is nothing you can do about after the fact. Try not to second guess yourself afterwards as you probably did the best you could given the circumstances. If you are part of any organizations or clubs, network yourself as much as you comfortably can. It's surprising what a few connections can do for you. One last thing, you are looking for a career so it's best you focus on that as best you can. Don't ever consider looking for job as your job as you'll fall into a bit of a rut.

 

[TheChefs]

Always keep looking! Look for other jobs no matter how many interviews you have. Look for other jobs even if you get an offer. Look for other jobs until the day you start. And perhaps even after that.

Don't be too discouraged either. In this climate, a couple interviews is pretty good! But expect to have to send out about 50 resumes per interview.

I couldn't agree more with this, the last time I was out of a job I had no luck for 3 months. Then suddenly I had 3 offers to choose from. Keep looking and you will find something, don't stress out about a single job and let other opportunities pass you.

 

[BrownShoe]

NYT mentioned last year that after being laid off the average American will be out of work for 10 months(speaking in regards to recession).

Take ANYTHING you can get and keep looking.

 

[mmadha]

Just stay positive. I am in more or less the exact same position except I am looking for my first job out of college and it has been several months. I fill my time by volunteering in a field I really enjoy, I believe this makes good use of my new free time and will give me something to say in an interview when the inevitable question of, "What have you been doing lately?" comes up.

 

[dmm26]

Always keep looking! Look for other jobs no matter how many interviews you have. Look for other jobs even if you get an offer. Look for other jobs until the day you start. And perhaps even after that.

Don't be too discouraged either. In this climate, a couple interviews is pretty good! But expect to have to send out about 50 resumes per interview.

I totally agree with this as well! And don't be afraid to ask to speak to someone right when you drop off your resume either, persistence like that pays off too. That's usually how I get jobs because everyone else, walks in drops of a resume and walks out and that's it. I ask to talk to HR or a supervisor or someone in the area that I'm applying for right then and there and usually walk out with a job.

 

[media]

Always be completely honest on your resume, no matter what. It looks like you arent truthful if you leave things out. Good luck out there.

 

[DamnFineBob]

KEEP LOOKING! If they make an offer, they make an offer. If they don't, then at least you'll have other leads to follow up on. Remember, someone who's currently employed is more attractive than someone who isn't, so don't hesitate to take a decent position, even if it is not your "dream job," as it can be a stepping stone to something better.

 

[Oublik]

Keep trying man, good luck!

 

[professorchaos]

It's understandable to be anxious about being unemployed. I'd be, no doubt about it.

 

[Woodash]

Two words: NETWORK.




(OK - I owe you another word...)