what if you have a chronic medical condition and you take the least amount of pain medication required to keep going and still manage to do your job, what happens if the pain spikes so bad that you lose focus, and then cause harm to your co-workers or perhaps do a sub-par job? do not lump everyone into the same category. people with chronic medical conditions who do not choose to stay at home , yet want to be an active part of society cannot win for losing with the attitudes out there, it seems you are saying, just suffer, or stay home, well until you walk a mile in our shoes don't judge. one day you may be me.
annof NY7:29PM July 26, 2010
I've had several interviews in the past and have had training as a CNA and a Medical Assistant. My goal is to get into Phlebotomy (blood draws) which around here is most of the time an on the job training. I had a interveiw with one of the best Blood Centers here. Went well I thought. The woman that did the interview kept telling me call back and check on my interview at least once a week.I think I overly showed my interest in the position I was seeking. This went on for a year. She finally sent me a denial. What am I doing so wrong that I can't find a job of interest? Or even a job below my means?
Katina Manisof KS7:11PM July 20, 2010
I have been laid off for the past year. During this time, i have been working on skills where i am lacking. For the past 4 years I have been designing / building automated test systems from the ground up. These systems interface to device / prototype under test via LAN / USB / custom to interact and provide remote control. Also interface to electronic test equipment provides for system level and perform standards level test under program control.
The deliverables that i provided have both log file and 'flat' text file data interfaces. The lacking skills that i have been focusing on is designing/building database as part of the demo application that i show at all interviews. This particular demo involves remote control of an electronic test equipment.
Furthermore, I have expanded my demo(one amongst several) to not only provide remote control to one piece of equipment, but to several pieces, which i call a portable development system. So, I will be taking this a demo to interviews and with it i can provide true system level test.
It is my hope that by presenting my example to others will provide insight as to possible courses of action.
Ron Hardingof WA11:43PM July 19, 2010
I have been a hiring manager for a fast food chain in the past. I didn't just listen to the prospective employee but also looked at their body language! How were they dressed? Casual like they were going to the beach or nice clothes, like they were going to church? Did they keep their arms and legs crossed the whole time, showing they were trying to hide something? Or were they open in discussion and body language. I asked about their extracurricular activities as we were located near a beach with surfing, etc. They didn't drug test then so I had to rely on visual signs of excessive illegal and/or prescription drugs and/or alcohol.
The reason employers don't hire drug addicts or alcoholics is because they have a history of being late or not showing up; theft, etc. Also, they have accidents causing harm to themselves and others. The insurance companies for workers compensation don't want to take the higher risk with alcoholics and drug addicts. So, if you want a good job; stay off illegal or excessive prescription drugs and/or or excessive amounts of alcohol!
I know alot of people, including hiring managers, do drugs and alcohol. But, in the long run, it is better not to if you plan to obtain a good job and keep it.
I personally believe each person needs to make this choice of whether they want to do illegal or prescription drugs and/or alcohol or want a good job.
But in this economy, everyone needs to be realistic and face the facts that a good employer is only going to hire the best employees. They are not going to take a risk with anyone that appears to be intoxicated or on any illegal or prescription drugs.
Good luck with your job hunting!
Loisof NV7:11PM July 19, 2010
I have a great resume, and I interview well, but I can't get hired. It's starting to give me a complex. 20 years ago, I would have been hired on the spot with no hestitation, and without the experience I now have.
I am wondering if I interview badly, and if my "serial employment" has hiring managers afraid to hire me because my record shows I won't stick past two years-even though my focus is different now, and I intend to stick wherever I land.
Frustrated.....really frustrated.
Tammyof AR5:29PM July 19, 2010
I do fully agree with "keep it real society" in the light of ex-felons, but what about the drug offenders? Some employers should look into what offense the applicant did instead of immediately making the rash judgment that "this person is a worthless pile" not toss their perfectly qualified resume away. I actually am a drug offender (marijuana only) and now due to the economy even the facet that I am and have been "clean" all my efforts have been in vain. NO calls, only rejection E-mails weeks later - and that's for a fast food position within a hotel chain! I am a competent worker who is willing to do whatever the task requires yet I am unemployed due to a decision I made that I do deeply regret. ( It does not involve drugs, if you are wondering) I feel that the world needs to take a look at some of our qualified, yet "dingy" applicants; who knows? They may have the ability to impress and excel at whatever they are told to do.
B from SAof TX9:04AM July 19, 2010
Although I don't have a placque that says "don't quit," I'm going to print your comments and read it each day. Due to economic conditions, I lost my "dream" job of 12 years over a year ago. I am 53 years old and can relate to everything you mentioned. I don't feel old, but am made to feel old during this very stressful job search process.
I know I have a lot to offer and hope that I can prove this to an employer very soon.
Thank you for your encouraging words!
LMNof FL4:30PM July 14, 2010
I am sorry to say that I fit the mold of the financially desperate who would likely accept most any job offer. I recently applied for a job that pays $13/hr and the job is for 8-10 hours a WEEK. It will pay my rent.
I am a college educated, fully licensed social worker and long for the luxury of being able to be discretionary in my job search. Instead, I have succumbed to performing volunteer services with the hopes that it will eventually open doors. I know of other job seekers as well who have resorted to these same tactics. Only time will tell if we will reap the benefits of our desperate endeavors.
Until then, I can only continue to network not only for myself, but for others in my situation as well. Working together seems to lessen the burden while increasing outcomes exponentially.
Faithof OH7:07PM July 13, 2010
We all know that the job market out there is extremely rough for everyone. We should also keep it real about those that are extremely socially disadvantaged also. those who don't have the luxury of taking their dream job if it is offered. some people take what they can get and be greatful to have the job. To them it is better than the alternative that created them to be socially disadvantaged. Why, i am asked, do I describe certain classes of people as being socially disadvantaged? I am stating the obvious about those that have a background unsuitable to those in power in society. I am talking about the ex-convicts that come out now from prison and don't stand a chance in this economy because of their background. These are people that don't want to return to a criminal lifestyle for whatever reason. Yet they are now in a worse prison than the one they left, one they can't leave. I ask you, what benefits society more, paying millions in taxes to keep people locked up, filing frivolous lawsuits that costs millions, medical that costs millions, not to mention everything else associated with the cost of keeping one person locked up for one year. For one person to be locked up for one year costs the tax payers like us $42,867.00 and then you multiply that by the millions we have locked up now, not to mention the costs of pretrial incarcerations, all the court costs. The cost of putting these ex-felons to work after being released-much less-they pay taxes, they spend their earnings in the same stores we do, businesses receive at least $5000 tax break for every hired ex-felon, companies get loyal, hard working individuals that require very little if any training in that work. the only real loser in that equation is those of us that work hard and pay taxes because we are getting triple whammied with the costs. I know that so many people are out of work and are struggling to get by, I don't criticize them or even want to appear to denegrate their standing. i applaud all those that keep fighting for their dignity to work. The very evil we try to hide away in prisons is being doubled up with the denegration of these people upon their release. Let us all stop degrading those that have been degraded, despised and now socially disadvantaged, and employ everyone that wants a job regardless of their background and stop perpetuating the evil that we create ourselves against these people. I say if the person is able to work and can do the job regardless of their background then they should be employed, free person or socially disadvantaged alike. We then might just be able to get our economy out of the stink hole it is in now. If we can see past the background of the person then at least allow them to fight for the restoration of their character in our foreign wars which by the way would reduce the costs of that also.
Reader Comments
Back to blog
NatKeypeded of AL 5:36PM July 05, 2011
ann of NY 7:29PM July 26, 2010
Katina Manis of KS 7:11PM July 20, 2010
Ron Harding of WA 11:43PM July 19, 2010
Lois of NV 7:11PM July 19, 2010
Tammy of AR 5:29PM July 19, 2010
B from SA of TX 9:04AM July 19, 2010
LMN of FL 4:30PM July 14, 2010
Faith of OH 7:07PM July 13, 2010
dra of VA 10:30AM July 13, 2010