This week has proven to be the week of interviews. By Saturday, I will have had four in one week in addition to the four previous ones I've had in prior weeks. This job change has been very different than my previous career move over three years ago. Of course, the economy is a major factor since now the employers have the upper hand and can pick whomever they choose, but I'm also noticing some regional differences in how to go about getting a job.
Recruiters are the bane of my existence as of late, but unfortunately, they are necessary for most job moves within my industry. I've been surprised by the lack of responsiveness I've experienced with the majority of the people I've been "working" with (aka. babysitting). Some have completely dropped off the radar no matter how many times I remind them I'm still looking for a job. As an employable candidate with a very strong resume, I was hoping for more proactiveness on their part, but again, the market's been flooded with applicants, so there's some tough competition out there.
The level of incompetence is also astounding. Scheduling calls and then not calling, mixing up interview times and forgetting appointments are all par for the course with the lovely recruiting professionals I've been "working" with. Most of this idiocy has been confined to one individual, but there's been major apathy from every recruiter thus far.
My favorite part of the process has been the unsolicited "career advice" I've been getting from these jokers. A naive person would think these recruiters are trying to help the prospective employee, but really, these goons are looking out for themselves. Oh, what fun the past six weeks have been! I'm sure there's more to come in the near future.
Overall, the job market seems to be improving, but companies are still taking their sweet time hiring people. I'm hoping to hear some good news after completing my last two interviews for the week. I plan to be in Cleveland Friday the 13th with the possibility of staying through Monday, the 16th to meet with potential employers face to face.
So, chin up, fingers crossed and all that jazz. It's only a matter of time at this point!