I hate this economy and job market - Page 2

Russ Smith · March 20th, 2009, 11:29 AM

Ihear you. I applied for a job and the person who called me was a contract recruiter not an employee of the company. When she asked what I made before I was laid off she then said "is that what you want to make now or are you looking for a raise?" I mentioned I'd like to make at least that but since this position would be an increase in responsibilities, I'd hope to get a raise.

She then told me my previous salary was on the low end of the salary curve and "might give you a leg up on getting hired if you're willing to take less than other applicants."

And as you said, I probably will pursue the job and if I get an offer will probably take it because jobs in my field are so scarce right now I'd be crazy to turn one down if I got an offer.

DeAnna · March 20th, 2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jersey Girl

Guess they figure that if you won't work for that cheap, someone else will.

There are so many people out of work that employers really have the upper hand. They can get rid of people they don't want and have no trouble filling the position. They also can hire people willing to work for little money just because they need a job.

I swear I thank God everyday that I have a place to work.

Bingo.

Of course, when things start to get better, these companies will be out a lot of employees (who will leave as soon as they get a better offer.) It's just bad business practice.

Ryanwb · March 20th, 2009, 04:59 PM

Another impact that this has is the cost of living increases given by companies. My company adjusts cost of living based upon the average salaries of the current job market in common markets and demographics. With wages actually dropping there is no hope for COL increases.

Jersey Girl · March 20th, 2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeAnna

Bingo.

Of course, when things start to get better, these companies will be out a lot of employees (who will leave as soon as they get a better offer.) It's just bad business practice.

Oh, absolutely. And it sucks.

DeAnna · March 24th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Ha! So I got a call today from this company - they've rescinded their job offer. They feel "what they had to offer wouldn't be challenging enough for me and they are looking for a long term commitment."

I had the <gasp> audacity to try and negotiate a better salary for myself. oh well ....

SunDevilDon · March 24th, 2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeAnna

argh!!! As I've been saying for months, employers are just using the "bad economy" to unload salaries and low ball people on job offers.

So I went to an interview last week at a travel company (I have 20+ yrs experience in various aspects of travel and have a mktg. degree).

It was just for a res agent and the ad said between $10-$14 per hour. I mentioned to the interviewer I was leaning towards $14 based on my experience and background. They call me this week to make me an offer - a whopping $11/hour!!

So I was silent for a while, and told her I would get back to her. Hubby suggested try negotiating with them so when I call her back I told her if there was any way they would increase the offer, blah, blah, blah.

She says she did speak with the director but they couldn't, but they didn't want me to be unhappy so maybe after 1 year there would be a salary review and went on about how many people had applied for the job, everyone always thinks they are worth more, yada, yada, yada..

I guess I'll have to take it (for now) since hubby is also unemployed. Drive 50 miles r/t every day for $11 an hour.

Wow, that sucks. If you're interested in making a bit more money, Verizon is hiring for customer service in Chandler and training starts in April. The starting pay is 13.46 an hour benefits start as soon as you start training and you could probably get more than the starting with a degree and experience.

I was only looking for part-time work, and the recruiter there used to be my recruiter where I work now, she's really personable and open-minded. Since they weren't staffing for part-time, and things are going well for me at my full-time job, I obviously am not leaving. Godaddy is usually hiring too and start out around 13.50 with good chance at much more with incentives.

You can go online to verizon.com/careers and apply online, I heard back within a week, but I think she remembered me from before when she called and emailed me. I told her I'd send some people her way.

Shane · March 24th, 2009, 07:45 PM

You all should be cops!

SunDevilDon · March 24th, 2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane H

You all should be cops!

LOL, several of my friends are cops (Tempe and DPS). Most are on their second marriage already (at least). Nice retirement though. My friend's Sergeant is gonna get 96K every year for the rest of his life when he retires after 35 years on. Not to mention what he gets when he cashes in all his comp time.

BTW, The Secret Service has about 6 openings right now if anyone is interested....

cardsfan89 · March 24th, 2009, 08:47 PM

Houston TX police dept is wanting to hire 500 more cops they said on the news last night !

I guess we are pretty lucky where I live in West Texas... things are down, but not near as much as other places. We have 120,000 people in my town and area... and have large military base, oil, universities, and lots of wind energy. So we are diversified at least enough to help give us protection.

thirty-two · March 24th, 2009, 09:38 PM

That really sucks, D. Ugh!

Ryanwb · March 24th, 2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeAnna

Ha! So I got a call today from this company - they've rescinded their job offer. They feel "what they had to offer wouldn't be challenging enough for me and they are looking for a long term commitment."

I had the <gasp> audacity to try and negotiate a better salary for myself. oh well ....

I think the more likely scenerio is that they found someone to do it for $8.50 an hour. Sorry to hear this news, I hope you find something soon