I just got fired

[kphoger]

Our eldest son is about to start filling out applications for his first job.  This thread is not very encouraging...

[Max Rockatansky]

Our eldest son is about to start filling out applications for his first job.  This thread is not very encouraging...

You're in a small town if I recall correctly?  If so, at least he won't be competing with hundreds of people for openings.

[Scott5114]

Having to compete in the modern online job application process does not sound enjoyable. 

From what I've heard, it's become so broken I am honestly surprised companies aren't starting to collapse from it.

First off, a lot of the jobs being listed aren't actual openings. It's important to companies to look like they are successful, and to be seen as successful, they have to be seen as growing, which means they have to be hiring new people. So lots of companies post job openings they never have any intention of actually interviewing anyone for, to keep up the charade that they're "growing".

Even if a company actually intends to hire someone, a lot of them are now using AI for the hiring process. Your application may never be seen by a human because a computer program (which thinks pepperonis have to be glued to pizzas and that it makes sense to walk to the car wash to save gas) kicks it out of the system. Some are even having AI conduct the interview. How does the AI determine that the company is getting the best applicant? HR has no clue, but it's the fucking future, they had to do this to get with the times, so shut up and stop asking so many fucking questions!

If a company kicks you out of the process at any point, they have a right to just ghost you and stop communicating with you without telling you why. But if you decide you don't like the cut of a company's jib and stop answering them, well, that's just unprofessional. Lots of HR people on the internet ranting about that, with the irony completely lost on them that from the applicant's perspective they're doing the exact same thing.

And then if you get hired you're liable to get a job with something ridiculous like being paid entry-level for a job that requires X years experience, or shitty working hours, or both. There was a time after I moved to Las Vegas where I was applying for some casino jobs (I wanted some extra money to help adjust to the higher living expenses here), and a lot of them would only schedule you two days a week and the rest of your schedule was "on call". I eventually decided that was nauseating so I just stopped applying and focused on my main job.

[Max Rockatansky]

Having to compete in the modern online job application process does not sound enjoyable. 

From what I've heard, it's become so broken I am honestly surprised companies aren't starting to collapse from it.

First off, a lot of the jobs being listed aren't actual openings. It's important to companies to look like they are successful, and to be seen as successful, they have to be seen as growing, which means they have to be hiring new people. So lots of companies post job openings they never have any intention of actually interviewing anyone for, to keep up the charade that they're "growing".

Even if a company actually intends to hire someone, a lot of them are now using AI for the hiring process. Your application may never be seen by a human because a computer program (which thinks pepperonis have to be glued to pizzas and that it makes sense to walk to the car wash to save gas) kicks it out of the system. Some are even having AI conduct the interview. How does the AI determine that the company is getting the best applicant? HR has no clue, but it's the fucking future, they had to do this to get with the times, so shut up and stop asking so many fucking questions!

If a company kicks you out of the process at any point, they have a right to just ghost you and stop communicating with you without telling you why. But if you decide you don't like the cut of a company's jib and stop answering them, well, that's just unprofessional. Lots of HR people on the internet ranting about that, with the irony completely lost on them that from the applicant's perspective they're doing the exact same thing.

And then if you get hired you're liable to get a job with something ridiculous like being paid entry-level for a job that requires X years experience, or shitty working hours, or both. There was a time after I moved to Las Vegas where I was applying for some casino jobs (I wanted some extra money to help adjust to the higher living expenses here), and a lot of them would only schedule you two days a week and the rest of your schedule was "on call". I eventually decided that was nauseating so I just stopped applying and focused on my main job.

Speaking for myself, I've always screened my applicants.  Before these modern AI algorithms there was other kind of filter programs for applicants.  Usually, it was some sort of personality test which would ask you the same questions over and over but just phrased differently.  The idea was that deviations were somehow an indicator of a deceptive applicant.  Truthfully, I never gave fuck all about it and usually upset the local HR manager when I didn't even look at the results.

[Scott5114]

Before these modern AI algorithms there was other kind of filter programs for applicants.  Usually, it was some sort of personality test which would ask you the same questions over and over but just phrased differently.  The idea was that deviations were somehow an indicator of a deceptive applicant.

This is often effective at filtering out experienced people who don't have the patience to jump through the hoops.

[Max Rockatansky]

Before these modern AI algorithms there was other kind of filter programs for applicants.  Usually, it was some sort of personality test which would ask you the same questions over and over but just phrased differently.  The idea was that deviations were somehow an indicator of a deceptive applicant.

This is often effective at filtering out experienced people who don't have the patience to jump through the hoops.

That was more or less my takeaway.  Thing is, with what I do for work I need people who ask questions and are able to see things for what they actually are. 

[Molandfreak]

Our eldest son is about to start filling out applications for his first job.  This thread is not very encouraging...

You're in a small town if I recall correctly?  If so, at least he won't be competing with hundreds of people for openings.

I was recently rejected for part-time clerical work in a podunk town 15 minutes from me. The person who interviewed before me drove about an hour and a half.

[Molandfreak]

Moland - Sorry it's difficult.  But you don't need a whole groundswell of new hiring, just one good one.  Is there a way to broaden what sort of work you do?  While you are unemployed, can you do volunteer work of some sort?  That can help in a couple of ways:  expanding your network of jobs you might hear about, and reinforcing that you are doing something worthwhile with your life.

I have occasionally been volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and transporting foster dogs to shelters. I mention all the time that I have a graduate certificate in nonprofit leadership, but nonprofits are just not hiring in significant numbers these days.

I've started to think about other things I may be able to do, and I think I've got a lead through looking into a land surveying program at a community college. I emailed the academic advisor listed in the program asking if it would satisfy the state board requirements to get PLS certification along with my bachelor's, and she forwarded my question to the program's instructors.

Both of the instructors ultimately gave me a resounding "maybe," saying that I would have to reach out to the board to make sure, but one advised that I do a post-baccalaureate program at St. Cloud State instead, while the other said the community college program would be sufficient since I already have the critical thinking, research, and analysis skills the board looks for through my bachelor's and master's work.

More interestingly, one of the instructors forwarded the correspondence on to a contracting agency and I haven't met this guy before. He only knows me through my email correspondence! I did send my résumé through the exchange, so we'll see if that results in any job leads.

[Scott5114]

If I were in your shoes I would rack my brain for ways to do something you're good at as an independent business just so you can bypass all the job-hunting horseshit.

[kphoger]

Our eldest son is about to start filling out applications for his first job.  This thread is not very encouraging...

You're in a small town if I recall correctly?  If so, at least he won't be competing with hundreds of people for openings.

My location displayed is accurate.  There are just over 400,000 people in Wichita proper.

For what it's worth, here is where I've lived:

birth – age 9 — Will County, Illinois (far suburbs of Chicago)
age 9 – age 18 — rural northwestern Kansas (population <1300)
age 18 — Cook County, Illinois (near suburbs of Chicago, brief stint at university)
age 18 – age 25 — DuPage County, Illinois (mid-far suburbs of Chicago)
age 25 – age 27 — small-ish town in southern Illinois (population ≈12,000)
age 27 – currently — Wichita, Kansas

I've worked at my current job since 2008.  I found the ad in the newspaper, called, and had an in-person interview.  Times have changed.

[Max Rockatansky]

Our eldest son is about to start filling out applications for his first job.  This thread is not very encouraging...

You're in a small town if I recall correctly?  If so, at least he won't be competing with hundreds of people for openings.

My location displayed is accurate.  There are just over 400,000 people in Wichita proper.

For what it's worth, here is where I've lived:

birth – age 9 — Will County, Illinois (far suburbs of Chicago)
age 9 – age 18 — rural northwestern Kansas (population <1300)
age 18 — Cook County, Illinois (near suburbs of Chicago, brief stint at university)
age 18 – age 25 — DuPage County, Illinois (mid-far suburbs of Chicago)
age 25 – age 27 — small-ish town in southern Illinois (population ≈12,000)
age 27 – currently — Wichita, Kansas

I've worked at my current job since 2008.  I found the ad in the newspaper, called, and had an in-person interview.  Times have changed.

Gotcha, it doesn't show on my phone unless I click on your profile.  Would I be correct in assuming that you also (I'm in Fresno) have a lot of Ag companies in your area?  A lot of my wife's younger relatives usually can find some blue collar work when they are a bind for cash.  I'd imagine there might be opportunities at a warehouse or something for a younger person.

[kphoger]

Would I be correct in assuming that you also (I'm in Fresno) have a lot of Ag companies in your area?  A lot of my wife's younger relatives usually can find some blue collar work when they are a bind for cash.  I'd imagine there might be opportunities at a warehouse or something for a younger person.

Interesting, I hadn't thought of that.  Cargill or something, huh?

Part of the issue is that this first job is to save up money for a car before he begins his real career path out of state.  So the job hunt is at least preferably tied to location—i.e. the city bus network or being able to bike to work.

[Max Rockatansky]

Would I be correct in assuming that you also (I'm in Fresno) have a lot of Ag companies in your area?  A lot of my wife's younger relatives usually can find some blue collar work when they are a bind for cash.  I'd imagine there might be opportunities at a warehouse or something for a younger person.

Interesting, I hadn't thought of that.  Cargill or something, huh?

Part of the issue is that this first job is to save up money for a car before he begins his real career path out of state.  So the job hunt is at least preferably tied to location—i.e. the city bus network or being able to bike to work.

Yes, my wife's 19 year old niece works at a Ag warehouse down in Parlier during the Fall semester at Fresno State.  She was able to save enough money to buy my old Impreza off me as her first car.

[Molandfreak]

If I were in your shoes I would rack my brain for ways to do something you're good at as an independent business just so you can bypass all the job-hunting horseshit.

I have tried that off and on, but making the rounds on Upwork and Angi's List usually results in a bunch of ridiculous low-ball offers. I would rather work as part of a team where there is a lot more steady work, built-in rapport with other organizations, and someone else is negotiating the payment for services rendered. It's a tough balance between taking something on because I need the money and figuring out the details so the requesting contractor is not taking advantage of me.

[ModernDayWarrior]

If I were in your shoes I would rack my brain for ways to do something you're good at as an independent business just so you can bypass all the job-hunting horseshit.

I have tried that off and on, but making the rounds on Upwork and Angi's List usually results in a bunch of ridiculous low-ball offers. I would rather work as part of a team where there is a lot more steady work, built-in rapport with other organizations, and someone else is negotiating the payment for services rendered. It's a tough balance between taking something on because I need the money and figuring out the details so the requesting contractor is not taking advantage of me.

One option you can consider is starting your online store through eBay, Amazon, or similar sites--this is what I do full-time now. About twelve years ago I was homebound after some major surgery and started an eBay store buying and selling coins to bring in a little money. I went back to work after about two months but kept the store going as a hobby. It wasn't long before I discovered I could make just as much money with the store as I was at my main job and have a whole lot more fun in the process, so I ditched the job and made the eBay business my main gig. I'm still at it, twelve years later.

There are some definite downsides. You never really know at any given time how big your paycheck is going to be at the end of the week, so you have to plan for that. The major drawback, though, is that you really need some start-up money to build your inventory. There are loans available for this purpose, but from my experience, they're much harder to get than they should be. However, on the plus side you get to be your own boss and set your own hours. Feel free to reach out anytime if you ever have any questions about this.

[kphoger]

Our eldest son is about to start filling out applications for his first job.  This thread is not very encouraging...

3/21/2026 — Carrie and I drop him off to start walking in and applying at places while we do our grocery shopping.  He fills out two paper applications, one place says they aren't hiring (even though they said they were online), and everyone else says to apply online.  All are retail or restaurant positions, as he's looking for a customer-facing job to gain experience interacting with customers.

3/22/2026 — By end of day, including the paper applications, he has applied for nine different positions.  A few of those are at the same business.

3/23/2026 — Red Lobster and BJ's both call to schedule interviews for a host position.

3/25/2026 — He goes to both interviews, and both restaurants schedule second interviews.

3/27/2026 — He calls Scheels back about a position at the in-store candy shop.  They do an interview over the phone and schedule a second interview.  He goes to both of the other second interviews, and both restaurants offer him the job.  Both are part time.  He says he'll let them know in a couple of days.

3/30/2026 — His second interview at Scheels is later today.  It's for a full-time position.  Unless something crazy happens, he should have made his decision and accepted a job by the time he picks me up at work later today.

Most businesses said week-ends are required.  He told everyone that he won't work Sundays at all because of religious responsibilities both morning and evening, but that he's fine working Saturdays.  Apparently nobody has had a problem with that;  one of the hiring managers even suggested that it would probably be best not to schedule him Saturday nights either.

[JayhawkCO]

My first restaurant job was at Red Lobster. It was a fun ride for a while.

[ZLoth]

3/30/2026 — His second interview at Scheels is later today.  It's for a full-time position.  Unless something crazy happens, he should have made his decision and accepted a job by the time he picks me up at work later today.

How is there 401(k) plan?

[kphoger]

How is there 401(k) plan?

3/30/2026 — His second interview at Scheels is later today.

[thenetwork]

I've now had correspondence with TWO businesses who were hurrying me through the hoops within hours after submitting my resume online, and scheduling/confirming appointments online -- only to have said companies CANCEL the appointments hours (or even within 30 minutes) before the in-person interview.

Obviously, the bot-part fast-tracking of the process is going faster than what the human side wants to do, if anything.