unemployment sucks

[lachesis]

I've now been unemployed for a little over a month and I'm starting to get a little melancholy. I was not able to get unemployment from the state (which is a whole other situation I don't want to get into) so I have no income coming in. I have a bit of a reserve, though its killing me having to dip into it to keep a roof over my head and I've been eating dinner at my parents' an awful lot. I have been attending workshops at the local career center and utilizing their resources whenever I can.

Its just so hard not burying my head in the sand and feeling like a failure...

Also, if I do get an interview, what do I say when they ask why I left my last job? For those who may not have read my last thread, I was fired with no warning for being 15 minutes late on a Saturday.

[wagegoth]

First, contact unemployment and tell them what you told us: other people were late many more times than you but never fired, you were on time per the rules set for you, and you believe it was pretextual. You don't have to take the first no as the final answer. If you challenge it, then they contact your employer and request backup. It can take a while, but you can be paid retroactively if it's approved.

Second, when someone asks why you left your last job, you will need some acting talent. Look sad, then say something like, "I don't know for sure. There was a supervisor who seemed to play favorites, and apparently I wasn't one of them[(this part is optional, if you feel comfortable with the person), as I had no complaints and was only late three times the entire year]." Chuckle or just smile a bit sadly and softly. "You know how it is sometimes."

Practice. You don't even have to practice with someone else. Trying saying different thing out loud, full conversation level, and stick with what feels comfortable. Sincerity and honesty work best together, but you don't have to be an open book.

[ADeMartino]

I'm gonna second most of what Wagegoth said. As for that 'acting ability' thing, that really is kind of a tossup. You have to be careful to not Shatner it. Personally, in a situation like that, rather than putting on a show, I'd say something like...."The reason I was given for my dismissal was because I was late for my shift, and I feel that was an over reaction on their part. I have a few suspicions, but it probably would not be appropriate to discuss them here." That answer tells the truth, allows you a small amount of opinion about it, and points them in the right direction without your explicitly telling them anything, allowing them to draw their own conclusions. And stick to that 'not discussing it' part. Even if you COULD prove your suspicions, it IS NOT appropriate to speculate on such things in an interview.

[csquared]

You never want to "blame management" or claim that it was unjustified. That makes it sound like you won't take responsibility for your actions. Try to frame it as a learning experience. State what are you going to do differently to make sure it doesn't happen again.

[lachesis]

Small update: I landed a phone interview this afternoon in part because a woman I know through my volunteer organization recommended me to her hr person. I did a google search on how to ace a phone interview, followed all of the tips, and yes I nailed it! I was invited to have a face to face interview with the hr person and one other person - the woman who used to do the position I am interested in - on Friday!

I definitely took to heart all of your advice and was positive throughout the whole interview. The hr person touched on the fact that I am no longer with my previous job, but she didn't delve into it. I have a feeling she will probably ask more about it on Friday. I am working on my response to be something like my supervisor and I agreed the position wasn't mutually beneficial to either of us anymore. Plus I found out later from my former co-worker that the department I was in is now in flux and it would have only been a matter of time for management to do a little house cleaning. My firing may have only been a matter of convenience as one other person has been recently let go for a reason I'm not privy to.

I'm feeling much better than the last post. I'm still on the search for prospective positions and my attitude overall has improved. My friend told me to stop being a stick in the mud and proceeded to capture me for a night of fun last week. When I called her tonight she was happy to see me somewhat back to my sarcastic and snarky self and smiling again.

[Teysa]

Good to see things are looking up for you. Good luck with the interview.

[lachesis]

Thank you, Teysa!

I think I did ok. They said I should hear back sometime next week when they finish interviewing applicants so I'm getting my thank you notes prepared and in the mail asap so as to make a good impression. I also stopped by the bank where I was a float teller a couple of years ago and followed up with the manager about my application I submitted online for the opening there. HR screens the applicants and then the manager and hr does the interviews. The manager said I would be ideal since I would need minimal retraining and she would shoot an email to hr.

[lachesis]

*sigh* The position for the bank was filled the morning I saw the manager, so that didn't pan out. I also did not get a call back from the interview for the non profit. So very frustrating. I found a full time opening at one of the town halls that fits my qualifications. I'll be droppping a cover letter and my resume in the mail tomorrow. I hope I find something soon...

[Teysa]

I know it's hard but you will find something. When I was looking for work I got a lot of those thanks but no thanks emails. That's if I got any follow up at all. If nothing else, is there any summer seasonal type work you can do in your area? I don't know how touristy your neck of the woods is, but they might need help somewhere. Oh yeah, and check out coolworks.com Quite a few places are still looking for summer help. Some of them will even help pay for transportation costs. At the very least it will give you a chance to spread your wings a little.
Anyways, good luck to you.