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Over 3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years

6,559 Views | 42 Replies | Last: 8 mo ago by JamesPShelley
WZUPAGS
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1:06p, 3/7/24
AG
Background: 17+ years of successfull software sales working for the likes of BMC, IBM, Oracle, Dell, etc. I got laid off in 2017 after finishing 155% of my quota my last year..

After Over 3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years (minus 2 for covid) I've had zero luck getting back to employment. I've read many books on interviewing and changed my style many times to no avail. I've had several opptys where I meet all the requirements by a mile but they decide to pass. I was even set to be hired by a few only to be pulled last minute by HR. This also includes low level positions where they pay $15/hr, a much much lower salary than my previous positions. No doubt I've fallen on hard times.

I've done a deep background check on myself and have not found any that would prevent me from employement. I know turn to the aggie network for anwers.

* Is it possible to be 100% black balled across the board? If so, how can I find out?
* Could someone in my past be able to do this?
* Any other possibilities?

I've banged my head for answers for years, but still come up blank.
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Petrino1
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In reply to WZUPAGS • 1:25p, 3/7/24
WZUPAGS said:
Background: 17+ years of successfull software sales working for the likes of BMC, IBM, Oracle, Dell, etc. I got laid off in 2017 after finishing 155% of my quota my last year..

After Over 3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years (minus 2 for covid) I've had zero luck getting back to employment. I've read many books on interviewing and changed my style many times to no avail. I've had several opptys where I meet all the requirements by a mile but they decide to pass. I was even set to be hired by a few only to be pulled last minute by HR. This also includes low level positions where they pay $15/hr, a much much lower salary than my previous positions. No doubt I've fallen on hard times.

I've done a deep background check on myself and have not found any that would prevent me from employement. I know turn to the aggie network for anwers.

* Is it possible to be 100% black balled across the board? If so, how can I find out?
* Could someone in my past be able to do this?
* Any other possibilities?

I've banged my head for answers for years, but still come up blank.


I sincerely doubt all 3k of those companies you applied to are blackballing you. I'll be brutally honest, that 6-7 year gap on your resume is an absolute killer. Most companies are going to see that see that as a huge red flag.

Are you able to fill that gap with anything you've been doing since the layoff: consulting, part time work, certifications, education etc?

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WZUPAGS
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In reply to Petrino1 • 7:00p, 3/7/24
AG
The issue was from day 1 back in 2017. But to answer your question, yes I have self employment (no revenue) gap filler I can back up. It's just not in the sales field like before.
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JamesPShelley
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In reply to WZUPAGS • 8:02a, 3/8/24
WZUPAGS said:
The issue was from day 1 back in 2017. But to answer your question, yes I have self employment (no revenue) gap filler I can back up. It's just not in the sales field like before.
Your circumstances are terrible.

Connect with me. I'll make that 6 years shine, Complimentary. I don't care if you were shoveling horse crap. Reach out.

jim@username.com
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infinity ag
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8:58a, 3/8/24
Some suggestions.

1. Lower your expectations and pick up anything you can get. Goal is not advancement or making money but to get back into the workforce. Then build from there.
2. To see if you are blackballed, and assuming you use Linkedin, create a fake profile and use similar details to yourself. Use a different email account. AI photo. Then see if you get calls. If yes, then you may have to get a completely new profile and email address for yourself for job search to start over.
3. Ageism exists. You say 17 years, so that may be an issue too. I am also facing the same. Update your resume to display not more than 10-12 years (the sweet spot) and remove any years that go too far back. 25 years experience is good for top execs but not for everyday people.
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78bc3
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10:01a, 3/8/24
AG
Please send me a note at ppausky78@tamu.edu. Curious to learn more about your search and strategy. Two things to work with: You reference a successful history in sales and you are representing "Product You".
It probably not about resume as about selling
Paul Pausky BC3 '78
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Chase
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In reply to infinity ag • 11:35a, 3/8/24
AG
infinity ag said:
Some suggestions.
...
3. Ageism exists. You say 17 years, so that may be an issue too. I am also facing the same. Update your resume to display not more than 10-12 years (the sweet spot) and remove any years that go too far back. 25 years experience is good for top execs but not for everyday people.


This is a very valid point.

I was in the same spot for awhile. People don't want to hire you for something you are overqualified for and, while they aren't saying it, they aren't looking to hire someone older for jobs you ARE qualified for because of ageism or wanting someone to start at a lower salary.

Found out first-hand when I lost some jobs to people I knew in the industry with nowhere near the resume for the position.

Make sure your resume and skills are clearly outlined as relevant today and take some up to date courses on modern software/cloud options to show it. Explain some of that time away and have an answer for why you are looking to get back to working for someone else. Explain that you aren't looking to find a max offer, but rather very interested in THIS position you're interviewing for.
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agdaddy04
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In reply to WZUPAGS • 8:17p, 3/8/24
AG
Hopefully you don't take this the wrong way, but why is this your first post on the job network forum? Also what do you mean minus two for Covid? Did you not interview or apply for jobs for two years?
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HollywoodBQ
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6:59a, 3/9/24
AG
I'm surprised you haven't been able to find something in software sales. They're always hungry.

What does your LinkedIn look like?

Recruiters should be hitting you up, desperate to source candidates.

But more importantly, what about your personal network.

If you were crushing your quota, you must have impressed somebody along the way.
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jh0400
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In reply to HollywoodBQ • 8:51a, 3/9/24
AG
HollywoodBQ said:
I'm surprised you haven't been able to find something in software sales. They're always hungry.


This. I am in software, and we're always hiring salespeople. We're not the only ones. I just looked at the remote job postings on Repvue, and there are 130+ openings posted.

One thing I have seen with us and heard from others is a push to a younger rep profile. If OP's BMC experience was in mainframes, that could make it a little harder but not impossible.

OP,

We currently have a few open roles. If you have a resume I can get it in front of our sales recruiter and at least get you some honest feedback.

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JamesPShelley
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8:52a, 3/9/24
3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years.

Read that again and ask yourself why you aren't taking me up on my generosity. Don't squander it. I'm not returning with more.

Chat soon.
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WZUPAGS
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In reply to agdaddy04 • 10:51a, 3/9/24
AG
You might be on to something. I haven't lowered them enough. Not 1 call back from Home Depot or Costco.

I'm going to try fast food places and hope for the best. Thanks for the advice.

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WZUPAGS
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In reply to infinity ag • 11:06a, 3/9/24
AG
This is good. Thank you.
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MookieBlaylock
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In reply to JamesPShelley • 8:45p, 3/9/24
AG
JamesPShelley said:
3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years.

Read that again and ask yourself why you aren't taking me up on my generosity. Don't squander it. I'm not returning with more.

Chat soon.


The ego of this man is unbelievable


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tamc91
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In reply to WZUPAGS • 10:19p, 3/9/24
AG
Do you have a good handle on IT, or did you mainly just sell it? Seems like working IT at a non-tech firm (engineering, marketing, legal, etc.) could be an option. They like getting staff who know enough to help them, but won't jump to tech when it is booming.
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HollywoodBQ
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In reply to WZUPAGS • 9:10p, 3/10/24
AG
WZUPAGS said:
You might be on to something. I haven't lowered them enough. Not 1 call back from Home Depot or Costco.

I'm going to try fast food places and hope for the best. Thanks for the advice.
Bro, I've been in Software Sales (SE) since 2005 and I've been out of work for 30 days (by choice).
I currently hate my supervisor and his boss doesn't have any idea what we do but.. the jobs are out there.

Personal network? LinkedIn? Anything?
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StockHorseAg
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8:47a, 3/11/24
AG
Move up here to the Panhandle and work in one of the packing plants. They start at $21 an hour with full benefits and will hire just about anybody that shows up to interview no matter your background.
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JamesPShelley
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In reply to MookieBlaylock • 9:36a, 3/11/24
MookieBlaylock said:
JamesPShelley said:
3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years.

Read that again and ask yourself why you aren't taking me up on my generosity. Don't squander it. I'm not returning with more.

Chat soon.


The ego of this man is unbelievable


You remain insufferable. After how many years? 5? 6? 7?

I don't see your offer of assistance.

Have a nice day. Or, try.
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bmks270
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9:42a, 3/11/24
AG
Have you tried car sales while you look for something else?

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knoxtom
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4:58p, 3/11/24
I just have to say it.

First, I don't believe for a second you have put in this number of apps without a job coming through.

But if I am wrong... why would you still be doing the same failing stuff if you have tried for 7 years without success?
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WZUPAGS
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In reply to HollywoodBQ • 10:08p, 3/11/24
AG
Yes I'm at robbar[]gmail.com
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WZUPAGS
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In reply to knoxtom • 10:12p, 3/11/24
AG
I saved the apps if you care to go through them.

Why? Because I was good at it, liked it, and made ton of money.

I prefer to take that option over working at a fast food place.
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Chipotlemonger
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In reply to WZUPAGS • 10:23p, 3/11/24
AG
WZUPAGS said:
I saved the apps if you care to go through them.

Why? Because I was good at it, liked it, and made ton of money.

I prefer to take that option over working at a fast food place.


Is this whole thread a troll? You said just a few posts back in the thread that you were going to look at fast food because Home Depot and Costco didn't call you back. Now you say this. Also, your posting attitude on here after being (supposedly) 7 years off isn't really the kind of attitude I would expect out of someone in need of work. That in itself may be part of why you're not having success.
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Petrino1
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In reply to JamesPShelley • 8:19a, 3/12/24
JamesPShelley said:
3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years.

Read that again and ask yourself why you aren't taking me up on my generosity. Don't squander it. I'm not returning with more.

Chat soon.


If the OP is getting 500 interviews, then their resume isn't the issue. Per the, OP they are getting an interview for every 6 applications they fill out, that's a pretty impressive number.

Sounds like something else is at play here: poor interview skills, negative attitude etc.
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JamesPShelley
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In reply to Petrino1 • 9:08a, 3/12/24
Petrino1 said:
JamesPShelley said:
3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years.

Read that again and ask yourself why you aren't taking me up on my generosity. Don't squander it. I'm not returning with more.

Chat soon.


If the OP is getting 500 interviews, then their resume isn't the issue. Per the, OP they are getting an interview for every 6 applications they fill out, that's a pretty impressive number.

Sounds like something else is at play here: poor interview skills, negative attitude etc.
Agreed.
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bmks270
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10:22a, 3/12/24
AG
Maybe there more to this sentence than is being let on:

Quote:
I was even set to be hired by a few only to be pulled last minute by HR.
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tejas_ayanem
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In reply to WZUPAGS • 10:27a, 3/12/24
WZUPAGS said:
I saved the apps if you care to go through them.

Why? Because I was good at it, liked it, and made ton of money.

I prefer to take that option over working at a fast food place.
This might sound harsh but someone good at their craft being out of a job for 7 years just doesn't add up.
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bmks270
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10:28a, 3/12/24
AG
Well, if you haven't tried car sales, maybe give it a shot.

A family friend of mine was very successful in sales until 2008, he never quite recovered after job loss, but eventually he settled in car sales and does okay. He's older now, in his 70s.

I also bought a last car from an older salesman with a cane, retired architect. So she isn't an excuse for this sector.

Car sales will take just about anyone, and if you have sales experience, even better.

But it's hyper competitive and commission based so if you're not selling you won't get paid and/or you'll be let go.

If you can't keep a job in car sales then you're either not actually good at sales, or you have some other major character flaw. The only requirement is sell, so if they reject you then I'd get outside coaching or therapy or something to get more perspective because people aren't rejecting you because you're unqualified or can't do the job, it's that they don't want to be around you.

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$3 Sack of Groceries
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2:46p, 3/12/24
AG
Unless this is a troll, your conscience has already betrayed you. The idea of being blackballed wouldn't have come up if you hadn't have done something to justify it.

What's the rest of your story?
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texasaggie2015
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3:39p, 3/12/24
AG
This is a wild thread to follow
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Chase
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4:22p, 3/12/24
AG
n/m

forgot the question had already been asked by someone else.
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Deputy Travis Junior
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5:11p, 3/12/24
OP in every interview:

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El Hombre Mas Guapo
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7:14a, 3/13/24
AG
As someone currently looking for a job, I can't follow this thread!

Couldn't imagine sending 50 applications and 10 interviews, not 100x that amount.

Good luck man. I feel like we're making progress.
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EliteZags
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In reply to WZUPAGS • 12:04p, 3/13/24
AG
WZUPAGS said:


After Over 3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years (minus 2 for covid) I've had zero luck getting back to employment.

are people really believing these absurd numbers? no one's getting close to that many interviews
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Chipotlemonger
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In reply to EliteZags • 2:47p, 3/13/24
AG
EliteZags said:
WZUPAGS said:


After Over 3K Job Applications & 500+ Interviews in 7 years (minus 2 for covid) I've had zero luck getting back to employment.

are people really believing these absurd numbers? no one's getting close to that many interviews
Yea I think this whole thing is a troll.
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