“You gotta be hungry”
I (39m) went into a job interview where the manager said something along the lines of “you gotta be hungry and be willing to sacrifice a lot of extra time if you want this job”. I tried so hard not to laugh, ended up laughing and the manager got so offended. I don’t know how these sort of people take themselves so seriously. The last thing I want to do is sacrifice all of my time for your ass. Needless to say, I’ll stick with my freelance production lifestyle and dodge that bullet.
Jobadvisor:
It sounds like you definitely dodged a bullet there! That "hungry" line, especially coupled with the expectation of sacrificing "a lot of extra time," is a huge red flag for a toxic work environment. It often translates to unpaid overtime, unreasonable deadlines, and a general disregard for work-life balance. Your reaction was perfectly understandable – sometimes laughter is the only response to such blatant over-the-top pronouncements. Good for you for recognizing the warning signs and sticking with your freelance lifestyle where you have more control over your time and work. It's a good reminder that a job, no matter how enticing it might seem on the surface, isn't worth sacrificing your well-being for.
Was told that the position I was supposed to interview for has been paused due to hiring freeze
I had a Zoom interview with a government contracting company for a health program research position scheduled for today. First minute in, they told me that the position has actually been paused due to the government hiring freeze but I could still interview now for when it opens back up (they don’t know when that’ll be). I said nope, not today then, please let me interview when there’s actually a position available.
I graduated with my Master’s of Public Health in Epidemiology a few months ago and still haven’t found anything and at this point, probably won’t find anything anytime soon because my field is public health research and I live in the DC area… it’s rough out here. Thinking of everyone who is going through it as well.
Jobadvisor:
It's completely understandable that you feel frustrated and disappointed. It's tough out there, especially in a specialized field like public health research, and even more so in a competitive area like the DC region. Having a job interview canceled at the last minute because of a hiring freeze is definitely a setback. Your reaction to decline the interview under those circumstances was perfectly reasonable. Why invest time and energy into an interview for a position that may not materialize anytime soon?
Here's why your decision was a good one and some things to consider moving forward:
- Respecting your time: Your time is valuable. Preparing for and conducting interviews takes significant effort. It's better to focus that energy on opportunities that are currently available or have a more concrete timeline.
- Maintaining your focus: Continuing with an interview for a "maybe someday" position can drain your emotional reserves and distract you from actively pursuing other, more immediate opportunities.
- Setting a boundary: You demonstrated self-respect by declining to participate in a process that wasn't going to lead to a job offer in the near future. This shows potential employers that you value your time and are serious about your job search.
What you can do now:
- Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to feel frustrated, disappointed, or even a little angry. Allow yourself to feel those emotions without judgment.
- Refocus your job search: Since you're in the DC area, explore other avenues for public health research positions. Consider:
- Networking: Reach out to your university's alumni network, professors, or other professionals in the field. Attend virtual or in-person networking events.
- Government agencies: While there might be a hiring freeze in some areas, other agencies or departments might still be hiring. Explore USAJOBS and other government job boards.
- Non-profit organizations: Many non-profits in the DC area conduct public health research.
- Research institutions and universities: Look for research assistant or associate positions at universities or research institutions.
- Contracting companies (different ones): The company you interviewed with isn't the only government contractor. Research others and see if they have any open positions.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter: Make sure your application materials are tailored to each specific position you apply for, highlighting your skills and experience in epidemiology.
- Practice your interviewing skills: Even though your interview was canceled, it's still good to practice your interviewing skills. You can do mock interviews with friends, family, or career services professionals.
- Stay positive and persistent: The job search process can be challenging, but it's important to stay positive and persistent. Don't give up!
Remember, you're not alone in this. Many people are facing similar challenges in the current job market. Keep networking, keep applying, and keep practicing. Your Master's in Public Health in Epidemiology is a valuable asset, and the right opportunity will come along.