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job search dilemma
A few months ago, I asked about job hunting while relocating to the west coast. Well, now I'm on the west coast (Bay Area, to be exact), and have been applying for jobs for several weeks. Since last week, I've had some great phone interviews, (almost) all of which are leading up to in-person interviews next week.
Here's my dilemma- there's this one company (company A) that has been very agressive in recruiting me. I am 100% qualified for the position, but dislike the company. The position is said to be "detail-oriented" which may possibly be code for "incredibly boring and tedious". Also, I don't really like this company's business model, and don't foresee much of a future for it. However, Company A is my strongest lead, and I want to start working ASAP.
But then there's Company B, supposedly the most amazing place to work. I know peope who work there, and have a strong referral. My background is fairly strong, but not "perfect" (I didn't go to an ivy league school), so I'm not sure about my chances. The problem here is, that they take 4-6 months to hire. On top of that, they reject over 99% of the people who apply.
There are other amazing companies around here, which are possibly better than Company B. They're also taking their sweet time, with 3 rounds of phone interviews, and possibly 3+ rounds of in-person interviews...
I just don't want to be waiting until December, and then have nothing to show for it. It's expensive to live out here, and I'm starting to worry about our rapidly diminishing savings account. My fiance (a grad student) brings in a small stipend that's almost impossible to subsist on. Our rent (for a tiny 1 bedroom apartment) is 75% of his income! We've cut back a lot, but I really miss shopping and eating out.
Should I work at Company A? Or hold out for Company B (and ones like it)? Is there another option? How do people handle finding a job when companies have such drastically different hiring schedules? I'm grateful that I have options- I was starting to get worried that nobody would hire me.
Re: job search dilemma
I had a cousin who started working somewhere and a few months later quit b/c he got his dream job. I don't agree with that. To me that is a waste to learn everything about that company and also a waste for their staff to hire and train you.
I would hold out for now for either Company B or at least something you'll enjoy. Can you work at a restaurant or clothing store until then? The one nice thing about working somewhere with flexible hours is it will be easier to do interviews. I'm job hunting now and find it tough sometimes to set up interviews since you have to take off work or leave early for it.
I understand what PP is saying about wasting time with A if you plan to go to B.
However, if you want to start working ASAP it sounds like the best thing to do is to take a job with A, if it's been offered. B sounds like a long process to get in, and nothing seems to be guaranteed. My guess (and experience with job hunting) is that the holidays are going to extend that process even a little more.
It would be really difficult to interview while working full-time. Not only would you need to duck out during the day (leave early? use your lunch hour? take a personal day? How do people do it?!), but then commute to that other place, be wearing a suit, and make sure the interview doesn't run too long... It sounds like a huge headache. I really hate lying, and would feel super guilty the whole time. It's strange that this is what most people have to do (job hunt while working) when leaving a company.
I'm not sure about working retail- I'd rather use my day to apply to more places and network (although I really need to work harder here). Also, I worked retail through college, and loathed it. My savings should get us through to next year, so I'm not too worried about paying rent. I'm just anxious to have some fun money, feel productive, and seal this growing hole in my resume.
You're right- I didn't even think about holidays! I am going to start applying to more places (where I would enjoy working). For the last few days, I've been taking a break from applying... (procrastinating + sick of my own resume)
Company A has all BUT offered me the position. They are in a huge hurry to fill it. I'm 90% sure I will get it after the interview. Any attempt to stall would probably not go over well. I think I will accept, and try to make the best of it. If it 'is' as bad as my imagination is making it out to be, then I will look around for other things.
According to glassdoor, the department I'd be working in is OK. Also, I feel like I'd have more leverage to negotiate a higher salary at Company A.
Is company B Genentech or Google? I have friends at both and they nearly orgasm every time they talk about their fabulous jobs.
Is there another option?
Sure. Find a PT or temp job while you're going through the process.
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Yeah, company B is Google. Genentech is no longer a fantastic place to work, since it was bought out by Roche and a lot of benefits were taken away.
I am in a niche area, where there aren't many PT/temp positions available. If I become desperate, I could leave things off my resume and apply for a PT/temp gig.
I was explaining this to my SO, and he said to accept the job at A, while applying for B. I'd feel kinda dirty. On the otherhand, A is known for being kinda sketchy. It's screwed a lot of people over recently (part of the reason I'm not excited about working there). But I'd still feel bad.
Really the decision is up to you. With A recruiting hard, I wouldn't have any problem taking the job and hoping that B comes up. It would be great to work for Google, seriously, but if they aren't recruting and you want to work ASAP you might want to consider taking A and hoping B pans out. If B doesn't pan out right away, you'd have A to work at for a year or so before trying to get in with B again. Just saying.
When I moved out to the east coast a few years ago, a lot of places were hesitant to hire me because I didn't have experience working on the east coast.