Too Qualified To Collect Shopping Carts - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

slant eyes · 10-29-2003, 08:47 PM

These past two months have entailed a very frustrating search of employment. I am currently needing to pay for classes myself and have no other means of financial assistance.

The Costco Warehouse near my house is currently hiring for seasonal employees. So I put in an application and fill it out as best I can. And in the application are, of course, details of my work experience and education.

I started working for a family business when I was 7, being 26, that is 19 years of work experience. Legitimately, I have been working for about 5 years now and am 6 classes from taking 2 college majors at a University of California.

During the time of my employment, I have worked for companies such as Nordstrom (laid off because Mail Order department was shut down) and UPS where I had interviewed and passed the exam to be a supervisor (left on my own due to contract disputes).

This would lead many to believe that getting a job wouldn't be that hard, so long as the expectations are not that high -- meaning I don't hope to get paid to sit in a corner office, doing nothing, while getting paid millions.

Since I need to finish school and since it costs money (more now due to the tuition increase) to go to school, I want to work and pay for school. Seems honest and innocent enough right? But in order to work, you need to be hired. And therein lies the problem.

I have applied 3 times already at the nearby Costco Warehouse in 2 week intervals. I have not gotten (1) callback from them. So I take the initiative and call them. They said it was mostly based on availability. But on my application, I put down that I was available 'Today' with no current employment responsibilities.

So this leads me to wonder. Years of experience and 2 college degrees, but I am not qualified to work -- not even to collect shopping carts from the warehouse parking lot.

So I ask my father and he calmly explains that due to the amount of education I have, they are afraid that I might leave after a short amount of time working there. BUT THIS IS SEASONAL/TEMPORARY HIRING. Isn't that the point?

And for those of you wondering. I have applied to many, many, many employment opportunities on www *dot* monstertrak *dot* com. And nothing.

Friends tell me that I'm overqualified to work there. If so, that would be the second job I got turned down for due to that. Great, I've worked hard all my childhood to ensure myself a better chance at life, yet it is because I worked hard that I have a slimmer chance at life?

Others tell me that supervisors/managers are afraid that I will soon take their spot. If so, how come they allow people who are so insecure about their own ability as a manager/supervisor run the place anyways?

Well, I'm baffled. Any thoughts?

Aesik · 10-29-2003, 08:54 PM

There have to be other opportunities besides this one in your area! Unless of course you aspire to be a professional cart pusher and are just looking to get your foot in the door...

Tirian · 10-29-2003, 09:00 PM

I was actually told that I was over-qualified once. Sucks.

Good luck on the job hunt...keep your eyes open at every turn for potential work.

laconic1 · 10-29-2003, 11:05 PM

I haven't been able to get hired for part time entry level work while I'm going to school. I think it is the same situation. Sucks. I would think they would want someone to be overqualified than underqualified just to prevent mistakes and such, but I guess not.

billege · 10-30-2003, 03:08 AM

While it's pleasant to imagine that sense, learning, and goodness are more prevelant in the world than not, it's just not true.

I have found that the "smart" person, the "good" person, is much more often the exception to the rule.

They allow people who are so insecure about thier position to hold position, because the ones above them are themselves, insecure and afraid.

I sincerely doubt anyone at Costco has put much thought into your possible employment at all. Not like you have.
I'd not be suprised if the reason you're having such a tough time, is simple incompetence.
It goes like this:
The person who takes apps has only worked there for a month. But he calls in a lot, and someone has to fill in. Well, the idiot that fills in doesn't like filling in, because they work "too hard" anyway. So, she put your app in the wrong tray. Then when you called they found it, but the right person wansn't around to look at it. Likely he was trying to perpetuate the semblance of human intellegence that commerce stumbles around on.

I don't know if that made sense, but the idea is this:
A series of screwups and such led to your dilemma.

To many people have to little intelligence. For me, I find the biggest catch is that thier functioning brain cells have just enough sense to look out for number one.

Not that it'll make you feel better, but just about everyone is having a tough time findng a job right now. There's no one thinking you're too qualified, there's just no one thinking.

jwoody · 10-30-2003, 03:56 AM

Searching for work is as much about who you know as what you know. I've found this especially applicable in part time or seasonal work.

If you really are prepared to do any sort of work, try to befriend your local newsagent, pizza shop owner, bar owner.. etc. If you really feel that your destiny lies at Costco, try talking to some of the staff in the front of the store.

And remember that nobody likes a smartarse. Try lying about your qualifications if you really think that is what is holding you back.

Nefir · 10-30-2003, 06:34 AM

I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties, but unfortunately most employers are like that. billege summed up my thoughts almost exactly.

There's only one sure-fire solution...

Discuss.

mb99usa · 10-30-2003, 06:50 AM

Good luck slant eyes. I never had any luck getting hired for seasonal work, even when I was in high school looking for my first job. Underqualified maybe.

I would think you may want to try finding something part-time in your field. Thought about talking to a company you may want ot work for. They might hire you on part-time with the hope you will join full-time when you finish school.

Elegant Holmes · 10-30-2003, 08:20 AM

Try a different store, black out one of your front teeth and show up in overalls. Avoid words with more than three syllables. For God's sake don't tell them you are trying to improve yourself.
Been in the same boat myself.

monty121052 · 10-30-2003, 08:35 AM

Try understating your qualifcations.

Elegant Holmes · 10-30-2003, 08:38 AM

or you could just show up drunk.

irseg · 10-30-2003, 08:49 AM

I've been involved in the hiring process before.. Overqualification is a problem.

If someone applies for a job as a receptionist when they have previous experience as a manager, supervisor, etc. (I've seen this on several occasions), it brings one of two things to mind:

- They are screwed up. Why would they be applying for a job so much worse than what they had before, instead of continuing to move up the ladder?

- It is a stopgap job to get by until they find something else better. They'll hate doing such menial work, and we're going to have to hire someone else when they quit in a month or two.

Therefore you may not want to mention how well you do in school, good jobs you've had, etc. if you're applying for a cart pusher job.

slant eyes · 10-30-2003, 11:08 AM

thanks all, for the words of encouragement.

Quote:

The person who takes apps has only worked there for a month.

you have to hand ur app to a supervisor

Quote:

Try a different store, black out one of your front teeth and show up in overalls. Avoid words with more than three syllables. For God's sake don't tell them you are trying to improve yourself.
Been in the same boat myself.

LOL

Quote:

Try understating your qualifcations.

i just did that with the 3rd application. no college and just 3 jobs of the previous 7 listed.

Quote:

- They are screwed up. Why would they be applying for a job so much worse than what they had before, instead of continuing to move up the ladder?

- It is a stopgap job to get by until they find something else better. They'll hate doing such menial work, and we're going to have to hire someone else when they quit in a month or two

but mind you, this is seasonal. that's the point isn't it? to leave after christmas. i just need money to pay for school. not for drugs, not for beer, and not for prostitution -- SCHOOL!

Quote:

Good luck slant eyes. I never had any luck getting hired for seasonal work, even when I was in high school looking for my first job. Underqualified maybe.

thanks, but don't ever doubt your own ability. if you don't believe in yourself, you can't very well expect others to believe in you. so please don't consider yourself underqualified. thanks a bunch tho, and don't take this offensively, 'twas not meant to be.

but thanks all, for the 'good lucks'

skysooner · 10-30-2003, 01:05 PM

Speaking of prostitution, you could always try a new profession

jfranco13 · 10-30-2003, 01:26 PM

Man that sucks. I will admit that when hiring, I have tossed aside resumes which were overqualified (granted that was people who had been Network/DB Admins applying for a much lowlier support job, and it wasn't seasonal, but still...) This post makes me think twice about doing that.

Good luck with your job hunt. If you're looking to pay for school, can you maybe get a job with some department at school? Tech support, library work, media services, doing research for a prof who liked you... anything like that possible?

Doesn't Matter · 10-30-2003, 01:26 PM

Duece Bigalow?

lol

skysooner · 10-30-2003, 01:30 PM

Fred Garvin, male prostitute. This was an old Saturday Night Live routine done in the early days.

mml · 10-30-2003, 01:39 PM

You said you are in school, do you have a Career Services department or a job board? If you do, they normally have jobs with companies who are looking for college students. Another route is to see if you can find a paid internship. Internships can help pay the bills, help towards graduation and look good on your future resume. My wife is a recruiter, and she works with university career services centers all the time for both permanent positions and internships. Good luck.

Coolidge · 10-30-2003, 02:20 PM

If you're looking for a job for money, dumb down your resume. Only answer what you have to. If it's possible to not consider something a job, don't. If you feel one of your talents is irrevelant to the job, don't include it. It's kind of illegal, but everyone lies so much to OVERqualify themselves, that no one cares as much if you underqualify.

slant eyes · 10-30-2003, 02:45 PM

that was one thing i forgot to mention, because of money issues, i had to take leave from school to work and gather money thus i have no affiliation with the university i attend. i was a student, but now am taking classes via the extension program. and since working on campus is reserved for students with school affiliation, i don't qualify for this.

as for paid internships, yes. like i said above, i applied for everything at monstertrak (the part of monster that caters to univerisities, offering interns (paid and unpaid), part time, and anything else)

as a matter of fact, i just applied for like 7 job positions from oakley working in their warehouse at foothill ranch.

well, wish me luck.

thanks again guys

if only male prostitution would work, i might do it

10-29-2003, 08:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
slant eyes Psycho Location: cali	Too Qualified To Collect Shopping Carts These past two months have entailed a very frustrating search of employment. I am currently needing to pay for classes myself and have no other means of financial assistance. The Costco Warehouse near my house is currently hiring for seasonal employees. So I put in an application and fill it out as best I can. And in the application are, of course, details of my work experience and education. I started working for a family business when I was 7, being 26, that is 19 years of work experience. Legitimately, I have been working for about 5 years now and am 6 classes from taking 2 college majors at a University of California. During the time of my employment, I have worked for companies such as Nordstrom (laid off because Mail Order department was shut down) and UPS where I had interviewed and passed the exam to be a supervisor (left on my own due to contract disputes). This would lead many to believe that getting a job wouldn't be that hard, so long as the expectations are not that high -- meaning I don't hope to get paid to sit in a corner office, doing nothing, while getting paid millions. Since I need to finish school and since it costs money (more now due to the tuition increase) to go to school, I want to work and pay for school. Seems honest and innocent enough right? But in order to work, you need to be hired. And therein lies the problem. I have applied 3 times already at the nearby Costco Warehouse in 2 week intervals. I have not gotten (1) callback from them. So I take the initiative and call them. They said it was mostly based on availability. But on my application, I put down that I was available 'Today' with no current employment responsibilities. So this leads me to wonder. Years of experience and 2 college degrees, but I am not qualified to work -- not even to collect shopping carts from the warehouse parking lot. So I ask my father and he calmly explains that due to the amount of education I have, they are afraid that I might leave after a short amount of time working there. BUT THIS IS SEASONAL/TEMPORARY HIRING. Isn't that the point? And for those of you wondering. I have applied to many, many, many employment opportunities on www dot monstertrak dot com. And nothing. Friends tell me that I'm overqualified to work there. If so, that would be the second job I got turned down for due to that. Great, I've worked hard all my childhood to ensure myself a better chance at life, yet it is because I worked hard that I have a slimmer chance at life? Others tell me that supervisors/managers are afraid that I will soon take their spot. If so, how come they allow people who are so insecure about their own ability as a manager/supervisor run the place anyways? Well, I'm baffled. Any thoughts? __________________ no man or woman is worth your tears - and the one who is, won't make you cry question authority, don't ask why, just do it!

10-30-2003, 03:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	While it's pleasant to imagine that sense, learning, and goodness are more prevelant in the world than not, it's just not true. I have found that the "smart" person, the "good" person, is much more often the exception to the rule. They allow people who are so insecure about thier position to hold position, because the ones above them are themselves, insecure and afraid. I sincerely doubt anyone at Costco has put much thought into your possible employment at all. Not like you have. I'd not be suprised if the reason you're having such a tough time, is simple incompetence. It goes like this: The person who takes apps has only worked there for a month. But he calls in a lot, and someone has to fill in. Well, the idiot that fills in doesn't like filling in, because they work "too hard" anyway. So, she put your app in the wrong tray. Then when you called they found it, but the right person wansn't around to look at it. Likely he was trying to perpetuate the semblance of human intellegence that commerce stumbles around on. I don't know if that made sense, but the idea is this: A series of screwups and such led to your dilemma. To many people have to little intelligence. For me, I find the biggest catch is that thier functioning brain cells have just enough sense to look out for number one. Not that it'll make you feel better, but just about everyone is having a tough time findng a job right now. There's no one thinking you're too qualified, there's just no one thinking. __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

10-30-2003, 03:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
jwoody Shackle Me Not Location: Newcastle - England.	Searching for work is as much about who you know as what you know. I've found this especially applicable in part time or seasonal work. If you really are prepared to do any sort of work, try to befriend your local newsagent, pizza shop owner, bar owner.. etc. If you really feel that your destiny lies at Costco, try talking to some of the staff in the front of the store. And remember that nobody likes a smartarse. Try lying about your qualifications if you really think that is what is holding you back. __________________ .

10-30-2003, 06:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
mb99usa Keep on rolling. It only hurts for a little while. Location: wherever I am	Good luck slant eyes. I never had any luck getting hired for seasonal work, even when I was in high school looking for my first job. Underqualified maybe. I would think you may want to try finding something part-time in your field. Thought about talking to a company you may want ot work for. They might hire you on part-time with the hope you will join full-time when you finish school. __________________ So, what's your point? It's not an attitude, it's a way of life.

10-30-2003, 01:26 PM	#15 (permalink)
jfranco13 Crazy Location: Pittsburgh, PA	Man that sucks. I will admit that when hiring, I have tossed aside resumes which were overqualified (granted that was people who had been Network/DB Admins applying for a much lowlier support job, and it wasn't seasonal, but still...) This post makes me think twice about doing that. Good luck with your job hunt. If you're looking to pay for school, can you maybe get a job with some department at school? Tech support, library work, media services, doing research for a prof who liked you... anything like that possible? __________________ We may lose, and we may win, but we will never be here again.

10-29-2003, 08:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
Aesik Tilted	There have to be other opportunities besides this one in your area! Unless of course you aspire to be a professional cart pusher and are just looking to get your foot in the door...

10-29-2003, 09:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tirian Addict Location: Canada	I was actually told that I was over-qualified once. Sucks. Good luck on the job hunt...keep your eyes open at every turn for potential work.

10-29-2003, 11:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
laconic1 Junkie	I haven't been able to get hired for part time entry level work while I'm going to school. I think it is the same situation. Sucks. I would think they would want someone to be overqualified than underqualified just to prevent mistakes and such, but I guess not.

10-30-2003, 06:34 AM	#7 (permalink)
Nefir Junkie Location: Louisville, KY	I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties, but unfortunately most employers are like that. billege summed up my thoughts almost exactly. There's only one sure-fire solution... Discuss.

10-30-2003, 08:20 AM	#9 (permalink)
Elegant Holmes Crazy Location: "TX"	Try a different store, black out one of your front teeth and show up in overalls. Avoid words with more than three syllables. For God's sake don't tell them you are trying to improve yourself. Been in the same boat myself.

10-30-2003, 08:35 AM	#10 (permalink)
monty121052 Insane Location: Newcastle-Australia	Try understating your qualifcations.

10-30-2003, 08:38 AM	#11 (permalink)
Elegant Holmes Crazy Location: "TX"	or you could just show up drunk.

10-30-2003, 08:49 AM	#12 (permalink)
irseg Junkie Location: Florida	I've been involved in the hiring process before.. Overqualification is a problem. If someone applies for a job as a receptionist when they have previous experience as a manager, supervisor, etc. (I've seen this on several occasions), it brings one of two things to mind: - They are screwed up. Why would they be applying for a job so much worse than what they had before, instead of continuing to move up the ladder? - It is a stopgap job to get by until they find something else better. They'll hate doing such menial work, and we're going to have to hire someone else when they quit in a month or two. Therefore you may not want to mention how well you do in school, good jobs you've had, etc. if you're applying for a cart pusher job.

10-30-2003, 01:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
skysooner Registered User Location: Oklahoma	Speaking of prostitution, you could always try a new profession

10-30-2003, 01:26 PM	#16 (permalink)
Doesn't Matter Banned	Duece Bigalow? lol

10-30-2003, 01:30 PM	#17 (permalink)
skysooner Registered User Location: Oklahoma	Fred Garvin, male prostitute. This was an old Saturday Night Live routine done in the early days.

10-30-2003, 01:39 PM	#18 (permalink)
mml Adrift Location: Wandering in the Desert of Life	You said you are in school, do you have a Career Services department or a job board? If you do, they normally have jobs with companies who are looking for college students. Another route is to see if you can find a paid internship. Internships can help pay the bills, help towards graduation and look good on your future resume. My wife is a recruiter, and she works with university career services centers all the time for both permanent positions and internships. Good luck. __________________ Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." -Douglas Adams

10-30-2003, 02:20 PM	#19 (permalink)
Coolidge Tilted	If you're looking for a job for money, dumb down your resume. Only answer what you have to. If it's possible to not consider something a job, don't. If you feel one of your talents is irrevelant to the job, don't include it. It's kind of illegal, but everyone lies so much to OVERqualify themselves, that no one cares as much if you underqualify.

10-30-2003, 02:45 PM	#20 (permalink)
slant eyes Psycho Location: cali	that was one thing i forgot to mention, because of money issues, i had to take leave from school to work and gather money thus i have no affiliation with the university i attend. i was a student, but now am taking classes via the extension program. and since working on campus is reserved for students with school affiliation, i don't qualify for this. as for paid internships, yes. like i said above, i applied for everything at monstertrak (the part of monster that caters to univerisities, offering interns (paid and unpaid), part time, and anything else) as a matter of fact, i just applied for like 7 job positions from oakley working in their warehouse at foothill ranch. well, wish me luck. thanks again guys if only male prostitution would work, i might do it __________________ no man or woman is worth your tears - and the one who is, won't make you cry question authority, don't ask why, just do it!