[Railroader]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Originally Posted by Paco500 

Bowie's eyes are both the same colour- he's just got wonky pupils.

I knew some uptight wang would ruin the joke.

I know I am a little late here, but...

[Spheric Harlot]

That reminds me of how much I don't miss Abe.


Also: With this forum being as large as it is, wouldn't it be the funniest thing if somebody from the potential employer were a member here?

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by The Godfather 

While we are on the topic of what's acceptable to embellish in a job interview, what about the answer to the questions:
1 "how much are you being paid now?/were you paid in your last job?"

“That’s none of your business, and it’s against the law for you to even ask me the question.”

No embellishments necessary, here, at least.

[The Godfather]

I can't find how it is illegal.
Illegal Interview Questions

Maybe it is one of those answers that will never bite back in the future, so one can safely say any number of dollars.

Like you said, certainly it is none of their business. What would be the "no attitude" type of answer?

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by Doc HM 

1. Yup add 5K as a starting point. How else are you going to get on. No one else is going to look out for you.

See my above post. You need to know what the job offers and what the going rate for that kind of job is before you embellish your actual income. Embellishing can shoot your chances out of the water.

Originally Posted by Doc HM 

2. Tell the truth as you'll only have to confront this later and it will be better to have establisshed your position from the get go.

The unpaid part of it has to come from some need. Couching one's response in such terms is advantageous. Being ready to skip lunch now and then or to work a few extra hours off the clock to make sure a job is done right are good things. Do not volunteer to act like a salaried person when your job is supposed to be hourly.

Originally Posted by Doc HM 

3. Say what ever the hell you have to say. The actual answer is obvious. For personal advancement. Everything else is just window dressing.

Personal advancement is a good umbrella statement. I left my last job because the hours and specific patients (I'm in health care) didn't fit me very well, while the new job is more than I could have asked for in terms of fit. I made it clear that I liked the work I had, but that career development and "goodness of fit" in terms of hours at the new place were too good a chance not to go for. And I was 100% honest with both my old boss and my new one. It's amazing how far being nice on both ends of that sort of setup can go; there are no hard feelings and my network of coworkers is now bigger than ever.

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by The Godfather 

I can't find how it is illegal.
Illegal Interview Questions

Maybe it is one of those answers that will never bite back in the future, so one can safely say any number of dollars.

Like you said, certainly it is none of their business. What would be the "no attitude" type of answer?

Note the last bit: “here, at least”. I wasn’t sure if it was covered in the US (apparently, it’s not), but it’s illegal over here. (Prospective) employers aren’t allowed to ask you details of your former employment such as wages or even reasons for leaving the job. They are, however, allowed to ask questions on how certain details have affected you personally (i.e., specialisations you’ve acquired through previous jobs or even, if you mention a harrassment case at a previous job, how this has affected your personality/mentality, for example).

[downinflames68]

Well, phone interview went awesome, they're paying for me to visit them this week for a real interview.

[olePigeon]

The legality of lying on your résumé depends on the job. For government positions it is illegal to lie on a résumé. In most states, it is illegal to lie for licensed professional positions (medical, law, contracting, etc.).

It is not illegal to lie on a résumé for any other job, though it is grounds for an employer to fire you.

[downinflames68]

Interview tomorrow at 9am! Wish me luck!

[Laminar]

[brassplayersrock²]

Thanks for introducing me to that site laminar

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

I’m guessing the number 404 means luck in ancient Jawanese or something?

[Spheric Harlot]

Actually 4 is the unlucky number in japan.

Almost no building has a fourth floor, and there's no seat 4 or row 4 in theaters.

The Japanese word for 4 - shi - is the same as for death.

[turtle777]

Ha.

The Fantastic Shit 4 must have been a huge success.

-t

[The Final Dakar]

He said Jawanese, not Japanese.



I can't comment on the superstitions of the Jawas.

[Spheric Harlot]

Stir whores? Huh?

I don't read good today, but that I juust don't get.

(*sigh*)

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot 

Stir whores? Huh?

I don't read good today, but that I juust don't get.

(*sigh*)

If that's at me, I'm referring to Oisin's comment, which I thought you were commenting on. If not, my bad.

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot 

Actually 4 is the unlucky number in japan.

Almost no building has a fourth floor, and there's no seat 4 or row 4 in theaters.

The Japanese word for 4 - shi - is the same as for death.

All three (word for ‘four’, word for ‘death’, and superstition connecting the two) borrowed directly from the Chinese.

(And yes, I said Jawanese. Didn’t you see the little blighters going on and on about the number 404 when torturing Shmi?)

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

If that's at me, I'm referring to Oisin's comment, which I thought you were commenting on. If not, my bad.

No. That was at myself.

*sigh*

[The Final Dakar]

Now you've sucked me into your vortex. We're all doomed!

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED

[chris v]

Edit: OH SHI I didn't see that this was 3 pages long. Never mind.

Sheesh.

[olePigeon]

Originally Posted by Oisín 

(And yes, I said Jawanese. Didn’t you see the little blighters going on and on about the number 404 when torturing Shmi?)

[nerd] Those were Tusken Raiders, not Jawas. [/nerd]

[Laminar]

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by olePigeon 

[nerd] Those were Tusken Raiders, not Jawas. [/nerd]

Oh, shi… you’re right. Sworn enemies of ’em, too.

[Mrjinglesusa]

Originally Posted by downinflames68 

Interview tomorrow at 9am! Wish me luck!

So? How did it go?

[downinflames68]

Awesome. I'd be working on maintaining a 5,000 auditorium, and many many other conference rooms, telecommunications, high end audio systems, etc. Would be fun, but the location is in the middle of nowhere. I'm sure the pay/benefits would be excellent. Meh.

I don't know. It'd be nice to have a job, but it'd suck to have to commute 30+minutes every day.

[shifuimam]

If they make an offer, take it. This isn't the economic climate to be rejecting job offers, especially if it's work you enjoy for good pay and benefits.

[Phileas]

Take the job, save up some cash, do your road trip. Just don't get sucked into a job you're not passionate about.

[Atheist]

Be thankful you have the opportunity and take the job!

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by downinflames68 

Awesome. I'd be working on maintaining a 5,000 auditorium, and many many other conference rooms, telecommunications, high end audio systems, etc. Would be fun, but the location is in the middle of nowhere. I'm sure the pay/benefits would be excellent. Meh.

I don't know. It'd be nice to have a job, but it'd suck to have to commute 30+minutes every day.

A 30 minute commute isn't bad.

[downinflames68]

30 minute commute= 1 hour per day. 5 hours per week. 20 hours per month. 240 per year. Fairly ridiculous.

I dunno. Otoh, I just got more contract in Madison, so I'm making like $350 per day. I don't know. I'm in the second round for a job in Vienna, which is my dream job, so I think I'll keep shooting for that.

[andi*pandi]

Take it.

30 minutes really isn't bad. And if it's in the middle of nowhere, that means the traffic going there won't be as bad as heading into a big city. Time to crank the ipod or listen to the news. I once commuted an hour or more each way. That sucked.

Sometimes my commute is 30 minutes, and I live less than 5 miles from work.

[Phileas]

On further reflection, don't take it. (Sorry, andi)

You're making money on contract, so you're not starving. And, you're working in your field, that's the most important bit. Follow the dream™.

I've seen too many people who took a job just to tie them over, then found themselves still there ten years later, seduced by the pay and benefits but desperately unhappy.

[downinflames68]

Originally Posted by Phileas 

On further reflection, don't take it. (Sorry, andi)

You're making money on contract, so you're not starving. And, you're working in your field, that's the most important bit. Follow the dream™.

I've seen too many people who took a job just to tie them over, then found themselves still there ten years later, seduced by the pay and benefits but desperately unhappy.

Yeah, that's kind of what I'm afraid of. I mean, I really want this job in Vienna. I have a shot at it. I'd have to sell the Audi, but whatever, I can always get another one. It would be an amazing experience. OTOH, if I take the job, I'll probably live well and mod my audi, then not want to move out of the states purely because of "stuff". Like, you'd have too much "stuff" to want to move. I already have 2 cars, a scooter, a boat, 3 stereos, 3 computers, and a bunch of other crap. Moving is already a pain. Right now, I'd really rather sell most of it and go to Europe.

[Phileas]

Sounds like a plan to me. Vienna is amazing. Not for ever, but for a year or so, for sure.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by downinflames68 

Yeah, that's kind of what I'm afraid of. I mean, I really want this job in Vienna. I have a shot at it.

Vienna, Austria?

No, sorry mate but you don't have a shot at it. They're required to show that there's no EU nationals capable of doing the job, so unless you're extremely talented in a very specific capacity you've got no chance.

Plus, due to the efforts of your government you'd have a really hard time setting up a life in a place like Austria. Most banks won't give accounts to Americans these days, because they don't want to be involved with your IRS. This is especially prevalent in places with banking secrecy laws, like Austria. And it's getting tighter and tighter.

[torsoboy]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

Vienna, Austria?

No, sorry mate but you don't have a shot at it. They're required to show that there's no EU nationals capable of doing the job, so unless you're extremely talented in a very specific capacity you've got no chance.

Plus, due to the efforts of your government you'd have a really hard time setting up a life in a place like Austria. Most banks won't give accounts to Americans these days, because they don't want to be involved with your IRS. This is especially prevalent in places with banking secrecy laws, like Austria. And it's getting tighter and tighter.

Don't forget that he would still be required to pay US taxes (plus any taxes they have in Vienna), even though he is isn't getting any benefit from them. So a job that seemed to be paying pretty good, might actually turn out to be fairly mediocre.

[moonmonkey]

Originally Posted by torsoboy 

Don't forget that he would still be required to pay US taxes (plus any taxes they have in Vienna), even though he is isn't getting any benefit from them. So a job that seemed to be paying pretty good, might actually turn out to be fairly mediocre.

You have to be earning good money to be liable for US income tax.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by torsoboy 

Don't forget that he would still be required to pay US taxes (plus any taxes they have in Vienna), even though he is isn't getting any benefit from them. So a job that seemed to be paying pretty good, might actually turn out to be fairly mediocre.

Due to various tax treaties, there's a fair allowance before Uncle Sam wants his take and the dual taxation kicks in (something like $80,000ish IIRC).

The main problem (if Rob could get the job) would be getting past the fact that almost no financial institution in Europe will now touch Americans (this is a direct result of the IRS fishing expeditions of late - see Swiss UBS scandal for example). Mate of mine needed a French bridging loan recently and the form was basically full of "you're not American, are you?", "your wife isn't American either, is she?", "your employer's not American, are they?"... ...it wasn't far off "you've never spoken to or befriended an American, have you?". I ain't kidding.
And no bank account equals no apartment rental.

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally Posted by Phileas 

Sounds like a plan to me. Vienna is amazing. Not for ever, but for a year or so, for sure.

Indeed.

Museums are nice for a visit, but I wouldn't want to live in one. Even if there's horsies and carriages and great coffee.

[Phileas]

Doofy, none of my American friends living in Europe has experienced any problems whatsoever setting up personal accounts. One of them just moved from London to Berlin, there were no issues of any kind.

Maybe your friend's story is more due to the French being French than anything else.

Visa, that's potentially more of a problem, but int the creative field more easily solved than in other professions.

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally Posted by downinflames68 

30 minute commute= 1 hour per day. 5 hours per week. 20 hours per month. 240 per year. Fairly ridiculous.

Unless you work from home or live in a village, a 30-minute commute is pretty good.

I'd aim for Vienna, though.

[ghporter]

It was my understanding that if one remained an expat for a full year that their earnings would not be subject to US taxation. This is one of the big selling points for contract work in the Middle East; work for a year in Saudi or Oman (for beaucoup bucks) and not pay any tax to Uncle Sam.

[Atheist]

Originally Posted by ghporter 

It was my understanding that if one remained an expat for a full year that their earnings would not be subject to US taxation. This is one of the big selling points for contract work in the Middle East; work for a year in Saudi or Oman (for beaucoup bucks) and not pay any tax to Uncle Sam.

You are exempt from taxes (on the first $80,000 I believe) if you reside outside the United States and you don't spend more than 30 days in the US during that time. You have to keep visits home to a minimum (which ruins it for me since my employer flies me up to DC several times a year).

Edit: I think you are also always responsible for Social Security tax regardless of where you reside.

[turtle777]

If you can't handle a 30 min commute, you're a pussy.

Get a minivan already and start a family.

-t

[andi*pandi]

I missed the references to a Vienna option, and thought Rob sounded excited to work with this stuff. This is a 3 page thread about him wanting it badly, right? Maybe it's not his field, but is among his interests...

The bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, the grass is always greener... or in the words of Barney Stinson, there's always a hotter girl. Sometimes you just have to pick something.

[finboy]

Originally Posted by downinflames68 

30 minute commute= 1 hour per day. 5 hours per week. 20 hours per month. 240 per year. Fairly ridiculous.

I dunno. Otoh, I just got more contract in Madison, so I'm making like $350 per day. I don't know. I'm in the second round for a job in Vienna, which is my dream job, so I think I'll keep shooting for that.

podcasts and NPR are your friends. Or, you can see if talk radio has anything interesting. 30 min one-way is not really much. Maybe if you're used to living in town or something it could bug you.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Phileas 

Doofy, none of my American friends living in Europe has experienced any problems whatsoever setting up personal accounts. One of them just moved from London to Berlin, there were no issues of any kind.

Maybe your friend's story is more due to the French being French than anything else.

This is pretty much a developing situation. It's hitting places with banking secrecy first (i.e. Austria, CH) and, as you say, the French.

Basically the IRS is wanting information sharing about the banks' US clients, and this is rubbing up against (sometimes constitutional) banking secrecy laws. Thus, rather than break the local laws said banks are kicking US clients.

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by finboy 

podcasts and NPR are your friends. Or, you can see if talk radio has anything interesting. 30 min one-way is not really much. Maybe if you're used to living in town or something it could bug you.

I live not only in the city where I study, but in the same part of the city where I study; and I still have almost half an hour each way.

My stepmum has about three hours each way. Now that sucks. [It’s also why she only commutes once a week]

[ShortcutToMoncton]

I... walk about 5 minutes.


Each way, though!