They wouldn't hire me because...

[Kuasimodem]

...I didn't have a college degree. I'm talking about my local cable provider, the same guys that provide my internet access.

The reason I'm upset is because I just got back from fixing a botched cable modem install, done by one of their "professionals." I got my sister to sign up with C***ter Cable internet, and they came and did the install on Wednesday. It took the guy 2 hours to run the cable from the main box, 20' down the side of the trailer, and thru the wall to where the computer is, and then he didn't even install a wall plate, just left a big coil of cable behind the computer desk. He then proceeded to install the Surfboard modem, which is either USB or ethernet. The work order said to put a NIC in the computer (you can keep it if you keep cable for 6 months) and use an ethernet cable to do the connection. This brainiac installed it using the USB connection, by unplugging their scanner!!(this is an eMachine computer, and only has 2 USB ports, the one in the back is for their scanner, the front one runs a gamepad.) The next day, they couldn't connect to any websites, or get their mail (wonderfully stable USB modem drivers).

So, I stopped at Best Buy, bought a Linksys NIC, went to their house and removed the dialup modem and installed the NIC. All is well now.

Sorry, had to rant, since I really need a job right now. Been out of work since early October.

I hear and feel for you, Kuasimodem. I know how hard it is trying to find a decent job. I'm surprised at the cable company's requirements as many tech-type outfits will take demonstrated experience in lieu of a degree. A piece of paper does not necessarily the best candidate make..

I try to see each rejection as a sign of the "next one" will be better... and I know how hard it is sometimes to keep having this attitude.

Best of luck in your continued search!

[crystaldragon]

Before I say much let me say i'm not out to start an uproar or argument!!

I have been watching and been hit by the same thing in my trade. It has been going on in this area ro 15-20 years. Don't get me wrong education is important. But it is not a replacement for skill, or knowledge or hands-on experience.
Many times I have seen well educated people without a clue.
Around here we call it book-smart world-stupid.
From your description of the work you had to straighten out italso appears to demonstrate something else. Some people are so proud / fixated on their education that they have no pride in the work they do!!!
IMO a college education demonstrates (or should) determinatio and self-discipline. There aren't any replacements for those. But if you can't make real-world use of the knowledge What use is it?

I would be tempted to go back to this cable provider with a list of what was botched up and receipt (maybe a bill for labor). I would point out that degree or not I could certainly do better. You might do as I have once or twice! Offer to demonstrate your skills and ability

[caddmannq]

It's a bummer, Kuasi...

There's such a large pool of skilled people on the market right now, that employers can ask for unrealistic things and expect to get them even when they are superfluous to the issue at hand. They often don't get what they really need, but that's another story.

Your average "human resources" (don't you hate that term?) manager is a liberal arts graduate with zero tech smarts. They determine job descriptions from boiler-plate passages in some book, and evaluate people on formulas developed to preclude any thinking or (theoretically) risk to their position.

Above all, they seem to be looking for people who are subservient and look good on paper. Any other anaylysis seems beyond them.

You seem to find a better class of people at many small companies. I'd be looking for one, or looking to start one, if I was unemployed right now. There are places that can always use the right man, they just have trouble finding good help because of poor visibility.

[Kuasimodem]

Well, I just got off the phone with the head of local tech support for the cable company, she's a very nice lady, too.

My sister is getting a $20 credit on her cable bill for the NIC (gee, I forgot to tell them about the $10 rebate) that they payed me for.

I'm getting one free month of internet access for my time and skills in fixing the problem. That's on top of the one free month for refering my sister to dump AOL and get a cable modem.


Now...on to finding a job...

[MegalosSkylaki]

While at the same time, the don't want a guy too smart because he (or she) "will get bored and quit"

{Where is my Post on "Too Smart to be Hired ?" }

Had a similar problam with a "cable guy" who bragged all the way tha t he was an assistant Systems Manager fer Time Warner but took a field job. He looked for TC/ICP (?) in Proggies and stated he coudn't install the cable modem because it wasn't there. Is it supposed to be there ? Yuchh ! And the guy was a snob so I kept my patience about throwing him out the house...

So they want well-educated dumb a**es ?
Not too smart...

Make sure that's the real reason as companies can discriminate for a variety of reasons..not that you'll have much support from all those Agencies that are supposed to protect your rights.

Damn! kuasimodem these recessions--and I graduated into one--are awful and our Two-Party system is too busy playing games to do anything about it.

Where was Congress when Geenspan was needless raising interest rates , instead of letting the market handle that ?
He talked in a foreign language and they stood by and said "Duh ! Thank you "

Best wishes !

DOOOG

And , sorry, no practical advice.
GF going through this in NYC.

I'm getting one free month of internet access for my time and skills in fixing the problem.

Kuasimodem! Did you get a Case # for this? Did you get that lady's name? You could present this as evidence in your re-application to them that a degree doesn't mean you are not qualifed and that obviously you *can* meet the requirements for this job.

Just a thought...

[Kuasimodem]

Hmmmmm...maybe I should stop by the office and have a face to face with her (once I get rid of this flu).

Yes, I have the case number, and the original install order number too.

Actually, if they saw the work that I've done in my new house, they probably would hire me. Between buying the house and moving in, I've installed over 200' of RG6, about 100' of phone line, and about 150' of CAT5e, all with wall plates. I decided that the house was going to be wired properly

Thanks Socalgal, I never even thought of that, and they may have a job opening soon. LOL

[CMonster]

Bummer! Educational documentation discrimination -one of the last legal forms of discriminations ...by all means don't determine what a job candidate actually KNOWS.

I may be going for a degree in the near future, after I finish with Linux certification and after I can locate one of those "pay-for-your-bachelors-in-one-year" outfits.

5 months is long, Kuasi. Lots of luck and from the recent reports, the recession is over and the question now is NOT WHEN the economic recovery starts but HOW STRONG it will be.

I agree with some of the observations made : The larger, high visibility, ivy league companies often have a lot of deadwood accumulated over the years. Target smaller companies.

By May/June, there'll be lots of demand. For now, though, hang in there and something will come up.