Can’t Find A Job? Make Sure You’ve Done These Things
82I live in a part of the country where competition for jobs is fierce. There's a large number of people here who are looking for jobs at all times because this is a transient urban location which always has new people moving in and joining the local workforce. Additionally, the people who move here seem to be more qualified, generally speaking, than the average employee pool of many other cities. Because of this, it can be really difficult to get a job here, even for a qualified individual. However, having been at the side of numerous friends and colleagues going through the job search process here, I've learned a few things that increase the likelihood of getting a job. And if they work here, they should work almost anywhere!
#1. Basic Job Stuff
The first thing that you need to do is to make sure you've covered all of the basics that should be common sense in terms of getting a job but which sometimes get overlooked. This means that you have updated your resume - and yes, that means having a colleague or friend take a look at it, give you feedback, point out typos and fix everything. It means preparing a fresh cover letter and buying stationary to print it out. It means setting up a professional email name if you don't already have one because it's not appropriate to contact potential employers from your whose_ur_daddy@freemail.com account. And it means that you have at least one professional outfit to wear to any interviews that you get which you'll go to freshly showered and with a clean cut haircut. Arrive at them on time. Your future employers will almost all consider these things to be basic, obvious, common sense things that you should be doing so your failure to do them could be what's preventing you from getting a job.
#2. Actively Looking For Work
This should technically fall under the first category but it is ignored a surprising amount of the time, so it belongs on its own to give it the attention it needs. You can not get a job if you aren't looking. This means that you are not merely browsing the latest newspaper ads every few days. You are online, looking up available jobs on every classified site available. You are identifying places that you would like to work and actually going to take your resume and cover letter to them, even if they aren't advertising that they are hiring. You are putting out the word among all of your friends that you are seeking work and letting them know that they should tip you off to anything that sounds like it might be right for you. And then you're going back online and seeing what else is available. You'd be surprised how many people put in a minimum amount of effort to get work and then complain that they don't have a job. Don't be a whiner; look for the jobs and you'll probably get them.
#3 Make Yourself Memorable
You don't have to pull any crazy stunts, but you should make sure that you stand out from the crowd of other applicants. If you have a particular skill or part job experience that really applies to a particular job, make a special note of it in your cover letter. If you have a website that's particularly visually appealing, a witty way of presenting yourself in email or a business card that usually captures attention, make use of this to get the eye of the person you are trying to have hire you. People hire those that they remember after the first introduction is complete. Figure out what "your thing" is and use it.
#4 Make It Easy To Hire You
The person that is trying to hire you is probably trying to fill an empty position and that means that he or she is probably completely frazzled. The easier you make that person's job, the more likely it is that you are going to get the position that you want. This starts with your application. Make sure that you complete all of the requested application materials, following any special instructions made available to you. If an ad says to send your resume in the body of an email, don't send it as an attachment or forward links to your online portfolio. Also, be sure that you provide all methods of contacting you (IM, email address, phone number, address) in a clear and concise manner so that if the hiring individual wants to contact you, the information to do so is right at their fingertips.
When you go to job interviews, bring a fresh copy of your resume with your contact information. Attach your business card. Sure, the employer already has these things but putting them right in his or her hand makes it easier for that person and that's your goal. Bring an organized list of questions that you would like to ask and be sure to ask them in a timely fashion. Bring your own pen and notebook. In other words, ask as little as possible from your potential employer and do as much as you can for him or her. It will be appreciated and that appreciation could land you the job.
#5 Network
The job search can be a frustrating one and if it isn't going well, you might start to get a bit depressed. You don't want to leave the house as much as you used to because you don't have the money to spend on going out and you don't feel like you have anything to contribute to the conversation anyway since everyone else is talking about their work. But very few people get offered a new job when they are just sitting in their homes. You can probably afford a cup of coffee or you can at least do your online job searching from the local library. Putting yourself out around people puts you in the path of those who might be hiring. Introduce yourself to people (appropriately), bring up what you do in conversation and hand out your business card liberally. You never know when the guy from the coffee shop might know someone who needs you as an employee.
Keeping a positive attitude about getting a new job is important. Making sure that you've covered all of your professional basis is crucial. And when things aren't going right, update your approach can be just the thing to making sure you get a job.
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Hmmm.....
I've never thought about putting my resume in the email body itself... I've applied to maybe sixty jobs in the past month and have only been contacted back a dozen times.
From now on, though, I shall plop that resume directly into the email AND attach it. Thank you for that tip. :)
wow....i need this right now......i'm jobless...
I have an interview tomorrow, so this one caught my eye!
I have the interview simply because I ran into a former co-worker the other day and mentioned that I was looking to move on to something different. She told me she'd check into it, and presto--job interview at a place I'd love to work! Moral of the story (like you said) you've got to be proactive & make it known that you're looking.
Great hub--wish me luck!
Great tips. I've helped a lot of people job search, and unfortunately, very few people follow through with all of the suggestions you've made; those who do usually find work fast. All of your tips are very easy and effective ways to stand out by going the extra mile in your job search.
helpful tips. finding a job you really like is very difficult because of competions. The very first thing you should do is make your resume stand out to be noticed.
good suggestions. people tend to forget that jobs are becoming scarce due to a weak economy. therefore employers are picky as hell. times are more than tough and you have to fight for your right to party.
This is not too helpful, because I HAVE done all of this, if not more. These are the basics, which are good to know, but the real problem seems to be that too many people are qualified and employers end up choosing on little insignificant things. Like where a person's from (their alma-mater) or how they look or whether their personality is compatable with them.
I agree with Niceguy. I can't even find a simple waitressing job because I'm competing with girls who are either prettier or have a college degree. Times are tough and there simply aren't enough jobs to go around which leads over qualified people to push "regular folk" from even the less desireable jobs.
so don't settle to be regular folk. get qualified.
Well, I have an Ivy League degree and a Master's degree, and I still can't find work anywhere, doing anything. Sometimes being overqualified is the problem.
I agree. Having a degree with strong work experience is making things more difficult. There are not any professional jobs avalible in my area so I have been trying to get into blue-collar positions that don't really match up with my education and experience. I don't even get call backs. The thing is I don't care if it is just a desk job I will do a good job no matter what I am doing. Why doesn't somebody take a chance on me???
I have since changed careers over the past year and a half, received a degree, and been interviewing for the past 3 months. Now that the job market is flooded with more unemployed prospects, my nerves are even more on edge and I am terrified that I won't find anything for another three months. Luckily I am in the third phase of the interview process with one company, but have since become discouraged when I saw new advertisments for the same position, I could just be paranoid, probably am, but it doesn't make for a warm and fuzzy feeling in such a rough and tumble time.
WEll it has been 45 days. Last job paid between 120-180K per year for 6 years. No I have no income, and few prospects. This is a very difficult environment to find employment in. I'm considering trying to get work at a call center.
i'v applied to about 70 places over 3 months. only had 5 interviews. iv gotten a part-time late night job working at longs drugs at $8.00/hr. its a job and its better than nothing but i basically can't drive anymore or eat out and i'm stuck at home in my off time. it sucks. i don't know if its just me but when i was younger i would get jobs like nothing, i would walk in talk to the manager and they would hire me on the spot. ( that happened for my last 3 jobs i had). My mom and her boyfriend are constantly threatening to kick me out and i don't no what to do. looks like i'm gunna be a part of the crime statistic if things don't turn around.
I am seeing signs that i might be getting layed off soon. I have decided to start my job search before the anouncement is made. All the jobs search advice says you should contact friends and family. I have no friends or family to help me so, networking is out of the picture for me.
I feel so alone.
I graduated from college with a MS in engineering and it has been tough for me as well. I guess I figured that people with experience had it good compared to me; but, from what I am reading here, that may not necessarily be the case!
I have been getting interviews, but no one seems to want to hire me. I think I am going to talk to one of the companies that interviewed me to find out why I was rejected....Perhaps I am not interviewing well.
Money is starting to run out and I am worrying about this holiday season. I am not sure I will be able to buy presents for my friends or family! I have already cut what I spend on food...Ramon noodles, toast, and other extremely cheap meals!
To everyone who is having a hard time finding a job, it is tough out there! The horrible economy makes things even worse...I heard on the radio the other day that the unemployment rate in NC is 7 percent....7 PERCENT!!!! THAT IS CRAZY!!!
Amazing how many of these people commented about not being able to find a job. Maybe it's because many of them can't spell !
The advice given is good, but for the majority of people, and in the current economic conditions, it's not enough. I am in college and I have been without a job since january of 2008, when I got laid off. I have extensive experience in fast food places, and they won't even hire me anymore. I can't get a job at McDonalds even. I can't find a minimum wage job. I have no family and no friends, nowhere to live or go. I have a cheap car ready to die any moment, I can't afford to take care of it. I'm flat broke and there ARE NO JOBS. I live in Florida, and it's hell here. I don't know what to do. I have to move from where I live in 2 months, and I will be homeless. Thanks America. Thanks for everything. I'm just going to have to go back to being a drug dealer. Sorry, but I have to eat and have a home too.
I used to be able to get jobs easily. I never had a problem getting jobs. If I left a job, I'd be able to find one easily the next day. I don't understand it, lucky for me, my GF has a good job that pays the bills, but if anything ever happened to us, I'd be SOL. It's very depressing, very very very depressing. It's not like I don't want to work, and it's not like I haven't been out there every day, this town is small, only about 150K people in the greater area. I don't have a car so that makes it harder. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one going through this. Sometimes I wished I'd never moved here. I think I'm going to try to get into fastfood or back to waitressing...Maybe if I lie on my app and say that I got food stamps recently they'll hire me since they'll get a tax break...hmm...I'm just desparate right now.
There is one very important thing I would like to add to this article, and that is SEND THANK YOU LETTERS! Get business cards from and send a thank you letter to everyone you interviewed with. By email and then followed up with a signed hard copy sent my mail. Most of it can be generic, but make sure you add at least a sentence pertaining to some unique connection you had with each person. And make sure you reiterate that you are interested in the position. I'm telling you, it works wonders.
When I was still in school, after searching for 3 months for an internship, I landed one at the agency of my dreams and the one thing that made me stand out from the hundreds that applied was that I sent thank you letters to all six people I interviewed with.
And now that I've graduated and am looking for full-time employment, thank you letters are a staple in job hunting arsenal! In fact, I was recently called in for a second interview by a potential employer 5 MINUTES after emailing thank you letters.
It can be bit of a chore, but do it! It works. :)
I agree it is extremely difficult to find a job these days. There have been so many jobs that have been lost recently and it just looks as if the situation is getting worse. I'm in college and I work at a supermarket and even the most overqualified people for those jobs have no choice but to work their because they got laid off and can't find any work. Its really tough right now.
I am going through a divorce and got laid off from a job I took after relocating eight months ago. To stay afloat I have rented my two extra bedrooms in my townhouse. It has worked out fantasticly and it pays almost all the mortgage except about $138 and we share all the utilities three ways. I also sold things I didn't need, and in thinking of others, I donated things to charity to help them (they're suffering as well) out. It has been since November 19, 2008, and so far my bills are paid, I've made good friends and have lost weight because I exercise at least an hour a day (walking is good for the mind!) and eat healthy. I do get "search burnout", but just try to treat my job search like a job and keep networking. The economy is a mess, but I am determined not to be! As a side note, when I get depressed (and I do), I just DO something (anything!) to keep busy instead of jumping under the covers and crying my eyes out.
I have been unemployed since November when I was laid off, actively job hunting with no leads. I've applied to probably over 200 places including jobs that are quite beneath my skill set, i.e. McDonalds and Burger King, etc. Nowhere seems to be hiring. I really don't know what to do at this point since my savings are drained. I've begun to turn to shadow economy methods of income such as porn, sex work and drug dealing and I never thought I would find myself in such a position since I am ivy league educated. Its pretty terrible actually and I don't know how much longer I can go on like this. I'm just about to join the services or hang myself.
I read someone say 7% unemployment rate well that maybe high but grand rapids michigan where i live is 12% and that's before Gm closes it's plants down in a couple weeks. It's estimated after that blow we'll reach 17% 0r 18% . I have recently just made plans to move to springfield Mo, and can't find anything there either. I have been doing everything that is listed and very qualified at what i do as an Auto mechanic with 65,000 in tools alone and certifications and great references. I get all sorts of interest but no job at which every job i have ever got has been walk in do on the spot interview and a hand shake and a job offer! I am really geting upset because i'm about to lose everything i own and willing to take an oil change job which i have more certs then the manager of the store has and turned down. It's geting really pathetic that a person who lives with there mom and dad and has no official training can get this job and a person who could basicialy build you a car who is willing to take minimum wage they won't hire. I just don't get it!!!!!!!!!!
Hello
Out of work and to the brink
I just want to respond to you. I work in the auto insurance industry, as of August I ill not have a job. I am lucky to have a job at this point and know my situation could be alot worse. I have 18 years in the insurance industry but due to relocation of my posistion I will not have a job. Sure I could move from the Baltimore area and move to Ohio or Des Moines but there is no guarantee of job security. My husband works in DC and has a secure job he has held for over 30 years. Todays businesses in the US do not want qualified labor. The auto field is suffering as many insurance companies are choosing to total loss cars as opposed to repairing them. This has put a pinch on many body shops and mechanical shops. One dealer in my area sold 1 car in the month of November. Really bad. Try to stay positive (easy for me to say at this time). I know you owe your soul to the snap on man. Try the USA Goverment jobs there may be a job that parallels your skill set. If you have to pay a person to prepare your resume (format can be different from your normal resume) some websites offer resume builder and you can do it yourself.
Wishing you luck
I am also looking for a job. Have been for a month and no luck for me either but I am trying to stay positive. I make jewelry and am trying to sell that and applying for part time jobs now to supplement my income and get ahead on my house payment and trying to cut things I do not need.
Take care
Useful advice. But not as relevant in this market. Employers are awash in applications, and get to pick from the very top of the crop, creme da la creme when it comes to filling positions. Mediocre/average/good/very good applicants - good luck. On top of that salary/compensation is not a strong arguing point even if you are a very qualified applicant because of how the economy can be cited as a hindrance, executive salaries argument notwithstanding. You get what you get, if you're lucky to get something. It's very hard to not be cynical right now but there are so many jobless individuals who worked in positions or sectors that were themselves only possible in a boom economy, or an overextended-on-credit economy. The economy will grow eventually, but will never reach pre-recession levels. Simply too many people, and those people all have high school degrees, 1st four-year college degrees, MBA's..America now has alot of overeducated people who don't know how to do anything because no one's giving them any work experience (Re: me).
I've been out of work since November 2008. Actually, my business went under due to the state of the economy and I lost everything. Can't even get hired at Albertsons or fast food places. I am becoming so depressed and feel like a failure. I've been self employed and pretty successful for over 7 years...now this. The one job I really want/need, the job that will allow me to pay ALL my bills and support my children, told me they had 89 applicants apply for that position. Good Lord! I have 89 people to compete with. The above advice is great but does not really do much today because all applicants are trying to stand out. When I walk through a business and hear the employees complain about their job I just want to yell "give it to me!!!" At Christmas I did manage to land some seasonal work which made it possible to be able to have some sort of Christmas for my kids. (Kudos to the "Big Guy" upstairs) When I asked for a letter of recommendation from the manager, I was informed that this company is not allowed to give out recommendations for seasonal employees. I was so let down- I needed that letter to help my application stand out. (((hugs))) to everyone looking for work - our turn will come.
Hello everybody,
I have a question. My resume is decent but I never even get as far as getting called for an interview. A friend of mine said that he believes that my name might have something to do with it. I have a foreign sounding name that's difficult for some to pronouce at first. First I dismissed it because I didn't what to use that as an excuse. Then I recently saw the 20/20 experiment where ethnic sounding names with the same exact resume got only 30 percent as many call backs as those with English names. I'm wondering if anybody else has experience with this and what your opinions are.
Grr in my town there is mostly only retail places to work...thought I was going to uni in February, but you need 8 English credits and 14 maths. I have like 50 English and 13 maths, so they won't let me in because of one maths credit, and the course I wanted to take was communications and I was the top business student, got the highest percentage in a Cambridge University business exam, was the communications director...took required subjects like English and computers for all 5 years of my high school education...passed all level 1,2, and 3. I hate this town, this country...with its legal inconsistencies. One of the cities is like 40 mins away, so I guess I should just get a job there, even though I have no car, no licence. (In NZ you do a test to get your learners, drive around with your parents for 6 months, get your restricted by doing a practical test with a AA person, have to be home by 10pm, not allowed passengers, for 18 months. Then, you can sit your full. During high school I was so boggled down with work I just didn’t have time. Now I'm stuck in a boring town with nothing going for it. So since feb, when I found out I wasn't going to uni, I applied for a job at the local Chronicle, sent them my CV and cover letter. Then a few days ago I applied for a job at the district counsel. Sent them my CV and cover letter, the employee said it was one of the best letters he had ever read (my god...I hate to think what everyone else writes) but said there was no jobs going (go figure) He did however say that he would circulate my CV around the office, so any exposure is good exposure.It's going to be difficult to find work during this recession. Generation Y just comes out of high school and comes into a global recession, no one's employing. :\ And those who went straight to uni are getting student loans, putting the economy in even more strain, and they're not even sure they will be able to pay it off. You find that no ones really advertising, and in most cases people employ those they know, or word of mouth. So hopefully the fact that he's going to circulate my cv around will prove to be good exposure.It's so annoying because when I was still in school, mum was telling me all the time about jobs being advertised. A case manager, a dental assistant. Haven't heard of anything since I've graduated. Well, keep sending your cvs and letters, persevere. Persistence paralyses resistance.
Wow, I'm not alone! Ive been looking for work for almost two years! I've had a few gigs. But the real problem is getting people to respond. I've only had about 7 or 8 interviews. I don't have much to add. Just don't give up!!!
I have done everything that i can to get a job, i have applied at 60 places and only 2 interviews, i wish someone would just give me the opportunity, it really hurts your pride, what can you do, but keep on looking.
The economic banking system is evaporating unemployment will sky rocket. The crooks don't care!
I've been 4-1/2 month searching. I have done everything recommended in the article and more. I have have read 50 or more "how to find a job" articles and they all say the same thing. I presume everyone already knows all these points so doing them no-longer provides you and advantage.
I have more then 30 years expeirence working and the job searching paundits now tell me that is too much and I should try and hide about 15 years of it when doing a resume. I should not put dates on my degrees etc.. If I do get an interveiw I will have to die the grey from my hair.
I have responded to more then 200 inquires, nad heard back from about 6 with 2 interveiws 3 months apart. I have dug up over a 100 people networking who are "circulating my resume" and it all seems to be a waste like getting water from stone.
I used to hear from atleast 2 recruiters each month when I was working, though I had never listed with any. Now I am listed with about 25 in about 10 differnt states and never hear from a one.
It is nice to have company and I guess I just keep trying and if I ever do get a job and need to hire some I promise to go back to this site and try and contact one of you.
Kathern, If you read these comments I think you will conclude that many people have tried all of your 5 suggestions and have yet to have any luck. It seems like many are ready to move on the the "new approach" you refer at the end of your suggestion number 5.
Could you provide a sampling of some new approaches beside the 5 suggestions in your artilcle.
Hi everyone - thanks for all of the comments! I've noticed a lot of people saying that they've done these things and still can't get a job. It's definitely tough times out there. When this article was written (over one year ago) things were quite as difficult and these tips worked for a lot of people. I'll have to work on a new article for the current situation that we are facing! Best of luck to everyone - and keep hanging in there! It's bound to get better eventually.
I've been out of a job since the end of August when I left my temp job. I was promised a real job but they never came through, and I moved and gave up that job. Now I can't get anything. I have had 4 interviews over that time. I am way overqualified but try to get office work. I have 2 degrees. My husband demands I get a job but says do not hide your skills. I am depressed all the time and feel sick. I do not need lecturing how to get a job. I used to get jobs pretty quickly but now I am older, trying to get back in the work force, and pretty much a zombii from all the stress. Recruiters and 'experts' are 90% full of themselves and 'piggyback' on the same old advice.
Endless Searcher
I loved your posting esp. the last sentence.
I liken the present recruiter advise to one who would advice "how to run a fast marathon" by saying don't wear heavy steel toed boots.
I suggest that no-one should be allowed to post "how to find a job" blog until they accomplish the following.
Pose themselves as a BS/MS degreed professional that is between 50 and 64 years old. A professional who has had a distinguished career in fields such as Engineering, Production Management, etc. ,but, has been laid off in the last year. Then go land a job.
No cheating is allowed such as asking a connected person that is not accessible to most other people.
When you land such a job then you receive a license to advise.
New member here! I can say I’ve done everything above like so many other I see on this post. I’ve even gone as far as posting video resumes of myself to places like Lockheed Martin, and other government employers around the country. If you are web savvy, go to my site michael marks dot net (all one word) and place /lockheedmartin.html at the end. I have posted countless videos of myself trying to get noticed…heck with paper; I’m thinking way outside the box. Soon, I’ll be on the street corner like so many others. MBA/BA/50yearsBS.. it’s tough for everyone and it’s looks like it’s going to get even worse!
I hope everyone here will find something, thanks for all your posts! At least I’m not the only one beating down the bushes trying their best to find employment!
m_michaelm, my heart goes out to you. The video resume is something I had not thought of yet I will add that to my list of a 100 or more ways to get heard.
I am beginning to think that getting heard is really not the issue. I think people including our leaders do not want to hear us. Like the Hoovervilles of the 1930s it is hard not to know we are there and begging for work but pretty easy to ignore us and consider us an annoyance.
We are being a bit rough on those giving out advice as they are very likely just trying to be helpful. However, it does get sort of insulting as many of those professionals subtlely suggest you are not trying hard enough and just sit around waiting for some-one to knock on your door. They suggest your difficulty is that you simply did not run spell check before sending out your resume. I do not understand why they would reach such off base conclusions and continue to dwell on them.
I've actually received a bit of hope from this. I'm not hopeful about the economy, but I'm feeling a bit better knowing I'm not the only one (misery loves company, I guess).
I was feeling like a total loser and wondering why no one will hire me after 100 PLUS resumes. It's humiliating. I have a master's degree and much experience. Now I know I'm not alone. Sure, I had heard all of the statistics, but this is the first time I've seen the "human" side of unemployment.
Thank you for your stories. No, I will not sell drugs or go on welfare. I will keep trying. I will also try to think of totally NEW ways to market myself or maybe even a different angle for my work. The Great Depression was much worse than this, and my grandparents lived through it. If they can live off pennies, then I can find a damn job in 2009. Best wishes to you all.
It never ceases to amaze me at the profound guidance offered by the arrogantly "employed". Yes the article has it's merits. However, assuming that the masses are ignorant of the obvious is insulting. Many of us (unemployed) are light years ahead of these simplistic generalities and find ourselves competing for positions that are being filled by the displaced individuals who aspired from them. Business is business, the best qualified for the lowest price, period. Faith and hope will carry you forward, though you may go hungry and homeless in the meantime. Rather than post my personal experience as I too, like most who have written, await an opportunity.....any opportunity to work, I'll simply state that the only person that can assist you is you. Keep trying...don't give up...and definitely ignore advice from those who have never walked a mile in your shoes.
This is so much bull...America sucks, screw you Uncle Sam.
it's comforting to know that others are in the same boat. i'm pretty upbeat and positive about the future though. yes, things are tough right now but it's not going to be like this forever. for anyone that is interested, this article expands on networking a little bit more: http://www.top-colleges.com/blog/2009/01/18/learni as a recent college grad, i can say that networking is my priority right now - i obviously haven't built up a network yet since i've never had a "real" job in my industry. doing all i can to build my brand online!
Hello guys!!
Well, it is just like the others have said in this web... i guess it is a little comporting to know that it is not only me i feel upset regarding about the job hunting..
I have been unemploy for over 5 months almost 6 months already.. i've been in so many interviews that is not even funny anymore... i have driven miles and miles away from home trying to look for jobs and for interviews... i feel really upset and frustrated about this situation... another issues that the job market is having is the pay rate......... Oh my God guys sometimes is ridiculous the pay that offer.... I have a associate degree in medical administration but i haven't be able to practice my fiel since i had a job in a bank and i was making good money.... Now that i'm trying to get into my field all i get is not enought experience and banks are doing really bad now..
I don't know for another issue is the unemployment benefits i don't know for how long i will be getting it... i'm so scared to get to the point to i would not have any income at all...
It is really frustrating situation!!
This economy is horrible. I graduated with my mechanical engineering degree from a top public university and I can't find any place that's hiring. I busted my a$$ off for 5 years for this degree. This was without a doubt the hardest thing I ever worked for. Now it seems I can't do $h!t with it. I see all my high school friends that DIDN'T go to college making good money and supporting their own family. I can barely support myself!
I've been thinking whether college was even worth all of this effort. There's plenty of jobs that seem to really take care of their employees without a college education. I've conidered looking there. I pretty much wasted 5 years of my life busting my rear end for nothing.
Recent Grad,
I feel your frustration. It is hard to imagine a country that at one time had pride in their innovation and science now cannot offer a job to a mechanical engineer.
Yup I can identify with people here. I have both a bachelor's and master's in materials engineering and now have 3 years of experience since finishing my schooling. I have been laid off in February and at the time I definitely thought that 2 months max and I would get a job. It's now a little over 4 months and nothing yet. A couple of interviews but no offers. I have done everything possible including being open to relocation but this economy sux big time.I am not hopeless though as deep down inside I know God has it all planned for me and will give me the right job at the right time.
People that are not in our shoes can't understand the challenge. I hate it when people call me a slacker or pose ignorant questions like " you still haven't found anything?"
Same situation and I do not feel as optimistic as some. I should have never went to college and used the 4 years looking for a job and probably would of had one now. Of course todays generation of college grads are no longer looking for careers but any employment ANY. Frustrated I am. Depressed, sure. Alone? yes. I feel for all of you. good luck to everyone.
Man we are in deep shit! Been unemployed since July 2008, just had a few temp jobs in between then and now. I don't have much hope for any sort of recovery, a 70% consumer economy is not sustainable. Even if someone creates or saves 600,000 jobs, we have been losing an average of 1-3 million jobs a month steadily since January of 2008.This is according to the REAL numbers, and not the bullcrap they feed you on the corporate interest news propagandist, and theres really no signs of this being stemmed. This year people say your lucky to have a job, next year you'll be lucky to have a meal once a day and a comfy mattress under a bridge. Although, I'm sure we'll have to get a 6 month permit for the mattress at the tune of something like $10000. Godspeed to everyone and their families, the American spirit will never fade.
Umm yep pretty much same here I recently graduated with an AAS in Industrial engineering , made the dean's list and have a manufacturing backround. The only reply to the 60 plus resumes I have sent out have single line "nothing now" type messages! I made 55k a year at a mill job with no education till I got laid off now I cant even find general labor job. my wife went to get a certification that took two weeks and landed a 30k job the next week that was last year now we 1 income and college debt isn't school great.
Wow, I'm not the only one that has tried everything and done whatever the job sites and books tell you to do. I worked for many years in boring jobs getting nowhere then I went back to school to get a degree in graphic design. I graduated with 4.0 GPA and worked very hard. It's gotten me nowhere. I've worked a couple of print shop jobs, both of which laid me off.
People that never have been laid off just don't understand how hard it is. I've been laid off from 4 different jobs since 2002 after almost 20 years of solid jobs. My husband had suffered job 4 job lay offs in his lifetime as well. This seems to be a throw away society and employers kick you to the curb fast as they can.
Trying to the networking thing on Twitter and LinkedIn since others have found jobs there. So far nothing happened for me. I guess what they say about building your network before you need it is true.
Just the same old, tired advice. Everybody does this stuff. The problem is the lousy economy. There are dozens of applicants for every job. I've been out of work for nine months with no end in sight, and have done everything possible to get a job.
This recession is also effecting white collared workers so having a degree or two doesn't seem to make a difference sadly
Been out of work 7 months now. This follows 32 straight years of working.. Excellent Education, Excellent reputation with those who I have worked, great company loyalty. I network closely with at least 6 people every week and send about the 10-12 resumes.
Problem is the jobs do not exist and the very few that do exist seem to get filled buy people who were spending their work hours networking (instead of working) to be in the ideal situation to jump ship,
Do others like me see the irony in a work place society that seems to give hiring preference to those who show the greatest disloyalty to the companies they work for? Like the Parkinson’s Law of business where we promote people to their level of incompetence then leave them there. We now seem to have a law where we prefer to hire people with a reputation for leaving once they reach their level of competency.
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Can I add one? GET THE HELL OUT OF YOUR PAJAMAS. Sweatpants & fleece pants are NOT what to look for a job in. Even jeans is better then that. Also, look like you actually care about your appearance.
i'm on the same boat as everybody else on here. i remember going through college with high hopes of finding employment and making a good living when i graduated. i graduated in december and still haven't found a steady job. i work at a community college part-time doing IT work. it pays my bills but leaves me with no money for food, gas, entertainment, or anything else. i feel for all of you. just keep trying and know that the negative experiences you are going through now will help you someday. good luck to everyone.
Yep. I graduated two years ago from a top twenty university with highest honors and have had only a couple very low wage jobs. Now I'm unemployed and broke as a joke. (Sorry I like saying that). I advise anyone that can't find a job straight out of college to do Americorps. You can defer your student loans, work for a cause, improve your resume, network and wait out the recession for a year. Other than that, get your ass into grad/business/law/med school. But remember, you'll get over this. You'll find something. Keep a sense of humor and try to get out of your house and enjoy yourself. Where I live in California the unemployment rate, if you count illegal labor, is probably about %20. Those are Grapes of Wrath numbers. One day I can tell my grandchildren how I survived the Great Recession of 2009. Stay positive.
Lets keep supporting each other it certainly helps to know you are not alone and people are rooting for you.
Also, don't forget if you are frustrated with your job search to network with others like yourself at joblessyou.
I live in buffalo, ny. I make $12.45 per hour and my family's health insurance is fully paid for by my company. My wife makes $13.00 per hour. My question is " are we lucky?" It dont seem that way because my wife use to make $15 per hour before her pay cut. Are we fortunate??
Wow... it feels so good to see that I'm not in this alone. I recently did something, perhaps stupid... but oh the things we do for love. In June, I quit my job and moved out of state to be with my boyfriend. I have two B.S. degrees and 10 years of solid work history. I have multiple letters of recommendation. I have applied for over 100 jobs and so far.. 1 interview.
That interview was a job. The guy took one look at me, the proceeded to give me the most unprofessional interview of my life. He talked so fast you could barely follow him then he didn't once comment on anything I said. It was a joke. I literally walked out of it laughing.
Anyway.. it's good to see others in the same situation as me. This is tough, and money is tight. It's hard to stay positive but I'm struggling. And today, you guys helped me do that.
Great Tips! However, with the job market is flooded with unemployed people and not enough jobs to go around, especially for anyone over 50.
Hello everyone!
Well it seems I'm not alone in this...I recently got my MS and been looking for a job since November 2008! I have applied to over 40 places using all the possible techniques and I have used up all my connections. Like many here out of the 40 I was called back by only 7 companies!!! I go to interviews and they tell me my CV is impressive! and that I am highly qualified but then they never call back!!! and I cant figure out what I'm doing wrong! I follow through but nothing then then send me apology emails without any specific reason!... I'm tired of this just want a job that meets my qualifications and I'm sure I'll be good at it all I need is a chance!
Rawan,well that's at least better than me. I've been unemployed over 6 months now and in total probably applied top over 250 jobs and only had 3 interviews. I did get an offer from one of those companies but apparently it was a seasonal job from April-October and then I would be without work from October-March and so there was no way I was going to accept it. It was also too far. So yeah, you're not doing that bad.
HI Everyone,
I've been unemployed over 8 months now and i have received 5 interviews in over 200 companies I have applied. I even moved to a bigger city thinking it will give me better opportunity. Its hard to look for job and come home everyday to be asked "how did it go" If only they will give me one chance.
I have my BA in accounting.
All the best to everyone and I hope each one of you get your dream job.
Ikran
Same ol' song here. I almost thought about joining the military but I am sure I am too skinny for them to even take, lol. I was a professional photographer that made pretty good money just 2 years ago. My husband lost his job and we had to basically sell all of my equipment to help make ends meet. I have been searching for regular employment for the past year and no luck. Not even any call backs, and I will take anything! I can't even get a job at the fast food joints (they seem to have been taken over by older foreign ladies) I feel horrible not being able to assist my husband in this troubling time. His salary was 75k per year, and now we live off beans. Thoughts of cashing out the 401k have crossed our minds but that has even taken a hint in this economy, so if we DO take it out..the taxes on that money will eat it completely up. We've already downgraded..we moved into a small apartment and rent out our home. Boy, these are really trying times. We are late 30s, both college educated (though mine is through the arts) Many places won't even call me in for an interview because the only experience i have is entreprenuerial and art! I'm very personable so I know if I can just GET an interview, I can bag the job. This has just been a very very horrible time and I honestly don't see it getting any better. As for going back to school, with what money???? Basically putting ourselves in student loan debt?
i am facing the same situation in Asia too, but i am a fresh graduate. I've tried all the above methods from tailoring my cv to sending thank you letters. Applied to over 50 companies directly via company website and recruitment portals, attended 7 interviews, 3 towards the 2nd round and i am still jobless after 4months.. really disappointing. Just can't get a callback from the company that matches my qualifications and experience.
I hope everybody who commented above will get a job eventually. Best of LUCK
To the fresh mechanical engineering graduate.....
I graduated in the early 80's with one and couldn't
get a job at McDonald's in that recession. I moved
to California and didn't find one there either....ever.
Went back to school. Twice. Two different short careers.
The first went to technological improvement. The second went to outsourcing. So I am going blue collar. Graduated from a tech school after being unemployed for 8 months, but now the economy is so bad, I can't get a job in that either.
So how does this resemble my subject line? It refers to the movie where the main character wakes up day after day to the same thing. Life repeats itself. Eventually the character went whole hog about changing/improving himself and finally broke out of the loop. Am I offering a simple prescription here? No. Just maybe something to think about.
Rent parties. I throw them all the time and have paid many a months rent with them. Invite a ton of people over, buy some cheap booze and ask for $10 donations for rent. It never fails to work. It's also a great way of telling your social circle "Hey look at me, I'm unemployed and desperate! Get me a job!"
Medical studies. You can make some good emergency cash this way. I made $500 off my last study. Of course I'm probably infertile now, but c'est la vie.
Tutoring. If you have a college degree you can probably tutor something. Post an ad on Craigslist, charge $20 and brush up on the subject. It's worth it.
Volunteer. People are more willing to help you when you devote some free labor. I've gotten work this way.
Learn a language. You got all that free time, right? You'll enhance your hiring potential and show potential employers you haven't wasted your time unemployed in complete misery and despair.
I firmly believe people can be happy and find meaning in life even in the most dire of circumstances. Being broke,suffocating under a mountain of debt, suffering health problems and close to homeless, I'm still in a relatively good mood. It's because I've decided to use this time to improve myself, gain some wisdom and enhance my relationships with people. This has kept me from feeling the full gravity of my financial situation
This economy is horrible. I graduated with an engineering degree from a top public university and THERE'S NOTHING. It's stupid when you try to apply to entry-level positions and they require so many years experience! You can't get a job without any experience, but how can you get experience if you can't get a job?
I myself am looking into other areas not even closely related to my major.
This is encouraging and depressing at the same time. I'm encouraged because I'm not alone in my misery. I'm depressed because I have my bachelors and have had plenty of professional experience but can't find a job. I was laid off in September of last year and was unemployed for two months when I was hired as part-time seasonal help at Target. They asked me to stay on which is great but does not pay the bills. I'm still working there for barely over minimum wage and don't qualify for any benefits. I've applied to countless jobs, redone my resume several times and have the rest of the suggestions from this article "down pat". I've only had one interview and it was promising but they elected to not fill the position. I had to give up my apartment in April and now live in my parent's motor home in a hick town where there are less jobs, but thankfully is less than an hour away from a metro area, to help keep my head above water but now I'm drowning again. I've had to depend on credit way too much and those bastards have shot my interest rate sky high so that I can barely pay the minimum. I've started going back to school for another degree but I have a huge, and probably not irrational, fear that I'm making a mistake. This is ridiculous.
I've been unemployed since May 2008. I quit a job I hated. Yeah, terrible timing- had I known how bad it would get I probably wouldn't have done it.
It's been a nightmare. I've averaged about 1 interview a month since then. I simply can't get an offer. I no longer have a clue how to get someone to hire me. I have an Ivy League education and some great credentials, but it doesn't make a difference.
This country is too competitive - we have 10% unemployment, and had a decade of essentially no private sector job growth (Google it), and yet 1.5 million people continue to enter the country every year, most of whom are working age.
Ok,I've read the article and I can say.It's good.Although many things missing.
Also,I've read most of the replies.I am amazed(most with E.
I knew it was kind of shit in America,but,I didn't know it was so shit.
Shit are here too in Greece.For example:When there is an announcement,offering jobs for public services(public insurance,Phone Company,Police Officers etc.),there is,lets say 1500 positions,applicants are 10000 or more.I know because I was one of the applicants.
Anyway,that was just a small example of how things are.
In a few words,we have capitalism.Many work like dogs and few collect much money.
So that leads me to the most revealed point,that USA is the capitalism's capital.
I mean,you wanted that,you were proud of that.Didn't you know that it is going to be a boomerang?You think that this aggressive politic to other countries as well ,that usa has, is for your own good? USA is paradise for capitalists.
And now new world order.Don't try to think a lot..it is simple.Money to the few and the rest of the people hang yourself.
USA fucked all the world.But now the big ball of making profit turns back and hits usa.
I'm looking for a job too.And I really,really,really hope that you are going to make it.Just risk!Honestly risk!
There are also good jobs in Europe that need people with good use of english.
As I said,I was amazed with replies.But the thing that made me very sad and angry is that reply of "Erik 19 yrs old".
Really?Your mom and...boyfriend are going to kick you out??
That is sick.That is no family.
Erik,no man.Don't deal with crime.Hold on and you gonna make it.Mark my words buddy.And I believe you are a good kid.Just hold on.There is some unseen justice,that comes around when you don't realize it.I've seen it,I've realized it afterwards.And I know that most families there treat to their kid that way,when they reach 18.So,I am talking to these kids too.Hold on damn it.
I wish you all the best and good luck.And risk!As you say there:Think outside the box.Right?So,do that!Risk,you have only one chance,it is called life.So,risk.Don't be afraid!
When I sometimes feel depressed,I put a "heavy" song(zeimpekiko) and I dance.This is to pray to God and to forget myself.So,do that...put a song with a meaning and dance until tired.
Goodluck all people.We are all signed up in the Unemployment Club.I'll buy you drinks..waiting for you there...hahaahhaa
Folks, I absolutely feel your pain. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University in 2004. I took my first job in DC and worked there until the summer of 2007. I then decided I wanted to move to a location where I could do more planning work and eventually afford a house (DC is unbelievably expensive). Anyhow, I worked for an Engineering firm in Nashville for 10 months. The economy started to really sour towards then end of 2007 going into the new year. In February 2008 I got laid off, along with 30 other people who represented about a 1/3 of the companies staff (They've had 3 more rounds of layoffs since). This all was a result of the recession and collapse of the new housing market throughout the midwest. I then decided to move back to Washington DC to try and ride this bad wave out, figuring this area would be stable enough to find work and wait for everywhere else to recover. Boy was I wrong. I managed to find a new job rather quickly (July 2008) and started working for another Engineering firm in Annadale, VA. I really liked the job and was performing well. My boss was awesome, my fellow employees were cool and everyone seemed to like me. But once again the economy took a dump on me. New job contracts plumetted in late August / early September and my companies execs ordered every dept. to lay off people. Based on seniority, I was the first one to recieve a pink slip in November of 2008. There have been two more rounds of layoffs, that I know of.
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Since then I have sent out hundreds and hundreds of cover letters, resumes, and portfolios to design firms all over; regardless of whether or not they were hiring, with hopes of building a network and attracting some attention. I have sent packages to the: District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and New York State. I have had owww...6 in- person interviews and 3 telephone interviews over the past 9 months. A lot of the people who respond to my inquiries say I have fine work, great qualifications and a good looking resume, but are simply not hiring. I have been considered for several positions and made it through to the final cuts, but competition is so fierce right now. Several positons I put in for literally had 100's of applicants for a relatively rare career field. It seems getting a job in today's market is like winning the lottery. I have tried temp agencies, but they want applicants with administrative experience (my bachleors degree is considered techical). I tried to get a job at Home Depot in August 09, I've applied to federal gov. jobs too, but the government rarely hires outsiders unless you know people.
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I am very close to giving up. I am simply dissillusioned. I have terrible unemployment benefits and can't afford to do anything. I'm just rotting away.
What the hell is going on? Is it still the same situation?
Read the comments- sad time in America.
Try being over 50 and a Technology Attorney; I am often told during screening interviews, "We think you are too senior", which is the new and legal way to tell me I am too old to be hired.
Don't worry everyone, i'm 23 and have struggled for 4 years only having 2 jobs in that time that were both Temp. I have not had an interview for 16 months and I am skilled in many computer design programmes plus a professional diploma in Advertising & Marketing.
It's weird because I get on a bmx and 2 years later i'm show jumping dirt trails.
I pick up a guitar then start a band.
See a piece of paper i'll draw a picture.
Pick up a pool cue then become No1 in the area.
But when it comes to relying on someone to pick my CV out of a pile of 100's and get an interview, they never do !!!! - I'm fine when its me doing it because I know my potenial is limitless but for someone to overlook everything i've achieved in life so far (only 23) and to send me a message saying, ''We do not consider you to have enough experience, sorry'', they should take a look around and notice that maybe just maybe I have a little talent here where I teach myself everything wayyyy faster then 99% of most.
So, I give up, re-written my already perfectly written CV so many time's I just can't be bothered anymore, I am broke, in debt, no car as of today, no motivation to even do the things I love. fuk england.
pete, you're still young dude. Yes I know you already have a diploma but have you considered going back to school for a degree? Maybe in a high demand field? I mean I am basing my opinion on the fact that you couldn't get a job even when this global recession didn't hit the world yet. You should def consider it and maybe your parents can help you with tuition.
I'm finding that my years of corporate experience means nothing except a warning sign. Employers think that I am just looking for a job until something better comes along because I went from being paid very very well to applying for $10, $11 per hour jobs. I interviewed at a temp agency for a general administrative job and the recruiter told me that the day she posted the job she received 700 resumes(for a $10/hour job). For those that have never been in this situation, I know it's hard to believe it is this difficult finding a job but that is the case. For instance out of those 700 resumes received (and that was just for one day...she only sent 5 people to interview). Maybe that helps to paint a much clearer picture. As someone previously mentioned, it is not rocket since we are at a time when there are just not enough jobs for everyone that needs one.
Employers can be very selective and therefore begin looking for any reason to weed potential candidates out. My corporate profession was as a recruiter so I know what goes on behind the scenes. While the advice in this article is probably helpful for individuals just graduating and maybe without much work experience, the rest of us out here understand that there is much more going on and you can't make yourself memorable or easy to hire when your resume in many cases never even gets looked at because of the volume of resumes received.
Fascinating read, sobering economy. In same boat, have a job working from home, not enough to make ends meet by any means. Had a job in June last year, company shut down - 14 yr in sales (careerwise). Went from almost 80k to (dont laugh)- $400 a week; from 700 to below 300 all in charge offs,- spent 401k.gone. Unbelievable turn of events, looking back no way to prevent, except spend less, and save more, the old adage still applies, pennies look like gold to me now. Fascinating read: Only in terms of common threads filled in with variations of despair and turmoil, frustration etc. There is light somewhere, keeping digging brave cave dweller (at least, this is the Mantra I repeat to myself at night...).. There is a God and there is a plan, somewhere - I, for one would like to see the light show itself and illuminate this cold darkness. - Laugh, love, live free and sing, and when life is in discord- Praise ye the Lord! - Not flippant in closing, there is truth out there.
I really enjoyed reading everyone's story.
Yes, it is very tough. I have two part time jobs, luckily I have full health benefits through one of them, but I barely make $1100 a month. I am 31, and living at home with my parents. I am so angry and frustrated. I have a BA in Communications
I use to have dreams and goals. But now, the only dream I have is being able to get my own little apartment.
I have student loans of $400 a month which will be in eternal forbearance.
I am working on a resume-writing website, but it seems that it's not the resume, it's the economy.
Car payments, credit cards, school loans, food, etc...
No jobs.
WOW glad to know I'm not the only one. I too have been unemployed now since December 2008 great timing huh? I have applied to over 200 jobs. Most of these say 2-4 years experience I have 6, and all the other requirements and then some. HR reps are telling the same things they are getting 1000+ resumes within a WEEK!?!?!? HOW in the world are any of to get a job. So to say it's frustrating is an understatement. Especially corporate America where you have to have 2 phone screens, and then like 5 interviews, and then find out a month later you didn't get the job! I hear what all of you are saying it's the same way here in MN!
This job market is so horrible. I have been out of work since June 2008 after only 1 temporary job that lasted only 2 months. I hadn't worked before that for 3 years!! If I didn't get back child support now I'd starve. Some society we live in when there isn't enough jobs to support the people!!!
I am 44 and am glad to say I started a new career and am having a wonderful time in hotel sales. I never thought a sales job could be so much fun. The people are energetic, fun, we work in a great enivonment. I thought hotel sales would be tough to get into, I got started with aprinda.com and now earn great money and enjoy going to work each day.
I hope I can help more people get into a hotel sales career bbecause it sure changed my world for the better. Try aprinda.com ecornell.com or ahla.com to get started.....aprinda.com was the fastest and most affordable.
Also, after you get your certificate, make your resume sales oriented to get your foot in the door.
I feel like crap. I can't find a job whatever I try. I dress smart and speak well and definately have the skills needed by companies in my country (South Africa). My last interview was yesterday and the initial feedback I received was positive. But a few minutes ago I got the final news that the other candidate got the job. That's the second interview I've been able to get that I haven't gotten. I've been unemployed since June 09. I have a B Degree in Finance from an international University and just over 5 years experience in my field. I'm fortunate that I have a lot saved and my parents are well off, but the legacy I was trying to create seems like a dream I will never accomplish.
I feel alone and like a failure, and it's a feeling that's growing!
I've walked into alot of places to apply, done many online profiles and applications, and had just one interview. I feel like a failure. I don't currently have any debt or many bills but that's about the only thing I have going for me. That's because I sacrifice not to have those things. I don't know what I'll do. I'm sad and starting to not care.
Anyone have any new developments in their job search? I know I don't. I am still looking for work and yesterday sent out 15 resumes, that's the most I sent out in one day. I better hear something from at least one of them soon.
Its interesting to see so many people in the same boat as me, I feel like if any more people come on board well be over weight limit and sink, or mabye we should all start rocking it and roll it over, hopefully some of us will wash up on a deserted beach somewhere that way...
Im only 25 and I feel like I did everything I was supposed to in life only to get screwed in the long run. Study hard, did that, go to school, did that, get a GOOD career that you really like, did that, meet a girl, did that, get married and have kids, did that.
Lost my job, no big deal, got another one.
New company gos out of business before my hiring class finishes simulator training.
Out of work again, no problem, Ill just file for unemployment, "were sorry sir but since you werent with the company for more than six months so you dont qualify for unemployment."
RIGHTeeo, Ill find another job, no big deal, Im a highly skilled qualified individual, Ive faced life or death emergencies and come out on top several times, Ive even saved other peoples lives and have several letters of strong commendation to prove it, I SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM, RIGHT?
wrong.
Ive been trying to get another job for almost a year. Cant even get menial labor jobs like pool cleaner, or lawn maintenance. I send my resume out nightly to every job on Craigslist and dont even get called back for dishwasher or barback positions.
Lost my house, had to move my family in with my Mom (luckily for us or we'd be out in the street).
Now Im out of work with mounting student loan debt thats going into default, get daily threatening phone calls from attorneys that work for Wachovia and Sallie Mae(both companies that received bailout money) demanding money from me that I dont have. I try to explain "I dont have any money", "how do afford to pay for this phone then?" they reply, "this isnt my phone, its my moms, by the way, how did you get this number?", "not important how we got this number, why arent you paying your loans, how are you feeding your family?"
"wife got us foodstamps"
"why didnt you defer your payments?"
"I did, max allowable is six months deferement"
"why are you a deadbeat, you knew what you were getting into when you got these loans"
I bought into the American scheme (not dream, not by a long shot) hook line and sinker, I came from a poor family, every one said, "study hard, go to school" I got student loans and grants to do it, everyone said "good job! congratulation, you made something of your self!"
What, I ask?
I tried to join the military just recently, scored a 94 out of 99 possible points on the ASVAB test. They said "great job! you can have any job you want" I said, make me a helicopter pilot, Im already an airplane pilot.
I jump through all the hoops, then it comes down to the security clearance interveiw, "why havent you paid your student loans?" "Ive been unemployed" "OH, OK".
I get the results back a week later "Interim Secret Security Clearance denied on the basis of bad credit and inability to handle finances" or something like that.
"Ok, what job can I get without a security clearance?"
"......."(long pause for effect)
"11Bravo...... infantryman"
I guess thats my destiny. Always thought I was an aviator....
I have a college degree and still cant find a job. I probably applied to atleast 500 jobs in the past 3 months, maybe more than that. Im so tired of looking.
wow!, I have to say part of me feels a little better realizing I am not the only one going through this dreaded situation. Believe though me I hope and pray we will all find jobs soon. If you posted here, thank you I do not feel so ALONE anymore, and if you took the time to post here it means you care and to me anyone who cares so much to succeed, deserves to get a job and should be able to live normal lives. I have a BA in sociology with no experience in that field, only construction experience. Construction was doing good now it has dried up like the sahara desert, I was making 25 an hour now I can't believe I am even contemplating a minimum wage job. My unemployment ran dry, I got rent due, truck payment, celly bill, damm I am wondering what the hell happened to America. I have gotten so depressed I am like in a little shell now and can barely hold a conversation because I am worrying so much about my future and everything is so unstable. I don't know how much longer I can take this shit.
So it goes...
Well, I found this blog and decide to join the party. I’m, feeling especially depressed today after getting another rejection letter. Why do they always come on Friday?
The only job openings in my area are on the Navel Bases and State jobs and you have to know someone or be someone’s son, daughter or friend to get hired. Other than that there are no job openings in this area.
I lost my $22 an hour job in July 2008, and I have been unemployed ever since, except for one low paying temporary job at $13hr, that last 3 months and a part time, $8hr cashier/cleaning job. This is my second year of unemployment, and I have a college degree but I absolutely cannot find a job period, not even one that pays $13.
At this point, I am on food stamps, receiving unemployment and working as a cashier part-time. I have filed for bankruptcy, and I was so broke that I did my own bankruptcy. It was successful, and I was discharged last February. The only good thing about being unemployed and broke is I’m now debt free because of my bankruptcy.
I kissed $30,000 in debt good-bye. I feel hopeless; at this point being a prostitute would be better that being in the situation I am in today. Too bad it’s illegal.
Same story. I got laid off in February and can't find work. I hold two degrees and can't find a job. I spent 29 years in my field, rising to the near-top. In my last job I had 35 people working for me. Now I can't get hired anywhere. I'm constantly being rejected for being too experienced and too old. They can't say that, but it has to be what it is.
I recently started a one year program to get a third degree in a completely different area. College is way more expensive than the last time I went, so there goes my savings.
I don't have high expectations based on my previous experience. I have applied for $9.00 an hour jobs, but never get a call back. I guess they feel someone who once made $90,000 per year is kidding about working for $9.00.
I'm fortunate to have a wife who works and was fairly wise with my money over the years. I am lucky compared to many on this board. I posted just to let people know that in our great country there is no way someone with 2 degrees and 30 years experience should be unable to find a job.
Lastly, our 3M distribution center was hiring for 7 positions last week. More than 300 people were in line when they came out to begin. They kept the first 100 and sent everyone else home. Over 300 people for 7 positions. Folks we are in trouble and it amkes me sad. I'm so tired of not working.
Thank you for the obvious. I do realize that some people don't know these things, but that speaks more to their ignorance than it does to the value of this post.
Relieved to see its not only me, quite shocked to read some of the comments. been out of work (IT) since last july, 200 job apps only a single interview (waste of my time, filled internally), etc etc same deal. The only way to keep from going under is to set short term/medium term goals 24/7 to improve your employability in case you surmount the depression and keep punching. Brooding on the frankly mismanaged and decimated economy is a recipe for mental breakdown and will just pull you under. Don't give them the satisfaction. Don't ever quit.
Man oh man I live in Seattle where it is almost a requirement to have a degree to get ANY job. I apply about 8-10 times a day. Maybe get 1 interview every couple months. Plenty of volunteer opportunities, but no steady pay check. I've been doing under the table yard work and some carpentry for a few months now. Living with my mom is VERY embarrassing. On antidepressants for several months now after a suicide attempt. The problem is I see absolutely no possible light at the end of the tunnel. I mean if I had some idea or push in the right direction. The resume and CV go out everyday (I wonder sometimes if the companies I send it to sell my info to spam artists).
Anyways, i've been volunteering just for experience and have taken to selling pot and X to pay my bills (Pretty good for someone with 2 Bachelor degrees). Its that or starve.
For those who can't find work: Sell drugs, steal, do whatever you can. If the system won't give you work, then TAKE from the system.
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I have my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from two highly regarded public universities, one in the U.S. , the other in Canada. I have been looking for full-time employment since the onset of the great recession in October 2008. I have worked on a temporary low-paying contract job in the engineering sector for 4 months out of the last 1 year and have been unable to find additional employment of any sort. I have had 3 engineering-related interviews locally but did not get the jobs. In the last 1 year, there have only been about 6 engineering job postings in my city of ~400,000, so I would consider my interview-obtaining abilities pretty good for a combined post-graduate industry experience of only 1 year.
During the past 1 year, I have applied to a counted 179 jobs within a 150 mile radius of my residence, including several dozen remedial, unskilled jobs such as a general unskilled construction laborer, data entry clerk, midnight crew warehouseman, courier truck driver, etc. I have not had any luck with these applications (yet?!). I have even completely tailored each cover letter for the specific unskilled job, receiving no reply. If it wasn’t for my wife’s job, I’d also be out on the streets dealing dope – where do I send my resume for such an opportunity?
The reason for students are having such difficulty finding employment might not be due only to the limited number of opportunities, but also due to the fact that universities are taking in way too many students in a specific field, i.e. engineering, to fill the industrial void. It is my belief that the number of new student openings in engineering, for example, be limited to a percentage (e.g. 10%) above what the industrial void is, or is projected to be. In this way the market should not saturate. Engineers are a dime a dozen right now. The number of Ph.D and Master’s electrical engineers without a job now, whom I know personally, is astonishing.
Do not think that applying everywhere in the country will help your odds much. I was turned down recently by a recruiter in a city that is only 100 miles from me because there were equally qualified people who are already local. I ensured the recruiter that moving would not be an issue and I would likely be moving there anyway in the near future – tough balls. There have been about 2 dozen jobs I’ve applied for of my 179 that fit me exactly, where I felt I could start the job immediately, work my way up, and become the CEO within a year (slight exaggeration); still no reply.
I love electrical engineering work, as tough as it can be, it is very rewarding when you finally get a system functioning properly, however I have considered changing fields recently to something that is more economically feasible. As per my late night online research, it seems that pharmacists and nurses are still in extremely high demand and are paid way more than your typical engineer, especially for those right out of school. There was a recent posting in my area for a pharmacist with little experience to be paid $90,000/annum immediately. The average engineer’s salary in my area receives $50,000-$60,000/annum for marginal experience with an M.S. Both degrees (M.S. engineer, and Pharm.D pharmacist) require 6 years of schooling, however the pharmacist receives 50-80% more salary with much less employment competition and higher demand.
I do not much fancy the thought of going to school for another 6 years (pharmacist), nor do I have the stomach for needles, blood, and defecation (nurse), so I will continue my search for the recession-proof career while continuing to send out a dozen resumes/day. I am still hopeful but have become exceptionally depressed and antisocial. If I only had a great new engineering idea: me and my millions of unemployed Ph.D buddies could start a company, get venture capital funding, sell it out to General Electric, and be filthy rich. Anyone out there have a brilliant idea you’d like my gang and I to build a prototype for?
King of Canada. You are a carbon copy of my situation, BSc and MSc in Materials engineering and also in Canada. I have sent over 500 resumes (eng and non eng jobs) to date and nothing to show for it. I also applied to positions in the US and Australia as they seem to have a little more but right now due to the recession, they are not open to having foreign workers work for them.
The dismal unemployment numbers from both the US and Canada earlier today are not helping either. You are right lots of engineers are long term unemployed right now. I already sent my application to a local college as I may consider going back to school in the new year. I had to move back home with my parents and I am single so at least that helps, otherwise I would be in trouble too.
I agree with what Jon said 7 days ago. These are obvious things everybody should know by their first interview or application process. If you don't do these things consider yourself not even hireable. The problem is going the extra mile and falling over dead. There is just too much demand and diminishing supply...everyday. I hear stories where people applied 10 places in the last 6 or 7 months and are crying because they can't find a job. That is their problem, even in a booming economy. That might get you hired in say 1960. I've applied from 3000 to 4000 jobs in the last 16 months. I've had a few phone interviews and maybe 10-15 interviews in which several hired internally as a promotion. Not a good ratio! So I say, learn Mandarin and move to China. This country is dead. We have an administration that is essentially doing nothing. Car credits, housing credits,job benefit extensions....this does nothing. It does nothing for someone say 18 to their mid 30's and this is the age group that has a tough time regardless of what the economy is doing. We want jobs, not a $4500 credit towards a $20,000 car. Finally, the U3 unemployment rate was released today by the BLS. It went from 9.8% to 10.2%. Now I am going to educate you. This is NOT the REAL rate. The real rate is called U6. You see, U3 doesn't count the people who are off the unemployment rolls, people working part-time who want full-time, People who never got unemployment in order to finish school, like myself, and many other groups. This group is called U6. if you don't believe me, go to google and type in U6 unemployment rate Bureau of Labor Statistics. It went from 17%
to 17.5% and is probably somewhere over 20%.
Hi guys. First of all, it is a blessing to hear from co-sufferers and knowing just how tough it is on the finances and the psyche. Small companies are not looking (to stay lean and survive) and big companies are hiring most within themselves and ironically, the fear of losing one's job activates even the most lazy employee to amazing performances. It seemed ironic, but I left a well paying job I was getting frustrated with in 2008 to go overseas and teach and develop myself. That was awesome and I was full of enthusiasm to do something amazing back here in the springtime of 2009. NOPE! Nada, nothing. I have international work experience, a BA and MA in communications and hear crickets after sending out resumes. WTF! I went through disbelief, various stages of frustration, anxiety and feelings of "I'm on the Titanic on D-Deck", so, whatever. Actually got a phone call last week from a major company doing a pre-interview on the phone. The guy asked me if I was willing to relocate 400Km away from my family and accept part time work for marginal pay. F...that, buddy, what are you smoking, anyway?
Would it be a good time to start a business on my own in the media field? Then cold calls would not be about selling myself to employers but to sell a service or product to them. It takes away the personal aspect and leaves just business. Hm. Enough rambling. Best of luck and success to all other occupants of MS Titanic. Can't believe some people on life boats complaining about the lack of amenities or the crowded space...I'd swap anytime.
Job Nigeria says:
2 years ago
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Regards,
Job NIgeria