Unrelated to fitness but... Job searches are miserable!

feathernaut

I've been looking for months for a job! I just graduated from college with a degree people generally consider "good" (Computer Science Engineering) and zip, nada. I think maybe I'm doing my cover letters wrong. Also my location isn't really ideal for the field.

I'm not entirely sure what I hope to gain from posting this mini-rant, haha. Does anyone relate? Do hiring people here have advice, especially about resumes and cover letters?

Edit: Also, I have about 2 years experience in the field as of now.

Guns_N_Buns

Since your degree is in Computer Science Engineering, I'm going to guess you're looking for positions in related fields. Therefore, from a business perspective, I'd say gear your resume/cover letter towards that theme. (i.e. a Power Point presentation resume, versus the standard Microsoft Word templates.) This is without saying, but also make sure it's unique and grammatically correct; nothing irks me more than someone that can't spell or punctuate properly. I've literally tossed them in the shredder, regardless of their skills or education accomplishments. Snagging a call/interview is like 80% of the feat. Once you get an interview there's a 75% chance that you have the job already (if you're not a total sociopath at the interview itself). Google 'awesome resumes' or something -- there's a lot of good ideas/tips/tricks on the web.

JamieJam1102

Aries gave great advice!

Also - where abouts are you located? Computer science - so can I assume, developer? If so, what do you specialize in?

AsaThorsWoman

So true.

It's a different world than it was 5-10 years ago.

Jobs are harder to get now.

:-(

Good luck.

feathernaut

Aries gave great advice!

Also - where abouts are you located? Computer science - so can I assume, developer? If so, what do you specialize in?

I'm in Connecticut. I'm looking for both developer and IT support roles. I have experience in both fields but think I would prefer to stick with IT with computer diagnostics and repair.

Aries: Thank you for your advice! Do you hire for the tech field? I'm just wondering if you've ever had that type of 'unique' resume come in; they seem risky. Is that the kind of thing you like to see in your field?

Forty6and2

I know your feeling. Both my boyfriend and my bestie are having trouble finding jobs in their fields. I know I'm going to have an issue because I want to get a law degree and that's just not as in-demand as it used to be...

NormInv

If you are in the US, you MUST NOT HAVE A GEOGRAPHIC PREFERENCE unless you have to support ailing family who cannot move.

Secondly, it will take experiences hires months too in this day and age.

I will keep it short and sweet: find a volunteering job that requires computer skills. Maybe find work in a library, concerting some systems to computerized system. That will keep you busy and build up your resume.

Good luck!