OMG I just want to cry!!!

I've been on both sides of this situation - the problem with this market is that SO many people are looking for work, any kind of work, that if you have a position advertised, you're going to get applications from everyone - and only about 10% will even come close to having the skill set/background you need. Someone earlier posted about the apparent duplication of posting a resume and also filling out an employment history - this is why. From the perspective of the employer, you have to weed people out somehow. Even once you get down to a more reasonable pool of applicants, you still have far too many - so the first typo I see, that person is out. Period.

From the perspective of a job seeker - networking is key; face time is key; separate yourself from that mountain of e-docs the HR manager (or whoever) is going through. Temp agencies are great - as are placement firms. Don't expect to start halfway up the food chain (never mind the top) either... but try to find something within your actual field of interest/expertise, even if it's the mailroom of the company you ultimately want to be CEO of. Be creative, too --- you might think you're a (insert occupation here), but those skills transfer well to something else you hadn't considered. And learn to sell yourself.

Best of luck - to everyone out there looking. Believe me, as overworked as I've been during this recession because we're at a skeleton staff, I still know how lucky I am!

I spent 7 hours yesterday looking for a job and about 3 hours the day before. Who knows how many hours I will put in today!!! Every place you apply online they want your resume and then for you to fill out your job history ... What is the point of my resume if have to repeat the same stuff!!!! I need POINTERS please by professionals :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: ??!!

I'm not a professional, but I would say carry your resume on you, and go to job fairs, and just put yourself out there. Keep going, and do not give up.

I spent 7 hours yesterday looking for a job and about 3 hours the day before. Who knows how many hours I will put in today!!! Every place you apply online they want your resume and then for you to fill out your job history ... What is the point of my resume if have to repeat the same stuff!!!! I need POINTERS please by professionals :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: ??!!

I know all too well the stress and disappointment you are feeling as I was in your shoes on and off for a few years. Jobs are very hard to come by these days. My recommendation is to continue to apply; however, I would create a word document that has the general information each company asks for. That way, you can just copy and paste it (alter any information to address specific company requirements).

Also, I advise that you try looking into temp agencies. A lot of companies.....from small to big.....utilize them for their needs. Some assignments are temp to hire so this gives you a chance to show them your skills. If they are happy with your work and need to fill a position, they will hire you after the contract with the temp agency is up. I found a lot of my jobs doing this.

The main thing is to not give up hope! It is tough, but if you make the effort, it will pay off in the end! Keep your chin up and know you are a valuable asset to any hiring company! Best of luck to you!

Use social networking to your advantage also also... sites like LinkedIn and other sites are great if you're looking for a skill position. I know several companies that post on CareerBuilder/Monster/Dice/etc because they have to for compliance reasons.. but really prefer word of mouth kind of referrals.

Hit up FB, Twitter, etc too.. as they say.. "Sometimes it's not what ya know... but who ya know"

This is a fact. Every "adult" job I've ever had was because I was associated with someone who was in charge of hiring*.

*Except one job where my resume was picked up off Monster. However, one of the interviewees had worked at the same place I had. He knew several of the same people I knew, but not me specifically. It was probably enough to win the job over other candidates.

One site:

Indeed.com

vote for Obama if you want to spend the next 4 years looking for a job

Vote for Romney if you want to have women;s health go down the drain.

Vote for either loser if you want to see nothing changed.

BTW I am sorry for your struggle it is not easy out there. If you want the job you have to jump their hoops.

I've been looking for about a month and a half now, it's hard not to get discouraged. I've lost count of the places I've applied to and I've had four interviews.

Then this last one went really well. It's only a seasonal job but has the possibility of becoming permanent. The interview was last Friday, and the interviewer literally said, "You are exactly what we're looking for to add to our team." She told me I'd hear from them by Monday or Tuesday. Today is Thursday, and I got a hold of her. Low and behold, she went from having 12 interviews after mine to having 40. (They are hiring at least 34 new people). She told me if I didn't hear from her by Wednesday, to go ahead and give her a call. Bottom line is, I pursued her without being overly annoying. And, now I stand out from the other 150 people that have applied.

I've read online in articles from various websites that online applications don't really get looked at, but sometimes that's the only way to apply. The managers that look at the applications usually say that if they don't spot anything that separates you from other applicants within thirty seconds, you're out of the pile.

Make yourself stand out, make your application professional yet loud! Make them look at you. When you drop off your application, ask for the hiring manager-don't give it to some random employee. Get the name of the person you give your resume to, and remember what time you dropped it off. Give it a week, and them call them and show that you're still interested in the position!

Read for yourself: http://www.gethiredquick.com/

As someone who used to hire employees, there is a specific reason for requiring both a resume and a job history.

The job history data fields are used to compile keywords. If a company wants to search for someone with customer service experience, they can type in things like "cashier", "customer service", "call center", etc. That's why these fields are so brief. Even if they aren't using a keyword search, it gives them a quick rundown of your history. From there, they can decide if they want to read your resume.

The resume is to show you possess basic communication skills. If I received a resume with typos or spelling errors easily caught by spellcheck, a job description that simply said, "I answered phones," an email address like chicksrule at hotmail, or cutesy paper/Word background with a design on it, it was tossed into the recycling bin. The resume is your chance to put your best professional foot forward. Always, always, always use spellcheck and then have one or two people check it again since spellcheck won't catch everything (your/you're, to/two/too, here/hear, etc).

Good luck with your search!

^This. Your resume speaks volumes about you, so spend some extra time on it and make it perfect. Treat it like a mini-interview. When I review resumes I look for attention to detail as well as content. In addition to the items above, check your margins and fonts (don't use anything fancy - clean and simple is best), and try to be thorough without going into excessive detail. You can PM me if you want some more help there.

It's amazing how many people don't spend the time on their resume. But the ones that do are the ones that get an interview with me.

Apply for a job. Then...after a couple days go in and introduce yourself to the manager "hi I'm ____ I recently applied for a job and just wanted to see if you're hiring right now" or some other excuse. The point is you will put your name in their head. In some cases they will ask for an interview right there. They know you are interested now. They know you are willing to do the foot work to get the job. It has worked for me in the past. I know the job market sucks right now so don't feel down if it doesn't work that great. It is better than just applying, trust me. Good luck!

^^^^^^^^^^^