OT: Having a hard time getting a job.

aloranger7708
aloranger7708 Posts: 422 Member
in Motivation and Support
I'm not posting this for sympathy, I just need to get some things off my chest and hopefully someone can offer me some advice / motivation / support :smile:

I graduated in May with a B.A. and job experience relative to the jobs I'm applying for (about 4 years total experience). Thing is, I haven't heard back from any jobs and it's been months. All the jobs I applied for I'm either qualified for or OVER qualified for.

I know about application etiquette, like you should follow up after a few weeks of sending in your application, and after you get an interview you should send a hand written note. But all the jobs I'm applying for specifically say, "Follow ups are not necessary and will not be returned" or "No phone calls, please," so I obviously don't want to annoy the employer, but I want to convey that I really want the job. How am I supposed to know what I'm doing wrong if they won't reply back?

My resume has been reviewed by previous employers and my professors from university, so I don't think that's the reason.

To top it off, I'm back living with dad who constantly complains that I wasted $100k and that I'm unmotivated, blah blah blah. I really don't know how to improve this situation. I've even applied to minimum wage jobs and would be happy to have them. I think the stress of being unemployed is also affecting my attempts to lose weight.

I received a good education, have job experience, and a good personality. Is there something more I can do to make myself stand out? Any advice would be appreciated.
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Replies

  • Nerdy_Rose
    Nerdy_Rose Posts: 1,277 Member
    Try going on a job site that is specific to your field. I used a tech-specific job site and was working within 3 months or so of graduation.
  • Rouess
    Rouess Posts: 1
    While I have no advice, I can let you know that you are not alone. I graduated in March. Great experience, great school, no job. I am have been doing what I was doing before I went to school and making less doing it. All the advice books and sites I read just say keep your head up, keep applying, and do your best to stay confident. I'm not inspired by that either, but it's nice to not feel like the only person going through it.
  • phlower
    phlower Posts: 103
    Job hunting sucks! It's not just you, it's really hard to get an interview anywhere these days. Have you looked at temp agencies? That can be a good way to get a foot in the door, or at least something to keep you out of trouble for 8 hours a day. I hope this helps!
  • bradwwood
    bradwwood Posts: 371 Member
    sometimes you have to start a little lower on the ladder than you think you should. It is awesome that you have a degree, but you still need to earn your stripes. You should be looking at entry level positions that open other opportunities more suited to your education.

    You should also be tailoring your resume for each position and company. Not saying to lie, but just to polish it one way or the other based on the job. That does mean perhaps down playing some strengths if it is something you *think* you are over qualified for.

    Once you get in somewhere, that is your opportunity to show people what you are made of, and typically that leads to growth.

    Maybe you are already doing this, I don't know for sure. Just something to think about.
  • RevCO30
    RevCO30 Posts: 176 Member
    I feel your pain. Graduated almost 10 years ago with a B.A. in English. I sent out about 30 resumes to newspapers, publishing companies, etc...nothing. Now I am a correctional officer at a prison. Never thought I'd be working some place like this, but it is a solid and secure income. Maybe it's ok not to have a job in your field of study? Just keep trying. Good luck.
  • aloranger7708
    aloranger7708 Posts: 422 Member
    Try going on a job site that is specific to your field. I used a tech-specific job site and was working within 3 months or so of graduation.

    I'm applying to jobs directly through the companies website. The options are either applying online through the site or sending in resume/cover letter through snail mail. I use email because I'm afraid of my stuff getting lost in transit.
  • hedgiie
    hedgiie Posts: 1,226 Member
    though there are times that i'm un-employed but it doesn't take too long for me to find another job. Based from these experience, here are my advise:

    * Keep upgrading your education,
    * Use network, talk to people
    * Don't limit your job search in a particular field or career, maybe that's how you will grow.
  • aloranger7708
    aloranger7708 Posts: 422 Member
    sometimes you have to start a little lower on the ladder than you think you should. It is awesome that you have a degree, but you still need to earn your stripes. You should be looking at entry level positions that open other opportunities more suited to your education.

    You should also be tailoring your resume for each position and company. Not saying to lie, but just to polish it one way or the other based on the job. That does mean perhaps down playing some strengths if it is something you *think* you are over qualified for.

    Once you get in somewhere, that is your opportunity to show people what you are made of, and typically that leads to growth.

    Maybe you are already doing this, I don't know for sure. Just something to think about.

    So funny... this whole post describes what I'm doing now. All the jobs I'm applying for are entry level, and according to the job descriptions I am perfectly/overly qualified. I've even applied to minimum wage jobs similar to ones I held in high school. And yep, I send out a tailored resume and cover letter to each company! It takes longer but hopefully some companies notice the extra effort.
  • Nerdy_Rose
    Nerdy_Rose Posts: 1,277 Member
    Try going on a job site that is specific to your field. I used a tech-specific job site and was working within 3 months or so of graduation.

    I'm applying to jobs directly through the companies website. The options are either applying online through the site or sending in resume/cover letter through snail mail. I use email because I'm afraid of my stuff getting lost in transit.

    Have you considered contracting instead of attempting direct FT hire through the company? If you post on a field-specific job site, recruiters will generally bring contracts to you and ask if you'd like to apply. It's usually hourly pay and no benefits, but it beats not working at all.
  • aloranger7708
    aloranger7708 Posts: 422 Member
    :smile:
    though there are times that i'm un-employed but it doesn't take too long for me to find another job. Based from these experience, here are my advise:

    * Keep upgrading your education,
    * Use network, talk to people
    * Don't limit your job search in a particular field or career, maybe that's how you will grow.

    Thank you! My dad suggested that I get a little extra schooling, maybe a certificate in something I'm interested in. And I've been sending out resumes for jobs that I NEVER would've thought I'd be applying for! I'm an English/writing/advertising/creative girl but have the chops for some finance positions, so I've applied to those as well
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    Long-term: absolutely some kind of certificate or MA. Don't trust the institutions for the value of those qualifications - they'll sell anything.
    Check industry-valued professional associations, see what employers want in job ads, look at employment statistics.

    Short-term: ask your friends, your dad's friends, everyone you know if there's a job anywhere. You need someone to slip your resume to the top of the pile. Hiring managers will take the word of trusted employees over a cold application any day. If the job's even a legitimate posting, that is - a lot of the time, they've got someone in mind and have to post the job for legal reasons.
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    That and temping - all you need are good MS Office skills to get an in. You're young enough to work your way up.
    Sorry, NerdyRose had that, but yeah, it works. Good luck.

    Oh and volunteer. & do internships, as many as you need to charm the right person.
  • stacylperry
    stacylperry Posts: 66 Member
    YOU'RE NOT ALONE~

    Cover Letters, Resume's, Applications, and Referrals. Yep, you're singing the song of many. Degree or no Degree, Certification, Experience whatever. Jobs are hard to come by right now. There are jobs out there to be earned, but its a fight to get even the cashier job at Taco Bell !
    Don't take it personal, and try not to let it interfere with your goal of weight loss.
    Be proud of your self for getting the Degree ! Its so important now, and YOU will be chosen over the one's that don't have a degree.
    You can't take Education away! Good for you for getting your B.A. that's awesome! YOU have a reason to be proud! it takes alot of time and dedication to earn that degree ! :)
    Something will come up Keep the faith
  • ssteinbring677
    ssteinbring677 Posts: 158 Member
    My suggestion: network like crazy. A lot of times in the job hunt, it's all about who you know. It may seem counter-intuitive, but start doing informational interviews with people. Make connections. Follow up. This could be a huge help for you down the road. If you have an in at a company and end up applying to an open position, let that contact know and chances are they will help you out.
  • tachyon_master
    tachyon_master Posts: 226 Member
    Just be wary of the whole "further education" thing. I've got a job as a professor at a fairly big university, and I've seen students graduate with an MA or a PhD who have ended up stocking the shelves at Walmart. Seriously.

    While I certainly don't discourage going to grad school to get a higher qualification, please think about it long and hard. And research the program really well. Because there is by no means any guarantee that it will get you where you want to be and you could just end up wasting another $100k.
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    Just be wary of the whole "further education" thing. I've got a job as a professor at a fairly big university, and I've seen students graduate with an MA or a PhD who have ended up stocking the shelves at Walmart. Seriously.

    While I certainly don't discourage going to grad school to get a higher qualification, please think about it long and hard. And research the program really well. Because there is by no means any guarantee that it will get you where you want to be and you could just end up wasting another $100k.

    Absolutely - the only kind of post-BA education worth pursuing these days is in applied or professional fields (e.g., HR, health informatics, accounting, physical therapy, engineering). Avoid humanities and social sciences. For PR, often, colleges are better placed to help. The people I know who stopped after college (ie, well-regarded colleges with strong industry connections) are the ones with solid incomes/prospects. But they're now many years into their careers; I don't know what it's like for young people now :(
  • Rayman79
    Rayman79 Posts: 2,009 Member
    My suggestion: network like crazy. A lot of times in the job hunt, it's all about who you know. It may seem counter-intuitive, but start doing informational interviews with people. Make connections. Follow up. This could be a huge help for you down the road. If you have an in at a company and end up applying to an open position, let that contact know and chances are they will help you out.

    This +1

    I have worked in recruitment for over 10 years, and I am always pushing the managers within the business for who they know, who have you met/worked with etc.

    It is more difficult to make these connections at a graduate level, but make sure you are involved with networking events, have a decent online presence (eg LinkedIn) as examples.

    Don't be afraid to go through unorthodox channels if needed too. By that I mean calling on relatives or friends to see if they know of anyone in the company you're interested in. A referral from a person within the business (should) always be treated with more effort than a general application - especially in these times of relatively high unemployment.
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    I'm an English/writing/advertising/creative girl but have the chops for some finance positions, so I've applied to those as well

    Are you applying directly to creative/PR agencies or are you applying for client-side positions too? I spent 12 years in Marketing Communications before becoming a stay-at-home-mom and I can tell you many companies are doing everything in-house now. Definitely work both sides if you aren't already. I actually got in to the company where I was by taking an entry-level customer service job. Then I grabbed an opening as Executive Assistant to the company owner. Then, when someone in an entry-level Marketing position quit I was in with the owners already and had the education to do it. I got it handed to me at that point and worked up to Marketing Management from there. Great job...
  • cjsacto
    cjsacto Posts: 1,421 Member
    I am in my 40s and currently unemployed as well. I recently moved to a new city so I don't have any organic networking resources. I am hopeful - all you need is one, and it does tend to be a numbers game. Good luck!
  • tachyon_master
    tachyon_master Posts: 226 Member
    Just be wary of the whole "further education" thing. I've got a job as a professor at a fairly big university, and I've seen students graduate with an MA or a PhD who have ended up stocking the shelves at Walmart. Seriously.

    While I certainly don't discourage going to grad school to get a higher qualification, please think about it long and hard. And research the program really well. Because there is by no means any guarantee that it will get you where you want to be and you could just end up wasting another $100k.

    Absolutely - the only kinds of post-BA education worth pursuing these days is in applied or professional fields (e.g., HR, health informatics, accounting, physical therapy, engineering). Avoid humanities and social sciences. For PR, often, colleges are better placed to help. The people I know who stopped after college (ie, well-regarded colleges with strong industry connections) are the ones with solid incomes/prospects. But they're now many years into their careers; I don't know what it's like for young people now :(

    I finished my PhD about 6 years ago and managed to get a job before everything went to hell. But I'm advising grad students, so I can see first hand the struggles they're facing on the job market. Admittedly I am in the sciences and not the humanities, and while the job market for science graduates isn't good, it's worse for the humanities.

    If you're looking into different graduate programs, it's best if you can visit the campus and actually speak to a few of the current cohort of students. They will give you a better idea of the realities of the program than the university marketing department.
  • aloranger7708
    aloranger7708 Posts: 422 Member
    I'm an English/writing/advertising/creative girl but have the chops for some finance positions, so I've applied to those as well
    I actually got in to the company where I was by taking an entry-level customer service job. Then I grabbed an opening as Executive Assistant to the company owner. Then, when someone in an entry-level Marketing position quit I was in with the owners already and had the education to do it. I got it handed to me at that point and worked up to Marketing Management from there. Great job...

    Yes! There is a publishing company that I'm in LOVE with. Like, it's my dream job. And I recently sent out an application to be the receptionist (who has no creative input. Solely there to answer phones and plan schedules.)
  • aloranger7708
    aloranger7708 Posts: 422 Member
    YOU'RE NOT ALONE~

    Cover Letters, Resume's, Applications, and Referrals. Yep, you're singing the song of many. Degree or no Degree, Certification, Experience whatever. Jobs are hard to come by right now. There are jobs out there to be earned, but its a fight to get even the cashier job at Taco Bell !
    Don't take it personal, and try not to let it interfere with your goal of weight loss.
    Be proud of your self for getting the Degree ! Its so important now, and YOU will be chosen over the one's that don't have a degree.
    You can't take Education away! Good for you for getting your B.A. that's awesome! YOU have a reason to be proud! it takes alot of time and dedication to earn that degree ! :)
    Something will come up Keep the faith


    Thank you!!! Wow, that is one of the nicest and most encouraging things to hear. Bless you:flowerforyou:
  • kimosabe1
    kimosabe1 Posts: 2,467 Member
    Apply at a temp agency. That is how I landed a career. Express your willingness to work hard and mention that overtime is something u are willing to do. End every interview with a big smile and a hand shake. Eye contact is extremely important so don't forget that and GOOD LUCK!!!!!
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    Just be wary of the whole "further education" thing. I've got a job as a professor at a fairly big university, and I've seen students graduate with an MA or a PhD who have ended up stocking the shelves at Walmart. Seriously.

    While I certainly don't discourage going to grad school to get a higher qualification, please think about it long and hard. And research the program really well. Because there is by no means any guarantee that it will get you where you want to be and you could just end up wasting another $100k.

    I finished my PhD about 6 years ago and managed to get a job before everything went to hell. But I'm advising grad students, so I can see first hand the struggles they're facing on the job market. Admittedly I am in the sciences and not the humanities, and while the job market for science graduates isn't good, it's worse for the humanities.

    ... it's best if you can visit the campus and actually speak to a few of the current cohort of students. They will give you a better idea of the realities of the program than the university marketing department.

    Listen to this poster.

    (I have an idea of what students face, but am not sure whether some of the more vocational college-based programs still hold the value they did 10 years ago. I think what certain universities - & their marketing departments - do borders on fraud.)

    edit: Not yours, I'm sure!
  • captainsuperpants
    captainsuperpants Posts: 64 Member
    I didn't notice this on here (sorry if it'a repeat):

    Volunteer work. If you've never volunteered before, you might be amazed at the incredible array of jobs available in the volunteer sector. It's an excellent way to network and get some out-of-the-box experience, and feel good about yourself when you're feeling down.

    That's what i did when i finished uni (granted, i work in Welfare, but volunteers did so much other stuff- admin, accounting, library etc...) and i had paid work within a month.

    Other than that, i'd say just wait! You sound grounded and well-qualified, something will come...

    Meanwhile have some fun and gain life experience- it's not all about work. Travel, get out there and enjoy!!! You'll be tied down before you know it, life is about the living isn't it?

    Good luck :)
  • cjsacto
    cjsacto Posts: 1,421 Member
    I am in my 40s and currently unemployed as well. I recently moved to a new city so I don't have any organic networking resources. I am hopeful - all you need is one, and it does tend to be a numbers game. Good luck!

    p.s. - Being unemployed can be GREAT for fitness goals! A lot of time has to be spent on the job search, and I agree that volunteer opportunities can really open up "hidden" jobs - but all in all I find I have so much more time for exercising, and everything I do is free.

    Being unemployed, I can't afford a gym, Zumba classes, etc., but walking, doing 30 Day Shred on YouTube, spending more time with the dogs, using the treadmill at my complex, etc. is all very accessible and I can do different workouts at different times of day, which I never could when I was working and had a long commute. Similarly, I have time to plan and prepare healthy, inexpensive meals. (No fast food since I left my job!) So - while I know you feel very anxious to find a job, take advantage of this opportunity and make it positive for your fitness. Exercise and healthy food help with feelings of depression, too. Take this time to get lean and mean and full of energy for when you do land a job!
  • hedgiie
    hedgiie Posts: 1,226 Member
    :smile:
    though there are times that i'm un-employed but it doesn't take too long for me to find another job. Based from these experience, here are my advise:

    * Keep upgrading your education,
    * Use network, talk to people
    * Don't limit your job search in a particular field or career, maybe that's how you will grow.

    Thank you! My dad suggested that I get a little extra schooling, maybe a certificate in something I'm interested in. And I've been sending out resumes for jobs that I NEVER would've thought I'd be applying for! I'm an English/writing/advertising/creative girl but have the chops for some finance positions, so I've applied to those as well

    This is interesting, i have 20 year old son for which i telling the same thing as your dad.
    Yes, certificate is valuable too. In fact, this helps me to penetrate in IT jobs even if I don't have a typical 5 years computer education. Likewise i choose that certification because i'm interested in it.

    good luck
  • greenpointmoni
    greenpointmoni Posts: 69
    I work in career services at a college and know first hand the market SUCKS! SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS! I can't say that enough. I have a Master's degree and luckily, got offered this job because of a personal connections. Many of my classmates are still unemployed, a year and half later! Here's my advice:
    1. Intern - I know this seems odd, especially for older students, but it is key. I've received a ton of callback because of my internship experience. Even though I have years of applicable work experience. You have to do an internship nowadays to break into the field you want to. It doesn't hurt to do several internships. If you have time, then just do an unpaid one if that's the only choice.
    2. Join professional associations, contact your old schools career services and attend job fairs. Try to go to networking events. Go to meetup.com and see if there are any professional networking groups.
    3. Volunteering as opposed to interning is another way to network
    4. Consider getting an advanced degree, but if you do, make sure you do an internship.
    5. Keep trying. Keep trying. Don't give up.
  • clarkeje1
    clarkeje1 Posts: 1,641 Member
    Networking and experience in the field is key. If you can, try to maybe volunteer or get some kind of internship or shadow someone in the field. That is how I got a job in my field with a BA in psych is volunteering with kids and doing research with kids in college. Having a professor as a reference is great. Also I agree with what someone else said on here, you might have to start lower on the ladder and work your way up. Its worth it to take a pay cut now so that you can get some experience under your belt in order to get the job you really want and get that cash money lol
  • snowboardn
    snowboardn Posts: 43
    I think we all know how hard it can be to put yourself out there... But I will say you being at home and not having immediate financial worries is a blessing... Couple of things to suggest...

    1. "Please do not call / go to our website"... screw that... go in there, in person, if you can find names, numbers, anything to talk to the person that looks at the resume's... The worst they can do is tell you to go away, in which you are in the same position you were. And when you get there, ask the person at the front desk who does the hiring, what are they like, who would they contact to get hired... People in general are very helpful who already have jobs, and if you come in with a likable attitude they will want to do what they can to help you get hired.

    2. You look like you are pretty fit, and the military is always an option... Not as much as it used to be... As an E-4, which is a rank you should be able to make in a couple of years, I was making 35k a year, plus free schooling if you decided to move on to your masters.

    3. Like somebody said, don't get discouraged, you are just a piece of paper to these people until they get to meet you... Do what you can to become more than just a piece of paper. And make sure if/when they get to meet you that you take every opportunity to impress them.

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