How Frustrated Are You With Your Job Search?

Are You So Frustrated With Your Online Job Hunt That You’ve Resorted To Making Faces At The Computer Screen?

How many times have you had this happen?...

You find a job you’re interested in, and you don’t know anyone who works for the company (or at least you don’t know them well enough). So, you submit your application online, and some companies don’t even send you a notice that they received your
application. The best part? In the job posting, they specifically ask you not to call. So all you can do is enter your information, click submit and wait… and wait… and ??

Well, you thought that was all you could do.

Would you like Less “Submit Your Application On Our Website” and more “You’re Hired”? Follow these steps and get far better results.

1. If at all possible, make contact with someone at the company before you submit your application online. Even better, submit your application directly to an individual. Someone in
the appropriate department is best, but an HR manager or another individual is good too. You might want to take this step even if you’re instructed not to.

2. If you don’t know anyone at the company, there's still more you can do...

[read more at freshvisioncoaching.blogspot.com/2008/08/are-you-so-frustrated-with-your-online.html]

What is more frustrating than not having a job is trying to find someone to just talk to at a co. about the place.

I had one instance and I thought everything was going well. The co. asked to see some of my work. I dropped off copies (NO WAY was I going to deliver an original).

Some days later, I asked if anyone looked at my material. Then I suggested that I could come by and see the place.

Then, I am told that I should wait until somebody contacts me.

Well, it has been over 2 months, and noone has contacted me.

We live in a 24/7 society now. Everybody HAS to keep in touch , for whatever reason.

I have a telephone, cell phone, fax, mailbox, email. You name it, but
it is always a waiting game. Patience is not my virtue !

Help !

You're right.. you don't want it to be a waiting game. Try setting up informational interviews with people at companies you might be interested in.

Line those up through the good connections you have with former coworkers, as well as through friends, family, and even online contacts (e.g. LinkedIn).

Be sure to respect the time of the people who talk with you. And, don't expect a job offer from every conversation. Remember it is a numbers game... the more people you connect with, the better odds.

Ok, I'll bite.

How about EIGHT YEARS of looking for work after graduating (at 30) from University.

I've been "knock on the door" proactive - and haven't gotten an interview (once was told to go away or get arrested).

I've been "submit & wait" passive - and haven't gotten an interview.

I've given targeted resumes to mutual aquaintences - and haven't gotten an interview.

I have EIGHT YEARS of "experience" in not-getting interviewed, despite people telling me I have a "great resume".

The fact is, nobody wants to interview a 40y/o with a degree but no experience in anything but the Military, Temping and "not getting an interview".

So, what should I do about this? I haven't been able to find a single Job Coach who can or will tell me more than "Network". I can't even get State Job center help unless I'm unemployed, but I'd rather not go Bankrupt waiting for the Government to find me a job with sufficient income to support my disabled spouse and pay of the Criminal Loansharks at Sallie Mae.

South Bend, why not start robbing banks?

You sound Frustrated with a capital F - and who can blame you?

Just a guess.. sounds like rough luck combined with probably something you're doing to exacerbate the situation.

A couple of ideas for you (choose any):

1-volunteer somewhere you want to work so they can see how good a worker you are
2-start your own company
3-make a list of places you could stand to work at .. there should be at least 20 or you're not trying hard enough .. and get ANY job (at Starbucks, waiting tables, sweeping floors) to boost your self esteem. You can do this while you're working on one of the first two
4-consider moving, if you have connections that land you a job elsewhere

And no matter what, keep supportive people around you. Helps with the frustration!

Maybe he really meant 8 months.

Eliz,

Most companies that people start go out of business within a few years. It's a bitc_ to start and run your own business. Most people just hear of the success stories, but like I just stated, most new businesses quickly go out of business.

If you read his post, he wrote that he is allready working, so your number 3 point is not applicable for him.

I don't think he has a great Network to get him a job, let alone an interview. Remember he has been at this for 8 yrs. (Don't feel bad South Bend, most people don't have great contacts, no matter what the experts tell you about the number 1 way people find jobs). So, my point is your number 4 point about moving is something he probably will not be able to do.

Like I said earlier, try robbing banks.

No, I meant 8 years. The last 5 I've been working as an office monkey for my Father's firm. So, yes, I'm "working" but not at anything that "counts" to an HR person.

See, about the time I got RiF'd from the Military I got married to someone with a chronic illness/disability. Knowing that this would be an "expensive" relationship I decided to go get my Degree:

Strike One - believed the hype.

So we moved to where I could get the best deal for a Degree from a good school - where there also was a branch of the firm I was working for who could use me. Got laid off the day after I moved into my desk, so to keep fed & go to school I started Temping. Temped before, during and after getting my BA - 8 years in all.

Strike Two - HR people consider Temping (for anyone but them) as good as unemployment.

Temped and Career Hunted from Graduation until I nearly went broke - had to "accept an offer from" (go crawling back to) my Father. Been nepotistically "employed" and continuing my job search since 2003 - and until the secretary quit and I took over her duties and half her pay I hadn't broken $30K since 1994.

Strike Three - Nepotisim is as good as being unemployed.

The fact of the matter is, I have a solid degree from a "name" university that is now 8 years old, but no credible/acceptable "experience" in any "industry" - because no one would interview/employ a 30y/o with "just" a BA.

So I continue to capitalize at 8.5% as the threat letters get more and more strident.

I can't afford to volunteer anywhere. I have to have some income.

I know my limitations - starting a company (doing what?) would bankrupt me.

I could stand to work in a lot of places - so long as there is a chance at career progression and I make enough to get Sallie Mae off my back.

I would certainly move if I could do it without another hospitalization for my spouse. Every move so far has put us another $20K deeper in the hole.

I just want to work at the level that I was told/sold a bill of goods that my Degree "earned" me.

But at this point, I's be estatic for a $40K ditchdigger job... as if they would hire a 40y/o to do that...

Here's an example of a "typical" job that I applied for just this weekend (right here off of Indeed)
Ok... Let's look at this Job Listing:

Division: **********
Location: GARY, IN US
Travel Involved: 0-10%
Job Type: Full Time
Job Level: Entry
Education Required: Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Category: Logistics

Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Qualified candidates should possess a four-year degree in Logistics, Operations Management or Business Management, or at least two years equivalent college studies; and one to three years experience in a transportation field would be a plus. This position requires sound computer, analytical and communications skills. Individual will be required to work all shifts, weekends and holidays as scheduled on a monthly rotation.

Ok. Submit Resume per Website. Cool. Oh, wait, here's some additional questions...

I-9 status... OK, no problem there.
Am I a Criminal... no... Ok there...

Do I have TWO TO THREE YEARS PROFESSIONAL RAILROAD EXPERIENCE????? Where did that come from? That wasn't in the "Required Qualifications"... ok, Check NO.

Entry Level Management Job. Degree or Equivelent required. No problem right?

As if.

"Your responses to our initial questions for this position indicate that your academic background and/or your experience do not meet the minimum requirements for this role. Thank you for your interest in United States Steel Corporation."

How can these people claim this is an "Entry Level" Job?

Like I said, this is TYPICAL of my job hunt, and has been for 8 years.

Unfortunately having a 4 year degree means nothing in today's world. It's a basic requirement for 90 percent of the jobs out there.

Is there any upward mobility (advancement opportunities) at your father's business or is it a dead end job? What happens when he retires can you take over the business or is it not worth it? I think I know what your answer will be.

deansuraci in Cornwall On Hudson, New York said: Unfortunately having a 4 year degree means nothing in today's world. It's a basic requirement for 90 percent of the jobs out there.

This I know... now. I wish I would have known it in 1995. I would be $40K less in debt and still living where the weather suits me.

deansuraci in Cornwall On Hudson, New York said: Is there any upward mobility (advancement opportunities) at your father's business or is it a dead end job? What happens when he retires can you take over the business or is it not worth it? I think I know what your answer will be.

Not only is it a dead end job, I'll be extremely lucky if he doesn't drive it into the ground and take me with it.

I have to go for now. It truly sucks looking for work, I know myself.

The trick with volunteering or starting your own company / side gig, is not to quit your main gig. If you find a fabulous company, you may be able to switch around your schedule and volunteer an afternoon a week.

Your own company / extra income can be as simple as selling on ebay (or some of the newer, more seller-friendly auction sites), printing T-shirts, tutoring, etc. Choose something that doesn't cost much to start with, and you never know how far it'll go!

How creative (and curious) can you be?

I don't know. How familiar are you with Meyers Briggs etc?

I am an InTj - maxing out the tests on I&T.

People make me physically ill - especially if they insist on interrupting whatever project I'm working on.

I don't know if this is because I am an Aspie (I am) or if I am just fed up with humanity.

Just another number in South Bend, Indiana said: I don't know. How familiar are you with Meyers Briggs etc?

I am an InTj - maxing out the tests on I&T.

People make me physically ill - especially if they insist on interrupting whatever project I'm working on.

I don't know if this is because I am an Aspie (I am) or if I am just fed up with humanity.

Are you just messy with us South Bend or are you really looking for help?

I meant messing not messy. Sorry.

I am serious when I do say Eliz has been no help to you. Whatever you do South Bend I believe starting your own business would be a very bad option for you to partake in at this time.

By the way, Eliz, you look like my ex.

The problem with starting your own business is the commitment that it takes. The long long long hours and the startup money. (no company paid benefits also) And, when it's all said and done, unfortunately, most businesses fail.

In my opinion you need to get yourself a first decent job, then if you want to start your own company later on - go for it.

Getting that first decent job for yourself after graduating college has been and is going to be an uphill battle for yourself.

Dean Suraci in Cornwall, New York said: I meant messing not messy. Sorry...

No, I'm not messing with y'all. I've been working at this since 98/99 when I was a 31y/o Junior. I've taken every career/psych test imaginable and, by in large, every career counselor I've "interfaced" with says the same things ("network", be an entrepreneur, volunteer, join organizations, etc...) which didn't work in 2000 and hasn't worked since.

Have I done those thing - actually given them a shot? Yep. I am, in fact, the VP of our local Rotary club, where simple attendence is well outside of my "comfort zone". I go to local Chamber meetings for my Father's firm - though they leave me fundamentally exhausted.

Yes, I've worked at it. Hasn't meant squat.

Basically, if you wanted to sum up my work/personality with a pithy quote it would be "Shut up and Fish". I Do. I don't "interact" - at least not well - and people know it, regardless of how hard I try to "fake it until I make it".

Dean Suraci in Cornwall, New York said: ...
In my opinion you need to get yourself a first decent job, then if you want to start your own company later on - go for it.

Getting that first decent job for yourself after graduating college has been and is going to be an uphill battle for yourself.

Unfortunately I gave up that "first good job" 14 years ago - when $35K meant somthing - to follow "common wisdom" and get a degree. If I had just stayed put I'd be making $52K now based on nothing more than COLA and wouldn't be saddled with a $40K Sallie Mae debt at 8.5% and a 10yr average income of less than $17K.

If that's not a depressing thought I dont know what is.

I have been trying to find a new "career" for the past 6 months...O.K. so the past 2 were spent recovering from spinal fusion surgery, which has not made it any easier.
Recruiters don't want to talk to ex-mortgage brokers, and they also do not want to talk to past business owners. I owned my business for the last 8 years, and had been in sales/marketing management for 7 years previous to this. Yes, it was in the Mortgage Business, but I have only had 3 jobs in the last 15 years ( all manager or Owner positions ), a 4 year degree and an upbeat personality...for now! I have tried recruiters, job sites, resume distribution sites........
Any ideas, or anyone having similar problems?

When you're making an industry switch, especially if it's an industry you've been in for quite some time, it's even more important to find the unposted jobs. Recruiters, job and resume sites are all great for the posted jobs, and no functional resume will make you a non-ex-mortgage broker.

One suggestion:
More informational interviews, connections with friends and old coworkers.. and fewer "blind" job applications.

I have most definately done those things.
Informational interviews are difficult to obtain, unless you have an "in".
I know, I know...used Linked-In, I've been on that building my profile and recommendations, but still nothing.
Actually, I'm not trying to be a Non-Ex-Mortgage Broker...a lot of the sales/marketing/management/ownership knowledge should be very transferrable.

Well I know someone looking now for an experienced broker ... in San Diego. :)

BTW, I don't really know why Indeed tagged me as being from South Bend. That's 35mi East of me. I updated my profile to be a bit more accurate.

Hi South Bend,

I really don't have a solution, a magic wand to help you.

I know this is little consolation to you, but there are alot of people in similiar situations, just read the postings on Indeed. Like meeeeee. Good luck and do keep writing in your free time.

By the way, what is RIF's from the military?

The Dept of Labor office in your state does give free career counseling and free job workshops, and more importantly, if you are a VETERAN, they put you at the top of the list to help. They actually have a trained person assigned to assist Veterans.

Good Luck and God Bless and I'm sorry I can't give better advice.

RiF - Reduction in Force. i.e. Discharging as many people as possible for any reason you can come up with because you "Loathe the Military". :(

Unfortunately, to get any help from the State I have to be completely unemployed, not just underemployed and looking for work while waiting for the busines to implode.

Was it an honorable discharge - I hope I'm not getting to personal?

Over here at the NYS dept of labor office they bend over backwards bigtime if you are a Veteran who has served this nation. I think you should give it a shot my friend.

Yes, it was Honorable. "Medical discharge for non-service related disability, 0% severance."

Basically they decided that my eyes, while good enough when I enlisted under Regan, were suddenly no longer good enough under Clinton... just when they wanted to reduce forces. Go figure.

I've been to the IN DoL/Workforce development. They offer very minimal support for anyone who is employed, regardless of Veteran Status. I actually get more help here.

Now, as soon as this office folds (5 years tops) they'll bend over backward to help me - but not until then.

What kind of business is you Pop in if I may ask?

is your Pop in?

Giving work away/Architecture. Business is not his forte'.

We actually have tons of ex- mortgage brokers in our business. it is really amazing the turn around and satisfaction

Hey endlesslight:

What business are you in?
I have owned MBB for past 8 years and had to close. NOBODY wants to even interview MB's at all, for any position...unless it is hourly!

Personal Development
But we all own our own business and have people calling us. No boss and we do the interviewing to see who we want to work with not the other way around.
www.livinlifeandlovinit.com

endlesslight in Hilo, Hawaii said: Personal Development
But we all own our own business and have people calling us. No boss and we do the interviewing to see who we want to work with not the other way around.
www.livinlifeandlovinit.com

Pretty scary folks, what do you think Land O Lakes?

Let me know how it turns out!

I have been a recruiter and know first hand that age discrimination exists. Clients use all kinds of code words to tell recruiters why they do not want to pursue an individual's credentials. They use phrases like, "does not have the energy level I am looking for" or "over-qualified for the position" or he/she was "low-impact" or simply the candidate was "not a good fit". A client will ask, "what year did he/she graduate from high school?", a dead giveaway that age is an issue. Recently, there has been talk about raising the age to be eligible for SS to be 70 - HOW?
Unemployed and over 50 is a real problem.

It is time to expose this practice and let people know what is going on, if you are over 50 and unable to get a job, please send me your resume, your age, how long you have been in the job market, how many resumes you have submitted and how many interviews you have gone on. This will be part of an anecdotal look at the problem so that we can expose the reality of ageism. Please contact me at alysefox@gmail.com.

Alyse Fox in Clemmons, North Carolina said: ...
Unemployed and over 50 is a real problem....

Having a fresh degree at 32 and still underemployed at 40 is not treat either.

Companies will ocasionally hire a has-been. They won't even consider a "never-was"