25, bachelor's degree, master's degree and 9 months without a job in his field. Bless his heart :(

My boyfriend has had the most difficult time finding a job. He went to school for 6 years, only to be turned down by over 30 companies. It's getting to the point where he's questioning his career choice. This was his dream. His life. He's nowhere he thought he would be right now. He should be making anywhere from 50-70k and he's working a full time mindless factory job making 12.50/hr. I try to keep his mindset a positive one by offering my humble opinion, telling him he should keep trying, that he'll find the RIGHT job that's meant to be. I also tell him to keep his options open. But he's just getting more and more depressed about it. There are SO many things he's good at, like playing the stock market and giving financial advice, but he says that it's solely a HOBBY. He would like to start his own business, particularly open a franchise but what would you know, he doesn't have the money it takes to start it up.

I would love any ideas as to how he can make something work, even ideas on how I can better advise him in the midst of all this crap we're going through. I can't even help him start a business because I'm still a full time student working toward MY degree.

HELP!! PLEASE!!

Sounds like his resume and other communications aren't really selling like they should be.

You can email me with specifics or post them here, but if he were my client, I first ask:

- What are his degrees, and what are they in? GPA? Rank of school?

- What position is he looking for? What industry?

- What specific skills are employers in that industry and hiring for that position seeking?

- Are all of those skills spelled out explicitly in his resume and applications?

- How many jobs has he applied for? In this competitive market, a 1-3% response is normal, with about 25% of the responses resulting in an interview. With 3-4 finalists, it may take 100 X 3 X 4 or 1200 applications before he will get the job he wants. Those are averages, but basically you need to apply, apply, apply.

- Does he have any networking contacts? Through school, professors or even LinkedIn. Networking is still the highest-return per effort means of finding a job.

Feel free to write me at pdunn(at)career-hunter(dot)info or visit the website at www.career-hunter.info to download tips to make a job search easier.

I honestly don't believe that "Networking is still the highest-return per effort means of finding a job. I know most experts say it is, however...........

Most average folks out there just know other average middle-class folks.

schoolteacher
mailman (I mean mailperson)
manager at corner deli
police officer
realtor
plumber
etc

This is just my belief. I could be wrong. I also actually read this in a book. Unless you know Donald Trump or one of the Kennedy's or a Manager at IBM or etc, I firmly believe that most people like myself don't have the truly solid really good contacts. This is an interesting topic, I wouldn't mind hearing what others say.

However, this will be something that I will do when I get a job, is to build a networking system. Most at the end of a workday just go home when they should go out and socialize (b_llsh_t) with coworkers and mgrs, become active in local govt, volunteer, etc.

Just my belief.

You are right. Personal networks are of minimal use in finding a job.

Professional or business networking, however, is valuable, and harder to develop. Think about the people you have worked with who got better jobs in other companies or competitors. Or the vendors you buy from or the big customers your company sells to. Other sources can be trade associations, the chamber of commerce, local business/charitable groups like Kiwanis, Shriners, Elks, etc.

Focus on the people who have seen your work and trust you. People are more willing to hire "the devil I know" over the "devil I don't know". They don't need to be a Trump, but maybe a sales manager or IT Director who admires your work ethic.

That said, most people never develop a good professional network. They eat cake at farewell parties but never get an email address or phone number from the person who got that 50% increase in pay at a competitor. They don't have time to do the fraternal or charitable organization.

But, in my experience, the ones that did do that -- even though they were not the most qualified people, and in some cases were even alcoholics -- had people to help them when they needed a job.

"However, this will be something that I will do when I get a job, is to build a networking system. Most at the end of a workday just go home when they should go out and socialize (b_llsh_t) with coworkers and mgrs, become active in local govt, volunteer, etc."

Your conclusion is correct: the more connections you have, the more resources you have available to you. Visibility in a good light is a big part of overall success.

More at networking.career-hunter.info and feel free to add your comments!

Career Hunter in Denver, Colorado said: You are right. Personal networks are of minimal use in finding a job.

Professional or business networking, however, is valuable, and harder to develop. Think about the people you have worked with who got better jobs in other companies or competitors. Or the vendors you buy from or the big customers your company sells to. Other sources can be trade associations, the chamber of commerce, local business/charitable groups like Kiwanis, Shriners, Elks, etc.

Focus on the people who have seen your work and trust you. People are more willing to hire "the devil I know" over the "devil I don't know". They don't need to be a Trump, but maybe a sales manager or IT Director who admires your work ethic.

That said, most people never develop a good professional network. They eat cake at farewell parties but never get an email address or phone number from the person who got that 50% increase in pay at a competitor. They don't have time to do the fraternal or charitable organization.

But, in my experience, the ones that did do that -- even though they were not the most qualified people, and in some cases were even alcoholics -- had people to help them when they needed a job.

"However, this will be something that I will do when I get a job, is to build a networking system. Most at the end of a workday just go home when they should go out and socialize (b_llsh_t) with coworkers and mgrs, become active in local govt, volunteer, etc."

Your conclusion is correct: the more connections you have, the more resources you have available to you. Visibility in a good light is a big part of overall success.

More at networking.career-hunter.info and feel free to add your comments!

What is his degree in?

Very well written Career Hunter!

Thanks for all your helpful advice! GREATLY appreciated. He has his master's of food science and nutrition. Graduated CumLaude with a 3.6 GPA. He's looking for a job in the research and development field of major confectionery companies (i.e. Cadbury, Kraft, Kellogg's). He's one of those guys that comes up with new and innovative ideas for companies and then if successful, has it manufactured and gets it out on the shelves of grocery stores everywhere.

The hardest thing has been finding jobs that only require 0-2 years of experience with a Master's. The problem is that they're so much more likely to hire the guy who has the bachelor's and 3 years of experience. He keeps getting told that his technicals aren't high enough (aka not enough on-the-job experience). But what is he supposed to do, you know? He's questioning if it was even WORTH it to get his Master's. People he went to school with have gotten only their bachelor's and gotten jobs already. Why is this? And what can he do to get the edge over people who DO have that extra experience?

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: IMO the boards yield few legitimate offers, but they are free and one never knows......

Actually, they do if you do it right ... that means (as you said) apply, apply, apply, and apply. Job hunting is A FULL TIME JOB ... once you view it that way, you'll be more productive and you'll be surprised at the strategies you develop to become employed. There are "specialized" job boards - i.e. IT related, security clearance jobs, etc. ... you have to be serious about your job search and be willing to do what it takes to get your resume into the right hands ... and DO 'toot' your horn.

AND ... just because you're unemployed, doesn't mean you don't get dressed, don't be as active as you were while you were working ... THAT is a no-no. Exercise keeps you healthy - physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Above all, keep your support group close. 8-)

Come On Already in Hilliard, Ohio said: Thanks for all your helpful advice! GREATLY appreciated. He has his master's of food science and nutrition. Graduated CumLaude with a 3.6 GPA. He's looking for a job in the research and development field of major confectionery companies (i.e. Cadbury, Kraft, Kellogg's). He's one of those guys that comes up with new and innovative ideas for companies and then if successful, has it manufactured and gets it out on the shelves of grocery stores everywhere.

The hardest thing has been finding jobs that only require 0-2 years of experience with a Master's. The problem is that they're so much more likely to hire the guy who has the bachelor's and 3 years of experience. He keeps getting told that his technicals aren't high enough (aka not enough on-the-job experience). But what is he supposed to do, you know? He's questioning if it was even WORTH it to get his Master's. People he went to school with have gotten only their bachelor's and gotten jobs already. Why is this? And what can he do to get the edge over people who DO have that extra experience?

I don't really have an answer for you, but I am in the same boat. I graduated 3 years ago with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I have spent 2 of those years substituting and serving at a restaurant every weekend in order to make ends meet. I took a job in Florida last year teaching third grade in the hopes that the experience would help me land a job this year. It didn't work that way. The frustration is overwhelming, and I completely relate to what your boyfriend is going through. I am in debt, and have seen positions where I would be making more money if I'd have just stayed in human resources instead of wasting my time in college. Right now I am going to take a $11.50/hr job as an assistant in an elementary school hoping that will help me next year. In addition, I will have to take an evening job to pay the bills. Keep your head up!

HE GOT A JOB! FINALLY! AFTER 10 MONTHS OF SEARCHING!!! He was about to give up on his career choice and try his hand at something else. This was the LAST interview he'd planned on doing in this field and he GOT IT!! AHH!! I'm so happy for him!

Thank you all for your overwhelming support! The both of us really appreciate it!

He went to his field's type of a career fair and was scheduled for several interviews there. Then they flew him over and interviewed him personally. He's now working on the west coast at a really popular food production company. His first day was yesterday and he's loving it so far! He still doubts his Master's just a teensy bit (mostly for all the stress and rejection he went through afterwards, and when he would have had a great job after he got his Bachelor's). But we both thing it was worth it and things are getting better and better.

So just a word of advice, just when you're about to give up on a career or feel like you're not headed anywhere, give time a chance. And always have an optimistic outlook!

Come On Already in Hilliard, Ohio said: My boyfriend has had the most difficult time finding a job. He went to school for 6 years, only to be turned down by over 30 companies. It's getting to the point where he's questioning his career choice. This was his dream. His life. He's nowhere he thought he would be right now. He should be making anywhere from 50-70k and he's working a full time mindless factory job making 12.50/hr. I try to keep his mindset a positive one by offering my humble opinion, telling him he should keep trying, that he'll find the RIGHT job that's meant to be. I also tell him to keep his options open. But he's just getting more and more depressed about it. There are SO many things he's good at, like playing the stock market and giving financial advice, but he says that it's solely a HOBBY. He would like to start his own business, particularly open a franchise but what would you know, he doesn't have the money it takes to start it up.

I would love any ideas as to how he can make something work, even ideas on how I can better advise him in the midst of all this crap we're going through. I can't even help him start a business because I'm still a full time student working toward MY degree.

HELP!! PLEASE!!

Inform boyfriend to apply for a gov't grant if want start up money.

Inform boyfriend of gov't grant.May involve a small fee for a grant finder to get grant for boyfriend. There's one in Washington, DC at 202-583-1404. All types of grant money available to the public, its money you don't have to pay back. There web site is "requestagrant.com", it will not come to you,a person has to step up too the plate .

I make 50k a year and dont have a degree. I do have Professional certifications and and a prior military career that was very similar to what I do now. If your going to college, go into a medical field, otherwise go to tech school. The world needs more plumbers, mechanics, nurses, and so forth. Also take advantage of internships. Have to get expirence somehow. I have been to college, I have been in the military, and I am now professional automotive technician for Honda. People want real expirence. Unless your wanting to be a Doctor, two year tech colleges will get you a real job with a decent wage. Also dont borrow 70k to get a BA in Education. Your income to debt ratio will be so out of wack, it would be years before you even out. Borrowing 70k to make
30k is not very wise.