Posted on 11/29/2004 9:17:33 AM PST by LuLuLuLu
Job hunting is becoming the ultimate challenge to my self-esteem.
You don't have a lot to bargain with right now. Be creative in these kinds of counter suggestions to set yourself apart from others.
It's no fun, but hang in there and don't get too down on yourself. This too shall pass.
While I was unemployed I picked up some IT certifications on my own (Oracle DBA, A+, Network+, Server+, Microsoft Certified Professional). I found that by purchasing the Self Test Software for a certification and taking the test over and over until I was consistently scoring 95% or better I could pass the test easily. Each certification test will cost you about $200, and the Self Test Software about $90.
If you can afford it, it gives you something to feel good about and it adds stuff to your resume.
Certifications aren't worth a lot, but they add a little bit, and they definitely helped me get my last two jobs.
There is always working for yourself. Tough to get started and the hours are long. But if you can make it work it is a good way to go.
In my entire working career, I have spent a total of three years working for someone else. It was a big company and I thought it would be great. Yikes, who wants to deal with all that noise. It was like living in a soap opera.
So, I started up again on my own and it has been okay and getting better.
Obviously I'm doing something wrong.
Yes you are. STOP sending out resumes at random. Right now. You are providing employment for a bunch of HR clerical types, not helping your own job search.
You need to get past those people and talk to hiring managers, however you can. Find ways to meet people who actually are in a position to hire you. Join professional organizations. Never go through the front door - the HR/resume/cover letter process is intended to screen people like you out, and it's doing a great job in your case.
Remember that jobs advertised in the newspaper or on the Internet are bottom of the barrel positions that they weren't able to fill any other way. More than 80% of all jobs are never advertised. They are filled through word-of-mouth references or they are created on the spot for people who a hiring manager happens to meet and be impressed with.
I'll admit this isn't easy advice to take (even for me) - it's much simpler to sit behind a computer and crank out correspondence. But the job market just doesn't work that way any more.
Worth repeating.
Yes...as someone who is peripherally involved with hiring staff here at the library, I can vouch for the effect that this can have on a potential employer. It is no guarantee of an interview, of course, but I can say that there have been several people who were interviewed and ultimately hired because of the impression that a personal visit made. We noticed these people because they took the time and the care to let us know that they were really interested.
Wish I could help more (I'm all the way out in Missouri, and we just filled the one position we had open!), but I'll wish you good luck...hang in there!!!!
I hire telephone and data equipment technicians. I only interview those who call for an appointment or drop by. Even if I am busy on a drop by I take a few moments and schedule an interview if the resume looks good.
Most other people I know with small companies are the same way.
You're right on. Many companies use agencies to screen potential new hires - take them on as temps for a while then hire if they fit. Sending out letters usually doesn't work unless you have very specific skills that are in demand. Of course the more your age exceeds about 40 or 45 the harder it is too.
>>The best return on investment for you would be to CALL companies after submitting a resume.
This is the single, most effective technique in getting in the door.
read later bump
This is good advice. I went back to college at 29 to be a legal assistant. After graduation I found it hard to get a call back due to lack of experience. I found a temp agency that handled legal professionals and I was hired within two weeks. I was on a long term assignment that ended up leading to a permanent position. The temp agencies also help with fine tuning your resume. And, while you are on temp assignments your skills and references get updated.
Why not start your own business? Independent consult/specialist or something with your skills?
Be creative.
What kind of field are you looking to be in? I would be willing to bet that lots of FReepers know about specialized job websites that you might not find on your own.
I never have a problem getting a job. What's your skill-set?
>>Many companies use agencies to screen potential new hires - take them on as temps for a while then hire if they fit.
IMO, the most effective recruiting strategy is to outsource the recruiting (I don't mean to India either)! I've worked in HR at several fortune 20 companies, and outsourced recruiting is definetly a gem. The recruiting firms simply do a better job, since it's all they have to do!
Find a temp agency: Some national "chains" are Onsite Staffing (also known as TekSystems ), AccountTemps, etc. They should be able to get you something.
>>>It's very disheartening, because what I'm looking for is Admin work.
Here we go! Home dictation. Home transcriptions for doctor's offices. You will pick up their tapes, transcribe, deliver the next morning.
You charge by the hour or however you set it up. :)
Own a dictophone? Get one from eBay.
I did the same from 1977 to 1980. I eventually took a temporary position nearly 1,000 miles away from my home. To call job hunting hell is an understatement. However, that temp job turned into a career. I am now retired.
Muleteam1
you try employment agencies? never pay a fee...but they can help you out.
good luck...and thx for voting for Bush!
Those that are advertised to the public will usually generate a lot of applicants – that’s why you’ll see wacky “requirements” like a four-year degree for something pretty mundane. It theoretically cuts down on the number of people that’ll flood them with applications.
Direct contact (via phone call or showing up in person) is a finesse game. Some people see it as a sign of an enthusiastic, motivated job-hunter. Others view it as a gross breach of protocol. You have to make up your own mind about when/where to do it.
Nowadays (at least around here, and since 9/11) you simply cannot get into a lot of buildings because you don’t have an employee ID card to swipe to get in the door. A lot of the buildings you can get in have security up front and if you don’t have an ID displayed and your name isn’t on a list of expected visitors you’re out of luck there too.
If you’re going to try and contact directly via phone you need a direct number (or at very least, a name). Otherwise, if you just call up asking to speak to a generic HR manager, the receptionist will just take a message that will (probably) never be returned.
About the only thing you can do (if you don’t have a network of people) is send out letters of introduction with your resume. That lets people know you exist and are looking. Tell them your skills, etc. Ask them to keep you in mind if anything opens up or they know of other companies you might try.
Again, it’s a finesse game. Some people will respond as time allows but others will view it as harassing BS that they can easily live without.
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