Posted on 11/29/2004 9:17:33 AM PST by LuLuLuLu
Job hunting is becoming the ultimate challenge to my self-esteem.
Simply put, I'm looking for a job. After submitting hundreds of resumes and cover letters over the past months, I have had exactly one interview.
Obviously I'm doing something wrong. I tailor the cover letters to the position, and point out that while I might not have direct experience with the service or product the firm offers, I'm a quick learner. I also point out prior work or life experience that is indirectly related to the product or service.
It's very disheartening, because what I'm looking for is Admin work. I have good skills and a good work ethic, don't want a lot of money and since I'm covered by Mr. Lu, I don't even need health insurance benefits. I've found some ads for Call Centers; one is about 40 miles from where I live, pays $6.75 an hour and requires a four year degree!
Any FReepers in the SW Ohio area looking for a great employee?
move to dc. the only work skill they want here is breathing. And thats more of a living skill then anything
I could have written this same post. Only in my case I have had exactly *2* interviews in the past 2 and a half months.
If you don't mind, I may just hang around to see if there are any viable suggestions.
I am not familiar with Ohio but I live and work in NYC and I have found that the better paying admin jobs are in the larger cities. If you live within traveling distance to a large city I would suggest you commute there. The companies and personnel agencies tend to gravitate to larger cities.
Of all the cover letters and resumes, how many did you attempt to hand deliver?
Join the military....
It's Bush's fault. </sarc>
Went through the same thing in 19080 to 1984. Hell, isn't it?
Apply at all the temporary agencies. Take anything and make contacts. You never know which contact will pan out and networking is about the only way I know to finally get a good position. Sending resumes out cold is usually a deadend.
Starting a business is easier.
Worth repeating.
I would suggest you send your resume in to any and all personnel agencies (ones that don't charge a fee of course) and see if you get any responses. Most large companies do not go thru papers to advertise jobs they use personnel agencies because they want their clients screened and tested first. If you send resumes to companies directly they tend to get thrown out with the trash.
Thanks for the smile on that one. :)
Moving isn't an option since Mr. Lu is in a very specialized field. We couldn't live on what I make here, much less in DC.
Job hunting sucks. Maybe FR needs a jobs board.
Bwhahahahaha!
Admin? How about hospital admissions? That's what Mrs. HJ does with a HS diploma, a passing familiarity with a computer, and a willingness to help people.
The hours may not be the best, you may have to work weekends or overnight, but the pay is decent for a second income at $9.50 plus and the benefit of helping others is a bonus.
It's also one of those industries that isn't going to go the way of the buggy whip manufacturer!
In my opinion (based on some time spent as a recruiter in the past) is that when job listings are advertised in widely seen venues, most firms are getting many applicants.
Because of this, people being contacted for interviews on those jobs are usually people with direct experience in that industry.
If you're a hiring manager and you get 200 resumes with 20 having at least some experience in your industry, you'll focus on those 20 instead of the other 180. Because that's all you have to go on -- a resume and cover letter.
In addition to your current applications, search for job openings that have the word "entry" or "entry level." These are jobs where your lack of experience is equal to others.
The best return on investment for you would be to CALL companies after submitting a resume. I'm sure you can find advice on the content of the call, etc elsewhere on the web.
Contact a construction company or a contractor. You will be given the opportunity to work your way up the company.
Good Luck!
Here's praying that God will answer your prayers regarding a position. Have faith because we know he's in charge!
You may have to move where the jobs are.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.