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What Can I Do?
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What Can I Do?
Discuss your job search, the interviewing process, creating the right resume, how the HR profession's changes require new job-search approaches and related topics.
I've been out of a steady 40 hour/week jobe for a couple of years now. I have a part-time position that I've held since 2001, but it's hard to keep up with my bills now. I've been trying unsuccessfull
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Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » What Can I Do?
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What Can I Do?
posted at 2/28/2009 12:20 PM EST
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Posts: 2
First: 2/28/2009 Last: 3/3/2009 |
I've been out of a steady 40 hour/week jobe for a couple of years now. I have a part-time position that I've held since 2001, but it's hard to keep up with my bills now. I've been trying unsuccessfully now, for the past couple of years to gain employment, but I can't seem to get any opportunities. I have an a pretty good education, with a A.S., B.S. in Computer Technology with a minor in Supervision from Purdue University as well as a diverse employment background.
I constantly receive emails from recruiters referring to technology positions, but after they dig into my credit history (which is the only thing that I know of that could hold me back) I never hear from them again. I've called every temp agency that I know of in central Indiana (and I mean this literally) and they all say the same thing: "I don't think we have anything available for you at this time." They even repeat this after I tell them that I am open to any position, including manual labor and the like. I also tried to apply for a job at two different gas stations and never heard back. I am truly desperate. I have an excellent work ethic with many valuable, and wide ranging skills. From carpentry and home improvements, to graphic design, to AutoCAD design, to computer technology and computer support, yet it all does me no good. I've never turned down any work that has been offered to me. As a matter of fact, I usually end up helping friends/family that cannot even afford to pay for my help. Yet good deeds get me nowhere. I am open to anything. I really hate to sound like a "cry baby" or anything like that, but this situation has brought my attitude to an all time low. I just want an opportunity to provide an honest day's work for an honest day's pay! I don't want to be given a position that I shouldn't have. However, I know that I have a very high degree of skill and ability that is not being utilized. I didn't want to write an entire epilogue, but I feel my situation is somewhat unique, and I wanted to explain myself as completely and concisely as possible. I'm sure there are probably other options out there for me, but I truly do not know of them. I am completely open to any and all suggestions. Please help!!! |
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What Can I Do?
posted at 3/2/2009 3:39 AM EST
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Posts: 237
First: 7/10/2007 Last: 8/31/2011 |
Ryan: Many of us have been in the same situation at some point over the last 10 years. After the dot com bust I spent the better part of 3 years doing contract work and short-term projects. Often the toughest part of a protracted search is keeping yourself up and working aggressively on it every day like it was a job.
A diverse background can be an asset in some jobs, but it may appear unfocused to some hiring managers. You cant help how people perceive your background but you can write your resume and cover letter to focus on the relevant skills. Most employers dont do credit checks unless the applicant is applying for a position with fiscal accountability, so that may not be a big issue. By now you probably have the basic search skills down. Things like persistence, networking, calling companies for info on a posted position, tailoring your cover letter and resume to highlight the skills you have that match their needs. Obviously the competition for available jobs is fierce in most fields so you have to do the things others arent to get an edge. Some things to think about: - Talk to you state employment commission about your search. They may be able to guide you on leads, additional training or possible retraining. - Consider exploiting your secondary skill sets. Custom tailor a resume to focus on these skills and conduct a two-pronged job search. - Widen your search, sometimes the grass really is greener elsewhere. You may not want to relo but that may be your best bet. Think of yourself as the marketing director of your own brand. Its ok to commiserate with a friend from time to time but not when networking or interviewing. Confident, up-beat people get hired, not dejected whiners. I recall days when confident & up-beat were a real stretch for me, but you have to get there to get hired. Hang in there, and good luck |
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What Can I Do?
posted at 3/2/2009 11:49 AM EST
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Posts: 544
First: 9/27/2004 Last: 9/13/2011 |
the other thing I would add is to contact your local community college and set up an appointment with a guidance/career counselor. That's what I did years ago and I can trace all of my employment success from that first initial step. They know about what you are going through and they can help you identify your niche, determine the gaps in your training and help you market your strengths.
Also, you might call back all of the temp agencies you spoke with - things could have changed since your first contact; and if you still run into a brick wall, ask to speak with someone in charge. It is their job to recruit new talent and it sounds like you can't even get your foot in the door. Someone should know how you are being treated - couldn't hurt. |
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What Can I Do?
posted at 3/3/2009 5:41 PM EST
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Posts: 2
First: 2/28/2009 Last: 3/3/2009 |
Thanks so much for the advice. Sometimes you just need a pep talk to keep you in the game. I'm sure at this point it couldn't hurt to call back some of those temp agencies. Perhaps I should just show up to one of them and see how that goes? Although I have actually tried that before, but maybe I should just be extremely persistant with them.
And I had considered talking with the career center at Purdue, but I kept making excuses not to make the drive. I really hope they could point in a direction because I don't know which direction I'm going right now. I do wonder, however, about how many companies check credit. I'm not by any stretch of the imagination the most qualified person for every job, but I do feel that of the hundred or so jobs that for which I've applied, my resume should have merrited more than only 4 interviews. This just leads me to the conclusion that they are seeing something that I am not aware of. I don't have any criminal record (although I did receive a ticket for "driving while suspended" because of a forgotten, and thus unpaid, seatbelt ticket). I try to stay upbeat, but as it sounds like most of you know, it is extremely hard a lot of times. I just try to keep busy, as I did yesterday and today by helping my grandma by repairing her gutters and going doing her grocery shopping. It's tough, but if the saying is correct, I should end up being pretty strong. Tomorrow I'll get the information on the Purdue career counsling center (or the closest related center if this doesn't exist) and give them a call to see about setting up an interview. I'll keep you guys posted to let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the advice. I'll write back soon. |
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