Job Searching is a Drag

[Casch 0]

So I've been unemployed for two months now. I pump out resumes 6 days a week on average, combing craigslist, portlandjobfinder, jobdango etc. I've had about 10 interviews since I started really looking in January, and nothing has materialized quite yet. I could really use some New Job Vibes, advice, or even possibly a connection? Arg.

[aprilcat 0]

Hi Casch...

~~Job Vibe~~~~ sent!!

Have you tried employment agencies? I call it 'pimping' but they are still making money finding employees for companies. Once you find 2 or 3 agencies in your area (and I DO mean face-to-face meeting with them) call them EVERY day so they don't stick your resume at the bottom of their pile. They love 'go-getters' and they will sell..I mean find you a job. Do NOT get involved in an agency that wants money from you--they get it from the employers for pre-screening applicants. Many of us know how it feels to be 'out' there and not getting noticed. Maybe you should let the professionals do the looking FOR you.

Best wishes--it will come to you!~~April

Camelot II, the Electric Boogaloo!

[mnealtx 0]

Firstly... glad to see you back, and best of luck with the job search!

Now...what type of job are you looking for?

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[obligaited 0]

A word of empathy. Know your pain!!! I have been unemployed since Feb. and still looking. I have never been unemployed for more than 2 weeks and that was 13 years ago. Job hunting really sucks, and I tell you that I absolutely hate the dog and pony show of interviewing. Although, I am hoping to hear on Monday if I got a job with the state DOT office. Good Luck!!

People Too Weak To Follow Their Own Dreams Will Always Keep You From Following Yours.

[Casch 0]

Quote

Now...what type of job are you looking for?

I'm trying to get into an entry-level IT related position (helpdesk, desktop support, network engineering...whatever), the catch is I'm 21 and have no degree or certifications. I know what I'm doing, and can match my father who is the desktop support guru for a circuit board manufacturer out here, but it's hard to convince someone you don't know that you're up to the job without solid (paper) proof

[Casch 0]

I've interviewed with a couple agencies out here, and interviewed for a job through them but so far everything has fallen through. Misscommunication of job duties and required skills/abilities etc. I interviewed for one job as a desktop support guy, and it turned out the position was actually for an electrician. What the hell? heh

[SuFantasma 0]

90% of jobs are filled through personal referrals.... what kind of job are you qualified for?

Y yo, pa' vivir con miedo, prefiero morir sonriendo, con el recuerdo vivo".
- Ruben Blades, "Adan Garcia"

[NWFlyer 2]

Network, network, network. Tell everyone you know from your friends to your family to your family's friends to your hairdresser to ... well, you get the picture, that you're looking for a job and what you're looking for. Ask if they know anyone you can call, even if it's just for an informational interview.

Many if not most jobs don't get listed. Those that do get tons of responses. One of my favorite sites on job search strategy is www.asktheheadhunter.com

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Casch 0]

I'm qualified for any entry-mid level IT position dealing with desktop support, help desk, computer hardware/software maintenance, and web programming involving HTML/CSS, PHP/MySQL etc. I've done contract work as a "Computer Specialist" replacing 300 computers and tackling everything that entails (data backup, OS upgrade, personal settings and folder migration etc). I do the occasional contract web design/consultation as well. I'm also qualified for everything else under the sun (customer service, retail, sales, warehouse, merchandising, manufacturing) but I'd rather not work another blue collar job. I hate retail (who doesn't?), and the repatition of manufacturing absolutely kills me. I want to find a job that presents new [mental] challenges every day, where I can grow as a person, and with the company

[eeneR 3]

Have you tried contacting any of the IT contracting Co's in your area? That seems to be one of the better routes I have seen as of late.

She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway."
eeneR
TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto

[Casch 0]

I'm not really sure what IT contractors we have out here, it's definately worth looking into though :)

[eeneR 3]

There are quite a few companys that prefer using contractors only, or do contract to hire. Easy to screen employees that way. If you dont like them, they go. No mess in HR. They like you then they hire you on.

But most of the time it is project work. Stay till project is done, then move on.

She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway."
eeneR
TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto

[Brian425 0]

One of the best ways to get working quickly is to do temp/consulting work. I can tell you that I am always a little wary when I interview someone who has not worked for a long period. Many jobs in IT are contract/consultant jobs. Getting into a firm once as a temp may help getting a chance later as an independent contractor. You will have an internal reference and experience with their systems.

The key is that you do have a job. It is finding yourself a job. Spend 40 hours a week at it. All calls and follow ups should be done early in the morning. Show people that you are taking this job hunt seriously.

Good Luck,
Brian

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[micro 0]

i feel for you... i just finally landed a new gig (although it doesn't officially start until 5/8) after being out of work for 2 months as well. Sucks ass, i know.

hang in there man. don't lose hope.

big fat job finding vibes, man.

I miss Lee.
And JP.
And Chris. And...

[Scoop 0]

I was out of work since November but landed a cool job finally. How... word of mouth. I applied for a silly amount of jobs. They take months to even acknowledge receipt of application. I applied with agencies and never heard from them.
In the end I started talking to old friends at work visiting them with my free time and word soon got round. Good thing with personal referal is its like a good referance too. I cant wait.

Good luck mate, stick with it. It gets disheartening, especially with summer coming and wanting to jump.

[wingnut 0]

Quote

Job Searching is a Drag

at least you arn't " job searching in drag" ...... cuz if that was the case i could see why they wouldn't hire you, just to wierd for them...lol... here's to good luck finding a job dude. hopefully it won't be to much longer, just remeber, don't give up or feel discouraged...

______________________________________
"i have no reader's digest version"

[Scoop 0]

Got any jobs? *scratches balls* I got CV here and everything...

[mdrejhon 8]

I feel for you as well. I have been between jobs for 2 months as well. (resume). Although I'm finding small odd jobs to help pay for meals and such - I'm looking for the right job now, and I am more willing to relocate (Northeast US/Canada). Getting warmer and warmer, though.

[ExAFO 0]

Quote

So I've been unemployed for two months now. I pump out resumes 6 days a week on average, combing craigslist, portlandjobfinder, jobdango etc. I've had about 10 interviews since I started really looking in January, and nothing has materialized quite yet. I could really use some New Job Vibes, advice, or even possibly a connection? Arg.

www.peacecorps.gov

Illinois needs a CCW Law. NOW.

[stratostar 5]

Hey job seeker, why not start your own company?
Don't limit your self to I.T., I have an idea for you as to what kind of company you can start with less then 3 grand investment, and you get to be your own boss, and at your age you could do well.
I'm doing it myself right now, but I had a lot of the equipment to do it, and it would involve a lot of computer stuff, I'm a dealer for the company and the only one in my area, I don't know if there are any out your way, but that wouldn't stop you from doing this.
If you are interested then answer me back.

~

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[wingnut 0]

Quote

If you are interested then answer me back

can i answer back? my job sucks, beinging on call 6 days a week 24 hours a day sucks.... don't know what it is you do but if i think it sounds interesting i'd scrape some cash together from somewhere...

______________________________________
"i have no reader's digest version"

[Broke 0]

The problem my friend found in getting a job in IT is that for every IT job there are an assload of applicants... numbering in the thousands. Basically see if you know someone who can help you out.

Divot your source for all things Hillbilly.
Anvil Brother 84
SCR 14192

[rmsmith 1]

Quote

I want to find a job that presents new [mental] challenges every day, where I can grow as a person, and with the company.

You are 21 right now. You should get into a junior college with the goal of transferring to a University and completing a BS degree in some IT related area. Sure, it will be hard work, but you'll meet new friends along the way, and you should have some fun too! You only have one life, and you have the advantage of living in a country of opportunity.

If you think it's bad right now, try looking closely at the worn out 40 or 50 somethings without a college degree. They're easy to find (no assets, bad teeth), and if you ask 'em, they tell you where they went wrong.

[Flygurl 0]

Three words:

Go To School.

You may find an okay job now, but you'll be significantly limited in any professional field in the future without a degree.

________________________________________

"One out of every four American's are suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you."

[Rookie120 0]

Job searching sucks. I was just hitting to job trail here when things were not looking so good where I work. Lucky for me there are tons of jobs in my field. Some would involve me traveling a lot but it would have been better than sitting on my ass with no work and no money. Just keep your chin up and keep digging and you will find something. It took me 8 months of interviews, background check and what not before I got hired here but I love it and it was well worth it in the long run.

If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck!