Looking for job hunting advice please?
I've been looking for a job for more than fourteen months. I have several freelance assignments going right now but really want something full time. I send out resumes and go on interviews and the interviews seem to go well - but no offers. Any ideas or suggestions? I'm open to anything! Thanks for your advice! :)
Careers & Employment - 12 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You can post your resume for free on one of my web sites http://www.bluecollar.org I have the domain http://www.whitecollar.org pointing there and professionals do post their resumes there, and employers do look and find candidates there. Good luck to you.
2 :
Try to stay within areas of specitic skills that you can perform. Most importantly, do not act desperate. If you are going into a new area go get the basic training necessary. If an advance degree is necessary, look for on-line university or school closest to you.
3 :
Go to a library or go to a bookstore and buy or read the book called WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE by Richard Bolles. It has been republished every couple of years for the last 25 years and is the single best SYSTEM for finding a job. It basicaly says stop sending out resumes, spend 40-60 hour a week looking for work by networking. That is going to see people and asking them for some advice instead of a job. If they like what they see they may want to hire you since 80% of jobs are not posted, not advertised, not listed. Everybody who follows the system in the book religiously, not second guessing it, not saying why the system won't work for them, ends up with three or more good offers in 12 - 16 weeks. Good luck.
4 :
It would be better for you to register to different "Temporary Agencies" if you really want to get a full time job. Examples of these agencies are The Burke Group, Kelly Services, Manpower Services, Labour Ready, Landon Morgan, and many more. They all have their own websites. Always check the "JOB BANK" from the Human Resources and try to submit your resumes online and personally. That's all I can say.
5 :
Do you ever contact the employers to follow up after an interview? I'm not saying to bug them, but once every 2 to 3 weeks? Perhaps you need to tweak your resume to fit the job you are applying for. I know that means extra work, but it might land you a job. It worked for me. In 1989 I got a job as a caseworker for a domestic violence program without a college degree. I used my life experience as Social Welfare Examiner and rape crisis advocacy and counseling. I worked there for 11 years. Give your resume to family and friends to review for you. They may have some constructive ideas for making it a knock out! God bless as you continue your job hunting. At least you have your free lance work to bring in some income.
6 :
Can you relocate? I would need to see your resume in order to competently answer your question. I would need to see your qualifications, education, experience, age, health limitations and others . I am pretty good at putting together resumes...loligo1@yahoo.com
7 :
Don't forget to sell yourself during the interview. Ahead of time, write down at least seven reasons you are a perfect fit for the job. If you can't think of that many, maybe it just isn't what you really wanted and the interviewer sensed that you weren't a fit. Make sure you look absolutely beautiful for the interview. Pay attention to detail. Bra strap hanging out of shirt, no makeup and washed out looking, shoes dusty by the time you arrive for the appt.. Just check it out in the mirror before the interview begins. Arrive in enough time to go to bathroom, check yourself out and talk a little in the mirror. Do a play act and tell yourself that you look great and are perfect for this job. Tell yourself those 7 reasons. By the time you are actually interviewed...you will have it down pat. Don't forget to thank him or her for the interview with a handshake. It will feel awkward at times, but shake their hand anyway. Also, follow up with a letter the following day thanking them for the interview and explaining to them those 7 reasons why you fit into this job perfectly. Don't sound lke too much of a braggard, but be earnest, persistent. Then after 4 days, they should have read and rec'd your letter. Call them to confirm. Make sure you stress that you are very interested in working there. By the end of this process, you should have several job offers. Good luck in your JOB SEARCH and remember that is all about confidence in your performance. Yes, all the world is a stage and you are an actor in a play. Just make sure you are the best for the part. KathyW
8 :
Perhaps you aren't doing as well on the interviews as you would think. Go to your local college's placement center. Get a copy of the top 100 questions answered in job interviews. Bone up on those. Have your other professional friends practice interview you. If you are applying for jobs in which you are qualified, and not asking for too large of a salary, it's got to be your interviewing skills. Some people recommend picking 10 jobs. Start at the least desirable and interview with them in that order as you approach your #1 choice. You'll be prepped by the time you get to the one you want.
9 :
Sounds like you're doing the "right" things, but something is breaking down somewhere. Review your salary requirements to see if what you're asking may be outside the range of some of the employers. Continue to network and use the online job search engines. Maybe your freelancing is something you can do full-time. What is you do? http://www.effective-resume-writing.com/online-job-search-engines.html
10 :
In searching for a job remember some basics. First, it is the job of Human Resourse in companies to weed out, not find, potential employees. In sending out resumes, remember that unless your first paragraph jumps out at them, in the first few sentences they will discard it. Sending them in by email is even harder, since the computer that scans them is looking for key words. If it does not see them it will discard the resume. Tailor make your resume, and for each company that you send your resume to, edit your first paragraph so that it includes as many of the things listed on their job offer as you possibly can. Use a slightly textured paper for your resume, but not colored. This will feel different and possibly make them take a look just to see what is different. If you can find a specific person at companies, then solicit them individually. Remember, your trying to get past Human Resources and get in to see a human. After that, sell your self, and be sure they know, your the person they are hunting for.
11 :
Always do your homework first. Research the company, position, project, etc. before the interview. Relax and be honest in your answers rather than trying to say what you think someone wants to hear. Ask questions. You are interviewing them as well. And finally, always send a thank you note following an interview. And of course I am assuming your appearance is polished and professional!?
12 :
I've been in your shoes. That's why I have started my own business online. I found this site and they have some great ideas and ebooks to help you get started. I have learned that if you work it, you can make some money. Good luck
Read more discussions :
