Derek writes:
I just recently graduated with a BS in computer information systems and a minor and business. I have been searching for a job for several months and have probably sent out close to a 1,000 resumes. Yet I’ve only had three interviews, and none of these led to my hiring. Is it me, or is everyone having this much trouble right now because of the market?
So what’s your problem? I fear, Derek, that you have used the scattershot approach to getting a job. That is, you have fired off your resume to hundreds and hundreds of employers without really having a plan or a precise target in mind. And a scattershot approach rarely works, as you’ve noticed.
I don’t know about your experience, but I can guarantee that your computer and business skills are in demand. What is it that you want to do? What kind of job are you looking for? What kind of company do you want to work for? Have you thought about a career path? Before you send out another resume, please spend some time really thinking about these issues.
Let me suggest a few resources for you. First, I think you should read a great article by Kathryn Lee Bazan: Research Your Next Job by Targeting Your Preferences and Ideal Companies.
Second, I think you really need to spend some time developing a plan. And for that, I recommend our Job Search 101 tutorial. It’s free — and full of lots of ideas for helping you map out your plan.
Third, once you’re done with the first two resources and ready to target specific companies, I recommend you go to our Guide to Researching Companies, where you’ll find key resources for getting the specific information you need for your job search.
Rachel writes: laid off on Sept 3 from my current job. I have enthusiastically been searching for a job for almost 2 months, applying for approximately 30 jobs on the Internet and in the local newspapers. I am a college graduate with a 4-year degree, and I do not know what other avenues are left to explore. I have tried networking with my current colleagues and with friends. I feel like jobs that are easily accessible are low paying and I feel like my education is being wasted. What should I do???
Rachel, I think the last line of your email is one of the keys that you need to explore to get a new job. Responding to help-wanted ads is a part of the job-hunting ritual, but has an extremely low payoff. You need to branch out and focus your energies on productive job-hunting techniques.
One productive technique is networking -- using your circle of friends and colleagues to help find a new job. But your circle of friends and coworkers is just one part of your available network. Your potential network includes people in professional groups where you are a member, religious organizations, social groups, college and high-school alumni groups, and more. So, go back and examine who you have networked with and see if you can expand that circle. Don't be shy, especially since you are going to be unemployed in a week's time. To get more information and tips on networking, visit: The Art of Networking.
Another technique is the cold-contact job search where you identify employers and direct targeted letters (and resumes) to them in search of a job.
Finally, don't abandon the Net. What job sites are you using? You might do better examining some other job sites or looking for ones that specifically target either your location or your profession. You can find the best collection of these resources at: Quintessential Careers: Job Resources.
Jodi writes:
I have just graduated and received a BA in communication from quite a prestigious university. I have been avoiding the extensive job search for months now. I need to become more motivated. My problem, I believe, is that I fear I am not resourceful enough to find what I'm looking for. I'm seeking an entry-level position in an advertising agency or in a corporation with a good training program, either in the Phoenix or San Diego areas. I have a great resume, but from experience, I have found that simply sending out resumes in response to job openings or business listings tends to get a person nowhere without substantial experience. I just know that if I can get in for an interview, my personality and communication skills will be impressive enough to hurdle me into any position. So, do you have any ideas for me as to where I should pursue that opportunity I have been waiting for? Help!
Writers get writer's block and I think sometimes job-hunters get job-hunter's block, especially when they are new to job-hunting. So, Jodi, I think the key for you is getting focused on what you want to accomplish; that should be motivation enough to get you on the right path to finding that ideal opportunity for you.
And you are absolutely right that you could respond to job opening listings forever without ever hearing back or getting an interview. So here's what you need to do...
Identify the key companies in the Phoenix and San Diego areas that interest you. There are a number of reference books that your local library or university library should have in their collections that (1) list corporations and divisions by location, and (2) list ad agencies by location. You could also contact the two area chambers of commerce to get that kind of information -- or even track down the two area's phone books.
Once you've identified the companies, you need to contact each company and get a name of a person to send your cover letter and resume. For corporations, it might be the marketing director or director of communications. For ad agencies, it should be the VP for your specific area of expertise.
Then write dynamic cover letters to these people; look here to find some great sample cover letters.
Then do the required follow-up. Call the people you wrote to about 10 days later and request an interview. If, as you say, you have great communications skills, then you should be set. But be prepared for more rejection. While the cold-contact method described above is much more successful than responding to want ads and job listings, you will still get numerous rejections. However, you should also consider scheduling informational interviews with the firms that tell you they have no openings; this networking technique often leads to other possible job interviews.
Good luck in your search.
Craig writes:
Hello, I am writing you in regard to finding a career that is right for me. I am 21 years old, and graduating from college in just a few months with honors, and I cannot locate a job that is right for me. I live in Lexington, KY, but want to relocate to another state. Right now my future seems hopeless; what should I do?
Craig, you're 21, and your future already looks hopeless? Shame on you! Your life is just beginning. What you need is a plan of action. What did you major in? What kinds of things interest you? Have you worked or had internships while in college? Your answers to these questions are all clues to a possible future career. You could also take some of the career assessment tests that are available on the Web -- see Career Assessment Tools & Tests. But focus on the career goal first; then we'll get to the job.
Once you have more of a career focus, that should help bring to light the kinds of jobs that might interest you and for which you have the skills and aptitude. You could search the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Finally, you need to pick a location. Where do you want to live and work? If you are open to many places, then you should conduct a general job search. If you have a specific location in mind, such as Atlanta, then you need to conduct a more specialized job search that places all your energies and resources on Atlanta-specific job possibilities. Whichever it is, just remember to do a balanced and thorough job search -- using traditional methods of job-hunting as well as Web-based resources.
DeeDee writes:
I am writing to ask you about a common problem I seem to be having upon graduation with my bachelor’s and master’s degree. Most of the companies want you to have 5-10 years of experience before you can even apply for a position. I worked full-time while in school, but not always within my field. I worked in my field about 2 years, and now I don’t know what to do. I am a 26-year-old female who is ready to start working ASAP. I have subscribed to National Business Employment Weekly, read the Sunday newspapers from all over the world, looked over career and job websites, and these things continue to astonish me. Please help; I am becoming frustrated and haven’t put out but 3 resumes yet.
Well, first of all, take a moment. You need to take a step back and do a better job in examining your job search strategy. I’m most concerned that you have only sent out three resumes since you finished your master’s degree.
So, my first suggestion is for you to spend some time devising a job-hunting strategy. Specifically, you need to decide the best approach for you to find a job. There are several channels you can use, and I suggest using as many of these as possible: (1), networking with friends, family, coworkers, former colleagues; (2), work with the placement office from the school you where you received your master’s degree; (3), develop a relationship with a professional organization in your field — and network there; (4), develop a list of companies you would like to work for and send out a targeted mail (cover letter and resume) campaign; (5), visit various Websites — employment, recruiting, and company — and target those that have the best opportunities; (6), contact some professional recruiters in your field; and (7), continue to review classified ads and job postings (though don’t expect many results from these).
Then, I suggest you experiment with developing a functional resume rather than a traditional chronological resume. By using a functional resume, you can stress some of the transferable skills you have developed and honed in all your work and school experience.
Where can you get help on your resume and transferable skills? Lucky you. Check out the Quintessential Careers Resume Tutorial, which includes both a detailed resume tutorial for people who need a lot of help with their resume and a “light” version for people who just need to do some fine-tuning. I highly suggest you spend some time there.
Joyce writes:
I would like to know what type of employment opportunities are there for a person that has a social-work degree but no employment opportunities in social work? What would be the transferable skills? What would be good alternative employment choices, and where could I find information about them?
It’s been my experience that there are many opportunities in the social-work area; however, the pay and benefits for some of those positions is not the greatest. If you have the desire and drive to help people, I encourage you to take that journey.
Some good Websites that may be able to help you in your quest:
- Social Work and Social Services Jobs Online. This site features job listings organized by state.
- Social Service Jobs. This site has jobs postings in numerous social service jobs by state, as well as links to other social work resources.
- Occupational Handbook: Social Work. This site lists all sorts of details and statistics about social work, and predicts faster than average growth for social workers.
Other possible jobs with someone with your degree? School counselors and corporate trainers come to mind.
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