Frustrated Job Seeker?

Question

I am an Administrative Assistant with nearly 10 years experience. I know the Microsoft Office Professional suite like the back of my hand and can use all the features - without thinking about it.

I type about 80wpm, can format a letter 6 different ways, am a good communicator with all levels of an organization, have excellent references and am generally very well respected by my peers.

So, why can't I find a company that is willing to hire me?

My resume is well formatted, not to long, not to short, great companies, high level experience - everything that employers are looking for.

What is wrong?

O.k. I think I am done ranting and raving, but seriously, why is it so hard to find a job?

Should be "too long" and "too short" I have issues with the "o" key sometimes.

I live in Milwaukee, WI (granted not the greatest area for Admin Assist) and have had no problem getting 2 or 3 interviews for a job.

My last 3 jobs have averaged $18.00 per hour (yes that is high for Milwaukee), but one would have to wonder - wouldn't it be better to pay the higher salary for someone that can do the job right - and quickly, than to pay a lower rate for someone who is going to take longer to get it done?

I am glad to hear that I am not the only one in this situation (not that I am glad to hear that others are out of work, but that I am not alone).

Relocation is an option for me, any suggestions on places to consider? Anywhere but Texas and North Carolina (nothing against these states, but many bad memories and experiences to want to move back there just yet).

Answer 1

It seems like you have very good qualifications. However, do you think your experience may actually be pricing you out of the market? I know it sounds bad, but employers..although hiring now..are slowing or stagnant in their payroll growth. Meaning, you might have to settle for a lower than expected wage for your experience. You might want to leave out you have 10 years of experience and just include your past 5 years of experience of your work history.

Also, have a resume or career expert take a look at your resume for gaps, active phrases and other things to make your resume look strong.

If you have no problem getting interviews, it may be a problem in the actual interview. Make sure you answer the questions confidently, ask them questions after the interview, and provide a thank you note after.

Another reason, could be unrelated to your resume and qualifications. Regionally, there could be lack of administrative assistant jobs in your area..you might want to try to expand you geographical region of job search.

I understand what you are saying..I think you should emphasize that you can do things faster..and perhaps even acknowledge your speed will compensate for your higher wage. But, I still think you should not have a summary statement that includes "10 years of experience" and just include your past 5 years of work experience. Good luck.

Answer 2

It sounds like your qualifications are great, and so is your resume. Could it be the way in which you handle yourself during interviews? Please don't take offense, since I don't know you. But I had an employee once who had just graduated with his masters' degree, and had management experience, who had a very hard time finding a "real job." He would describe his interviews, though, and I realized that he was displaying his negativity to prospective employers. In fact, his negative attitude was the one thing I disliked about him, and I think the employers interviewing him sensed that from his answers. He finally got his "real job" after I gave him a glowing reference- mainly because his "I don't want to be here" attitude was bringing my team down and I was happy to see him go!
This may not apply to you, but is there some aspect of the way you interview that's affecting your desirability as an employee? Perhaps you could look up practice interview questions, and have a good friend review them with you.

Answer 3

I'm pretty much in that same situation. I'm very professional, also in administration, (maybe not as qualified as you) but I'm a hard working team player. The only thing I can suggest is that you just hang in there. Put yourself out there by going to temp agencies, footwork and just keep the faith. Where do you live? With all that experience, someone is bound to snap you up soon. I know it's easier said than done, but keep trying, be patient, and it will happen. Best of luck...I'm hoping for the best as well.

Answer 4

not TOO long, not TOO short...

Are you asking for too much money? That was my issue, but I will not compromise on what I'm worth. Do you make it to the interview stage? Do you have a college degree? That's another issue I'm battling. I have been contracting for 21 years and yet I cannot get a contracting position because I don't have a bachelor's degree. HELLO??? I've been doing this sh*t for 21 years!!!

I share your frustration. Just don't give up. A friend of mine who was well qualified was out of work for a year. Now he has a GREAT job with a great company making MORE than he was asking for and they love him... good luck...

Answer 5

personally i don't think Job is all about the resume . or cover letter .. .but
for someone in your catergory i would truly like to suggest something . ...
* re-write your resume. all by yourself without any help, as best as you can, it does NOT have to be or look profesionally done.

* Same with your cover letter, but before writting your cover letter, YOU MUST have a positive mind that you will have success.. your positive attitude will help you generate a positive cover letter .to be more specific, be a little personal or emotional than all Professional and believe me... it does have to look like everybody elses or "how they say its has to be" or "what they say is right to say" .. let every thing in your application reflects you..employer are not robots they are humans too

* Last but not the least, if you really want the Job .. u've got to believe God for it ... No joke .. it always work for me,,

Answer 6

The most important thing to remember about job searches is that you should use a combination of methods regardless of your location.

Networking - Register at your local Unemployment Office (you don't need to be on unemployment to register for their assistance). They often will have networking groups on a regular basis. They also are a good source for the jobs that never show up in the paper or online.

Check your local paper -- In many cases the paper's classified are now online.

Search Smart Online -- If you don't have a lot of time, spend most of your time at sites that aggregate the job feeds from several job search engines. Prominently these include indeed.com and thingamajob.com.

Organization -- I use a FREE online application that allows you to track your ads, jobs you apply for, send or print mail merged correspondence, and track your job search history. Please check it out while your hunting..... jobsearchlog.com

Good Luck,

Karen

http://indeed.com
http://job-hunt.org
http://jobsearchlog.com

Answer 7

Keep trying my friend you sound like you are very qualified! Maybe they think you are too qualified?...Or dont want to pay you what you are worth! Try to sell yourself as something the company cant live without! A real asset to there company! Good luck!

Answer 8

Do you still talk to any former coworkers who have moved on? Call them up and see if their companies are hiring. Try a temp agency. Alot of those jobs become permanent.

Answer 9

My guess is that you are probably asking too much salary-wise. The thing is, companies want people to have all sorts of skills and experience so that employees can do as much as possible for them, but when it comes to what they do in return for the employees, they want to do and give as little as possible.

Answer 10

I hear you. I am having the worst problems finding a job. I don't know what it is... But, I'm a little less worried to hear others are having problems too. Good luck in your search!