Job hunting advice for a big city person with a degree.?

Question

I'm looking for a job. I have a degree, I have what I think is a great deal of experience, but nothing. I have been looking for two years. I go on interviews and they tell me that I seem to big for the job, I don't know what that is suppose to mean. I try to tone things down and take items off of my resume, but I constantly get this, "You should be doing something on your own."

I work in nonprofit, but I also write. I have applied for both nonprofit and writing jobs. I live in Los Angeles. I am getting very frustrated, it is getting more and more expensive here, I paste together all of these insane jobs and live a hand to mouth sort of existence, I'm going to end up homeless, if something doesn't change, I tried to apply for a job at Trader Joes and they didn't even call me back...please give me some advice...

Answer 1

I know it isn't any fun, but have you registered with the big temp agencies like Kelly or Administaff?

I don't know what your background/degree/experience is in. But, if you can get some current temp positions in your field you may be able to roll that into some "regular" work.

Also, have you been networking with your professional peers? Are there groups you can join which will hook you into what is going on in the area in your field? Sometimes national organizations also have local chapters.

Finally, do any of the schools in the area teach what you do? While you might not be interested in going back to school, often you can connect with some of the professors. You may be able to ask them if you can trade coming in and speaking to students for leads and connections that they have in the industry.

Best of luck & DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Answer 2

I have the same problem, I have 2 BAs and almost finished with my MA, I have years of experience in both nonprofit and administration, but I can only work as a case manager. It does not pay well and I was told to start my consulting company. The best advise I have is go to sites such as www.findacareerhere.com and monster.com and look for work outside of the state, because California is way to expensive.

Answer 3

One year for me now, and I have a degree too. Gimme a high five. Just kidding...It is very difficult to find a job in CA nowsdays. Even getting hired for a simple position at store is hard enough. If you are currently in a financial trouble, look for someone who is willing to let you live with them for time being. Remember, you are not only one here. Recent or long-term graduates face the same crisis, unless they want to move to different states.

Answer 4

Never complain about a previous employer. Always smile. Be on time to your interview. Dress correct for the company and position. research the company you are interviewing with. Be your self and tell the truth. Good Luck

Answer 5

Two years is a very long time to go without being hired by someone, somewhere.

You need to get yourself a really good recruiter or headhunter to give it to you straight so you can work on whatever is going wrong. Listen to what they have to say, and take their advice to heart.

Answer 6

If you are getting interviews, then your resume is fine and you need to work on your interviewing skills.

If you are not getting interviews, then you need to work on your resume.

Either way, this site has free information to help you with both...

Answer 7

I hope things change for better for u , I am going to pray :)

first, All i can think of is make ur resume perfect, this is very important and probably do a reassessment of ur skills and concentrate on wat u exactly want to do, are u concentrating enuff on dat?

i hope everything will be fine soon :)