I can't seem to pick up a job. I've tried everything to no avail. Any suggestions?

Question

I've tried everything my career counselor told me. I have polished my resume, done everything I can to pass the job interview (all the techniques and such), however, I have had NO LUCK for the past two years.

I am a recent college graduate living with my parents. My dad suggested the idea of starting a small internet business but I told him I'd like a job to go alongside it. I feel that I'm a bit of a hopeless case for some reason. It seems as if everyone can get jobs but I can't.

I had a bad experience at my last place of employment, which was a food service job at my college campus which left me laid off (will explain if you message me). Since then, I have had bad luck.

What should I do? This is upsetting and frustrating to me. I don't want to live my life like this. It's also hard for me to find jobs that are 30 min. driving distances from me because I take public transportation.

I guess it might help to add that I do suffer from depression as well.

Sometimes the situation just really makes me tearfully upset.

Answer 1

Dear no one ever promised us a rose garden. I dont know what you are doing about the depression but i would deal with that first. I am older than you are and I am also seeking employment. I just keep trying and trying and I know something will hit. I do get discouraged but It still makes me feel good to know that I am putting forth an effort. I would go to a nearby employment agency or a temp agency sometimes you can get a job with a go between.

Answer 2

I don't think you suffer from depression I think you are depressed. I was layed off a long time ago and boy it really does something to your mind, of course I am ok and working full time now, but at the time it was a really big deal. You may want to try the food service again since that is something you know, also with the holidays coming LOTS of places are hiring right now and they don't care if you have not worked for 2 years they care that you are available now during the busy season, so give it a try this would include all forms of sales, department stores. Also You did not mention what you earned a degree in, but maybe since no doors have opened for you along that avenue, go to a business you would like to work for and ask if they have any intern programs ( you will not get paid, but it will give you on the job experience) just some ideas, things will work out, you just had the wind knocked out of you, fortunatley this is a good time of the year to get going, everywhere I turn I see now hiring signs, so pick a place you would like to give a try even if it is no along the path of your education and learn something new, the other doors will open later. Just take one day at a time. Good luck.

Answer 3

I know how you feel. As a recent college graduate myself, I have been looking for a job too. It is tough, but the first thing you have to remember is that IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT. You have the skills and knowledge to do the job. Don't self-doubt yourself because if you go to an interview thinking you don't have what it takes, the interviewer will get that vibe. Go into every interview with confidence, Show them that you can do this job better than any other candidate. If you're shy, practice doing an interview at home or practice answers to questions that an interviewer would ask.

Also, there's a lot of competition out there. You're not the only person applying for the same job. With so many people applying to one job, only one person can get it, so there are about 100 other disappointed people. and you're thinking why can't you be that person. It's good that you did the techniques to do well on the interview, but what it all boils down to is how well you would fit in the company. Maybe the certain industry that you're going for isn't for you. Like, if you're shy, marketing may not be the most ideal job as it requires a lot of people skills. It's not impossible to get that job, but it makes your chances harder if there are other candidates with better social skills.

Try networking. If you know some friends that are working in an industry that you like, ask them if they know any job openings. If it's not posted on monster.com or hotjobs, and there's an opening in their company, you got first crack at it! Maybe they'll even recommend you to the HR department or hiring manager.

I had an interview recently with somebody and the interviewer told me that based on my resume and interview, he really liked me, but was hesitant to offer me the position since i hadn't had any experience since graduation, which was 4 months ago. So, since you said you haven't had any luck getting a job for the past two years, maybe an internship would help. it can help you hone up your skills and it might even lead to a full-time position. if it doesn't lead to a permanent position, at least you have something else to put on your resume. there's also temporary work. it usually pays and could also lead to a full-time job.

The job hunting process is very discouraging. But you just gotta hang in there because there's a job just waiting for you. Good luck with your search!!

Answer 4

I used to hire professionally before I went back to school for my degree, so I have conducted about 500 interviews so far.

Here are some suggestions to look at:
When I hire, I look for the person I feel that has the biggest chance of being successful in that position.

During the interviews, I am always keeping that thought in the back of my mind: "Will I be glad in 6 months that I hired this person for the position"

That's the employer's perspective.

Now it's your turn.

First of all, I sense a lot of depression and it may be showing in your interviewing skills.

I want you to do some homework while you are preparing to enter the job market.

I want you to think in terms of self-efficacy. That's the concept that you can accomplish things. Even without the skills, if you can demonstrate to the employer that you are motivated and willing to do the job, and demonstrate how you can accomplish the tasks, it will do wonders for you. More than once I have selected a lesser qualified person for a position simply because I saw that the person in question had the ability to get the job done. I can train a person who has that characteristic, and if they are motivated enough they can succeed.

So that is your homework. When you see an obstacle, figure out what steps you need to accomplish to overcome the issue. Start with small things, like the barriers of transportation. If when you go into a job interview you state why you can't take a job or why you can't do this or that, the interviewer will look for a better candidate. But if you think in terms of, even though I have this obstacle I am willing to do what it takes to get around the obstacle. Guess what, the hiring supervisor will start to think, this person might just work out!

Practice this thought process until it starts to become second nature. As it becomes more internalized, you will see a difference in your attitude. And once you achieve a "can do" attitude, I have this feeling that your job opportunities will start to open up.

For instance, even though it may be lower income work, would you be willing to start in a lower position and show them that y ou are willing to do what it takes, even if it pays lousy?

You can do it! And when you do, you will see doors and opportunities opening up for you. The job may not open up right away, but it will happen. It's just a case of where and when.

Once you get this "can do" attitude internalized, then the next homework step is to sell yourself. But that will be easier when you show confidence, and poise in an interview.

Good luck to you and keep me posted on how you are doing by clicking on my avatar. I'm rooting for you!

Answer 5

Is there something available through your county's health and human services (HHS) department? I used an employment-aid service through my county's HHS department, and I believe it is the reason that I am employed right now.

Another idea is to try to find volunteer work in the area that you're interested in working, if that's possible. For example, I was looking to become a veterinary technician, but did not have the hands-on experience that was needed, so no one would hire me. But by becoming a volunteer at a place that rehabilitates wild animals, I was able to put that on my resume and that helped a lot. It showed that not only was I a good samaritan, I was also serious about developing my skills.

Do you have a particular field of work that you're interested in? Are you submitting lots of resumes? Are you getting past the resumes to the job interviews?

You have to realize that many people don't want to hire a person right out of college because they don't want to take the time to train them. I went through 15 interviews before I landed the job I have now. You have to keep trying, and you need to try to sell yourself to them. Even if you are depressed, you can't let that show during the interview. I really think you should look into HHS services available to you through your county.

Hope this helped, and good luck!

Answer 6

well i can sort of relate to ur problem, i'm still in school and it's hard for me to find a good paying job ($15 & up) while have a full course load, so I"ve been working at the mall as an sales associate, i get a raise every 6 months and we are part of a union, so i get medical ,sick, vacation, holidays paid. Even tho i'm not making the 15, i'm still getting great benefits, but in the meantime i also design websites and sell books (used) online for extra income. SO i think ur dad's idea might be well. there is so much u can sell online.
if u want some website tools, just email me at [e-mail] and i'll refer you to come places.

Just hang in there & stay positive !

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Your dad might be right. If you start an internet business, you will get experience dealing with people and will have an additional item to add to your resume. Who knows, you might find something that you like to do other than work for somebody else?

If I can be of further assistance, let me know.

[e-mail]
http://www.geocities.com/pktull

Answer 9

Your biggest problem is probably lack of experience. I recommend you suck it up and go to a temp agency. At very minimum that will help with your resume if that is the problem. Good luck

Answer 10

check out the temp agencies and the employment agencies they will place you and you can pick and choose the type of jobs and the hours you want to work....