What am I doing wrong??

Question

I have been unemployed for 2 months.I put out tons of resumes over these past 2 months.I've sent out almost 50.I was only called in for like 5 or 6 interviews and they filled the position with someone else.When I go to these interviews I dress the way I am soposed to; dress pants, button down shirt etc..I smile and act out going.I make alot of eye contact and answer all the questions I am asked.My resume has that I have experience.Could it be possible, as illegal as it is, that my last employer is saying something bad about me? I was laid off from my last job because I had to travel to different offices in the city.I had never traveled in the city by myself and had got lost a few times.Every office was at least an hour away from home.The traffic was unpredictable every day, for example: If I started at 10am and left my house 8am I would get there 30 min early. The next day, same time but get there 15 min late.They knew this but laid me off anyway. Should I just start a new career?

Answer 1

Be up front in interviews about why you left that job. Most employers are not giving out information anymore -- by the way, it is NOT illegal -- because they can be sued for it, which takes time and money and more money if they lose. Most employers are only giving details on what they can prove, start and stop dates, confirm the pay, and whether you were late a lot or missed a lot of work (and many won't even give that much). However, to get around this, prospective employers are asking "would you rehire this person". If the answer is no, you are probably off the list. So, again, be up front. Explain in the interview why that job did not work out, but do not complain. Give only facts. Indicate you were unfamiliar with the routes to the different jobs and were late several times and were let go for it. If you volunteer, it doesn't seem like it is something to hide.
Good luck.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are approaching things in the right way. Just keep it up. Sometimes it takes a long time to hit on something. The last time I was unemployed it took about 3 monthes, and after I took a job I didn't want all kinds of offers came in. You don't say what exactly your career is. Do you really like it and do you have a great investment that got you there? I don't think it is illegal for an ex employer to say that they would not rehire you, as unfair as that seems. Maybe you should just take a job that gets you out in the workplace and apply yourself and see where it leads. Just give yourself enough time to schedule interviews for the jobs you are more interested in, when they come up. It helps to be employed, somehow we just feel better about ourselves. I sat in an unemployment office and watched the way the unemployed walked compared to the ones who were employed and it was kind of interesting. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Well first, that sounds like a run of bad luck. But, what I would do is if you are asked to explain the situation of what happened in your last employer make sure you tell the truth which I am sure you are.

I don't know what career your are in but usually most companies (unless it is a super tight buisness like mine of tv) do NOT contact each other and reference former employees. I would continue to try new companies. Don't just mail resumes blindly, get the contact info of the person who hires and either email that person or call them directly. Unless it says don't do it, calling people directly is the best way to go!

Good luck!

Answer 4

if you really want to know what your last employer is saying about you... get a friend that you know who can pull this off.. have them say they are so and so from such and such company and they would like to know what type of worker your are/// have them ask your old boss some questions.. and then you will have your answers