Why am I having such a hard time getting a job?!?

Question

I've done everything; I've taken job courses to learn how to write resume's, how to act in an interview, etc. Everybody else seems to be getting jobs just fine, but why am I having such a hard time? When is the proper time to hand one in? Thanks. (Rude answers will be ignrored.)

Answer 1

Hope you understand that the negative answer from bulabate is exactly what you don't need to hear. That person has a particular problem, which is obvious. That type of answer would have been better off in the political questions and answers.

As a seasoned job hunter I've searched for employment in both, good and bad economy's. If I had to pigeon hole one item that I thought was the most critical in finding work, it would have to be the numbers game. I shoot resumes to everyone, all my family, friends and aquaintences know I 'm looking. On occassion, I'll contact or send a resume to companies that don't engage in the type of work I do, as sometimes there might be doing work that is similar. I leave no stone unturned. I treat job hunting like a job, when there is no where else to send a resume, I hit the street and knock on doors (got a great job in SC using that method).

In todays market, employers have a fairly good amount of applicants to pick from. So, you have to understand what makes you different and how you can convey that to make "you" stand out. Many of the answers you already recieved let you know about the way you present yourself. That all can be summed up pretty easy: Do you want a job or a pierced brow or tongue?

My last recommendation would be to get high on being you, make you the best you can and start getting motivated. Think every interview is going to offer. Don't let small time thinking or judgement that doesn't go your way stop you. Quit singing the blues, go get that job, do that great interview, search other type of employment, but don't sit around and feel sorry! It will definately reflect your attitude.

Answer 2

That's just it; you mentioned "when is the proper time to hand one in?" there's your problem. You are probably not handing in your resume at the appropriate time. Where are you trying to work? If you're a student trying to get a simple part-time job, hand one in now since it's the March Break (it is here anyway.) They are doing summer hiring right now and all of next month. If you've done career courses and such then there's nothing wrong with your resume! Try handing one in now and constantly update your resume. You need to be a little persistent (not too persistent) when you are applying for a job.

Answer 3

This is not a RUDE answer but a truthful one. It may or may-not apply to you.
I've interviewed, hired and trained many people of all ages throughout my career and do know that when most things are equal such as; education, abilities, experience, intelligence etc I normally hired based on two areas. (1) Attitude (2) Appearance.
The applicant must have both. Employers do not want people with a negative attitude or those that do not make a nice business appearance.
Appearance does not mean the most attractive or handsome but someone that neatly groomed and not showing up wearing improper clothes showing skin, having gaudy earrings or piercings and the like.
Look in the mirror...........Would you hire that person?

Answer 4

Could be a lot of things. Could be your resume isn't showcasing your skills. Could be you are applying for positions which you are not qualified for (hiring directors say this is very common). Also, depending on the positions you are going for, make sure you have a very targetted cover letter, and a resume specific to each job you apply for. Your resume should include only skills and education that are specifically applicable to the job you are applying for. Your cover letter should briefly introduce yourself (a one sentence statement about where you are in your life and what you are looking for) with a nice 3-4 sentence paragraph on why *you* are good for the company. Don't focus so much on why you want the job, but instead on why that employer will really benefit from bringing *you specifically* on board. Good luck and keep trying!

Answer 5

Asking yourself this question is a good first step. Obviously there is something you're not getting. Are you dressed appropriately? What about grooming? Do you have peculiar speech patterns or habits (my personal annoyance is "like" used as an adjective?)

You may want to consider videotaping a practice interview with a friend to get a sense of what you might be doing that could put off an interviewer. Remember that the first few seconds are critical to make an impression - smile, look confident, look the interviewer in the eye, and SELL!

Answer 6

Do you lack experience? That's annoying, since you can't get experience if no one hires you, but no one will hire you if you don't have experience.

Are you applying to places that are currently not hiring? Sometimes it's a sign of how well a place works if they don't have any openings--everyone wants to stay.

Are you not getting any responses at all in your resume? (Ie, you don't get to the interview stage?) Is there any misspellings in your contact info?

If you do get to the interview stage, are you told afterwards that they're hiring another candidate? Do you ask if there's any way you could have improved your application? Ask for feedback.

Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw. Depending on where you're located, it can be maddeningly hard to get a job because the competition is just so fierce.

Answer 7

Any time is a good time to send in a resume to a company.. Although in some companies there are specific times when there is a greater number of openings, if you applied to them out of these 'peak' periods and they are interested in your qualifications, they will contact you when they have openings.

You also said that you have done everything, but are you applying for jobs that match your qualifications and last, if your present qualifications are not up to a satisfactory level you may need to upgrade them in order to compete in the job market.

Hope this information helps and you are able to land a job soon.

Answer 8

First off everyone around you is bluffing or lying! i.e. the economy is not strong & everyone around is not employed! Infact the quoted unemployment statistics are a BIG lie! The government is painting a fake rosey everything is good scenerio to try a make us look good to the rest of the world! When in reality Millions of legal several generational Americans are displace into poverty! I have skills/experience/certification/education etc etc. and the only people being hired are immigrants 7 few token young & naive type people! USA is totally screwed up!

Answer 9

I don't know where you live, but it seems that way to me. I am looking for a job in San Francisco and it is tough out there. They now have the law for everybody to have sick leave, even the temps. The company that wants to hire the temp will pay for the sick leave. so, I am wondering where are the jobs myself. I do have 6 months of work experience and registered for numerous agencies to find work, but nobody is calling me telling me that they have work for me (except one). I don't know why it is so hard to find a job. Hang in there. Something is bound to happen.

Answer 10

A skill helps greatly. I have this problem too. I have no skills and I've been trying for months. But usually to get hired you need a special skill that the employer is looking for