ARGH hard to get a job!?

Question

Ok, I graduated from a good university..with a degree in international affairs. It's been 2 years, and I have realized it is extremely difficult to get into my ideal field..so right now I just want to gain some administrative experience. Why is it so hard to land a damn job?! I have been on probably 8 interviews in the past 8 months, and NOTHING! I mean, I am an extremely hard worker and all my previous employers would attest to this. But WHY is it so hard to get an entry level position? Granted, I have been dabbling in various different jobs (retail, restaurant) for the past 2 years while trying to figure out what I want to do, but now I want to actually start a career.

What am i doing wrong? I feel like so many employment places want someone who has a straight and narrow path towards their goals..and i just want to find something i'm passionate about WHILE gaining some practical experience.

How can I convince people that I am very hardworking and good enough for their company?

i've had several different staffing agencies look at my resume. are they considered "pro"? I just don't know what to do anymore. I'm going to be living at home forever..ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Answer 1

Go to your interviews with letters of recommendations from your former employers. That always help. Say something positive about every position you've held and find something good to say about each company u used to work for.

Since you had various jobs within different sectors, you should have an answer to "why". Employers usually don't hire job hoppers unless you come up with a great answer to why the different sectors/positions.

Your references should be the same ppl who wrote the letters of recommendation. Getting endorsed from your former employers, is usually a good start to landing a good job.

Also, let them know you want to start with an entry level position. You plan to start from the bottom, to eventually emerge within the company. You are tired of going to various companies and desire to find a great fit at one. You are seeking a growth opportunity, long jevity and a career. Some place you can look back and say, "I've worked at my job for 25 years and I love it!"

A warm smile and a firm hand shake usually helps at the beginning of the interview. Body language is very important. Remember, make eye contact!

Answer 2

This may sound incredibly basic, but since you're willing to do entry level work and it's been months w/ 8 interviews, I have to wonder how your interview skills are.

Obviously your resume is fine because its function is to land you the interview and the function of the interview is for you to sell yourself, so somewhere along the line, you are slipping.

Interviewing is an absolute skill and it wasn't until I actually went to a career center workshop on interviewing that I landed my dream job. It comes natural to some and not to others. It's no big deal and if it helps, then what the heck, right?

It also could be that the particular market where you live is so tight that you are up against many, many others that simply have more experience. 8 interviews seems like a red flag to me though.

I'd have a pro look at your resume and offer some advice. I did, and it was just what I needed.

Good luck! I know how stressful and frustrating (and even defeating) this whole process can be! It WILL happen soon for you!

Answer 3

Make finding a job your number one "job" right now. Get on several job sites such as careerbuilder.com, monster.com, hotjobs.com, and jobsintheus.com. Then apply for as many positions as you think you are qualified for. You should be willing to go on two or three interviews a week. If you are doing that then you are getting noticed by potential employers.
Have you followed up with any of the companies that have interviewed you? Even an email can show initiative and bring you to the front of the candidates stack.
By the way, if anyone on here is interested I am seriously considering starting a resume consulting service. Please feel free to email me at [e-mail]

Answer 4

Because the economy is really not very good. There is not nearly enough work to go around. Major firms continue to downsize in order to maximize profit for the shareholders. Smaller firms have trouble staying in business due to the stagnant economy. All firms have an interest in keeping the labor market tight because it allows them to keep prices high, wages down.

This answer will not make Republicans happy, but their lovely little government has really screwed the pooch.

Hope you can find your way through the mess.

There's a lot of qualified workers out here who are having trouble finding any work at all., let alone 'their dream job'...

Answer 5

I too had that same problem I started working in the administative field over 10 years ago and you would think that I would have a top paying admin postition right? absolutely wrong because in some cases they wont hire you because you ar e over qualified so I gave up for a while because I just recently had a child I am now a work at home mom and I love it there are some intersting legitimate work at home admin positions as well my favorite one is http://computers.ordergiftsfree.com/?referral=17318
Its free legitimate and you make instant money it would at least be worth a shot and you have nothing to lose

Answer 6

It seems to me that the turning point for you is the interview. I have worked with many job seekers who have trouble finding jobs and very rarely can they say that they have had 8 interviews.

You are right, employers do look for people who seem to have identified and be following some path. It's the best way to gage seriousness and passion for the field. People who hop in and out of jobs with no obvious goal in mind are generally prone to continue this way of living.

Focus on persuading the interviewer that you are not just a hard worker, but that you have made up your mind about what you want to do and are ready to pursue it. Direct your conversation toward making them feel that you are worthy of the job and plead your case.

Here is a list of reasons why people don't get hired:
-Poor personal appearance
-Overly aggressive
-Inability to express information clearly
-Lack of interest and enthusiasm
-Lack of planning for career; no purpose and no goals
-Nervousness, lack of confidence and poise
-Over emphasis on money
-Unwillingness to start at the bottom
-Lack of tact and courtesy
-Lack of maturity
-Negative attitude about past employers
-No genuine interest in company or job
-No eye contact with the interviewer
-Application form is incomplete or sloppy
-No sense of humor
-Late for interview
-Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's time
-Fail to ask questions about the job
-Gives vague responses to questions

Answer 7

I'm so sorry that you are having so much pain in your life. Don't settle for feeling this way. Keep talking to people that can help you. If you are not comfortable with your doctor, get another one. Don't give up. You CAN get through this and move on to a normal/healthy life.

Answer 8

You can try going to work for a temp agency. A lot of jobs they have available are temp to hire positions. It's a good way to find out if you like the company you're temping for and a way for the company to find out if you're a good fit for them. I know several people who went this route.

Answer 9

Their called head hunters, I might be that they scalp you after they fine you unless the boss pays. Can make a difference though. Maybe it's that they just aren't hiring pirates anymore.