I can't get a job!?

Question

I have been out of school about 4 months. I have 7 years of work experience and a bachelors degree in Business. I can't find anything that pays over $10.00/hr. I have sent out numerous resumes and can't even get a phone call. I work at a family business so I am still yet to even go through an interview! I have had my resume checked by people in career services. I have an honors section that displays all my honors...I had a 3.96 GPA in college...do you think this is hurting me or do I need to go back to school?? What is the issue here??

I graduated from a university in my state...well known to the area. I did an external program where I did half class and half online but my diploma states nothing about that. As far as jobs...I live in a county that has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state but the surrounding counties where I am looking aren't that bad. I just don't know the right people it seems. And as for my job description...I describe myself as a business operations specialist...my family runs a retail store...where I am in charge of file mgmt, retail sales, customer service, inventory mgmt...etc. None of my future employers would even know I was employed at a family business.

Answer 1

I would not have you go back to school until you have some professional level work experience under your belt. If you do, you could educate yourself right out of a job, as people won't be willing to pay a master's level salary to someone with no related work experience. Wait.

Ben H gave good advice. I'll add to what he said.

Make sure that the job title you're using is something that employers are understanding, especially in terms of the position you're trying to get. Keep it simple and clear, and use the language they use.

If the only jobs you can find are at a low rate of pay, but they offer high potential to lead to something you want for the future, then that low rate of pay may be worth it. You could consider these jobs to be a way into the company, and a first step along your new career, rather than "OMG it's only $10 per hour!" But make sure, be very sure, that any job you take is a professional level job, not a dead end. I'd rather you take a low paying, professional job that could really lead to great things, than a higher paid dead end job where you'll be stuck. The impact of the degree isn't always felt in the salary level of that first job. It's all about what *type* of job you can get, and where it can lead you to in future.

I'm not sure of the work environment where you live, but here in my region it's not unusual for a new college graduate to take a job as an assistant in their field of interest: marketing assistant, HR assistant, etc, and move up from there. I know some people with degrees are loathe to look at assistant jobs, but the right type of assistant job, with a company that is known to promote from within, can really work. Could be an option.

Use every resource at your disposal to find a job. Don't be shy. Network. Tell everyone in your family, at church, in clubs, etc., that you are looking. You never know where that can lead. Contact career services, and use their job banks. Use help wanted ads in local newspapers. Contact local employers that you'd like to work for, and ask to speak with someone in your field. Tell them you wonder if they'd do an informational interview with you, to let you know what it's like to work there, and what sorts of positions they have that might fit someone like you, and what sorts of career paths are open to people in that field. Ask lots of questions. Express your enthusiasm. Bring your resume, ask them for their opinion on it, and leave it behind with them, just in case, no pressure.

Also, have a careful look at your resume. Because you have 7 years of work experience, and yet just graduated, you have a choice. You can either rely on the experience, and get a job in that same type of thing (and hopefully move up from there), or else you can rely on your education, get a job unrelated to your work experience, probably at a fairly low salary, and work your way up from there. If you go work experience, highlight that on the resume. If you go education, perhaps downplay the work experience a bit. Don't accidentally imply that you're looking for an upper level position in your current field. In that case, be up front that it was a company owned business, and that you worked there while studying, but that studying was your main thing. And there is no reason why you can't have two (or more) resumes going at the same time - depending on type of position, determines the one you send.

Answer 2

I know some people in HR positions that won't hire someone that advertises a very high GPA. I know it doesn't make good sense but they are able to rationalize it thus:

A student between 3 and 3.5 probably had to work his tail off to do that but those above 3.5 are those people who never had to study and never read the book and get an A anyway. Or he's one of those "nerds" that had no social life bla bla bla....

I know, it's not a fair generalization at all. But reality is that most of them did not have a GPA over 3.5 and they need a way to explain it away.

Experiment a little and see what happens if you make your resume look more like "average Joe" student instead of exceptional student unless you know the employer values exceptional students.

Also, depending upon where you live in this big country, $10 an hour may be a fair college grad starting wage. Find out what the average income is in your community, if it's around $21,000 then $10 an hour is not bad pay there. If you want more and you live in a community like that, you have to move or become a physician. I'm in a community where average income is under $19K per year. Apartment rent is also under $400 a month. Look at the bigger picture.

Answer 3

I hope you find something soon!
I'd recommend hiring a head-hunter if I were you... I've had several friends find their 'dream careers' through head-hunters.

You might also consider relocating to find work.
For example, the economy in Alberta right now is so hot that McD's is paying $9.50/hour plus benefits! No kidding! There are lots of opportunities for Business grads too.

Just some ideas...
Good luck!

Answer 4

Many people in America is feeling that stretch. I know it doesn't help to hear that when your going through personal difficulty. Going back to school can be a an option. Find a field that is in demand and do your personal research.

Nursing is in great demand - since in 90's I have never seen an unemployed nurse. Maybe its me but check around and see if they are any unemployed nurses.

Teachers are in demand especially teachers that work with disability. If I am correct they are student loan forgiveness program for individual that can fill a need in certain areas in the Education field. Good Luck !!!!!

Answer 5

Hmm, without seeing your resume it is difficult to say. Prospective employers may be practicing age discrimination. Don't put anything on your resume that gives away your age if you are older than mid 20s. That means omitting your high school, which is unnecessary once you graduate college.

Did you attend an accredited college?

Think about how you describe your experience in the family business. What you think of as positive may be seen as negative.

Maybe jobs are difficult to come by in your town.

Lots of reasons. Get some help from your college career center. They like to help recent or pending graduates.

Answer 6

Sorry to bring it to you but it could be a bunch of things. Here is my advice:

1. Are you tailoring your resume to the specific job or is it some generic resume. Are there errors? I recommend getting people to read it over that you know are competent at English and writing good resumes. If you can afford it, get a professional company to make one for you.
2. Sending only resumes is for SAPS. Make an appointment with someone in the company (do research to find out who) and talk with them. Even if it is an 'informational' meeting about the company. Express that you are interested and ask them what you have to do to work for their company. Many employers will just tell you (ie. we have a position opening up in a month or we want people who have this kind of experience...) Meet with them FACE TO FACE and hand in your resume then. Have a cover letter that is suitable as well.
3. Be confident, wear the proper attire. Come off professional and do plenty of practice with friends to see what they might ask and what you might say.
4. RESEARCH. Look at companies YOU WANT to work for and go talk to them. Even if a company turns you down just sit down with the hiring manager and ask them how you can improve. Weasel your way in to find out why you are not being accepted.

Answer 7

Don't just phone. Go to a prospective work place in person. Also, dress how you would if you were going to start working there right when you walk in. Be confident in the interview, and look the interviewer in the eye.

Answer 8

Apply

Answer 9

Where did u get your degree? My friend just graduated from Wharton with a B.A. in business and is making a lot of money. It depends on what college u went to.

Answer 10

job