What am I doing wrong
Man do I feel your pain. I can't afford professional services, so I end up having to keep hitting the "apply" button, hoping someone will take interest in my resume. My resume looks really good (I used to format resumes for a staffing firm internally) also. I think a lot of it depends on how good the job market is in your area and how many applicants have an experience/educational advantage over you. Feel lucky you have the education and experience that it takes for the job. I have 5-7 years experience in many job and company industries, yet lack a degree. It lands my resume in the virtual filing cabinet collecting virtual dust.
Hint: Try cold-calling large companies in your area and see how that works...
It is very frustrating. All I want is a steady job with a steady income where I can grow a long term career. I am from a small town, and maybe I am just too naive for a big city (CLT, NC) job market. I have a lot to offer, but can't seem to find a legitimate opportunity.
In response to the person who suggested job fairs: Job fairs are not as productive as they used to be. I went to a recent job fair and NONE of the recruiters would take a resume. They referred everyone to their website. The only success I had was with one IT company recruiter who referred me to a manager of another department. I did talk to this guy over the phone and emailed him my resume, but that was one recruiter out of the 10 that I talked to (a small number of companies I talked to yes, but I only went to companies who had positions that fit my skills).
I found out that because of liability reasons, most companies do not accept resumes at job fairs. If you go to any of these fairs, make sure you get contacts and ask the recruiter if you can email THEM your resume vis-a-vis going through the internet.
I agree, some look like county fairs, instead. One I had attended was actually selling meat. It wasn't a staffing company either.
The Army and temporary agencies don't not miss the opportunity either.
I went to a job fair in NYC and waited on a long line that extended several city blocks. After about two hours I got in. I approached the recruiter for a certain bank that I researched online, since I knew they would have someone there. I offered her my resume expressing interest in an Administrative Assistant position they currently had posted.
She actually told me I had to apply online. After waiting two hours on line in the street, she tells me to apply online. I could have stayed home to do that. What did I accomplish going to the job fair?
Have you thought about working for the federal government? Although government workers sometime get a bad rap, there are unlimitedamounts of opportunities out there and the pay is consistent, plus thebenefits are good and vacation/sick time isn' t too bad. There' salso lots of training that goes along with most governmentpositions. The majority of people will qualify for at least aGS-4 position, which pays close to $11 an hour and more in someareas. If you have experience, degrees etc. You can get hired onup to GS-11, which pays around $60,000 a yr. I was having lots oftrouble getting a good solid job until I came across the idea ofworking for the government.
You are correct! Jon Fairs are a waste of your valuable time. Recruiters sometimes accept resumes but usually direct you to apply on line. So why did I drive anywhere to pay for parking and walk in circles when I can walk in circles and park for free at the MALL? Job Fairs seem to give more exposure to the company/product than actual employment opportunities. Employment agencies (used to be a recruiter) will only benefit you if they have a job order that fits your skills. They are not looking for a job just for YOU! You are one of many candidates and you will do just as well hunting on your own. Age will work against you although age discrimination is unlawful.Hard to prove too. I interviewed for a position and the hiring manager asked me if I could work in a diverse environment and work around young people. Already work in a call center which more than qualified me. After the interview he told the head recruiter I was "untrainable".With nothing to substantiate this.
I was actually hired for another position at the same company but after reviewing the pro & cons I decides to pass. Make sure you why the position is open. Why people fail at this position. What is expected daily,
Positions that are performance based are risky. The 1st month or 2 if you don' t make a quota you get spoken to. After that you get the boot. Also if you can catch another employee alone & out of earshot asked how they like working there, can' t hurt. Go on line to see if any negative reports about the company. And ask around.
Don' t state a pay rate! Ask what range they are offering. It' s safer. If they insist , simply say "I am Looking on the highest possible compensation"
Don' t put all your eggs in on basket.
Try internet sites for jobs, Sunday newspaper ,local newspaper, State employment resources. Government websites door knocking at all local businesses,network with anyone who will listen for job leads, agencies too.Good hunting I' ll probably see you out there.