What am I doing wrongI've been unemployed since last spring, and then I only had a two-month temporary job. Before that, I was unemployed for a year after my job was "revamped". I always go for months on end without a job and always have to explain my unemployment gaps. I have an Associate in Liberal Arts Degree and strong computer skills (55WPM typing, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, data entry) as well as several years in a couple of mail rooms. I've used Monster and other internet job sites, staffing firms, etc. How can I put an end to this cycle?
In simple terms, you need to increase your skills. 55 wpm, MS Word, Excel and Outlook- that's very ordinary and basic and not what an employer considers "strong" software skills. Associates degree is better than no degree, but it is a far cry from a BA or BS. A couple years in a couple of mailrooms? Nothing special. Talk to your local college about other options. Spend some time with their career counselor and find out what skills, interests and abilities you have and what jobs those translate into, then get some training or further education so you can actually get those jobs.
Tess
Unfortunately, liberal arts doesn't get you very far these days. Computer skills can, though. If possible, you might consider going to a Technology school for a Certification or Degree. One HUGE possibility you should consider is government jobs. I attended a job fair last year where there were federal government people- IRS, Social Security, telling me there are a lot of federal jobs becoming available (possibly state also ), due to an extremely large amount of retirements coming up within the next decade. They are looking for people in all types of positions. Go to federal and state sights and find out what you might need in terms of qualifications, and get them. centraljrsyjobseeker: I know exactly how you feel. I am caught up in the exact same cycle. I have an engineering degree from one of the top 5 engineering schools in the country, and the specific discipline (sp) that I'm in, my school ranks number 1! That doesn't help as much as you might think, though. I too felt that my best bet might be a federal government job. I have been applying to some on www.usajobs.com. So far to no avail, but I haven't given up. I think for the two of us being in the same boat, it might be a good idea to look into the federal government. I have put off going back to school to get an MBA because I can't break this vicious cycle you speak of. Hope this helps and good luck in your job search. | |
|
Career Tips
|