Is anyone here struggling to find a job?

[Mr Mystery]

So currently, the Evening Standard are running a series of (largely banal) articles about unemployment amongst young people in London.

They're replete with post-graduates stating they've sent off hundreds of applications, and never had an interview.

And it got me wondering if anyone on BoLs is in a similar situation, and whether those of us in gainful employment can offer any help or advice?

Me, I've finally more or less made it, and have a rather fun job which I very much enjoy, and all without any more than GCSEs (none above a C grade either). But I do have a wealth of work experience, and I would be happy to offer pointers to anyone looking for work as to what has worked for me in the past. My basic premise is below!

1. Swallow your pride. Regardless of how well qualified you are, it is ALWAYS better to be in work than to be unemployed. There is no such thing as a job being demeaning. No job is beneath you.
2. Never stop looking. On the occasions I haven't been fired or made redundant, I have found it incredibly easy to move jobs, and from chatting with my friends, our anecdotal evidence matches. It seems a lot easier to find a new job whilst you are already employed.
3. Work is out there.
4. Your job is what you make of it. It took me several years to extract cranium from rectum, and it has paid dividends (first full pay packet from new job, and first pension payments to boot!). If you're going to do a job, do it to the best of your ability, whether it's being a captain of industry, or a trolley pusher. Developing a 'can do' attitude is in my opinion truly vital
5.TAILOR YOUR DAMNED CV! Such an obvious point, but simply put, a broad strokes CV isn't worth more than a glance. Do your research. Look into the job and role further. Highlight your strengths in that realm on your CV. And don't forget to check your spelling and grammar with a fine toothed comb! Check check and check again. Then check once more.
6. So, you've got an interview. Time to show your research skills. Everyone has them. You just need to hone them. Showing knowledge in your interview gives you a massive, massive boost.
7. Avoid giving the impression this is 'any port in a storm'. You want THAT job. You want to work for THAT company.
8. Do enquire about progression. Show a willingness to develop in the role, regardless of how dead end it might appear. An ambitious employee is a hard working employee.
9. Get networking. Talk to your peers and parents. They may know of an opening you can get into!

And that folks, is the secret to my relative success. I can't say it works all the time, every time, but it has served me well!

As for progression? Tempting as it might be to keep on splurging your cash, start saving, especially if you've simply taken the job to start earning and to avoid daytime TV. I've gone from being walking distance from my office, to a £432 a month commute. The bigger a warchest you can save, the wider you can cast your net when looking for a new job. Avoid credit cards and loans in general like the plague. To have debt over your head (beyond your student debt of course) is a recipe for being tied to one job, as you cannot risk moving on and winding up out of work. If you do have debt, get it paid off before you move. Trust me, it makes life a lot easier!

So, over to everyone else who would like to contribute!

[Deadlift]

I think you have covered most if not all the bases there. Just to add to you advice about loans and debt. If your reading this then please please please avoid those "payday" style loans. They are a terrible way to manage a financial shortfall. I hate the way companies like "wonga.com" prey on the those in need.

If you need help with expenses getting to and fro for job interviews, the
Job centre can help. Banks despite their bad rep can actually be very helpful too.

I offer my employees an interest free advance on wages for emergencys and when they 1st start, some business's do the same.

[Mr Mystery]

Indeed. I currently have a payday loan, and will be paying it off then never going anywhere near them ever again! Far, far too expensive.

Also, don't fuss about the wages. Your first few jobs, don't expect the lap of luxury. You have to take your low wage licks I'm afraid. Once you have proven yourself, and it's time to move on, then you can start to be fussy. After all, you know your current outgoings and profit margin!

Need to move out the family home? Take it from me, living on your own gets expensive, and living with your friends rarely turns out well (oh hello burning flat....long story). But there are websites out there that specialise in flat shares. Typically these will be cheaper, and if you're lucky, also all inclusive barring food, making your wage go that much further!

[DarkLink]

Unfortunately, there's only so much you can do when there are 160 applicants for a single position, and 12 interviews, and most of the other interviewers have more work experience and higher education than you. At least I'm getting some interviews, though.

[Deadlift]

Unfortunately, there's only so much you can do when there are 160 applicants for a single position, and 12 interviews, and most of the other interviewers have more work experience and higher education than you. At least I'm getting some interviews, though.

Good luck matey.

[Mr Mystery]

Just got to keep punching man. It sounds hackneyed I know, but you only need one yes.

Sell yourself. You've identified an issue (I won't call it a problem....) so think of how to tackle and resolve it. For instance, my new job is in the financial sector. 100 applicants for every person hired. I have pretty minimal education, and most of my colleagues are qualified Solicitors. If I can do it, you can do it! As I said, you just have to keep on punching.

[Sean_OBrien]

Unfortunately, there's only so much you can do when there are 160 applicants for a single position, and 12 interviews, and most of the other interviewers have more work experience and higher education than you. At least I'm getting some interviews, though.

What's your field?

That is the big issue that I have been having of late. Although we are full up - we still get applications in fairly regularly, however most of the degrees are in...unrelated fields. I know several other companies in my line of work are having a stiff time filling slots and are having to look into things like H1B programs to find hires. Lots of BAs out there floating around, I even had a resume with a PhD in Mediterranean Art float across my desk last month - but when you are looking for technical experience...those might as well apply for a position in our mail/stock room.

[DarkLink]

Civil engineer, which would normally be a cornucopia of options but for California's economy. On top of the poor economy, the only areas really hiring are all in water resources, one of the things I didn't specialize in at college. I'm also one of those people who tends to suffer from not looking as good on paper as they are. Something I need to work on.

I do find it funny how terrible most resume advice online is. I've tried plenty of "normal" resumes, but the only responses I got had nothing to do with my resume, but rather with a solid cover letter. Resumes seem to be little more than 'college degree, check, work experience, check, extracurricular activities, check, ok, put it in the pile of potentials'.


On the bright side, though, I can work out and watch movies and tv shows and anime and play video games and work out some more, and still have time left over to sit around bored. And I've got plenty of stuff to do around the house, as we've got a decent amount of property and we're pouring concrete patios and labor-intensive stuff like that pretty often. So while I might not be employed, I'm earning my rent and I've pretty much paid my college debt to my parents off.

[Sean_OBrien]

While it has probably been mentioned to you, I would look at the Dakotas. They are booming right now and as a result CE degrees are in huge demand. Few years doing drainage planning for the new oil fields or working on any number of road projects which are in play and then if you feel the desire to move back to the East or Left coast - the economy will likely be in a better position for you.

[Mr Mystery]

If you like, I'll put up my CV on here for you to have a look at. Not saying it's perfect, or even a good style, but it may be of use.

[Psychosplodge]

1. Swallow your pride. Regardless of how well qualified you are, it is ALWAYS better to be in work than to be unemployed. There is no such thing as a job being demeaning. No job is beneath you.True, but on the other hand when I was looking for my first "proper job" I did get asked at interviews why I thought I could do it with just several years of retail experience
2. Never stop looking. On the occasions I haven't been fired or made redundant, I have found it incredibly easy to move jobs, and from chatting with my friends, our anecdotal evidence matches. It seems a lot easier to find a new job whilst you are already employed.True, I did get a job quicker the two times I've moved while employed
3. Work is out there.Is and isn't I think theres something like 300 applications for every advertised position near me, more desirable jobs get even more, I think the neighbouring police force got something like 100k applications for 30 jobs or something like that
4. Your job is what you make of it. It took me several years to extract cranium from rectum, and it has paid dividends (first full pay packet from new job, and first pension payments to boot!). If you're going to do a job, do it to the best of your ability, whether it's being a captain of industry, or a trolley pusher. Developing a 'can do' attitude is in my opinion truly vitalIt can also get you stuck where you are as you're too imtergral to promote. and pensions are a con because of our tax system, working in finance you should realise that.
5.TAILOR YOUR DAMNED CV! Such an obvious point, but simply put, a broad strokes CV isn't worth more than a glance. Do your research. Look into the job and role further. Highlight your strengths in that realm on your CV. And don't forget to check your spelling and grammar with a fine toothed comb! Check check and check again. Then check once more. I think the covering letter does far more than a tailored cv
6. So, you've got an interview. Time to show your research skills. Everyone has them. You just need to hone them. Showing knowledge in your interview gives you a massive, massive boost.Honesty is the best policy, the bad with the good, I told an interviewer in a shop exactly why lost a job (£10-£20k damage in a forklift accident, and that i wanted a job wasn't particulaly bothered where) was offered job on the spot explained had interview for proper job day after(got better job day after)
7. Avoid giving the impression this is 'any port in a storm'. You want THAT job. You want to work for THAT company.I found that as long as you were honest and said you'd still put the effort in they're less bothered, it's better than when they can see you're lying and will leave in a month, if they know they can be prepared, as with I said in six
8. Do enquire about progression. Show a willingness to develop in the role, regardless of how dead end it might appear. An ambitious employee is a hard working employee.Don't look more competent then them, they hate if they think you'll be their boss oneday
9. Get networking. Talk to your peers and parents. They may know of an opening you can get into!More often than not you'll find it's who you know, not what you know that'll get you your foot in the door.

[Denzark]

Bloody hell MM a serious topic, with some awesome good gen for people.

Let me add my tuppence worth:

1. CV - don't lie, do try and keep it to 2 pages. Many companies sift at the CV stage and if this is poor you disadvantage yourself.

2. Do some research about the company you are trying to get to employ you. The internet is your friend.

3. The interview. Don't be late (if necessary, recce the location well before hand). Unless it is not essential make sure you look presentable. Consider whether displaying your 5-inch heeled boots, goth trench coat and new branding/tattoo is important or whether getting regular income is. You can look like a greaser in your own time. If you have shoes shine them. Iron your shirt. if it has button down collars, button them. Top button up. Tie tied reasonably - you are not behind the bike sheds at Grange hill so no massive or peanut knots.

4. Don't lie in the interview. Don't bluff, if they asdk you something you don't know don't try and guess. Don't have a wet limp handshake.

5. If you do get knocked back, ask the HR department for feedback.

The armed forces are recruiting even for persons with no grades. So even the most academically uninclined canget steady emploment and a trade.

[scadugenga]

Having been on both sides of the process (job hunting (of course) but also screening applicants, diving through resumes/cover letters, and participating in one-on-one interviews as well panel interviews--a lot of what has already been said is golden. A few other bits:

1) Cover Letter. This is perhaps the most important part of your job submission. The cover letter is what is going to set you apart from the rest of the resume pile.

1a) Do your research. If your cover letter shows that you already have knowledge about the company, it's mission/goals, and current market status--that will win big brownie points and move your resume up to the top of the interview list.

1b) Quality, not Quantity is the goal of your letter. Clear, concise information is going to attract attention.

1c) Never, ever ever mention personal information in your cover letter. They don't need to know your age, your religion, marital status or sexual orientation. These are huge no-no's.

2) Resumes: If you are a entry-level (IE college grad) looking for a position--your resume should be 1 page. Hell, unless you're in the educational field and need a full blown CV, your resume should never expand beyond two pages, and that only if you have significant work experience. (after entry level--no one cares about your extra curricular college achievements.)

2a) Don't go for fancy layouts. Clear and concise is the way to go.

2b) There is no such thing as one resume for all occasions. Tailor your resume (and of course, your cover letter) to the job you're hoping to interview for.

3) The Interview: You should always dress appropriately for the job your applying for. If you're applying for a manual labor job--you really don't need a suit. IF you're looking for mall retail work "business casual" is just fine. Anything corporate is full on business professional attire, however. Unless you know it's a casual environment--going a bit more conservative is always better. (A friend once was applying to be a computer game programmer--and he was flown out for the interview--did the whole bus-casual thing. His interviewers were in shorts and flip flops. They then flew him to E3 to meet with some of the money behind the company. When he asked if he should wear a suit--they were horrified. "No! Jeans and a polo will be just fine. You'll scare them otherwise.")

3a) Research up on the company. If you're knowledgeable about the place you want to work, you'll make yourself look better.

3b) Be true to yourself (well, excluding any bad habits.) A good interviewer can tell when you're giving bullcrap formulaic answers and that won't sit well. They want to know more about your personality and how you'll fit in with the rest of the team.

Of course, it always helps if you know someone already working there to put in a good word. Sometimes it just gets your resume to the top of the pile, and that can help.

4) Be flexible. Your dream job may not be hiring--but it's better to be taking home a paycheck (usually*) than waiting around for that one, true perfect opportunity.

Some things to avoid:

1) Do not, under any circumstances, have a picture of yourself on your cover letter heading. It's not only tacky, but very off-putting.

2) Never mention any personal information in your interview that could put you at risk for getting passed over. Race, Marital Status, Child Status, Religion, Sexual Orientation, etc. You never know if the fact you're an agnostic will lose you a job. Conversely, if you have strong beliefs, you may want to keep your lips zipped on that as well. EG: During one panel interview I led for the University's Social Worker position, I asked a basic question to an interviewee: "We have a small, but active LGBT community on campus. How would you be able to represent them?" The reply the lady provided was "Well, while I do find that life choice to be morally wrong..." Yeah, you can guess she didn't get the job.

*sometimes, a job is not worth taking. In one case, a buddy of mine passed over a couple job offers, because being a stay at home dad made more fiscal sense. (The job paid less than the daycare would cost.)

[Mr Mystery]

Also, in an interview situation, they will throw you curve balls. There is nothing wrong with telling them you need a moment to think about and consider your answer. Obviously, don't take too long, but showing consideration can only be a good thing.

And when looking for work....hit the street. Most small companies can't afford to advertise their position thoroughly. I've found several of my past jobs by just wandering around town, dropping into shops asking if they are hiring. Go armed with a few CVs. I did this with a friend a few months back who was struggling to find work. Within a week, she'd been hired as a flex hour waitress. Not exactly a dream job, but a job nonetheless.

If you're ballsy enough, you could even try telephoning a company to enquire after vacancies.

Also, check their website. Most have a vacancy listings page. May not be anything, but checking it out doesn't take much time. Plus you're then supremely well placed to do some company research there and then!

I don't know about the US, but right now in the UK telephone interviews are very much in vogue. If you're offered one (usually part of a two or three step recruitment process) get prepared for it as you would any other interview. Have your notes on hand to help, and let them know you're referring to them, following your own research. Again, it's impressive!

[Drunkencorgimaster]

I love this thread. Nice work Herr Mystique. I'll throw in yet another plug for networking. It is critical.