| Topic Name: |
PLEASE PLEASE HELP |
| Message Name: |
Re: Job Search Blues |
| Date Posted: |
03/21/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hey folks,
Maybe you all can help me. I've been searching for a job since I graduated May 2001. Over the summer my job search entailed emailing, faxing, mailing about 20 resumes a day...constantly calling HR people, recruiters, temp agencies (only to get voicemail, and no returned calls). As far as wanting similiar salaries..i've applied to jobs where the pay was low, solely for the sake of experience. A lot of positions I've found are asking for 5+ years experience in the most obsure skills (for example, 7 years exp. in "such-and-such" data system program required).
It seems as if companies are making new graduates feel bad about being fresh out of college. I know I have the competency and ability to perform the tasks in the job descriptions..but because I don't have 5 years experience written on my resume I get brushed off. I am fully aware that in this extremely tight job market, I am now competing with very experienced workers who have been laid off. But how can I get experience in doing something when I am not even considered because I lack experience?? It seems to be a vicious circle.
I've begun to take things personally. What is it about my resume that won't even make companies give me a chance? I graduated from a competitive school that's among the ranked Top 20 in the nation. I held summer internships..2 of which were in finance in London. My grades were pretty decent. I would say that I've got many similar qualities to other students that graduated with me. Why then, on January 26, 2002, am I working at a department store..still hoping every day that a company I've sent my resume to will give me a chance? What did I do wrong? I don't want this to be the result of the $120,000+ investment that my parents put in me. If someone has some answers...please please help.
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| Message: |
If you are working in a department store, you are receiving valuable experience, although you do not realize it.
ARE YOU:
1) Interacting with customers?
2) Having an impact on sales by suggesting other items a customer may have interest in?
(McDonalds employees do this when they ask if you want an apple pie or drink with the order. It increases sales)
3) Interacting with fellow employees?
4) Using your education to identify ways the company can save expenses, provide better service, improve the customer experience, etc.?
The experience you are receiving is not what you want to do for a career, but it can be packaged to entice many employers.
For example: Dealing with customers (and fellow employees), upselling, conflict resolution, problem solving and cost reductions.
These are skills that all employers value but are rarely mentioned in a job description or on a resume.
If you can quantify your cost savings, customer conflict resolution opportunities and the outcome, upselling results (in $'s), progressive thinking and the positive results it had on the company, then you have a way to differentiate yourself from others who graduated when (and even before) you did.
Stop looking ahead to your ideal job and feeling sorry for yourself. See what you are gaining right now.
The 100% perfect / ideal job is very tough to find. Analyze your experience. Even if you don't see it as being valuable, many employers will, if you explain it properly so they see how it will benefit them.
Note in your cover letters how your initiative has helped your current employer.
Your past accomplishments (and attitude) are an indicator of how you will perform for them in the future.
Also, do some research on companies in the area that you would like to work for. Call and try to speak with people in the department that you would like to work for. Ask them about their job tasks, what makes them successful, WHAT PROBLEMS THEY FACE DAILY (you may be able to provide solutions). Ask them for their assistance in providing info on the company that will help you in obtaining a job there. This inside info will help you tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific department head to ask for a meeting/ interview.
Be persistent and send a note, email or call once a month to your contacts, to keep them informed of added experience you have gained that will help their company and to inquire about new opportunities in the dept., or other areas where your skills are needed. This will give you an advantage over other candidates.
Just like school, do your homework then apply it to the process. Persistence and building relationships in these companies will pay off.
Also, attend local chamber of commerce meetings. Your boss at the department store may pay to have you attend to represent the store. These meetings are a great way to network and keep your ears open for job opportunities.
Finally, good luck!
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