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so discouraged by my job search :(

post #1 of 18
6/23/11 at 11:20am
Thread Starter 
I've been looking for a job for three weeks now, and for those three weeks I've had at least four interviews per week, but still I haven't heard anything back I am so drained and exhausted from getting my hopes up only to find out later that it's all for nothing...
I guess I'm just venting...Any tips on job searching would be appreciated too...
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post #2 of 18
6/23/11 at 11:28am
Lie on your resume (pretty sure everyone does) and get a full blown makeover, as we've found that even in the IT industry where most of the time the client will never even see you, being at your most physically attractive bumps odds of being hired. We've already gotten a heads up about our branch closing, so I've been on a strict workout routine and will be going clothes shopping and get my hair professionally colored (I have gray hair at a young age which I could otherwise usually give a flip about) in preparation for the interviews. Its stupid, its irrelevant, and its shallow.... but it works!
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post #3 of 18
6/23/11 at 11:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
[G]et a full blown makeover, as we've found that even in the IT industry where most of the time the client will never even see you, being at your most physically attractive bumps odds of being hired.
That's definitely true. I have long, wild curly hair that I affectionately name "the beast." I actually like it in its natural state but for first dates & interviews I straighten it. I also always wear makeup - always always.

It's more of a superstition now, since I've managed to snag almost all the jobs I've interviewed for, and the one time I didn't, it was for an internal position where I didn't know I'd be interviewing until the day of -- no straight hair -- no job.

I'm sorry ut0pia... good luck! Keep being persistent and something will turn up for you - I'm sure of it! I'm also sure there's lots of great advice and support forthcoming on this thread.
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post #4 of 18
6/23/11 at 11:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by parsleysage View Post
I also always wear makeup - always always.
I mean for interviews. As much as I love makeup, I love sleep more!
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post #5 of 18
6/23/11 at 11:44am
You and me both. I've been 'between jobs' for longer than I'd like to admit, after getting laid off. I haven't even had many interviews though. I'm horrible timid and nervous, so I know i'm not great at interviewing, but when I get the opportunity, I give it my all, as best I can. But I know it's good to try your best to look confident and speak confidently. Look up info about the company you're interviewing with, so you know about them. You can ask questions about the company, so it shows them that you're interested and took the time to learn about the company.

Also, talk to people you know. "Are you hiring? Do you know anyone who's hiring?" Is something I've been asking friends and family for ages. It helps to know people.

Good luck in the job search, hope you find something soon!!
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post #6 of 18
6/23/11 at 3:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ut0pia View Post
I've been looking for a job for three weeks now, and for those three weeks I've had at least four interviews per week, but still I haven't heard anything back I am so drained and exhausted from getting my hopes up only to find out later that it's all for nothing...
I guess I'm just venting...Any tips on job searching would be appreciated too...
For 2.5 yrars now I've been looking. Had interviews & offers, just not 'the right' one or enough $$. So i Ifeel you're pain!!
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post #7 of 18
6/23/11 at 3:39pm
I put out applications every day for 9 months before I was called for an interview. If you were able to get that many interviews in 3 weeks, something will come your way soon.

I like to do a little bit of research on the company before I interview and prepare a list of questions. Interviewers usually like relevant questions, as it shows you have interest in them. If it seems to you that they don't want to be questioned, ask 1 or 2 then stop. If it seems to you that they really like to talk, keep asking. It boosts the ego of the interviewer if you can keep them talking and gets them to like you more.
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post #8 of 18
6/23/11 at 5:10pm
Another one who knows what you feel my friend.... the situation is really hard, but DON´T GIVE UP my friend....
Keep your faith!...is "OK" sometimes to feel really dissapointed as you feel now,...but I´m so sure is not forever...
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post #9 of 18
6/23/11 at 5:15pm
everyone stretches the truth on resumes, lying is a silly recomendation and will only get you stuck.

start claiming you can do things you have never tried and end up getting hired because of it, and it will bite you in the butt. Not only that, but if ANYTHING on your resume is proven to be a lie, they have a lifetime free ticket to fire you at any time. And believe me, interviewers know this.
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post #10 of 18
6/23/11 at 5:15pm
Thread Starter 
Lol funny I have the opposite superstition- straight hair = not getting the job for me! It's because on my very first interview, I straightened my hair and I didn't get the job...from that point on I never straighten it.
I think my problem is I don't keep them talking long enough...a lot of times I just don't get it, I meet and exceed all of their qualifications, my resume is really good, I have a high gpa and went to a top 10% university.. So I don't understand why they don't call back. I am just exhausted from putting all this effort into finding a job, researching each company, preparing for each interview, and since I am pretty shy too after each interview I feel like I've run a marathon or some huge excersion because it drains me to have to go throu it. I am seriously hoping I get a call from the places I already interviewed...
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post #11 of 18
6/23/11 at 5:47pm
[quote=ut0pia;3080228]So I don't understand why they don't call back. QUOTE]

This may sound like a silly question/suggestion... but, have you ever actually called the company after a few weeks and asked if they had made a decision, and if not, WHY it wasn't you?

I once (MANY years ago) had someone call me after a few months passed after an interview in which the company I worked for never got back to her. She very confidently said WHY she felt she was a good candidate, and while she respected our decision was curious WHY she wasn't a good fit for us.

I was a bit taken back, but I answered her openly & honestly. A few months later, she sent me a handwritten note thanking me for my candor & said she took my opinion into consideration, applied the ideas and landed a similiar job at a different company.

I know this approach isn't for everyone, but it may give you the extra boost you need to make whatever adjustment is needed to get the position you want.
Either way - Best of luck to you on your search
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post #12 of 18
6/23/11 at 5:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by white cat lover View Post
For 2.5 yrars now I've been looking. Had interviews & offers, just not 'the right' one or enough $$. So i Ifeel you're pain!!
I'd be cautious about being picky in this market. Every month you are unemployed, you are that much more likely to be passed over or given a low-ball offer.

In fact, the giant corporation Sony has flat out said that if you are out of work right now, DO NOT submit an application as they won't even look at it. Yup, its perfectly legal. All of their job openings are only for people that are currently employed and they are a VERY big company and definitely not alone.

The longer you are unemployed, the more it seems that businesses just didn't want you, and your skills may be rusty, and since this is absolutely an employers market now they just pass you up for someone similar.

You can always start a job, if it doesn't require relocating, and search Monster.com and interview on your free time, because again employers like it better if you're already employed anyway. Even if I have to take a 20% cut, I'm going to grab it and just keep shopping.
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post #13 of 18
6/23/11 at 5:55pm
edit: nevermind, Was wrong.
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post #14 of 18
6/25/11 at 6:35am
I'm sorry you're going through this right now. I don't have any suggestions or tips to give you, but just wanted to give you a . I hope you can find something soon.

I just did think of something.....do you send a Thank You note after your interview? When I was job searching, I always sent a Thank You note after the interviews I had. When I was hired at the Planning Dept, one of the reasons was b/c of that darn note! He was so impressed that I did that.....it seems that nobody does that anymore. He told me that it was a tie between a guy and me. That Thank You note tipped it over to me. Go figure.
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post #15 of 18
6/25/11 at 8:05am
I agree, follow up. Either with a phone call to see if the position has been filled or send a thank you note. Sometimes just letting them know you are still interested can turn the tables in your favor.

Also, don't set you sights too high. Apply for the jobs you want, but let them know you are willing to take a lower position and move up as you prove yourself. There's nothing wrong with taking an entry level position because they know what you are capable of and will have their eye on you for advancement.

Good luck hon!
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post #16 of 18
6/25/11 at 5:39pm
You also have to remember that in this economy, for every 1 job out there, there can be 200 people applying for it. Be lucky you even had an interview.
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post #17 of 18
6/25/11 at 5:45pm
It took me over a year to find a new job after I got laid off. Took a nice pay cut to get this job, but its still a job.

what kind of profession are you looking for? get business cards made up. When I was looking (for a graphic design position), I put my card on a graphic design/print truck in a random parking lot. the people called me the next day (even though it didnt work out, they wanted freelance only). still, it was something!

go through the phone book for the places you'd want and mail them your resumes, whether they're hiring or not, send it to them.

I'd also consider getting a expert to look over your resume to help you spice it up more. an attractive cover letter and portfolio works wonders too.

and for interviews, don't ask about the pay unless they bring it up. makes you seem more negotiable when its time to chat about it.

umm.. thats all I can think of at the moment
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post #18 of 18
6/25/11 at 6:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ut0pia View Post
I've been looking for a job for three weeks now, and for those three weeks I've had at least four interviews per week, but still I haven't heard anything back I am so drained and exhausted from getting my hopes up only to find out later that it's all for nothing...
I guess I'm just venting...Any tips on job searching would be appreciated too...
I really feel for you. I have several friends that are in the same position. Their jobs are all IT. Most of them have taken temp positions with a placement firm just to have some income rolling in the door. One friend took a 50% pay cut... OUCH! But, he can put employed on his resume', continue looking and still make the mortgage payment.

I personally have no advice for you except look like you're on top of your game and take anything in order to look like you're still employed. Employed people, or so I am told, are getting preference for jobs these days.

I was fortunate to be able to retire early from my business career. Yes, it was IT as well. I don't think there is a snowball's chance I'd be able to find anything that even came close to what I was making before. Pretty discouraging but one can't let it get them down.

Best of luck in your search! Sending vibes...
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