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[entremet]

Okay... holy shit, just got an email for a request to interview for a full time position. Just replied with my available times and I'm kind of freaking out. This is going to be my first interview for an actual job since graduating last May.

The job is for an Individual Giving Assistant at this well known museum in Chicago. To be quite honest most of my internship work has been in Communications, but I've worked with Development departments to develop fundraising campaigns. Nonetheless I'm still nervous about my qualifications.

Any advice? I REALLY don't want to mess this up.

Focus on transferable skills. Things you learned and did in previous positions, or in school, or volunteering, and so on that can transfer well into this position.

Transferable skills are the key here and you seem to have them. Don't worry.

Read and memorize the job description and come up with answers on each bullet point item, with concrete examples.

If you lack experience in certain areas, focus on your willingness to grow and learn.

Also, what have you been doing since you graduated? They're gonna ask that. Hopefully, you've been volunteering or building skills. Even part time work is fine. Being a recent grad, employers are more lenient on gaps.

 

[meowmixer]

Just heard back on the job I had flown out to interview for. Lost a day and half of pay to do it. They "Decided to go with another candidate". Said she would contact me back with feedback later on, prob never hear from her again. All that work and time for nothing.

The title of this thread doesn't lie. It truly is soul-crushing. All I want to do is play some video games after work and instead all I get to do is job hunt. Sucks.

 

[TheStruggler]

Have an interview tomorrow at a better school, the one I work at now is shitty. Wish me luck gaf. So nervous, ill be working all day with my asshole students (seriously you should see these kids), then rush to the other interview within 20 minutes. Going to be super stressed.

 

[entremet]

Just heard back on the job I had flown out to interview for. Lost a day and half of pay to do it. They "Decided to go with another candidate". Said she would contact me back with feedback later on, prob never hear from her again. All that work and time for nothing.

The title of this thread doesn't lie. It truly is soul-crushing. All I want to do is play some video games after work and instead all I get to do is job hunt. Sucks.

I told this to someone before, but feedback can be a bit bullshit.

Most hiring decisions at that level are made using the criteria, "Who do I like better?" It's like dating honestly. It's highly subjective.

Your resume and initial interviews prove that they thought you were qualified. It sucks. We've all been there. But keep persevering. Just don't take the feedback as gospel.

 

[Kisaya]

Focus on transferable skills. Things you learned and did in previous positions, or in school, or volunteering, and so on that can transfer well into this position.

Transferable skills are the key here and you seem to have them. Don't worry.

Read and memorize the job description and come up with answers on each bullet point item, with concrete examples.

If you lack experience in certain areas, focus on your willingness to grow and learn.

Also, what have you been doing since you graduated? They're gonna ask that. Hopefully, you've been volunteering or building skills. Even part time work is fine. Being a recent grad, employers are more lenient on gaps.

I graduated with two internships under my belt, and since then I've done four more (presently at two right now). Have done some volunteering at the Chicago Humanities Festival, as well as assisting with social media efforts for this one disability advocacy non-profit remotely. All this while also working part-time at a museum shop. Basically I keep myself occupied, and don't allow myself to have gaps

This is really good advice, I just saved the job posting in case they take it down and I'm going to start preparing. Thank you so much!!

 

[entremet]

I graduated with two internships under my belt, and since then I've done four more (presently at two right now). Have done some volunteering at the Chicago Humanities Festival, as well as assisting with social media efforts for this one disability advocacy non-profit remotely. All this while also working part-time at a museum shop. Basically I keep myself occupied, and don't allow myself to have gaps

This is really good advice, I just saved the job posting in case they take it down and I'm going to start preparing. Thank you so much!!

Good luck!

Everyone should save job posting to every job they apply. I use Evenote for that, but you can just take a screenshot or copy and paste into Notepad/Word. Whatever works for you.

Just make sure you archive them well so you can reference the job description and job title to prepare for interviews.

 

[StoneFox]

Just got off the phone with the owner of a kennel for service dogs. They were looking for an assistant so the trainers don't have to spend their time taking care of the dogs and can instead focus on training (so basically I come in in the morning, feed and exercise them and clean up any messes).

We set up a meeting for tomorrow for me to "see if I still wanted the job". I think this means I basically have the job, here's hoping. It's part time, but hell, it's something!

 

[Fall Into The GAF]

In terms of your Graphic Design, do you have a website/portfolio? Have you tried reaching out to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations? Craigslist? LinkedIn Groups?

Doesn't LinkedIn require you to have a head shot of yourself like Upwork does? I am not too keen on having my face on the internet. I guess I can troll through Craigslist and see what I can find.

If you are looking for something just to pay the bills temporarily while you build your portfolio (if you don't have one), look into Call Center jobs I know for many it's not the most glamorous gig but you won't be there long anyway and it'll plug in your gaps. If phones aren't your thing depending on where you live, you may also want to try out your local Temp agencies. Also if you haven't already, consider asking your family/acquaintances if they know someone; it doesn't hurt to try as I am sure you know the old saying..

That's the issue I ran into earlier today with the job fair. They kind of shoo you into applying online or going to their designated sites away from the job fair to apply. Seems useless and redundant just so the company can save face. I think temp agencies are my best bet at this point.

 

[Magna_Mixalis]

Doesn't LinkedIn require you to have a head shot of yourself like Upwork does? I am not too keen on having my face on the internet. I guess I can troll through Craigslist and see what I can find.


That's the issue I ran into earlier today with the job fair. They kind of shoo you into applying online or going to their designated sites away from the job fair to apply. Seems useless and redundant just so the company can save face. I think temp agencies are my best bet at this point.

About the LinkedIn thing, you don't have to have a picture posted (I don't), but the general consensus is that it helps with visibility. Your mileage will vary.

 

[ZackieChan]

Doesn't LinkedIn require you to have a head shot of yourself like Upwork does? I am not too keen on having my face on the internet. I guess I can troll through Craigslist and see what I can find.


That's the issue I ran into earlier today with the job fair. They kind of shoo you into applying online or going to their designated sites away from the job fair to apply. Seems useless and redundant just so the company can save face. I think temp agencies are my best bet at this point.

It's about time to get over that fear. Internet networking is a huge part of networking, particularly if you're not just looking local. Get a professional-looking headshot done.

Also, someone asked if you had a website or portfolio - do you? Do you have any graphic design experience? There are a bunch of courses on Lynda and such; maybe you can take those rather than going to school? It all depends on what you want to do. Most places (I'm sure) would want a real degree. What did the people at the job fair say? Was this fair design-related?

You really need to produce a lot of work to show you know what you're doing. Take freelance jobs and such. Start some fake businesses and do up some branding packages. Do some design for website branding. I dunno. Get some work done to show who you are and what you can do. There's graphic designers here on GAF, they probably have some better advice. Mine is more "making yourself a brand on the Internet" advice.

 

[lord]

About the LinkedIn thing, you don't have to have a picture posted (I don't), but the general consensus is that it helps with visibility. Your mileage will vary.

It probably does help but I've never had a photo on it and in the 4 years I've been a member I got a job, tons of freelance work, met great people, even made a friend. So no, it's not required at all.

 

[entremet]

It's about time to get over that fear. Internet networking is a huge part of networking, particularly if you're not just looking local. Get a professional-looking headshot done.

Also, someone asked if you had a website or portfolio - do you? Do you have any graphic design experience? There are a bunch of courses on Lynda and such; maybe you can take those rather than going to school? It all depends on what you want to do. Most places (I'm sure) would want a real degree. What did the people at the job fair say? Was this fair design-related?

You really need to produce a lot of work to show you know what you're doing. Take freelance jobs and such. Start some fake businesses and do up some branding packages. Do some design for website branding. I dunno. Get some work done to show who you are and what you can do. There's graphic designers here on GAF, they probably have some better advice. Mine is more "making yourself a brand on the Internet" advice.

Becoming a brand online is almost a necessity these days.

You definitely need to get over that fear.

 

[Kalnos]

I have a pretty good job right now but I applied for a dream job, got the interview, and it went fuckin' really well last Thursday and now I'm fucking super nervous waiting for a call/email back. I hate this feeling so goddamn much

and I got it! Fuck yeah.

 

[Stallion Dan]

Someone: "Hi, I'm calling about the job you applied for"

Me: "Hi, may I ask which job that is exactly?"

Someone: "Well if you don't know you clearly don't really want the job" *Hangs up phone*


True story.

 

[Makai]

Someone: "Hi, I'm calling about the job you applied for"

Me: "Hi, may I ask which job that is exactly?"

Someone: "Well if you don't know you clearly don't really want the job" *Hangs up phone*


True story.

HR uses pretty hilarious weedout tactics.

 

[Stallion Dan]

If I knew who it was I seriously would have called back and called him a prat for thinking I only applied to a single job and should know who is calling.

 

[Makai]

If I knew who it was I seriously would have called back and called him a prat for thinking I only applied to a single job and should know who is calling.

Call history 8)

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

Best Buy?

I guess I can check there again.

Try quick gigs.

Restaurants, parking attendants, starbucks, etc.

You're totally jobless correct? Get a part time job and work from there. You're more attractive to employers doing anything. Plus it will help your confidence in interviews.

If you're looking for more professional opportunities and love kids, consider alternative certifications programs for teaching. They always need new teachers.

Actually I got a job about 4 weeks ago. I'm looking for something better. My checks are only in the double digits and frankly that ain't shit you can live off. I did apply to Starbucks a little while back, but never heard from them. I can't teach, I'd end up killing a child. That does remind me, I did have an interview about a month ago teaching gymnastics to children and I went one day to work for her to see how I'd do. I felt weird around those children, not sure if I can touch them and what's appropriate to say, that's probably why I didn't get it, but I talked about that before and my mother thought it was too much of a hassle for a $8 an hour job that I had to take 4 buses and walk three blocks to get to.

Like entremet said, try some smaller gigs. Craiglist has tons of them every day including the weekends.

Try looking for administrative assistant and clerical work in your area. I also cosign Craigslist. Call centers are always hiring as well, see if you can find one with decent pay (or if you want a phone job from home, go with Apple for At-Home Advisors). It's tough out here, but you got to stay on your hustle.

I've been on admin assistant jobs like nobodies business, but haven't heard back from any. I'll look into this Apple thing, but I really want something that will get me on my path, since I have a degree in Media Studies and am looking to get into the game industry. I was hating as hell when I heard one of my friend's boys got that production assistant job I applied for and he just got out of school.

 

[Arkos]

I got a job through Adecco

 

[ZackieChan]

Becoming a brand online is almost a necessity these days.

You definitely need to get over that fear.

Pretty much. I'm 37, and sometimes google old classmates. It amazes me that some of them have almost no online presence. I've got pages of Google results under my name. B)

 

[TaterTots]

To those of you with a clean record and looking for work. I suggest looking into your local Sheriff Department for opportunities. People quit nearly as soon as they're hired. It's not as difficult to get on as one may think if you have a absolutely clean record.

 

[cpp_is_king]

To those of you with a clean record and looking for work. I suggest looking into your local Sheriff Department for opportunities. People quit nearly as soon as they're hired. It's not as difficult to get on as one may think if you have a absolutely clean record.

Nice sales pitch! Brb applying...

 

[pje122]

Pretty much. I'm 37, and sometimes google old classmates. It amazes me that some of them have almost no online presence. I've got pages of Google results under my name. B)

Good for you, I guess? You can certainly be gainfully employed and not have your "presence" splayed out for the world to see.

 

[entremet]

Good for you, I guess? You can certainly be gainfully employed and not have your "presence" splayed out for the world to see.

Sure, but the economy is changing and standing out helps. Remember, with most jobs you're competing with dozens of applicants.

I've gotten recruitment offers from LinkedIn for doing nothing at all. Just keeping it up to date.

Heck my last job I got from LinkedIn lol.

If you're a freelancer or a solopreneur, it's essential.

 

[pje122]

Sure, but the economy is changing and standing out helps. Remember, with most jobs you're competing with dozens of applicants.

I've gotten recruitment offers from LinkedIn for doing nothing at all. Just keeping it up to date.

Heck my last job I got from LinkedIn lol.

If you're a freelancer or a solopreneur, it's essential.

I was talking more about pages and pages of Google results, less about a LinkedIn profile.

 

[smokeandmirrors]

Most hiring decisions at that level are made using the criteria, "Who do I like better?" It's like dating honestly. It's highly subjective.

doubly so for small companies. at least for me it's exactly how I got my job. they pretty much told me they liked me more than the other candidates.

 

[meowmixer]

Someone: "Hi, I'm calling about the job you applied for"

Me: "Hi, may I ask which job that is exactly?"

Someone: "Well if you don't know you clearly don't really want the job" *Hangs up phone*


True story.

Many recruiters seem to think they are kings on high handing out edicts from heaven sometimes. I had one place call me 5 minutes before I had an interview with another company. I politely explained I had an appointment (not saying it was an interview) and asked if I could I call him back in an hour. He gave me the HR number for some reason and I then called them later. Always got the machine, left 3 messages, never heard back.

I mean was he really so angry I couldn't take his call at that EXACT minute in time? Just like your call, they seem to think the entire world revolves around them. I see that a lot with time zone differences as well where they seem completely oblivious to the fact the country has multiple time zones outside their own.

 

[Camp1nCarl]

Keep it up people. I posted in here a few times and I will be finally starting my first post-grad job in a little more than one week. Unfortunately I had to move to a place where I don't know anyone and it doesn't pay well, but I really needed the experience and I did like the company and culture.

Just keep grinding out those applications, all you need is one bite. Don't be afraid to hit them up if they are getting back to you slowly too.

I'll probably be getting back into the job search towards the end of this year and early next year though again. Good luck everyone and keep your head up during the search.

 

[spuckthew]

If I knew who it was I seriously would have called back and called him a prat for thinking I only applied to a single job and should know who is calling.

I assume they didn't mention who they were (which is really bad phone etiquette in general btw), otherwise I'd have expected them to jog your memory when they did. Alternatively, responding with "may I ask who's calling?" is a lot better than "uh, what job is that?"

 

[Mihael Mello Keehl]

Wow everyone getting jobs


Keep your head up blasian persuasion!

 

[That1BlackGuy]

Doesn't LinkedIn require you to have a head shot of yourself like Upwork does? I am not too keen on having my face on the internet. I guess I can troll through Craigslist and see what I can find.


That's the issue I ran into earlier today with the job fair. They kind of shoo you into applying online or going to their designated sites away from the job fair to apply. Seems useless and redundant just so the company can save face. I think temp agencies are my best bet at this point.

-Absolutely not, but as others said I'd recommend it. LinkedIn can be a very valuable resource, you'll likely get a few connections by simply keeping your profile up to date.

-And yeah like I said, I found job fairs more useful for networking and getting in front of faces than actually getting jobs. It's a long game deal.

-Also if you can't find work for your Graphic Design using my previous recommendations, make up some. Make fake companies, create problems, and offer solutions. This is what I did at one time, I made 20 page marketing plans for fictional companies, SEO reports, flyers, social media metric reports, you name it and all with free software/struggleware at that. You can then take this stuff to small businesses and not-for-profits and make a stronger case for your skills so you can build references. Graphic Design is also digital based, so don't be afraid to telecommute/look outside your area for work.

I've been on admin assistant jobs like nobodies business, but haven't heard back from any. I'll look into this Apple thing, but I really want something that will get me on my path, since I have a degree in Media Studies and am looking to get into the game industry. I was hating as hell when I heard one of my friend's boys got that production assistant job I applied for and he just got out of school.

Worked some Google-fu and I'd like to ask, do you have a blog? Based on what I read of Media Studies and Production I think a blog would lend itself well to establishing your credibility and then leveraging that to get your foot in the door. In terms of the game industry, as I am sure you know it's rather insular/small so if you haven't yet I'd recommend networking and reaching out to people in the industry or targeting smaller websites and building your cred there. Not saying these are silver bullets, just throwing out suggestions to get you on your desired career path.

And yeah, it's also not surprising that dude got a job straight out, I know here in Detroit if you don't have a job related to your career path after 1 year of graduating your pretty much screwed, 2 years and your DOA. Employers tend of highly favor recent grads as they're more likely to have retained their skills, even for internships since they're cheaper.

 

[obijkenobi]

Well, one month away from my year as a AmeriCorps VISTA term ending and I havent even gotten an interview with anyone lined up. Im not elligble for unemployment and dont have much in savings lined up, so here is hoping something lands quickly.

 

[Muerte_X]

In my experience, LinkedIn is a great resource. I've gotten a bunch of connections with people I would've otherwise never had contact with (out of state, etc). Even if I don't talk to them actively, I think it's useful.

My previous company reached out to me through LinkedIn, unprovoked from me at all. I had a brief description of what I did and they asked me if I'd be interested in working for them. I went in for an interview and they offered me 50% more pay! and I get to live in a city I was hoping to move to on top of that. In the short time I've been on there, I've been contacted multiple times in a similar way, asking if I or anyone I know would be interesting in such and such position at x company. So don't be afraid to at least have a basic profile that will basically serve as a sort of resume.

And don't get discouraged if you don't get an offer, whoever said it's subjective is right. I heard back from the first place I interviewed months ago and they said they couldn't extend an offer at this time. My experience was an almost perfect fit for them, but I have a feeling they already had someone in mind. Many times in a company this is the case and they are hiring from within or have someone in mind and are just going through the motions because they are required to have a certain number of applicants and interviews, even if they already have selected someone, this can be why it takes a while to hear back from a company as well.

 

[CapitalismSucks DonkeyBalls]

I have an interview at a psych facility on Monday. Currently working at an intermediate care facility with lower functioning individuals. I've built relationships within my department and some of the residents, and I'm concerned about leaving them if this interview goes well.

The place I'm interviewing at has a more difficult population, but it makes use of my education far more actively than what I'm doing now. How do you separate your professional trajectory with the personal stuff that comes with the job?

 

[yasu151]

The stress of my current position has pushed me to apply in earnest for new positions. I've been selective in what I apply for, and responses are slow. For reference, I started applying mid January of this year, sent off approximately 3-5 applications per week. My goal is around $90,000 a year starting, and I'm willing to relocate. Area of expertise is call center operations support (workforce management)

The tally:
- Submissions: ~45 applications submitted (each one slightly tweaked to fit the position based on my job experience), including personalized cover letters. Each application has its own folder with all documents submitted so I can easily see what I submitted.

- Two headhunter agencies in locations I'd be inteested in working, but dont have the time or focus on. (North Dakota and Minnesota) I'm still optimistic they'll generate some leads eventually, but so far nothing at all.

- Callbacks: 5 total callbacks, to get more information or schedule interviews

- Interviews: 3 interviews, though the last one was a whopper and possibly my new job. As people have said, networking is of utmost importance. A friend who also job hunting made a solid impression with a company, and they interviewed him for two positions they had open. After careful review, he accepted his job of preference. The manager for the job he didnt take asked if he knew anyone he could recommend, and he gave them my name, resume and contact info. They called me that day to schedule an interview. I hit it off very well with the manager, who followed up the interview with an excel & sql test to assess acumen. I was nervous as hell, because companies often vary in how they use applications, but I did fine. The following day, the manager called me back and booked a trip for me to fly cross country and meet with senior leadership. As luck would again play in my favor, I had previously scheduled a week of vacation with my current employer; I didn't even have to ask for time off! In a whirlwhind of two days, I flew from Los Angeles to New York on Tuesday, and met my potential future boss for dinner. Wednesday morning, early, I underwent a battery of interviews, then flew back from New York to Los Angeles. This job seems to be a really good fit for me both in skillset and corporate culture, but we will see how it progresses. I've been told I should know by the end of next week if I'm their guy.

Despite my optimism surrounding this trip, I still intend to continue applying in earnest until I have an offer. This thread has been incredibly beneficial for me, particularly in preparing me mentally for the search. The business world is brutal indeed, but I'm committed to this hunt and I WILL be successfull. I'll post back whether I get the job or not. Thanks again to everyone who's shared their experiences, which has fueled my hope.

 

[CliqWriter]

Just got the soul crushing news that I'm no longer being considered for the position after 3 months and 4 interviews. Feels bad man.

 

[ty_hot]

You can get Linkedin Premium for 30 free days, just connect it to paypal and cancel the subscription before the month ends to avoid having to pay. That said it makes it easier to im certain people on the platform, but also gives some insights on other people applying.


While quickly scrolling through Linkedin Jobs i was certain I saw the NeoGAF logo, looks hardly like it on a more detailed inspection.

I know about that, I just heard that even on the basic account, if your CV is great and you optimize it with good keywords that recruiters will find you easily and contact you. I have friends that get job proposals even when they are not looking for any, because they made their LinkedIn page look really great.

 

[obijkenobi]

Just got the soul crushing news that I'm no longer being considered for the position after 3 months and 4 interviews. Feels bad man.

Fuck dude, sorry to hear that. What kind of position was it for?

 

[SOLDIER]

I was referred to this thread recently, so I figured I would give a condensed version of my situation, for those who are interested in reading it.

Like others here, I have been unemployed far longer than I've been employed in my adult years. Finding a job has been incredibly difficult and inconsistent; the few times I get lucky and get hired, I don't stay at the job very long for one reason or another, and the long gaps between employment probably aren't doing me any favors either.

For my college career, I focused on Criminal Justice, graduated with a Bachelor's and everything. So far, I feel this was the worst mistake I ever made, as a CJ degree hasn't exactly led to high job demand; if I apply for a government-related position, it could be years before I hear anything back (one of my last jobs was in 2013, and it was in response to an application I sent in 2007). I'm tired of constantly going through the enormous amount of paperwork and background investigations and tests only to find out months later that they've decided to hire someone else.

Problem is, I have no idea what I should make as my career. The things I'm really passionate about (videogames, creative writing) do not make for job security, and that is the most paramount thing for me: I want a career that pays well but also in demand.

One of the things I've thought about a lot is going back to school for a certification, something quicker than a Bachelor's/Master's but which also leads to better odds of being hired. Cybersecurity/IT Security is something that constantly comes up, as I have a few friends going that route. It's such a broad field, though, that I have no idea which part of it I should focus on. I don't want to dedicate the time and money again unless I'm absolutely certain I'll have a better shot finding employment with the certificate/degree I earn.

So in short, I need help in finding work; I'm aware of the big job-finding sites like Indeed, Monster and even Craigslist. I was also told to work on my LinkedIn profile, which I recently updated: https://www.linkedin.com/in/primoman though I'm not sure how to most efficiently use that site.

So that's my situation: I need help finding a job, and I need help determining what to make my long-term career. If I could get even one of those two things down, my outlook on life would improve dramatically.

 

[entremet]

I was referred to this thread recently, so I figured I would give a condensed version of my situation, for those who are interested in reading it.

Like others here, I have been unemployed far longer than I've been employed in my adult years. Finding a job has been incredibly difficult and inconsistent; the few times I get lucky and get hired, I don't stay at the job very long for one reason or another, and the long gaps between employment probably aren't doing me any favors either.

For my college career, I focused on Criminal Justice, graduated with a Bachelor's and everything. So far, I feel this was the worst mistake I ever made, as a CJ degree hasn't exactly led to high job demand; if I apply for a government-related position, it could be years before I hear anything back (one of my last jobs was in 2013, and it was in response to an application I sent in 2007). I'm tired of constantly going through the enormous amount of paperwork and background investigations and tests only to find out months later that they've decided to hire someone else.

Problem is, I have no idea what I should make as my career. The things I'm really passionate about (videogames, creative writing) do not make for job security, and that is the most paramount thing for me: I want a career that pays well but also in demand.

One of the things I've thought about a lot is going back to school for a certification, something quicker than a Bachelor's/Master's but which also leads to better odds of being hired. Cybersecurity/IT Security is something that constantly comes up, as I have a few friends going that route. It's such a broad field, though, that I have no idea which part of it I should focus on. I don't want to dedicate the time and money again unless I'm absolutely certain I'll have a better shot finding employment with the certificate/degree I earn.

So in short, I need help in finding work; I'm aware of the big job-finding sites like Indeed, Monster and even Craigslist. I was also told to work on my LinkedIn profile, which I recently updated: https://www.linkedin.com/in/primoman though I'm not sure how to most efficiently use that site.

So that's my situation: I need help finding a job, and I need help determining what to make my long-term career. If I could get even one of those two things down, my outlook on life would improve dramatically.

So you're starting from square one it seems?

Without prying into your personal life and being more general in your answer, why have you had trouble keeping jobs?

But the first thing is to decide what to do. It's hard to search for jobs when you're focus is scattered. In terms passions, forget that for now. Mostly because you have little career capital. You need to start getting experience. As your career advance and you develop marketable skills you can start pivoting to more passion based roles.

Us Millenials have been sold this fallacy about passion being the only that matters. That's a fallacy.

Here's a video on that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh--J_4Qb6A

It's based on book called So Good They Can't Ignore You. This summary video has the gist. You can read the book or just watch the video.

These are more of the big ideas to help you.

In terms of practicality, define an industry or career you want to focus on. Conduct informational interviews.

More info here: https://www.quintcareers.com/informational-interviewing/

But really it seems like you've just isolated yourself. Get out there. Join clubs, meetups, Toastmasters, Chamber of Commerce. Read blogs and twitter accounts in your field of choice. Use Udemy/Coursera/Khan Academy/Code School to learn skills. Volunteer.

But once you've identified were you want to be, it's working backwards, figuring out what skills or education you need, where the jobs are, and where to network.

LinkedIn and your Resume are your sales tools. But that's all they are--tools. You need to connect with others who can help you succeed.

 

[Kiarushka]

Best Buy?

I heard they're good with how they treat their employees. So that's a good one.

 

[Fall Into The GAF]

I'm going to give LinkedIn a go, better than shooting into the black holes of HR fodder anyway. Also, people asked if I had a portfolio and I do, and I even created fake brands/products too.

 

[StoneFox]

Just got off the phone with the owner of a kennel for service dogs. They were looking for an assistant so the trainers don't have to spend their time taking care of the dogs and can instead focus on training (so basically I come in in the morning, feed and exercise them and clean up any messes).

We set up a meeting for tomorrow for me to "see if I still wanted the job". I think this means I basically have the job, here's hoping. It's part time, but hell, it's something!

Went out to the kennel today and I liked the workers and everything was clearly explained and the hours totally work for me. They are going to have a second possible hire to check out the place later today and I guess they will call the person they choose between us next week. Hope I get it! Working with service dogs would be lovely.

 

[dc3k]

So it turns out that losing your job while in a foreign country sucks. My visa is still technically valid because my boss was nice and didn't officially terminate my employment, but it's still incredibly stressful looking for work when you're on the verge of being deported.

Yay!

 

[SOLDIER]

So you're starting from square one it seems?

I don't know, as I'm basically bouncing between three options:

1. Try to salvage my CJ degree and find something in that field. My friends also earned CJ degrees and ended up finding work that had nothing to do with Criminal Justice (the kicker is that they had previous managerial experience for their jobs, which I don't have).

2. Go back to school and earn a certificate to better my chances of employment (suggestions include IT Security, Real Estate, A+, etc. Basically something in computers or home ownership).

3. Go back to school and earn a Master's (highly unlikely as I don't have the money for that, and would rather not waste another year and a half for a whole different education path).

As for help in deciding on what I want to do, are there any good YouTube channels that feature what each career does? Like say if I was interested in Cybersecurity, what are some good un-biased videos that show you what the job actually entails?

Edit: On the subject of Best Buy, I've had about 12 interviews with various Best Buy stores for a retail position, but for some reason I never get hired. I always assumed it was a numbers game, as I would typically ask how many they were hiring for the position I'm interviewed for, and I would get a response like "We're seeing about 500 people and only hiring 2".

Those sure aren't good odds, but I would still like some interview tips while I'm at it.

 

[Avixph]

Its an accounting clerk position for a local steel manufacturing firm, and I got it from applying on Monster.com. Took 3 rounds of interviews spread over a month, but finally our long national nightmare is over.

Thanks, I go hunt for jobs on Monster.

 

[blue_phazon]

How can you explain a large gap in a resume?

I graduated last year in May, but spent the summer traveling and helping out with my brother's wedding in August, and I mainly got into gear for applying to random office jobs and such in September with no luck. It was in January that I decided to switch gears and work towards getting a Security Guard license and I finally got it all together now (it was a long process with the training and setting up dates to write the test because they were changing something with how it was administered).

But now I realized it's almost a year and the only experience I have is from when I was in school.

 

[spuckthew]

I'd say an employer isn't likely to give gaps between graduation and first jobs (or interviewing for a first job) much thought. If they do ask, just say what you said and that you've been looking without much success - they'll understand.

Heck, I have a one-year gap in my education history that no-one has ever asked me about. I basically dropped out of one college after a year and went to another to do something else.

 

[James93]

How can you explain a large gap in a resume?

I graduated last year in May, but spent the summer traveling and helping out with my brother's wedding in August, and I mainly got into gear for applying to random office jobs and such in September with no luck. It was in January that I decided to switch gears and work towards getting a Security Guard license and I finally got it all together now (it was a long process with the training and setting up dates to write the test because they were changing something with how it was administered).

But now I realized it's almost a year and the only experience I have is from when I was in school.

Shouldn't be much of an issue. A 6-12 month gap after college is becoming pretty common.

 

[Makai]

How can you explain a large gap in a resume?

I graduated last year in May, but spent the summer traveling and helping out with my brother's wedding in August, and I mainly got into gear for applying to random office jobs and such in September with no luck. It was in January that I decided to switch gears and work towards getting a Security Guard license and I finally got it all together now (it was a long process with the training and setting up dates to write the test because they were changing something with how it was administered).

But now I realized it's almost a year and the only experience I have is from when I was in school.

You tell the truth and say you were traveling and helping your brother.