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Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/28/2010 10:36:02 AM
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Grace-N-Mercy
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With so many of us looking for work these days, I thought it would be nice to set up a support thread to discuss the ups & downs of our journeys in looking for a job. This is open to those who are either employed or unemployed and looking for work, though it would be nice to get encouragement from everyone else, too. 
How is your job search going? What are some of the best job-search strategies you have found? Tell us a little about the field you are searching in, if you feel comfortable. How are you feeling about your search? Discouraged? Hopeful?
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/28/2010 10:40:14 AM
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Grace-N-Mercy
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I have been searching for about a month now; as soon as I realized my internship would be ending soon, I started sending out resumes. So far, only one interview, though. I sent a thank you note immediately afterwards, but I haven't heard anything back yet. It's not my ideal job, but still... I'm looking for a mental health counseling position.
One site that has been a great asset is www.indeed.com... it searches all the job banks, and even has VA jobs. So far, it's been great!
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/28/2010 10:43:46 AM
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blueeyedgirl2
Posts: 1707
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Great thread idea, GnM. I'm not currently looking for a job, but know that quite a few people are.
Good job on sending the thank-you note after the interview! I think follow-up is key.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/28/2010 10:48:35 AM
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Miss Giggles
Posts: 1634
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: MI
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I'm glad you started this. I am not actively looking for at least the next month.
I was laid off for 9 months and am on month 2 of a 6 month contract to possible hire job. I really don't want to have to go looking again.
It's too hard to find positive support. Very few people understand how difficult it is right now and how the job search has changed (apply online, don't get return phone calls, emails, recrutiers that barely speak english, etc).
Indeed and the state run unemployment board were the most helpful. Careerbuilder gets some calls but it is mostly advertising. I can't get rid of these spam emails.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/28/2010 11:38:59 AM
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Grace-N-Mercy
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quote:
ORIGINAL: blueeyedgirl2
Great thread idea, GnM. I'm not currently looking for a job, but know that quite a few people are.
Good job on sending the thank-you note after the interview! I think follow-up is key.
Thanks, BEG!! I appreciate the support. I agree the follow-up is crucial. I haven't always been good about this, and I've gotten the jobs anyway, but now that the job market is more competitive, we must keep up. Besides, it's just good manners to thank them for the time they spent with me.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Miss Giggles
I'm glad you started this. I am not actively looking for at least the next month.
I was laid off for 9 months and am on month 2 of a 6 month contract to possible hire job. I really don't want to have to go looking again.
It's too hard to find positive support. Very few people understand how difficult it is right now and how the job search has changed (apply online, don't get return phone calls, emails, recrutiers that barely speak english, etc).
Indeed and the state run unemployment board were the most helpful. Careerbuilder gets some calls but it is mostly advertising. I can't get rid of these spam emails.
Miss Giggles, I do hope your current temp position turns full-time so you don't have to go through another job search. I have a friend who went through a temp agency, and it was like being on pins & needles right until the end!
I agree that the job search has changed a lot in the past few years. I just remembered a blog post that this person sent me recently, it's about INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING. Basically, it's about contacting people whose careers sound interesting to you so that you can get information on how to get into the same field as they are in. Who knows, it could lead to an interview and a job. I haven't done this yet, but it does sound interesting.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/28/2010 2:09:35 PM
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Charis2U
Posts: 191
Joined: 6/9/2005
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3 years ago I was forced out of my job when I was accepted to a full time program at afour year college. I finished my BA last May and have been looking since. I went to the career center and was basically told at 37, my resume is a hot mess, as I was employed at three places for 3 years, and anotherfor 6 months, while my last job was 5 and a half years, but my BA is in Christian Ministry cause the church I was going to was lookingat hiring me for youth pastor, but the church has since closed because the economy hit. Now I've been looking for a year and four months and have only had two interviews.
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MeetingHouse Church
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/30/2010 8:13:40 AM
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Grace-N-Mercy
Posts: 1747
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Sorry to hear that, bapti_costal. I'm not sure why you were told your resume is a mess. There are lots of folks who don't have long-term jobs. It seems the norm today to stay only a few years with any one company.
What are you doing right now to look for a job? For me, I'm setting goals of sending out at least 1 resume a day and more on the weekends. Well, that was my goal while I was working, now I want to send out at least three a day. I'm looking at all sorts of jobs, even ones I'm not particularly interested in. This weekend hasn't been good for job searching; there just weren't as many posted as there usually are. So I'm going to just send out some unsolicited resumes, and maybe send out to past employers/co-workers so they can help by knowing I'm out there and looking. At least, that's the plan.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/30/2010 1:16:15 PM
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eaglelady11
Posts: 115
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I have been unemployed for over a year and my unemployment compensation ran out. I have been applying for the whole time. I did apply for two really good jobs on friday though and one looks promising. There is a verse of scripture that says Work with your hands so that your life will win the respect of outsiders and you won't be dependent upon anyone, so I am praying that prayer.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/30/2010 1:17:18 PM
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eaglelady11
Posts: 115
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I have been unemployed for over a year and my unemployment compensation ran out. I have been applying for the whole time. I did apply for two really good jobs on friday though and one looks promising. There is a verse of scripture that says Work with your hands so that your life will win the respect of outsiders and you won't be dependent upon anyone, so I am praying that prayer. I send out a resume a day.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/30/2010 2:48:54 PM
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dsfuva
Posts: 1708
Joined: 8/25/2005
From: Virginia
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I've been out of work for more than a year and a half. I recently received another extension of my unemployment benefits, but it will be my last one since Virginia's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger the next tier.
I've started considering the possibility of relocation, but the unemployment rate in the other places I've looked is even higher than it is here.
I normally attend at least one job networking event a week and volunteer at my church's ministry to job seekers. Volunteering has been a good way to give back, and it also provides a good excuse to get out of bed in the morning.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 8/31/2010 8:56:23 PM
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Grace-N-Mercy
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I've been getting discouraged. Had a little problem in submitting my paperwork for my final class, and not seeing any interesting jobs this week. BUT, tonight I checked out the website for my old company, and there's a position available!! I think I might have a chance at getting it, so I'm sending out the resume tonight! I'm feeling a little more encouraged right now.
I feel for y'all with having unemployment compensation running out. I've been living off savings & loans, and that's now run out, so I'm starting to freak out right now. If I don't find something soon, I'm going to have to make some big changes.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 9/6/2010 12:22:47 AM
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betterisoneday
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I've been out for a year and a half or so; haven't tried to get unemployment. I took some evening classes and got a medical assisting diploma but haven't found a job yet. Here everyone wants you to be bilingual in Spanish or live within 30 minutes of the office... neither requirement do I fit.
I've just started online courses for another medical field so hopefully that will help. Thankfully I saved up while working and my parents charge cheap rent which helps them out since my Dad is also out of work. On the bright side my sons love that I'm with them all day!
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No reserves. No retreat. No regret.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 9/11/2010 6:56:05 AM
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davidn87
Posts: 149
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From: Kirkintilloch, Scotland
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I've had 4 paid jobs and done 3 compulsory volunteer (yeah, I know) placements since leaving school over 5 years ago. All the paid work was temporary contracts, twice with the post office, once in a shop and the latest (2008) in a recycling factory.
I've applied for I don't know how many jobs and sent my CV to I don't know how many different companies over the years. A few have actually called me - but only to say "Stop sending us your CV".... The last interview I had was earlier this year, and before that in 2009.
At the moment i'm on a government "course" through the benefits office which has done nothing but make promises to help me into work. On Tuesday i'm expected to go to an info session about another 12 week course that will do even more NOTHING to help me get work!! They have said this is optional and that I don't need to go but i'm worried what will happen if I don't.
< Message edited by davidn87 -- 9/11/2010 7:06:34 AM >
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Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Psalm 19
You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. Psalm 71
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 9/24/2010 11:08:28 AM
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R8chel
Posts: 968
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
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....... Hey! I didn't know this thread was here! How cool!
I've been job hunting for about 3 months now... it's been a lot of ups and downs.
I finally figured out that I'll keep walking in faith and God will provide the job in His timing. Until then... I'm working at continuing my education.
How's everybody doing?
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 9/30/2010 4:07:29 PM
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justabeliever
Posts: 2
Joined: 9/16/2010
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Grace-N-Mercy,
Glad you started this thread...very comforting to know that support is out there for the job seeker. I've been out of school for 1 1/2 months and spent the three weeks writing resumes, cover letters, and searching the same job postings day after day.
My 3 year job gaps and old references would be considered less than impressive for a potential employer. I had enough of "reliving" my job history and wished that employers would not focus on my past, but more on what is to come and changes I've been making. I feel as if I'm spinning my wheels.
I couldn't stand it anymore and all the while I felt something else tugging me in a different direction and so I took two weeks and spent time with family and strengthened my connection with God, which I need more than money at this time. I feel better since doing so and know there's nothing to fear.
I just want to work in a place where my contribution makes a difference and somewhere where I belong. I'll start job searching again next week after recharging the "batteries". My prayers are with all who are job searching.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 10/12/2010 2:04:26 AM
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HighPlainsDrifter
Posts: 78
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: The Great Sioux Empire
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My prayers are with those of you who are unemployed. I've been busy looking for a different, better job for nearly two years with no luck, and it's taken a toll, however I still have a job, so I'm lucky. I'm considering changing careers at midlife, yet nothing really jumps out. It's really draining on one's spirit.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 10/12/2010 6:01:51 AM
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reebz
Posts: 2745
Joined: 12/6/2008
From: Indiana
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After another incident dealing with drunk patrons this weekend I am job hutnting. It's hard because I take classes teach and intern. My current job is minimum wage and flexible with my school schedule but I don't feel safe. I can do my homework at my current job but I'd rather do homework on weekends than feel the way I do here. I'm going to try to stay with hotels but don't know.
-Reba.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 10/12/2010 9:17:04 AM
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R8chel
Posts: 968
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
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..... yowza, Reebz!
I remember a long time ago I was a night cashier at a gas station... a drunk guy stumbled in and demanded (in Spanish) that I heat up a burrito for him in the microwave. I was freaked out... I thought he had a gun on him... long story short.... I was able to get him out of the store and the police picked him up shortly after.... He had 19 warrants out for his arrest... he was a BAD guy. 
HighPlains.... I think there are a lot of us going through that midlife career change.... I decided to go back to school.  Funny thing is... the career I'm interested in was what I've wanted to do since I was 18/19 years old.
Meanwhile... I'm still job hunting for something to help get us by until I can attain one of my goals.
I do have a praise, though.... my husband is now working. I worry, though... he has a history of brain tumors and I wonder if him having to punch the clock daily will eventually trigger the newest tumor in his head in some way.
Trusting in the LORD to make all things right.
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 10/12/2010 9:17:06 AM
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Grace-N-Mercy
Posts: 1747
Joined: 5/2/2005
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My prayers are with you all!!! These are trying times where it is not easy finding a job even when there are jobs available. But we have the Holy Spirit who is with us always.
This has been a challenging time for me as well because I'd never been out of work this long before. And the rules for job searching seem to have changed since the last time I looked for a job. I found that if I'm not 100% prepared before sending out my resume or going in for a job interview, I'm much less likely to get the job. This job search has turned into a full-time job for me... I am praying searching for jobs, scouring the websites of my "favorite" companies, praying, sending resumes daily, calling friends, emailing, praying, updating LinkedIn, scheduling lunches, volunteering, attending support group meetings, praying, searching scriptures, and more. It is easy to get discouraged and even panic-ed if I'm not keeping my eyes on Him.
So how is everyone doing right now?
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 10/12/2010 9:19:10 AM
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R8chel
Posts: 968
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
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...... hey GnM!
We cross posted! Good to see you!
Job hunting is a full time job.... it is nearing the holiday season, though.... maybe a temp retail job will open up. Sometimes those can turn into permanent jobs....
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RE: Job Searchers Support Thread - 10/12/2010 9:25:56 AM
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R8chel
Posts: 968
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
Status: offline
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...... great idea!
My last week of school ends in a few days... and then we have a week off before the next session hits.
I'd really like to devote that week to intense job hunting.... like going out there in person and just hitting as much as I can.
You go girl!!!
Praying for you!!!
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