Job search strategy discussion thread

I'm starting to give up.

No one calls me.

Ever.

And I do everything I'm told is the right thing to do. I meet the manager. I dress well. I call a few times.

Everything.

Not like it matters. I'm not good at anything productive...

edited 9th Oct '12 12:42:43 AM by Thorn14

How many applications have you sent? How many interviews have you had?

I've applied for at least 8 places nearby that I feel I could probably do. At least 2 I feel I could do a real damn good job in.

0 interviews.

There aren't many jobs in my area. Let alone ones I could do.

I'd say I'm doomed to a life of flipping burgers but I'd rather eat a bullet.

edited 9th Oct '12 12:56:54 AM by Thorn14

Dude, a burger flipping job is a job and money. Don't look down on it.

And it depends what you put on the applications. You should be willing to do anything to get the job done. Within legitimate humane reasons. I'm sure you know what I mean.

First trick is be willing to learn anything. Second is to keep a positive attitude within the interviews and while at work. Do what you want at home, but a negative nancy or sarcastic jerk will not get you a job.(not saying you are either, of course, but this is something very important) Unless you're applying for a job where you need to be a jerk, the attitude of positivity is severely important.

Last but not least, available hours. Try and make them available outside of stuff like Therapy/Etc. Or where applicable, School/College. The more available you are, the better. That even means you have to take a break from your hobbies for a little bit, so be it. Money first, hobbies later.(by that, like, weekly tournaments, etc.)

Are you in College/School, and can you Drive? If you do Drive, do you have a car already?

I already worked at a Burger King. I quit because I thought I was going to have a better job but it was 100 times worse. I quit that in under a week.

And I could tell they didn't want me there due to me shaking from stress & anxiety meaning I couldn't work under pressure and do the job.

And that is the thing. I CANT GET AN INTERVIEW. I'd like to think I could make a good impression with my personality and politeness but I just get ignored or something.

I don't have a license, I only have a permit because I'm too scared to take the test, and I have no where to go anyway.

I have an associates degree in 3D animation. I'm not that good, and I don't love doing it enough to be able to make a career out of it. Not to mention absolutely zero jobs in my area.

edited 9th Oct '12 1:08:27 AM by Thorn14

x3 That is not surprising. When I was looking for a job after dropping out of college last year, it took me over thirty applications before I even received a single reply. Keep sending out your applications. Have you sent your resume to a job agency, as I previously recommended?

No because there isn't really anything there for them to do with it.

What the hell would they do with such a small resume?

Take the test. It'll open up more choices. Pizza places, delivery jobs. I understand you're scared. I am too.

However, I understand why you quit your job. But the thing is, once you quit a job, word can spread. You did point out you worked at a BK on your resume, right? If so, that means they'll call the place. If they know you can't work well under pressure, they won't hire you. As much as it sucks, they need a person who they can rely on the most.

Now, if you didn't, that means it should be easier to find one. What kind of jobs did you apply for?

http://pastebin.com/TiiBknE9

Well here is my resume. Obviously not formatted and personal info removed.

I've applied at mostly retail jobs, since that is what I figured I'd be good at in terms of Part Time (I have very little experience though)

Not much else out there...

What test though? And I don't know what kind of job I can do if I shake under pressure. I wonder if I should apply for disability or something. I don't fucking know...

edited 9th Oct '12 1:17:35 AM by Thorn14

The Driver's Test.

And apply everywhere where you can literally work. Retail isn't the only option. Desk Jobs are very nice as well.

I wouldn't be so down at Restaurant work either. Maybe a non-fast food one? Those tend to be less-stress filled overall. A Waiter is an excellent job and as long as your writing and people skills are good, you can easily do it. Other than a rude customer, you should be fine.

One of the worst things you can do is to eliminate yourself without even giving others the chance to evaluate you. Your resume is perfectly fine for an entry-level job.

You've got more experience than I had trying to find work. <shrugs> Take that driving test, and you'd certainly improve your chances. However, you might need to have a physical check-up: if you're scared, there might be something you're not letting yourself spot. Have an eye-test, just in case.

And, when it comes to anxiety... might I suggest looking into some basic Cognitive Behaviour Therapy techniques to help deal with the negative trains of thought? You can find them online (beware some quacking, though: trust only sites that are linked to official, certificated bodies).

It's easy to dismiss them as pointless before you try them, but... trust me: they can be super-effective at calming you down in any environment so you can show who you actually are. But, this is CBT: you need to put in the work to get the rewards. <shrugs>

Also, do more googling for temp agencies in your area. Call ahead to set up an appointment, as temp agencies and staffing firms will often do the interview the same day as your application and tests. If nothing else, it will help you get interview practice. Also, the state job center in your area; those people are paid to help you look for work, buff up your resume and teach you interview skills.

I still haven't gotten an interview callback myself, so I feel depressed too, but we must soldier on.

I know I need to take the test but my dad is retired and drives me anyway. And I'm too afraid to get onto the freeway. I have huge anxiety problems. I can drive just fine. its just I'm always overly anxious when I do it.

And there is absolutely no way I could be a waiter. I'm very clumsy and would drop everything. I'd be fired in a week.

Also I haven't seen any on Indeed for a job like that.

edited 9th Oct '12 9:31:46 AM by Thorn14

Not to be a jerk, but what if something happened to your dad and he can't drive?

If you can't get a job, at least get a medical eval and some therapy to deal with your anxiety or else you're never going to get anywhere.

I know. I know.

Thats why its called an irrational fear I guess.

But if something did happen I'd have to force myself I suppose.

And how would I get help with what money? That shit isn't cheap you know.

edited 9th Oct '12 10:18:42 AM by Thorn14

Man, do some research! Google and yellow pages are your friend!

Do you have health insurance under your dad? A basic physical is covered. Everyone gets one a year. Your PCP can make sure they do everything in a way your insurace will cover it.

If no insurance: health department does physicals, health department can hook you up with other resources.

Call your local counselling centers. See if they have a grant assitance programs for low income or no income. You'd be surprised what was out there if you just ask.

Get creative, look what's in your area.

Alright.

Thanks.

I take medication for the anxiety but I don't know how much it works. Could be worse I suppose.

I tried one temp agency near my house but it was pretty shoddy and seemed to be catered for factory workers or whatever. Not someone like me.

I went through five or six temp agencies before I found one that was really suited for my needs. And I did factory jobs when they asked, even though I hated factory jobs. I even did day labor for a couple of days (I am a total wuss, but by the end of the day employers of that kind are getting kind of desperate.)

Even if they accept you at one of the temp agencies, keep looking until you've gotten accepted at another; that way you'll have coverage if they can't find you an assignment right away.

I am going to be brutally honest here: If I am an employer, and I keep hearing things like "I can't drive, I can't travel, I can't do manual labor, I can't take stress, I am clumsy, I can't do this, I can't do that", I am going to be EXTREMELY hesitant to hire you. It's not exactly difficult for me to find someone else without all these problems. Is it your fault? Doesn't matter. I am running a business; my objective is to make a profit, not provide social services. Even the kindest employers understand this. You really have to find a way to overcome your problems, one way or the other.

Seriously, I understand exactly how you are feeling right now. I was in your exact same situation. I sent out applications everyday. I attended interviews. I got rejected for each and every one of them. I remember going to bed every night wondering if this is going to be my fate for the rest of my life. I've just gotten over the suicidal depression that caused me to drop out of college in the first place, and I was in severe danger of lapsing back into that state. Then I decided that, since I've already reached this state, I might as well go all out and abandon all my pretensions and inhibitions. I sent out applications for all kinds of sundry positions I'd never previously considered. I am not at all good at dealing with people and completely unsuited for retail and customer service. I applied for them anyway. I got scolded at interviews. I was told off for my lack of experience. But finally, I received a call: they are urgently looking for people, yes you are hired, report to work tomorrow.

It is possible for things to get better. You have to keep trying.

What'd you ultimately get hired for?

Admin Assistant, at a statutory board (autonomous agency of the government).

Not bad.

You said you couldn't drive yourself?

Also: Obviously, you never want to tell an employer that you're desperate, and it's best to avoid bringing up the transportation difficulties where you can.

edited 9th Oct '12 8:27:42 PM by TheyCallMeTomu

Which brings up the old interview chestnut" "What's your greatest weakness?"

Per my veterans' worksearch class, the answer to this question is not revealing your Kryptonite Factor, but instead explaining how you're working to overcome or mitigate a weakness.

For example: "A challenge I've had is keeping my patience when dealing with customers who don't actually want to be helped. It's hard to avoid letting my irritation creep into my voice. I've worked on relaxation techniques and vocal training, as well as finding ways to delegate such calls if necessary."

edited 10th Oct '12 5:09:24 AM by SKJAM

I don't tell people that during the interviews (If I ever get them)

But what the hell do I do about the fact I shake under pressure? Its a physical and psychological thing. I take medication and breathing exercising and it still doesn't work.