Excelle

Any accomplishments/success?

Any problems?

More importantly, how are you doing?

I'm finding the job hunt very discouraging.  I have over 20 years in customer service in various industries.  My last job was as a licensed insurance broker.  I have had my resume and cover letter done by a professional.  I have had three interviews in the last two months but nothing came of them.  The jobs I would like to apply for want either an Associates or Bachelors degree or you must be bi-lingual - all the other requirements I either meet or exceed. When I went to secretarial school back in the 70's, all they offered was a certificate, and a foreign laguage was not a requirement in high school, even though I took Spanish, I never had to use it all these years, so I don't remember any of it, just like the shorthand I haven't used in 20 years.  It is a totally different world out there than it was when I was looking even six years ago. I had no problem six years ago; I had quite a few interviews and had three job offers at once. I would like to work in a medical office, but they want at least one year of medical office experience.  I am trying to volunteer at a local hospital to do some office work to see it that is what I really want.  I want to take some courses, but I can't afford them on unemployment.  I have sent at least 100 resumes, posted my profile on large companies, made phone calls, networked and have not had many responses.  Some of the jobs that did respond were offering much less than what I was making(some more than $7 an hour less) and/ or did not offer medcial benefits ( which my family needs as my husbands job does not contribute to the premiums). I am noticing that a lot of job postings are not listing the company name and they don't want any phone calls, so it is hard to follow up after a resume is sent. One of the interviews I went on I was told 400 people responded to the posting and it was down to me and another applicant. Like I said in a previous positing; It is not fun out there, and I know I am not the only one looking. Everyone's experience and needs are going to be different.

Youch, is it ever rough out here. Interviews so far have been few and far between. I've been very fortunate to keep my money flowing from the severance so that frees me from a huge amount of stress. But - these survival jobs folks mention. HOW do you get anyone to look at our resume for them? I've talked to a bunch of hiring reps from retail to service outlets. All said they automatically toss resumes with years of service in higher paying non-industry jobs. I

Now I am trying to figure out how to use my cover letter to make employers realize they must redefine "entry level." It is no longer age or education based. In this economy, it seems to me that a seasoned employee can and usually  will enhance the performance of htat job. That in turn should ripple-affect other employees and grow your business in general, right? If not, what is the flaw in my reasoning?

All tips are wanted.

Hi All,

I have read  all your stories, Myself i am in the same boat(unemployed), I had 5.5 yrs with the same company as an Administrative Assistant/Office Manager for a Lending/Investment firm here in Orange County,California, I heard that for every job that you apply for, close to 250 other people are applying for that same job, so these job positions that we apply for our applicatin and or resume may not even get looked at because of the saturation of the market(meaning the unemployment level), Make sure that your skills are in bold and at the top of your resume...to catch the viewers eye quick. My heart goes out to all of you here on this group forum, I'm still currently looking for work as well, I think in time things will all get better, we must stay positive and i know it's hard Believe me i know, We have all had jobs in this forum, so we know it's not us persay, we just need to be persistant, because my belief is persistance pays off, and remember we were all looking for a job at one time or another, but by no means are the lay offs our fault, It can bring us down if we allow it, myself i don't have time to be brought down anymore by this my alternative was to stay persistant while looking for a job.

I hope  this helped.

I'm with all of you ....  I was laid off from my 27 year career last September due to economy and market conditions - here in Flint, MI ... it's certainly is tough times.   I have been on several interviews.   But ... like you all have already noticed... there are hundreds and hundreds of people all going for 1 opportunity.      I'm considering opening a business.   I have no idea what that entails... but I'm sick of answering to someone else!   

Best wishes to everyone.  I live near Seattle and I just found out yesterday that I am going to be laid-off.  I'm an aerospace engineer and I've decided to move to a bioengineering career instead, but while I take classes to beef up my resume I may be looking for a survival job.  It depends on which of my skill sets I can transfer to a new job.  The Seattle economy is about to worsen due to 5000 anticipated Boeing layoffs this year in Puget Sound, so I'm going to move to San Francisco where the biotech community is doing better.

I've got 60-90 days before I'm out the door of my current job and I've just returned from a disability leave, so protecting my health is most important, especially during this stressful time.  I know that if I'm not healthy to work I'm in serious trouble, so I'm trying to balance my new jobhunt with taking care of myself.

I'm getting a lot out of your posts, and I wish you well.  I'll keep you "posted" on my progress : )

Different geographical areas of the United States and different occupations are suffering in unequal levels when it comes to layoffs and unemployment. People assume New York City and other large urban areas are "easy to find work." Well, it depends what kind of work one is looking for.It depends, at this critical point in our economic history, how low you are willing to settle to get a job. People who wisely lower their expectations find work faster. It will not be ideal but it will enable you to survive and keep your head above water. Tke 2 or 3 jobs if you must. Take a night job or do something you otherwise would have never attempted. These cirmcumstances are extreme. Be prepared to think outside the box.

Whatever you do, do not lose hope and self confidence. Once you lose these two, you have condemned yourselves to a hell of your own making.

May the force be with you.

I've never had so much trouble finding a job in my life!  It might be easier if my car had not been repossesed a few months ago.  So here I am with no transportation to get to an interview much less a job and getting awfully close to running out of unemployment.  Today is one of those days where I am so close to giving into hopelessness.  I need another car but with credit that now sucks (and it didn't used to) and limited income that seems so impossible.  I feel stuck into a never ending cycle of: I need a car to get a job but I need a job and better credit to get a car.  There doesn't seem to be a solution.  I honestly don't know what to do next and at one time I was a strong and intelligent woman!  I've never been in this situation in my life and don't know where to turn.  On top of everything else I live with an aging mother and worry about what the financial stress is doing to her.    I just needed to vent.  I don't really expect anyone to be able to help me.

Hi all!...I have been out of work for over a month, due to "a reduction in the work-force". Basically, I had worked for the same firm for 4 years, they have no compassion for their employees. Those being paid the higher salaries and those with the most experience were the first to go. The job market in the greater Chicago area is terrible. I have been divorced for seven years, both daughters are gone, just me and the dog. The days are endless and frustrating. I have posted my resume, attempted to network with everyone I can think of...nada. I did have two interviews with an insurance company...unbelievable. Yep...they want me on board, but there is a catch. The position is as an independent contractor, commission only, no benefits, etc. I have had a number of these companies e-mailing me, asking me to call. I have done some research... consumer complaints, and former employee complaints about the inequities of these companies and what they represent. I have a degree in nursing..so my decision is to go back for a refresher course(after 25 years), sit for my boards, and be employable. Hopefully it will not take six months, in the meantime I am out there looking for work, any work!

Hi everyone!

Well, I am bilingual and have a Master's degree. I don't mean to brag here, but I have been and honor student my whole life, have great references from employers in several fields, and always get "great interviews" because that's part of what I went to school for (my Master's is in Industrial Organizational Psychology). The reason why I don't get the few jobs for which I have been intreviewed: I don't have ENOUGH experience. What I'm trying to tell you is that you need a balance. If you have the experience, try to get education to match it. Even though the economy is hard right now, you can get student loans for low interest rates, and if you ask for a little bit more than what you need you'll have some money to live with. Some schools have a career center or a person dedicated to help students find jobs (hopefully better than the one at the university I went to).

I am lucky enough to have a husband who will not be laid off (ok, he's in the military) and he's supporting me like he knows i'd do for him. After the most recent "thank you but we found someone with more experience" we decided that I'll focus on a business that I'm starting up with a friend and on my "brochure sales" (which aren't going well, anyhow). It doesn't mean that I will stop searching, but that I'll stop stressing so much about not finding a job.

My advice for all of you:

• DO NOT GIVE UP... set a schedule for your job search... I do at least an hour of reading news and resources for job seekers and at least three applications per day, more if the process is as easy as clicking "send" like with some online serch sites.


• Cut expenses even more... you don't really need to have the water running while you brush your teeth ;-)


• Go back to school if it's an option... even for a certificate or an update to beef up your resume.


• Try the functional resume and remember to target your cover letter like someone said before.


• Focus on yourself, not only on "not stressing" like me, but on doing things you always wanted to do, and maybe adding things to your routine for which you never had time before, like exercising or learning new recipes... I live in San Diego, CA, and at least here there are a lot of places with free classes where you can learn everything from cooking to sewing to yoga at a park. You can find them through community colleges or your city's website... take advantage of your free time!

I wish US all good luck with finding the perfect job and being better persons!

 I was laid off on Feb.16th  after 15 months dedicated service as personal private chef to a wealthy couple with several homes and a yacht. A situation developed on the yacht whereby they had an opportunity to hire a previous employee (first mate) who had been with them for five years before they hired me, and he agreed as long as he could bring his girlfriend along who happens to be a cook! Not just that, but as a couple they offered my employer a discount! This situation was "strongly supported by their Captain" who imagined he had a grudge against me and wanted me out anyway....perfectly engineered! The Captain  was unable to hire or keep other first mates who quit due to his obnoxious behaviour. So I was bought off with a glowing reference letter, apologies (no money!!) and hung out to dry with only two weeks notice and no severance pay! No recourse either - if a prospective employer calls my ex-boss he must back up the letter - so I cannot make any waves!

Since then, I have revamped my resume, built a website, (http://web.me.com/chefvenetia) joined Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and all the major job hunting sites including Monster,JobFox,Craigslist, major staffing agencies etc. (which I check into every day) and I am willing to relocate and even take a cut in pay for the right job. I have also been considering other employment possibilities like working events, working for other caterers, personal assistant, elderly care, dog walking, running errands etc.

On top of this I am supporting a partner who has been out of work for two months and has run out of cash - but I expect things to change soon! I think we have to look at other talents we might have and try to market those, and making new contacts through friends or social networking is a positive thing to do - it is also a good opportunity to delve deep into our own creativity and  support our friends in their endeavors. I have published two more articles, done my taxes, re-organized my files and built a website.  I  see this current crisis as an opportunity to reach for a new experiences and look for opportunities outside my normal sphere of  expertise. Being pro-active is the key, as long as you take time each day to do something that nurtures you, whether it is taking a walk,  calling a long lost friend, helping a neighbor. or trying out a new recipe.  Spring cleaning is rewarding, and items under $25.00 are still selling on E-Bay, while the Spring weather in California is sunny and dry right now - a good time to have a garage sale! Clearing clutter and making some extra cash income lifts the spirits and elevates the mood which is the best place to be in when applying for a job or participating in a telephone interview.

Try to say positive. I have good days and bad days - on the bad ones I look oat my checklist of things I am thankful for which reminds me that I am still one of the lucky ones! Good luck to you all - I hope to be able to share some good news soon.

It's so depressing to know you have all these skills and experience and absolutely no one wants to hire you.  This is the first time in my life I've ever had to search for a job, they always seemed to land in my lap, so I am incredibly frustrated.  I have sent out too many resumes to count, done follow up, signed up with employment agencies, called past employers, networked and nothing!  At this point, I'd be happy with ANY job that would give me a consistent pay check and benefits as long as it is more than the measly unemployment check the State of TN provides.  I never dreamed I'd be at this stage in my life and in my career, having worked my way up the corporate ladder, to find myself losing everything.  

To top it off my husband lost his job and he has been looking since early January and no offers, not a single interview.  We're in the same boat and it is literally sinking fast. 

For every job opening, there are hundreds of candidates and no one wants people our age.  I guess when you hit 50 years of age, you aren't good for much...never mind we have another 15 to 20 years to work.  In light of where our retirement funds have gone, we may be working till age 90, if we live that long.

We try to keep our chin up and thank God that we at least have our health, a family support network, and a roof over our head (at least for the time being).  I pray so hard every night that one of us will find a job but I guess there are so many prayers being said, mine is getting lost in the shuffle.  It's tough out there and I'm straining to see the light at the end of tunnel and hoping the light isn't a train barreling straight at what little we have left!

Thanks for listening and let me share my frustrations.  Good luck to everyone out there suffering through these trying times!

I have been on both sides of the "Big Layoff" as a RIF'd employee and as an employer having to make the tough choices and understand the pain of everyone involved.

I also have been an Executive Recruiter for over 15 years.  I disagree completely that you should try to avoid the "middle man".   It is NEVER a bad idea to have a recruiter "in your back pocket", even in less trying economic times.  A good recruiter is your best friend in a time like this!  We know who's hiring for what positions and in what markets.  We have spent literally years building relationships with just the people you need to reach now!  Utilize our strengths!  We can offer a wealth of career expertise and advice and can do a terrific job marketing you in a tough climate.  Be selective about the recruiters you work with.  A major mistake lots of job seekers make is devaluing themselves in the market by blasting resumes all over town - it's never a good idea to appear desperate, even when you are!  I suggest interviewing several recruiters before you decide who you trust with your career.  You want to work with someone who seems genuinely interested in what makes you tick and be sure you establish that the recruiter is NEVER to submit your resume to a client company without your express permission.

My other strongest bit of advice is to keep networking!  Sites like Excelle and LinkedIn are great ways to have your finger on the pulse of your community!

I wish you all much luck!  Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you'd like any suggestions - I'm happy to take a look at your resume, for absolutely no charge, of course - and offer tips.  Whatever I can do to help!

Furthermore, before the economic collapse that has affected the myriad of interrelated industries, my potential to make a profit was significant. I tested these waters and can make a lot of money for myself and my broker - as well as other salespeople who cooperate with me in a team effort and also money made from business referrals!!! All of this is accomplished while at the same time keeping the customers very happy. That is much harder than any placement recruiters job.

If the placement agencies and recruiters refuse to look beyond a formatted resume when speaking to an articulate, educated and extremely sharp candidate - then I have no use for them. They do not deserve to make a profit from placing me. And I am very familiar with who pays the agencies, how they operate, who they really work for, their goals etc etc. etc. They only target a small customer profile for the needs of the client corporation. What is good for the gander is not - well, always good for the goose.

I am so happy that I stumbled onto this forum.  I have been feeling very isolated!

I lost my job 9/11/08 after 16 years with the same company, and have been unable to find a new position in my field (executive / administrative support).   I, too, do not have a degree and am in my middle 50's.  However, I am in great shape as I do fitness training and cardo exercise 5 - 6 days a week, so I am not anywhere near ready to retire!

Everything that all of you other job searcers have posted are exactly the same scenarios that I have been experiencing.  I live in Fort Worth, Texas and the job market supposedly has been stronger here than other areas of the country.  Some of my friends and family have begun dropping subtle comments that possibly I am not really interested in finding another job.  This is the first time in my entire adult life that I have not had a job and been self-supporting!  It sucks and I hate it!

OK, I am climbing off my pitty potty.  Thanks so much to all of you for sharing your experiences.  It's helped me realize I'm not out there by myself.  I wish for all of you to find new positions soon!