Job hunting in the 21st Century

Reading these post are so depressing. I'm a full time student with a full time blue collar job. If you are all having such a bad time finding jobs, go blue collar until something comes up. Welders can start off at $14/hr and it should take no more than 6 months of steady work to learn just about any trade. You all are scaring me.

All the comments,above, are very true and factual..The key issue here, is that those seeking employment have HR folk scanning received resumes.However, it appears that these resumes are NOT forwarded to the Manager(s) who will be using these new hires for interviews and face-to-face questioning of job abilities...It seems the system in the "corporate/company" world is working backwards and that those who are in need of new job replacements, never get a chance to see a possible candidate..eg. If a person states on a resume that they can buff/strip floors, a manager would know that process....Not an HR person...

What isn't frustrating about job hunting? You spend a lot of time writing cover letters, tailoring your resume for each application, and researching companies in the hopes that you will be contacted for interview. I agree with some of the other posters that companies/HR folks/whoever should have the decency to send a form e-mail either stating that they have received your application materials or that they have already ruled you out as a candidate. I am starting to develop a deep and intense dislike for HR departments, as they add a layer of bureaucracy to an already frustrating process. When did they become, as one poster calls them, the gatekeepers? They certainly weren't 18 years ago when I entered the work force.

I was looking for a job and submitted, my resume, to allstate, they called me in for an interview, and also tested me, and said I passed the test, and that they really liked my resume,they asked me to come in for the second interview, while one guy alot younger than my self asked me questions, and the note taker, wrote down my responses, they both seemed to like my answers to there questions, and made it seem like I had a real chance to get a job with them, they said they would get backto me in 2 weeks prior to the training for the job,emailed me today! and said I did not meet there criteria, I agree with everyone above, it hard dressing up,and impressing you're potential employer, and then they turn you down for a very weak reason, everyone keep looking something wonderful will come you're way, that's the attitude I have and will have.

I totally agree with most of the comments above, I am changing careers from the financial industry, selling loans autos, mortgages or home equities is not happening in this current market.

Now I am a full time student seeking a job in my field of study & keeping sending out resumes but to no avail. Response "found someone better suited for the position". Part of my downfall is that I have no experience in the field that I am studying so the resume that I have is not working for me. Even to get a job for < $10 an hour is not happening. One HR recruiter told me that based on my previous income hiring someone for < what they were making will cost them $$ to hire because some people will not stay in the position long enough.

Like Sharon said I will not give up something will come along some day.

I think ageism is a problem. When I see the question about when you graduated I automatically think "Aha, one way to find out your age" and I smile to myself because I returned to get a BA after I'd done some child rearing; so, I graduated in '93 but that gives a false impression. I am not 30 something. And I admit, even if I were (30 something)I'd be ageing out.

I was recently looking for a job, a part time job, to supplement my income. (I have a full time job that slows in winter; so, I don't get the full 40 hours). No dice. Even those posting part time jobs (jobs I felt did not require any particular skill--be semi-literate, show up, follow directions, practice personal hygiene--things of this nature) were asking for detailed job histories with skills enumerated. I trasnslate that to mean an HR director that doesn't understand the job they are filling and asking for skills not needed. Who's doing the writing for the posting? And do you really care that the night stock clerk is and looks over 40? Questions related to health and ability to perform the function are relevant--are they (HR depts.) so bound up by law that the questions cannot be asked? Just wondering...

Does anyone have a solid lead as to where you can go to get interviewing techniques down for no cost? It seems everyone has a program they want to sell you?

Job hunting for me is fun, but frustrating. Once a recruiter myself I know first hand that hiring authorities get so many resumes for positions adertised that when the resumes are first reviewed they find reasons for tossing them in the round box,i.e., mis-spellings, grammar errors, deficient formatting, poor cover letters, job employment holes, and yes, age! Any niche that an applicant can find when sending in an unsponsored resume to get the initial reviewers attention is a plus. If you can discover who the employer is follow up with phone calls to press for an interview. The market is flooded with applicants, being docile will get you almost nothing. It's not the luck of the draw anymore. Also, keep in mind that they may already have a candidate selected but their company requires the position to be advertised before filling the position. The more darts thrown the more liklihood that one will stick! Keep at it.

Ageism is alive and well in the hiring practice. Employers want experience but don't want to hire anyone over the age of 50! I might be over 50, but I am not dead. I have a masters degree plus several business courses and years of experience at work and as a volunteer. The interviewers told me I am over qualified, the new, legal code word for too old. The only reason employers don't state that candidates are too old is because it is blantantly discriminatory, and they don't want to be sued. Since many people live to be 80 and older, perhaps it is time to hire over 50 candidates with a new eye. We don't have little kids so our family concerns are nil. Studies prove that older workers have less absentism and show more dedication on the job.

I work as a recruiter in construction. Most of my time is spent on the phone and I can say that most people do not know how to carry on a phone conversation. When you are speaking to a person on the phone, please speak clearly and distinctly. Not loudly, but with a good firm tone. I'm much more tolerant and receptive during a phone conversation with someone who gives forth their best. Because if I can't understand what you are saying, I'm not willing to take the time listening to you on the phone.

I agree with all the above. I left a job to move to another state to help out my aging parents. Now that I am here,I could not get unemployment (even after 20 years of working in another state because I moved) nor can I get job after 2 months of looking. But I will keep looking. I have interviewed by phone and in person. Interviewing by phone is the worst because you have no idea who is talking with you and sometimes you cannot hear the interviewer. And like most, I would appreciate knowing whether or not my resume is accepted or not. An email would suffice, as some companies send out but most do not. Personnel companies are the worse to send a resume to. Once you go in an interview with them (they want to meet you) you may go on one job interview and then nothing. I tried sending out thank you cards but most the time the interviews are like stampede cattle drives. I too believe age is working against me, because I have been told to take off dates of education on my resume. I will keep trying and hope someone will make a suggestion to my resume or interview that will land me a job.

This is a prime example of whats wrong. Cindy M.: Recruiter for a construction company

She is more tolerant and receptive to someone that talks the talk over someone that walks the walk by giving their best. All because Cindy as a recruiter is not willing to take the time to listen to you. (HER JOB)

Now you have a BS artist instead of a worker. Not that I have ever charmed my way to get the job but the charm comes along with skills. I do understand both sides of job seekers many jobs applied to and employers recieving so many apps./ resume. I agree a simple responce would be curtious. But the man/women does not see the cause and effect of not responding. For me if said company didn't send and or call me with a responce and I see something for sale made by said company do you think I would buy it ?

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NO!!!!!!

Whatever you do...DON'T GIVE UP! Like many I too have been on the search for a new job since mid-December. I sent out through email, fax, friends and job boards 48 applications. I thought it was going to be a relatively good search when the 1st application I put called me for an interview within a week...Awesome! Do the interview, goes what I thought was great, so I asked, "what's the next step?" reply, "I am forwarding you on to speak with the Manager and they WILL be in touch with you in about a week, maybe two" HOORAY! 2 months later...NOTHING! Another company had me in for 4 interview and spoke with everyone and was introduced to the department. Safe assumption...WRONG, that was just 2 let me know that I was in the running with 1 other person who they eventually hired. No worries because I made some good contacts and weekly that company calls to let me know of other openings within their organization, they want me in its just a matter of finding a match within. Be optomistic good will happen. In the meantime; I am deliver newspapers and I am having fun atleast doing something because and getting another part-time job just to keep my attitude in the right direction. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!

Pulease, people! Most jobs have a lot of people applying and vying for the spot. If you want the job - fight for it. Don't expect HR to bend over backwards to help you (somebody they don't know from Adam) to get the job. Network, find out about the job AND company, use a cover letter, do your best to get face-to-face with someone, and try to leave good impressions with them whenever possible. People with degrees know how to talk-the-talk and so should someone with mad skilz for the job (and much more so). Incorporate the old school (resume, personalized thank you cards/cover letters) and mix it with the new school. If you don't get the job move on. Oh, and the best way to get paid what you're worth - - - - - - - prove it.

I have spent the past year searching for a new job in public relations and understand the comments written by others, here. Pet peeves:

1. HR and agency reps who have no clue what their company division needs - they can't write an accurate job description much less review the resumes with intelligence. My favorite joyless ride - being called three times to interview with the same company, and each time the job description changed. Interview 1. Write and edit newsletters and publications, assist the CEO; Interview 2. Develop and initiate a marketing plan for the entire company; Interview 3. Travel around the country to trade shows to promote the company. During the last interview,the HR manager said, "I hope you don't mind" as she whipped out a toothpick and began cleaning her teeth. Disgusting! 2. The electronic no-brain point system that weighs the applicant's education, experience, expertise. If you don't have the right higher ed degree - you're screwed. 3. Age discrimination - this extreme applies to early 20s and over 50s. 4. Social discrimination - those with inside connections have the edge - even if they can't match your experience and education. 5. A "thank you" note is a one-way street. You give your time, energy and gas & parking money to be interviewed, and write a thank you note. The hiring squad can't be bothered to communicate that someone else was selected, the hiring was postponed, etc. Even if you call the company - which I have many times - they'll promise you a response, but they don't follow through. ADVICE TO COMPANIES: Can you really afford your HR department to give a negative image of your company? Most applicants are treated with the message that "we don't give a damn about you much less our employees and customers." I'm continuing my search and research - but I'm also keeping a list of discourteous companies, agenices and government entities to avoid them.