How Do You Get A Job?

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

I am unemployed. Not only that I am one of those really chronic unemployed people you feel sorry for when you read about them in the paper. Mostly jobless since November 2007 with only a few temp jobs to count. Not only that but I am a lousy candidate for a job being 39 with only moderate skills and unimpressive work history.

The main problem as I have revealed in the past is my long time social anxiety which prevents me from really getting out and pounding the pavement. I prefer to job-hunt from where I feel safe, behind the computer. As I have learned that is a really horrible way to get a job. In the past almost all the full-time jobs I have gotten have been through temp agencies. But they pretty much have nothing right now. I am told the best way to get a job is walk right in and ask around even if you don't know if they are hiring.

Is this true? As I said my work history long and steady, but unremarkable so I am not looking for a great job. Do people really just walk in to a store ask if they are hiring and that actually leads to a job? Has anyone found other ways of job hunting in tough times that have paid off? A relationship and a life may hang in the balance.

 

[royalfan5]

One thing that helped me when my last job went poof, was contacting anybody I knew that I thought might have any potential job leads. One of my former High School Basketball teammates that I hadn't talked to in 5 years helped me get a foot in the door at my current job. The job lead you need may come from a place you don't expect.

 

[Chekov's Phaser]

A few tips I can think of...

1) As the old saying goes, "it's not what you know, but who you know". Do you have any friends that might be able to help you. As royalfan5 said, you might find a job when you least expect it. Ask anyone you know to help you get your foot in the door.

2) Don't be ashamed to start small. I've certainly had some not so great jobs that at least padded my resume.

3) Some employers like to have people who come in asking for an application or who drop off a resume. They see it as showing initiative. I've found that the sitting behind the computer approach never really helped me, even though it made me comfortable. I hated doing it, but someone will bite.

4) Be patient and good luck because unfortunately a lot of it is all about luck.

 

[Ashu]

I guess it depends on what you're looking for. Some companies will prefer you to do it online, because that's where their recruitment is mainly located (aside form a few floating resumes handed in in person).

Personally, as someone just finishing and HR diploma and has gotten a bit of HR experiance, I like seeing the person handing in the resume. Kind of a prescreening thing. Even if it's the receptionist who is getting the the resume. And honestly, receptionists do play a role in applicant screening (the last one I worked with was a recruitment clerk so if it didnt get past her it wasn't getting to anyone.)

I wouldn't limit yourself to one way of handing in resumes and applications. The more variety the better. Im an introvert, and i tend not to like doing that in person thing eihter, but more often than not, it's what has gotten me jobs. It takes me a bit to work myself into walking in somewhere and being all like 'Hey would I be able to drop off a resume' but as long as it gets done right?

Just try your best to get your name out there, its not the easiest thing to do, and it might take any number of applications but you never know which application will be the one to land you a position. And if it's any help, your work experiance (although temporary) will definitely work in your favour. Just remember poor suckers like me who don't even have that. :P

 

[K-Star]

I'm having trouble getting a job too. Been unemployed since August of 2007, primarily due to being at school. But after applying at what feels like a gazillion places over the summers not ONE person has contacted me. I feel as though the only job I ever had I'd only gotten cuz my mom worked there...

 

[14thDoctor]

I am a lousy candidate for a job being 39 with only moderate skills and unimpressive work history.

Nah. Many employers are more comfortable putting older employees in positions of trust than younger people. And as long as you've been working, you have experience. Even if your years spent in a particular field weren't spent being particularly impressive, you can still claim "X years experience in Y field" on your resume, which is something employers look for.

If you're really stuck, sometimes it's worth working somewhere really lousy, if you're in a position to move up quickly. McDonalds might be humiliating at first, but if you work your way up to swing manager in six months, you're going to be able to apply for "management experience required" jobs in the future.

The main problem as I have revealed in the past is my long time social anxiety which prevents me from really getting out and pounding the pavement. I prefer to job-hunt from where I feel safe, behind the computer. As I have learned that is a really horrible way to get a job. In the past almost all the full-time jobs I have gotten have been through temp agencies. But they pretty much have nothing right now. I am told the best way to get a job is walk right in and ask around even if you don't know if they are hiring.

I suggest writing a script, practicing it, and sticking to it as best you can. It doesn't have to be fancy.

"Hello there, I was wondering if the hiring manager was available. I'm just looking to drop off a resume."

It's as easy as that.

Do people really just walk in to a store ask if they are hiring and that actually leads to a job?

A few times, yes. Plenty of managers need people, but they don't know how to find them. I know a place that's looking for four people right now, but their recruitment method is "wait for someone to walk in with a resume."

Has anyone found other ways of job hunting in tough times that have paid off?

As was already mentioned, company websites can be a great place. Maybe the branch right by you is full, but the one on the other side of town is desperate for help. You'll never know until you try.


Good luck!

 

[Rincewiend]

I am unemployed. Not only that I am one of those really chronic unemployed people you feel sorry for when you read about them in the paper. Mostly jobless since November 2007 with only a few temp jobs to count. Not only that but I am a lousy candidate for a job being 39 with only moderate skills and unimpressive work history.

Same here...
Altough i pretty much only had temp jobs straight after i graduated 14 years ago...
And that's how it stayed, temp job after temp job with only one or two off them where i could use my education...
But i pretty much forgot most of that as well...
Bleh, life sucks on the one hand, but is beautiful on the other...

 

[RoJoHen]

I walk into the building. I ask for an application. I fill it out while I'm there. I turn it in when I'm done.

I've had 4 jobs in my life. This is how I got all of them.

 

[TheLonelySquire]

What kind of work do you do? What are you willing to do?

I think you need to consider doing a couple things.

1. Realize that most people are just regular people. Treat them as such and don't think that they hold your future in your hands, because they don't.

2. Position yourself as a valuable asset to whatever company you are going to apply to. Make them want to speak with you. This is done with a cover letter that presents you in that light.

3. Consider looking for a career and not a job. You'll be much happier. For example, I worked for many companies until about 12 years ago when I just said...enough. I wanted to control my own time and my own income. Now I control my future. I currently do management consulting, importing, and credit repair.

I started several businesses, and while it wasn't easy, I have never been happier. You'll never work harder for someone else than yourself. And you can start a business on the side if you are working full-time. Just find what interests you and have the stones to go for it.


Oh, and you certainly can use the computer very effectively to find work. I'm a member of an association with thousands of other members all over the world. I recently used the member directory over the past several months to secure a contract with a company outside of London. (leaving for the UK on Sunday!). but I sent out probably a thousand inquiries to weed out forty responses down to one. It's a numbers game and you have to be willing to play it.

Good luck. Shoot me a pm if you have any questions.

 

[backstept]

the job I have now I got because my boss called my instructor and asked if there was anyone in the class that would be a good fit
It was a 6 month AutoCAD certification course and it was around the time that we were looking for internships
so I did the internship and was hired on after I was done

so it definitely pays to know people

 

[Holdfast]

TheLonelySquire - that was actually a pretty accurate post. The OP should read it.

 

[auntiehill]

Dark Journey, what exactly is your education/level of experience? There are jobs out there--some of which SUCK, but a paycheck is a paycheck.

If you go to any retail store, you can just walk in, fill out an application and walk out again. Simple as that. There are a variety of positions available; just show up. If your education and/or training are of a certain level, there are many jobs that require little in the way of inter-personal skills---jobs on the internet.

I have a job that allows me to work on the internet, supervising others over the phone, but I have training in a somewhat specialized field. My sister once worked for Google, in her home, checking the accuracy of certain search results. It was 20 hours a week, and perfect for a stay at home Mom.

My hubby's best friend has severe social anxiety and OCD. He now works full-time at a bank reserve downtown. He counts and bundles money. He doesn't have to socialize--just focus on counting and wrapping the money. It works great with his personal strengths and weaknesses.

Like TheLonelySquire said, it really is a numbers game. But you have to cast a VERY wide net to get what you're looking for. I remember sending an application almost every day for 3 months before finally getting a job that I both wanted and could live with.

 

[Colonel Green]

I can understand how your social anxiety makes it hard to make cold applications.

I suggest vodka, but shower before you leave the house and maybe chew some gum.

 

[Lookingglassman]

Go apply for state employment. It is easy to get. You could also join the military since you are still underage (the limit is 42).

 

[An Officer]

Sometimes, it's about relaxing, genuinely enjoying yourself, and working yourself into a good humour. I have spent many man hours in the past looking for work without much success. Each time I found success, it was after I forced myself to relax, and enjoy life in the meantime, and tried not to torture myself 24/7 because I couldn't find a job.

All of the 4 jobs I've had in the past, I have found socially, whilst having a good time - dropped into my lap, just like that (after some ground work being at the right places, talking to the right people). It's almost that sense of giving off a vibe that you'll be happy whether you get that particular job or not. You don't want to be too desperate, they see dozens of desperate people a day - be the one who makes them feel like just another good friend you met that day. Stick in there and never loose your sense of joy - because employers like that, too. Be capable, but approachable and friendly, too.

 

[Mistral]

My first suggestion based on the level of melancholy in your OP is to unload all of the firearms in the house and have someone else hide the ammunition when you aren't around.

That said, the best jobs I've had involved me going somewhere for something, being frustrated by the level of ability of someone on site and asking if they needed an employee who could do the job better. With your anxiety that could be difficult, though.

 

[nevermore]

Not only that but I am a lousy candidate for a job being 39 with only moderate skills and unimpressive work history.

Have you considered using your unemployed time to improve your skills and education and better position yourself to successful seek out a job? Perhaps a certificate program at a local community college? It could provide a resume boost as well as networking opportunities. There are probably grants out there that you could use to finance it as well.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Today was the first day I tried the getting out approach. I just went to general places like grocery stores and pharmacies. Most weren't hiring, but I did get a bit of a bite at Walgreen's who at least had a position open. My anxiety is manageable when I don't think about it. I don't let myself stop for a second and doubt what I have to do. I just walk up to the counter and start speaking so I was able to get out a stock inquiry that wasn't too bad. I am not looking for anything in particular, at this point I am one of those people who just need a paycheck no matter where it comes from, but of course that makes searching for a job kind of a general and vague exerience. Which of the 10,000 doors in the city do you knock on?

I always dread when people tell me to depend on contacts. Ususally that is just because of my shyness, but now I have a good excuse. I am new to the LA area, I have only been here eight months, so I don't know anyone but my girlfriend. I suppose that really is kind of a poor excuse though it should give me an incentive to go out and get to know people, but introversion gets in the way.

I actually have a fair bit of education and am the kind of person other people say is realy smart. I have a BA in English with a minor in Philosophy. I always wanted an academic career, but one of the big problems in my life is I think I am rather anhedonic. I have interests, but no real passions so I never pursued anything. What I really always wanted to do was be a writer, but again I sam so out of practice I don't feel I have anything valuable to offer anyone. My last job was working in insurance. I think I was actually really good at it, but it became one of those companies that literally thought one person can do all the jobs that three people used to do and a manager that didn't want to bother with anything and I ended up getting fired. So that's a strike against me. Plus being a person with a bit of intelligence and college degree I am self-pitying enough to think I should be in a better place in life so every lousy job I have only makes me more depressed rather than thankful.

I know the optimum situation for me at my age would be to just decide on a career as TLS said but for a guy who hates making decisions and gets easily depressed it seems llike choosing the course of his life is a daunting task. What if I choose wrong(like my choices have been superlative so far)

Thanks for all the feedback though I am enjoying hearing all your experiences. It helps me get out of staying trapped in my own thoughts.

 

[Smiley]

Even though positions are a little more scarce right now, you should sign up with one or two employment agencies (not necessarily temp agencies). That way, somebody is working on getting a job for you while you're doing your own searching. They also have some opportunities that are not offered to walk-in applicants.

Another thing I would recommend is to set goals for each day. Apply to 15-20 places per day, and make five follow-up calls to places you've already applied to.

 

[ShimmeringFacet]

Hi DJ,
I don't have any tips to offer, but I came across this wonderful article and thought it might be relevant to you in some way. Perhaps you are more like Fountain than Foer.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/10/20/081020fa_fact_gladwell