Job hunting advice

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

So this may seem like a weird question to ask on here but I thought why not see what happens.

I have been looking for a job since last June and aside from two interviews with recruitment agencies, I’ve had nothing. I’ve attended job hunting workshops, used job vacancy sites, dropped off my cv at places of business, and asked the VERY few people I know.

Every time I apply for a job I always go into it with complete positivity and then I’m crushed with I get the “unsuccessful application” email.

If anyone has some other suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[StarCruiser]

I might help to know what industry. Some (and it depends to some extent on where as well) are doing well and some aren't.

Do you have a fair amount of experience in that field?

Do you have a degree (assuming it's preferred) for that field?

There are a variety of issues that can trip up any job search - trust me - I've been there too...

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

Sorry I should have included some background.

I worked at a law firm for 9 years, as a clerical assistant. My main job was data entry and filing,

I do not have a degree.

I landed that job straight out of high school thanks to a client of my mom’s who would go on about how work was so busy and they needed an extra pair of hands. I was extremely fortunate.

I would ideally like to work in a law firm again.

 

[rhubarbodendron]

Perhaps you could apply with a company that your old one worked with (or against). Partner companies would feel good with getting someone trustworthy they already know indirectly. And the opponents would feel a bit triumphant that they snatched highly qualified staff away from their competitors.

Try "blind applications": apply, even when they don't have a vacancy. It'll flatter them that you are so interested in their particular firm and they'll remember your name when they finally do have a post to fill and you apply again.

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

The last job I applied for, when I was on their site, I noticed they had an experssion of interest area. So I think I’ll do that as well.

Your first suggestion won’t work in my situation. I moved countries.

 

[Butters]

Assuming that there is a job to apply for, I tend make sure that my application ticks all of the requirements on the Person Spec and Job Description, using examples of my previous experience. That usually guarantees an invite to interview. If I do get an invite, i spend a day preparing answers for the type of questions they might ask. The first question tends to be ‘what do you know about our company?’

 

[Kilana2]

So this may seem like a weird question to ask on here but I thought why not see what happens.

I have been looking for a job since last June and aside from two interviews with recruitment agencies, I’ve had nothing. I’ve attended job hunting workshops, used job vacancy sites, dropped off my cv at places of business, and asked the VERY few people I know.

Every time I apply for a job I always go into it with complete positivity and then I’m crushed with I get the “unsuccessful application” email.

If anyone has some other suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Same problem here. This week I'll have two job interviews. Had two negative replies, too. Good luck for you!

 

[Kilana2]

Assuming that there is a job to apply for, I tend make sure that my application ticks all of the requirements on the Person Spec and Job Description, using examples of my previous experience. That usually guarantees an invite to interview. If I do get an invite, i spend a day preparing answers for the type of questions they might ask. The first question tends to be ‘what do you know about our company?’

....followed by Tell us something about you (CV in your own words....)......

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

Same problem here. This week I'll have two job interviews. Had two negative replies, too. Good luck for you!

Sorry about the negative replies but at least you made it to the interview part.

 

[Kilana2]

Sorry about the negative replies but at least you made it to the interview part.

Bad news, though. A company canceled the job interview. I applied as coach for training measures. They didn't get the approval to offer those training measures from the proper authorities. So no employees are needed.....

I insistently hope that the other job interview isn't cancelled as well.

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

Good luck. I wish I had asked my former employer if they had any relationships with other companies but given my situation at the time, I didn’t think it was a good idea.

 

[StarCruiser]

Wow! Got to be a busy thread!

Moving to another country definitely puts a bit of a kink in the works...

Don't be afraid to apply to ANY company that lists staff needs in a legal department. It doesn't have to be a law firm for there to be a need for someone familiar with that field.

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

Oh I have! The struggle is real.

 

[rhubarbodendron]

May I ask to which country you moved? No details required, just a general direction like North America, Southern Europe or East Asia. Different countries have such different preferences and customs regarding the application process. For example, a German CV has to look very different from an American one (essential points only, in a clearly arranged table, max 1 page long vs the story of your (working-) life in detail as an essay).
If we knew your geographical/cultural region, we could perhaps give more specific advice. Also, those of us who happen to live in that country could keep an eye out for job offers and point you to them. After all, one person can't read all of the job ads in all newspapers, websites etc.

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

New Zealand, and I have Kiwi-fied my CV multiple times.

 

[TribbleFeeder]

I’m sorry you’re having a difficult time!! Make sure you have a point of contact when you apply. I always make sure I talk to someone when i hand in an application. If it’s online, I go in after and just mention it to an employee, be friendly etc.

I used to be a recruiter, and it helps a lot to know someone. I know it sucks but it’s true.

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

I’ve been told to do that but I get nervous when having to talk to someone professional. I suppose I could email the contact person as well but I have no idea what to say. “Hi I’m interested in this position... “ Then what?

 

[STR]

1) It's a numbers game no matter what field you're in. There are people working in-demand jobs that still have to toss out a hundred resumes to land a gig.

2) Organize that resume/CV. Most people's resumes are terrible. When in doubt, edit down. Unless you're close to filling a page, then pad a little. You can do a 1 page resume, or a 2 page. 1.5 pages looks bad. Don't go over 2 pages unless you have damn good reason to. Describe your accomplishments, not your duties. I've called people in for interviews solely because their CV was the only one in the stack I didn't hate.

Oh, and leave spaces/margins for employers to write notes.

3) Networking, as an end unto itself, is worthless. Especially when you're not in rarified work where reputation precedes you.

4) This might just be an America thing, or even a technology sector thing, but recruiters are worthless.

5) If you match even half the requirements on a posting, apply. Anyone who ticks every box on a listing has probably already outgrown it. They might also be the type that thinks they know how to run things better than anyone else, and that can be troublesome. Give me someone who has just some experience and room to grow.

6) Cover letters are usually a waste of time. Most people won't read them. Still, if you're a non-traditional candidate and want to explain why you still think you're a good candidate, or you just have an interesting story, it's worth a shot. Just keep it short. I'm not interested in whether or not you stuck to the classic 3 paragraph form.

7) Don't stalk me on LinkedIn and then hit me up to bypass the hiring pipeline. For legal and fairness reasons, everyone starts at the same place.

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

i barely know what LinkedIn is.

I think my biggest hurdle with not getting anywhere is that my responsibilities are considered “monkey work” and that employers look at my CV and think “Oh, she only did this and that, that’s not good enough.” Having almost a decade of experience should count for something.

 

[Refuge]

Doing seasonal work is often an option. I've done fruit picking on and off just to get some money in and to have some kind of local based work on a resume.