Comments on: Recession-proof ways to jumpstart your job search

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:17:11 +0000

I have been in the same job for 15 years and I am looking to change careers. I know is not the best time to switch but I am looking into federal government job not the state ones because right now they may be laying off like the rest to the country. Hopefully this will work out for me.

By: G.S. Khalsa

G.S. Khalsa — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:55:37 +0000

That would be “to do” not just “to”
(=-

By: G.S. Khalsa

G.S. Khalsa — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:54:43 +0000

I am re-entering the workforce,
after about 3 years in retirement.

I’ve decided to bone up on cfengine,
in order to go after the high-end
systems administration jobs.

We’ll see how that works out…

I will be happy to tech-support,
if that’s what it takes!

-gs

By: Manuel Mejia

Manuel Mejia — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:00:38 +0000

Due to the status of the economy, the old wisdom of getting an interim job is not absolutely correct. Getting the interim job is as difficult as getting a permanent, expecially for workers who have been “downsized” afer working for an organization for a number of years.

If you do get an interim job, stay with it and see if it meets some of you personal values. You may find the job being more permanent than you think.

By: John

John — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:13:28 +0000

I agree with Barb, but in order for you to be marketable you may need to remove your advanced degree from your resume, even though that is painful. I have a masters degree, but the field I am looking at is only concerned with the appropriate training recieved for the field ( I have an MEd in counseling psych, but I am focusing on medical assisting)

By: Joanne

Joanne — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:55:57 +0000

Oh and Joan… Yes, I have done linked in, contacted my alumni association, continue to go to networking events when I can find a sitter (which of course costs money we don’t have). I apply to jobs every day using Careerbuilder, Monster, etc. I have called my professional network of people letting them know that I am in the market.

I can really go on for days but what is the point. I guess you can tell that I am really frustrated with the job search and fear losing my home and everything we have worked so hard for. Don’t assume that because people aren’t employed even when they are well educated it is because they aren’t tapping into all thier resources.

Just another perspective on the matter…

By: Joanne

Joanne — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:52:25 +0000

I don’t know about interim jobs. I am like many of the other posters. I will take anything at this point. My husband is underemployed in a sales job with a base of $25K and he is an attorney. I have an MBA and over 10 years experience in my field and no job. We have a 6 month old son as well. We even make $150 too much per month to even qualify for food stamps. It doesn’t matter who you are and how educated you are. In this economy we are all struggling and interim jobs are just not presenting themselves or employers think you won’t stick around if they hire you and, of course, I wouldn’t if the right position came along. In the meantime, please tell me where you are finding all these interim jobs. Sigh…

By: Joan

Joan — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:41:07 +0000

How many networking events have you gone to for MBA’s? Have you contacted your alumni office? Have you really utilized LinkedIn? I hear a lot of complaints out there, but I don’t hear what actions people are taking. There are many resources to meet new people and network.

By: Joan

Joan — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:27:58 +0000

In regards to an MBA, try to get into a reasonable program or the best one you can get into. Networking is big when you get your MBA- keep track of all your classmates and keep in touch. I’d try to get a job where they give you some money towards an advanced education so you’re not paying for it all yourself. It’s not automatically going to get you a higher salary- you still have to prove your worth and have experience.

By: Jozie

Jozie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:35:10 +0000

After years of being unemployed, getting all the education and throwing new ideas into my work search, one of the things I found useful is to consider each day a new opportunity.

The grind of trying to “appear” to be ready for the job interview can be very grueling. The hope of knowing some of the reasons why an employer doesn’t give you a feeling that they will call you can help. Some companies hire from within, but, they are required to interview.

Also, keep in mind that from their vantage point, the amount of people they may interview and who they have to choose from is a tremendously hard job for them. That may give you a reason not to beat yourself up the next time you feel you are rejected. The right place is where you’d rather be.

Do the best you can to prepare what you want and need before you get accepted for a position, and my recommendation is not to have too many intereviews in one day. My limit was two..I realized my appearance was important, and the last thing I wanted to do is get stressed and take a job I’d want to quit in a month or so.

One other thing to remember is not to talk about your boss or team-worker. Gossip comes around
back to you. Slander doesn’t help the moral of the workplace.