Hi everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well. I graduated from university last June however l am struggling to find a full time job. I have applied to thousands of jobs but l keep getting rejected or ghosted or not being called back for the second interview. I am getting desperate. I have experience in retail, have done internships at a non-profit and labor union. I am open to any suggestions or recommendations. Thank you!
Laura Oliver-Suos
14
03/21/24 at 11:35PM UTC
My recommendation I give to early career candidates like yourself is to focus more on networking, making connections and getting informational interviews, and less on applying. I work in Recruiting - I will share that, depending on the company you're applying to, you may be competing with hundreds of applicants for a given job. Those that are getting the callback probably: are doing the exact job for a similar company in within that same industry, OR know somebody at the company that refers them to the hiring manager or recruiter for the job. Focus your time on becoming a referral for a role that aligns WELL to the experience and skills you already have. You may find more success in that approach, hopefully!
Jonna Ferguson, ACCCareer & Leadership Coach/Consultant
443
03/21/24 at 5:56PM UTC (Edited)
I mentioned this in a post a few weeks ago, but a favorite resource I recommend to my clients is the book, "The 20-minute Networking Meeting" by Marcia Ballinger and Nathan Perez.
There are Professional and Executive editions, and both are short, valuable reads for jobseekers and those interested in expanding their networks. Applying a structure to your networking meetings is a great practice to develop your career story and tell people how they can help you, in a crisp and professional way.
Two great takeaways from the book are:
1) Ask the person you're meeting with whether there's anyone else they suggest you speak with about your next steps. It's all about adding contacts and increasing your chance of learning about opportunities, maybe even before they're posted.
2) End the conversation by asking the person you're meeting with, "How can I be helpful to you?" Maybe there's a software program you're familiar with, or a vendor contact you know who would be helpful to them.
My story may be unique, but virtually EVERY corporate job I was offered came about because I proactively networked or someone in my existing network was already familiar with my work ethic and experience. Face to face meetings and outreach are a game-changer.
Best of luck!
Anonymous
03/21/24 at 5:18PM UTC
If you've truly applied to THOUSANDS of jobs, you need to immediately revise your search strategy. Sounds to me like you're looking at any open role and submitting your information which is not sustainable. I'm hard pressed to think that as a recent grad, you're qualified for thousands of roles.
I agree with others that your university's career center should absolutely be your first stop.
Sounds to me like you just need to get a job right now, even if its not in your professional field. When I was early in my career, I just needed to stop the money bleed and collecting a paycheck from retail or a waitressing job is better than nothing.
Elizabeth Stiles WestEnglish teacher, debate coach, and exam proctor
11.12k
03/21/24 at 5PM UTC
Have you already been to your university's career center? If not, make that your first stop. They can help you revise your resume and can do mock interviews to give you practice and feedback. If it's not hyperbole that you have applied to thousands of jobs, a better strategy might be to target ones you are specifically interested in/qualified for instead of applying for just anything. Think quality over quality.
Anonymous
03/21/24 at 4:58PM UTC
Volunteer at places where you know down the path there will be jobs, you cannot just send resumes and hope to get noticed. Those days are gone. Get out there, get connected give your time where it is needed and even if you find a small part time gig for the near term that pays little get more experience. Temp! that works too.
Anonymous
03/21/24 at 3:53PM UTC
We are all in the same situation, unfortunately. Since you recently graduated, I'd contact your alumni association to see if they have any job fairs, and to ask what employers have hired people from your university in the past.
