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Question

Is it really this difficult to find employment at 44? I am a recent graduate with a Master's degree in Human Resources and have applied at over 60 businesses with absolutely no luck. Applicants now apply online which is so easy for an employer to swipe you away...I feel. Any advice?

Jackie Ruka · Answer

Choose 5 companies that you love and want to work for. Find people on LinkedIn who work there. Connect, make friends and set up a coffee date or information interview with someone from the company. Once you have it's easier for them to recommend you and get an interview then just blindly sending resumes. A friend of mine did this and got a job in a month!

Natasha Nurse · Answer

No - getting a job can be frustrating but it can be a fruitful venture. Let's schedule a time to chat: https://www.dressingroom8.com/scheduling/

Also, here is a 7 video series that can help with your journey: http://bit.ly/2lsRDSa

Sandra Diaz · Answer

Hi Karen,
I looked at your FGB and LinkedIn profile, and one comment I have is that the story of how you add value to an employer is not clear, the type of employer where you can make the biggest difference is not clear either, and you only have 10 connections on LinkedIn. You have 2 years of direct HR experience and have worked in the hospitality, insurance, and nonprofit industries. I'm assuming you want a job in HR since that's related to your Master degree. So, you can start by changing your LinkedIn headline to: Bilingual Human Resources Professional | Insurance, Hospitality & Nonprofit Experience. Instead of leading with 'I've been working in underwriting' in your summary, you can start with a result you can help organizations achieve in HR. For example, 'I can help organizations with large numbers of Spanish-speaking staff to ensure proper personnel training and compliance with labor laws. Throughout my career in various functions at X, Y, Z companies I have added value by striking a balance between attention to detail and achieving a human connection'.  Start by connecting to heads of Diversity and Inclusion in your area, since they are in the HR function and would want to keep a qualified diverse candidate such as yourself on the radar. For specific scripts and approaches to build your network, download my free ebook with the 7 Steps to get more interviews and ideal job offers in 90 days at landdreamcorporatejobs.com, and join my FGB group Spark Job Search Boot Camp to ask questions that come up as you apply the system.

Annetta Moses · Answer

You mentioned that you are a recent graduate. Have you used the career services at the school? Can the school put you in contact with alum how work in HR that may be able to assist you in finding a position?  Can career services and alum in HR review your resume and provide you with feedback?

Good luck.

sandmanstone · Answer

Hi Karen, 
I got great advice a number of years ago from a mentor - she told me, instead of looking for jobs, think about people who like you already.  Perhaps a boss or coworkers you worked with before, and got along great with, someone in your master's program that you collaborated with on a project.  Ask them for coffee.  Tell them you appreciate them, and you appreciate their advice.  Ask them if they have recommendations on who else to meet for coffee, or strategies on search.  (Who knows, maybe they have a role opening soon!)  
Secondly, be consistent on LinkedIn (Great advice from Jackie above)- as you meet folks you like, send them a personalized request, and build your network.  
Third, let your family and friends  know you are searching, and ask them to keep an eye out for you.  Stats show that you are likely to find your next job via a friend of a friend or family - not your inner circle, but the next circle out.

Hoping these suggestions help, Christine

Melanie · Answer

Networking is key.  Are you a member of your local SHRM chapter or other local HR groups, what does your LinkedIn profile or resume look like?   My last two jobs were found via networking with other HR professionals.  Sending cold resumes to openings generally does not work.  Good luck.

Lady Pele · Answer

Great advice above.  The ten suggestions I gave to a friend were:
1.	Compare your resume to others with your role (or the role you want).  Google “Sample (your role) resume”.  Perhaps there are phrases you can borrow that apply to you that you haven't thought about.
2.	Consider a functional rather than a chronological resume.  Your resume should be tailored to address the key points in the job description for each role for which your apply.  If they have an automated review process, you have to have their key words in your resume.
3.	Have a LinkedIn account with your information.  Use your LinkedIn network to let people know your are looking and ask whether they can introduce you to a hiring manager or HR rep if there is an open position at their company.  You can also research and target specific companies and reach out to people in a comparable job and ask them about the company and open positions.
4.	Many sites have a filter that you can subscribe to so that you receive information about open positions as soon as they are entered into their system.  This includes not only sites like Indeed, but larger hiring companies have subscriptions as well.
5.	Create a one minute introduction, especially for those “Tell me about yourself” questions.  For example, “I am a (insert your role) with XX years of experience with a focus on YY.”  Google “example elevator pitch” for more info.
6.	Practice interviewing.  Many companies use the “Tell me a time when…” format.  Google interview questions and be prepared to answer them.  Record yourself if necessary to help identify and overcome weaknesses.
7.	Be on time to the interview or call if an emergency happens!  
8.	When interviewing, lean forward, smile, make eye contact, it’s OK to tilt your head as you listen, but try to avoid body language like leaning away from the interviewer, rubbing your neck, tucking your chin down, crossing your arms, etc.
9.	Keep notes during the interview (whether in person or on the phone).  Follow up each interview with a thank you email and use the notes in your comments.
10.	Know your worth.  Research what the industry standard is for the job in your geographic area.  When asked for a salary, reply that you know the local range is x-y and you are looking for the low/middle/high end of the range (based on your experience).

Good luck!

Rose Holland · Answer

Network, network, network. Over 90% of jobs filled are due to networking! Spend most of your time networking and less of your time applying blindly on-line. If you have not already done so, request a mentor through SHRM, connect with your alumni group and use your school's career center.

A great book, written by a professor for his MBA students, is 'The 2-Hour Job Search.' Steve Dalton provides great insights into how to build a meaningful network.

Karen Barrientos · Answer

Christine thank you do much for this information! I will try this.

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