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Rebecca Lee V

2.22k

Operations Analyst

07/06/20 at 3:12PM UTC

Career

Time for a change?

I took the weekend off from my job hunt. Since mid-May, I've applied to over 200 jobs, focusing on HR or Recruiter positions, a few admin and some CSR. I've had a few interviews, but no offers, and most of the feedback I'm getting is the job is on hold due to the economy, or they are going in a different direction. I've heard this once, and I have to believe it is true that HR and Recruiters are the first to be laid off during an economic downturn. With that said, I'm wondering if it is time for a career change or to return to school. The one thing that is holding me back, well two, is the debt from returning to school, and would I be able to find a job because the top careers don't appeal to me. What I would like to do is to get an administrative or even CSR position where I can take additional classes in the evenings, but with my experience, I'm getting passed over. I'm trying to stay positive but slowly fading. I'm open to suggestions/advice/comments.

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MissyP

Positive cultures impact the bottom line!

07/08/20 at 10:13AM UTC

Before you hit the door, I would talk to HR. This is a clear case of workplace bullying and it’s a terminable offense. They’ll investigate it & make a decision. Have you confronted her? Has she always been like this? One of your other options is to go up a level and talk to your boss or go have a conversation with hers. I know that sounds scary... BTW, shame on your boss for being too chicken to do the right thing. You do not have to put up with this.

Melissa Boillot

237

Passionate people leader and business partner

07/07/20 at 4:55PM UTC

Good luck in your search. One tip that I would offer - Instead of casting your net so wide, be really selective about what and to which companies you are applying to, then really tailor your resume and cover letter to that company and position. If I interview someone that is great, but doesn't have a passion for my open role or my organization, I pass on them. It doesn't mean that they aren't a great candidate, but I want to know that they have done the research and they are landing a 'dream' job where they will be more likely to put down roots.

Rebecca Lee V

2.22k

Operations Analyst

07/07/20 at 5:14PM UTC

Yes, I get a lot of you have a great resume but not for this position. I'm focusing on healthcare recruiting but told what I currently do doesn't fit with the healthcare recruiting they're doing. Tech companies won't look at my resumes (no tech experience) and any HR position I get passed because... well be honestly I don't know there.

Rachael Flug

158

Career Coach and Recruiter

07/07/20 at 4:40PM UTC

I think you need to focus more on what you really want to do first. I would then recommend updating your profiles to match what you want. For example, right now you show you are open to full-time opportunities. That doesn't tell me anything about what you want and can do for a company. Change it to what you can offer: "Experienced healthcare recruiter open to opportunities to help you find your RN Case Manager unicorn." Use your copy-writing skills to sell yourself! Then, you want to join groups where you can network (LI, FGB, and even Facebook). I would also recommend joining SHRM if you aren't a member already and start participating in local chapter events (maybe online right now). What companies do you want to work at? Create a list of targeted companies and start finding people that work there and ask them questions about what it's like to work there, the recommendations on ways to stand out, etc. Unfortunately, blindly applying to positions is like throwing spaghetti at the wall and will leave you feeling defeated when nothing sticks, even more so in this current hiring climate.

Rebecca Lee V

2.22k

Operations Analyst

07/07/20 at 4:49PM UTC

Thank you and you are right I should update that profile summary. I haven't liked it.

Rachael Flug

158

Career Coach and Recruiter

07/07/20 at 10:16PM UTC

And this is just one small idea to start with! I know it can be frustrating looking for a job but you got this!

KimmieFH

799

Reach your goals through positive connections

07/07/20 at 3:19PM UTC

While it may be true that recruiting is thinned out during an economic downturn, other areas of HR are mostly being leaned on heavily during this time. Every organization is different, of course, but training and team member support have become big focuses for a lot of companies right now in order to help make layoff decisions, protect the company and keep the employees that they do have productive and engaged. I'm not sure what your experience is exactly but I did see above you had possible interest in Data Analyst.. if analytic work interests you that would be a huge value to an organization to be able to analyze data, processes, outcomes etc. and help to make recommendations for dealing with the current employment climate. I would consider reaching out to others who do HR analytic work, ask questions and see how well you would align to a role like this. The connections could also help you to land one of these. It's estimated about 80% of jobs are filled via networking. Finally I'll end by saying your feelings and experience are totally normal and you're not alone. I was laid off in 2019 and it took almost a year (including accepting a "filler" job for a few months) for me to finally land something great. And that was without a global pandemic! It is a great sign that you are getting interviews. With constant changes it seems totally normal to run into the objections you described so the good news is it's totally not you! Job hunting is a huge task, especially now. If you have experience in recruiting than you likely are aware of how easily a great candidate can get overlooked. To keep up your sanity and energy, I would suggest dedicating time to applications, networking, research etc and building in breaks. Most jobs are posted at least 48 hours.. you will not miss much if you take a day off. I drove myself nuts feeling like any minute I wasn't working on getting a job was time wasted but when I really started to see movement was when I focused on quality of match and my application over quantity. I spent no more than an hour each morning bookmarking and forwarding myself job openings and started going to the local Library (I know that may not be possible now) a few days a week to put myself in a dedicated space and time and would spend 4-5 hours tailoring my resume to those positions and applying. I also was networking a lot. Outside of that though, I let myself live, breathe and take care of myself and my family. I exercised, I took my dog to the park, I read good books and wrote articles, I drank wine and watched bad movies. All of that helped me show up as a better candidate to interviews. You are doing the right things. If you are thinking of going back to school because you've been wanting a big change in course anyway, that's something to think about, but I wouldn't recommend putting yourself into a major time and financial commitment just because the job hunt has you feeling defeated. It would look a little different but you would be on the job hunt again at graduation. Wishing you the very best of luck! I'm confident whichever direction you decide to go in you have many great options for happiness! I have my own side business as a professional development coach, if you'd like to talk more in-depth feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or on LinkedIn find me under Kimberley Ferretti.

Rebecca Lee V

2.22k

Operations Analyst

07/07/20 at 3:31PM UTC

I focus about four hours a day, Monday through Friday., looking for jobs that match my skills and interest me. I know what I can do and cannot do, as well as what I don't want to do. Returning to school is the last possible option, I would prefer to take on-line courses to improve my skills and in matters I enjoy, which is the best time to do this. I've read a exercise like... a lot but it is keeping me sane and the anxiety at bay. Using LinkedIn and FGB to network. Times aren't great and I do have a part time job that helps but I get defeated easily. Luckily i've been here more than once and able to pick myself off the ground. I am looking into the data analyst aspect of HR because nothing is ever set in stone. You evolve or die.

Sweet Caroline

4.25k

07/06/20 at 5:22PM UTC

I feel like everyone thinks their role is the first to get laid off! I would keep your head up and keep trying, maybe revamp your resume and polish up the interview tips.

Rebecca Lee V

2.22k

Operations Analyst

07/06/20 at 5:26PM UTC

I've done this so many times, that if I had a dime...

Barb Hansen

6.66k

Startup Product, Growth & Strategy

07/06/20 at 4:41PM UTC

Before you jump into a new career, you might want to: 1. do some investigation into the what transferable skills that you have (if you haven't already) 2. see if there are HR adjacent careers that might interest you As an example: You could work as a Data analyst and product owner for a HR software development company as an example, where you HR degree and training would be a great asset. 2. see if there is online training you can take. LinkedIn has free some career training paths (they have a data analyst training path) that you might want to look into and there are other free and inexpensive online training options. Side Note: My startup will be hiring a HR professional/recruiter as a product owner/SME this summer. We are heading out for our Seed funding round this week and after we secure funding, we'll start hiring. I'm happy to connect with you and we can stay in touch. If you are interested in learning more about being a Product person, I'm always happy to chat.

Rebecca Lee V

2.22k

Operations Analyst

07/06/20 at 5:09PM UTC

I have Linkedin Premium for the job seeker and that they were offering free training. The Data Analyst did interest me as well as being able to brush up on MS office.