RE: Job Hunting

4 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 22,2024 at 2:27PM UTC

   I don't want to assume what you have been doing or not doing, so please feel free to take this comment or not :)

   I have been laid off before. My go-to strategy has been treating finding a job like a job. I go through morning routine of shower/dressed, etc., Go to a coffee shop or library to do my job search activities, network, follow up, etc. That way I can be more focused. I also take every single interview, even if I know it's not a good fit. Interviewing is a skill that takes practice. Wishing you all the good luck!!

2. Melanie ShottsMay 23,2024 at 5:10PM UTC

   I spen 6-8 hours on my job search including some weekends.

3. AnonymousMay 22,2024 at 6:42PM UTC

   If this was a company wide layoff then there is no reason you shouldn't be eligible for unemployment insurance unless you don't have enough wages in the base period? Another reason might be because you are not able or available for work? Could it be the classes you are taking? Are you taking them during the time you would normally work? From what you've said about what you are currently doing it seems you are on the right track. I agree with the previous answer about treating a job search as a job. Be diligent, make it a daily duty. Secondly, you say you went through several interviews but no offers. Concentrate on improving your interview skills. Lots of practice with real life examples to bring to the table. Work on body language, eye contact, etc. At the close, close the deal. Ask for the job! Make sure you list accomplishments, on your resumes as opposed to just duties. If possible quantify those accomplishments. How much did they help the employer in dollar and cents? Prioritize networking efforts as they are the most successful route. Have an elevator pitch and be comfortable with saying it to everyone, including strangers.. I wish you luck in your job search

4. ShelsMay 22,2024 at 11:52PM UTC

   I was laid off on the second round of massive layoffs at the start of the Great Recession. Everyone assumes if you're laid off (no fault of your own), you will be able to get unemployment. I found out that's not the case. If you were working for an organization the can in any way hide behind the "we're a church" designation, they are exempt from paying unemployment (at least in Indiana) and therefore, employees cannot collect unemployment from that job.

   It sounds like you're taking the steps you need to take in finding your next "work home", but it's possible you're in a community with limited openings. If you're trying to keep money coming in, you might consider trying substitute teaching or tutoring including at college levels.

   You said you've applying to a wide range of salary levels and industries, so that shows you're open to trying something new.

   Does your resume contain the words "Willing to learn!"? Years ago, I was told that was something a recruiter/business likes to see. I figure it can't hurt.

   I know you're frustrated and worried, and yes, I've been there. While the immediate future may seem very bleak, eventually something is going to come along for you.....and you may find yourself surprised at whatever it ends up being!

   When you get feeling really down about it all, I would suggest doing something KIND FOR YOURSELF! Pamper yourself. If you can't afford a massage, maybe you can afford a facial at a beauty school. If you can't afford a mani-pedi, maybe you've got a girlfriend, sister, daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt who would be delighted to have a "spa day" with you where you can pamper each other. Read a book that is something that interests YOU...take a breather from focusing on "how to get that job" type reading.

   And my final comment.....SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ENCOURAGERS!!! The power of knowing friends and family who care about you and want the best for you can really help you get through this difficult time. Let them do so! (That can be very hard for those of us who are used to having to do it all ourselves.)