93
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Help! Applied to over 100 jobs with no avail.
I just quit my job in August as a Program Manager. I am looking for environmental science positions in Los Angeles. I have a bachelors in geology and in the mean time i've been working for an outdoor education company in hopes of finding my dream job soon. Now that i've left my job in August I have applied to over 100 positions and I have recieved 1 call back and 1 interview that never called me back.
I am so frustrated. I am at the point where I feel worthless and disappointed and just trying to make ends meet. I am a hard worker with over 5 years of experience in program and project management.
I had a colleague tell me that my name is complicated and therefore turns off recruiters. They suggested i "Amercanize" my name and I feel absolutely sick about it. I dont want to believe that this is true but I'd rather make my resume spectacular than change my name.
If anyone that can look at my resume and see what i've done wrong or help me in any way i would gladly appreciate it.
Anonymous
02/04/20 at 7:05PM UTC
Hi Bolear20 - So glad you wrote to this feed. Hopefully it's helping out. There is some great advice!
My two cents is to tweak your search so that your energy is spent trying to find EXACTLY what you want. Even if you don't get 100% there - it will move you in the right direction.
Also - switching fields doesn't mean you need to start over.
For example - do you really want a position that your assistant is suited for? (Perhaps. they may have "caught up" with you experience-wise by now - I'm just trying to help you focus.) The lower the level you are open to - the more applicants there will be! So design the most specific position you can think of that will use your skills / experience AND all the elements of your "dream job" and shoot for that. There may only be 10 employers in the area that can provide that opportunity, but it will bring you to a network that will help you find your way.
All the best!
bolear20Turning challenges into opportunities.
93
02/01/20 at 7:31PM UTC
Thankyou everyone for your comments. Just your attention has given me some hope. All your suggestions are helpful.
LuAnn KowarService-oriented, proactive and resourceful.
155
02/01/20 at 6:34PM UTC
Hi, All: In the case of bolear20's original post, it's my opinion --- just an opinion --- that another type of bias (not ethnic) is operative here, namely, the bias of recruiters against the unemployed. I myself years ago would never resign from a job again; I found that there emerges rather quickly the bias against the unemployed. But there are many reasons for unemployment, and this time around for me, it's a lay-off, not a resignation. I think that the comments that advise towards using LinkedIn to network are the most helpful. And, if you can get at least one great Reference posted on LinkedIn. Job-seekers aren't necessarily doing anything wrong, but the barriers to employment are higher than ever in some industries, so important to stay positive. You'll find a way back-in!
LINDA GARDNERStrategic Marketing Executive
29
02/01/20 at 4:41PM UTC
I know it's very frustrating, trust me...I have applied for over 200 jobs in the last 9 months with limited acknowledgment. A successful job search is faced with many obstacles. We are no longer able to merely submit application after application and expect results. Yes, networking helps...a lot, but there are many more factors involved. In my case, I realized that that I was too proud and even ashamed to admit I was unemployed so I was limiting my networking. Now, I am focusing a lot of energy into networking and put my shame a side. I have found that I am simply not alone;, there are hundreds of females in a variety of industries and of many different ages all going through the same challenges. So, my point is that you are not alone. For me, that is a sense of comfort and it's okay to talk about it. Personally, I wouldn't change your name. Be proud of who you are! I know it sounds cliche, but it will happen! The right job or opportunity will come at the right time. Just stay positive and keep a healthy spirit. Good luck with your career aspirations.
bolear20Turning challenges into opportunities.
93
02/01/20 at 7:36PM UTC
This is very true. The shame is real. I still network as best as I can. I know I made the right decision leaving my last job. Thank you for your kind words.
EsaHigher Ed Professional. Mom. Nerd. Geek.
138
02/01/20 at 4:41PM UTC (Edited)
Putting the pronunciation of your name in parenthesis is a great idea: it will help the hiring folks feel more comfortable and appears thoughtful. I have a new admin assistant who is born and raised in the US but people are always messing up her name. She's put the pronunciation on her nameplate too!
I would hope that companies aren't racist but if they are you are much better off not working for them. When you get your next job you want it to be with a company that embraces diversity and inclusion. It's so difficult to get those rejection letters and to be patient, but the right job will come. Hang in there!
Carol Reitz-Butler
15
02/01/20 at 2:54PM UTC
Maybe turn the negative into a positive and use your name as an ice breaker? In your cover letter make a humorous comment about your name and include a pronunciation in parenthesis.
MichelleWWorked several positions in the wastewater field
180
02/01/20 at 2:04PM UTC
I'm just curious with the comments about your name. I have a hard time believing someone would discriminate based on that.... And then I was thinking about how bad I am a pronunciation and how I will avoid trying to say people's names of they are different for fear of butchering it. I don't have to work in hiring people, but could that be an indirect issue in getting calls? If so, do you have a nickname that you use that could be easier to say that you could include? Again, just curious & "wondering it loud"
Holly MeyersMBA Graduate, Entrepreneur, Investor
43
02/01/20 at 1:45PM UTC
I'm with you! I've been doing the same because I moved from an area where I had a large network, to one where I don't. So, I applied blindly because I didn't know how else to do it. I'm actually reading 2-Hour job search now because I have to do something differently. Similar to your name change situation, I've had similar thoughts around changing my disability status (I'm half deaf). I've heard from some that it's great to check the box, because if you're qualified then they'll want to hire you for a diversity stat. I've also heard from others that companies assume you're not qualified, so matter what's on your resume. So Idk what to do!
Anonymous
02/01/20 at 12:54PM UTC
If it does not sound American your name its possible that people are racist. I def knew examples where changing your name scored people more interviews NOW it does NOT make it right by any ways and I don’t agree with it but it is what it is. People can be racist even in HR
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
01/31/20 at 8:19PM UTC
Oh, I forgot.
There were posts this week in a career professionals group on Facebook about biases on resumes. And, yes, having a foreign-looking name can turn some people off.
There is a very old movie (1940's) called Gentlemen's Agreement staring Gregory Peck. It was about antisemitism in hiring in the US after World War II. Peck sent two resumes to the same company. One with the name Greenberg (or Greenbaum) and the other Green. Green got an interview, Greenberg did not. So this is a long-standing challenge in the US and, most likely, other parts of the world.
Does that mean you should change your name? No. But it is good to be aware that such things happen. Discrimination in hiring is illegal, but I haven't heard about any laws specific to name discrimination.
EmpoweredGirl629697
20
02/01/20 at 1:08PM UTC
This is true. Having worked in employment law, I can tell you that while the law prohibits racial, age, gender, religious, sexual orientation, ethnic, and other types of discrimination, it happens on the regular and yes, you can fight it, but its next to impossible to prove and its not going away, especially these days while our current political system encourages discrimination on all levels.
bolear20Turning challenges into opportunities.
93
02/01/20 at 2:18AM UTC
I truly appreciate your message and your attention. I am definitely mirroring the job descriptions, getting coffee with employees within the companies, and reaching out to old friends, alumni, and family. I know that if I remain persistent something will bite. I receive 3 rejection letters today. I’m used to getting rejected but the one that hurt the most is the job my old assistant got a call back for and I didn’t. Im more qualified, experience, and have the right degree for the job. Yet, I get rejected. I helped her with her resume and cover letter. I’m always for empowering people around me. I will always help. To be honest is one hit my ego the worst and it isn’t the first time I’ve been through this.
I’ll 100% keep trying, though. I’ll 200% use your advice. Much appreciation.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
02/01/20 at 8:48PM UTC
It must have hurt to have your old assistant got called back when you do not--especially since you helped her with the application process.
I used to participate in theatre--mostly collegiate and non-professional. With acting, rejection is a way of life. An acting coach once said, "You might be the most wonderful actress in the world, but the director is looking for someone who is blue and you're orange. And even if he is looking for someone who is orange you might be the wrong shade.
The same holds true with work. You just haven't been what employers have been looking for or you are not coming across in your application as though you are.
I realize that there is a lot of talk about how competitive the job market is, but that isn't true. Finding the right job is like finding the right life partner. It's about match; it's about fit.
The question is: What isn't fitting that you have applied to over 100 positions without success? Where is the disconnect?
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.