Help!
I understand that we are in a pandemic and there have been massive layoffs around the world, but I have been looking for a new job for over two-years. Over two years ago, I decided I wanted to make a career change. I went back to school and got a Master's degree and began networking. Since then, I have met with career coaches, had my resume rewritten (many times) networked virtually, posted my resume on many sites, completed my MFA, gained new skills in my current role, created my own website that has a writing portfolio.... the only thing I haven't done is networked in-person which for obvious reasons not possible currently. I have also tried cold emailing, both recruiters and professionals who have jobs I want. Little to no response. The people who have met with me, have told me my background is great, but still no job. I cannot afford to flat-out quit my job, but I don't know what else to do to even get a phone screening anymore. If anyone could help or advise...
Based on you comment: "people who have met with me have told me that my background its great but still no job" makes me think that perhaps the interview is not going well. Maybe you need to improve your interviewing skills. Perhaps you need more practice so that you can show more confidence. Practice with friend or career advisor. Ask them to give you feedback on your body language, tone of voice, etc. I found good tips in this organization (free): https://www.js101.org/resources
And Hirevue also has tips and interview demonstrations:
https://www.hirevue.com/candidates
Good Luck!!
I haven't been on any interviews. I've been coached on interview prep and have always done great on them.
What have you done to rebrand yourself into your new field? Do your resume and LinkedIn profile reflect what you have done toward your new career? Does your website reflect who you are in your new career or your old one?
Are you using language--are you communicating--in the manner others in your new career do?
Are you posting information about your new career on social media? Have you joined the appropriate professional associations and are your participating, i.e., joining committees? Have you volunteered in your new career? Have you temped or freelanced in your new career?
Job seeking is definitely frustrating. It sounds like you have done all the right things. A transition to another industry is tricky in a good job market. Please give yourself some grace, as this is a job market like none before. There are definitely plenty of people that can relate to the length of time it’s taking you to get into the right job.
The last thing you want to do is take something then be unhappy. Get into a positive headspace. Tell yourself daily “I am worth the wait.” It’s easy to get tired and anxious and want the search to be over, but you want to get into the right place.
Remember redirection is a good thing. You don’t know what the higher being was protecting you from when the door seemed to close. Say a positive affirmation or prayer for help guiding you to the right place.
If you have been looking the last 2 years, take a break the next 2 months. Reset and take a fresh look at your efforts in the new year. Sometimes a break can help you clear your mind and get energized. There’s something about a new year that can renew your hopes.
Sending nothing but positivity your way. Take care!
For anyone who doesn’t believe the catastrophic state of affairs, concerning jobs in our nation right now, your story (and mine) are perfect examples. The unemployment numbers had been steady and relatively good before March, as our economy continued its recovery from a recession over a decade ago. I repeat, the unemployment NUMBERS looked pretty good, but the reality was far from good. Thousands of people had literally given up and stopped looking. Many people had/have jobs but are underemployed or have two or three jobs, and can still barely make it. Age discrimination and mechanization have left many people in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s (and in some case even late 30’s), not in good shape. Wages have been hideously stagnant for YEARS!
Then the pandemic hit. The combination of all these factors and so much uncertainty ... rocky financial forecast (and don’t look to the stock market as an indicator), work reduction, closures, more restructuring ... its all making things very dicey.
Everything is connected! Supply chain, individual corporate forecasts, Covid19, the election uncertainty - this is why there is not a lot of hiring. Honestly, who knows when it will come back.
Patience and a survival strategy (for me, returning to a past industry for the best wages) are critical. Use your brain. Understand what is happening. Folks need to NOT live in denial. It will be OK, someday in the future but if you have a job, stay put, put your nose to the grindstone and take care of your mental health.
What is your background?! My company has openings but limited to those with those with financial services background.
Thank you! But I am trying to get out of the technical/financial focused positions.