Okay, I am totally frustrated. I have been trying with no success whatsoever to get a better job.

I am unhappy where I am. The company is moving to a place 45km away (sorry don't know that in miles), I can't afford a car right now to get there, there's no public transport and while I could look for a car pool arrangement the other issues are leading me to look elsewhere. The other issues include not being paid what I'm worth, a lack of recognition and advancement, and just being plain tired of this place. I need a change.

So over a year ago I started the process. Wrote a resume which has been since revamped and restyled according to all the good stuff you see around about this stuff. Met with several "headhunters" to get myself into a pool of candidates, joined a very popular job posting website and have applied to, I'm not kidding, at least 4 postings a WEEK. Out of all this I've netted 3 interviews none of which resulted in a second interview.

Its demoralizing. One thing I've always held as a belief was that with my education and experience and skills and presentation style I could get a job anywhere. Boy, looks like another long-held belief has been shattered along with the rest! The only feedback I get is that its a very "competitive market" right now. They ain't kidding.

Has anyone here gone through this process? What has worked for you? What finally broke you through to getting seen by people and getting interviews?

Jane, it is really tough out there. My husband after six months settled for a job with half the pay. It has been really hard because he has done nothing to change his style of living.

He said you need to send hundreds of letters - emails. Finding a job is a full time job.

One word I've heard --- It's easier to find a job when you have one.


sorry I can't give anything more hopeful.

Sidney

Jane,

Not sure where you live and which field you are in. Where I live, the job market is not too bad however, we still do need to send many letters and go to quite a few interviews before anything good comes along. It is not you, it is defintitely the market.

How would you describe your interviewing skills/style? Sometimes finding a common topic or something that clicks with the interview will help in getting the second interview.

Gina

Applying for 4 jobs a week is not enough. You should be applying for 4 jobs a day, especially in this market. Your job should be finding a job. Get up at 8 a.m., get dressed like you would for work (no sitting at the computer in your pj's) and get started. Take a lunch break and call it a day at 5. In this competitive market, you will have to do it.

Two years ago I lost my job. In 40 days (25 work days, I took weekends off) I sent out more than 100 resumes -- each with a customized cover letter. I netted 7 interviews and two job offers at the end of those 40 days.

It sounds kind of nutty and obsessive, but you have to work that hard to find a decent job. Good luck to you.

Remember, it isn't what or how much you know, but who you know.

My husband looked for a job for a full year before he finally got a decent one. He went on countless interviews, filled out applications and sent out resumes like crazy. In the end it was a friend's referral that finally got his foot in the door somewhere.

Also, it seems that most companies are only hiring for entry level positions - even if they advertise jobs at higher levels. They prefer to promote from within and then fill lower level jobs. I know that isn't encouraging, but it seems to be the trend these days.

If there are any other companies you have connections with through your present employer don't be afraid to use those ties. I got a job I really like this way - with an agency who did business with my old one. They knew me and they knew that I knew how to do their job.

Its actually somewhat comforting to hear its not only me who finds it hard out there! I am still employed which means I'm not facing that type of stress but it does mean that I don't have alot of time to hit the pavement. May have an interview lined up for something next week ...we'll see.

Interesting about the 4 jobs a day vs 4 a week....I think I'll take that advice and just flood the market wherever I can.