How An Employer Finds Your Resume
I was recently talking to some hiring managers and they were each bragging about the clever ways in which they find applicants or screen applicants once they have a list of potential candidates. It was an eye-opening experience and particularly interesting in terms of how they find resumes. I will share some of the more poignant tactics they use and you may end up tweaking your resume as a result.
Keywords
Keywords is a popularly discussed topic and if you haven’t combed through your resume for keywords you need to do it immediately.
But what keywords are you looking for? What should you be including?
Simply put yourself in the mind of a hiring manager who is trying to fill a position you are interested in. If you are looking for work as a graphic designer naturally you would have ‘graphic designer’ in your resume. But it might also be useful to to have the old-school term ‘desktop designer’ as well or synonyms like ‘information design’ or ‘visual communication’.
You might also want to include superlatives in your work experience descriptions. For example, can you imagine a recruiter searching for the ‘best’, ‘top’, or ‘accomplished’ of something?
Location
In theory many websites, ours included, ask you to list a specific location on your resume. And in practice, this has traditionally been your home address, including city and state. But it turns out many hiring managers are filtering their candidate searches by location.
All of the hiring managers I talked to used a similar practice of starting their search within the city the office was located in and then slowly branching out. But how many people do you know that work outside of the city they live? How many live far far away from where they live?
The simple answer is to include the names of other cities you are potentially looking for work in. That way when a potential employee is searching for a particular city, you have the keyword in your resume. Just think about the last time you searched for something on Craig’s List. The marketeers on Craig’s List know to stuff additional location keywords to gain more traction and so should you in your resume.
Complete Your Resume / Profile
On sites like ResumeBucket and LinkedIn there are a ton of companies looking for employees and there are a ton of people looking for work. The thing that amazes a lot of hiring managers is the lack of effort a lot of these people put into their profiles.
They say that often they have to weed through countless profiles with missing information, and at a certain point they simply ignore resumes and profiles that are missing key pieces of information.
What are these key pieces of information?
Some of the popular ones mentioned to me are photo, job title, location, career level, and years of experience.
Frankie Eybsen is the marketing manager for ResumeBucket. Frankie has worked in marketing, web design and development, and SEO. He maintains a large client list for both marketing jobs and production. You can send him an email at frankie@resumebucket.com.
Comments
Frederic Paul Gresky
One common thread I have found in communications with hiring managers and recruiters is that they often know little to nothing about the actual job itself. They have never walked through the position or looked at the content of th job. They are most frequently disconnected other than by a few key words.
I have often found that the pay for the job is not commensurate with the objectives for the position. Perhaps they do not have any information about pay rates for responsibility levels.
Other sites have commented that companies are posting jobs that do not really exist so that employers can claim that they are trying to “stimulate the economy”. True or false it appears from the feedback I get on resume submissions that this appears to be the case judging from the words used by the HR or recruiter. It is another form of body language as I view it.
Paul Gresky
Fort Collins,Colorado
Kim Bennett
Hi Frankie,
I have been searching for a job for the last 3 months to no avail. I live in Cape Coral, Florida, and as you probably know, the job market here is horrific. I have even considered moving to Texas, but cannot do that as i have no money to move. This is the first time since I was 16 that I have not been employed. I need help. Can you assist in any way in regards to why I am having a difficult tme in finding a job? I appreciate any assistance or advice you can offer.
Thank you
Rosalie Millhouse
I am an older adult and from the years of experience that I list employers know how old I am. I have changed my resume over and over again and cannot seem to get a job when my resume show how experienced I am.
D Campisi
I have been unemployed for over a year and am appalled at the lack of effort by both employment agencies and hiring managers not only to really show any effort to let you know whether or not they even received your resume let alone whether or not they are interested, but also by the lack of flexibilty in their requirements when searching for applicants.
Just as an example, a lot of companies use proprietary software programs thereby greatly reducing the number of applicants who will have used that software. But given that millions are out of work and can be trained on the software it doesn’t seem to matter. If you do not have a first name that starts with the letter C and ends with F then you are not considered a qualified candidate. Of course that has been dramatized but that is how the market is today.
Under these circumstances is is hardly a surprise that we cannot get below a 9% unemployment rate.
Tatyana Cherkaskaya
The comments by Frederic Paul Gresky of Fort Collins Colorado said it all. This is exactly my experience as well.
Bryan
I ve been looking for work for sometime i have a great education plus higher degree. Looking to work either as high school teacher, adjuct professsor, or for a tech company. maybe I am no good at this, but I am a hard worker, I havent slept, either up scared of where the money is gonna come from or up looking and submitting resume. Of the dozens of places I submit I had one call back for an interview at a charter school. So excited, finally, but when I get there no one was there, the principal who called left for vacation. And no i wasnt late or had the wrong day or anything like that. Now I am really down.
Renee
Hi Frankie,
I’ve been going to school online for medical administrative and looking for a job too. I was a stay at home mom and worked off and on but never had a real career outside of the home. I have several different resumes and I was wondering if putting a picture on your resume (like a small one in the corner) is appropriate or not?
FRANK
Hey Renee,
I wouldn’t add a photo. First, no matter how you frame it, it probably will look foreign and amateurish to an HR person. Second, you want to remove any preconceptions a photo might give, you want to be judged on your work history, not someones assumptions about you from a photo.
Frank E. Valdez
Hey frankie,
Why is so hard for companies’s hr department to make up their mind about hiring someone that they know have the experience & knowledge to do a job that they are applying.
Ex: I retired from the military with 20+ years of aviation maintenance experience, but because I don’t have an A & P license, even after they see in my resume that I don’t have it, they would call you and talk to you and say that they going to get back to you, but they never do, that is bunch of b……s.
Sue
I have numerous college degrees and even with all the education and various job experiences I still can’t seem to get a reply back from places I have applied at. The best I get is “We will review your application for any openings if they match”. When you put all the experience you have, it dates you. I am an older worker but could keep up with any of those youngsters out there. If employers are concerned about retirement benefits, they ought to look at the fact that the older the worker, the less time they will have to pay for retirement as opposed to the 20 year old who may stay a couple of years and move on or if they stay a lifetime, the retirement contribution will be much greater. Have a great day anyway.
Debra
I agree 100% with everyones comments me myself have experienced it all .I have 0ver 20yrs in Ortho/Dental and cant find work.
Kenny
Couldn’t agree more with F.P.Gresky. I have been interviewed several time over the past 2 years and have formed these opinions:
Most hiring people have little or no idea about the job. The job descriptions have, in many cases, nothing whatever to do with the position. If the interviewer is of the same discipline, I have sensed an air of discomfort or even fear that I would possibly replace him/her. I have had over 20 free critiques of my Resume, with 20 different observations, proving to me that this is an opinion discipline, nothing more. Just got to keep on trying.
John
Good article. Glad to know after some many searches what I need to change on the resume. I have to somewhat agree with Paul although I have NO real evidence. I feel there is this disconnect he speaks of. I am certain of the pay disparity though. I can find job listings on the Dept of Labor site asking for college degree and the pay is absolutely ludicrous.
Rosalie make her claim about age. I think that is a certainty. The math is quick and easy. I had a very rich resume and when you look at the chronological order the image of a greeter at Walmart comes to the HR/Managers mind. I was told once to remove dates. That as to be stupid! They wouldn’t even look at then. It would go directly in the circular file.
Finally, Bryan and Sue make their case for higher education. I went back to school for certifications. It made no difference. I received no more calls for just interviews than before I added the certification to the resume. Like Frank, I am a military retiree. I had the best of both worlds, a civilian occupation that utilized my military training. I do not have a degree, and that was not a problem at one time. The rules have changed and although I have over 25 years of communications,computer, network installation/maintenance and writing/instructor training and experience it makes NO difference anymore.
I most recently became the technical writer at my last job due to ACDF surgery of major proportion. I was tasked with developing and authoring many documents for the on-line knowledge base. I am seeking in that direction, but many positions require a 4 year degree or as someone mentioned specific software (graphics – publishing software).
Frankie as made very good points. I am going to change my bullets and profile definitely. I’m not sure what it is going to take for ALL of us to get over these hurdles. Business has to grow some and start hiring soon.
John
25+ Technician
CPO USNR, retired
Musician, Session Player (not much $bread here either)
sue tauber
I have been searching for a job for the last 3years to no avail. I live in fort lauderdalel, Florida, and as you probably know, the job market here is horrific. I lost my mother two years and the job market is worse not better. I need help. Can you assist in any way in regards to why I am having a difficult tme in finding a job? I appreciate any assistance or advice you can offer.
Thank you
Cynthia
I am amazed that you can apply for a job or jobS, (17 applications in 2 days) and when you follow up by phone, because youre NOT really sure if they ever see it or notice it, the position seems to be filled…yet still posted. OR you are qualified but they are still looking. What are they looking for? WHAT? And PLEASE, someone tell me how “experience prefered but not required” equates with, “we need 6 months of documentable experience.” I’m SO confused!!! CNA’s are a dime a dozen. But I can’t seem to get a dime!
Don
I have been unemployed for several months. I have several Degrees and over 20 years experience with Fortune 500 companies. It seem the resume/hr reviewer focus on how they can fine ways to say your background does not fix the criteria for the job. I am getting discouraged about submitting/tweeting resumes and having some one replying your background does not meet the requirements of job. Example ( I have over 20 years working in the field of loss-mitigation and I am consistently told I don’t have the background for the position.
Mary S
I closed my child care and foster care when we bought a house and moved. That was June 2007. Prior to that I had over 20 years in the travel industry. I learned how to use a computer there. I created 100’s of reports in many different softwares. I also did clerical type of work – files, phones, supplies, maintenance of printers and such. Yet the best I can do is with my local school district. First for 3.5 hrs a day after school watching the kids (homework help too), then 3 hrs a day as the clerk in a elementary school “LOVED IT” and exactly what I want. But 3 hours a day won’t keep the house. So I requested a demotion when I applied for a 6 hr a day job in the classroom. Several people asked me if I realized it was a demotion – not at first, but the math tells you I was smarter to get a demotion, get paid pennies less an hour but work 6 hours a day and double my take home pay! We still have the house – but I can’t find a FULL TIME job outside a school district! I would love to know how to contact an employer and ask questions when they maybe use initials or have confidential for the company name. Applying for a job on the internet is NOT better than doing it in person. I too believe they do the math and figure “Oh she graduated HS in 1975 – she’s too old to hire! I am a very dedicated hard worker who wants to work until I retire. But no one is biting. This is an “Employers Market” They can really be picky about who to hire, leaving those of us with experience hanging out to dry. I have tested several places, including typing tests. My scores have been higher than their requirements, but still no interviews!
KJ
I also been unemployed for several months and I have tweeked and tweeked my resume until it can not be tweeked anymore. I’ved heard it all from keywords, getting professional advise to experience and education. I have to say that it is all in the Lord hands and if it is for you, then it will happen.
Don’t get discouraged everyone, I know it is very frustrating. Just pray and don’t worry about it because if it is meant to be it will happen for you all. May God bless you all and I will pray for all of you who are unemployed at this point -as we all know how the economy is today.
T.
I also have found it very interesting in how a company can have 30 openings across the country and you apply to all and take a test for that company but you get 20 you suck e-mails but one offers you an interview. I am greatful for the interview but find it hard to believe that by taking a test for all of these jobs I only qualify for one. Or because you don’t live in their state where the job is listed you are not given a chance. I am willing to move and if possible put that on my application and in my cover letter. I recently applied for a Law Enforcement job in a newly made department. I was the only applicant with a Master’s, and had the most experience. But because I was not a friend of the Town’s newly formed commission I didn’t get an interview. The hiring standards have not changed it is who you know, not your qualifications. This is such a sad fact. Good luck everyone I understand we are all on the same boat.
Beverly Zaleski
Hi,
I have been unemployed for over a year. i have over 15 years of progressive Human Resource experience in addition to having a Bachelors in Business. I have excellent communication and people skills. I have a passion for helping people. My last title was HR Generalist / Payroll. However, I am looking for less payroll and more of the generalist part. I would like to focus on recruiting and/or the training area.
Thank you for your help.
Bev Zaleski
Esther Meyers
I know that it is an accepted and acceptable practice for people writing on the computer or their texts to not write full sentences or use correct grammar, etc., but if you all read the comments and complaints of the people who wrote before I did, these supposedly very educated people have more spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization and missing word mistakes than I can believe. If their resumes and cover letters were written anything like their complaints, then it is no wonder they can’t find jobs! I worked for a while for an employment agency and the agent took one look at the resumes and cover letters, counted the mistakes in them, and if there was more than one (usually there were many more than that), he threw them away, remarking, “How can I send them on a job interview, when they can’t even be bothered to use Spellcheck?” I, too, am older – in my early 50’s, can have been out of work for 1-1/2 years, but can at least bother to write in a way that proves I am educated and experienced!What if a potential employer were looking at this site, too? (It IS possible!) He wouldn’t hire most ofyou because of it!
Esther Meyers
I know. There are 3 mistakes in what I just wrote. My comeuppance! But I still stand by what I said. Please check your resumes and cover letters for mistakes!
Kim
I am so tired of looking/filling out applications online for jobs! I wait and wait but to no avail. When I finally receive a response ( the job has been eliminated) I need help, a temp job just will not do. I have a daughter about to graduated from high school. What can I do? Should I go back to school? No money! I went to college over twenty years ago but didn’t finish, if I say that I have a certain degree, will I have to show proof?
John Gosselin
I have been looking for work for over 6 months and cannot find a permanent job. I have a Class A license with doubles and hazmat endorcements. I have no tickets or accidents on my H-6 DMV print-out and am trying to find local work in the Moreno Valley or Hemet area.
Elizabeth
My experience is that all jobs are asking people to step in and do the job immediately. What they do not understand is that you may have the experience but will need to be trained in their practice or office. As for me I started out with my own business at the age of 16 and raised my children while running the business of 30 years; when the economy fell, so did my business; I went back to school and obtained a degree and now find myself unemployeed now for 3 years and no sign of getting a job anytime soon.
What I have run up against is that my experience and years really do not matter as much as having the right answers for questions that I feel should not be asked at interviews. One particular one that I will never answer is: What are your faults as a person and how can you improve upon them?
Cheri T
I to have been out of work for almost a year. I have a goal of applying to five positions per day. It is frustrating to never hear back. If I do hear back it is a phone interview and the nothing. I have applied with numerous recruiters. My visit with them is always the same. “Oh you have excellent qualifications.” Yet they never respond back and when I find a job on their website, after applying myself, I forward the job # to them. And then call them. I either get their voice mail or hear “Oh I’ll have to check it out”. I thought requriter’s jobs were to help find you a job not fill up the database.
I am a 26 experienced Accountant with Payroll, Human Resource and supervisory experience. You can’t tell me I am unqualified. I’m beginning to think its age discrimination and the fact I am a white female. After all isn’t it right to give the job to a male because he has a family to support. Well so do I. I am a single mother with two teens to support. And I hate to think it but being white now counts against you. So I have three strikes against me before they even consider picking up my resume.
Chris
I read all the notes and agree.I graduated from High school a long time ago. Found work with the USPS and have retired, went back to my favorite skill, drafting, but have not found a job. If I ask for any entry level jobs in CAD , Architecture I get every job description but what I really want. What are the best words for the type of job I seek. I would like to be in a firm that designs homes, multi-purpose buildings, and any other building that we want hospitals, stores shopping centers. town centers. Thank you for listening.
Blanche Coleman
I have been looking for work for 2 years now (with a few temporary positions since 2009). It seems I have put out thousands of resumes/applications out there. As I encourage all of you, I encourage myself. Our God knows what we need, just keep the faith & don’t give up. He is an On Time God, always have been. Lets keep OUR heads and hearts towards him. He will bring us through, He always does!!
Linda Smigelski
This is a very discouraging experience – looking for a job when it seems to be a numbes game – like hitting the Lotto.
I mean, WHAT are they looking for??? You have to wonder when you have a lot of experience and you fit the job description and you have a nice personality and a good presentation – and even though you are “older” you still are better than a lot of younger ones —-
April
I’m a 54 year old white woman about to be downsized after 22 years with the same company (we have had 3 name changes.)
I will most likely be released before the end of the year.
When I was informed of this in May I had my resume’
updated and polished and have been applying for jobs here and there. I have had 1 interview in person, an email interview that was a joke and another invitation to interview…the hiring manager never followed up with me. No time, place, etc. I also attended to 1 job fair. That’s it.
Trouble is that my field is internet advertising and although nobody believes I’m 54 when they see me, the resume’ lists loads of other advertising experience that may imply OLDER
I too have shied away from putting High School & College grad years down, but it not rocket science to figure out.
I have full retirement but I’m way too young to retire or tap into my 401K or pension. I don’t relish going on unemployment so I’m going to try to get master certified in Social Media Marketing and see if this helps. Its a pricey course, so I hope this opens some doors for me.
I’m a widow with a teenager, so need to press on.
Good luck to everyone. Its tough out there.
Donna Crawford
I can relate so much. I moved to St. Augustine, FL thinking I would find full-time employment withing 2 weeks like I always do. I have witnessed age descrimination and I had one gentleman tell me he does not like to hire females because it is too hot in the building and they dont last. It is quite prejudice here. I have gone through my savings and I can not leave now. Moving here was the poorest choice I have ever made in my life. If I ever get out I will never come back. I am qualified but I am an older white female and no one seems to be interested. I do have two part-time jobs with barely any hours but guess what? The corporate offices of both companies are out of southern California and that is who hired me. Imagine that! I am so frustrated beyond belief. Its not what you know but who you know here. :o( Good luck to you all!
Gale Sloan
I felt a little better after reading these comments. Now I know that I am not the only highly skilled and experienced female who has not found a job for a little over 3 years. These blogs will help many of us change our opinions, our resumes and our presentation.
I hope to be one of those that get a job soon!
Erlene Miller
I must say that after reading several comments, I can understand why some are not able to gain employment. Leaarn to proofread your work, is my suggestgion. I have been unemployed two months. I must agree that the job market is very tight now because of the state of our economy. It is an employers’ market. They can pick and choose for what they term the “cream.” I am a seasoned job seeker too. I have worked in the public and private sectors. I have resumes for both sectors. I am not having any success either. I tend to believe that the dates on my resume do point to “a Walmart greeter.” I am a patient person and believe that “what is for me, is for me.”
Erlene Miller
Guess I did not follow my own advice. I meant “learn.”
Erlene Miller
I must say that after reading several comments, I can understand why some are not able to gain employment. Learn to proofread your work, is my suggestgion. I have been unemployed two months. I must agree that the job market is very tight now because of the state of our economy. It is an employers’ market. They can pick and choose for what they term the “cream.” I am a seasoned job seeker too. I have worked in the public and private sectors. I have resumes for both sectors. I am not having any success either. I tend to believe that the dates on my resume do point to “a Walmart greeter.” I am a patient person and believe that “what is for me, is for me.”
Dale
Frankie-
Yes, I’ve heard of the “keywords” method employers use to screen resumes. Some. I understand, even scan the resume into a computer and let it screen based on the keywords. They throw out all that don’t contain the keywords. How in the heck do you know what they are looking for?
Peter
So they want Key Words. Has the world gotten that dumb that they can not read through a resume and match up with the requirements. It is not what you know, but who you know or the key words you can put to paper. So you need a large Networking group to get you “IN” Sad. I was told from a work force office that you should change your resume for every job posting requirements to make sure you have your Key Words dial in… Like I said, Sad
Sharron Dark
In today’s economy it’s getting rough to find a job, this is just reality. The best ways to find better job leads is registering with a local employment center, nonprofit organizations and church ministries assist with job assistance. Take these steps for job employment and seeing a difference and a better chance of getting hired.
James R. Hill
Greetings-
It is very tough now a days, many companies are looking for experienced worker’s in that special field. The problem is no one really wants to train people anymore. You can have all the credetials from; the degree in that field, to years of experience in that field, and you may never get the call. Another issue is the salries for certain fields are terrible, $34,000 for a B.A. in Sports Management to work in YMCA, how can people afford to make a decent living off of $34K? Just some thoughts from a guy who pushes for a better life for his family.
Thanks,
James.
Marina Arias
I think EVERYONE should watch the movie “Seabisquit”, then change your attitude! That is why a lot of people CANNOT find work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glynn Pettiford
I have been out of work for over 3 years. I have over 20 years experience in the Air Force. I’m retired with a high government clearance that stays active, and can’t get a job. I was a NASA candidate for most of these three years. Although I have had the clearance for all three positions available at three separate locations, and competed against 7 other eligibles, I am told that because the other two finalists do not have a position, I can’t be legally placed to allow me to fill any one of the vacancies. Why? I’m being told that all positions have to be competed against before they can be filled. What kind crap is that? I get responses, then find the position has been filled. I have made approximately 15 to 20 applications per week over the last three years. I believe age discrimination is being “allowed” so more people can be hired using the same money. I have been a Senior Operations Manager for a BILLION DOLLAR company, whose growth I personally improved to $1.2B from a $25M value upon joining the company. I was also one of only two black managers in the entire corporation, all others were laborers or Customer Service workers. What gives? I think if anyone can claim discrimination, I am that one; both age and race discrimination. But, how do I prove it without further alienating my chance for employment?
saranga lal
am looking for a job for almost a year now like crazy
no one bothers to hire me
i have experience in inspections ,customer service .food and bevreage please help me to look for a job
Paul- Ohio
I feel all the pain…I worked for restaurants for 30 years, 26 in one concept. Position gets downsized, and every HR recruiter says “WOW” “Impressive” and that is it..no calls, and if you do get an interview, they have no courtesy to not leave you hanging. TELL ME THAT YOUR NOT INTERESTED, dont leave me hanging. 30+ years as a manager and leader in food means nothing to retail, even though they post the same job continously seeking help. I WILL WORK, and you will be so glad you chose me. Also, I am VERY flexible with my salary.
Pick me…Pick Me…
Samanta
I’ve been out of work for 2yrs and been appling for jobs and sending my resume out but only one respond.Fl hospital they got me all hypt up wen they called me, then wen i look into my email they told me that they have to look at other applecants.That made me mad as hell!But am still seekn hopeing that someone will call me soon.
Moira - a New Yorker
I was an outside professional sales representative, in two different industries, for over a decade. I used to hear that all salesman lie. Oh no. ALL HUMAN RESOURCE REPRESENTATIVES LIE!!! Its absolutely insane. No is fine. If you have found a better candidate fine. Do not keep me on a string. Let me go! I too am highly educated with several years of experience. I have been out of work for a year. I will be 52 in a couple of weeks and do not look a day over 30. This whole finding employment is nothing more than one big game. I just keep moving on and I try not to isolate Good luck everyone. Thank you for allowing me to get this off my chest. God bless… Moira
Mary
I will be finishing my AAS in Medical Administration this December. I’ve done well, but no one in the medical field will hire you without medical experience. How can you get experience if no one will hire you? I live in Polk County Florida and I am really appalled at how employers won’t train people anymore. I could probably find another job in Central Mass. , but I can’t afford to travel there. I thought our new governor was going to bring new jobs in?!
Bertha Monsisvais
Hello
I’ve been unemployed since January of this year as I was in school on the finish point of my MBA, so decided I will focus on finishing school and then start looking for work and pay my student loan. Even though, I have found that more resumes I sent have not been lucky enough to find a job. At first I thought it was for the record salary I had, same reason why I was laid off so decided to lower it a little bit, did not work. Have tried different things; so tried to diversify my search but nothing works. I think that is the difficult economy we are living, companies seek employees who can earn a little and give much, the experience is not important in these times is better to keep companies competitive with low operational costs. By the way Kim I am living in Texas; it is the same all over the world. We need to be positive, change our minds,and start looking for other alternatives instead or being an employee all the time, this is my first time that I am not working of my entire career, and it is a situation that do not want to have it again.
Kaaren Perry
I understand the frustration. I’ve been looking for a little over two years. You can send out tons of resumes for every job that you’re qualified and the result will be the same — a big fat ZERO. I’ve found that even for an administrative assistant position, employers are asking for a 4-year degree. Are you serious??? I’m an experienced assistant and yet now they’re asking for a degree. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a screening tool to prevent their in-box from exploding from the sheer number of applicants.
I live in the LA area and I’ve also come to believe that it’s not always what you know, but who you know because it is next to impossible to get an interview with Warner Bros. or Disney if you apply for their positions online. But if you’ll have an “IN” if you no someone who can put in a good word for you. The economy in So.Cal is atrocious. I’ve had some temp assignments, but that’s about it.
Just sign me “Still Frustrated in LA”
Kaaren Perry
Ooops! I meant to type “know” instead of no.
Andrew Watson
It’s tough for all of us who are looking, but some of the pressure can be relieved by LEARNING HOW TO SPELL AND USE CORRECT GRAMMAR/PUNCTUATION!!
Holy cow! Bragging about education level, then making a mockery of the English language is an abomination.
Bob
Wow! Heavy stuff. We all want to work, that’s obvious. I think the best thing we can do is take care of our health, volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. It’s all about networking. It’s not about you, so don’t take it personally. Invest in yourself with self-improvement. Get and maintain support. You’ll be fine.
Teresa Haines
I agree with most of the comments. In over 2 years I hace only had one face to face interview. She had obviously not read my resume and asked me three times “So, you worked for our comapny before?” It’s very frustrating to know employers don’t care. I feel part of the issue is that can get people for peanuts now and don’t want to haggle over pay. I would work for minimum wage, but can’t even get that type of job.
Cathy
I can identify with all of the comments above. One key thing I have learned since I lost a job in April 2007 and then another one in March 2010 both due to downsizing is attitude. I have been passed over and received no call back when I talked to anyone when I was having a bad day, even when I was totally qualified for the job. Sounding desperate hasn’t helped me either. When I highlight my strengths and what I can do, the people I’m talking to are willing to talk and I can ask them for suggestions on what to do next. This could include taking an online class (which I look for free stuff online), talking to someone else in the industry I am in or want to get in, or how to improve my resume with stronger action words or including different key words. When I keep an open mind and expect that I have to reinvent myself, then an opportunity will present itself to me. Talking to a lot of people who are employed has helped too. Going to a temp agency that does placements helped too. Being creative and accepting part time work helped me get back in the game and now I am in a contract job for 40 hours a week. It has lasted a year, and is still going. Best wishes to everyone.
Mark Schwendemann
I know through perseverance you can find a suitable position. You have to go through all the BS in the ads/postings. If they are very general in the job description, then it is a ‘come on’ for a very menial position. The more descriptive the potential employer is in the posting, the more honest the potential employer may be. On Craigslist the job postings are sometimes so general that you don’t know what the actual job is. You must sift through everything until you see the pattern of what honest employers are looking for. When you get to the bottom of the ad and it says the pay is nine or ten dollars an hour…you know they’re scamming. No one can live and support a family on that kind of money. I do this every day on numerous job websites. Many are very reputable and provide very good leads. You must make looking for a job your full time job.
Neela Srinivas
I have been unemployed for more than a year. I found a business development opportunity that provides residual income with health care benefits.
Check out my website and contact me if interested
Diana K.
I agree, a lot of the problem these days is a numbers game. They are looking to pay the least salary possible. However, it’s also really bad for teenagers. My son (just turned 20) has been applying everywhere for nearly 4 years, and they keep hiring 30+ people who need to support families rather than someone with no job experience. He couldn’t even get McDonald’s to call him back! He’s currently in an unpaid construction apprenticeship just so he can get some documented experience, but there are carpentry union members who’ve been out of work here (WA state) for over three years.
For those with food service experience, have you tried your local casino? Keep in mind that you will have to come up with your state’s gaming license fee *before* you can be actually be hired (difficult if you’re broke), and if it’s Native American run, they have to offer the position to a Native American before anyone else by law, even if they’re less qualified. But there are lots of us off our Res who can’t get that fee paid by our tribe and don’t have the $$ otherwise, so don’t let that daunt you.
Also, check the Score website and think about starting your own company, or look at turnkey companies that have a product you can sell (commission only is scary, but it’s better than no dollars at all). I went to my local Small Business Center to learn about starting my own company when I realized that I could spend hours applying for and interviewing for only 4 jobs listed (that I qualified for) with the unemployment office and still not get the job, or I could use that time more wisely to start my own business. It’s not for everyone, though.You have to be self-motivated and a self-starter. And you have to have something that is going to be able to draw enough customers *and* does not have a lot of competition.
PBS recently had a program on how to get hired when you’re over 40. I only saw the tail end of it, but one thing she said was *never* mention salary—not salary desired or what you were last paid. She said that’s none of their business; each position and employer is unique and salary should only be dependent on what the candidate and employee can bring to each other. She said remain firm on that one, as it shows the quality employer who agrees with that. She had an example of a tiny, wrinkled 60 year old woman who got 4 job offers because of how she presented herself.
I, too (like one of the other posters here), look far below my age, by a good 15 years or more. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t. I have younger children at home who can’t be left alone yet (which isn’t typical for a woman my age), so my hours are limited. I’m also in the process of closing out my mother’s estate on the east coast, and may have to leave suddenly to finalize that, which makes any new job . . . well, I wouldn’t hire someone who may have to leave suddenly, either.
If you can stand getting up at 3 am, try your local Frito-Lay warehouse. If there are any routes open, *wear your kneepads.* Otherwise, you’ll destroy the cartilage in your knees–which is why most of them don’t last more than 10 years. You *can* get a Bulk 24 route (the big trucks that say “Let’s Do Lunch” on the side) without a CDL license (it isn’t required).
Many of you must remember the ’70s. Anyone from Georgia? Remember the Lockheed lay-offs? We haven’t hit that yet. Not to be discouraging, but just to jog your memory and encourage thinking outside the box, and start planning now. Can you farm? (Trees, sheep, there’s a huge, huge demand for buffalo right now.) Talk to your lender about a Dept. of Agriculture loan for that. Do you know cars? I know someone who runs an online classic auto parts business out of his own home. Maybe think about retraining in a trade–auto mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, plumbing, electrician, HVAC, concrete, glass replacement. Especially if you’re a woman. Female auto mechanics can charge $72 an hour and up here (WA state) and can name their hours–even if they only want to work 2-4 hours a week. There are places that don’t require you to own your own diagnostic computer or tools, although most I know prefer to do the latter anyway. If you have teaching experience, try a tutoring company or start your own.
Keep in mind that, in this economy, $34k per year for one person’s salary is very good. I support myself, my disabled husband, and 5 kids on far less. Our cost-of-living isn’t very low here, but not as high as, say, Philadelphia, but I was raised by grandparents who grew up during the Depression so I just don’t spend money the way a lot of people do these days.
Good luck everyone, and God be with you.
CARLOS J. MARTIN
I AM LOOKING FOR A JOB OF P.C.T,H.H.A,HLEBOTOMY OR E.K.G TECHNICIAN.I EXPERT IN PRACTICE NURSE,PHLEBOTOMY AND EKG FOR NURSE SPECIALIST IN MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND ADULT INTENSIVE CARE IN CUBA 20 YEARS..I WAS GRADUATED IN FLORIDA NATIONAL COLLEGE -HIALEAH CAMPUS 2009 – - REFERENCES. DR JULIO CESAR ALFONSO , CELL- 786-624-0632………EXPERIENCE .. NURSE SPECIALIST IN ADULT INTENSIVE CARE AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY IN CUBA 20 YEARS. I WAS GRADUATED WITH HONORS IN FLORIDA NATIONAL COLLEGE -HIALEAH CAMPUS 2009.
CARLOS J. MARTIN
I AM LOOKING FOR A JOB OF P.C.T,H.H.A,PHLEBOTOMY OR E.K.G TECHNICIAN.I EXPERT IN PRACTICE NURSE,PHLEBOTOMY AND EKG FOR NURSE SPECIALIST IN MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND ADULT INTENSIVE CARE IN CUBA 20 YEARS..I WAS GRADUATED IN FLORIDA NATIONAL COLLEGE -HIALEAH CAMPUS 2009 – - REFERENCES. DR JULIO CESAR ALFONSO , CELL- 786-624-0632………EXPERIENCE .. NURSE SPECIALIST IN ADULT INTENSIVE CARE AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY IN CUBA 20 YEARS. I WAS GRADUATED WITH HONORS IN FLORIDA NATIONAL COLLEGE -HIALEAH CAMPUS 2009.
Dori
I’m still waiting for ALL that money from my online surveys!! Whats the deal???
Rachel
I live in Michigna which everyone knows the big D is the auto capitol of the the nation, where a high school diploma is all that is required in a manufactuing plant to provide for the family. Our president is screamming higher education, being out of work for over 3 years there is no money for higher education jobs, I’ve filled out many forms to get nowhere. I’ve applied for countless jobs to get one or two phone calls that lead nowhere… I’ve had my resume looked over and I keep geting the same results…..looks good but the job market is awful, A part of me wonders if you need a college degree for resumes, and interviews to land a job. What happened to the ol’ fill out a job app. and get hired?
Keith, Milwaukee
I was downsized 4+ years ago after a brilliant 30 year career in IT with mostly project management. Since then I have applied for over 700 positions, at over 300 different firms. Only 4 actual interviews in all that time. These were very mis-matched opportunities, but I would have taken any of them if an offer were presented just to get some work. Still no work, and I have now given up. Lost the house, and now living with my brother. When the money runs out, I will be living on the street.
All the praying, resume re-writes, keywords, re-training, even a vast networkk have done nothing for me, so it is now a lost cause.
Riches-to-rags in a few years. What a great country, land of opportunity, until lately.
Eric Spence
I agree with Erlene and Esther about the typos and runon sentences as well as punctuation errors found in most of these complaints. Spelling and grammar check is a mandatory tool in most word processing programs and not an option. I lost my job of 9 years and have been searching for a job for 5. This is a frustrating job market, but I will try to use keywords and see if I can finally land a position after all this time. I wish the rest of you the best of luck in your endeavors.
Eric Spence
P.S. I have also noticed capitalization errors as well. People, be very careful and proofread your work or better yet give it to someone else to proofread. We often ignore our own errors – such as “run-on” in my case.
Cathy - Ohio
I understand the pain and frustration that all of you are experiencing. But, I have discovered a new way to find positions. I started doing volunteer work in Florida. (Had been looking for a job for over a year). I was offered a FT job at a non-profit as the Office Manager. Moved to Ohio – started volunteering and was offered a PT position. I strongly suggest that you try this. It may not be the exact job you want, but it pays the bills and I even got full benefits in Florida. Good Luck!
valerie
i been looking for a job ,am about 9month behind in rent ,my car is gone ,now on the bus am so tired looking on the web,call i went so low i appl for gas station not hiring,now, what ps i no chistmas is going to be hard
valerie
i been looking for a job ,am about 9month behind in rent ,my car is gone ,now on the bus am so tired looking on the web,call i went so low i appl for gas station not hiring,now, what ps i no chistmas is going to be hard so what do i do with exper,in perp-cook,dish,housekeeping,asst,catering managar ,andi will work and you will be glad you chose me pick me pick me ,ps need a job be for i be HOMELEES
Moira - a New Yorker
I read a comment the other day that said, “become a pharmacist, you’ll make over $100,000 as you walk right off the stage from graduation…” That WAS true in 2004. No more! New York has allowed 7 pharmacy schools in our state. California has 7 pharmacy schools! Now there is a surplus. And how about the pharmacist who worked for Walgreens, pulled a gun and fired because a “patient” pulled a gun on him for the OxyContin! (The pharmacist got fired by the way!) What the hell! When I graduated pharmacy school in 2004, I was working full-time plus free-lancing in 4 other pharmacies! Now, I cannot find a job in New York state. Silly me. I love New York. When I watched the 9/11 memorials, I was proud to be a New Yorker; however, I find I am in the same boat as a lot of people. I cannot afford to reciprocate to another state. It is really bad out there. And being a pharmacist, I cannot just find work in some “titty bar!” And God forbid some pharmaceutical company would hire me with my ten years of sales experience AND a doctorate in pharmacy AND I look great for my age! Nope. Pharmaceutical companies want a business major. Wouldn’t any of you feel better knowing your doctor spoke to a pharmaceutical rep that had a doctorate in pharmacy. Geez! I just keep plugging along. Once again, thank you for allowing me to get this off my chest. God luck everyone and God bless – Moira – a Proud New Yorker
Moira - a Proud New Yorker
Oh, and to Marina Arias… You do not know what the HELL you are talking about! Must be you already have a job and work as a Human Resource Manager – Moira – a Proud New Yorker
Barry
I got laid off at the magic age of 56 and just turned 57. I might as well be 80. With recently minted Master’s on leaderhip and quality to go with 21 years managing about 400 people, I can’t get a whisper. It is now goingn on six months. I don’t look 57 either, but they figure it out..in fact, if you were to google my name you see some magazine’s quoting me as a expert and then one of the people finders that tells you I’m 56 so there is no resume format to hide that.
I’ve matched resumes not only to job descriptions, but incorporated key words from their web sites that talk about their “who we are”. Nothing. I had one screener walk me back in my history to my high school graduation, then sighed loudly into my ear and said I wasn’t qualified based on something not in the job description that sat in front of me.
I listened to a webinar a few weeks back and the speaker talked about “Frankenjobs”…combinations of jobs previously done by several molded into one…good luck with those.
At any rate, we just keep trying don’t we and hope that we walk into on eventually. The last point I want to inject is the resume services. I’ve had two professionally done, one I paid for and one the company that liad me off paid for..I have third that some people in the industry helped me put together..all three have been thrashed by the resume services touting their skill at overcoming you resume writing experience. I am of the opinion that if you paid for six and then reciirculated them to each other, they would all trashed leaving the average job seeker not clear on what is good and what is not…i
The unemployed are now subject to predatory practices….not a pretty picture.
K.R.
I have read all of your responses and I have to say they are all the same. I have only been unemployed for a month but I can say that you have to stay positive. God does everything for a reason. In my case I was frustrated with my job. I was promoted into a position that I was not trained for. Fixed the problems in the department, saved money, and made the company money while doing it. They terminated me and I had no write ups, no disciplinary actions against me nothing. I also know that I made the company 1.6 million. I did my job which I trained myself on and they let me go.
I live in Dallas, Texas and believe me I have heard everything from being over qualified to not having enough experience. It can be discouraging at times but you got to roll with the punches and give your problems to God. He does take care of them not when we want him too but when he is ready. There is a place and time for everything.
Yes the bills are stacking up, you are getting in debt…but try to find the reason you are home and then things will begin to look up. Please keep the faith.
James
I have 30 years in the automotive industry. I have held every position in the Sales end of dealerships and have run a successful wholesale operation for many years. As my children are all done with school now, I thought it would be great to be back in a dealership setting. As I have read many of the comments here I see a common thread of unemployment and not being called back in the fact that we are in our 50’s. Just think if we were football coaches or basketball or baseball, we would not have lasted 30 days on the open market with the amount of experience we bring to the table. I don’t have an answer and I am not close to retirement. I know that what I have forgotten in the car business in the last 30 years, is more than some 20 something will ever know. Keep the faith
frank
like the rest, no luck in finding a job. i have over 30 years wire line telephone exper. and i can not get an interview with any local telephone company. i have lots of telephone training and my age is at 62. no company wants an old guy. the governor of any state should be going after any company that has job openings and force them to get the talent from the unemployed list in each state. english should also be the state language, not spanish, polish,korean,russian, etc. keep the usa citizens employed not the green card folks or work visas. companys should train the folks for the jobs needed. and if the previous work experience is close use those folks to get the job. AS far a job training goes, what are you supposed to train for? The president of the usa should get all the companies to return to the usa and use folks here to fill the jobs. not out source to india, mexico, because of cheap wages.
Z.Acosta
Hi Frankie,
I also am very frustrated with the unemployment situation especially in New Jersey. I have applied to numerous websites for various positions, i.e. medical secretary, file, clerk, administrative assistant, receptionist, etc and not once have I received so much as a referral. The one thing that I have received however is the infamous calls from colleges that I never even requested. All this from filling out applications. I have a college degree and plenty of experience to boot. I’m bilingual in Spanish/English, fluent in medical terminology and experienced as well, Customer Service experience, Medical Records experience. Yet not one person has had the courtesy to call me or at least indicate that I’m either over qualified and underqualified. I only apply to those positions which show up as available so it’s not like I am pulling them out of a hat.
Perhaps those individuals that peruse our resumes should take a better look and discontinue scanning and if they are understaffed perhaps one of us can assist them.
DL
It IS tough out there right now. This will NOT be a popular comment (likely). I had taken a part time job at a McDonalds and worked there until I got something better. This may work for others. It is NOT the greatest job, but fast food, or something part time, will allow people to have money coming IN and still be able to apply for jobs other places
Lisa- Pennsylvania
I’m an older adult and I’ve noticed instead of saying that an individual is too old, they just say that you’re over qualified!
fran
I am 63 years old, lost my job in April 2010. I have applied to ,its seems thousands of job postings,and no replies. But I have gotten lots of crap in my email.
Older, with lots of life skills,trainable,and works well in a team environment. Still no job offers.
I have had my resume redone by a proffesional resume writer,paid $250.00 and no offers. If a pro did my resume and not one job offer, well either I got took or the hr personnel at the places I have applied to are only looking for the young and the stupid.
A lot of the jobs I have looked at require that you must speak SPANISH!
This is America,and the national language is English. So why this roadblock in applying for a job?
A lot of the job requirements are geared for the people that are working for the company now. How are you to get hired?
It reeks of discrimination. AGE: RACE: 3 -6 years in the advertized position:
I have yet to see in any job posting that older workers are needed.
The older worker has the experiences,either from working life or just life in general to handle any trouble that may show up on the job.
I really believe that any job posted should go thru the unemployment service so that all folks can have their resume sent out the the employer before they go out on local job boards. This way unemployment wil be reduced, economy will grow, and all the illegals will have to leave, no jobs for them.
The over qualified rating should be grounds to file a law suit under descrimination against any and all employers who use it.
Also alot of the companies will not train; they expect you to know their job and pay the minum wage, $8.00 per hour and classify the job as full time, 4 hours a day.
LAVON
I have been out of work for over one year. i am 59. My question is can a company’s online application legally ask what year you graduated high school? It is a required field on the application.
I feel that is a form of age discrimation.
Trey
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours
would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not
100% certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you