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Topic: Can't land a job
| Author | Message |
| jjyay | Posted – 5/23/2008 4:29:04 PM | show profile | email poster Hi everyone, I was just looking for someone, anyone who could possibly help me with some resume/cover letter woes. I have done three internships and have held down about four jobs during my college years (I graduated this month with my B.A. in Business Communication & Technology). Unfortunately practically all my experience has been in the music industry (indie record label, music PR, music magazine, etc.). As there are no jobs whatsoever in the music industry at the moment, I'm looking to branch out into other areas of media doing entry-level work so I can at least afford to live but I don't think my resume is quite up to par because it looks like I've been skipping around from job to job (I haven't, I just worked and went to school in two different states so I had to stick with summer jobs and part-time work). Is there anyone here who would be willing to help? I'm not looking for a rewrite or anything, just for someone to give it a really quick look-through and possibly point out any glaring errors? I've sent out about 20 of them and haven't heard back from anyone, it's starting to get incredibly discouraging. |
| sheilamullan | Posted – 5/27/2008 11:22:47 PM | show profile | email poster Hi I'd be glad to look at your letter & resume; do you have published clips? Not totally clear from above (i.e, did you write for the record label etc. or was it that you did other duties for them?) Chin up. things will get better. Are you networking with alumni from your college? good luck Sheila |
| UGoGirl | Posted – 5/28/2008 12:23:46 AM | show profile If you post your resume somewhere on the web and post a link to it, I'd be happy to take a quick look. Once upon a time, for a very brief time period, I worked for a resume writing company. |
| jobhunter08 | Posted – 5/28/2008 12:41:53 AM | show profile I've been unemployed for over 6 months and I graduated last May. You're at the start of a long haul friend, especially if you think 20 is a lot. |
| photony14 | Posted – 5/28/2008 11:53:10 AM | show profile I've been out of school since last august, had a temp position for a few months. Since January I've sent 160 + resumes with only 10-15 responses and only 6 interviews. Get prepared for a very long and unhappy journey. If you think sending 20 resumes without a response is discouraging, you are in for a real wake up call. I hate to sound mean, but good-luck I hope you dont have a hard time! |
| sheilamullan | Posted – 6/1/2008 10:02:21 PM | show profile | email poster hi hi I am enabled for email so just send your stuff via email. Cheers Sheila |
| jseconds77 | Posted – 6/6/2008 10:53:21 PM | show profile I write for a national music mag with a circ. of over 300,000. they just inked a bigger distro deal and are now in Barnes & Noble, as well as full color glossy paper. well, they always score me tix when I need 'em....but I'm the one setting up my own interviews!? yup...and I almost always get my subjects. how much do they pay me you ask? well, they boast I'm their top writer. if they paid me enough...I wouldn't be here posting. can't land a job? how many people keep coming here and writing this? you're not the only one.... |
| jobhunter08 | Posted – 6/7/2008 7:13:38 PM | show profile jseconds: mind telling me when you quit so I can fill your vacancy? |
| jseconds77 | Posted – 6/8/2008 2:14:42 PM | show profile sorry, my mag gig is mine. thanks for inquiring. My personal HR assistant will keep your name on file and if any positions matching your skills become available, you will be contacted |
| fake.it.til.you.make.it | Posted – 6/8/2008 4:40:50 PM | show profile 20 applications/resumes sent really isn't all that much in this current job market. I wouldn't start thinking that that's an indicator that you won't find a job. I've sent out about 200 applications, been on about 10 interviews, have had one offer reneged, nabbed one job but had to quit because the woman was nuts and having financial problems, have gotten very close with a few other opportunities and I still don't have a job yet (I was laid off almost a year ago). What kind of jobs did you hold during the summer? If they were retail, restaurant or other unrelated unskilled jobs you might want to remove them from your resume and keep the positions that you held longer and are relevant to what you want to do. But the question is, do you know what you want to do or even have an idea?? |
| zfagenson | Posted – 6/18/2008 12:26:34 PM | show profile I just graduated as well and I feel your pain. I'm trying to get into newspaper and if you've read the front page of this and other sites you know the future is grim. My resume was pretty similar but luckily I got some help and learned a couple things. Decide on what type of jobs you're looking for, edit your past employment descriptions (with honesty) to show you have the skills necessary for what you want to do. Don't be afraid to drop unrelated experiences. I was your average, mislead college students. I have everything from laboratory research to corporate communications internships to pull from. I'm trying to squeeze my way into political/business reporting so I leave out unrelated information. My cover letter took forever but eventually I got it down to this: Pick your best two or three professional experiences, explain them (briefly), what they taught you and how they'll help you in the future. I'm still looking for a salary but luckily I got two freelance gigs three weeks out of school and have a couple editorial assistant interviews lined up. Also, DON'T ACCEPT E-MAIL. Almost every time I got a prospective employer on the phone I've gotten an interview or some feedback. Even if someone tells you your not qualified you hear it from a voice. We are young and really aren't capable of much, if you call someone for two weeks straight they'll pay attention to you, even if you don't fit the description. Anyway you can send me your stuff if you want ? zfagenson@gmail.com ? good luck! |
| HyancinthGirl | Posted – 6/18/2008 12:43:53 PM | show profile "if you call someone for two weeks straight they'll pay attention to you, even if you don't fit the description." BAD advice. Calling someone for two weeks straight will land you in the obsessed pile. Call THREE times max. If you don't get a response, you move on. If you called me for two weeks straight, I'd forward your resume to everyone I know and tell them who NOT to hire. There's a fine line between tenacity and stalking. |
| Scottie | Posted – 6/18/2008 1:44:58 PM | show profile Totally agree HYacinth Girl. I'm a huge believer in phoning to follow up, but three calls would be my absolute max. Calling for two weeks straight shows a scary lack of judgment. |
| SeeKatyWrite | Posted – 6/18/2008 9:59:04 PM | show profile | email poster JJ, I'm sure you've already been in contact with people in this community who have offered to look over your resume, but I would also point you back to your college, since you're a very recent graduate. My alma matter hosted several resume workshops and other career-preparatory events aimed at those nearing graduation, so perhaps there's a chance for you to participate in something like that? I found the resume workshop invaluable, although resumes can be tricky -- it seems everyone has an opinion on the "right" way to structure your experience, what to or not to include, length, etc. But find a couple of sources you trust and stick with what they say. Best of luck!! ------ ----- katy ryan editor | freelance writer | blogger www.KatyWrites.com |
