CA grad DESPERATELY seeking job in Chicago! (Kansas: sales, real estate)

[are_u_lucid]

I'd like to thank everyone in advance for any ideas/help they might provide. It's greatly appreciated.

I'm a 30 year old CA native, still living in my home state after finally earning my BA degree last year. My choice of major, American Sign Language, turned out to be a big mistake since it doesn't point to very many jobs...even when time are good. So, I'm looking to train in some other field, but for now I'd be happy with just about ANY entry level job that would allow me to live by myself in Chicago. It's been my goal to move to the city ever since I had the opportunity to visit a few years back. I absolutely fell in love with the local music scene (I'm a jazz musician ). After struggling to find a job for over a year after college, and after sending out a countless number of resumes, I would have to perform some kind of interpretive ribbon dance to fully express how insanely frustrated I am . I wouldn't normally send out a cry for help to a bunch of strangers but I have no idea what to do anymore.

Back when I used my CA address on a resume, I received ONE call back and the first question was, "Are you living in Chicago now?" When I said no, the phone interview was essentially over.

Then my one and only friend in the Chicago suburbs allowed me to use her address on my resume. No call backs. I've tried all the online job sites known to man. I've mailed resumes to all kinds of groups, companies, and corporations who did, and didn't, post current openings. Nothing so far.

My major disadvantage is the fact that I have no family or serious job connections in the area. It's important to have as much "insider information" as you can. My aforementioned friend is in no position to help so......I turn to you....the gentle city-data forum participant.

I know that times are tough everywhere, and that if you DID happen to know of any potential job leads, you would most likely toss them to your own friends and family who have been struggling. With that said, I feel like giving this a shot anyway. I really have nothing to lose and I don't think I could be any more depressed than I already am. So here goes nothing.

Since I've been out of work for so long my resources are very limited, so I ask that you please keep that in mind. Anyway, thanks again to all who read this. I wish you all the best .

[eureka1]

In California ASL aides or interpreters have to have a certification from someplace in Seattle in order to get hired. Do you have that? The jobs in California tend to be less than fulltime in that specialty but I wouldn't think that would be a problem in Chicago with its huge school population. Suggest you stick with what you're trained for . Otherwise you have nothing to offer. Good luck to you.

[are_u_lucid]

ASL interpreters can become nationally certified in any state but that would require me to go back into an interpreter program (two years). Since I'm already in enough debt, I really want to avoid that. I just want to work for a while. My BA degree is very general and is not specifically geared toward interpreting. The most important thing for me was earning the degree.

I'm searching for potentenial leads/tips for any entry level job in Chicago. As I mentioned before, I have no family or job contacts in the city who could help me out.

[reppin_the_847]

Maybe you can purchase a shell address or mailbox in the Chicago area and essentially trick these recruiters and companies into thinking that you live here. Gotta get crafty in these difficult times if you're not wealthy or connected. Survival of the fittest my friend. Best of luck!

[s0nginmyheart]

I don't know what you could do with an ASL degree here in Chicago, but if you are looking for ANY WORK, I think you might want to take a stab at some of the apartment leasing companies here as an agent. You don't need to have your real estate license (they give you a grace period to complete this). But the big deterrent here is still being out of state.

This guy I dated for a while walked into one of the leasing companies here and walked out with a job offer. Of course, it's all commission based. Might not be ideal, but it is an idea. At least you can use that as a stepping stone until you can find something you really want to do.

At any rate, I moved here from L.A. three years ago and it took me over a month to find work (real estate related). Chicago is a great city - hope it happens for you!

[SmartGXL]

Yes I see the apartment leasing companies are always hiring as well.

I also see lots of retail and restaurant places are hiring. You could tell them in the interview that you are here for school and that the schooling will take 2 years to complete. The main problem with those jobs is that they have high turnover, so indicating to them that you are going to be around a while will help you grab one of the jobs, since they might see on your resume that you already have a degree.

[are_u_lucid]

Big thanks to s0nginmyheart and SmartGLX. I'll certainly check out the apartment leasing jobs. I have a little experience with sales so I'll give it a whirl .

[jtamay3]

A couple of things, on your resume, are you still putting your California phone number? I know you changed your address, but if they see an out of state area code, they're going to think you're BSing. Try to get a pay as you go phone or prepaid phone with a 773, 708 or 312 phone number.

Also, try every website known to man several times. There will be websites you will find that are popular that you never heard of. Also, don't immediately go for a big name company. Look for a midsize companies in Chicago as well.

[EastBoundandDownChick]

Will you be bringing your own car to Chicago? The reason I ask is because most leasing companies require you to have your own vehicle. Not all, but the vast majority from what I've seen.

[aragx6]

It's a pain staking process, but one thing I was most successful with was literally looking at the careers website of every fortune 1000 company in the city. they'll all have some admin jobs, and one might be entry-level enough for you.

Also, check out AppleOne for temp jobs -- i used them whehn I moved to Kansas City and ended up with a full-time position. AppleOne employment agency | find better job | advance career | search resumes

Honestly, your best chance for finding a job is moving here, but of course it's hard to move here without a job. Any chance your friend in the 'burbs could let you crash for a bit while you get your bearings?