Jobs in Indiana (Indianapolis, Warsaw: sales, employment, university)

[twixcookie]

Is there a lack of jobs in Indiana, or does this have to do with my skills not being in demand? I have even looked outside my field, and there aren't many jobs...lots of commission only sales jobs that promise $200K a year and lots of low, unskilled jobs that don't pay a livable wage.

[domergurl]

I don't know if there's a lack of jobs as much as when job becomes available, it's filled quickly and by someone who knows someone.

[twixcookie]

I wondered about that too, and since I am not from this area and don't have a big network of friends, it is very hard.
I am considering the big move to the southwest (ack, no trees!) or further east.
I find it odd I live in such a big city, and have had such a problem finding work.I have done a lot in my life, have common sense, or so I think.
I have 2 college degrees, and I can spell pencil. P-E-N-C-I-L

[VALover]

I encountered the same problem here, twixcookie. I think domergirl is right on the mark. Have you tried banks? I had good luck with the ones I applied too. The pay wasn't the best but it was better than nothing.

[Jay_F]

Originally Posted by domergurl

I don't know if there's a lack of jobs as much as when job becomes available, it's filled quickly and by someone who knows someone.

And especially so if you "talk funny"... i.e. a few states east of Indiana.

[gypsyjena]

I got divorced two and a half years ago. I looked for work for over a year after that. I have a college degree.

It used to be that if I had an interview, I'd be offered the job. Not anymore. I don't know if it's my age (I am over 40, but don't really look it) or what, but I went on interview after interview and got zero offers. I finally found a job when I lowered my expectations dramatically.

I wait tables at IHOP. It works for me.

[belovenow]

Originally Posted by gypsyjena

It used to be that if I had an interview, I'd be offered the job. Not anymore. I don't know if it's my age (I am over 40, but don't really look it) or what, but I went on interview after interview and got zero offers. I finally found a job when I lowered my expectations dramatically.

When you go for interviews, followed by you immediately sending thank you emails, call back when you know the decision date has passed. Inquire for your own self-improvement (tell them you are looking for critical feedback) why you were passed up for the position. This is a perfectly fine thing to do and most of the time you will get a straight answer.

It's better to find out than just wonder... sometimes the feedback will enable you to land the next job you pursue.

[belovenow]

Originally Posted by twixcookie

Is there a lack of jobs in Indiana, or does this have to do with my skills not being in demand? I have even looked outside my field, and there aren't many jobs...lots of commission only sales jobs that promise $200K a year and lots of low, unskilled jobs that don't pay a livable wage.

There are lots of decent paying jobs in Indiana - but they are for very specific skills and experience. My spouse does cross-industry recruiting research for several Indiana-based clients and it seems like the majority of the positions filled these days end up being by candidates relocated from out of state.

From what I know of the marketplace here, there's also a massive "brain drain" in Indiana which kind of explains this - post-college/university a large percentage of graduates leave Indiana to work/live elsewhere.

From your profile you mention the medical industry for your occupation - have you looked for work with the medical device manufacturers out of Warsaw? Having done some recruiting work for them my spouse and I know they seem to always be hiring (jobs for every profession/level), and they love to hire people in state when available (it's rarely ever the situation that someone wants to move to/stay in Warsaw from other states - a lot of their pursuits involve terrific investment to finally obtain someone). If you're not seeing jobs advertised by these companies I'm compelled to tell you to proactively reach out to them directly if you have interest - as they sometimes don't advertise positions they have to fill very well at all.

Just some thoughts. Good luck with your job search.

[Rikrich]

Originally Posted by Jay_F

And especially so if you "talk funny"... i.e. a few states east of Indiana.

I take it that was intended to be a joke?

By the way, I grew up in Pennsylvania and lived in Maryland for twelve years before I made the mistake of moving to Indy. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Indianapolis and Hoosiers. This is indeed a nice place, but it has not been nice to me over the last 2+ years. I have been passed over for employment and jerked around. Also, I have even lost temp jobs thru no fault of my own due to the subjective/arbitrary mentality of employers. My EXTREMELY STRONG WORK ETHIC MEANT NOTHING TO THOSE PEOPLE. Believe me, it is no fun showing up for work on time, only to discover that you no longer had a job to show up for. THIS happened to me last JULY and you can only imagine how I felt.

I am on the verge of getting out of here because there is nothing for me in this nice place. If you have contacts, or know somebody who is in a position to offer you a job things are fine and dandy here. Otherwise, forget it. I beg your pardon for sounding so skeptical, cynical and bitter but you would too if you experienced THE CRAP I have gone through. Therefore, I AM IN NO MOOD FOR JOKES, OKAY? Goodbye.

[Rikrich]

Originally Posted by gypsyjena

I got divorced two and a half years ago. I looked for work for over a year after that. I have a college degree.

It used to be that if I had an interview, I'd be offered the job. Not anymore. I don't know if it's my age (I am over 40, but don't really look it) or what, but I went on interview after interview and got zero offers. I finally found a job when I lowered my expectations dramatically.

I wait tables at IHOP. It works for me.

I am very sorry that you had to settle for considerably less than what you had intended to attain. Believe me, I strongly identify with what you have experienced. I too possess a college degree, but none of the employers around here give a damn about that, or my very strong work ethic. They did not care about my status as a VETERAN either, and I have nothing but contempt for these moronic human resources types who sit on their brains while they decide who to hire. The whole process is completely subjective, and in many cases less qualified candidates are hired, while qualified and capable candidates like yourself are passed over. Yeah, I know what it is like to be given the shaft. Based on my experience, I don't think you were turned down because of your age. In my case, I am 50 years old AND AM OFTEN TOLD THAT I LOOK YOUNGER. I wish you well and hope you will not spend the rest of your days at IHOP. If you do stay, perhaps you might consider getting into their management program if that appeals to you? Just a thought. As for yours truly, there is an excellent chance that I will be leaving INDY in the fall. I actually moved here nearly five years ago to build a better life for myself and I have been thwarted, blocked, ignored passed over and so forth. I have had it. Take care, and hang in there. Please pardon me for sounding bitter.