Maine Jobs? No luck here. (Portland: unemployed, school, DMV)

[399083453]

So I've been unemployed now for 6 months in Maine. My background is in computers, networks, etc.. I've applied for over 150 jobs in the last 6 months and no luck so far. So far no luck.

I've even tried applying for State Gov jobs, Federal jobs, etc.... Even as a administrative assistant. Just looking for anything at this point.

Anyone else having any luck?

[DavidoftheNorth]

Have you tried any temp agencies? You may have to swallow your pride a little, but that's sometimes a good way to get a foot in the door.

[399083453]

Yes, tried the temp agency route for a couple of months at different locations. My take on the whole temps thing is companies and other employees really treat temps badly. Its no wonder they have trouble finding good perm employees.

I decided to go back to resumes, classifieds, monster.com, etc.

[seldomseen]

Is your resume prepared correctly? Is it to verbose, or just to short? Does it accurately convey your skills/experiences/qualifications? Where do you live? Portland is going to be your best bet if you want to secure a position in the IT/MIS field. Maine is a tough market for good paying corporate/company based positions. Most people have to get creative, and work for themselves, and a lot of folks just hustle, and work two or three part-time jobs to make ends meet.

[K-Luv]

That is one field that is overpacked as it is. Or maybe you are over qualified?

[MaineMathTCHER]

There are jobs in Maine-
I think you have to research where you are applying, instead of 150 applications-do 5-10 and really know the companies that you are applying to. Call the human resources, call people, and just really get to know the area you want to live in.

[mainebrokerman]

timing is everything, go to jobfairs, search all the top maine companies online, even ones which you wouldnt think computers, such as hannaford,,they have a huge corporate office/warehouse in scarborough, i do remember them advertising for computer techs/networking at one time.
even state jobs, look at the different departments, cmp/ dmv/bbb/hhs

sometimes you gotta look for a foot in the door job,

as a younger man, i took any job i could,,,even jobs,,others wouldnt do or looked down upon,,such as working in a slaughterhouse, and on a fishing boat, but one of those jobs, opened a door into a decent career,
one thing ive learned,,,employment is a people business, if you show more heart, and commitment than 90% of the workforce, you will go places,
and you have to knock on many doors, even if ten get slammed in your face,,,the eleventh door may open,,
take pride in who you are, what you can offer without being cocky, dress and look appealing to potential employers (i cant tell you how many folks i see wanting a job with the public with 12 earrings all over there face)

emailing resumes for jobs is easy,,,go see personnel/human resource directors of the companies,,even if they arent hiring,,,you will make a good impression, and have your name on file,,no one remembers an email address, but they will remember a face.
many jobs dont even get posted,,,,they either hire within or a referrel,,well, stick your face out there, think you will be surprised!!

you've got to be your own(best) cheerleader in life!!!

also,,,you cant swim with a school of fish and be noticed,,,find a few niches, areas you can specialize in!

[Trident]

Originally Posted by MaineMathTCHER

There are jobs in Maine-
I think you have to research where you are applying, instead of 150 applications-do 5-10 and really know the companies that you are applying to. Call the human resources, call people, and just really get to know the area you want to live in.

I agree. 150 applications in 6 months. That's like leaving flyers under people's windshield wipers.

[AlisonL]

Do not be too proud to accept ANY job. Flipping burgers might not make you rich, but its a job. I also worked jobs others turned their noses up at...I worked at a sardine factory, dug clams, ect. Not work I really liked but hey it was money and I was a teenager at the time. I would do it all over again if I had to.

[seldomseen]

150 resumes/applications in a six-month span is nothing! Securing a job that provides a good/excellent pay/benefits is a full-time job in itself. Have you tried networking with people? It is correct that there are jobs in Maine, but there aren't a high concentration of "good" jobs throughout Maine that will pay enough to survive adequatley, once you leave the Portland area. If you aren't willing to just take any job to make ends meet until you secure a job in within your career scope, you may want to seriously consider moving to an area with a stronger, and more diverse labor market.

Good Luck!