Where are all the jobs here??? Need advice and/or suggestions... (Minneapolis: school, colleges)

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by StPaulEastSider

You need to go to businesses and apply in person... be assertive.

For many types of white collar jobs, that isn't always viable, at least of your targets are large corporations with secure facilities. Most of the places that I've worked have been impenetrable for all practical purposes, for example, since they've been large corporate computer centers, communications complexes, or secure office buildings.

For smaller companies, though, it might work better, and some employers might prefer that depending on the type of work involved. If you're looking for something to tide you over until you find "a real job" (something a lot of IT people end up doing), and if you can get into the business, do it in person.

You need to spend 4 hours of face-to-face time looking for a job for every 1 hour of screen time you spend looking for a job.

Networking is important. Even if contacting someone doesn't result in a job, that person might remember you later when something pops up.

Also, if you're looking for something in a white collar area, make sure that your resume is out on the net for recruiters and headhunters to find. The only reason I got my current job is because a headhunter found my resume somewhere online and contacted me directly. In fact, I obtained more interviews that way than all of my other efforts combined...

It's way harder when you are new to an area, I have to echo rcsteiner on that one... i think people are afraid you won't stick around. I had to work 4x as hard to find a job when I moved 'cross country.

I put out most of my resumes to local companies in the Twin Cities, but I was looking at a time when the entire industry I was a part of was in a big slump (the post 9/11 job market in the Twin Cities was not kind to former airline IT people).

When you're new to an area it's even harder because you probably don't know anyone at all.

[StPaulEastSider]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

For many types of white collar jobs, that isn't always viable, at least of your targets are large corporations with secure facilities. Most of the places that I've worked have been impenetrable for all practical purposes, for example, since they've been large corporate computer centers, communications complexes, or secure office buildings.

For smaller companies, though, it might work better, and some employers might prefer that depending on the type of work involved. If you're looking for something to tide you over until you find "a real job" (something a lot of IT people end up doing), and if you can get into the business, do it in person.

Good point... I personally avoid corporate America like the PLAGUE.... so it is the small/mid-sized companies I am talking about when I recommend going in person to apply for jobs and assertively marketing oneself in person.

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

Also, if you're looking for something in a white collar area, make sure that your resume is out on the net for recruiters and headhunters to find. The only reason I got my current job is because a headhunter found my resume somewhere online and contacted me directly. In fact, I obtained more interviews that way than all of my other efforts combined...

I'm just analyzing the situation when I say this... I think it's important to note you are in I.T., so the employers looking for someone with your skills are also in I.T. and are more apt to utilize the Internet to find qualified applicants. In other industries, for non-corporate jobs, I think Internet resume posting helps, but is still not the primary way people find jobs. At least this is what I've heard at job-hunting workshops and seminars I've attended. I guess I could try to google for some stats, but I'm feeling too lazy at the moment.... I think the point is, don't rely on either Internet posting of resumes or traditional methods for getting your resume "out there".

+++++

Another idea for the OP... look up WomenVenture: Welcome to WomenVenture

They have many resources and an upcoming conference you could attend for networking purposes.

Once again... best wishes to you!

[Duk123]

Originally Posted by awsun1980

Hey, everyone, I just moved back home here after nearly 8 years. I’ve been here since the beginning of March & have sent over 65 resumes out. I’ve also signed up with several temp agencies, which are turning out to be a joke. You name it, I’ve probably applied there. I can’t even seem to get a retail job for the time being. I quit my job where I was living before & had to move back home for personal reasons, so I can’t exactly file for unemployment. I’m at the end of my rope & it’s starting to feel hopeless.

Anyone else in a similar situation? I feel like I’ve exhausted almost all my options & am running out of hope. Anyone know of the companies here who ARE hiring?? I can’t seem to get any response from the resumes I send out. And most ads now days say ‘no phone calls please’—it is so frustrating!

Any advice/companies I may not have thought of & that are actually hiring/or positive support, let me know! I need all the help I can get!!

Something that you may want to look in to is volunteer jobs. I've had a few friends who were able to turn their once a week volunteer gig into a full time paying job.
Even if the volunteer doesn't lead to a paying job A) it looks good on a resume. and B) It'll get you out of the house and help you be a little less stressed about your situation.

[awsun1980]

I am staying with family in the NW suburbs, but am looking for work anywhere within a 30 mile radius--including Minneapolis & St. Paul--I just want to work!! lol. Technically, I am 'new to the area' you could say, but this is where I'm from, so my family is here & finding out what companies are here, etc, is not a problem.

Yikes, I have done almost everything everyone here has suggested except going to the company's door step--has anyone ever really done that & it worked? I can't imagine that being a good idea especially with this economy. No offense. I've always worked for large companies, though, too--I have never worked at a small company. I don't know if networking would work for me--I don't have a particular 'field' per say, didn't go to college, just have worked various office-type jobs. I always thought I'd feel very 'under educated' if I went to one of those things? Just like I hate when people say 'what do you do?' uh...I work LOL.

Going back to my original post, I guess what I'm ultimately searching for is for someone to tell me WHO is hiring right now or what are the good areas of the metro to look for work in?

Thanks to all who posted..

Originally Posted by StPaulEastSider

You didn't mention what neck of the wood you are stayin' in... if you post that info, someone here might be able to point you in the right direction.

You need to go to businesses and apply in person... be assertive.

You need to spend 4 hours of face-to-face time looking for a job for every 1 hour of screen time you spend looking for a job.

Put the word out... tell everyone you can imagine that you are looking for work. Get connected as much as possible in the community, for example - find a place of worship.

It's way harder when you are new to an area, I have to echo rcsteiner on that one... i think people are afraid you won't stick around. I had to work 4x as hard to find a job when I moved 'cross country.

Best Wishes.

[StPaulEastSider]

Originally Posted by awsun1980

I don't know if networking would work for me--I don't have a particular 'field' per say, didn't go to college, just have worked various office-type jobs. I always thought I'd feel very 'under educated' if I went to one of those things? Just like I hate when people say 'what do you do?' uh...I work LOL.

Going back to my original post, I guess what I'm ultimately searching for is for someone to tell me WHO is hiring right now or what are the good areas of the metro to look for work in?

I don't know if there is a really good answer to the who and what question, other than the Wells Fargo lead someone gave you...

You have strong Administrative Assistant skills and experience, that's nothing to be ashamed of... it's something that's very much needed in every field imaginable.

I'd try the networking angle in I were you...

Another idea is to look into starting your own "virtual assistant" business... it is a viable option. "Real Estate Virtual Assistants" - REVAs - are a sub-section of Virtual Assistants. Google it.

Best Wishes!

[silverjet]

My biggest suggestion to you would be that you should consider going back to school for another degree, or at least take a few classes in something. You may not want to, but many people are finding that it's necessary to do so in order to stay competitive in this job market.

I also have to agree with the suggestion of doing volunteer work. You never know where, or how, a job opportunity will come up. I volunteer, and often fellow volunteers or employees at the organization will pass along job opportunities they hear about to others, or occasionally, the volunteer work you do may turn into an actual part or full-time job (that's happened to me before). Regardless of whether the work becomes paid or not, you can still add it to your resume. Most importantly, by volunteering, you're helping out the community or organization you care about and establishing new connections with people, which is really what networking is all about.

I work in the Eagan/Mendota Heights area and there are a lot of companies located over here. Many places are probably using temporary employees until things become a little more stable. I know that you have not had very good experiences with temp agencies, but there are decent ones out there, and it's probably the easiest way to obtain a job at this point in time. I suggest that you find one that is located in that area and go from there.

[youngurbanprofessional]

Awsun, there's been a lot of advice given that I would be definately recommending as first courses of action for your situation, but there is one that may or may not be feasible, but is still a suggestion.

Find a bigger job market. I'm originally from MN and I had a hard time finding ANY job as a recent college graduate, and that was 3 years ago, times are worse now. MN has excellent schools and a high percentage of High School grads go to college. That means tha you will have a very competitive and highly educated workforce. Right now there's more unemployed than their are jobs available. To increase your chances, you may want to look into applying for positions in other cities as well. East and West Coast has a lot of job opportunities, as well as Chicago. I would however try to avoid Michigan and Ohio. Those economies are much worse off right now than MN.

Maybe you're unable to relocate again, but if you're desperate for income, why limit yourself to one job market?

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by youngurbanprofessional

Find a bigger job market. I'm originally from MN and I had a hard time finding ANY job as a recent college graduate, and that was 3 years ago, times are worse now. MN has excellent schools and a high percentage of High School grads go to college. That means tha you will have a very competitive and highly educated workforce. Right now there's more unemployed than their are jobs available. To increase your chances, you may want to look into applying for positions in other cities as well. East and West Coast has a lot of job opportunities, as well as Chicago. I would however try to avoid Michigan and Ohio. Those economies are much worse off right now than MN.

Atlanta isn't doing all that well, either, FWIW. We were flirting with 10% unemployment for a while.

I ended up looking all over the country five years ago and had very good interviews at places in WA and NC before ending up down here in GA.

Maybe you're unable to relocate again, but if you're desperate for income, why limit yourself to one job market?

Relocating sucks in many ways, but the end result for us has mostly been positive. Most of my friends and family are still in the Twin Cities, but for the most part I think we've been happy down here.

[awsun1980]

LOL--well, I'm done relocating, that's for sure--at least for now. I've had many people look at my resume & turn their noses up because of how often I've "moved around." I guess they look at me as a job-hopper. I'm from MN, moved to TX for 5 1/2 years, then CO for almost 2 years, AZ for 1/2 a year & now I'm back home in MN. I would love to move back to Denver though someday--but right now it is not feasible. I have an Associate's degree, that has got me nowhere. I've never wanted to go back because I've never had anything specific to go back for. And I'm getting too old--lol!!! StPaulEastSider, I've never been an administrative assistant--have tried for those types of jobs, but get passed over. How sad, huh? At this point, I may have to take what I can get from a temp agency, even though I would think those types of jobs are usually horrible. I'm also trying to get into United Health Group, but I heard that could be hard, too. Seems like healthcare companies are the one industry that I've always heard are doing well right now.

[StPaulEastSider]

Originally Posted by awsun1980

LOL--well, I'm done relocating, that's for sure--at least for now. I've had many people look at my resume & turn their noses up because of how often I've "moved around." I guess they look at me as a job-hopper. I'm from MN, moved to TX for 5 1/2 years, then CO for almost 2 years, AZ for 1/2 a year & now I'm back home in MN. I would love to move back to Denver though someday--but right now it is not feasible. I have an Associate's degree, that has got me nowhere. I've never wanted to go back because I've never had anything specific to go back for. And I'm getting too old--lol!!! StPaulEastSider, I've never been an administrative assistant--have tried for those types of jobs, but get passed over. How sad, huh? At this point, I may have to take what I can get from a temp agency, even though I would think those types of jobs are usually horrible. I'm also trying to get into United Health Group, but I heard that could be hard, too. Seems like healthcare companies are the one industry that I've always heard are doing well right now.

Asum1980, you articulate me exactly... I am 40 and don't have a bachelor's degree, because I could never figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I am now, finally, working on finishing me degee - in Philosophy. I finally decided I just get a degree for the sake of getting a degree... as crazy as that sounds, it's leading me to figure out what I really want to do in life.

Don't get discouraged! You have talents and valuable skills, don't say you don't, we all do. Don't be your own worst enemy!