Best job finding strategy in Atlanta (loans, school, colleges)

[Freeminds]

Originally Posted by ferrarimanf355

Yeah, it's hard out there, anywhere, and I just have to expand my horizons and not be stuck to just one area.

Atlanta_BD, can you do me a favor and be on the lookout for clerical jobs in Atlanta for me and get in touch if you come across something that could be of interest? I really need to start to network, come to think of it.

Move to Texas.

[Atlanta_BD]

Originally Posted by ferrarimanf355

Yeah, it's hard out there, anywhere, and I just have to expand my horizons and not be stuck to just one area.

Atlanta_BD, can you do me a favor and be on the lookout for clerical jobs in Atlanta for me and get in touch if you come across something that could be of interest? I really need to start to network, come to think of it.

I will be honest with you. If you don't already have clerical experience it will be difficult. Administrative and clerical jobs are equally hard to get, especially if you have no experience, and the low skilled clerical jobs don't pay much more than minimum wage. It is also very difficult to advance in that field. Once you are there you can
remain stuck still in low-wage positions.

The recession has been a huge game-changer. Those degreed, skilled professionals who have been pushed out of their fields are now filling the administrative positions. As a result admin positions that required a high school diploma just a few years ago now require a bachelor's degree because degreed people are now filling these positions. Even receptionist positions at many orgs require a bachelor's degree now. Even with the degree requirements they still pay low.

I will PM you. If you don't have a degree already, your best bet is to go back to school and get a degree so you can avoid retail and clerical altogether.

[ferrarimanf355]

Originally Posted by Atlanta_BD

I will be honest with you. If you don't already have clerical experience it will be difficult. Administrative and clerical jobs are equally hard to get, especially if you have no experience, and the low skilled clerical jobs don't pay much more than minimum wage. It is also very difficult to advance in that field. Once you are there you can
remain stuck still in low-wage positions.

The recession has been a huge game-changer. Those degreed, skilled professionals who have been pushed out of their fields are now filling the administrative positions. As a result admin positions that required a high school diploma just a few years ago now require a bachelor's degree because degreed people are now filling these positions. Even receptionist positions at many orgs require a bachelor's degree now. Even with the degree requirements they still pay low.

I will PM you. If you don't have a degree already, your best bet is to go back to school and get a degree so you can avoid retail and clerical altogether.

I have a degree, but it's in communications- to be specific, media and cultural studies. It's been of no use, and I really have no money to go back to school and do it over.

[Atlanta_BD]

Originally Posted by ferrarimanf355

I have a degree, but it's in communications- to be specific, media and cultural studies. It's been of no use, and I really have no money to go back to school and do it over.

I don't have any inside track to jobs as I'm still struggling to find decent work myself. But since you have a degree, going for administrative jobs may give you an edge. If you are good with Microsoft Office Suite, go to temp agencies and test to see where you are. It's been made difficult even to get in with temp agencies these days, but register for as many as possible.

Also bear in mind that for administrative work the most you may earn working through a temp agency is $12 an hour.

[ferrarimanf355]

Right now, I'm earning about $8 an hour at my current job, so anything more is an improvement.

I'm good with Microsoft Office 2010, but I haven't touched the latest version yet.

[ferrarimanf355]

I called them and they said I don't have enough experience needed for their clientele.

I have now crossed the line into desperation and I don't know what to do. If a temp agency doesn't want me, what now?

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by ferrarimanf355

I called them and they said I don't have enough experience needed for their clientele.

I have now crossed the line into desperation and I don't know what to do. If a temp agency doesn't want me, what now?

Have you tried customer service? I know Home Depot's CS jobs start at around $16/hour.

[ferrarimanf355]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Have you tried customer service? I know Home Depot's CS jobs start at around $16/hour.

I'm in customer service. I want out and I want out as soon as possible.

I'm going to need some major help here. I don't want to be selling cigarettes to old people for the rest of my life, living with my parents for the rest of my life, being unhappy the rest of my life.

[Mutiny77]

Does your alma mater have an alumni chapter in Atlanta? That might be a good place to start networking.

[ferrarimanf355]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Does your alma mater have an alumni chapter in Atlanta? That might be a good place to start networking.

I don't know. I should look, but I don't know many people from college.