Recent Master's degree, career changer...no jobs (job hunting, IT, employment)

[Prytania]

I am a 40 year old, recent MSc honours graduate of a prestigious British university (I am an American). I hold a Master's in political communication. Currently, I am on the 2nd month of a free place to stay in Washington DC.

Since graduation in September I have sent out no less than 900 resumes. I had Skype interviews for 3 jobs, none of which worked out (prior to moving to DC).

Now I have heard nothing. Day after day, nothing.

I had a previous career in IT (which I hate) however I have begun to apply to IT jobs too however I think my MSc is hurting me there (although I cannot really remove it, otherwise I have a huge hole in the time period of 2014-2015.

I tried to find a job in the UK for a period before I left and employers seemed to like me there quite a bit, however recent work visa changes put a damper on things.

So at this point..I'm close to having not a penny to my name. No idea what to do next.

[ERH]

Network. Get out and talk to people, meet new ones, make connections. I can promise you that hitting SUBMIT 900 times on the computer will get you exactly the response you've received.

Perhaps engage the services of a professional resume writer. If you go this route, vet them carefully, as there are lots of inexperienced writers out there making a living along with those who have done it for 20+ years.

[Suburban_Guy]

I don't know what the job market is in those fields but hopefully something will work out.

I hope your age isn't a deterrent (I'm in my 40's and know all too well about those things).

[charlygal]

What was your plan when you decided on getting your Master's?

[Prytania]

Well I graduated at the top of my class from Tulane University with a 3.9 GPA in 2010 and had worked for several public officials. I was hoping someone would be keen enough to hire me into a communications position but nothing happened. So I worked a few political campaigns as a paid staffer, then back to IT.

Finally caught a break when the UK university offered me nearly a full scholarship for my tuition. I had planned to try to stay in the UK after I was there. Made a ton of contacts in London, some unpaid work for 2 organisations...but shortly before graduation the UK government changed the rules on switching from a student to a work visa. So I had to come back to the US.

Now that I'm here, no one seemingly wants anything to do with me.

[Having Faith in GA]

I don't have any advice because I am in a similar situation, and have yet to find a solution to my shortcomings. However, I wish you the best of luck in your job search. Sometimes there isn't anything with what you are doing- resume, cover letter, personality in interviews, etc, but rather the competition that is out there for employment.

Have you tried staffing agencies to put some money in your pocket and sharpen your administrative skills? Have you tried volunteering in the field of interest? How about writing a blog relating to your political interests to showcase your skills!!

With these new logistics in job hunting, you sure as hell need to be creative to get your name out there and get people interested in you. Especially since, I believe, you would like to work in the political sector!

Again, I'm no expert. Just throwing some ideas around!

I'm currently thinking of ways, unconventional ones, to get a job, land a career. I hate wasting my talents, so now, I have to think of creative ways to use them since employers aren't biting my bait

For now, I suggest taking any job that you personally won't find demeaning to pay the bills. Again, good luck. I hope something come knocking at your door soon

[HappyDogToday]

Have you considered just some "cold calling" drop in visits to potential employers? With a background like yours you might get on as a staffer with some political campaigns, etc.

Also, I am a big fan of the "functional" resume, tailored precisely to the kind of work you are applying for. Leave off that education or that experience that is not relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Keep plugging away and consider also marketing yourself as a consultant in your field. Try to think outside the box of ways to make connections with people who could use your skillset.

Still send out resumes to ads too. I just got a call the other day from a resume I sent out in November for a full-time position. I am in dialogue now with the hiring manager about some other opportunities that came up with the organization.

Get known, try to make personal contacts, get a business card and make impromptu visits to "touch base" with companies that utilize your skillset.

I swear, there's got to be an alternative to this mind-numbing internet application process, so get creative and good luck!