So I Went to a Job Fair Today! (San Antonio, West: schools, contractor)

[DexterCat]

Originally Posted by DowntownSA

2) Trying to get on with the AG's office as a Child Support Officer.

THIS or social work. there are no shortage of social work jobs in SA. the wife was thinking about going into social work (starting around 70k), but the debt she would incur in college tuitions was insane and made it not worth it.

[DowntownSA]

Problem is, a degree in psychology doesn't make for a licensed social worker. That would require a degree in SW. Case Management jobs are out there, but I left that profession years ago, and for good reasons.

[DexterCat]

Originally Posted by DowntownSA

Problem is, a degree in psychology doesn't make for a licensed social worker. That would require a degree in SW. Case Management jobs are out there, but I left that profession years ago, and for good reasons.

ah well. i tried :|

[majormadmax]

Every job fair I've ever been to has been a waste of time, I doubt things have changed much.

You need to start networking, have you tried such website such as LinkedIn?

But don't expect those to magically cause jobs to appear, you have to do research and find out what companies you should be applying to.

And have you had your resume reviewed by others in your profession? Do you have any friends or acquaintances who are in your field? Your resume is what gets you invited to an interview. If it sucks, you never get that call.

Lastly, as I have always been told and repeated, it's much easier to find a job when you already have one. I know you've already "paid your dues" but you may want to consider a reduced salary just to get your foot in the door. Potential employers always understand when someone wants a better job or more pay, but they always question why someone isn't employed.

Good luck, it's a tough job market out there; but if you have a plan and work toward your objectives, you can find well-paid and satisfying jobs are available!

Cheers! M2

[Paul56]

It is really great for those fortunate enough to stay in the city
they want and obtain work within a reasonable period of time.

If you want to stay here then be prepared to a longer wait to
obtain employment.

If you significantly expand your job search area then you will
be employed sooner but will be faced with relocating and getting
settled in a new city.

The later is something I have done many times. The first time
was very difficult... now I just do it without thinking because
I don't want to be unemployed for a long period.

Perhaps when I retire I will get stuck on a city and decide to
live there... but then it won't matter much.

[ktulu7]

Hey, anyone that is a Java developer, Senior or fresh-out-of-college, that is looking in San Antonio, should hit me up. I'm not a recruiter or any of that, my office is just looking for some folks. It's not contract either!

[ged_782]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

Every job fair I've ever been to has been a waste of time, I doubt things have changed much.

You and I must have attended some of the same job fairs. Couldn't agree more.

Originally Posted by majormadmax

I know you've already "paid your dues" but you may want to consider a reduced salary just to get your foot in the door.

Agree again. I've noticed with some employers, it's pretty tough for an outsider to get hired on to fill the higher-level positions. They often fill those openings internally, then hire an outsider to fill that employee's former position.

[L210]

You're going to have to search online at government websites and non-profits for caseworker/social service jobs. I'll have a degree in social science with a minor in psychology in December and that's pretty much all there is unless you can find a job as a librarian. Something similar but slightly different is criminal justice. You can become a probation or parole officer with your degree. The pay isn't that great, but the benefits are.

Most for-profit colleges are evil. University of Phoenix might be accredited, but you can get a better education at a community college for a fraction of the cost and I'm saying this from personal experience.

[Sonny Chiba57]

The last job fair I went to was also a big fat waste of time. Every employer there said the same thing. "You have to apply online." I had already done that several times at all these places and figured my chances would be better talking to someone in person. Nope.... I think nowadays it's who you know that's gonna get your foot in the door. Or if you're young and fresh out of school and will work for peanuts. BTW this is the medical field.

[perticusrex]

I was laid off a few years ago and struggled to find another job within my field so I ended up taking a job that I wasnt thrilled about and the pay was kinda crappy, but its with a good organization and I wanted to get my foot in the door.

Fast forward to now, and I have advanced three times and basically doing something within my scope (something I wanted to do) AND I am looking at a relocation deal (which I kinda dread) that will put me in a better spot professionally/financially.

Sometimes you have to take just anything to get somewhere unfortunately. I found myself struggling to make the right connections, wasting time at lousy job fairs for companies that really werent hiring.

I know its tough so I wish you the best in your search!