Running out of job resources (employment, apply, application, non-profit)

[Peters5]

I am a well-educated person (AA & BA degree) and have many years of experience in the fields of event management, advertising, catering and construction - my husband owns this business and I help him with office etc.

The problem is that I have looked everywhere for a job. It seems that jobs posted on the internet either don't exist or, like most jobs in the newspaper, or only posted because the company has to by law post a job. They really have the position filled already but must go through the formality of posting it.

I cannot find an employment agency or headhunter that specifically handles by areas so even though I have registered with 3 of them in the San Antonio area, I have not gotten any calls.

I have gone to different companies that are in my field and applied with them but they just take my application/resume and say thanks. I don't know where else to look. I have told everyone I know and everyone I meet that I am looking for work... but still nothing in my line of work.

Any suggestions on what else to do?

[GypsySoul22]

What about trying to work for yourself? Cater a few parties? You can make a name for yourself this way and maybe then get more connections.

I know what it's like to feel invisible when looking for work, so good luck.

[Alexis03]

Have you tried contacting your chamber of commerce? Sometimes they refer people...

[Magnolia Bloom]

You might check out your local chapter of Assn. of Fund Raising Professionals. They work with groups that put on events. You could also check out non-profits in your areas, as they often have special events postions.

Our builders assn. has positions for event and meeting planning, as well.

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[Peters5]

I have been doing catering jobs, event planning jobs, graphic designs, brochures, etc on my on for a while but it is not steady work with steady income. I'm looking for something a little more regular. Like a catering director at a hotel or event planner with a company. There is just nothing out there that is ligit. It seems to be all fake advertising just to get you to make a call.

[yellowsnow]

Have you considered relocating to a bigger market with more available in your field than San Antonio?

[Peters5]

Yes, no kids keeping me from it. They are all grown and gone. Husband owns a business here though.

[NYSD1995]

A couple of ideas:
- Go back and try the headhunter route again. Try to make a personal contact with someone. Don't register online and wait to hear from someone. Call them directly and speak to them, try to get a rapport going.
- Don't limit yourself to job ads. Make a list of companies that are in your field and figure out as best you can who is the decision maker. Make some calls.
- Find out if there is a local networking group catering to your field. Go religiously.
- If you have any contacts in the industry, including former employers and coworkers, call them!
- Scour the internet - use Indeed.com, SimplyHired, LinkedIn, Craigslist, Monster.com, and your local newspaper's site. Apply to everything and follow up on each one.
- Be flexible about the jobs you will do, consider taking a lesser job in a company that is in your field, and try to move up in a year or so.
- double and triple check your resume for typos and formatting issues which might be getting it trashed before anyone sees it.

If all else fails, there might be too limited a job market in your city. At that point you are faced with some tough challenges - starting your own company, career change, relocation. But that should be the last resort, so make sure you exhaust your options first.

Good luck!

[FarNorthDallas]

Have you tried country clubs?

[prim2007]

Headhunters are probably not the best use for your specialty. If you want to cater for hotels, then you should try networking with folks in this industry. I'm sure there are some professional associations that you may be able to get some contacts from. Be patient as San Antonio is a limited market compared to other cities.