give up job search and rely on...

I'm giving up my job search as of today. 2009 grad. 5 months unemployed.

60 resumes sent out since Jan. Had mostly phone interviews. Had a few job interviews. Also a few email rejection letters. It seems like it's not going to be any better if keep applying online because I can only get an average of 2 interviews per month. If this continues, I won't get a job by the end of the year. I will still job hunt on the side but it seems like it's not going to work.

I am going to rely on recruiting agencies. i have 2 business references. Quick question, have you ever given your boss's information to a recruting agency before? do they prefer not to have their info given to job agencies? If you were the manager and your previous coworker gave your info to the agency...would you be upset? or will you understand? I have no choice right now exept to rely on agencies.

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sambuca69

What recruitment agency, if you don't mind me asking?

MeanDrunkR2D2

laptop wrote: »

I'm giving up my job search as of today. 2009 grad. 5 months unemployed.

60 resumes sent out since Jan. Had mostly phone interviews. Had a few job interviews. Also a few email rejection letters. It seems like it's not going to be any better if keep applying online because I can only get an average of 2 interviews per month. If this continues, I won't get a job by the end of the year. I will still job hunt on the side but it seems like it's not going to work.

I am going to rely on recruiting agencies. i have 2 business references. Quick question, have you ever given your boss's information to a recruting agency before? do they prefer not to have their info given to job agencies? If you were the manager and your previous coworker gave your info to the agency...would you be upset? or will you understand? I have no choice right now exept to rely on agencies.

As in your current boss? Most recruiters want that information so they can fish leads out of companies to help them get better leads for jobs.

And the economy is still recovering and I spent over a year before I found a position that was a fit for my skills/experience/goals and I have almost 4 years of IT experience. Which websites are you hitting? Are you looking up companies in your area to see what jobs they have posted on their own sites?

I personally don't care for recruiters because they don't care about me, they just care about getting their bonus's and they use and low ball me so that they can hit those numbers. I would use them, but I wouldn't rely on them. And only 60 resumes sent out in almost 5 months? That's it? I sent out 60 resumes a week for nearly a year straight.

Are you looking at entry level jobs, or cherry picking your dream job that would require more experience which is why you have sent out so few resumes and have been eliminated from consideration of those jobs?

Back to giving out your bosses information, talk to them first before you do that and get their permission. And if a recruiter needs references that quickly before they even have a position for you lined up, forget them. If you have your bosses blessing, give it out, but they may not care much for the recruiter that will pester them for job leads for that company.

Keep up your job search, but look out hard for entry level positions even if it's not exactly what you want to do. You have to get experience before you jump right into a 50k job right out of school. Those are few and far between. You're frustrated on your search, and I can't blame you, I was there. But i didn't give up. I tried to pinpoint where I messed up in the interviews and carefully crafted fixes to those issues so it didn't happen again.

Also, tailor your resume and cover letter for each position you are applying for as it will highlight the skills they are looking for better. Generic resumes and cover letters can and will get tossed aside if someone (even less experienced) has one that fits what that company wants. Don't lie, obviously, but you need to highlight those skills. Talk about projects you may have done while in school that would apply to that position.

If you don't mind me asking, what type of positions are you looking for?

Bl8ckr0uter

I am going to quote another thread and give some advice

knwminus wrote: »

Apply for jobs. Lots of them. I have probably applied for over 600 positions in the last few months. I have had 8 interviews. 1 a few months ago (lost out on the position due to exp) 3 this month with the same company (I start next week) and 4 others this week. I classify the positions I apply to as potentials, possibles, and probables. The probables have been help desk and Noc types of jobs. The possibles have been low level admins and jr security jobs and the potentials have been higher level admin/engineering jobs. To put it a different ways probables have require 1-3 years experience (I have this solid) the possibles require 4-6 and the potentials have required 6+ years. I follow up constantly and I tweak my resume to hit possible key words of the job posting. I Pray a lot. I use linked in and request all recruiters. I cold call/email sometimes. I drop off resumes in person (if the place is within 30 miles). I pretty much go after it like a horny teen, hard, strong, and like there is no tomorrow or next time*.

I have been somewhat successful in this approach.

* There is such a good joke in there about wanting to come first but that would be just to easy.

Seriously you need to not give up. Recruiters care somewhat but you career is your responsibility. I have worked with the recruiting agency that you are referencing (I think) and I can tell you sometimes it varies from person to person (even if they are in the same building). Some recruiters suck, some are awesome, and most are in the middle. Make it your point to contact them regularly, at least once a week.

tpatt100

I hope you have been studying general IT stuff in the meantime so you can perform well on the interviews you do go on.

I don't mean doing certs but instead studying basic general networking, stuff that comes up frequently in interviews.

Look up interview/job hunting ideas online. Now a days your competing with more people so you need to find a way to make yourself stand out

laptop

Thanks for the advice and sharing your opinion.

+ I want to give my previous managers contact information.

+ I am primarily using school job database, sites like eluta.ca, indeed.ca, and I visit random company websites once in a while (but not often)

+ Yes, I have sent out 60 resumes since January 2010. I am a recent graduate with limited experience. I apply for jobs that are geared toward recent grads. Everything ask for 2+ years of experience and a lot of stuff that I'm not qualified for. Otherwise, if I had years of experience, I would be blasting out to hundreds of resumes by now.

+ I am looking for jobs that ask for little requirements. I am not really cherry picking. It's just that I don't see too many job postings out there. Most of the job postings ask for years of experience or a lot of technical stuff that I didn't do in the past. I have the option of applying for jobs in the retail store level (but I prefer not to) because I don't see myself working at shopping malls at this time. I'm in my mid 20's already. Then, there are times where I see job postings in my area (2 hours commute time -1 way trip) and I pull back and not apply.

+ Thanks for your encouragement. I am trying hard and I am not even expecting a 50k job right out of school. I am willing to take jobs that are willing to pay me $12 an hour. I have also applied to volunteer IT jobs...sadly they didn't return my call after an in person interview.

+ I have been applying to mostly jobs such as Help Desk, Technical Support I, Software Tester, Quality Assurance, IT Specialist, and etc. Since I am applying to the same kind of roles, I didn't really adjust my resume too much expect a few lines here and there.

Thanks

MeanDrunkR2D2 wrote: »

As in your current boss? Most recruiters want that information so they can fish leads out of companies to help them get better leads for jobs.

And the economy is still recovering and I spent over a year before I found a position that was a fit for my skills/experience/goals and I have almost 4 years of IT experience. Which websites are you hitting? Are you looking up companies in your area to see what jobs they have posted on their own sites?

I personally don't care for recruiters because they don't care about me, they just care about getting their bonus's and they use and low ball me so that they can hit those numbers. I would use them, but I wouldn't rely on them. And only 60 resumes sent out in almost 5 months? That's it? I sent out 60 resumes a week for nearly a year straight.

Are you looking at entry level jobs, or cherry picking your dream job that would require more experience which is why you have sent out so few resumes and have been eliminated from consideration of those jobs?

Back to giving out your bosses information, talk to them first before you do that and get their permission. And if a recruiter needs references that quickly before they even have a position for you lined up, forget them. If you have your bosses blessing, give it out, but they may not care much for the recruiter that will pester them for job leads for that company.

Keep up your job search, but look out hard for entry level positions even if it's not exactly what you want to do. You have to get experience before you jump right into a 50k job right out of school. Those are few and far between. You're frustrated on your search, and I can't blame you, I was there. But i didn't give up. I tried to pinpoint where I messed up in the interviews and carefully crafted fixes to those issues so it didn't happen again.

Also, tailor your resume and cover letter for each position you are applying for as it will highlight the skills they are looking for better. Generic resumes and cover letters can and will get tossed aside if someone (even less experienced) has one that fits what that company wants. Don't lie, obviously, but you need to highlight those skills. Talk about projects you may have done while in school that would apply to that position.

If you don't mind me asking, what type of positions are you looking for?

Turgon

laptop wrote: »

I'm giving up my job search as of today. 2009 grad. 5 months unemployed.

60 resumes sent out since Jan. Had mostly phone interviews. Had a few job interviews. Also a few email rejection letters. It seems like it's not going to be any better if keep applying online because I can only get an average of 2 interviews per month. If this continues, I won't get a job by the end of the year. I will still job hunt on the side but it seems like it's not going to work.

I am going to rely on recruiting agencies. i have 2 business references. Quick question, have you ever given your boss's information to a recruting agency before? do they prefer not to have their info given to job agencies? If you were the manager and your previous coworker gave your info to the agency...would you be upset? or will you understand? I have no choice right now exept to rely on agencies.

It took me 18 months after leaving University with a Masters degree in IT back in 1995 to find a bonafide fulltime IT job. I applied for lots of jobs and did all kinds of work before I finally got hired as a systems administrator. I dont think 2 interviews per month is that bad at all actually. Just keep at it with the recruiters and job boards and also look at other ways of getting that break. Moving to a big city and contacts in the industry were two things I neither did or had going for me at the time and they would have helped some. I got my break by hunting down obscure recruitment offices in town and walking in with my CV. It was sort of my last sortie in to town to find a few more of these places as the ones I frequented just didnt have anything for inexperienced self starters. I had a chat with someone, the CV got sent to a regional office. I went to spend time with family to get a break from the pain in the ass job search and received a call from an agent who lined me up with an interview which lead to my first job.

Keep at it!

Jason0352

Do you have any certifications? You could have used these past months to study for A+/Net+/CCENT.

laptop

knwminus wrote: »

I am going to quote another thread and give some advice
Seriously you need to not give up. Recruiters care somewhat but you career is your responsibility. I have worked with the recruiting agency that you are referencing (I think) and I can tell you sometimes it varies from person to person (even if they are in the same building). Some recruiters suck, some are awesome, and most are in the middle. Make it your point to contact them regularly, at least once a week.

+ Thanks for the encouragement. I will try to not give up. This is just depressing though and I will have to go to a recruiting agency to check what they want. No choice right now.

tpatt100 wrote: »

I hope you have been studying general IT stuff in the meantime so you can perform well on the interviews you do go on.
I don't mean doing certs but instead studying basic general networking, stuff that comes up frequently in interviews.
Look up interview/job hunting ideas online. Now a days your competing with more people so you need to find a way to make yourself stand out

I'm not really motivated right now to read/study. I actually did read the entire CompTIA A+ textbook but forgot most of the material already. It's a textbook with a lot of facts which a real tech may not even use when on the job. It doesn't really teaches someone how to troubleshoot when new problem arises. It just goes through the basic steps that anyone can learn.
Yeah, I understand I am competing with so many people. I nearly got hired a month ago. I was at the final table with the IT manager and I failed miserably. Felt very silly. I was able to pass so many stages until the final IT manager destroyed me with 30-40 questions .

Turgon wrote: »

It took me 18 months after leaving University with a Masters degree in IT back in 1995 to find a bonafide fulltime IT job. I applied for lots of jobs and did all kinds of work before I finally got hired as a systems administrator. I dont think 2 interviews per month is that bad at all actually. Just keep at it with the recruiters and job boards and also look at other ways of getting that break. Moving to a big city and contacts in the industry were two things I neither did or had going for me at the time and they would have helped some. I got my break by hunting down obscure recruitment offices in town and walking in with my CV. It was sort of my last sortie in to town to find a few more of these places as the ones I frequented just didnt have anything for inexperienced self starters. I had a chat with someone, the CV got sent to a regional office. I went to spend time with family to get a break from the pain in the ass job search and received a call from an agent who lined me up with an interview which lead to my first job.

Keep at it!

Thanks for sharing your job hunting experience. I think I will have to return to sales job at the retail mall or do something at Future Shop. But, it's more for students than a recent graduate. But I might need to get money while I look for opportunities. I am living in a big city which is very competitive here. Your experience with the job agent was a successful one! I am going to visit a few and check it out.

Jason0352 wrote: »

Do you have any certifications? You could have used these past months to study for A+/Net+/CCENT.

No I don't have certifications. I know I could have received my A+, Network+ by now. I don't know what happened. Initially, my goal was to get my A+ cert by end of April and Network+ by end of July. But, whenever I get closer to getting a job, I never went back to the books. Then, it went on and off with the study material and the textbook is sitting on my shelf right now.
I see that you are going to get an Information Management Systems degree. It's not a useful one if you don't gain experience while in school. Its 50% business and 50% IT. I'm stuck with knowledge in between and it's hard to chase after pure IT roles. Good luck.

Bokeh

Join the military for experience (its not for everyone), go to the local PC shops and ask if they need any extra help just for experience and maybe discounts on parts. Talk to everyone you know and see if anyone is having any pc issues you can help out with. Someone always knows somebody who needs some help with their machines. Same with churches in the area, non profits, etc. Good way to build up experience.

If someplace tells you we already have someone, see if you can find out who it is or what company it is, and then contact them to volunteer as well.

In your downtime, read, read and then read again. Listen to podcasts, drill down in manufacturers' websites for information on products you find interesting. Join linkedin.

As a former recruiter, I can tell you, we aren't and never will be your friend. If we couldn't place you quickly upon signing up, you go to the back of the pack and MAYBE you'll get a call down the road. Its all about matching employer A with potential hire B. Agencies are all about building up their clientele so when an opening does come their way, they can quickly get to it and get it filled.

Keep a suit, tie, and well shined shoes ready at a moments notice.

Whatever you do, DO NOT GIVE UP!

thomAZ

Bokeh wrote: »

Join the military for experience (its not for everyone), go to the local PC shops and ask if they need any extra help just for experience and maybe discounts on parts. Talk to everyone you know and see if anyone is having any pc issues you can help out with. Someone always knows somebody who needs some help with their machines. Same with churches in the area, non profits, etc. Good way to build up experience.

I actually had a guy who worked with me (in the Air Force) who enlisted after he got his degree. He just wanted to get experience so he seperated after 4 years and now he's making GOOD money with his security clearance and degree. You also meet a lot of military contractors and GS folks who can definately help you find a job.

BradleyHU

you should never give up. always constantly look. I've gotten all 3 of my IT jobs through me applying to companies, whether it was using a job board or company site. I've had recruiters get me a couple of interviews, but I've always had better chances getting interviews on my own searching. It took me 3 years to get my first IT gig from the time i graduated UG. I took 2 bullshit jobs prior to that, but thats only cuz i needed money. Hell, i went the first 5 months after graduation without having any job, cuz I was solely trying to get an entry level job in the IT field, whether it be QA, BA, Developer, Sys Analyst, Help Desk. I got complacent @ the 2 bs jobs, but then in late 06/early 07 i got focused again, and made it my determination to get out, and i did in July, and I havent looked back since. point of what i'm saying is, don't rely on recruiters as you main way of getting interviews, just put ya resume out to any entry-level job in the IT field that you think you can/want to do, and the let the chips fall where they may.

Also, part of the problem might be your resume & how it looks visually/verbally. Or you might not be a great interviewee also. just some things to think about.

mikej412

laptop wrote: »

60 resumes sent out since Jan.

Sorry -- but that isn't a job search. I've known people who did more than that in one day.

You'll need even more luck finding a job relying on the even more passive "stop looking and hope a recruiter finds you a job" method.

laptop wrote: »

I apply for jobs that are geared toward recent grads. Everything ask for 2+ years of experience and a lot of stuff that I'm not qualified for. Otherwise, if I had years of experience, I would be blasting out to hundreds of resumes by now.

Some of those people who are blasting out their resumes even though they don't have the 2 years experience are probably getting some of those jobs -- and you aren't since you're not even trying.

mikej412 wrote: »

You apply anyway. Consider it the first test of your future job performance. If you have a large problem to solve -- do you give it all you've got and do what it takes to solve the problem? Or do you give up and walk away at the first obstacle with out even trying?

You might want to go through the http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/54077-how-get-related-job-without-experience.html?highlight=test thread for more Job HUNT ideas.

If you're currently unemployed you should either be spending 8 hours a day at least 5 days a week LOOKING for a job. And then use your evenings and weekends to upgrade and enhance your skills so you're more tempting to prospective employers.

Devilsbane

laptop wrote: »

I am going to rely on recruiting agencies. i have 2 business references. Quick question, have you ever given your boss's information to a recruting agency before? do they prefer not to have their info given to job agencies? If you were the manager and your previous coworker gave your info to the agency...would you be upset? or will you understand? I have no choice right now exept to rely on agencies.

Don't rely on someone else to find you a job. Get involved with one and get them looking, but don't give up the search. When it comes down to it, they couldn't care less if you personally get a job. They need someone to fill a hole to get paid, doesn't matter if its you.

As far as references go, treat them like any reference. Ask them first, and if they say yes, I don't see it making a difference whether you give the info to an agency or to a company.