Many of you out there need a job. Any job.
I get that. During the summer of 1995, I needed a job. I connected with someone at my school who found a vacancy within a Human Resources department. It was an unfilled HR internship.
The rest is history.
Here are some things you can do to find a job. Any job.
- Look at a map and identify businesses near your home. I like using Google Maps for this exercise. Type in your home address on the map (e.g., 235 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017) and then enter in some key words: department stores, car dealerships, furniture stores, ice cream parlors, pharmacies. You get the idea. Select the search nearby button. The google string will look something like this: department stores loc: 235 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 You can hit the ground running and fill out applications in your best business casual attire and bring your resume. (Yes, bring your resume when you apply for retail jobs.)
- Create an account at LinkUp or Indeed and don’t be picky about your alerts. Can you work in an administrative role? Can you do something entry-level? Explore jobs that you wouldn’t normally consider.
- Look at the Craigslist job boards. There are some crazy jobs out there, but it’s a good resource for people (you) who are unemployed and have all kinds of flexibility — and can work alternative hours.
- Consider babysitting. It’s expensive to secure decent & safe childcare. If you know someone who has young children and is in a bind, offer your services for cash.
- Tell people you are available for work. Go to church, temple, the doctor’s office, the post office, etc., and tell people you are looking for a job. You would be surprised at how some people learn about opportunities. It’s those random moments that often turn into gold.
- Don’t forget staffing agencies. Companies like Kelly Services are uniquely positioned to find temporary and permanent jobs. They cover many areas such as clerical, scientific, and healthcare. If you can use Word and Excel, and if you look okay, a staffing agency can find you a temporary job. Use the google map tip (above) to find the nearest staffing agencies and register with all of them.
I know some of you have done these things (and more) and you can’t find a job. Ask a Manager and I are big fans of volunteering. It’s important to give back — even during your desperate & lowest moments. Find a charitable organization that is supported by several local companies and go spend some time doing great work.
What else are you doing with your time? Spending seven hours each day on the internet and career websites waiting for magic to happen?
It won’t. Go make your own magic happen.
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Well-said. Sometimes it’s a matter of taking a break from the job hunt itself that leads to something.
I’d been laid off for a year when I decided to take some classes at a community college. A sign at registration showed the campus bookstore was hiring. I swallowed my pride, walked in the door and turned on the charm.
A year later, I’m now up for 2 other positions with the company that owns the store, both of which are full time and benefits-eligible. Not only did I land “any job,” (which I desperately needed), but I also landed a new roommate, a sense of sanity and the respect of a company that knows I’m overqualified but stuck with it regardless, giving it 110%. Such are the times.
@simone That is good news. Keep us posted on your opportunities. Sweet.
I took a bit more “Tough Love” approach in my blogpost back in March (“Hey Long-Term Jobseekers, Humble-Up” http://bit.ly/9xecWh). But the principle is the same. And I can say these things because I myself am a jobseeker right now. believe me, i’m thinking about and exploring pretty much everything under the sun right now. as @simone suggests, “swallowing pride” is an important element of this process.
@charlie Loved that post of yours. I want to hire you for my company but Scrubby is a little cash poor, right now.
Yes to all…if we’re not bringing in the do-re-mi, time for a change-up.
@Marsha AMen.
What’s worked for me in the past is having a list of 20 companies I would like to work for, and calling them every two weeks for possible openings. You’re more than likely to be called in for an interview LONG before they’ve considered using HR, inhouse recruiters, job posting’s etc.— and the first person (if not the ONLY person) being interviewed for the position. If somehow you don’t F-up the interview– you’ve got yourself a good job you will enjoy.
@mattymat I like creating that list and figuring out how to infiltrate the company. Google the company + type of job you want or maybe just the department. Look on Facebook career pages. LinkedIn. Twitter. It’s amazing how easy it is to find out the hiring manager or corporate recruiter’s name.
@mattymat it’s also clear that my boolean is rusty. Also, FYI, I like this article. http://www.weddles.com/tips/seekers.htm#9
I really love my google maps approach — and no one seems to like it. Oh well. Not every post is golden but that’s actually a really good tip.
Well said. I have a lot of entry level positions in my company (with entry level pay). I’ve spoken to many candidates who were unwilling to get outside their comfort zone. They want the $$, the dream job, the mega benefits, and they won’t compromise. In the end, it is their loss. When the dream jobs open up, it is the internal candidates who are first in line. The candidates who said “no” to the entry level job are suddenly back in line asking for the dream job. PEOPLE, please look at the bigger picture! Sometimes you have to take a step down to take a step up. Here’s my suggestion: when you are in an interview, ask the recruiter how many internal candidates have been promoted in the last 6 mo.
@HR Runner Good perspective thank you!
@Laurie Correctamundo! Do you want a job– or do you want a good job?? Put the work in— or you’re just another number/warm body/butt-in-a-chair.
So for those of us immersed in the dreaded craigslist job search, do you have an tips for identifying posts that are worth responding to?
After more than a few personal and phone interviews with scams and pyramid schemes, I’ve developed some internal quidelines… I’m curious as to what your thoughts are.