I can't even get an interview... NEW TWIST Post #107 !!!!

[rodriguezpoultry]

In the Wal-Mart application it should also ask for personal availability. Probably had you do it in military time (which blows my mind every time).

It will say something along the lines of 00:00 to 23:59. Many times people really are OVER qualified and we feel as though their talents would fit into another recq. Only to find out that the recq. has someone else pending approval.

Have you tried going for the jobs that need several people such as cashier, service desk, money center, people greeter maintenance, garden center cashier, garden center associate, etc.?

Cashiers are usually high in demand and is an excellent way to get your foot in the door.

 

[CrittersNPets]

My 2 cents: As someone who interviews be absolutely sure your resume is flawless as far as spelling, grammar, straight lines, etc. This includes the envelope. I am amazed sometimes by people who state they have great skills but don't spell a simple word correctly, or give me a copy that's blurry, crooked, etc. This is then just one less resume I have to go through when I am doing a bunch. I even know someone in a large company who throws away any resume with even a crooked stamp (over the top from my perspective). Have several people read it, do spell check, and read it word for word backwards. Though I'm sure you have done all this it doesn't take much with the scores of resumes sent in to double check. Wish you the best and praying you get a job soon.

 

[lockedhearts]

Quote:
I have had someone from a Large Company in Human Resources Critique my Resume for me. I took it and had it copied professionally.

 

[paddock36]

Just a suggestion, but have you checked with your local law enforcement office for dispatch work. That seems to be an area that is always hiring if you can handle the stress of the job.

 

[Stacykins]

I feel you. Sending so many resumes, filling out applications, etc. without even a hint of an interview. I'm tired of it all. I just want to work.

 

[pdsavage]

Try being a stay at home mom for 20 years and then trying to find a job....
About all im good for is cleaning,cooking and dishes....Even though I can cook from scratch I still can't even seam to land a nursing home job as a cook,they even want people who can cook from scratch.....
I keep seeing them post over and over the same job for cook and I keep applying,next time im putting on there hire me and you won't have to place this ad anymore....

 

[booker81]

Do you send thank you notes after the interview? Follow up the next week (not stalkerish, but an "I enjoyed learning about your company and I hope to speak again soon," thing?)

I know I did send thank you's even when I interviewed intercompany. I found out later of 30 interviewees for the position I ended up getting, I was the ONLY person who sent a thank you - and it was only an email at that.

I change my resume for each job I apply for to try and match the job description with whatever experience I might have with it.

I know our company interviews with the "STAR" method, so when I interviewed, I wrote down a bunch of situations I'd encountered, how I reacted, and what resulted. I brought my list with me to the interview, and had it set up so I could immediately have scenarios ready to respond with, and had them outlined so I could go through the STAR thing quickly.

(ETA: Here's a fantastic resource for that interview method: http://web.mit.edu/career/www/guide/star.html )

Also research the job and the company. For the position I'm in, I actually read the manuals for the department - which turned out well. I knew the terminology and what the job really entailed, and those were questions they asked. Most people didn't bother to look that up, but only rested on their laurels. It seems that since there was a lot of demand and not enough positions, they could afford to be picky, and really hold out for someone who was a good match AND knew what the job really was. I joked and said I "pseudo-cheated" by reading the manual, they said no, it only showed I was smart about researching things.

When they ask you if you have questions - ALWAYS have a question, even if it is "If you choose a different candidate, would you be willing to contact me to advise why and provide feedback for me?" Pick apart the job posting, and if something isn't brought up in the interview, ask questions about that to show you've done your research about it.

 

[I have WHAT in my yard?]

Check our your local department of labor. Even if you are not collecting unemployment they have trainings and some places offer things like practice interviews and job options programs to get you back in the work force. All too many employers are now saying that they will not hire anyone who has been out of work for over a year. Some won't hire anyone who is not currently employed. In many states the dept of labor offers employers a bonus if they hire from them.

There are alot of programs out there, the issue is too few people know about them or are persistent in pursuing them. Have you applied at temp agencies?? Many people are now hiring through temp agencies to start.

 

[Rozzie]

A two year gap is a pretty big deal to a potential employer. They see a gap like that and they are wondering if you were in jail, prison, or a mental institution. They have no way of knowing for sure, since they don't know you. So, you get passed over in favor of someone without such a gap. This is especially true when you aren't in professional jobs that are few and far between (the type that require graduate education).

I know a lot of people with graduate degrees -- some with multiple graduate degrees -- that are working at department stores right now because it is the only thing available. Have you sought out every available opportunity, including cafes and restaurants? The longer that gap becomes, the worse it will appear to potential employers.

Another option for you is to enroll in courses at a community college. If you haven't earned a bachelor's degree previously and household income is low then you may qualify for some grant money to help you return to school. Take a few courses in an area that will help "prove" to employers that you are qualified to work in their field and to expand the skills you have to include new areas. There are always new programs or other computer related skills you can learn! If nothing else, take general education courses or start a certificate program in a new field, even if you have a degree. This way, potential employers see that you are trying everything you can to locate employment. Otherwise, they will wonder what you've done with two years off work...

 

[mandelyn]

Do you have a section in your resume to explain what you did with yourself for the 2 year gap? Volunteer, self employed, anything? Your resume should also directly reflect the requirements of the job. The wording should be pretty good on yours if you had someone look it over. They way you structure sentences and HOW you present the information in it is really important. You want to avoid using "I" too much, as well as quantify your experience more so than simply stating it. For example;

"Proficient in Excel, MS Word, Office, blah, blah, blah." Instead you want something like "Thorough knowledge in 6 software programs commonly used on a daily basis, such as... (then list them out). In addition to having the ability to quickly learn and utilize 2 programs specifically designed for company A and company B." If you can quickly learn and then re-teach what you learned, that is a bonus too. I was at a company that did a software change, I wizzed on through it, and worked with others too, and have a reference for that experience. Something simple and mundane, but totally useful for an edge in a resume.

What is in your resume to set it apart from the others. How specific is it. "accounted for outbound orders".... ok... how many per day? Big difference to an employer if it was 7 or 50. What in your work history can you "fluff up" with actual numbers and specifics to give the potential employer an idea of what you can actually handle.

You also have to watch the tone of the resume. If you have the resume of someone used to middle management, but you're applying for Wal-Mart... you're way too over qualified. Office work doesn't exactly transfer to cashier work, so you need to harp on being in a fast pace environment and managing the pace well. Key words like speed, accuracy, courteous and professional, ect.

You should have 3 or more resumes specifically catered to the types of jobs you're applying for, and a custom cover letter for each application. The biggest mistake people make is making 50 copies of the same resume and passing them out with a generic cover letter, if any cover letter at all. In the cover letter, state why you want to work for that company (using the companies name) and briefly touch on why you are qualified (without sounding over qualified) and then mention that you are thankful for an interview opportunity.

Companies are stacked with applications. Tons of them. What sets you apart? As far as how to change resumes for each listing... this is where key words and HOW the experience is listed out. Office work needs organization, multi-tasking, communication skills, familiarity with the typical software programs. Retail needs fast learning ability, speed, professionalism, even something like "Always arrived 15 minutes prior to shift starting to prepare"... Great, that means you won't show up 15 minutes late after the store has already opened. #1 rule of a cashier is to be reliable and consistent. Explain that everywhere it can fit in to a resume if you're going for cashier/retail work.

Some companies are required by their corporate office to always have a "now hiring" sign posted, even if they aren't actively hiring. Keep that in mind too. Search for actual job postings over signs in the window.

Oh another thing, if you see in job posting that there is a drug test, back ground check, driving requirements, list out how clean your driving record is, you're are open to drug testing and have never failed one, and the fact that your background check will come back clean. Unless it won't, then don't mention it. But if it will, be sure to mention it in the cover letter along with "available for immediate start date".

Hope some of that helps. Good luck!