Comments on: Get More Creative With Your Job Applications

By: judy

judy — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:10:25 +0000

I am also getting very frustrated with sending out resumes and not getting any feedback. I have been out of work since 4/2008 and have only had 2 interviews with companies that misrepresented the job and really wanted me for sales jobs. I have a human resources background so this should not be a problem for me, I would think, but I have done everything I know and still no job. I have already talked to every person I know about any kind of job and am still getting no where. Anyone have any other suggestions?

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:17:57 +0000

There are still a limited number of jobs listed in newspaper classified ads in addition to the digital sites. I have at least gotten the attention of the hiring person at a company in the classifieds, thanks to an old schoolmate who works there. The resume is critical, but having an advocate is even more critical. Networking is also an important part of the equation along with patience, persistence and flexibility. Age has become a significant issue however, so use that by emphasizing the advantages to the potential employer of maturity, mentoring, stability and decision making abilities that may not be found in the under 30 age group.

By: Samantha

Samantha — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:28:06 +0000

I’ve had similar issues as Diane and feel that people are looking for someone younger and having 20 – 30 years experience is not necessarily going to get you the job. I inteviewed at something that was a perfect match and just a few feet from my prior position and still didn’t get the job. Also had people in the industry recommend me. I did the same as Diane by being nervous and not answering the questions as well as I should. Very frustrating.

By: Ridge Tolbert

Ridge Tolbert — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:57:20 +0000

Just this week I took over a batch of fresh baked (from scratch) cookies to the HR department of a local university where I have submitted for 57 admin positions in the past 18 months. The receptionist happily took the baked goods and ushered me into the office of one of the directors who was more than eager to examine my resume and make good suggestions for a rewrite to hide some of my age-related over-qualifications.

By: Carla

Carla — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:34:34 +0000

I would also like an answer to Ann’s question about knowing anyone who has landed a job thru Careerbuilder. I really like Lisa’s idea. Any other great ideas from anyone?

By: Diane

Diane — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:06:46 +0000

Good news to hear Chip. I have been unemployed since 5/2008 with a company for 26 years. I am 55 years old and I keep thinking employers don’t want someone 55 they would rather have some 20-30 year old. I had one interview a month ago and was very nervous, I didn’t answer some of the questions as I should have so I am mad at myself for that. I will do better on the next one. Have to stay positive and it will happen. I will succeed.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:24:52 +0000

Stay positive and don’t get discouraged. We are not doing anything wrong.

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:03:47 +0000

Team, I feel your passion and love the input. I knew I was going to be laid off 9 months ago and scaling the job boards for 3 weeks, since being laid off June 30. I had my first interview last week. The job was from an old friend but he said my application would be sent around and kept on file. So first , I am contacting friends, applying on job websites. Handing out resumes on the street corner sounds like a great idea. I wonder how that would look if you stand in front of another employer’s business. Just hand the resume to the employees as they go to work. If your 62, no degree, with 30 years Management experience, Project, SAP, and Systems Engineering Mgr. experience, any suggestions?

By: Annette

Annette — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:39:33 +0000

Created Power Point presentation of resume and cover letter.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:43:28 +0000

Every employer with a JOB posted on the net hides behind this screen of secrecy with no company name address phone number just a glorified posting of how much I want this job and the same old mumbo jumbo about what the job entails. How do you break the code and set up the first interview let alone the 2nd.