Calling all job hunters!

[kama_s]

Date: 3/2/2010 5:01:48 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

But see that''s where I have the biggest problem with the OP. And for the record I''d react this way to anyone who posted this, not just Smurfy. This is the FIRST day not at the office. I don''t understand how someone can be bored out of their mind and looking for an outlet for entertainment when they''ve been out of the job for 12-18 hours. I can see maybe getting discouraged after a month or two with no hits, but the job search hasn''t even really started yet! If this is the way it''s going to start then I honestly can''t see it ending well.

It''s totally OK to be burned out and feel like crud about getting let go from your last job, but if this is the case then admit it to yourself. Then take a day or two (or a week!) off and decompress so you can approach the job search with a fresh mind and perspective. If immediate money is an issue, try and find a job that you will make a little cash but won''t make so much to be denied UE benefits (like waitressing) so you''ve got something to get you out of the house at night, you make some $ and you can tackle job hunting.

Agreed 100%. A friend of mine lost her job on Friday, and she''s taking a few mental days off (she was fired because she filed a harassment report - crazy freak was calling her and leaving her messages of him mbating to her voice - the company didn''t take it seriously and let her go for being late on December 6th. Yes, being late 3 months ago. This is AFTER they gave her a stellar performance review). But she has already started figuring out the next steps and coming out with great ideas that would look fantastic on her resume.

Anyways, I don''t think I have anything useful to add to this thread anymore

 

[Smurfysmiles]

I agree about CL. I found my last job on there as well.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

oops double post

 

[monarch64]

"So....back to the topic What do you do after you have done all the job related things you can possibly do? [/quote]"

Ohhhhh, you''re talking about hobbies. I get it!

I like to practice my panhandling skills as well as my cardboard-sign making artistry in my spare time.

Seriously though, I don''t have a constructive answer.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

And I''d like to add that just a minute ago I was contacted for an interview next week so I may not have to worry about boredom at all if this goes well!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Date: 3/2/2010 5:44:29 PM
Author: monarch64
'So....back to the topic What do you do after you have done all the job related things you can possibly do?

'


Ohhhhh, you're talking about hobbies. I get it!


I like to practice my panhandling skills as well as my cardboard-sign making artistry in my spare time.

Seriously though, I don't have a constructive answer. [/quote]

This was a little uncalled for. I know you guys are giving tough love, I get it. But I also know that I have been searching for a job to the best of my ability, I was just trying to start a light hearted topic. If you don't want to participate that's fine but really, you don't need to bring those of us down who were originally enjoying the thread.

 

[monarch64]

Smurfy, I am seriously just giving you grief. Come on, was that not a LITTLE bit funny? I thought you would appreciate the cardboard sign artistry part. Graphix?

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Oh I get it now lol

Sorry, sometimes I''m a little slow to get jokes, just ask my dh

 

[monarch64]

Yay!

I do like the volunteering idea. I recently signed up with BB/BS, I think it''ll be a blast. Animal shelters are great too!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Monarch, you''ll have to let us know how BB/BS is! I used to be a leader of a Girl Scout troop back in nd but had to find a new leader for them when DH and I moved out to colorado.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Smurfy what about finding something to do that could take up spare time while bringing in a little extra income? Like put up an Etsy shop and sell your design services for things like business cards and stationery. Then as you build up your portfolio you can expand into flourishes and invtiations, etc.

 

[Kiley]

Hi, I rarely post - however I have to third (fourth or fifth) volunteering. It is a wonderful way to fill time, meet new contacts and fill out the "explanation" part of any future job interviews with regard to any period of unemployment.

I also would like to give this program a shout out ... http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

I recently was looking for somewhere to volunteer and found the American Cancer Society through this program. There are several nonprofits and organizations that need a TON of assistance, and in exchange for a day of service you get a free pass to a Disney theme park. (I think at some point you were considering a Disney trip too, so that''s a bonus.) It''s easy as can be to register and give a day.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to network and will really make you stand out as a candidate at future interviews.

Stepping of soapbox now!

 

[rockzilla]

I''d also suggest, if you haven''t already, spending some time on LinkedIn. My career coach suggested it, and I have been amazed at how helpful it has been in networking. Put in everyone you know professionally (and close personal friends as well). Once you get up over ~100 connections, it really starts to take off. You can search for a company you''re interested in, and it will let you know if any of your contacts, or their contacts work or worked there.

I am a firm believer in networking your way into a job. One company I am interviewing with has posted the position all over the web, gotten hundreds of resumes, etc. Its tough to set yourself apart, even with a stellar resume and cover letter. BUT, if you take the time to get to know people in the company, they can vouch for you. Even if they don''t know you that well, they can tell the HR person that you are really interested in the position. It also helps to get in places where there AREN''T any public postings. Since you have free time, you can set up lunches with people just to "get their perspectives" on the company, industry, etc. Even if it doesn''t lead to a position, building those relationships will be money in the bank as you move up in your career

For this reason, I wouldn''t solely put it in the category of job-hunting, but rather in building your network. And, it is kind of fun! You can see, for example, what people have done before/after, what career paths look like, how long folks tend to take to get promoted, etc. Good luck!

 

[monarch64]

Date: 3/2/2010 6:03:01 PM
Author: Smurfyimproved
Monarch, you''ll have to let us know how BB/BS is! I used to be a leader of a Girl Scout troop back in nd but had to find a new leader for them when DH and I moved out to colorado.

I''ll definitely let you know how it goes. I did it in college and it was a good experience. I don''t have a ton of time to volunteer but an hour a week give or take, I can do.

Could you get involved with Girl Scouts again? That might be fun, especially since you already have experience. Or, since spring is right around the corner, what about Bitty Ball or T-ball? SO coaches t-ball every year and he loves it.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Thank you for all the suggestions guys! I like the idea of setting up an etsy shop, maybe doing headers and banners for sites? I am thinking about getting back into girl scouts but not throwing myself in full throttle as a leader again, maybe just helping out at events and such. It really is hard work! I also had a friend suggest looking into working for americorps for a while so I may be doing that too, dh is interested as well so it would be fun to help the community together

I can''t say enough about linkedin, everyone I know is on there! And more I know but haven''t actually met in person