So I thought I was doing everything right and I've followed the advice of dozens of resume "experts". But here I sit...still unemployed 6 months after being released from active duty military service.
I've tailored my resume for every job. I've focused on jobs where I have skills and experience, I've had my resume reviewed by everyone from counselors to friends, and I've been to a bunch of workshops. I've applied to well over 150 jobs and I've only had a few responses and a fewer interviews.
Anyone want to look at my stuff and tell me what I'm doing wrong?
Answers
Hi David,
I can definitely emphasize. Have you been to a Hire Own Heroes job fair? Look online and see if one is being offered near you. Get on Vistaprint and create some business cards with your contact info and qualifications. Did you get a free year of Linkedin premium when you were going through TAP? Do you have a mentor through ACP? If not, sign up. That person can review your resume (demilitarizing it) and introduce you around.
It's all about the networking. Hang in there. There is something out there for you.
Hello David,
Not certain whether your situation has changed or not, but I am in Pasco County, FL, so not too far from Spring Hill. If you would like, I am pleased to meet with you in person and chat about where you are to date.
As far as myself, I have not been in the Military, but in corporate America. Have had ample opportunity to work on my resume and "advise" friends and aquantanecs on theirs as well. Though no expert on CV (resume) writting, there is a lot more involved than just words ... I know that much. Also, in person and on phone skills play a big role in progressing forward during job interviews.
Feel free to reach out to me if interested. You can also view me on LinkedIn to give you a better idea of my background.
Happy to help!! Stay encouraged.
Sure, fire me off a copy if you don't mind. I will take a look. I have interviewed so many employees and seen so many resumes. Have you checked out some fed job places like www.usajobs.gov? What about www.usps.com. What I did, honestly, when I came home, I took a job working at a deli...don't laugh - it gave me time to look for the job I wanted while not only earning a pay check, getting my name out there with some of the local businesses to which we catered. Was an awesome experience. Networking was fabulous there and whereas I didn't end up working for any of those companies, the contacts I made were so supportive with real-time ideas on gaining a job in the region. Just a thought.
David,
Thank you for serving the greatest Nation on Earth. Much appreciated.
Email a copy to me and I will have a look as well. Have you tried walking into small business locations and ask to speak with management? The larger firms have many gatekeepers where it is difficult for even their own personnel to find the front door to come in.
Email info@LowellSandoval.com Please indicate your 3 top jobs of interest.
Best wishes,
Lowell
Bob Potterton is on the right track. I would add this: look for organizations representing your interests such as those affiliated with politics, sports, hobbies–out of the normal realm of industry, but more likely to have members with whom you can create a relationship. Once people get to know you, and personal information is shared, that you are looking for a job will be one way your "new" friends can deepen the friendship. Incidentally, personal one-on-one discussions yield more information in five minutes than any resume you can dump into a website with millions of others. Finally, look the part of the employee ready to fill the opening. It is amazing how a man (or woman) in a suit stands out in a crowd and appears smarter and ready to hire than the rest of the bunch. Good luck.
While most companies today require you to submit your resume and cover letter online, I still find that lots of jobs are filled via networks - someone who knows someone. So build your network, especially on LinkedIn. Then when you find an interesting job, search your network to find people you are connected to within the target company. You may have to get an introduction first, if it is a second-level connection (for example) but that's one of the things LinkedIn is there for. When you've connected with a person inside the company, ask them for advice - how to get your resume to the hiring manager, any advice they can provide on getting hired there, their view of the company's prospects, etc.
One thing you can also do with your network is to use it for informational interviewing. This is where you ask people about their jobs and careers, kind of like you are interviewing them informally. Trust me, people love to talk about themselves! And it can be very casual, over a cup of coffee.
What this does is several things. One, it gives you a better idea of jobs, companies and careers that will appeal to you. Two, it will give you a better idea of where your skills and interests fit especially well, making you a strong candidate. Third, it will get your name out there. What you don't want to do is ask someone for a job - that's a total no-no when doing an informational interview. But it's ok at the end of a meeting like this to ask whether there are companies or people the interviewee suggests you look at/talk to. They might not know of something right away but it puts you "top of mind" so that the next time they hear of an appropriate opening they'll think of you.
David you may be doing things right on the resume but the industries you are looking to get in are not hiring i your area. I would suggest a commission job, from the employers viewpoint they will only be investing in the training and not having to pay you until you produce. So most sales and consulting type jobs love to hire commissioned people. And secondly, look for online opportunities for your skills, experience and abilities. I hope this helps, Bob
Happy to review -- and you might find my evaluation very different from others. info@212-Careers.com
I have been there. Put Judge Judy on record. Get out of the house. It will do you good. Volunteer at your local VA hospital. All VA hospitals are under Federal order to hire Vets. After a short time you will get to know HR at the hospital. There will be jobs offered at the hospital, you may qualify for. Take any job, even if it is for a housekeeping position. From a job at the VA you can move up in income and position.
As you are aware, the VA does not do sales. If you still want to run in that direction. I would suggest sales in Telecom, B2B.
I have been in your position ! Take into account that resumes are a dime a dozen and employers are inundated with these. Here is my suggestion...... network, network, network. Join LinkedIn and set up your professional profile. Search groups in your desired industry. Also, attend functions and conferences and join associations. Think of this career search as work and treat it as such. Create a clear to-do list of what you will do today, this week, etc. I will tell you that having a job, no matter what it is while looking for something else is important to help keep some cash flowing, provide structure in your week and it shows your not sitting around unemployed. Hope this helps ! Good luck, Bob
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