I think CafeMom is one of the best motivators to keep up on the job search. Since I moved in, my job search has been minimal because the stress and chaos of the move. Now everything is starting to settle down. The children are settled into their new schools, the roommate and his son have moved out, and we are getting accostumed to our new routines. It's finally time to kick this job search into high gear!
Because most seem to believe it's really easy to just 'start working', I'm gonna document my job search right here. Not only will it keep me motivated, and give me documentation of the places I've applied but it might show a couple of you that getting a job is harder then it's made out to be.
But anyway...
February 16, 2012
It's dreary and grey outside, and my insides feel as if they're tied into one large knot. I don't feel like doing anything, so I've decided to spend my time sitting on the computer filling out applications, working on my resume, and doing a little homework. A lazy AND productive day sounds very benefical at this point.
Anyway.... there's not too many jobs posted in my local area. Which is a bummer. I'd ideally like to work within a 10 mile radius, so that's my starting point. At first glance the job opportunity outlook is looking a little disappointing inside the city limits.
So far I've filled out one for McDonald's, the hospital for administration work, Kmart for whatever available, and Pizza Hut.
I also decided to try some different job search tactics. I'm no longer listing every single job I've had; my job history is pretty meager looking. I've had a lot of short term minimum wage jobs, and it seems as if every time I get a job something major blows up in my face, and I have to quit for one reason or another. Before the end of the day I hope to create a new and improved resume. The other obviously wasn't working, so it's time for an overhaul.
Anybody have any job search tips? The reference area always throws me through a loop, because I don't have any that aren't friends or family. I usually end up just putting them down. How did YOU get YOUR job?
Make sure you have an awesome cover letter stating WHY that employer should be hiring you. I suck at cover letters, but I was always told this.
What kind of job was it? How long did it take you from start to finish with your job search?
My longest job was 3 years as a cashier at a grocery store. I started at 15 or 16 and worked there until my daughter was about a year old. I had a couple FT jobs lasting about 6 months each, and then I ended up meeting my SO, getting pregnant, and eventually having to quit due to medical issues in my pregnancy. Shortly after he was born I had another PT job, but was laid off when the bowling alley closed. He was making enough money, so we decided I would be a SAHM.
Quoting Mommavieve:
I applied, did a phone interview then two in person interviews. I was on unemployment, so I had to apply at at least 3 places a week. I only got one call for an interview and that was the job I ended up with. I also have a history of staying with the same company for several years at a time and I'm a veteran.
I know :(
I've volunteered a few times at my children's old school, but I don't feel it was enough to actually ask them to be a reference. I just have a hard time asking people about being my reference, because I don't feel I've 'worked' with them long enough.
Quoting coolmommy2x:
If you truly have no professional references, that could be sending up a huge red flag. Have you done any volunteer work you can get a reference from?
My husband's ex has been out of work and on TANF (which the state charges US for!) for 18 months. She has 6 months left on it. She has refused to apply to any jobs but admin assistant, which she is severely under qualified for.
So...good job not being so picky!
Good luck.
Videos
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What is your greatest accomplishment? UPDATE
- BreefullyMe87
on Feb. 16, 2012 at 11:28 AM