AdminSecret

Oh that really sucks lady. Well, seems like the 12% isn't too far of a number off of what you should be getting, ya? Just unfortunate that none are turning to offers.

I remember my last job search I went to probably... 15 interviews? before I finally got an offer. Thing was, it really was the best job for me, and I think it was God's little way of working it out. Keep the faith!

That's actually really not that bad of a number, especially if you're sending a high volume of resumes out.

I was reading an article that said something interesting on the topic: Most people send out a ton of resumes to long-shot positions that they're not particularly qualified for or interested in. It said not to count those resumes (be honest!) when you're calculating the ratio of responses you're getting, since the odds were really long on them anyway.

Going back to school is a fantastic option right now.  Education always pays off.

I took a few loans out to pay for my college tuition - my parents wanted to help, but they just couldn't afford to pay for the whole thing.  So, I had odd jobs but the loans were really my saving grace.

I got my loan through FAFSA (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/). ; The gov't has a great interest rate and in this economy rates are even going further down.  Another good resource for money for school is through scholarships, check out fastweb.com, they are excellent!

Been out of work since late last June and I better have a job......like, NOW. :(

It's very frustrating that the current economy means that it takes longer to find a job when you need one the most.  Some thoughts on the process: 1) each resume needs to be customized to the job and the company that you are sending it to.  If you are sending the same resume out to all, you are probably not presenting yourself as the person the company feels will be the best fit.  Do some research, call the main line of the company and chat with the receptionist.  Find out the culture, mission state and code of work ethics and present yourself as someone who will immediately fit right in.  2) Send a cover letter.  I hear you are sending resumes, but are you also sending cover letters (and like resumes, each cover letter needs to be customized to the company).  3) Have an outsider that is not familiar with your resume, review it from an objective standpoint.  4) Compare your resume to the job description posted.  Have you covered every requirement in either your cover letter or your resume? 5) Ask people who know you (both personally and professionally) to give you a five point bulleted list on why you would be a good hire.  These types of characteristics can be translated into descriptions for your cover letter.  6) Follow-up.  If you sent a resume and have not heard back, it's okay to call the HR office and verify it was received.  You show that you are engaged and interested.  Also, this gives you an opportunity to ask about the timeframe for making a hiring decision.  7) Follow-up the interview.  Send a hand-written (not email) thank you note to each person who met with you.  Include something specific from the interview.  For example, if the company discussed that they have a strong commitment to the environment, then mention how you admire that and how you have been recycling in your home for years.  If you feel there were any gaps from interview questions, this is your opportunity to address those.  8) Always dress professionally.  9) If you have very young children at home, try to avoid having them answer the phone.  We conduct phone interviews before we call people in.  One candidate who looked great on paper, never got to interview because each of the three times I called, her four year old answered the phone.  Each time, "mommy was busy" and the child could not take a message.  The woman called a month later to follow-up and we had already filled the job.  There are too many applicants out there for a hiring manager to deal with that. 10) Google yourself.  I repeat: Google yourself.  Hiring teams and HR folks are doing it.  If pictures of you at spring break or a rant about your last boss are the first things that pop up, you are out of the running.  Be careful about what is out on the web. There is NO expectation of privacy for anything posted on the internet.  Sorry this was so long, but I feel for all those folks looking for work (my husband just recently found a job after being laid off about a year ago).  Good luck to all.