Have You Considered Picking a Place and Moving for a Job?
Dear Nikki,
I'm currently unemployed, and I'm struggling to look for the right job. All I ever receive are "no thanks." I'm willing to move anywhere in the US esp. Cali or Texas however right now I'm in Chicago. Any tips?
I've been on indeed, LinkedIn, temp agencies, Zip Recruiter. I'm super discouraged and not sure what to do; I've been searching for a year. I have a B.S. in Disability and Human Development with a minor in Psychology. I looked in my field and out. i’ve applied for every and anything - janitor to fast food, retail to receptionist, things i don’t qualify for to things I'm more than qualified for.
Entry-Level
Chicago, IL
Nikki:
I hate to hear that you're having such a hard time finding work! I know how frustrating it can be to want to find a job and feel like no one is willing to give you a chance.
Have you considered picking a place and moving to, while applying? Companies may see your current address and think that you're not eligible because of it or because of the potential expense of moving you to where they are.
What kind of experience do you have? Depending on the companies within your field that you're applying for, you may not have enough experience of what they're looking for. If you don't have experience in your field, then work with the head hunter to get you something in an area where you can get basic skills that will help you work anywhere.... I've worked for a temp agency for a candy distribution company, starting as a receptionist but ended up in their accounting department. Before that, I was a part time receptionist and bookkeeper for a non profit counseling agency. I took that experience and went on to work in the financial industry. I've been in the financial industry for the last 13 years.
It doesn't have to make sense now and it won't necessarily be pretty.
All you have to do is get started.
Stop wasting your time applying for fast food jobs, if you don't want to own a restaurant. Don't apply for retail jobs if you don't eventually want to work in fashion. If you land a job doing something that you ultimately don't see yourself doing or investing in for later, you will end up earning skills that will not get you where you want or need to be.
Be deliberate and intentional in your job search. Hone in your job search to places where you can gain experience that will be relevant to your future.
You've got this. Keep going!!
Nikki Davis
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NIKKI
Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life!
Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com.
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