Frustrated and need to vent....

[loser1824]

Sorry about this rant but my DH is not home and I just need to vent.

I just received the rudest of rude "you didn't get the job" (my husband and I call them Dear Loser letters).

I graduated in May 08 with my Masters Degree in Human Development. Ever since, I have been job searching. When I say searching I mean looking high and low. I have met with career counselors who have looked over my resumes and cover letters, helped me develop plans and places to seek employment. Heck I have even contacted several people to do "interest interviews" just to network. And still I come up empty handed. I have top of the line references and references from every job I have ever had.

I am the average person. I come across professional, my resumes and cover letters are great. I have only gotten 3 interviews since my search began. I took a temp job working as a tutor for two little young ones, but since school ended I am jobless again.

I applied for unemployment in the middle of June and they need to do an interest interview - they scheduled it for early August - yeah two months after I applied. So no unemployment for me right now, at least not until the interview, then who knows what will happen.

But, I could careless about unemployment. I just want to work! I am motivated and eager. I just need a break! I'll be a faithful employee, bending over back words to do what you need.

Anyway, sorry about this long rant. I am just frustrated today, I try to stay focused and positive but after a 14 month search it is hard.

If anyone has thoughts or avenues that you could suggest I would be open to hearing them. Thanks for listening.

 

[eliza61]

No advice but loads of hugs & prayers for you. Hang in there. I've been there and it's horrible.

How about changing your tag name. I not sure what it references but right now you want to think all positive thoughts, channel your inner Oprah.

 

[AlternateEgo]

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time. I hope it all works out for you. I know so many people (my dad included) that have very nice resumes but can't find a job.

 

[loser1824]

No advice but loads of hugs & prayers for you. Hang in there. I've been there and it's horrible.

How about changing your tag name. I not sure what it references but right now you want to think all positive thoughts, channel your inner Oprah.

I tried to change my tag name but I can't find how to do it. It was an old nickname from way back in the day. Thanks for the hugs and prayers.

 

[etoiles]

I feel the same way too!!!! I worked for nine years teaching art and after the art teaching job was eliminated I can't find something similar. (have been looking for art or other ed related jobs)

I have gotten some interviews and gotten to the final round several times but haven't been selected. It is SO frustrating. I just got my national teaching cert which is highly desirable and thought that would help with the search but it has not.

I don't know what to do.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

hang in there!

 

[crisi]

I'm sorry - it really is tough out there right now. On the upside, almost everyone I know who was laid off last winter has found some sort of work - some of it temporary or freelance or part time - but it does seem to feel like things are looking up. So I hope something frees up for you soon.

 

[mjejj]

I'm sorry. I have been there and it is an awful feeling. Something will come along, just keep plugging away. What careers lie in the Human Development field? I am assuming teaching but I'm not sure. Depending on what type of job you are looking for, maybe try leaving off the Masters degree at first. I know that sounds terrible and I am sure you are very proud (as well you should be) of your degree but, sometimes that scares people/employers off a little. Just from my (limited) experience, sometimes people can be a little odd when it comes to things like that. Good Luck.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I'm sorry and I can sympathize. My husband lost his high tech job of 10 years. He was also a great employee. Even with a Masters degree and 15 years experience it took him 3 years to find a permanent, full time job. Luckily, he found contract work during the three years to keep working but it really takes time in this economy.

Keep taking contract/temp jobs as it just might open the doors to your dream job. At least, it did for my husband!

Hang in there!

 

[AristocatFan]

I know it's frustrating and to say the least, depressing. Keep your chin up and stay positive! Remember the best things are worth waiting for! Something will come along.

 

[asoko]

Sounds like you have your ducks in a row. That is impressive.

I hear ya though. I was laid off 5/08 in 2/09 I was able to find the perfect contract job, but that ended last week. Had an interview today with a company I worked for previously as a contractor. I like what I do, but I don't like that work environment (the company was bought by a huge corporation right before I was laid off). I don't think I'm going to get a job offer, even though I am more than qualified for the job, I don't have the big corporate personality. I'm more of a small family atmosphere company girl. I'm choosing to see it that the man upstairs is leading me away and into the right direction.

Hold on and keep your chin up!! Sounds like you are doing the right things, you may just have to wait for the right thing to come your way.

 

[windycitymom]

Sounds like you have your ducks in a row. That is impressive.

I don't have the big corporate personality. I'm more of a small family atmosphere company girl. I'm choosing to see it that the man upstairs is leading me away and into the right direction.

.

Just curious, what do you consider "big corporate personality" vs. "small family atmosphere company"? Please explain the differences to me.
No matter where you work, it's all about being able to get along with people, right?

 

[loser1824]

Thanks for all of the heartfelt well wishes. I am trying to stay positive and focused.

I have thought about leaving off the M.S. part of my resume and spoke to a career counselor about if last fall and he said it wasn't a good idea. But, if push comes to shove I may try it.

I am looking for anything right now, mostly nonprofit and public service type of jobs. I enjoy working with people and putting my mutli-tasking and problem solving skills to work.

As for now - it's Friday and sunny. I've brushed myself off and keep chanting one of Walt's quotes that is my favorite - "It's kinda fun to do the impossible."

Thanks you guy! And for those of you in the same place as I am keep your head up.

 

[mom2faith]

Get a friend to cold call your references. I had a so called "friend" giving me a bad reference and I did not even know it - until one potential employer advised me of it. She said that something was not right as all of my other refernces were glowing and this was was rotten.

Anyway, just a thought...you never know what is really being said.

Amy

 

[kathie859]

Get a friend to cold call your references. I had a so called "friend" giving me a bad reference and I did not even know it - until one potential employer advised me of it. She said that something was not right as all of my other refernces were glowing and this was was rotten.

Anyway, just a thought...you never know what is really being said.

Amy

That's just EVIL!!

 

[Tink-aholic]

I would also have a friend (particularly one who interviews people regularly) do a mock interview with you. Go into it as if it was a real interview -- dressed and all. Your resume may be off or you might be doing something wrong and not even know it.

I have a friend who has a Master's and could only find temporary part-time positions. After years of this, I finally suggested that she come over and I would review her interview skills. On the day of the mock interview, she showed up 45 minutes late and wearing a Mickey sweatshirt and jeans. I told her that I must not have been clear and wanted her to wear what she would wear to an interview. She looked at me blankly and told me that IS what she wears to interviews! She said if a potential employer doesn't like her how she is, she doesn't want to work for them. She is currently unemployed.

While I don't mean to suggest this is you, there could be something that you are doing subconciously that puts people off. If it were me, I'd want to know.

Good luck.

 

[MomBoyd]

I agree that having someone call your references to see what they really say, and having a mock interview are both fantastic ideas. I would also interview for anything I was qualified for. You never know when a part time job you are over qualified for will lead to bigger and better things. It worked for me!

Good Luck and see you at POP!

 

[princessbride6205]

Hugs and pixie dust to you! That is a long search, and you deserve a good vent now and again. I hope you're able to find something in your field soon, and at least some good temp or part time opportunities in the meantime. Good luck!

 

[brekin67]

The state of Maine currently has a hiring freeze. They are accepting applications and processing applications for various jobs. There were a few jobs that were listed that would fit with your education.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Direct Hire Vacancy Announcement

Social Service Program Specialist II


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CODE: 5093DH PAY GRADE: 25 ($41,600.00-$56,929.60)

Value of State-paid Health & Dental Insurance: $356.62 biweekly
Value of State’s share of employee’s retirement: 19.96% of pay

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opening Date: July 8, 2009
Contact: D. Webb


Closing Date: July 21, 2009
Telephone: (207) 287-4263


Location: Augusta



Agency Information
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is driven by its vision of Maine people living safe, healthy and productive lives. Its goal is to assist the people of Maine in Meeting their own needs, as well as the developmental, health and safety needs of their children. It serves the public in an environment that reflects a caring, responsive and well-managed organization

The Office of Adults with Cognitive and Physical Disabilities is responsible for providing leadership and active partnership in Maine's comprehensive system of support to individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities.


Job Duties
As the Social Service Program Specialist II you will manage three (3) Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Programs supporting adults with physical disabilities. One program is a regular MaineCare service, one is a Home and Community Based Waiver and one is a state-funded program. You will be responsible for the writing and interpretation of programs rules, oversight of operational aspects of the programs, quality management activities and coordination of fiscal monitoring and reporting. You will have routine contact with federal centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services, MaineCare policy staff and with contract agencies to review services. There will also be contact with consumers and other stakeholders to process appeals, assess and evaluate services.
Requirements
In order to qualify, your background must include an eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in social service programs, services or support to individuals with disabilities.
In order to properly evaluate your experience, you must respond to the following performance areas on a separate sheet of paper:

1. Please summarize your experience working with people with disabilities.

2. Please summarize your work experience and/or philosophy relative to consumer directed services.

3. Please summarize your experience in writing and/or interpreting programs rules and regulations.

4. Please summarize what work experience you have in quality assurance and/or quality improvement activities.

5. Please summarize what work experience you have in preparing management information reports summarizing program effectiveness.


Note: This is a special recruitment. Most positions in this class are filed through the Competitive Hire process. To be considered for this position, you must submit an application in accordance with the instructions in the Application Information section of this bulletin, even if you are currently on any other employment registers for this classification.


Application and Information

To apply, please forward a completed State of Maine direct hire application form and cover letter addressing the five (5) performance areas in the requirement section prior to the closing date. For additional information about this position please contact Debra Webb, Personnel Officer at (207) 287-4263 or e-mail me at debra.l.webb@maine.gov.
Debra L. Webb, Personnel Officer
DHHS Human Resource Service Center
Station #11, 221 State Street
Augusta, Maine 04333

 

[PinkRhombus]

I just received the rudest of rude "you didn't get the job" (my husband and I call them Dear Loser letters).

I'm curious! What made it rude?