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Message
re: This Job Market Stinks
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:29 am to PorkChops
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:29 am to PorkChops
I'm unsure whether it is the bias the thread with the title creates or whether I have just been extremely fortunate. I would argue there are tons of jobs available and generally a lack of skill sets to fill them.
I've never applied to 30+ places like is being recommended in this thread. When I last searched, I reviewed hundreds of applications and only applied to four or five places. I got interviews from almost everyone and passed on a few opportunities.
I guess I just struggle with the approach of spamming your way into a job that is fulfilling. I would try to be very specific in every application I complete. You should also have everyone you know critique your resume. I would argue that most resumes that come across my desk are pretty terrible - even people with MBAs from top programs struggle with resume writing.
I've never applied to 30+ places like is being recommended in this thread. When I last searched, I reviewed hundreds of applications and only applied to four or five places. I got interviews from almost everyone and passed on a few opportunities.
I guess I just struggle with the approach of spamming your way into a job that is fulfilling. I would try to be very specific in every application I complete. You should also have everyone you know critique your resume. I would argue that most resumes that come across my desk are pretty terrible - even people with MBAs from top programs struggle with resume writing.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 7:30 am to lynxcat
Every open job in your field asking for 3-5 years of experience =/= ton of jobs available. Plus I know people in many industries that are struggling to find jobs in their fields.
While tailoring your resume to specific jobs you want is a great idea, it just isn't practical and is far too time consuming for the ROI.
While tailoring your resume to specific jobs you want is a great idea, it just isn't practical and is far too time consuming for the ROI.
This post was edited on 2/18/17 at 7:32 am
Posted on 2/18/17 at 9:03 am to TheOcean
Yes, those jobs are available which means there are opportunities. This is the exact point I am making - job opportunities exist but there is a shortage of skill sets that meet the requirements.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 9:09 am to lynxcat
The reason that there is a lack of skills is because there is a lack of avenues to gain those skills.
If you don't graduate from top of class from a well known school, it's incredibly difficult to obtain the skills necessary to be able to choose a job like you're suggesting that you can do.
If you don't graduate from top of class from a well known school, it's incredibly difficult to obtain the skills necessary to be able to choose a job like you're suggesting that you can do.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 9:12 am to RollTide4Ever
quote:
I'm trying to pass the CPA and I'm even contemplating volunteering (a supervisory role that seems pretty cool).
It's a killer test (much harder than the Bar exam), and is best taken right after college when the knowledge is somewhat fresh (I conditioned to pass it and only learned auditing by being an auditor). But keep trying.
Also, learn one of those software you mentioned during your down time.
Learn individual taxes...always seasonal work available in that area.
Maximize your skills.
This post was edited on 2/18/17 at 9:15 am
Posted on 2/18/17 at 9:39 am to lynxcat
Job openings with unrealistic skill set requirements are considered true job openings? I don't think so. I get the point you're trying to make, I just don't think those are realistic job openings for a large % of the workforce in those fields.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 9:39 am to southernelite
Bit of a chicken and egg issue. I acknowledge that getting the 3-5 years of quality experience can be a hurdle.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 9:41 am to TheOcean
JDs always overestimate requirements. I've found they flex a lot on years of experience in particular. The reqs wouldn't exist if there isn't a need at the company.
This post was edited on 2/18/17 at 9:42 am
Posted on 2/18/17 at 9:59 am to lynxcat
If you get it, then I think you're pretty golden. A nice combo of networking and little luck can go a long way.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 10:42 am to southernelite
the main benefit of Robert Half is I can utilize their skills training set-up.
Just got the 2017 FAR Wileycpaexcel book, and after using their 2016 version for a year, this one seems like a lighter read. Seems like they cut out some of the excessive wording.
Just got the 2017 FAR Wileycpaexcel book, and after using their 2016 version for a year, this one seems like a lighter read. Seems like they cut out some of the excessive wording.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 11:41 am to lynxcat
quote:
JDs always overestimate requirements. I've found they flex a lot on years of experience in particular.
I agree 100%, I'm not sure that I've ever landed a job where I met all of the years of experience requirements.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:00 pm to RollTide4Ever
Take some time to really critique and be honest with yourself. I think there are plenty of jobs out there. But, thumbing through the thread it seems like you're a stuck in a tough spot. Over-qualified for some openings, yet under-qualified for the jobs you want. For whatever reason, you didn't advance your skill set at your previous jobs. If it's because you weren't really interested in the job, perhaps it could be time for a career change. If it's because you feel like you didn't get the opportunity, then try to further your education some other way.
Hopefully this doesn't come across as too harsh, I'm just trying to maybe help you look at this from another perspective. Good luck with the search.
Hopefully this doesn't come across as too harsh, I'm just trying to maybe help you look at this from another perspective. Good luck with the search.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:06 pm to jimbeam
You graduated yet beam?
I recently switched jobs because of pay cuts however I am continually applying to other jobs both ones I am over and under qualified for. Nothing but rejection, definitely tough out there.
I recently switched jobs because of pay cuts however I am continually applying to other jobs both ones I am over and under qualified for. Nothing but rejection, definitely tough out there.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:25 pm to GREENHEAD22
I did. Dozens of applications, Two interviews, all rejections
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:36 pm to lynxcat
quote:
I would argue there are tons of jobs available and generally a lack of skill sets to fill them.
There's some of that, and there's also a lot of companies that aren't willing to take the time to train someone, or take a chance on someone. A lot of that comes from HR, and only sending candidates that meet the job qualifications specifically to the hiring managers. That makes it harder for those with less experience, especially those with experience in a function different that what they are applying for get their foot in the door.
The job hunt process has changed so much, and applying for several job you feel qualified for and not getting any response is frustrating and demoralizing. Used to be you had a contact you could call to follow up on the status, but not most places have an application that's sent into the abyss and reviewed by an unknown HR person, and it's impossible to even follow up on status.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:41 pm to The Spleen
quote:
There's some of that, and there's also a lot of companies that aren't willing to take the time to train someone, or take a chance on someone. A lot of that comes from HR, and only sending candidates that meet the job qualifications specifically to the hiring managers. That makes it harder for those with less experience, especially those with experience in a function different that what they are applying for get their foot in the door.
Exactly. Last gig I had at a F500 company we were trained for a day and then expected to do work that they would normally hire people with 10+ years of experience in the field to do. Crazy. Not only that but they were all about burn and churn--like many other big companies. Even if you get your foot in the door they will work you like a dog until they're either done with you, you quit, or you're fired.
eta: the mysterious downvoters are definitely poli board boomers
This post was edited on 2/18/17 at 12:43 pm
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:46 pm to The Spleen
I was in a similar position when I was getting out of the Marine Corps - applying all over the place and couldn't land anything. Eventually I changed tactics and this is what worked for me - go around the online forms and HR department.
1. Research the hell out of the company. Know the leadership and anyone who could potentially be making the hiring decision. Best if you can find out who will be your boss.
2. Apply online.
3. Within 24-28 hours of applying, print out the resume and drop in the office to try and meet with your new boss or supervisor. Call ahead if you can to set up a meeting.
Relying on applications through cyberspace is a huge mistake in my opinion. You're just a faceless name on a resume/application. Showing up dressed nice with a resume in hand is a game changer. I got turned down to some of course but my interview invitation rate skyrocketed and I landed a job a few weeks later.
1. Research the hell out of the company. Know the leadership and anyone who could potentially be making the hiring decision. Best if you can find out who will be your boss.
2. Apply online.
3. Within 24-28 hours of applying, print out the resume and drop in the office to try and meet with your new boss or supervisor. Call ahead if you can to set up a meeting.
Relying on applications through cyberspace is a huge mistake in my opinion. You're just a faceless name on a resume/application. Showing up dressed nice with a resume in hand is a game changer. I got turned down to some of course but my interview invitation rate skyrocketed and I landed a job a few weeks later.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:49 pm to TheOcean
Friend of mine is a recruiter at a Fortune 500 company. He said their computer system automatically rejects any resume/application that doesn't check every box on the required qualifications, unless it's an entry level position. They do have someone that reviews the rejected applications, but they get so many it could be weeks after someone applies that their application is reviewed and pulled from the reject pile.
His bonus is also on placing people and them staying on for at least a year, so there's added pressure on him to only send applicants that are highly qualified up the chain.
His bonus is also on placing people and them staying on for at least a year, so there's added pressure on him to only send applicants that are highly qualified up the chain.
Posted on 2/18/17 at 12:54 pm to The Spleen
Lot of F500 gigs are going the way of contracting positions (at least from what I saw) with little to no training and I don't give a damn about you from the employer. But I would love to see how many apps a F500 entry live gig gets
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