Graduated College but can't find work/Almost homeless

[Eric]

PM me with your resume and I'll be happy to review it. I'm self-employed now, but previously I worked in BigLaw, Big4, in house and in a high brow consulting firm, all the while heavily involved in recruiting. If your resume sucks, I'll tell you why and how to fix it.

I second this idea.  You need someone qualified to review your resume.  Send kbb your cover letter(s) too, or post them here.  Or just attach your resume to your next post and we'll be able to help you.  (change your name and address, obviously)

I also want to add this, and please know that I'm not saying this to be mean.  I'm saying this because I want to help.  Your grammar is bad.  I realize that this is an online forum, and that communication is more lax, but I find that it's hard to turn proper communication on and off.

-If your going to just chime in and call me an idiot please don't

You want you’re, short for you are.  Your is possessive and is used to show ownership. (your house, your car, etc.)

I graduated with the two degree's I listed about.

You want degrees, plural, with no apostrophe.  The apostrophe either implies ownership (Eric’s car) or a contraction (You’re going to make it!), but not plural.

Thats been my only work experience since going back to college.

You want that’s, with an apostrophe here.  That’s is a contraction for that has.  “That has been my only work….”

also been flat out told "were looking for people with more experience"

Here again, were should be we’re, as it’s a contraction for we are.


I swear I’m not trying to beat you down over this, but I’m concerned that you’ve been so close to finding jobs and just coming up short that maybe it’s your communication and lack of grammar that’s put you just slightly behind someone else.  Maybe there's a small mistake on your resume or your cover letter, just enough to put doubt in the mind of the hiring manager.  Please find someone qualified to review all of the communication you're regularly using when applying for jobs.

You’re smart and college educated. You need to make sure that your future employer can trust you to communicate professionally with clients.  Using proper grammar and spelling is something that is important to a lot of employers, especially if you will have interaction with their customers.

There's been talk about tailoring your resume to each position, and that is important, but I think the cover letter could be even more important.  When applying, talk specifically about what skills you bring that match to what skills are needed.  This should change with every position.  I just finished a job hunt that lasted about 6 months.  I had 5 different cover letter templates that I would pick from, each highlighting different skills or with different degrees of formality.  Then, based on the job posting, I'd pick one of them and then further tailor it to match keywords and skills that the employer was looking for.  I was told specifically that I got two interviews because they liked my cover letter.  And in fact, I landed the job I wanted at one of these places.

I would not worry at all about your supposed job gap.  You don't have one.  You were in school full time.  That's not a gap.  That's an accomplishment!

As a final piece of advice, if you only have money for 30 days in a motel, I wouldn't use it for 30 days in a row.  I'd live in my car for 3-4 days at a time and then stay one night in order to shower and shave and then move back into my car.

If you do end up living in your car, this website has lots of great practical suggestions to keep you safe, warm, and clean.  It also has lots of links to agencies that can help listed on the right side of the site.
http://guide2homelessness.blogspot.com/

Hang in there!  This is only temporary.  You WILL find something.  Really!  We're all rooting for you and wish you the best of luck.

[brand new stash]

My advice is to contact your college alum office and get a list of all the alums in the area.   Spend a day calling through the list, and asking each of them if they would be willing to meet with you as a recent grad of the alma mater and give you some advice based on their experience.  Then meet with any of them that are willing to meet with you and ask for their advice on the job hunt, ask for any suggestions of who else you should talk to, etc. Talking in person to people and asking for their help and experience often opens a lot of doors.

[iwanttobelive]

Again, some great ideas everyone. Thank you for the input.

[sleepyguy]

Wow, damn that sucks that family/relatives don't want to give you a helping hand... I know some people advocate real "tough love" but giving a family member 6mths food/shelter really isn't that tough.  As a viet upbringing... we're always taught Famiy first and we would adjust or living to help out any close family in need.  My sister and both my brothers had difficulties and each of my family stepped up (I'm the youngest so I was still young a broke back then :)) and got them back on their feet.

That being said, take a look at MMM 2-part blog post about jobs over 50K... that should also give you some ideas if your degree isn't helping you land anything worthwhile.

[Carless]

Congratulations on being willing to ask for help - not many people are open to advice.  I have two pieces.

1.  I definitely second taking an English teaching job.  I worked at Nova in Japan after my undergraduate, and I often feel that it was the best decision I ever made.  I came back with 10 grand in the bank after a year, and I traveled around the country quite a bit too.  All they wanted was an undergraduate degree, although TESL etc would earn you a higher salary.  I paid for my ticket over there, but they arranged accommodation and even gave me an advance on my salary.  The work was tedious, but I got to hang out with a lot of fun, adventurous people from around the world.  It was a great time.  I checked, and AEON is hiring; all they want is a one year commitment and an undergraduate degree- you don't have anything holding you to the country.  Instead of working in some grungy industrial park why not see the world?  Your degree could also be useful over there, there are opportunities working as a contractor with businesses to prepare their employees.  Someone with business knowledge might be able to parlay that into something more.  The only downside I can see is the delay for a work visa, and of course you need a passport too.

2.  If you decide you want to stay in the country, then I suggest you pick a company you want to work for.  I find that applying for posted jobs is a waste of time - someone's usually beat you to it.  Instead, try applying somewhere you can get excited about, and just sending them an application telling them what you can contribute and how excited you'd be to work there.  Also, call up and ask the receptionist for the name of the person who'll read it.  A cover letter titled 'to whom it may concern' is a real turn off.  This is my usual approach to employment and it's served me well.

[James81]

If I were in your situation, I'd do two major things.

First and foremost you gotta get out of the hotel. I can't even begin to imagine what that is costing you each month (even a flea bag $40 per day hotel is $1200 a month). That's outrageous.

The second thing I would do is start applying to jobs where you can get tips. Become a server at a restaurant or a pizza delivery driver or something and do it in the evenings.

Then I would start looking around for internships in your area. Sadly today the degree doesn't get you very far. It's your qualifications and internships, networking and who you know that make the biggest difference in getting a job. If you can find a decent internship (even if it's unpaid) and just work your ass off to impress the company so that you can get a good reference, maybe something good will come out of it.

Another option (besides the tips jobs) is to go apply for your insurance license. I used to sell AFLAC insurance and you can make a killing doing that if you're persistent enough.

[iwanttobelive]

Edit:

-Applied to more jobs up in Oil areas in North Dakota hoping to get a job offer, considering heading up there.

-Trying to get a housing situation on craigslist to work out or considering leaving the area

-Applied like crazy to jobs in the area with Americorps. Hearing no reply back or no positions available.

-Applying for everything local, Retail, restaurant, everything, still getting rejection.

-Had an interview with goodwill for a position.

-Can't afford motel anymore. Have some money left over for gas.

-Student loans have come due, $400 a month. Applied for deferment.

-Some problems with depression.

[Lans Holman]

Yes, you're going to make it.  You're working harder right now on this job search than a lot of people work on their actual jobs.  Sooner or later someone's going to give you a shot.

In the meantime, I don't think you should hesitate to apply for food stamps or whatever help you can get.  Your situation is exactly what those sort of programs are for, to help someone out in the short term until they can get back on their feet. 

In terms of how to make things happen sooner rather than later, I have to say I think Eric might have been on to something.  Have you had someone proofread your resume and cover letters?  When you're up against an HR person in a hurry, don't give them an excuse to toss your application, just because of a grammar mistake.  I'd be glad to take a look and I bet a lot of other folks on here would too.

[ChiStache]

Thanks for the update and good luck on the Goodwill interview!

I have this follow-up advice: Get out from behind the computer. Seriously, it's really hard to get a job just shooting off e-applications.  Print a stack of resumes, clean yourself up, and start walking around. Smile and give out 20 per day.

Also, apply for food stamps immediately. Don't let your pride get in the way. Here's a website to get you started: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/apply.htm

[freelancerNfulltimer]

Thanks for the update and good luck on the Goodwill interview!

I have this follow-up advice: Get out from behind the computer. Seriously, it's really hard to get a job just shooting off e-applications.  Print a stack of resumes, clean yourself up, and start walking around. Smile and give out 20 per day.

Also, apply for food stamps immediately. Don't let your pride get in the way. Here's a website to get you started: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/apply.htm

That's not necessarily the best advise. Lots of hiring managers and decision makers are busy and you will come across as out of touch if you just randomly hand out resumes. It will hurt your chances not help it.

If you're putting out that many resumes and not getting interviews there's something wrong with your resume and/or cover letters. Have you visited the website www.askamanager.org? That's a great resource for interviews, cover letters and resumes as well as just general job advise.

Did you take anybody up on their offer to review your resume? If you want to PM me with it, along with a sample cover letter, I'd be happy to look it over. You need to write and edit a specific cover letter/resume for each job you apply for. If you're applying for retail, leave off your college education for example. Tell them you love working in retail. Say what you need to to get a job.

[Peony]

Rooting for you. Hang in there.

[totoro]

I think you should post the town where you are.  I'm in Canada so I can't help with more info, but there are people here who are where you are and will be willing to do more to help you out - re. info and resources at least.  If you do this I will post a topic asking for more assistance with what to do in your town in your circumstances.  You are just a step away from a better situation so now is not the time to be shy.  Going to be okay.   

[Devils Advocate]

There are job opportunities for truck drivers where the company will teach you for free.

http://tbe.taleo.net/CH05/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=CRST&cws=1[url]]http://tbe.taleo.net/CH05/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=CRST&cws=1http://

DA

[Devils Advocate]

http://www.joincrst.com/students.php

DA

[N]

I waitressed at many different places, most of them chains.
 IME, all of them have a training process that you must go thru. For example, at the Olive Garden, there is a 3 day paid training period, and then you follow a server for some shifts, and then a server follows you for a while, (when you follow another or help another server, they keep all the tips, but you will get an hourly wage) and then you are on your own.
I havent been a server for over ten years now, but back when I did, I would earn at least 300$ a week, and at my last job, I worked 4 days a week and usually walked with 600-700$ a week. I did not even work anywhere fancy!
I also met people at work,made friends, found roommates, and even had a good time (comraderie)

So you might try chain restaurants. Lots of guys started as busboys and moved up to servers, but Id shoot for server first because you will make more money.

[frugaldrummer]

I'm sorry you're going through this, I can see how hard you are working at getting a job.

Definitely apply for food stamps and you might qualify for general relief - it's not much, but something. It's meant exactly for circumstances like this so don't be shy about applying.

AS for the whole online applying vs showing up in person thing - the experience my kids had with grocery stores was, there was an online application process, but then you should show up at the store you wanted to work at and touch base with the manager, letting them know you'd put in an application online.

Plus smaller businesses, you should just show up and leave a resume - some don't have a sign up but may be considering hiring, or may remember you next week when someone quits unexpectedly.

Also - this doesn't pay much, but going into winter, you might try applying at ski resorts. They hire seasonal people to work the ski lifts and cafeterias.  Lots of young people take these jobs for the free skiing. Mammoth Mountain in California has a pretty long ski season (approx Thanksgiving to Fourth of July) and the weather is lovely.  Lake Tahoe is a shorter season but a beautiful location. My brother worked at Big Bear near L.A., that's a much shorter season but also closer to a big city with possible job opportunities. 

[Daleth]

Maybe I missed this, OP, but did you send your resume to any of the folks here who offered to review it? If you're barely even getting any interviews, then that's going to be a crucial step for you.

Also, are you living in a place where there's a decent number of sublets available? Doing a sublet can get you around the obstacle of not having a job and thus having a very tough time finding a rental of your own.

[Roland of Gilead]

It is seasonal, but the H&R block course is only around $100 and if you pass the tests they will hire you to do returns for the 2013 tax year starting Jan 2014.  I took the course just to have more info on our own personal taxes and scored highest in the class :-)  I didn't get really what I wanted out of it because I was looking for advanced tips like how to calculate taxes on income from option spreads and some other business and investing situations.  For the basics though it was ok and I found quite a few ways to get money from the government that may help us in the future (instant 50% return on your investment via "saver's credit" was one I didn't know about).

Too bad you are not into software though.  $120 an hour gets you to FI very fast.

[Ductyl]

About the student loans -- instead of getting them deferred, get on an income-based repayment (IBR) option. If you have $0 income, you should have $0 repayment. This is better than having them deferred because you only have so many years of deferment available, whereas there is no limit to IBR.

Agreed. I had $30,000 in federal loans when I graduated and I was only playing $189 a month. I wasn't even doing IBR, I did whatever that one is where they "ramp it up" as you get older. Even after 5 years out of college, I was only required to pay $189 a month. $400 a month for your loans is crazy if you're struggling to make ends meet!

You should be able to call the loan provider and ask them what they can do to help out. My roommate was struggling to make his payments and when he finally called he was super relieved, they really do want you to be able to make your payments.

[kkbmustang]

Maybe I missed this, OP, but did you send your resume to any of the folks here who offered to review it? If you're barely even getting any interviews, then that's going to be a crucial step for you.

I offered to review the OP's resume and haven't received it. The offer still stands.

[kkbmustang]

I didn't get really what I wanted out of it because I was looking for advanced tips like how to calculate taxes on income from option spreads and some other business and investing situations. 

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but here's how to figure out the tax impact on options. (I'm assuming these are options received through employment.) There is a difference in tax treatment between a statutory (aka qualified) and nonstatutory (aka non-qualified) option.

When you exercise a nonstatutory stock option (i.e., buy the stock), the difference between the fair market value of the shares and the exercise price (the spread) will be included in your wages and subject to federal income tax and employment tax withholding. After exercise, you own the shares. When you sell those shares, any gain you recognize will be capital gain (or loss if you sell them at a loss).

Incentive stock options:
When you exercise an ISO, you do not include the spread in your income. To be able to exclude the spread from your income, you must meet certain holding requirements.

The stock acquired by exercising the option must be held until the later of:

One year following the day the stock was transferred to you on exercise.
Two years after the date the option was granted to you.

If you meet these requirements, when you sell the stock, any gain or loss is taxed as a capital gain or loss rather than ordinary income.

If you later sell the stock but you didn't satisfy the holding-period requirements, the gain will be divided into two pieces: The spread will be ordinary income, and the amount over that will be capital gain (just like NSOs).

[Roland of Gilead]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but here's how to figure out the tax impact on options. (I'm assuming these are options received through employment.) There is a difference in tax treatment between a statutory (aka qualified) and nonstatutory (aka non-qualified) option.

Thanks but I wasn't clear.  These were very advanced type option trades where I had purchased a call option, later sold short a call option at a different strike and expiration against that original one, then later sold the orginal option and went naked short the further out of the money option.  Tax time rolled around and this happened over a new year so I had to figure out if I owed tax on the fractured spread this year or next year.

[iwanttobelive]

Edit:
-Someone called a family member calming to be me suck down in Mexico and saying to wire money. Decided to delete orignal post incase someone was taking information from this and knew that I was in a bad situation.

[kkbmustang]

Hi guys,
I went back and removed some information from the original post.


I just got a phone call from a family member i don't talk to often, that they got a phone call from someone, in Mexico claiming to be me down there and stuck in a car accident and to wire a bunch of money immediately and they were using my name and some details about me.

I don't know where they were getting the information, but I am decided to edit the original post for that reason.

I'll keep updating this and letting you guys know how things go.

- I have an interview that I am going to, so thats good. I have an elevator pitch I made, to try to get their attention and get the details of my experience in a few mins, and then some tactics for interviewing behavior questions. Im re-ironing out my clothes right now to make sure they look ok, polishing my shoes, again.

That's a pretty standard scam/spam type of thing. More likely connected to FB or your email address as opposed to the forum. Just my two cents.

Good luck with your interview.

[iwanttobelive]

Edit:
-Interview with Goodwill, I thought it went really good.

[iwanttobelive]

Maybe I missed this, OP, but did you send your resume to any of the folks here who offered to review it? If you're barely even getting any interviews, then that's going to be a crucial step for you.

I offered to review the OP's resume and haven't received it. The offer still stands.

Thank you for the offers. I've had my college review my resume as well as a state unemployment office give me assistance on improving it and then several family members who have looked at it. I have several different versions of it, but I feel its up to date/modern/ok.

[iwanttobelive]

About the student loans -- instead of getting them deferred, get on an income-based repayment (IBR) option. If you have $0 income, you should have $0 repayment. This is better than having them deferred because you only have so many years of deferment available, whereas there is no limit to IBR.

Thanks for the advice, I am thinking of doing at this point, but I think the deferment request is still processing. It's showing I owe $0 right now for the payment. And it just past the 6 month deadline a few days ago.

[iwanttobelive]

Maybe I missed this, OP, but did you send your resume to any of the folks here who offered to review it? If you're barely even getting any interviews, then that's going to be a crucial step for you.

Also, are you living in a place where there's a decent number of sublets available? Doing a sublet can get you around the obstacle of not having a job and thus having a very tough time finding a rental of your own.

I've tried contacting people on craigslist for rent by the month ads, and I couldn't get anyone to respond or got a lot of spam back. But sublets are a good idea.

[iwanttobelive]

Sounds like posting to the MMM boards was an excellent step -- lots of concrete advice has come up. Like a few others, I have little to add but wanted to acknowledge your post, your difficult situation and wish you the best. Keep taking the steps you have been taking. Keep working hard. This too shall pass.

I am glad I posted on here, so much good advice and wisdom imo. I am reading everything, everyone posts and considering it.

[iwanttobelive]

Thanks for the update and good luck on the Goodwill interview!

I have this follow-up advice: Get out from behind the computer. Seriously, it's really hard to get a job just shooting off e-applications.  Print a stack of resumes, clean yourself up, and start walking around. Smile and give out 20 per day.

Thanks for the advice. I have been doing that, going out and hitting the pavement. Pretty much everywhere, i'm getting, "Check online if there is an opening and apply online." I've been also following up at places, that mostly how i've been getting interviews. Going back in after I apply of a position and introducing myself and asking for a interview. I've been getting a lot of "Well contact you if we have an opening/Well contact you if were interested, no need to come in again"

But a good idea none the less.

[iwanttobelive]

Edit:
-Getting ready to leave the state for a different state
-Considering the PNW region and North Dakota

[MeForNow]

Just want to make sure you considered this offer
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/graduated-college-but-can't-find-workalmost-homeless/msg120463/#msg120463
I think msg 35 where someone offered pace to stay in DC.

I've heard Portland has high unemployment, but a relatively okay place to be unemployed, or to do your own business....
It does rain a lot there.
Very bike friendly, yes.

[iwanttobelive]

Just want to make sure you considered this offer
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/graduated-college-but-can't-find-workalmost-homeless/msg120463/#msg120463
I think msg 35 where someone offered pace to stay in DC.

I've heard Portland has high unemployment, but a relatively okay place to be unemployed, or to do your own business....
It does rain a lot there.
Very bike friendly, yes.

I did see that post, thank you.

[Roland of Gilead]

Seattle is great but a tad expensive.  Maybe try the outskirts or up toward Everett, WA.  We live in the Cascade foothills but it is only a 45 min drive to downtown Seattle.

Issaquah is expensive as I think it got the overflow from microsofties.  Snohomish, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Marysville are all cheaper and yet still nice.

If you were in software I could find you a job here in Seattle in about 2 minutes.  Business might be harder but should be possible.  How were your grades?

As far as biking they just finished a 30 mile paved bike trail that goes from Snohomish to Arlington...and that is one of about 30 in the area.

[Daleth]

Try Pittsburgh. It's incredibly cheap (check out Pittsburgh Craigslist if you don't believe me) and it's as if the recession never happened there, or so say my several friends who live there. I even know a landlord there I could point you to, although at the moment all his houses are full. Also, since there are universities there you'd probably find a lot of sublets, although in college towns this isn't the best time of year for that (summer is). Also, if it's going to take you 34 hours to drive to Portland from wherever you are, Pittsburgh has to be way closer to you! And, did I mention, way cheaper?

Edited to add, I just looked it up and the unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is only 6.5%. And check out the prices for renting rooms:
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/roo/

[enceladus]

I'm a little late to the party here, but I'll second the military option.  The National Guard will pay back up to $50,000 of your student loans, you'll get active duty pay while you're in training (15+ weeks), health care for $52/month, security clearance/ other credentials that translate well to the civilian world (depending on what MOS you choose),  and more.  I know the Guard in my state also has a dedicated staff that helps people find work--short- and long-term.  I put a few of my soldiers in touch with them and they got jobs quickly.

[MeForNow]

Hi, 

I just found a site that may be some help.  I was looking for a friend for a different reason (I'll get to that). Anyway the site is:
http://www.boondockerswelcome.com/

Boondocking is apparently an RVer word for sleeping in an RV or car in a spot way out in the boonies with no hookup.  The website is a membership thing (about $40 a year?) and people can offer space to sleep in their driveway or whatever. 

Also look at couch surfing site.  People offer to let you stay on their couch etc.
https://www.couchsurfing.org/

Gee, I don't know why I didn't think to tell you this before (sorry) -- also try helpx.
People usually offer room and board in exchange for labor.  It is mostly short term, and often in summer, but it is certainly worth looking.  All over the country, short term work.
http://www.helpx.net/index.asp

The reason I found the boondocking site is that my friend has land in Idaho (no house, no electric), and she would like to have someone stay there -- probably in an RV ?  So we were looking for a way for her to find someone who needs a place to stay.  It's just beautiful land, but like I said no house.  If you want to camp there on your way to Portland or whatever send me a PM.  There's potentially work in the area (washing dishes etc) but it gets cold there so heat is expensive in the winter.

This listing near Portland seems worth considering?
http://www.helpx.net/host.asp?hostID=11413&network=5

[mikefixac]

Sell your plasma. Substitute teach. Work at something like McDonald's. Military. More than once I've gone to businesses and asked if I could work for free, that I wanted to learn. I've always said, if anyone ever did that to me, they'd probably end up owning my business. Surprisingly most said "no", I assume one of the reasons was they probably thought I was trying to do a workman's comp scam. But actually I just wanted to learn.

I moved from the East Coast to Seattle as a kid. Got a job on a seafood processing boat that suffered damage at sea. Paid $6/hr. From there got lucky and got a job in the steel mills. They hired me solely that I was a vet and they would get tax credits.

After working for them for 1 year, saving $5K, I hitchhiked around the country to see where I'd like to live. Been here in SoCal ever since.

[iwanttobelive]

Edit:
-Student loan deferment approved.

-Email inbox flooded with rejection letters from companies and or I call to inquire about a position after interviews and am told I was not hired.

-My dad ended up letting my come stay with him, so I ended up driving across the country.

[Rebecca Stapler]

-I keep thinking about some stuff I read on Mr. Money Mustache's Blog. He had an article that he wrote about redoing bathrooms and wrote something like "Buy a tile saw, throw it in the back of your truck, and find work doing tile for people at $40 an hour." I've also heard a story about a guy who started a company with just himself, a beat up old pickup truck, a shovel, sledge hammer and now runs demolition company with several employees and makes over $100K a year. That all sounds amazing, but I don't know where or how to start anything like that. Like how do I find the jobs? How can I get experience? How can I start something like this with zero experience and very little money? I've tried applying for entry level apprentice plumber and carpenter programs, but never got past the pay a fee and submit an application process. I can't seem to get in.
I have a SUV, my self and time. How can I turn that into a business that makes money and has the potential to expand? I like the idea of improving homes like MMM does. I also like watching those TV shows like Rental Property where they buy the beat up foreclosed and turn it into an house with an apartment that pays for the mortgage. That looks like fun. But I have no idea how I could even break into something like that. I can't figure out how to start something like this, I am really trying to think of ways to do it, but starting seems to be the hardest part.   

What kind of work are you helping your dad do? Are you gaining any new skills there? Is your dad involved in any community or church groups? He could put out the word that you're available for odd jobs and you never know what might crop up. See if your dad knows any contractors who would be willing to let you apprentice for them. Now that you've landed (albeit temporarily) somewhere where you have a small network, ask for support from that network, and grow it!

[galliver]

I'm glad you found a place to stay for a while. Your situation sounds very unfortunate; I can't imagine what it would be like to be in a tight spot like that and not have family or friends willing to help you out. I was talking to a friend just yesterday about how a friend of hers was staying on her living room floor for a while because she blew through her savings while looking for work and now had a job but couldn't afford an apartment yet. We need that kind of safety net and it seems to me awful to not have one. I'm sorry you're stuck in such a place.

I've been following your thread for a while (since I started reading the forum, actually), and one thing I've noticed is that you seem to have transitioned to the traditional minimum-wage and unskilled job categories. And while I don't think it would hurt to keep applying to those, you do have some skills and experience (I remember something about working at a bank and a business degree?). You took those classes for a reason, you must have learned something that sets you apart. Sit down. Figure out what that is. MMM suggests a lot of handyman work, but if that isn't a skill you developed previously and you don't have at least a little capital to experiment with, and no one to 'tag along' with to show you the ropes, that may not be a good option for you. But something else is. If you can't figure out what it is or where and how you can use it, maybe try sitting down with Craigslist job postings (another MMM suggestion from that same jobs article) and seeing which ones make you say "I can do that!"

After college I faced a situation where no one would want me for an internship if I was honest about going into my PhD (generally they want to hire people they can get back in a year or two as full time employees). And I would have a hard time bending the truth in interviews. So I looked at my other skills. Among other things, I liked working with kids and I loved (and missed) the outdoors and had unofficial experience with outdoors skills. I applied to summer camps. I got some rejections but some interviews, and eventually a fantastic summer job back where I grew up. While I would be open to doing that again if I stalled on my job search after grad school, I might instead try for a tutoring position; something I've done on and off since high school (kind of related to my field/career goals, but not what I would like to do indefinitely).

I feel like the most successful job searches start with "what do I want to do that people will pay me for?" The more specialized a field you pick, the fewer other candidates you have to compete with (in a sense...obviously not everyone actually applies to retail/food jobs but almost anyone can do them, so the potential field of applicants is bigger). The other advantage is if it's genuinely something you want to do and know something about or are willing to learn, you come across way better in interviews, naturally.

[mustacheme]

It's good that you will be able to stay with your dad for a few weeks.
I have found for friends who are looking for work that it is hard to get a job if you don't have a local address, so when you start applying for jobs in Phoenix be sure to use the Phoenix address.

I would apply for both jobs related to your degree and any other job I saw while in Phoenix if I were you. My mom has always gone about getting jobs by walking into businesses and asking to speak with the manager. I think this is a better approach than just putting in an application for most restaurant and sales jobs, unless they are larger companies. But in your case trying the smaller businesses where you can speak to the actual owner, or at least a manager who doesn't have to go through a human resources department in order to make a hiring decision will allow you a shot at making a good personal impression. I have another family member who travels frequently and often walks up to construction sites and asks if they need someone. Construction experience definitely helps him land those gigs, but it's worth a try if they need someone to haul stuff. Also have you met with any temp agencies? They might be able to place you in some temp jobs and you could keep applying for other jobs in the meantime.

Regarding Portland - A LOT of people move to Portland from the mid-west and figure they'll sort out the job thing afterward. Most of them seem to ultimately work it out, but it's not an easy road.

I think everyone on this thread is rooting for you. You seem to be persistent and have a good attitude. Try to keep hope, and maybe even look up a few stories of people famous for their successes after periods where they either were or were nearly homeless. The singer Jewel and Mark Cuban, and Chris Gardner are three who come to mind, but I am sure there are many more. Their stories might be a little pick me up for your spirits. Being at a down point doesn't mean you'll be there forever, it just means it's where you're passing through now.

[backyardfeast]

Thanks so much for continuing to update--we are indeed rooting for you.  I think it's great that you've landed in a place where you can at least catch a breath for a few weeks.  If your relationship with your Dad is ok, would you consider staying put in Phoenix for even a few months, just to save up a bit of a cushion, even if you don't think you want to stay there?

Phoenix is big enough to have good temp agencies.  Take your "freshly graduated from college" optimistic self from months back into all of them with your resume and get yourself some short-term work.  Anything at this point will be good for your self-esteem and your pocketbook, and your dad might be ok if you stay for a little longer if he knows you're working and saving for the next leg of your journey. 

A note about construction: my DH is a carpenter.  The trades often don't work the way students are trained to think about work (ie, take your resume in, show your credentials, interview and get hired).  Instead, call or go down to company offices, and tell them you are considering a career in the trades and want to get some experience.  You are going to be *labour*; that's the key job you're looking for.  Most companies will stick you on a job somewhere to try you out; they expect to train, but they will be looking for attitude, reliability, work ethic, etc.  If you're willing and interested, it will go from there.  In Canada, the actual trades jobs (carpenter, plumber, etc) are done by apprentice programs that coincide with the school programs, so if you get on with a company you like, they will often sponsor your schooling through the apprenticeship.  So don't worry about that step yet.

One way to find a labour job is just to go around the city and look for construction sites; ask to find out who the supervisor/foreman is, go from there.

Good luck!

[frugaldrummer]

Definitely go to the temp agencies.

Also - construction may be difficult in that area, a lot of construction jobs are done by Mexican immigrants and illegals in the southwest.  But with all those elderly retirees, a good handyman could make a nice living. 

[Peony]

I am so glad you have found a bit of respite from your stressful situation. At least the student loans are off your plate for awhile, and you have a base from which to regroup. I know you have to do an all-out search for paid work, but in the absence of such work, perhaps some volunteering would help you make some contacts, boost your own confidence in your general usefulness and impress your dad with your work ethic (in case he doubted it). One more thing -- you're in a pretty large city now, so maybe there are temp agencies you can register with? I don't have a whole lot more to offer at this point, except to reiterate that I am pulling for you and was very glad to see your post today.

[Peony]

Oops, I see a bunch of us had the temp agency idea at the same time!

[iwanttobelive]

What kind of work are you helping your dad do? Are you gaining any new skills there? Is your dad involved in any community or church groups? He could put out the word that you're available for odd jobs and you never know what might crop up. See if your dad knows any contractors who would be willing to let you apprentice for them. Now that you've landed (albeit temporarily) somewhere where you have a small network, ask for support from that network, and grow it!

Just stuff like cleaning the kitchen/house, yard work and help build some cabinets and shelves. It mostly to give me a place to stay temporary versus my previous plan of sleeping in my car somewhere.

[kkbmustang]

Can you make a flyer with lists of household jobs you can do and out them in the doors if your dad's neighbors with your contact info on it? Think house cleaning, dog walking, dog sitting, house sitting, yard work, etc.  That should get you cash until you can get a temp job or assignment. Also consider checking any local colleges campus newspapers. There could be ads for jobs for students (part time, no experience required).

Also, get a LinkedIn profile up and current. Make sure it looks polished and professional. Use it linkedin to network.

We are rooting for you. You can do this!

Also, I recommend you read the book Scratch Beginnings.

[iwanttobelive]

I'm glad you found a place to stay for a while. Your situation sounds very unfortunate; I can't imagine what it would be like to be in a tight spot like that and not have family or friends willing to help you out. I was talking to a friend just yesterday about how a friend of hers was staying on her living room floor for a while because she blew through her savings while looking for work and now had a job but couldn't afford an apartment yet. We need that kind of safety net and it seems to me awful to not have one. I'm sorry you're stuck in such a place.

I've been following your thread for a while (since I started reading the forum, actually), and one thing I've noticed is that you seem to have transitioned to the traditional minimum-wage and unskilled job categories. And while I don't think it would hurt to keep applying to those, you do have some skills and experience (I remember something about working at a bank and a business degree?). You took those classes for a reason, you must have learned something that sets you apart. Sit down. Figure out what that is. MMM suggests a lot of handyman work, but if that isn't a skill you developed previously and you don't have at least a little capital to experiment with, and no one to 'tag along' with to show you the ropes, that may not be a good option for you. But something else is. If you can't figure out what it is or where and how you can use it, maybe try sitting down with Craigslist job postings (another MMM suggestion from that same jobs article) and seeing which ones make you say "I can do that!"

After college I faced a situation where no one would want me for an internship if I was honest about going into my PhD (generally they want to hire people they can get back in a year or two as full time employees). And I would have a hard time bending the truth in interviews. So I looked at my other skills. Among other things, I liked working with kids and I loved (and missed) the outdoors and had unofficial experience with outdoors skills. I applied to summer camps. I got some rejections but some interviews, and eventually a fantastic summer job back where I grew up. While I would be open to doing that again if I stalled on my job search after grad school, I might instead try for a tutoring position; something I've done on and off since high school (kind of related to my field/career goals, but not what I would like to do indefinitely).

I feel like the most successful job searches start with "what do I want to do that people will pay me for?" The more specialized a field you pick, the fewer other candidates you have to compete with (in a sense...obviously not everyone actually applies to retail/food jobs but almost anyone can do them, so the potential field of applicants is bigger). The other advantage is if it's genuinely something you want to do and know something about or are willing to learn, you come across way better in interviews, naturally.

You might be right. I have messed around with carpentry a little bit, just building basic things and basic home repair. But nothing that I could really go out and be like "Hire me to fix something in your house!". My skills aren't that developed. As far as schooling, I got a degree in Business. My past work experience has been in retail as a cashier/forklift driver, fast food, call center customer service and working in a college chemistry lab for a year. I've been applying to banks for any type of position. I want to get out of working at call centers/retail/fast food and into some type of office job. I'd say retail/call center/fast food are jobs that I really don't enjoy working at. But right now, I can't seem to get hired at any type of job.

What do I want to do, play video games. Am I good at it? Yes. But making money at that, I don't know if you can. :)

I get what your saying about the how there are more potential applicants for fast food versus something not everyone can do.

Thats pretty neat about how you ended up working a summer camp and found out you really enjoyed it.

[iwanttobelive]

Definitely go to the temp agencies.

Also - construction may be difficult in that area, a lot of construction jobs are done by Mexican immigrants and illegals in the southwest.  But with all those elderly retirees, a good handyman could make a nice living.

Thats one thing that I've seen here, people here pick up immigrants who stand on the corners, most don't speak english, I think they hire them for like $10 an hour to dig ditches or what ever they need help with. After the housing bubble burst, lots of construction jobs here dried up. I know its harder to get into then it was before.