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Frustration with the Job Hunt
So, FH and I relocated to Orlando, FL from Long Island, NY. Mostly because of the cost of living and the fact that there are no teaching jobs (outside of NYC), and he didn't want to teach in NYC. I left my employer giving ample notice (about a month), and I miss them like crazy every day. FH got a job here on his first interview. Full time teaching 8th grade integrated sciences, and then proceeded on his second interview to land teaching two night classes at a local community college. Don't get me wrong, I am so so proud of him. But, I miss my old job, I miss my family, hell, I miss his parents, our friends. I immediately networked with alumnae from my sorority down here which has been great, but I can't seem to land a job. I have a BS in Criminal Justice and an Associate in Arts.
Most positions tell you not to follow up that they'll contact you if they are interested, I've gotten some emails that literally say "Client Declined, Reason; Overqualified". Now, these emails baffle me, but I was frequently told that back in NY, too. I'm 23 going on 24, have my BS, and have worked in Sales for about a year and a half, three summers back in high school as a summer camp counselor, customer service rep for three years, and lastly as a Receptionist/Secretary in a Law Firm for a year, exactly. I also have a 60 day contract as a Security Guard (it was essentially an internship).I also have volunteer work with children and victims/their families of domestic violence and rape.
How am I overqualified at 23?! What am I doing wrong? I've had my mentor, a Criminal Investigator for the Dept of Homeland Security review a bunch of my cover letters, and review my resume. He doesn't see anything wrong, and thinks I'm good to go. I have two facebooks; one that is public and is essentially my resume, and then a private one that is under a childhood nickname. Even if someone can see my private one by some stroke of genius, there's nothing improper. I'm a very upbeat person, and my friends know to use proper language on my facebook or I will defriend them. I also have a linkedin account that is active and up to date.
I've applied to Host & Server Positions, Office Positions (Receptionist, Secretary, Admin Assistants, etc), Retail Positions, and then Crim J, Social Service (Caseworkers, etc) positions that are highly relevant to my degree.
I've had two interviews. One for Guest Services at a local property group, and another at a company that is opening a new department, my interviewer said "I'll put a good word in for you, but you won't hear anything for two to three weeks, as the department is going to be opened in approximately a month."
If anyone has any ideas, I'd really appreciate them. I know I'm being irrational during this economy to think that I deserve a job and that I should be able to have found one by now (3 weeks), but I feel like I'm being shut down at every application and I don't know what to do and I'm very quickly getting depressed about the whole thing. FH is getting upset because I'm obviously bothered by this, and I don't want him to think I'm jealous or resentful, it was my idea to relocate and I'm thrilled that he was able to find employment so quickly.
I'm just bummed that I can't find anything and I'm hitting that I'm homesick stage of the movement process.
Thanks!
Re: Frustration with the Job Hunt
If you've only been searching and applying for 3 weeks, give it some more time. Some companies take even longer than that just to read your resume. You're lucky and doing great by already having 2 interivews. Keep doing what you're doing and hopefully you'll get more bites soon.
I understand it's tough out there and frustrating. I'm in a similar situation you are (moved for my H's job) and haven't been able to find a job...in over a year. I never thought it would take this long, and it sucks. There are several other ladies on this board who are in the same boat.
Good luck
THIS! It hasnt been that long AND it is the end of summer. I used to be a corporate recruiter and the end of summer was a very slow time for hiring, as managers and staff are often on vacation. Give it time.
Also, as someone who has relocated with their husband I know that it can be scary, intimidating, and sad to move to a new, unfamiliar place. Give it time and try and focus on building a new life down in FL. It sounds like you have the qualifications, drive and personality...just give it time.
Good luck!
Sounds like you need to give it some more time. The only jobs I can get under 3 weeks are jobs that I really didn't *want* in the first place. Keep applying for jobs in the meantime. Remember, your job right now is to get a job. The majority of your day should be job searching and apply. Don't let your homesickness get in the way of life. You will be able to make Orlando HOME. (Perhaps never as your hometown, but you get my drift.)
What about temping? Something to do in the interim until a FT job opens up?