Can't find a job in Chicago or Suburbs for now 8 mos. What gives?

[gardener34]

Are your skills completely up to date? If not, you may need to go back for microsoft training and get a certificate that proves it. Community colleges have this.

[crepella4]

Thanks for the feedback. I've been temping since leaving civil service, sparingly, have asked for a salary between $30-35,000 and am consistently only finding positions willing to pay $12/hour and below. I've tested in the Excellent range for Word, Excel, Powerpoint. Temp reps have told me they have about 200 candidates for every handful of jobs. Of the interviews I've landed, I'm routinely told, "Well, we've received 150 applications. You've landed in the top 8, but we're still interviewing."

I think the confidence suggestion is the most relative. Although I like to think I convey a quiet, competent maturity, my rep tells me I'm competing with young aggressive types... If I could just get a face lift ... My houndog face makes me look tired when I'm not....

Again, thanks for the feedback

[aragx6]

I have a friend in St. Louis found out she was competing for an admin assistant job with a person with a masters. The economy is struggling and its usually from the bottom up.

[GoCUBS1]

Originally Posted by crepella4

If I could just get a face lift ... My houndog face makes me look tired when I'm not....

Ok, now you've got to stop this! As I've said before, we are all beautiful. No face lifts needed. We have an Admin. Asst. who is late 40's, very overweight, not stereotypically beautiful. But when she walks in a room, she has a smile, confidence, and energy. We all love her.

So, in addition to confidence, you may need to be more energetic - especially since you are competing against all those young aggressive types (and there are alot of these types around here). I'm rooting for you.

[cobolt]

Hiring the young thing isn't always the best thing. Wisdom and experience counts alot and most employers worth a flip know that.

I remember I applied for a position years ago (there were near 300 applicants for the position) and they weeded the interviewees down to 12. I was one of 12, I did'nt get the job (yes, I was miffed at the time) but also kinda thought it was cool that I made the top cut.

Keep at it.

[crepella4]

Thanks again. I will keep at it... of course....
And, yes, I'll plaster the smile on, permanently
...the aggression thing.... At my age, guess I'll take a vitamin...

[purplesky]

Look on indeed.com. THere are a ton of jobs for administrative people.

1. Have someone practice interview you and give you feedback.
2. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors on your resume. Don't use spell check for this. I've seen too many dumb errors on resumes that's haven't been eyeball-proofed.
3. Looks shouldn't be an issue unless there is a body odor problem. I think you're looking for an out.

Here is a link:

Administrative Secretary Jobs, Employment in Chicago, IL | Indeed.com

[Sour]

This thread is 5 years old, i'm sure he has a job by now, lol

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by Sour

This thread is 5 years old, i'm sure he has a job by now, lol

I certainly hope so!