Job hunting, sigh

[draftermatt]

I'm looking for a new job (yay me!). I haven't done this in over 7 years, well actually, I've never done it.

I applied to all kinds of places at 14-15, but never "needed" a job till BK, the parts warehouse was hiring and hired me on the spot, same with my current job since I was the only person who applied (they were specifically looking for High School students).

I've been checking the internet, and aside from the lack of people hiring, it's freaking discouraging.

I've applied to 3 companies so far (like I said, not a lot hiring).

Company #1 is a local engineering firm - Applied via Craigslist on 11/3, then again directly to the company's HR through their website on 11/26. I applied again because of advice from a friend who's also looking for work. To date I haven't heard a peep. Both ads are still active though.

Company #2 is an engineering firm is Baltimore - They have an ad on their website, and have put the same ad on Craigslist every Monday since October, the last one 11/24. I applied on 11/26, haven't heard anything.

Company #3 is an engineering firm about 15 miles from my house - Applied via their website on 11/26.

Monday 12/3 they wrote to me with a few questions, I answered within the day.

And heard nothing. So yesterday I called the guy, left a message saying I was checking to make sure he got my e-mail, and that I hope to hear from him. (I really want this job).

He sends me an e-mail this morning "yes I got your e-mail"

Gee, thanks. You could have at least said "we don't like you" or something to not leave me wondering if I stand a chance at the job or not.

This sucks.

[Evil Queen]

Maybe he's going through a bunch of other applicants too?

Houston is currently going through a job "recession". I say this because a bunch of businesses shut down after the hurricane went through (4 months ago) and a lot of people became jobless.

However, these people aren't looking for new jobs. They're just bitching about how they can't get new jobs. Which is funny because I went out after being "jobless" for a week (Thanksgiving week I was called and told not to come in for my usual weekend shift because the hotel will be shutting down more permanently now). I wanted until Tuesday to put in my applications (because Monday was raining and no one in Houston can drive in the rain), got interviews for the next day and Hired on the spot yesterday. I start Monday.

I guess it depends on the area. The SO tells me that Houston will always have jobs because of the oil that's coming into it.
Yet places like California, where my cousin lives, is flailing because the lack of a job market. Which is why my cousin is moving back to NC -- that and her husband is being deployed in a couple weeks and she wants to be closer to family.
Funny thing is, there's no job market in NC either.

Good luck in your search Matt. I wish you the best because this year SUCKS.

[Emrld]

Check your community for networking opportunities. Right now it is just as important (if not more so) of who you know than what you know.
Where I live layoffs are happening right and left so there is a larger number of people looking for work. This leads to more applications to go through prior to interviewing candidates.
Also, there are several companies that are holding off till January to hire due to the benefit they will get from the government.
Hang in there.

[wagegoth]

A lot of companies keep ads running all the time. They collect CVs and keep them on file for "just in case." You know, just in case they want to fire someone, just in case they get a big job in or a rush of orders, just in case Old Joe finally keels over at his desk. A lot of recruiters and job agencies do the same thing. Two years from now one of them will call you, then be all whiny bitchy disappointed when you tell them, no, thanks, you already found a job.

[draftermatt]

It's funny you mention networking.

I called my old teacher who keeps track of companies hiring and he pointed out a few for me. 2 I'm not really interested in, but I may call anyway, the one I was really interested in so I called them.

The contact person he gave me is no longer an employee, and they aren't hiring right now. Makes me wonder how old that ad was.

I'm not looking for miracles since I just started looking, and I never thought about what Wagegoth said, I just know I need to get the hell out, and when I see a job that's perfect for me...

Oh well, I'm resigned to being here until March/April anyway, but I guess I was hoping for the quick fix.