Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

I have been looking for a job for 1 year! Yes, 1 year. I am almost 50 and think my age is a factor. I would like to hire someone to help me as this just cannot continue. Can you suggest anyone as I am getting extremely desperate.

Posted by Lori on September 13, 2006 6:16 PM

It's weird. Maybe some of it maybe my imaginaton. But, I feel like my co-workers are trying to get me fired from my job. One day I worked late, went to break with some co-workers, stopped by the bathroom and breakroom, and when I maded it back to my area they were up walking around looking supicous. I started back to work, but it was all done, which did not seem right. My thought was that they had been on my computer and pushed all the work through without actually doing it, and tried to make it look like I did it.

Posted by Barbara J. on September 13, 2006 11:35 PM

Hi Lori, I just posted an answer to your question here...
http://www.spherion.com/careerblog/ask-seymour/been_looking_for_a_job_think_m_1.php

Posted by Seymour Jobs on September 14, 2006 4:36 PM

Throughout my years of working, I have found that alot of these jobs are full of hostility. Your coworkers can become your worst nightmare. And the worst thing about it, the Supervisors take side with the coworkers causing all the problems and will find a way to get rid of you and the HR people I have come in contact with seem to work along with them. You really have no one to turn to. It is sad.

Posted by Rachel H. on September 16, 2006 12:34 PM

I am a young graduate who studied in the United Kingdom and worked out there for 1 year. I have now moved over to the US and trying to look for work. Would my overseas education and experience be a downfall has I have never worked in the US before? By the way I am able to reside and work in the US

Posted by keji oshin on October 3, 2006 4:27 PM

Dear Seymore,
I am 48 years old and have recently taken on a new job.
It was a forced career change due to some health problems I have. I needed to find something less stressful and with less Hrs.
When I applied for the New Position, I indicated that I was only seeking Part Time employment.
This seemed to be satisfactory and agreeable at the time of interviewing and hiring from new employer.
But now that I have come on board my emplyer has informed me that due to my experience and background he needs me to work full Time and has scheduled my work Hrs. accordingly so.
At the time of my interview I agreed to a much lesser pay cut from that of what Ihad been making at my previous job postion. This was for 2 reasons. The first was because, I was only seeking to work Part Time and in order to get my foot in the Door for just a Part Time positon, I conceded to the pay differential. The second reason I conceded was , it is career change from what I had been doing, and the job postion appeared that it was going to be less stressful.
But now after only 2 weeks, I have been given Full Time Hrs. and more responsibilities at a very cheap wage.
How should I approach my New Employer in regards to the extra Hrs. he has scheduled me to work , but at a Part Timer's Salary with only having been there 2 weeks?
I don't want to loose my position, but I am not working the terms agreed upon hiring.
If Iam going to have more responsibilities and a full time schedule, I feel I should paid as such. Thank You. Brenda C. in Virginia

Posted by Brenda C. on October 13, 2006 9:15 AM

I am a part-time laborer,who would really like to sell T-shirts with my own designs.I know this is not easy to crack,but can you offer any advice?

Posted by Keith L. on October 13, 2006 11:52 AM

I have been home with my son for the past 8 years. During this time I have completed a Bachelors degree and I am seeking a job in the area of computer applications development/support. It has been difficult to find a job and I would love to just get any job that would provide the funds that would allow me to get a certification. How do I address the fact that I have had some computer programming experience (1 year) and some web design and database experience when I am looking for a job in another field. (I do have some accounting experience and would take a job in that area so that I can pursue my career later.)

Posted by Dolores c on October 13, 2006 4:39 PM

I'm a person who has flaws on their background checks, is their any advice for me to find work regardless of my past?

Posted by Patricia on October 18, 2006 4:36 AM

Dear sir,i am 26 years old and i left my native homeland 8 years ago straight from high school in search of an education and a careers.none of these seem to be coming by 8 years down the line.i am an industrious person and all i seem to be doing is getting older and working hand to mouth(barely).help!

Posted by charlton on October 25, 2006 1:43 PM

Hi Ahmed, I have posted a response to your question here: http://www.spherion.com/careerblog/ask_seymour/combating_a_criminal_record_1.php

Posted by Seymour Jobs on November 9, 2006 3:37 PM

Hi Brenda, I have posted a response to your question here: http://www.spherion.com/careerblog/ask_seymour/how_do_i_negotiate_a_salary.php

Posted by Seymour Jobs on November 9, 2006 3:39 PM

I got hired as an Exec Assistant at a great company. It's been two months and I feel so unproductive because there's absolutely nothing to do. I even feel guilty at times and I'm just tempted to surf the web. Part of me is like sit here and make the money and the other part tells me to keep searching. Help

Posted by Lisa on November 16, 2006 2:02 PM

Hello, this is very exciting, this is my first question.

I will have my BSIT degree, from the University of Phoenix Online, in February 2007. A month later I will be starting a graduate program for a masters in education wih a concentration in instructional technology. It is my desire to work in the virtual realm. What should I do to seek out and secure a good virtual position. Hopefully the position will allow me to exercise some of my IT learning. I am extremely motivated and an excellent self starter who can focus and achieve goals, especially working virtually. Where do I start?

Posted by Linda S on November 28, 2006 10:28 AM

I like my job, however I can't seem to get along with one of my coworkers. I'm her supervisor, so unfortunately, avoiding her is not an option. She's constantly talking about me behind my back, she's been in serious trouble with the company and she even tried to sabotage me by complaining to my boss about me. My boss dismissed her complaints and justfied her actions by saying she's young and immature. But this has left me in a very uncomfortable situation. However, instead of turning the other cheek or playing nice, I can't seem to hide my discontent and dislike for her. I just don't know what to do.

Posted by Patty on December 10, 2006 4:55 PM

When is your next job fair, in N.Y.

Posted by MAJOR DICKERSON on December 17, 2006 1:26 PM

I have completed a program of the Medical Secretarial field w/transcription, coding, billing, typing and computer upgrading. I have not had the chance to exercise my skills for almost a year due to the fact that these billing companies want you to be experienced w/2-5 years under your belt. I have not had much success with temp agencies in getting a position; the hospitals here aren't too keen on hiring entry level staff. How can I solve my problem of getting into the field of choice? If I don't use my skills, I'll lose them over time. What would you recommend? I'm all ears!!

Posted by Lorraine on December 18, 2006 10:40 AM

TO LORRAINE: I have been trying for a while to get back into my primary career that's in the administrative and clerical support field.

I have 25+ years of experi-ence and since I have been out of this field for only 4 years, I have found it hard to just jump back in.

I don't know what these com-panies are looking for, how-ever, even if you manage to graduate from school and have acquired a degree or certificates, there is still a regiment that you may have to go through.

I feel even though a person has been out of their field of employment, does not mean that they can not keep up.

Most of the time, when apply-ing for a position and if you manage to get the job, you still have to be trained according to the company's specification. Because what you learned in school, does not mean this is how it will be on the job.

What employers should do, is give people like you and I a chance to prove ourselves, perhaps as a temporary posi-tion. If not able to keep up or stand our grounds then we will know what we are lacking and what we need to change in order to keep up and be an asset to the compa-ny and not a liability.

I am not afraid to learn new applications or procedures because where ever you go, things could be different but in the end you will find out that it is the same.

All you and I need to do is be more assertive, which, sometimes, could be a plus or a minus.

TALKING ABOUT BEING STUCK.

Posted by Shirley on December 22, 2006 2:18 PM

The type of R&D engineering I have done for many years is now being done primarily in Europe. There are very few jobs advertised that exactly match my experience. But employers are hiring based on the match of experience to the requirements. Please advise me about composing a resume and cover letter when the job does not match my previous experience. For example, how can an R&D engineer present oneself for technical marketing, system engineering or another technical area of R&D. Also, how can I present myself for completely different lines of work (career changes)? Example: changing from R&D engineering to a different type of engineering in the state government?

Posted by Engineer Age 55 on December 24, 2006 6:36 PM

Do recruiters ever submit a candidate for a position that is different from the applicant's previous jobs? How does one convince a recruiter to do this?

Posted by Engineer Age 55 on December 24, 2006 6:46 PM

I have been out of work for the last nine months. I have 25 years experience in clerical/administrative work. I have been a Customer Service Rep, Clerical Supervisor, Technical Supervisor and an Office Manager. I get along well with people, have excellent time-management skills and enjoy problem solving. Here's my dilema! I can't seem to get an interview! The rules of engagement have changed so much in the last few years, that I must seem like a dinasour. I just want a job with decent hours and decent pay. What's the big secret to getting the interview?

Posted by Cheryl S Campbell on January 4, 2007 10:02 AM

I relocated to Atlanta, Ga several months ago and have been looking for a job without success. I have over 15 years experience working within the administrative area; however, I graduated last year with a four year degree in public relations. I have been pursuing administrative positions since I have no work experience in the PR field. I have gotten interviews but no hire. One interviewer kept asking what I plan to do with my PR degree and whether I wanted to do administrative work. I love working within the administrative area, but got a degree as a self fulfillment since I got tuition remission from my old job. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can land a job?

Posted by Julian Elliott on January 12, 2007 7:38 PM

I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE CAREER THIS FALL. I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING,LOAN OFFICER/LOAN PROCESSOR. IS THIS TOO DRASTIC FROM CUST.SERV REP TO A LOAN OFFICER-PROCESSOR.ANY SUGGESTION ON CHANGING CAREER AT 49 1/2.

Posted by t.stephens on January 16, 2007 9:18 AM

Hi,

I am about to leave the Navy after 20 years. I have been working on electronic systems from Sonar's to Air search Radars. I am now a middle manager doing more paperwork than actually working on my equipment and I am unsure what Jobs to start looking at. I am also moving to an unfamiliar area, Texas. I suppose I feel out of my comfort zone since the Navy has been my only job after I left school. I need to look for other work challenges. I suppose I need to know what jobs I can do, I can diagnose and fix fault on most complicated Electronic systems, but I can also manage a team to complete planned and corrective maintenance. Liase externally using formal and in formal correspondence. I do performance reports, I instruct and I am a qualified work place assessor. So I have a lot of things I can do, but what do employment agencies look for and how would you market your self if you were in my situation.

Thanking you for your time

Antony

Posted by Antony Barnfield on January 17, 2007 9:35 PM

I am a young military wife, I have been stationed in florida for about two years now. I have been working with a small company for 1 yr and am ready to move on. Unfortunatly I have learned the hard truth about word of mouth, and it has been difficult finding another job. I have been considering staffing companies for quite a whyle but I really do not know how the process works.

So my question is not really a question but more of an "does anyone have any suggestions?".

I guess what im looking for in a staffing company, is, since I am a military wife, I will have to move every few years and I need to get a job as soon as we hit the next area. I hope that by signing up with a staffing company I will be able to transfer from one job to another when I need to. Is that even possible?

Posted by Brenda on January 30, 2007 3:50 PM

hi....i m 21 yr old girl, completed my graduation in apr'2006 & i m frm India. I wnt through some mba entnx exms after my grad without evn gr8 prep coz of my family sake as thy forced me to appear for the college in my city n coz of tht 7-8 months gt wasted as i didn't gt the college i wished to b in. i already told thm tht i m nt prepared yet to face the exms lke tht bt tht tme thy didn't took me seriously n nw after whn i realized tht for such months i ws fooling myself n nw i shuld join a coaching class for the preparation n shuld pursue my mba from the gud colleges in india. I m an average performer n really need to improve alot in the topics covered in entrance exms.i m agn wondering what is the exact answer shuld b to pursue mba n i wnt to specialize later on in finance so wht are the diff job profiles in tht field. pls help me out as i m making myself more confused.

Posted by mini on February 7, 2007 1:09 PM

I am a flight attendant and I want to apply for a different airline that is looking for Spanish speaking flight attendants. Should I include my ability in my career objective or just under the "additional" paragraph?

Posted by Christina on February 13, 2007 2:22 PM

Hi All, I know this probably an old question but...I just completed my BSMIS degree and also completed a Business Analyst Certificate program. Just wondered if there were any tips on how to "break" into the field. I have a business background and was a certified software trainer for a number of years. Trying to get into the business analysis, requirements, scope, use case part of BA. Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks BJ

Posted by BJ on February 13, 2007 6:15 PM

Dear Seymour,
How does one deal with a co-worker that is detached, doesn't talk, has poor communication skills, not engaged, and is still in training after >8 months? FYI, the longest training period prior to this person was 3 months. It is very frustrating, bothersome and after writing a letter to our boss (at a different geographical location) about the situation, I need to work with my current situation. Please help with any pointers you may have. Thanks!

Posted by Lilly on February 17, 2007 3:47 PM

I am a contract employee signed on for 6 months. I am told that I am an asset to the company and I far exceed their expectations. This is a job that I can honestly say that I look forward to coming to work every day. The people I work with are great, and very helpful. Plus management is positive and helpful as well. The thing that concerns me is my "contract" title and not considered a permanent employee. We just had a meeting which the whole deparment attended. Management talked about Development plans, inner office classes, company store, etc. She also mentioned that contract employees are not eligible for these benefits. I feel that I am working so hard and I attend all the meetings, but I have to remind myself that I am not an employee of this company. And thats when the morale drops a few steps. Is it out of line to ask management about being hired permanently?

Posted by Todd on March 5, 2007 3:33 PM

How can you tell if a potential employer checked your credit report? I know when a credit check is done it shows, but what about an employment check. I had two interviews with this company and have yet to hear from them yes or no.

Posted by Glee on March 7, 2007 10:52 PM

I am seeking part-time employment as a Project Manager or Business Analyst. While my last position was in management, I realize a management role is not possible part time. Last year I resigned from my job to stay home with my son, who starts school in the fall. Is it realistic to seek this type of employment and request that ideally I work at home? I have only worked for 2 employers in my 15 years of employment and promoted very well within those companies. I know I will be a great asset once I find the right opportunity but I am however getting impatient. Any recommendations on how to find this type of opportunity?

Posted by Heather on March 8, 2007 1:00 PM

what do you do to get a job if you have been arrested but the charges were dismissed. after 42 years of working, I cant get a job no matter how hard I try.

Posted by Anonymous on March 9, 2007 9:44 PM

what do you do to get a job if you have been arrested but the charges were dismissed. after 42 years of working, I cant get a job no matter how hard I try.

Posted by tony on March 9, 2007 9:46 PM

I am nineteen years old, I am currently going to school to obtain my GED because I was homeschooled. I've been working for two years in retail. I would like to work in an office position, but am afraid I will not be hired, because I don't have my high school diploma. Do you think a temporary agency would hire me while I'm going for my GED?

Posted by Elise on March 16, 2007 7:13 PM

How do you handle questions with prospective employers who ask you what were you making @ your last employer. I feel that because of my annual salary with previous employer hinders other employers from considering me, even if i have the experience

Posted by k.t on April 8, 2007 3:53 PM

I am looking for a part-time professional job and trying to get back a work/life balance. I have a MIS degree with over 10 yrs experience in IT and IT Audit. I can't seem to find the 'telecommute' or working from home jobs. Anyone have any tips or tricks?

Posted by MB on May 5, 2007 12:39 PM

I recently accepted a position and I've realized that the manager is not in control at all. She has admitted she's out of control and overwhelmed and is looking for me to consult with her! I am not being paid enough to act as a management consultant. I'm sure she's earning at least twice what I am to assist her. Any advice?

Posted by Jean on May 13, 2007 11:03 PM

I have very good skills but have jumped around quite a bit with jobs over the past 10 years, including working part time (because of kids). I have gaps on my resume and I know that I'm not being offered the better jobs because of this. What can I do with this Scarlet A on my resume in order to get a better job? I've mainly jumped around because of boredom with the job, no advancement potential, or difficult co workers.

Posted by Suzette on May 13, 2007 11:06 PM

My family is on my case about myspace and facebook. They think that anyone can view your profiles, even if they are set so that only your friends can view your profiles. They think that my future employers can bypass the terms of agreement of the website and view profiles, even though they are private. Is this true? Is that against the law?

Posted by Jennifer on June 4, 2007 7:48 AM

One of the problems I have as a career placement professional is trying to get my new graduates into a position that requires "experience". My students are trained in medical assisting, insurance billing and coding and pharmacy technicians. I don't have as much problem with Pharm Techs and Insurance Billing/Coding as I do Medical Assistants and even when I try to get them set up in temporary placement agencies, they tell them outright that they will have trouble placing them because of their lack of experience. Any suggestions with that area? Thanks

Posted by Pamela on June 8, 2007 2:18 PM

Hi,
I have a foreign Bachelor in industrial engineering and 2 years of experience in quality outside USA. Since I only have a few months living in USA, I don't have access to good information about jobs that can fit with my background and goals. So, What is the best way to start my career in the laboral market?, I feel lost and with no specific direction. Thanks.

Posted by Karen on June 8, 2007 11:18 PM

I have 7 years experience of working in a hotel. I also have 14 years of customer service experience. Why can't I even get an interview when I apply for other hotel jobs or customer service jobs that are hiring. I always get letters saying they have no positions at the time that I would be qualified for. What do I do to get an interview?

Posted by Rebecca Carstens on June 9, 2007 9:16 AM

I?m interested to know how I can find jobs which are done or performed through distance. Could you possibly provide some helpful resources to enable me target such companies?

Many thanks and kind regards,
Reyhaneh Khalilpour

Posted by Reyhaneh on June 13, 2007 11:26 AM

Hi,

I am 50 years old and went back to school last year for medical billing and coding after I finished school my Mom got sick and I had to take care of her for a year. Now I am seeking work but no one will hire me without experience what do I do?

Posted by LIz on June 20, 2007 7:46 PM

Jean - I just posted a response to your question here: http://www.spherion.com/careerblog/hot_topics/bridging_the_gap.php

Good luck!

Posted by Seymour on June 21, 2007 4:18 PM

My industry has had so many corporate changes and downsizes during the last ten years of my 16 year career that I am now applying for positions that are way below my income and experience level. I feel like the "job" changes prompt employers to pass me over even if I am the most qualified. I am not sure how to explain this since most of these companies have been purchased and the network is not how it used to be. I just applied for a support position which is something I did 12 years ago but I am looking for a career not a job and will do what it takes to grow with a company that will offer a long-term career path. Do you have any advice on how to explain this to potential employers before they pass me over?

Thank you!

Posted by Bridget Skinner on June 24, 2007 6:16 PM

Suzette - I just posted a response to your comment at: http://www.spherion.com/careerblog/hot_topics/how_private_is_my_profile.php

Best of Luck! Seymour

Posted by Seymour on June 25, 2007 2:11 PM

I have been working in Human Resources (in various positions) for the last 12 years. However, my husband is active duty military and I am forced to relocate often. I have been comfortable with explaining the constant moves in all the interviews I have had in the past, but now as we are looking to move again, I am ready to move into a management position. How can I address this situation in my next interview? I feel sure the question will be asked and although I feel strong to commit to a certain amount of time before a possible move, one can never be sure. Please advise.

Posted by Army Wife on July 9, 2007 11:15 AM

Hi,
I am a recent college grad about to sign on to my first job. It is a contract position in which the company will use an outside agency to pay me hourly. I obviously do not get benefits with this type of postition. Where can I find a "quote" or estimate about how much benefits are going to cost me on my own? I want to be able to have these numbers when negotiating my hourly pay. Thanks!

Posted by Beth on July 10, 2007 10:22 AM

I quit my job like two weeks ago, is there hope that will find another job. I have been on this job for 4 1/2 years. Please tell me there is hope for me.......

Posted by Raven on July 20, 2007 11:14 PM

Hi Seymour,

I am a retired Mainframe Programmer/Analyst attempting to re-enter the job market.

I guess you might call the position I want a "Scam Analyst". I would like to investigate email, etc. that is suspected or known to be an attempt at "pfishing", identity theft, and other types of scams/cons. I receive a lot of this email and have become skilled at identifying it. Also, my data-mining and other IT skills would be useful.

My problems are:
I think I have tried all the keywords I can think of to search with and have come up empty. I have also specified this as the prime goal in my resume.

I am in good health, but have BPH, so I would prefer a telecommuting position. Part time is preferred but fulltime will be considered.

Posted by Orville Smith on July 21, 2007 12:36 PM

Why do most companies not hire older applicants, 60 and older? It seem that it doesn't matter how qualified or knowledgeable you are, the jobs go to the younger applicants. It really becomes frustrating when you feel you still have a lot to offer in the job market.

Thanks.

Posted by Anna Lawson on July 21, 2007 12:47 PM

i was fired at my present job and now getting a job as been a big nightmare. I was curious about what employers see on employees background check. I will need your advice on what to tell potential employers about the reason for leaving my present job.

Posted by temi on July 22, 2007 7:46 PM

Hello, I am just about to turn 45, and despite 20 years' experience in high tech marketing for top firms, I now am finding it difficult to find work. I can hide my age and experience on my resume very well, and I get a lot of calls. But as soon as they see that I am an older female worker they're no longer interested. So I'm thinking that I have to use my skills somewhere else. Since I've been a contractor for nearly three years, I was thinking that I'd like to do some kind of networking/help organization to bring professional office contractors together. But I wonder--will my age still be a hindrance in trying to start my own business?

Posted by Pam on August 7, 2007 12:02 PM

Hello,

I am in the situation that I will soon be resigning from my position. I know that upon resignation I should :

Be sure to get a fair settlement for any outstanding salary, vacation (and sick and personal) days, and commission payments or other compensation due to you.

Though, I am highly concerned about the company's viability. They have had problems paying their bills, and I just found out that they have not been paying out the employee's share of the 401K contributions. (Yes, err, that's against federal labor laws). I would say they owe me to date easily 4K in unreimbursed travel expenses and 401K contributions. I want to finish out my 2 weeks after the notice of resignation, but I am concerned about appropriate compensation. I have some deliverables due before my 2 weeks are over, could I use those as a bargaining chip to ensure I get my money? On the other hand I am concerned they might do a funky lock down on my 401k contributions.

Posted by Questioning on August 17, 2007 11:15 AM

Seymour,
I am interested in working from my home, are there any
legitimate businesses out there?
I am developing a line of bibs
for the handicapped, I have a
granddaughter that is in need
of this sort of thing. Can you
offer any help for either of
my problems?
Thanks for your help.
Josie

Posted by Josie on August 20, 2007 3:45 PM

I am older, want to inlcude a job on my resume from 11 yrs. ago-how long do department stores keep employment records?

Posted by suzette on August 26, 2007 6:23 PM