Warrior Needs Job Badly

Professor Snugglesworth

It's been over a year since I've been employed. I've actively searched, but also kept my standards somewhat high. I have an AA college degree, a highschool degree, about 7 years of experience, and some general PC knowledge (including over 70 WPM).

But now I'm desperate for almost anything. The economy has really fucked things over for me, as many places in FL are in a "hiring freeze", including my college campus as well as several courtrooms where I've tried to apply to. As I am currently majoring in Criminal Justice, I was hoping to find a job in law or law enforcement (but not as a police officer) to coincide with my career, but it's been strike out after strike out. I need work, and I especially need money.

So I come to you now, asking for advice on what places or industries may be actively hiring despite the times, as well as other venues I could pursue for some quick and/or steady cash. I hear a lot about work at home jobs, but Google turns up thousands of those, and I'm sure not even 5% of it is legit.

So please, any tips at all would be appreciated.

matt has a problem

Everywhere. If you need a job, apply everywhere. Yes, this includes McDonalds and Wal-Mart.

jeddy lee

Well... What are your expenses right now? I imagine not much considering you havn't worked for a year, so I'm going to say start at the bottom and work your way up. I wouldn't go for fast food, but maybe some retail locations, stuff that doesn't neccesarily utilize your skills but you would enjoy working at till you get something better.

Darkewolfe

You're in college, so that helps. At first I just read your employment gap and was like, "WTF... you're screwed."

Right now, though, there is no "keeping your standards high." People with way, way, way more experience and knowledge than you have been laid off and are applying for the jobs you'd normally get. This pushes you down the rungs. Keep applying for jobs you'd really like, but realize that right now the workforce is flooded and you will probably be working retail/food service.

If it was easy to make lots of money from home, everyone would do it and there would be no openings left.

Mr Blonde

70 words per minute should get you a data entry job that pays $10-$15 an hour. Check out some temp agencies in your area.

/Wages based on my experiences in data entry for California

Professor Snugglesworth

I've registered with two temp agencies, but have never gotten any calls back. I'm supposed to keep in touch with them every week, but it slips my mind when I'm looking elsewhere.

There are basically two fields I never want to resort to: fast food, and police officer. I have too much pride for the former, and not enough courage for the latter.

I've tried constantly with Gamestop, as the ones near me seem pretty chill and friendly, but like everyone else, they're almost never hiring. I've even tried to nab my old job back at the grocery store, but last I checked they weren't seeking either.

Mr Blonde

You have the check in every week. That lets the office know that you are still looking for employment. Sign up for more than 2 agencies.

Professor Snugglesworth

Are there any particularly recommended agencies I should look at, or whatever is nearby?

Mr Blonde

That would be better for another Floridian to answer

Professor Snugglesworth

And none of these agencies have any "finder's fee" or other hidden fees, right? At least that's what the two I talked to said.

Chanus

Some do, some don't. Some will take a percentage of your wages (like, the company pays you $10/hr, but you take home $9/hr). Some are more job-placement agencies and not Temp agencies. It really just depends.


The guy who said to apply everywhere pretty much hit the nail on the head. It's MUCH easier to get a good job when you already have a job and can afford to shop around.

TyrantCow

i worked for a temp agency a few years ago

i pestered them for the first two weeks, then when they realized i would take just about any job they offered i started getting calls on a pretty regular basis (only lasted about a month and a half until i could find more stable employment).

as per pay: the employer paid the temp agency (amount undisclosed to me), and then the temp agency paid me, taking something off the top.

MrMonroe

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

And none of these agencies have any "finder's fee" or other hidden fees, right? At least that's what the two I talked to said.

"finder's fees" are usually paid by a potential employer who wants to take you on after you've spent a bit of time with them on a temp job, though the temp jobs themselves will likely pay a pretty flat rate around $10/hour.

You cannot go wrong singing up with as many agencies as possible, and checking back constantly

I've been working a reasonably lucrative job for two years now which I got through a two-week stint at the company through a local temp agency. I highly recommend sticking with them and taking as many gigs as possible.

Kyougu

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

I've registered with two temp agencies, but have never gotten any calls back. I'm supposed to keep in touch with them every week, but it slips my mind when I'm looking elsewhere.

There are basically two fields I never want to resort to: fast food, and police officer. I have too much pride for the former, and not enough courage for the latter.

I've tried constantly with Gamestop, as the ones near me seem pretty chill and friendly, but like everyone else, they're almost never hiring. I've even tried to nab my old job back at the grocery store, but last I checked they weren't seeking either.

Lose your pride.

Honest work is nothing to be ashamed of.

And what's your experience in?

Solandra

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

Are there any particularly recommended agencies I should look at, or whatever is nearby?

Whatever is nearby, pretty much any agency that doesn't charge you a fee (fees should be paid by the client company, and should never be mentioned to you). I did some temp work through Kelley in Florida in the late 90's, they were decent. My ex husband kept a paycheck mostly coming in by using the following formula: Send your letter/resume today and tomorrow, follow up on Monday to make sure they got your resumes, ask if there's any additional skill testing you can do for them. From Monday on, follow up on Wednesday or Thursday (with each of them) for work that might come up the following week, and call each Monday to check in. Be cheerful and charming and positive.

Do this even if you've got something else in the works, and if you get a 2 week assignment, call them all and tell them you have a 2 week assignment, and will be available again after the assignment is over. The Wednesday or Thursday before the assignment is over, call them all again during your lunch hour and confirm that you'll be available again soon. Demonstrate that you're available and interested, and they will be more motivated to use you.

Best of luck!

Chanus

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

There are basically two fields I never want to resort to: fast food, and police officer. I have too much pride for the former, and not enough courage for the latter.

I missed this line.

Not trying to be a jerk, but does pride put food on your table?

Enc

Actually, I work as a Florida University. The hiring freeze is not absolute, critical positions are always needing to be restaffed.

If you are near UCF, for example, you could check: www.jobswithucf.com

All of the universities have a job board like this one.

Most State Universities are on the same schedule, with Fridays being the first day of the fiscal week. Every Friday new positions are added (if there are some). There are usually jobs with the maintenance crews and even quite a few desk jobs, just take a look.

The hiring freeze means that, more likely than not, new positions will not be created and non-essential jobs will not be restaffed. There are still lots of jobs at any large institution, just be aware the competition is fierce. In addition to data entry skills, most people are expected to have top notch people skills, MS office knowledge, and some info on Peoplesoft (the program that runs MyUCF or whatever your school's web-system is). In reality, if you can operate the student side, you can claim knowledge of the data side.

Best of luck to you. I worked with Apple One before I got this position last year. They did ~nothing~ for me but give me headaches and try to collect crazy stupid fees.

matt has a problem

Kyougu wrote: »

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

I've registered with two temp agencies, but have never gotten any calls back. I'm supposed to keep in touch with them every week, but it slips my mind when I'm looking elsewhere.

There are basically two fields I never want to resort to: fast food, and police officer. I have too much pride for the former, and not enough courage for the latter.

I've tried constantly with Gamestop, as the ones near me seem pretty chill and friendly, but like everyone else, they're almost never hiring. I've even tried to nab my old job back at the grocery store, but last I checked they weren't seeking either.

Lose your pride.

Honest work is nothing to be ashamed of.

And what's your experience in?

Seriously. You are unemployed. Any job is more respectful than no job.

Professor Snugglesworth

To the person who mentioned universities, this might be the ticket I'm looking for. My college (Florida Atlantic) has a "Career Development Center", who I just called a few minutes ago. Basically, they have access to employees who exclusively hire students, and also help regarding internships or other work related to your major (and even lets you "shop around" with other careers not related to your major). They have an online site which I just registered with, and I scheduled a walk-in for Monday.

I'll keep looking for job agencies in the meantime.

Sentry

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

To the person who mentioned universities, this might be the ticket I'm looking for. My college (Florida Atlantic) has a "Career Development Center", who I just called a few minutes ago. Basically, they have access to employees who exclusively hire students, and also help regarding internships or other work related to your major (and even lets you "shop around" with other careers not related to your major). They have an online site which I just registered with, and I scheduled a walk-in for Monday.

I'll keep looking for job agencies in the meantime.

If you're a full time student, you could look into being a Resident Assistant. Food and a place to live, plus an awesome, fun job.

Richard M. Nixon

The longer you go without anything the better McD's and other similar places will start to look. It doesn't sound like you're desperate yet but you need to look ahead and be prepared to swallow your pride and work someplace crappy.

jeddy lee

Try getting a job bussing tables. I assume there are no coffee shacks in florida, but coffee shops are a good choice. How about a job working for the state of florida?

How about this Employ Florida site (funded by state funds)?

Darkewolfe

There was one summer in college where I walked through the industrial section of town and opened every single door to ask for a job. I ended up taking a job as a truck driver for a construction supply company. Pride has no place in college students who need money in their pocket. By all means apply for the good jobs, but one in ten persons doesn't have a job right now, and you're facing stiffer competition to get the jobs you want than has existed during your lifetime.

Scooter

re: Temp agencies, I spent 2.5 years working for Randstad, and spent the entire time working the same data entry job. The company paid them $18.50 an hour (I'm probably not supposed to know this) and I got $11. There was no paid time off or benefits or raises, but the hours were flexible and it was a great student job.

TyrantCow

yeah, a shitty job beats plasma donation!

(been there - did it for an extended period of time - over stepped my bounds - ended up poppin' pills for a couple weeks because i made myself so sick)

ruzkin

When I was first looking for a job, my godfather asked me why I didn't just apply to McDonalds. I told him I had too much pride.

He scowled and said, "Ruz, my first job was at the Sydney sewage plant in the early 70's, and I had to wade out into the shit-lake in my rubber boots and overalls and unplug the outflow pipes with a shovel. Stop bitching."

This is my advice to you. You can either work in fast food, or starve.

noobert

Just because you accept one job, does not mean you can't get another.

Get ANY job, while working that job, look for a better job. Sure, it may be a dick move, but we are talking business here.

ascannerlightly

Kyougu wrote: »

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

Lose your pride.

Honest work is nothing to be ashamed of.

And what's your experience in?

Seriously. You are unemployed. Any job is more respectful than no job.

a job is a job. a paycheck is a paycheck. even if it's only for a couple months. fast food, gas station/convenience stores are ALWAYS hiring. if you can't fully swallow your pride you could look for a mcjob in a part of town and/or establishment where you think your chances of running into someone you know are relatively low.

i currently take the bus 2 hours each way (due to my drivers license being suspended) to a customer service/data entry job for a scuzzy telemarketing company. i'm not proud of alot of the things the company i work for does, but i suck it up and go every day so i can pay my bills while i work on certs for work in the it field (which is towards if not AT the bottom of the "job market in the shitter in fl" list)

Professor Snugglesworth

Seriously? IT jobs are in the shitter? I see commercials for IT degrees round the clock. If what you say is true, I'm glad I switched to a CJ major.

So a lot of you are giving me the "it beats starving" talk regarding a mcjob. I don't disagree with your statements, but I'm not just THAT desperate yet. I live with the rest of my family, and (lord willing) financial aid will be taking care of my classes. Keep in mind I hate not making my own money, so I do want to start working asap.

Also, the other major hurdle regarding my job hunting is their lack of a flexible schedule; most of my classes take place in the evening, which conflicts with any place looking for full time, evenings included.

Last job as American Express. I made some very good cash there, but the late nights meant I couldn't go to school.

My plan for Friday is to get back in touch with the job agencies I'm registered with, and register with anymore I can find. And hopefully come Monday my school's career center will take the first steps in helping to find me work.

Cptn Pants

Dude, get a job at the local Radioshack... if you know anything about electronics they will hire you, its not a horrible gig to be honest. Starts a minimum wage plus commission(I work at Radioshack currently and average about $11+ per hour) and the hours are generally very flexible. The good thing about Radioshack is that they will almost always take you back, I quit 3 years ago to go into I.T. full time, left on good terms, and when i got laid off I re-applied and had my position back in 5 days. It beats a McJob and you get some decent experience with people and everyday electronics which can be a plus.

Steel Angel

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

Seriously? IT jobs are in the shitter? I see commercials for IT degrees round the clock. If what you say is true, I'm glad I switched to a CJ major.

It depends what kind of IT job I imagine. People doing data entry are a dime a dozen, programmers are much rarer. Area also has a huge effect of course.

Since the first page mentioned you have an appointment with your school's career development center, that is by far your best bet. You should have them go over a copy of your resume so make sure that's up to date.

kaliyama

Steel Angel wrote: »

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

Seriously? IT jobs are in the shitter? I see commercials for IT degrees round the clock. If what you say is true, I'm glad I switched to a CJ major.

It depends what kind of IT job I imagine. People doing data entry are a dime a dozen, programmers are much rarer. Area also has a huge effect of course.

Since the first page mentioned you have an appointment with your school's career development center, that is by far your best bet. You should have them go over a copy of your resume so make sure that's up to date.

Truism #1: if a degree is being advertised, it isn't very good.

Zonugal

Sentry wrote: »

If you're a full time student, you could look into being a Resident Assistant. Food and a place to live, plus an awesome, fun job.

I'd be hesitant being a resident assistant if you're looking for a well-paying job. While it's an awesome and enjoyable experience (for those who can take it) it doesn't provide nearly anything towards tuition.

Professor Snugglesworth

Cptn Pants wrote: »

Dude, get a job at the local Radioshack... if you know anything about electronics they will hire you, its not a horrible gig to be honest. Starts a minimum wage plus commission(I work at Radioshack currently and average about $11+ per hour) and the hours are generally very flexible. The good thing about Radioshack is that they will almost always take you back, I quit 3 years ago to go into I.T. full time, left on good terms, and when i got laid off I re-applied and had my position back in 5 days. It beats a McJob and you get some decent experience with people and everyday electronics which can be a plus.

There's a Radioshack near my house, and one that's inside the mall near my college.

It never occurred to me to look there, but based on your recommendation, I'll give it a look.

PaperPritt

Richard M. Nixon wrote: »

The longer you go without anything the better McD's and other similar places will start to look. It doesn't sound like you're desperate yet but you need to look ahead and be prepared to swallow your pride and work someplace crappy.

This. Go to every temp agency near you, give your resume, and say you're willing to do any job they find matching your skills.

I had to do some seriously shitty jobs. Then i got better. Mind you , i was extremly motivated by the fact that i have a rent to pay for my flat, and it was either get a job, or get out of the flat.

Trust me. If you are desperate and ressourceful enough, you WILL find something. Because you need to.

Professor Snugglesworth

Welp, after several temp agency interviews, Craigslist postings, college inquiries, praying, begging, faxing, and e-mailing, I finally landed a job.

The title? Data Entry Specialist at Walgreens.

A 10 minute drive, no late hours, a decent salary, killer benefits, no customer service or interaction whatsoever, and only two classes left until I nab my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice.

Final [strike]Fucking Fantasy[/strike] Ly.

I don't plan to stop there, though. I want to try and squeeze in a paying internet job, either writing articles or e-mails at my spare time, for a little bit of extra cash. As you may or may not have heard, I do a lot of freelance videogame reviews online (click the sig), but none of those are paying gigs. Regardless, I do have writing experience, so if there's an alternate venue where I can type up some articles for a decent sum (or two), I'd love to know about it.

Aside from that, just curious about any tips, advice, do's and dont's as a Data Entry specialist, even though I had a similar job once before. Never worked with Walgreens, but I can only assume they aren't as bloodsucking as American Express.

Incidentally, they also pay less, but oh well.

FeatherBlade

Yay! Well done! Enjoy being employed!

Re: Data Entry do's and don'ts:

Do bring music to listen to, with headphones, but nothing that would distract you from entering the data correctly.

Don't discuss the data you are entering with anyone, ever (except your supervisor, of course), especially if you have signed some kind of confidentiality agreement with the company.

Maybe obvious things to say, but... sometimes they bear repeating.

Erios

Not much constructive to add, but I'm happy you got a job!

Professor Snugglesworth

FeatherBlade wrote: »

Yay! Well done! Enjoy being employed!

Re: Data Entry do's and don'ts:

Do bring music to listen to, with headphones, but nothing that would distract you from entering the data correctly.

Don't discuss the data you are entering with anyone, ever (except your supervisor, of course), especially if you have signed some kind of confidentiality agreement with the company.

Maybe obvious things to say, but... sometimes they bear repeating.

I don't see how I could possibly benefit by sharing patients' prescription info, but dully noted. :P

The music thing is something I'm wondering about, and hopefully something I can ask comfortably once I start (first two weeks is paid training). If it's a go, then it's about time I invested in an ipod.

I'm curious if I could use my laptop as a mini TV (Hulu, YouTube), but I'm pretty sure that would be pushing it. I'm just going to monitor the fellow employees and see what they have around their desks.

In a bit of good/bad news, one fellow newly hired tells me she believes the computer has internet access locked, so that erases the temptation right there.

Darksier

The confidentiality thing gets a lot of people fired mostly out of unintentionally letting go too many details in casual conversation. Even if you aren't at the workplace and you let confidential info out (blurt a name out in a restaurant and someone who knows that person just happens to be there...) and word gets back to your employer you can be let go. And every workplace seems to have that one coworker that exists solely to chat with you about confidential stuff. Congrats on getting a job! I was about to also suggest teaching English abroad...can be fun if you wanted to travel and get paid doing it.

edit- nevermind about that teaching abroad. For some reason I thought you said you already graduated and couldn't find a job in your major. Buuut if you still have a hard time after graduation go for it.

Professor Snugglesworth

Fortunately I'm good at keeping secrets (one of several delusions that justify my belief that I would be a good FBI agent), but again, it's not like I would ever get any interesting info out of prescription reports. Old guy has hemorrhoids, diarrhea, etc, nothing really topical there.

I just remembered my PSP can store music, so an ipod might not be necessary. But again, I won't presume anything is okay until I get the official word.

If it is okay though, then I'm gonna load that thing with podcasts. Tons of them.