Anonymous wrote:Do any of you know how many applications these places have? Hundreds, sometimes over 1,000 from recent college grades to folks in their 60s. Yes the economy is that bad.

Why do people think things are better for part-time jobs? It's just as bad.

I remember from my days as a cashier that the 40 hour week/ FT schedule was only for a few non-managers. For one it pushed you into getting benefits which cost the company more money, they wanted a person with seniority/track record and there was a limited amount of full-time slots and they really didn't want someone transient.

Do any of you know how many applications these places have? Hundreds, sometimes over 1,000 from recent college grades to folks in their 60s. Yes the economy is that bad.

Why do people think things are better for part-time jobs? It's just as bad.

Can you work two part time jobs to increase your salary to the equivalent of full time?

To answer your question, OP, yes the job market is that bad.
My DH looked for 18 months to find a job in his field, and finally took the one and only offer that came forth, even though it was a 10% pay cut and a step back in his career.

He also learned to omit certain degrees and experiences in his resume, because he would have looked drastically overqualified for most jobs he applied for. The ones he is qualified for are not hiring, period.

Good luck.

I would recommend working part-time in retail and working part-time in a volunteer position in your field. I know a few people who landed paid positions after volunteering a few months (including myself).

What about working as a food server or in a call center?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So I've been out of work for 6 months and I thought I would give applying for retail a try. I applied for a full time position at JC Penneys, and I was able to speak with the department manager. She told me very bluntly that she wouldn't hire me because she wants someone who will be there long term and that with my credentials she felt that as soon as another job came along that I would be out the door. She was right, but that's beside the point. I just can't believe the market is that bad that not only can I not get hired in my field, but I even got rejected from a retail job!!! Has anyone else had this experience?

It's not really beside the point. The manager wants an employee who isn't going to jump ship at the first opportunity. Look at it from her perspective. She doesn't want to have to go through the hiring and training process every 6 months.

Well who knows when that opportunity will present itself. That would take another 6 months or longer the way this market is right now.

It is not about you, it is about them. Nobody cares about you, surely you should have learned this by now. Your credentials mean nothing. How are you going to help the company? What tangible benefits do YOU provide? Your pieces of paper mean nothing.

You lose your job and be out of work for 6 months or longer then come talk to us about how you were able to get another one in this crappy economy.

I have helped many relatives land jobs in this economy.

Perhaps if you change your attitude, you will have better luck.

Were these jobs in retail?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So I've been out of work for 6 months and I thought I would give applying for retail a try. I applied for a full time position at JC Penneys, and I was able to speak with the department manager. She told me very bluntly that she wouldn't hire me because she wants someone who will be there long term and that with my credentials she felt that as soon as another job came along that I would be out the door. She was right, but that's beside the point. I just can't believe the market is that bad that not only can I not get hired in my field, but I even got rejected from a retail job!!! Has anyone else had this experience?

It's not really beside the point. The manager wants an employee who isn't going to jump ship at the first opportunity. Look at it from her perspective. She doesn't want to have to go through the hiring and training process every 6 months.

Well who knows when that opportunity will present itself. That would take another 6 months or longer the way this market is right now.

It is not about you, it is about them. Nobody cares about you, surely you should have learned this by now. Your credentials mean nothing. How are you going to help the company? What tangible benefits do YOU provide? Your pieces of paper mean nothing.

You lose your job and be out of work for 6 months or longer then come talk to us about how you were able to get another one in this crappy economy.

I have helped many relatives land jobs in this economy.

Perhaps if you change your attitude, you will have better luck.

Not the OP, but I'm sure some of you DCUMers (especially those of you making over $100k would think retail is beneath you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I second the suggestion to try to work part time in retail prior to seeking a full time position. Full time retail positions are not that common, and to be honest, I don't know why you think you'd get selected for one if you have no recent retail experience.

The only issue with working part time is, I'll make less money than I get from unemployment. I have bills to pay and a family to support.

I am empathetic to your situation, but your expectations are unreasonable. Part time employment will reduce your unemployment benefits, but if you want full time retail employment to be an option, you'd have to give it a shot.

Anonymous wrote:OP, I second the suggestion to try to work part time in retail prior to seeking a full time position. Full time retail positions are not that common, and to be honest, I don't know why you think you'd get selected for one if you have no recent retail experience.

The only issue with working part time is, I'll make less money than I get from unemployment. I have bills to pay and a family to support.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So I've been out of work for 6 months and I thought I would give applying for retail a try. I applied for a full time position at JC Penneys, and I was able to speak with the department manager. She told me very bluntly that she wouldn't hire me because she wants someone who will be there long term and that with my credentials she felt that as soon as another job came along that I would be out the door. She was right, but that's beside the point. I just can't believe the market is that bad that not only can I not get hired in my field, but I even got rejected from a retail job!!! Has anyone else had this experience?

You will probably have better luck if you put that you are willing to work part-time until a full time position opens up. If you also have wide availability scheduling wise that is also very helpful. It is not very reasonable when people expect to take weekends off and only want the traditional 9-5 business hours.

Try and apply at a store you like to shop in, it might improve your attitude about working in retail. Try to be positive about whatever position you are applying for. When you said "I even got rejected from a retail job" it implies that you think a retail job is beneath you. Retail can be stressful and will not necessarily be easy.

I used to work as a store manager and I worked with some very nice people that needed help supplementing their income or were out of work in their fields. Off the top of my head I recall working with an engineer, school teacher and therapist. Good luck to you OP.

I don't think retail is beneath me, I just said that because people are always telling me retail and fast food are always hiring. I know retail can be stressful, I worked in retail in high school and college.

OP, I second the suggestion to try to work part time in retail prior to seeking a full time position. Full time retail positions are not that common, and to be honest, I don't know why you think you'd get selected for one if you have no recent retail experience.

Anonymous wrote:So I've been out of work for 6 months and I thought I would give applying for retail a try. I applied for a full time position at JC Penneys, and I was able to speak with the department manager. She told me very bluntly that she wouldn't hire me because she wants someone who will be there long term and that with my credentials she felt that as soon as another job came along that I would be out the door. She was right, but that's beside the point. I just can't believe the market is that bad that not only can I not get hired in my field, but I even got rejected from a retail job!!! Has anyone else had this experience?

You will probably have better luck if you put that you are willing to work part-time until a full time position opens up. If you also have wide availability scheduling wise that is also very helpful. It is not very reasonable when people expect to take weekends off and only want the traditional 9-5 business hours.

Try and apply at a store you like to shop in, it might improve your attitude about working in retail. Try to be positive about whatever position you are applying for. When you said "I even got rejected from a retail job" it implies that you think a retail job is beneath you. Retail can be stressful and will not necessarily be easy.

I used to work as a store manager and I worked with some very nice people that needed help supplementing their income or were out of work in their fields. Off the top of my head I recall working with an engineer, school teacher and therapist. Good luck to you OP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So I've been out of work for 6 months and I thought I would give applying for retail a try. I applied for a full time position at JC Penneys, and I was able to speak with the department manager. She told me very bluntly that she wouldn't hire me because she wants someone who will be there long term and that with my credentials she felt that as soon as another job came along that I would be out the door. She was right, but that's beside the point. I just can't believe the market is that bad that not only can I not get hired in my field, but I even got rejected from a retail job!!! Has anyone else had this experience?

It's not really beside the point. The manager wants an employee who isn't going to jump ship at the first opportunity. Look at it from her perspective. She doesn't want to have to go through the hiring and training process every 6 months.

Well who knows when that opportunity will present itself. That would take another 6 months or longer the way this market is right now.

It is not about you, it is about them. Nobody cares about you, surely you should have learned this by now. Your credentials mean nothing. How are you going to help the company? What tangible benefits do YOU provide? Your pieces of paper mean nothing.

You lose your job and be out of work for 6 months or longer then come talk to us about how you were able to get another one in this crappy economy.