Career search frustration - Venting/Advice Seeking

[Apotheosis]

I guess things could be worse in my life. I have a job that I enjoy, not in major debt, in good health, and have lots of good friends.. with that said, I am feeling frustrated with my current career situation, even though I enjoy my job, and am starting to feel a bit depressed as I feel I'm trapped in my situation and not sure what to do.

About a year ago, I finally finished college and found a job with a company that works with musicians (recording studios + CD/DVD + merch production). They were in a pinch, needed someone with my skill-set, I was just happy to find work in Michigan (in my field) so soon. I took the gig, was offered benefits after 3 months, and then when I asked, they told me it would be 6 months. Almost a year later, and I haven't received any info on them, I keep getting the runaround from the boss man. I've made a decision that it's time to move on, even though I love the people I work with + the clients (most of the time).

So, I've been in contact with recruiters and have been sending resumes to job postings that I would be qualified for which would also be a forward career step. I haven't been successful, even though I've been carefully targeting the people I contact. I have one potential position in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area (I had a recruiter contact me from an online resume that I've been working).

I guess it's all getting to me now, and I'm starting to feel a bit depressed about my situation. I was never an "overachiever" in college (no organization affiliations, pretty average GPA), and am afraid that I'm fucked. (I felt my work experience would make up for that).

Does anyone out there have experience working with recruiters, or have some suggestions on how to go after those behemoth companies that I'm targeting for my job search?

[Jorddyn]

Does anyone out there have experience working with recruiters, or have some suggestions on how to go after those behemoth companies that I'm targeting for my job search?

I've heard of very few people with limited experience that have good luck with recruiters. If you want to go after those behemoth companies, call their HR department. Call the department you want to work for. Call anyone in the company you can think of until you find someone willing to take your resume. Offer to send it regardless of if they tell you they are hiring or not.

Yes, experience helps. It appears you only have one year, though, and that really just puts you in competition with fresh grads.


Almost a year later, and I haven't received any info on them, I keep getting the runaround from the boss man. I've made a decision that it's time to move on, even though I love the people I work with + the clients (most of the time).

It's tough to find a job you like working with people you like. If your only complaint is the benefits, go tell your boss that your benefits must be in place within 14 days or you walk. So far, all you've done is let him know you're willing to put up with no benefits.

You may have a case for Wage and Hour if the benefits aren't offered evenly, though. I'm not sure how your state's laws work.

Jorddyn

[Alfster]

the ONLY reason I'm still at my current job is because I have benefits

[Apotheosis]

Actually, in my field, I have roughly 8 years of experience, although they were low level positions (as I was in college at the time). This includes the other gig. I've been told that I would be considered for senior level positions by recruiters in other states, and have found 2 recruiters out of 5 that I seem to really get along with.


Well, in addition, I having often been putting in over 40 hours/week which is mandatory overtime pay, although I get scratched on the side rather than take the OT.

And yeah, I've brought the benefits thing up pretty frequently with my direct supervisor + the company owner.

[Alfster]

If you do change careers, don't let yourself get walked over in your next career. You need to stand up for yourself, if you work overtime...get compensated for it. If you were guaranteed benefits, get them or move on.

[Seran]

What was your degree in?

[Apotheosis]

My major was in art/graphic design with a minor in marketing (primarily promotional + marketing strategy). My career experience has included graphic design + production (web + print), video production, (client service + team environment): Emphasis on project management, although I do not have professional certification (PMP certification). I've worked for small business + medical education environments.



As far as asserting myself: yeah, I've learned that lesson big time. Never again. Sad thing is that in Michigan's dismal economy, it really is bad here, employers have a big advantage.

[Back]

Find a temp place for graphic designers. It’s a great way to find potential employeers.

[Asha]

Yeah that. I was told the same thing so i forced myself into a non pay, experience only placement within a design tech company. After only a few weeks I'd learned so much about the real life of the work that I felt sure it wasn't for me when they offered me a job.
Wasted a few years for that grade too, but I'm happy now.

So yeah, get a foot in any door you want to get involved in. And good luck.
Your current job does sound like the shiz though. :)

[Clove]

I've had mixed experiences with recruiters. Widen your net as much as possible.

Exhaust your network, let every one you know (besides maybe your coworkers) what kind of work you're looking for and ask them to notify you if they run across anything.

Register with temp services, they'll give you a good sample of who's looking in your area and you aren't obligated to accept any positions. You might consider doing temporary work for a while to get your face seen by the right people in local businesses. At least two professionals in my department got in the door as temps.

Contact HR departments and office managers of businesses you're interested in directly.

Take advantage of any and all services your state department of labor offer. Not only do they have lines on employment in every career they can provide expert advice on strategy (although they probably won't help you find an out of state job).