Daniel
I am 22 years old. I have my high school diploma. I have recently graduated from a two year training program for Security and Protective Services. I have received certifications relevant to my career field. I have volunteer experience in my desired profession. I have applied to every possible employer that I could. I only have $1000 in my savings. I am Unemployed. I have one week to locate affordable housing because I will no longer be able to reside in my current residence. I have done everything that I can in order to obtain employment and housing. my question for the public or career transition experts is given my current situation detailed above what is the most effective course of action at this point?
Hi Daniel, That's so frustrating, and scary too! I know! It also depends on where you are? Have you thought about looking at employment agencies for temporary or permanent work? Also, depending on where you are, perhaps there is a city, county state or federal employment office?
Hi - it's me again (FrangranceOfChrist67) - I figured out how to log into the correct Jobcase user account.
Here is a post I made a while ago that might have more info to help you:
Hello, Daniel. I am so sorry to hear of your trouble getting situated after finishing school and putting in all that work. I racked my brain for ideas and I came up with a few. I am more than twice your age, so I have seen a few things in life and maybe some of them will spark an idea that will give you something to work with...
First off, sadly, it is not surprising what you are telling us, as the tech/vocational schools are cranking out thousands of graduates with big promises of job placement and employment, but there are too many for the job market to contain, it would seem.
If you are able to view the posts I have made on here over the past few months or so as Sara Miller (or Sarah Miller, depending on my login) I have posted a lot of good info on job searches, some of it on finding jobs in the "hidden job market" - things you might not find advertised. (I think I need to log in again with my Facebook to be on the correct profile - this is the wrong one I am using, apparently). If I find my posts myself I will try to respond with some of them in another comment to your post later on.
Have you been to Indeed.com? They have quite a lot of listings, and you can search all the below categories you applied for and will likely find more in your area. Have you gone to a local homeless shelter or other agency to tell them you might be joining the ranks of the homeless soon and would like job assistance? I am sure they would rather help you now than see you fall between the cracks - I know that sounds desperate but it is a resource. I have also found a lot of job listings for people just by them telling me their area and searching job listings on Craigslist (sorry if that is redundant and you already are searching there).
Another idea, for you to get some experience, is to do freelance work, offer your services as a for-hire security specialist, body guard, security escort (not "that" kind), possibly hit-up some of the local event planners and see if they need security personnel for events, that will get you some on and off real life experience, and a chance to network. Alarm installation is also a job that always seems to have openings, and it is in that field, not necessarily your first choice but like many find out, education doesn't do much until you get a start somewhere. They may need volunteer patrols for the local police department. Around here they have seniors do that, but maybe you could get on here and there just for the connections and experience. Another idea would be to find people who are already working in the field of interest, possibly at a higher level than entry level, and see if you can befriend any of them on the basis of wanting career information. Men like to talk about what they do, how they got there, what they feel is important about their job, their responsibilities. I have actually known people who moved out of being unemployed by doing this "investigative/research" type of job networking. The more people get to know you on a non-threatening basis (as in, you are not begging for a job, just "advice") and you approach them as if they are the experts that can help you out - some people really open up. Maybe ask if you can join them on their lunch break, or shadow them on the job for an hour when it is slow, I have seen it happen. That is a good time to start up a conversation. There is actually something to be said for saying to someone, "help".... just incorporate that into a sentence: I was hoping you could help me, I really could use your help, any help/information/ideas/advice you could offer, etc. Something about being humble that way softens some people up and in my experience, they often respond favorably.
I know you are short on time and these networking ideas may be more time-consuming than something that gets you caught up by next week, but they are tools in your belt, so keep them on hand.
One more place you can try is local schools, community colleges, small shopping centers, places that you normally see security around. Another idea, would be to hire yourself out as security detail at weddings. All I ever hear about lately is people having their things stolen, gifts, wallets, purses, money, etc, at weddings. You could charge like $150 - $200 to be there at the wedding and the reception to make sure nothing shady is going on so they can enjoy themselves, dress like a guest, etc. Research the trends in this new trend in special occasion theft and use that as your selling point - people don't know they need or want something until they find out they do, so you can possibly create a type of service no one has even yet considered. You just never know - some people spare no expense when it comes to weddings. You would do this by contacting wedding coordinators, make up some fliers and some business cards, hand them out at churches that do weddings, at synagogues, near bridal and tux shops, flower shops - places people working on weddings would frequent. You can put crime statistics on there that relate to wedding venues, explain how your services would help, your qualifications, offering peace of mind, etc. You just really never know.
Well, if I think of any more, I will be sure to post. If you let me know what city or area you are in, I can also keep an eye out for you. Please keep your chin up, you sound like a person that really has applied himself in so many ways and there is a lot to be said for that in this day and age. A lot of young men are doing next to nothing with themselves and you are doing the opposite. Never give up, and never lost your confidence, or your smile. Something about a smile, kindness, and consideration of others, makes people gravitate to you, so hold onto that above all else.
I'll be praying for you - already did earlier today.
Hi Daniel: Sorry to hear about your job search situation - hopefully the Jobcase Community can help! Have you been following up on all of the job applications you've been submitting? Call or visit each employer and ask to speak to whomever is in charge of hiring. That's a big step in helping you get closer to that interview. Also, what specific type of job role are you looking for? Let us know so we can help you find new jobs to apply to.
Also, go back to your old training program where you received certification and see what they have in regards to job placement. It may be unfortunate, as they may be one of those for profit education programs who historically have a history of taking money and not helping you secure employment.