Another thing that has helped me is believing I have something before it's in my hands. Your mind will figure out a way to get it and you wont even know how. That's basically faith.

I understand your fear and stress level. I have been in that situation many times in my life. You are doing the right thing by praying and seeking God for his guidance and what direction you should go in. You have the education to get a good job, but it seems that when jobs come open an insider gets it for one of their friends. I would tell everybody I know that I am looking for a job. At this point I would go with a temp service where the job is a possible full time position in the future. At least you would get some experience, some income, and a chance to prove yourself. The times I have been where you are I prayed to God for financial help telling him that you know that a man that doesn't provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever. If your physical able I would pray and fast. This gets God's attention because he sees how serious you are about your pray. Fasting puts an explanation mark at the end of you pray. I will be praying for you Stanford. When i least expected it God opened a door and any door he opens can't be closed.

While I have been job hunting as a completely out of the blue layoff pushed me out. I have been doing a lot of research on what to do to win out the job and it says that a dynamic cover letter can really make a difference as that will be the first thing hr will see. Some job ads actually give the words they are looking for. The info in the cover letter gives you a chance to sell your self and what a lucky company they will to have you. You didn't mention you did that so I'm not sure if you did. At dol class we were advised to say clear of done resumes, but as it was done through your college they will know exactly what is needed Good luck!

They will. Trust in God it'll be all right.

Hey Stanford, I can only imagine the stress your under, I'll pass on to you what my dad told me once when I found myself in a situation, God may squeeze us but he will never choke us. Keep praying, stay strong , I know it can be difficult, but trust me, my answer came at 4:00 a.m. as I slept, I can only describe, as if a switch had been turned on, I felt recharged as if the answer had been in front of me all along, my life changed forever. Pray, pray, and keep praying, peace.

Stanford, I too am in your situation; returned to college as an adult, because after a downsizing, all I heard was:"No Degree:NO Job." Now with my B.A. complete all I've heard is no M.S.or M.B.A No job; and these are often for what are termed colloquially "entry-level positions" Keep making connections any way you can. It is a very, very nepotistic world: Whom you know is far, far more important than what you know!

Hi Stanford,

There is no silver bullet in finding a job. You express an attitude "zero luck finding positions that interest me". My best advice considering the economy is growing at about 1% is to to get a job in the industry that your ideal job resides in.

Grit and resilience characteristics to get a job even if is not your ideal job is better than no job. Experience in your industry and building contacts will go a long way to further your career. While your waiting for the ideal job to come along and getting frustrated, others are focused on just getting a job and then moving up to their ideal job.

Also, while you're looking for your ideal job, expand your job search nationally. There may be an area in the US that has openings.

Best Wishes on the Journey Frank

Hi Stanford, All replies here are exemplary of wise counsel. And you've actually touched on one diamond in your own back yard. Namely, your connections.

Nepotism is typically associated with employing nuclear or extended family members, couched in a negative light typically by those who are not part of that circle. The reality is, if you know someone (your connection, your network) who endorses your candidacy resulting in you being hired, it fits the definition of nepotism with one exception: the family is not the traditionally defined nuclear or extended family.

Instead, it is a family of individuals with a common point of reference and the list grows exponentially to define your relationship: you've worked together before; went to school together; grew up together; have the same skill sets and play basketball or basket weaving together. I think you get my point. Lean upon your connections for employment just as you would for any other honest need. You're a part of the human race family looking to become gainfully employed for the same reasons: school loans, mortgages, retirement planning; family support, car notes, ad nauseam. It's called life and there's no shame to that game.

To Mark Bryan's point, this community may be of assistance; however, you'll need to be a bit more granular in your description of the type of job you're looking to fulfill. This may be best addressed offline but it is essential to helping you get clear and concerned with your goal. Hope this helps.

The nuts and bolts of our failures can be used to construct a successful machine. Henry Ford was not a quitter, he was a finisher.

It can indeed be frustrating. You likely won't get the job you want the first or second or third time you work for an employer. Be patient and all good things will eventually come to you.