Is there an unwritten network here?

I've heard the same thing and you know what? I say, those companies are no longer worth my time looking for job wise. I think in tough economic times, I will start my own business and make my own way of getting money. Don't get me wrong, but without some kind of funds coming through, I go hungry. Now, my family doesn't qualify for welfare or unemployment cause we make too much from our previous job and my husband gets a military retirement check each month. I get so fed up, they can't help but see my talents when they find out, and then they will hire me based on my talents. But they won't if they can't see them.

Sounds paranoid and looking for an excuse. Once you get past this conspiracy theory thinking, and look at yourself objectively, you will have a difficult time finding a job.

One of the worst inhibitors to finding decent employment is today's version of the Human Resources departments. The trick is to get past the HR dept. and in front of the person that does the hiring or makes the decisions. HR people often justify their existence by not being able to find "just the right person" without bothering to interview people.

I don't know about a local good old boy networking when it comes to hiring, but you can blame companies outsourcing jobs for an increase in unemployment. I do not seen these third world countries with companies rushing to build offices/call centers/factories, etc here.

sounds like whitey is holding him down eh shivas?

The problem Bob is you are probably extremely qualified and due to your experience will cost more to hire. Companies are looking for cheap labor which is either young, inexperienced or both. Paradoxical ain't it!!!!! I know plenty of experienced workers who are encouraged to early retire so the company can hire a younger cheaper replacement (which odds are the older will actually help train). Often the retired employee will actually be hired as a temporary to keep things afloat because of the lack of experience of the replacement. Muck Fe!!!!

Bizarro: It is indeed one of the frustrations of submitting a resume and to be told "you are overqualified", or "you wouldn't like it here". As a middle aged white male, no tattoos, no body piercings, well educated, 35 years of solid, verifiable business experience and leadership positions, I can't even get a call-back. Human Resource people are all but Humane. Even overqualified people like to eat.

It is the same all over the world. Networking is the only way. People who are currently finding employment are being recommended by friends and past co-workers and employers. Talk to everyone you know. There is a job for you, don't give up. I have a friend in his late 40's who is relocating his family to TN. Another just relocated to AL. Both openings are high paying positions and were obtained by networking.

Biz has it right! Why hire you at $30 when they can train a monkey (temp} to do the job for $6.

Of course it's easier to get a job when you know someone at the company you applied to ... duh. That's why it's important to network so go join a civic club, a church, or do anything to go meet people. Even once you have a job your employer generally will want you to network and get involved in the community. What city doesn't have a network? Sounds like he's crying about not having any friends and no job to boot.

knowing people helps, but I got here via Ft. Gordon in the 90's. I got out of the Army and stayed and have had no problem myself. I dont get invited to all the parties at the country club, but I am taking care of my family and have a nice life. Perhaps if there is no market for your skills, you could consider something else? I am fortunate that I have not had to face job loss I know. Good luck.

There is a Biblical principle at work here. Your life is influenced more by who you know than what you do. Relationships are all we carry to heaven so that is where the majority of our time should be spent. Sow into others and you reap at the time of need in your life.

I'm in the same boat with the letter writer, but I think it's discrimination based on the last rate of pay. I've heard more than once that employers are afraid I won't stay if the pay is not up to previous employment...and also age discrimination.

grouse...Have you tried telling the Human Resource person that you are willing to start for less and work up to your previous salary? If a company is not familiar with your work, then they might hesitate until you prove yourself to them. Most employers will make an effort to place you with another business, did you try that?

Brown nose and suck up to people more...I mean network lol

I placed an ad in the paper with a brief list of my skills. Its was worth the money and I was getting the calls. It shows initiative.

I think they have read grouse's post on these pages!

DE2: good luck. It's worth every sacrifice to start and maintain your own business. The freedom and income will be there if you persist. You're an example all could follow, if they'd get off their asses.

Is there an unwritten network here? Of course there is. Lots of them. Choose your poison.

Every person I've known who moved here and had a very nice/prestigious job before the move has wound up having to settle for secretarial/clerical work, regardless of their qualifications. Conversely, most people I know who moved from this area to other places have been able to find far better employment. Coincidence?

I'm getting bored and maybe looking for a job. I'm asking all of you to network for me and encourage the Chronicle to hire Bizarro as an editor. I'm not a journalist but at least I can come up with some interesting takes and facts. I can't do any worse than some they already have. Further I'm an Independent so I'll try to be objective and seek a neutral point of view-mostly hee,hee,hee. I'm an excellent artist also so maybe I can draw some political cartoons. That's two, two , two for the price of one. I'm not syndicated but I have been vindicated. Hee,hee.

O.K. let's start the hire Bizarro campaign. We want biz, We want biz!!!! Hmmmm. I think I'm having a epiphany see the light bulb. Maybe I should start my own competitive paper and garner a population of readers, then go with a guaranteed increase in their circulation. I'll have guest editors who I can't afford to pay to contribute: JHRCain, Dr. Gunby, PatriciaThomas, LaTwon, Jack, etc. to stir things up. hee,hee, Multicultural and diverse crowd-it would have to read better than the AC. Well I guess I shouldn't diss a future employer. To bad the Comedy Club closed I might have had a chance there too.

Yes, cappy, I have. As with the letter writer, the most difficult thing is getting a foot in the door.

Unfortunately for people like the writer, that's the way things work. As my mother used to say, life isn't fair...so deal with it. Of course it helps to know someone where you may be applying for a job. I would much rather have someone working for me that I knew would do a good job than take a risk with someone who may or may not pan out. It's difficult enough for young people with college degrees nowadays to find a job upon graduation. The key is to stay qualified, don't give up and have a good work history and work ethic. If you've been unemployed for years, don't expect employers to hire you immediately based on skills you may have had years ago. My advise for this person is to not give up. There may be a perfect job waiting on you in the future!

I've got two pieces of advice for you [the writer of the article], one practical, the other spiritual:

1. Network. It's sad, but yes, the workforce is just as much about who you know as what you know. The good news is, it often isn't very difficult to get to know the people you need to know. Just make yourself available and always be conscious of the impression you leave.

2. Keep Jesus first. The most important thing to remember from a Christian perspective: God already has a place for you. You might not know where that place is, but if you prioritize your relationship with Jesus Christ, then He will bring you into your rightful place in the fullness of time. There are doors that God can open that no man can close, trust me.