Job hunting equals not good

JDS

JDS

Location
The United States
I start this post wit a gigantic sigh. I am 27, female, almost have my master's degree, and I cannot find a job. I have exhausted my options in terms of tree care in my area. I have been trying to land a position for over a year. Lots of things probably contribute to not being able to get a tree care job, and I won't go into that. I am doing what I can, and it isn't working.

Since this area seems blocked to my person, I have broadened my job applications to just about anything. I can't move from my city, and I feel incredibly stuck. I can't get a job doing what I love (working in trees) and I can't get a job in any number of places, like big department stores, sales, landscaping, telemarketing, etc.

I have put in around 150 or better applications and/or resumes, and the job market is killing me.

Any suggestions? Am I overlooking anything? I am giving myself a time line, till June 6th, and then I start applying at restaurants.

Anyone in a similar boat? Is it the economy? Or just me?
 
I hate to say it but it sounds like you have done a lot of work not to get something. It sadly sounds like its your area. My sisters lives in western MA and the options are slim there. She worked for a while as a waitress and finally was able to get a job working in a retail outlet store as an assistant manager. Pick up a restaurant job part time and try and build your own gig. Best of luck to you. People might even feel your over qualified and pass you over. Hope things get better.
 
I would love to get the heck out, but I can't...
I would start my own business, but there are a million around here. I have a 3yr old to support as well, so I need a consistant pay check. I am really frustrated, if you couldn't tell by my post! I am pretty sure I am going to find something, and just keep tree climbing in my spare time.
 
Hope things turn around for you soon.

Sometimes when you find all the doors where you are are closed it is simply a sign from the cosmos that you need to look beyond where you are.

It may seem that you cannot go elsewhere, and all the facts may strongly suggest that, but maybe, just maybe, stepping out into the unknown to look is exactly what you need to do.

We can only broaden our horizons when we venture beyond our horizons.

Just something to consider...
 
JDS,
As far as tree work goes, do the companies know what you are looking for? If you're experienced they need to know that rather than just shrugging you off as a new green hire. And vice versa: they may be expecting a very experienced person when all they need is a groundie.
Maybe also look at these companies to see who is doing side jobs. Even if the big company doesn't need help the sideliners might.
If all else fails try volunteering. My wife was without work in university and ended up volunteering at a local botanic garden. It turned into a full time job and then a whole carrer direction. It may not be practical but you still get references, experience, and good contacts.

Best of luck.
 
JDS, I've heard your story a thousand times, literally when I ran Job search workshops in the 90s during that recession. The program helped those seeking work to improve their search strategies and presentation. We managed to achieve an 85+% success rate with people of all walks of life, from blue collar to executive office, experienced professionals to green as grass graduates of a variety of programs and, everything else.

The first piece of advice I can give you is to maintain a positive approach to your job, when you're seeking work you need to be mindful of what you put out to the general public and more importantly the market in which you wish to work. A better start may have been to tell us what you've got to offer besides hard luck. BostonBull is a heck of a great guy to offer you an opportunity without so much as a look at a resume. Most wouldn't give you that as you've found out. 150 applications isn't much in all honesty. Were these advertised positions? If not did you do some research about the companies? Direct your resume and cover letter to the president, owner, operations manager, Tree Chief? Or did they go to Human Resources?

Only 10% of jobs are advertised and many are not even aware that they need to hire someone! How about a post with a paragraph describing the education, experience, hard and soft skills and, the passions you have relating to the tree care industry. Start thinking about what prior experience you have in your working life and how it transfers to this industry. Finish it with the benefit you feel you can deliver to a company.

In this economy we don't need to hire more bodies just add more value that can help the business achieve it's goals.

If you can bring something to the table that can help someone's business survive and thrive then they're going to be at least interested in looking at you.
 
wow that was quick, maybe all you had to do was vent and done deal. wish it always worked like that. Good luck at your new gig. What did you find?
 
I am working as a housekeeper at a hotel, and I am very happy to have found something! The job market is tough right now, which is the point I wanted to make, rather than complaining! Thanks for all of the encouragement! it used to be the answer to get a degree, and now that isn't so much the case.

Thanks for the job offer Boston, I appreciate it, but I am not quite experienced enough to market myself as a "climber", I do like doing tree work, but I am not there yet, which is the reason I posted in the tree free zone. I was looking for advice/ideas on other occupations that may or may not be related.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I am working as a housekeeper at a hotel, and I am very happy to have found something! The job market is tough right now, which is the point I wanted to make, rather than complaining! Thanks for all of the encouragement! it used to be the answer to get a degree, and now that isn't so much the case.

Thanks for the job offer Boston, I appreciate it, but I am not quite experienced enough to market myself as a "climber", I do like doing tree work, but I am not there yet, which is the reason I posted in the tree free zone. I was looking for advice/ideas on other occupations that may or may not be related.

[/ QUOTE ]

No problem! Youre a good person, and will land on your feet im sure of it.

We are hiring for all positions, not just climbers
 
have you gotten your arborist certification yet? One thing that you can do for side work is start getting tree jobs. market a little, talk to customers, then subcontract your jobs out to other reputable climbers and small companies in the area. Its like being a contract climber but the other way around. You get 10-15% on the jobs. It sounds like youve been around tree work long enough to know what goes on and what has to happen for a tree job to get done. Start establishing relationships and try to get a lot of educating yourself done. You can work your way into tree care on the side. it can grow into something.
 
JDS, you need to market yourself as an person looking to begin a career in arboriculture with aspirations to become a climber. A willingness to literally learn the job from the ground up is a very attractive feature for a tree co. More importantly, that you will bring an attitude and aptitude for the real grind of the daily reality. As well, you don't present the typical baggage associated with employees in this industry. If you can demonstrate that you will truly add value and increase productivity then you will have a shot at achieving your goal!
 
My boss can't climb at all and knows very little about tree work but that doesn't stop him from owning his own company.

Id suggest getting certified and manage your own company like treebeing said. Your knowledge is worth a lot and people would be willing to pay.
 
JDS,

Some advice I got from my Mother when I was going through a real dry patch:

Put down the phone, turn off your computer, save yourself the cost of the stamps, forget the newspaper. All useless!

Reduce your resume to a business card.

Dress ready to go to work, have your gear ready with you, and get in your car. First thing in the morning drive to a wealthy neighborhood, park, get out, walk around, and listen for chainsaws. When you find a crew working, walk up, find out who is in charge, approach them and tell them you're ready to go RIGHT NOW! Tell them: "Just give me today to show you what I can do for you." Then get in there and work like heck.

If they turn you down hand them your card. Next time they need someone, they will remember you and your drive to go to work over anyyone who has mailed or phoned.

My Mom's a pretty sharp old bird. Grew up during the depression, learned this from her Dad and Uncles.

I had a starting job in days, and people who already had my resume in PDF and hard copy were calling back.

I do see that you've got a job housekeeping, but if trees are your goal, you might try my mother's approach.

Good Luck JDS,

Northwind
 
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