For the past few months I’ve been applying for almost every job I can but I can barely get a company to call me back.  What am I doing wrong?

-Charlie

Even though the unemployment rates of some states have started to decline, a lot of people are still having a hard time finding a job.  It doesn’t mean that you are necessarily doing something wrong, it often just means you are facing more competition than you did the last time you started looking for a job.  There are a couple of things that you might want to consider doing if you are having a hard time getting call backs and interviews.

Talk to Friends and Business Staff

Sometimes networking is the only way to land an interview with a company that is hiring.  Start talking to your friends and family members about your job search.  Ask them if the company they work for is hiring, and ask them to talk to their company’s human resources department about the application process.  In some situations they may be able to help you fast track a resume or application getting it to the right departments quickly.  Also, talk to the employees at your favorite stores.  Employees who are overworked, or who have a hard time finding vacation coverage, will be happy to tell you how they were hired and give you tips for applying with their employer.

Visit the Department of Labor

Stop by your state’s department of labor offices and find out where their career centers are located.  The department of labor career centers will help you with your resume and cover letters, and can even help you apply to local jobs.  Often employers review department of labor applications first.

The most important thing you can do is stay positive and motivated.  Applying constantly while seeming to get nowhere can be frustrating, but eventually you will find a job that is perfect for you.