2 years out of work. What can be wrong?

[King Peace]

It's been 2 years I have been out of work. Can a previous employer be giving me a bad reference? I just got done with a job interview. They said I had everything they needed. They just had to find out if I would be a good fit with the others. They also said they would be interesting others. I have not heard back. It's a week and a half ago. I am 50 so I have that going against me. I am always going through this. I don't know what I should do. I feel lost. Why must I always go through this!

[NinjaFrodo]

I'm sorry that you are suffering with such a problem, it sounds to be very frustrating and depressing and you have every right to feel that way. Perhaps the age might be working against you and I do believe that you have gone through this many times but if you continue to tell yourself these things do you really believe they are going to help you? Does it really give you more determination to keep trying or does it make you want to give up instead? Does it make you feel better or worse? Does it help give you the energy or cheerfulness that might be attract someone to hire you?

You certainly aren't the only person your age who was hired for a job. It is possible and you have the ability to learn and grow and so you have what you have to make it workout. You may need to learn some more skills or do some problem solving but you have those abilities. There is always a way and if you are really committed, you will find it!

However, the situation you are talking about right now does not sound like a bad one. These people are not going to have you on their mind all the time, they have their own insecurities and worries as well too. If you really want to show that you want the job, you need to do a follow-up call and ask whats going on.

If that doesn't work then instead of going into the victim role, do some research on interviews, the job process, influencing people, asking questions...etc.

Oh and I would definately recommend calling up that previous owner and asking if he had even been called as a refrence.

Mike

[P&P]

It's tough out there! My boyfriend, who has a commerce degree and a good deal of experience, has had a horrible time finding a new job. He's lucky to currently have a permanent position but isn't too happy in this current office. I know he's a great candidate and would do a wonderful job anywhere but the reality is that there are many people applying on these positions, so you're up against a lot of competition. It's definitely frustrating (I'm trying to look for a new job as well) but try and not take it so personally. Be proactive in looking over your resume again or having someone have a look at it, figure out if there's something you can approve on. When you don't receive a job, it's fair to ask them why, maybe they can shed some light. I think a lot of it comes down to timing and luck but do everything you can do to ensure you'll be as successful as possible.

[tina martin]

Here are wonderful responses with good advice and fine encouragement. Big thing is, as P&P says, do not take it personally and it is a good idea to ask for feedback. No harm in asking. It is an employer's market so luck and timing and sometimes "connections" count a lot.

Please know we are rooting for you.

[SeaRunner]

KP -

I've recently found myself in the same boat. I was laid off at the end of the year and have been on the job hunt for about a month now. I want to share something that I recently read regarding how people got the jobs they currently have. I think it's important enough that it will definitely change how I continue my job search. A study was done on how people found work and the results were that approximately 60% of folks were hired because of some connection to the company, whether it be someone already working there, a customer, or some other link. Furthermore, the association between them and that link tended to be an acquaintance rather than a friend. The logic behind this is that we tend to run in the same circles as our friends so more distant acquaintances help link us with circles in which we don't normally travel. I hope this gives you some insight as well.

Good luck on the hunt,
Jamie

[King Peace]

Thanks for the feedback.
I did get my last full time job through an acquainted. Yet he was the laughing stock of the company. This guy had serious social issues. He was too didactic! So, the assumed I was like him. I was totally different than him. But you're right. If I can find other people I know who work for a company that would be great. Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone.

[Wildcard]

Keep in mind one very important thing, FORMER EMPLOYERS CANNOT GIVE OTHER ANSWERS THAN YES OR NO! They Can't say if you were a good or bad worker. They are allowed to only say "Yes/No they worked/didn't work here" Federal law prohibits anything else!

[King Peace]

Wildcard I hope you're right. But I hear different things from different sources.
I worked for a very cut throat dishonest school system. It was very political. I worked my but off but because I did not have the same racial status as the boss, and I did not kiss his but he let me go. So I would not put it passed any of them to trash me. They were a ruthless bunch. In the end they ended up kicking my boss out. But I don't trust the ones who were left behind.

[Wildcard]

If you truly believe that they did, get a lawyer then you wont have to worry about a job because they will win the suit for you and you will never have to work again.... Unless you want to. But be very sure you are right! All of the privacy laws that are out there now make it very illegal to degrade someone if called as a reference. It has been that way before the economy went bad I'm almost positive it hasn't got easier. Good luck in you hunt!

[PlumMach1]

King Peace, at 49 years old, I'm in the same boat, two years this month from my lay off. I'm now officially a 99er. What's wrong is the economy caused by greedy oil nations and stupid bank loan policies. I'm was laid off from a nice job as a Civil Designer Cad Manager position. The civil engineering business is highly dependent on developers which can't get money from the banks to develop therfore they are not seeking engineering work to design the developments. Shovel ready projects don't help the engineering business. I've applied for many jobs other than what I was laid off from with no luck. I hope you have other family that can help you, my parents have been helping us, but that is going to be worse now that the unemployment benefits have run out. Hang in there you're not alone!