How are you doing finding a job?

[Frugal]

Just wondered if there is anyone else out there trying really hard to find work. What have you been doing to bolster your job search lately?

If you are unemployed currently, how are you learning to save money?

[minnie1928]

I started looking for work in the 3rd week of February. Two weeks later I had 4 interviews, accepted a job the following week. I started 2 weeks ago and couldn't be happier, great job with great people. FWIW, I'm in accounting.

I used simplyhired.com and careerbuilder.com. While I was out of work I pursued my Certified Management Accountant designation, which I feel helped me stand out.

[project15]

I was laid off on November 30th and received my next job's offer on December 7th. I know it's not that easy for everyone, but there are jobs out there to be had. If I were still out of work now, i would be taking classes to make myself more marketable and move into a different area of my field.

[NolaP]

It took me a year to find my job. I put the word out to everyone I know for the most part, and went through a ton of fruitless interviews. Consider everyone you know and meet a contact, and get out there and network! All my interviews came out of "knowing someone" for the most part. Good luck!

[Frugal]

Thanks for sharing your responses, everyone. I have been looking for work myself since early November. Nothing yet, but had two interviews for positions I was honestly not qualified for, and surprised they selected me to interview (thus, was not surprised when I did not beat the fierce competition to get the job).

I wrote the original post, because I have noticed that most of the jobs I used to see posted slowed down in March and April at most companies. This month, it has been tough to find anything to apply to at all, although I look every day. I think it may be cyclical, and have something to do with hiring slowing down perhaps at certain times during the fiscal year (not sure which quarter April is in, perhaps the second quarter?).

Anyhow, keep up the hard work everyone. I have been in this boat before, and I think eventually most of us will find reasonable work. In the meantime, I am learning ideas to save money, and about thinks such as unemployment insurance and COBRA health insurance coverage.

[minnie1928]

Originally Posted by Frugal

Thanks for sharing your responses, everyone. I have been looking for work myself since early November. Nothing yet, but had two interviews for positions I was honestly not qualified for, and surprised they selected me to interview (thus, was not surprised when I did not beat the fierce competition to get the job).

I wrote the original post, because I have noticed that most of the jobs I used to see posted slowed down in March and April at most companies. This month, it has been tough to find anything to apply to at all, although I look every day. I think it may be cyclical, and have something to do with hiring slowing down perhaps at certain times during the fiscal year (not sure which quarter April is in, perhaps the second quarter?).

Anyhow, keep up the hard work everyone. I have been in this boat before, and I think eventually most of us will find reasonable work. In the meantime, I am learning ideas to save money, and about thinks such as unemployment insurance and COBRA health insurance coverage.

I think first quarter is more popular simply because it's the beginning of a new year for a lot of companies, fiscally speaking. They may have budgeted new positions for the new year.

As far as saving money, you really just have to look at things as either a want or a need and REALLY be honest about your needs. Cable TV is not a need. Food is a need, but going out to eat is not. Stop any recreational shopping and seriously look at your trash. How much do you throw away that is disposable? Paper towels, napkins, paper plates, plastic ware, etc. are all wasteful. Cook from scratch instead of buying premade. Things like that...

[Frugal]

Yes, minnie, I agree. Lately I am realizing even frugal people like me (the average American) waste a lot of food. I am trying to throw out less, and get creative and reuse more when I am bored with leftovers!!

[couchrobt]

When the moment of tightening belts, it is a cue for us that we need more than just the work we have. If unemployed, it means it is about time to get one even it is below our expected work to be. As long as it pays the bills and put food on the table.