Since I have been actively seeking a new job for about 1.5 years now (with no luck) I thought to create a thread where everyone could post tips. I know I could sure use some tips on how to get some call backs. I must have a billion resumes floating out there in cyber land and I can't get a call back to save my life. What gives?

I know it can't be my resume. I have had several people critique it and was told my wording is beautiful. So, fellow Minglers, if anyone has any tips .. don't be shy!

good luck, two years now for me, I have been volunteering and perhaps will make some connections, but its amazingly competitive right now with the numbers out of work, already having experience in a field, and willing to work for less,,,

I am actually considering bombarding the temp agencies, I already signed onto all of them, but I Think I need to start 'bugging' them,,, it cant hurt

3 years for me. But I don't need the money.

The best tip is, to make your own buissness. That's what I'm doing right now! ^_^

I was thinking about walking into a staff agency but I'm not sure on that yet. I mean I have a job and I'm thankful for it but I also know what I want in life and what I want to do with my life. This job is certainly not going to help me with any of that. I want to better myself and I find that very difficult.

Good luck to you also.

i've always been told to contact them by in person, by phone
etc. one week after you put in your application, resume or
interview. continue weekly until you hear from them.
seems your constant contact reminds them of your tenacity
in seeking employment with them.
good luck,,,

I would love too. I did pet services for a long time and I was going to make that my business but recently the remains of my clientele have either moved out of state or lost their jobs. I have advertised myself but to no avail :(

yes, I know but I am using careerbuilder, simplyhired, indeed, and so forth .. all of which employers request that you do not contact them by phone or in person. Or there is not enough info provided to even contact them by phone.

Employers rarely even check their websites or email for resumes. Even when the only option is to apply online. Sites such as Monster.com CareerBuilder.com, etc. simply don't work. You'll get more spam/scams than actually job opps.

Your best bet is to try to talk in person with them or over the phone. Go to your local One Stop.

Yeah, but a lot of companies only have applications online. Such companies as Petsmart, Petco, Acme, Shoprite, etc. A lot of employers have done away with paper applications.

I don't have a problem with spending my weekends going from place to place to actually fill out those who still have paper applications but gas is so expensive.

What is a One Stop?

I think that there is just THAT much competition for jobs and it is even harder when a massive amount of people are applying online for the same position.

OneStop is for job searching, they also help with resumes and things.

http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wnjpin/findjob/onestop/services.html

I have gotten every job I ever applied for.
Two reasons.
(1) Like Smokeybette says, the callback,
you to them, is crucial.

My first job, there were 500 applicants.
When interviewed I saw the employer was
pretty overwhelmed. No one would make
an impact.
I called him back the next day, offered to
help him sort though the applicants
He laughed, and back I went.
I sorted the applicants into 5 piles.
(1) The OVER-qualified (it was an entry
level position.)
(2) The UNDER-qualified (don't show up
for a job interview with no SS card#.)
(3) The grammar challenged in a communication
position, or illegible application.
(4) Those who wanted to know what the job
could do for them as opposed to vice-versa.
(5) MY application.
He laughed and laughed, gave me the job, told
me to make the others go away hahaha.

Point is, the call back separated me
from the herd.
I would find a way, before leaving, to get
that number to call.

The other thing, to get attention, is to
be personable. This is highly subjective.
But, good grooming, smiles, LISTENing, and a
steady gaze into their eyes can work.
Don't over yack, and being sympathetic to THEIR
position can be helpful.

Become a pimp. Only kidding ^_ ^. Volunteering is a good way of gaining credit. Much respect for that. Means you're still working hard, even if you don't have a job.

I am with you on that. I used to be able to snag jobs like that. But the last 2 years have been very difficult. I have a real good long term work history with second jobs on top of ones i already had.