Job Frustation

Dear Cossette

I quit my job, here, in San Jose, about a year ago. I had been working as a manager at Target for almost five years and was very unhappy with the company and their treatment of me. I have applied for jobs almost everywhere.  I have sent my resume to everyone and every organization and company that I can. I have also asked my many friends, 1,500, on FB to help me get a job because I am now really desperate, having health issues. I'm a 45 year old male, single, with no dependents but I can't continue to live on unemployment much longer. Although my employers were really lousy, they did consent to allow me to collect by saying I was laid off rather than having quit. If I continue to be unemployed I fear I may have to leave California and move back home with my aging parents in Detroit, which I don't want to do. Can you please help me get a job?

Tom
SJ, Calif.

Dear Tom,

I am sorry to hear about your job frustration.  However, I think that your approach is only adding to your stress.  It is important to network.  However, telling your 1,500 friends on Facebook that you are desperate is not the best approach.  Unfortunately, employers and even your friends are less inclined to help someone who is 'desperate.'  It would have been best if you had sought a new job while you were still employed.  Now, that you are unemployed, this will be an uphill value.  Second, Facebook is a social-networking site intended for non-professional purposes.  I suggest that you join LinkedIn and also start attending various job-networking events.  Applying to jobs by sending ones resume is often ineffective because in today's competitive job market, employers are inundated with resumes that they don't have time to read.  You might have better luck by meeting potential employers in person.  But, I would avoid stressing that you are desperate.