Hello,
I am twenty six years old. I got my associates degree a year ago and just recently finished my phlebotomy certification. However, I am having a difficult time finding a job. I have worked at a grocery store for five years and stayed at the bottom because of my schooling. I really am feeling like there is no hope of anybody wanting to hire me. I have done substitute teaching for a while but I do not know if anybody would be interested in hiring me because of how old I am. Can somebody give me some advice about job hunting?

Best advice I could give is persistence. When everyone tells you that it's a terrible economy, nobody is hiring and look how bad unemployment is, ignore them. Keep at it. There is always somebody hiring somewhere. Bad economy is not a universal fact. Widespread yes - but not everyone is watching their business decline.

You indicated that you had gotten certified as a phlebotomist. I would use the handy-dandy internet, or go low-tech with the yellow pages, and find every service that would have phlebotomists, starting closer to home then working your way out. Try to get as near to the boss of each lab/office/hospital/clinic and ask:

1) Are you in need of help? - Express a willingness to start at any job.
2) Do you know of anyone who is hiring?
3) Any advice for someone trying to find this work right now?

If people are not hiring, they generally are happy to offer the consolation of pointing you in the right direction. Don't give up. Get your foot in the door wherever you can and make it clear that you are hungry for moving up and are willing to stand out in a positive way to do so.

Lastly, take advantage of social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter. Many people have reported finding jobs these days by networking on Facebook and the Twitters are pretty good about supporting each other.

Sorry for the book, but I hope this helps.

- Chris

I was unemployed for over 5 months -- the longest ever. Finally found a job but had to move (at my own expense).

Surprisingly the job is so far so good. I actually think it is going to work out especially when I get back on meds for ADHD & Bipolar.

However the financial damage from unemployment, years & years of overspending (partially triggered by abuse of SSRI's, stimulants etc..) and suddenly breaking and skipping out on lease will be worse. Likely chapter 7 or 13 is a certainty

[quote=NickL30;743312]I was unemployed for over 5 months -- the longest ever. Finally found a job in my field but had to move (at my own expense).

The OP is actually is in a good position. Young (employers in the US still favor those under 35) and doesn't have much 'baggage' due to job history and in a very in demand field.

Surprisingly the job is so far so good. I actually think it is going to work out especially when I get back on meds for ADHD & Bipolar.

However the financial damage from unemployment, years & years of overspending (partially triggered by abuse of SSRI's, stimulants etc..) and suddenly breaking and skipping out on lease will be worse. Likely chapter 7 or 13 is a certainty.

Since the OP is 26 I don't have a dissent with this advice. If you are a man over 35 then you damn well better keep in mind the economy is in the sh*tter, with a meaningful recovery a long way off. (My signature pretty much describes the recent farcical bank "stress tests"...) Do not trust that it will all work out. The time to think about contingency planning is before the deputies are on your doorstep.

Michigan resident? Um, good luck...

Best advice I could give is persistence. When everyone tells you that it's a terrible economy, nobody is hiring and look how bad unemployment is, ignore them. Keep at it. There is always somebody hiring somewhere. Bad economy is not a universal fact. Widespread yes - but not everyone is watching their business decline.

You indicated that you had gotten certified as a phlebotomist. I would use the handy-dandy internet, or go low-tech with the yellow pages, and find every service that would have phlebotomists, starting closer to home then working your way out. Try to get as near to the boss of each lab/office/hospital/clinic and ask:

1) Are you in need of help? - Express a willingness to start at any job.
2) Do you know of anyone who is hiring?
3) Any advice for someone trying to find this work right now?

If people are not hiring, they generally are happy to offer the consolation of pointing you in the right direction. Don't give up. Get your foot in the door wherever you can and make it clear that you are hungry for moving up and are willing to stand out in a positive way to do so.

Lastly, take advantage of social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter. Many people have reported finding jobs these days by networking on Facebook and the Twitters are pretty good about supporting each other.

Sorry for the book, but I hope this helps.

- Chris

Since the OP is 26 I don't have a dissent with this advice. If you are a man over 35 then you damn well better keep in mind the economy is in the sh*tter, with a meaningful recovery a long way off. (My signature pretty much describes the recent farcical bank "stress tests"...) Do not trust that it will all work out. The time to think about contingency planning is before the deputies are on your doorstep.

Michigan resident? Um, good luck...

Heaven forbid you have bad credit or can't find a job making at least 100K. People really treat you like crap these days. All these 20 somethings don't seem to be having a problem more like living life its one big party
I found a job in my field at the same salary but still feel like I am 15 years behind where I should be