Why is it so hard to find work these days?

I have been out of work for almost a year (about 3 months due to the birth of my daugher) and I cannot find a job to get back into the workforce. I have been looking and apply for positions 6 days a week, at least 3 hours a day for the past 5 months and still nothing. I have been getting interviews lately but no offers. In the past, I had no problem finding work. The real question here is why is it so much different now than in the past? I have a bachelors degree and have been told that I have too much education or experience to start an entry level job. I have applied for higher level positions and been told I do not have enough experience. I understand companies do not want to waste money on training someone who will end up leaving them for a better position but what happens to those people in the meantime? Everyone has to pay their bills, have a place to live and eat. I am applying on monster, careerbuilder, looking in 5 newspapers and applying to large companies directly.

Why is it so hard to find work these days?
Don't feel bad I have been having the same problems. I've been looking for a job for almost a year now and have numerous interviews for office jobs that I have more then 10 years experience in and still haven't received a job. Many employers say that they are getting a lot of people applying just for one job so I think that the chance of getting a job these days is very hard. It is getting very discouraging and some times I feel like I'm wasting my time going on these interviews as some employers are really being very picky. If they'd just give us a chance. The thing that makes me mad is that most of the interviews I've had the employer does not let you know if you didn't get the job. That is soo RUDE!!! I hope that one of these interviews for you and I pan out one of these days. Unemployment is low but it sure seems that a lot of people are looking for positions.
Reply:I think that the population has a little bit to do with it. You know, the more people there are, the more people applying for the job.





Had the same problem a few years ago, so I got really ambitious and started going to businesses and handing my resume personally. Got some good response and finally a job.





Good Luck
Reply:I feel your pain! Been there done that when I retired from the Navy. I believe their are several reasons all kind of linked to each other. We are experience a "time" covering 3 generational profiles. Baby-boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y, which all have different work ethics, perceptions about what they are entitled to, and what a starting position should pay as well as what level that starting position is.





Also the State/Fed laws and taxes about what employers "Have" to provide and pay severely stress many new businesses. Even some of the larger businesses feel the impact. Insurances, Paid time off , Relocation, Background checks, Advancement, etc, etc all cost money. And the point of having a bussiness is to make money...but the pie slices keep getting smaller.





Also we have folks who I wont profile, that will work longer for less pay. As well as elderly/semi retired folks who will work part time vice a full time position. Doesn't that make better sence in the numbers crunch?





These and other factors like the fear of "Over Qualified" folks getting a better paying job somewhere else later...teehee or replacing the person they work for have made finding the perfect job an impossible dream. (Most of the time) I don't believe there is one group, part of society's evolution, or governments to blame, but a combination of them all.





Just to let ya know how frustrated I was when I retired and spent the 3-4 months job hunting...I served the country for 20 years in th U.S. Navy and had many places I applied tell me I was not bilingual, so no hire! In my own country! Now I have been to 23 countrys and 14 states and enjoy all cultures and thier histories...but the last time I looked this country's language was English.





Hense, you become what they fear! Take whatever job will have you, so you can pay some bills. Meanwhile you are still applying for a better one that your over-qualified for.
Reply:Because of all the illegal immigrants from mexico
Reply:The problem is now there are so many people looking for jobs, so employers can be more picky about who they hire. They have such a huge pool of qualified candidates, so you're competing against a much larger number than before. Try working with an employment agency. They can help by representing you to a potential employer, and even if you end up getting a job on your own rather than through the agency, they can be a great help in improving your interviewing skills and your resume. If you get an offer for a temp job, make sure they understand you're looking for a "permanent" job, then take it. It's true that it's much easier to find a job when you're employed, even if it's just temporary.





Good luck!
Reply:Because employers are cheap buttheads.
Reply:Companies simply don't want to pay out more than they have too. I might be able to help you with work, if you would like I can teach how to start your own business. Using your degree to help you. My company is International, 14 different countries. If you would like to know more, email me at rcburbank@usana.com





Robert Burbank
Reply:Employers are retarded nit pickers. Too many variables involved.