Any ideas/luck in finding jobs?

[KBRed]

So, this isn't for me, but my girlfriend of four years has been searching for jobs constantly and hasn't had any luck. I've seen some people on here that have had some luck, but I'm sure that came with experience.

She graduated with an interior architecture degree a couple years ago, found an internship immediately, which turned into a short-term position, which she was then laid off from.

It's really tough for her with minimal experience and she's been looking for anything. So, I come to you obviously knowing I'll get some smart remarks and zingers, but I hope to find someone that knows of an opening or has some ideas.

(No, I'm not posting pictures... )

[mmmbeans]

if you don't post pictures how will we know what she's good at?

[PanthaSan]

Maybe look into temp agencies. They do the legwork and you have no commitment plus you get to round up some varied skills.

Interior Archetecture? Can't say I have any experience with that but I found a good agency to start looking with...

Interior Architects in Carolina

[mmmbeans]

srsly though, sorry to hear that. Wish I could help, being in anything related to building right now is a tough place to be.

[Captroop]

It's tough out there for Gen Y's.

In this economy, work at McDonalds if you have to. Just get some cash flow.

But in general, I've said it before, and I'll say it again; the best qualified person is not the one who gets the job. It's the one who has the connections. It's not fair, but it's the way the world really works.

Start developing some connections. Take unpaid internships. Find out which bars the executives from your dream company work at and frequent it. Personality goes a long way; further than your college degree, and further than your resume.

[KBRed]

Maybe look into temp agencies. They do the legwork and you have no commitment plus you get to round up some varied skills.

Interior Archetecture? Can't say I have any experience with that but I found a good agency to start looking with...

Interior Architects in Carolina

I'll tell her to get back on the temp agencies, she had a bad experience with one, so steered away from it.

[KBRed]

It's tough out there for Gen Y's.

In this economy, work at McDonalds if you have to. Just get some cash flow.

But in general, I've said it before, and I'll say it again; the best qualified person is not the one who gets the job. It's the one who has the connections. It's not fair, but it's the way the world really works.

Start developing some connections. Take unpaid internships. Find out which bars the executives from your dream company work at and frequent it. Personality goes a long way; further than your college degree, and further than your resume.

I agree.

[mr beauxjangles]

Start networking - professional associations. Meet people. People that can offer jobs to motivated young people. Network development may not pay off in the short-term, but it sure as hell will as some point.

I know that design and architecture aren't the same thing, but have her start here (if she hasn't already): http://www.iida-carolinas.org/

Job listings here: http://www.iida.org/content.cfm/careers

[Hawk]

start diversifying and getting out there meeting as many people as possible. Getting a job in anything even remotely related will help more than it will hurt.

all this advice with no pics...the huddle is getting soft!

[Happy Panther]

Connections is correct.

One trick however is to find a way to get face to face with the hiring guy.

most people just fire off a resume to a generic Hr email address.

a better way is to call up interior architect X and say "hey I am trying to learn more about the field can i buy you lunch. I realize you may not have openings but i would love you thoughts and advice on the field."

Then when they do have an opening you may be the first they think of

[Happy Panther]

Also she may have to blow a guy. Don't worry about that

[hepcat]

I would try and find a recruiter or hiring agency. Or if she is still connected to her alma mater, maybe she could try the career center there?

[KBRed]

Also she may have to blow a guy. Don't worry about that

But, I can't hire her.

[Kettle]

use ALL the career sites. monster and career builder are the two i have used most, and get emails and calls fairly regularly from recruiters that want me to work for too little. yes i can be paid too little, and it's because i am nearly maxed out on what unemployment pays me. $550 is the max NC gives per week so I have to have 15 an hour to even entertain an offer on a full time job, and i'm used to making a lot more. luckily i'm back with the same company for now.

she can ask the ESC for more job hunting sites/resources that are more relevant to what she wants to do. like thinkenergygroup.com and engineeringgigs.com are good for me.

last thing. she may need to take something other than an architect position. my wife has a marketing degree, but currently works in mortgage processing just to get a check. she hates it, but its better than unemployment.