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[Tobin S.]

This message was self-deleted by its author (Tobin S.) on Sat Jul 23, 2016, 09:46 PM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[Oneironaut]

1. What's your degree in, Tobin?

They may think that you're overqualified and will jump ship when an opportunity comes about. Even if that's true, we don't want to let that be known (even if subtly).

How do you respond? I started a nursing degree and went into computers instead. I'm asked about it every interview too. I believe that they're testing me when they do this to see if I have anything negative to say (always a bad idea - never go negative on anything). I always say that I enjoy my current field better and always have (when plausible to say, of course). In your case, I would spin it into a positive.

Ever work with recruiters? Some are totally useless, but others can help you with how to spin the fact that there are no related jobs near you into something positive. Imo, that statement sounds like you're looking for a short term job that you can jump ship from at any moment because an opportunity in your field came up.

[Tobin S.]

3. Business Administration.

[Sanity Claws]

2. Any chance you could use the degree

At the place you're interviewing?
Could you answer that you plan to use all of skills in whatever job I have?
Then explain how you could some things you learned in college at the job. Example: I will use my analytical skills to perform the job efficiently.
I hope you get my point.

[Tobin S.]

4. Not that I'm aware of. I haven't seen any other job postings for the city.

[elleng]

6. You just reminded me:

a cyber friend in Florida's been looking for teaching jobs, has found some here and there, and just posted yesterday:

' Orange County Schools posted a news story on Facebook about their teacher shortage. I posted in response "I have a graduate degree in education, a year of teaching experience, 5 years experience as a substitute and 3 years as a paraprofessional. I am certified in ESE K-12, English 6-12, and Middle Grades 5-9. I keep applying and you keep turning me down without an interview. Your move OCPS." I got a call from a recruiter within an hour. I didnt even know they HAD recruiters.'

One never knows!

[underahedgerow]

10. But in the future, if you were to get this position, it would be valuable to working your way

up to a supervisory position. That's the spin you see. Happy to start at the bottom and work your way up and prove yourself. Incumbents always get first shot at job openings.

[elleng]

5. You should surely tell HR managers of government jobs YES,

you really want to use your degree. 'Can you help? Suggest anything?'

[malthaussen]

14. There's a reply I'd like to rec.

-- Mal

[elleng]

16. Thanks, Mal.

[Generic Brad]

7. No degree is wasted

I work in a business that has nothing to do with what I earned my BA and MA in. I am extremely good at what and have just catapulted to senior management at a Fortune 500 company in my industry. I suppose you could say I'm not qualified on paper if you look at me strictly in terms education. It appears I studied the wrong thing.

When I left school I struggled for a few years trying to find work in my field with no luck. Eventually I swallowed my pride and went to a temp agency where I stumbled into my current line of work.

Over the years I learned my new craft from the ground up. I have technical skills that could only have been gained from coming up through the ranks in my industry plus my education has turned out to be a plus in the long run. I still use the skills I learned in college and graduate school daily (although they are seemingly unrelated to my discipline) and have found that my unique background is what sets me apart from my peers and has allowed me to excel.

No education is wasted, Tobin. I urge you to find something within your 50 mile radius that interests you (even if it seems unrelated to your degree) and do your best. You learned how to learn in college. Just think of a job as college where they pay you and build off the skills you already have.

[mrmpa]

8. I know it's a hell of a move..........

but look at Columbus & Dayton. In Columbus look at Robinson Transfer Company.

[Jackieduda]

9. Just lie like everybody else

So, why are you listing a degree if it hurts your chances? That is like telling them you have a DUI when applying for a job driving.

[MH1]

11. "There are no good jobs available" --

are there ANY jobs available where you would use your degree? Sometimes you have to build your resume.

Also, and I know it may be difficult without income, but can you take a volunteer position to build up experience and a good reputation in your preferred field?

[lunatica]

12. Welcome to the overqualified unemployed

Ya can't win for losing sometimes.

You are being passed over.

Maybe, if you can, you should do some temp work and get experience working in other environments. Can you keep the books? Do you type? Temp work gives you more experience than just working in one place can do and it could be a gateway to a job down the line. Plus you can at least make some money while you look for other jobs.

[GOLGO 13]

13. The wife went from the financial to medical field by doing volunteer hospital work 2x a week.

When they got a chance to see both her "hard" & "soft" skills in action she was able to land a paid position that wasn't being advertised. You gotta find some way to let them see you. Crazy but it works.

Hang in there Tobin.

[malthaussen]

15. But in the meantime, he has to put food on the table.

Volunteering won't do that, unfortunately.

-- Mal

[malthaussen]

17. If it isn't relevant, don't mention it.

You are going to get condescended to (like you're deliberately "choosing" to do "nothing" with your degree, forsooth), and then you're going to be passed over as over-qualified anyway. Certain areas require that one keep a low profile and be with the program. If you stand out, you're stood up.

Sucks, yeah. It's not even dishonest, though: if your degree is not relevant to your qualifications for the position to which you are applying, what would be the point of mentioning it?

-- Mal

[mackerel]

18. Can you go into teaching? I know a guy who worked

as a manager at Target for twenty years and now he is teaching business at one of the local high schools and he is also coaching the frosh football team. He loves it and the kids really need a guy like him.