How can the job market possibly be this bad?

[NickB79]

I graduated last Sept. with a major in biotechnology and a minor in chemistry. I took a couple months off to relax, because 5 yrs of school and working to pay rent and tuition burnt me out so badly I almost didn't finish my senior year. I stayed at my old job at Quiznos Subs to pay rent, and then started looking for a real job a few months ago. Wow, what an eye-opener! How can it be this bad??? I've put my resume in with two job-placement companies, as well as sent it out to dozens of possible employers in the area, and I've barely gotten any interviews out of all of it. The people I've dealt with at the job-placement companies have all been knowledgable, offering me tips on how to tweak my resume, prepping me for interviews with prospective employers, etc. I've been complimented several times on my knowledge of biotech and chemistry, of my selection of clothing, of my friendly personality, but never get the job. I'll get a call about once a week from either job-placement company telling me about a new position that opened up that they'd like to submit my resume for, but I never get an interview. AARRGGHHH!!! I feel like they're just stringing me along. Then a friend of a friend makes me feel even worse by saying "Isn't biotech a growing field right now?" I didn't know what to say.

I'm at the point where I'm starting to question myself. What if I'm not good enough? What if the past 5 yrs have been a waste of time? Was it an horrible mistake to have taken a few months off before jumping into the job market? I seriously can't take working at a fast-food shop much longer, either. A few of my coworkers are in the exact same boat as me, college degrees but no jobs. We've formed a little self-pity club to vent about how much we hate Bush, lol.

I know the economy is bad, but is it really THIS bad?

[bonemachine]

1. It's hard to say

We just don't have solid figures available that address your type of situation... Sure seems like it is, though, doesn't it?

[LosinIt]

4. I'm afraid it really is that bad

and don't worry about taking some time off after graduation, it's been this bad for quite awhile. I was out of work for 10 months. I have an Associates in Chemistry, a BS in Information Technology, both with High Honors. I also have senior status in Biochemistry, but never finished that due to changes in the company I was working for who were paying for the college.

I left that company after 25 years to pursue a job that was a 40% hike in pay. That job started in June of 2001 and after 9/11 our company was in trouble because the pharmaceutical companies who were buying our product, did a lot of belt-tightening after their stocks tanked. I got laid off in November of 2002. They have since had even more layoffs, really brilliant people who had been there for years.

As a benefit provided for those laid off, I had outplacement counseling. They coached me, tweeked my resume, gave me all of the leads they had. I also checked all of the big resume boards, Monster, etc. In nine months I had three phone interviews and face to face interviews with only two places. The first interview I got at a healthcare insurance firm was because the woman doing the interview was from the same tiny little resort village that I live in. We didn't know each other, at least by name, and I think she was curiousto find out who I was. I almost got that job, but thier budget was cut severely so they went with a kid right out of school. (I made a nice new acquaintance out of it though.)

The second interview I got by contacting a woman I know who works for a training facility in the area. She got me the interview, but I was not at all qualified for the job.

I was getting pretty discouraged when out of the blue, another woman I know called me and asked if I was still looking for a job. She had given my resume to a friend when I first got laid off. That friend had given it to her boss, they were actively looking for people at the time. I didn't get a call that first time, but the next time they were looking for people I got a call. The interview went great and I got the job.

So I guess the moral of this story is to network,network,network. It's not what you know it's who you know, at least partly. Soooo, many people are out of work and these places are slammed with resumes. Go to trade shows, lectures, join a professional society,whatever. Contact all of your professors and classmates to see if they have any leads and send your resume to everyone you know, including Aunt Sarah, who knows her neighbor might just be looking. Best of luck.

[KissMyAsscroft]

2. Might need to take a lower job than you would like...

with a good, solid company...(assuming you can find one) and wait for an opening.

You need to get your foot in the door and start getting contacts. Working at a sub shop isn't going to help you learn any of the skills you would need for that field of study.

Since you aren't making any money right now, I would lower your salary requirements and take what you could get at a company where you could increase your knowledge and meet people who could help you advance.

[jburton]

10. easier said than done n/t

[POed_Ex_Repub]

3. I hate to tell you this... but yeah, it's that bad.

Don't be hard on yourself. I can tell you unequivocally it's the job market that's broken right now and NOT you. In my area local teenagers are even having trouble getting fast food jobs. I used to work in IT as a computer programmer (believe it or not, most places say that's still a hot and growing field)... we don't even want to go there...

My advice to you would be to keep plugging away at it. In the meantime do anything you can that would add to your resume. Read up on your field, take more classes, but above all stay current. Keep submitting your resume and showing up for interviews. Sooner or later you'll find what your looking for.

The best of luck to you!

[dutchdemocrat]

5. Try looking for work in Holland

Or in Europe. There are jobs over here in Biotech. And language is less and less of an issue, especially in the Netherlands.

Many leading foreign biotechnology companies have located their European biotechnology activities in the Netherlands, where the industry's service and supplier base is well equipped to assist them with a range of activities. Third party providers and a full range of consultants offer companies product development assistance, the manufacture of batch products for safety testing or clinical trials, and advice on regulatory matters, logistics, marketing and export issues.

http://www.tradepartners.gov.uk/biotechnology/netherlands/profile/overview.shtml

The total number of industrial and academic scientists involved in biotechnology in the Netherlands is estimated at between 3,000 and 4,000. Almost 290 companies (involving between 1,500 and 2,000 people) in the Netherlands conduct biotech research. These numbers are expected to increase over the next few years, particularly in the fields of food, agriculture, pharmaceutical applications and the environment. One of the advanced areas of Dutch research is that of environmental biotechnology.

[Sapphocrat]

6. In a word, yes.

So don't you DARE start undermining your own self-confidence ("What if I'm not good enough?"). It's not you.

I had a very solid 15+ years invested in IT, with contacts and leads up the ying-yang, and I've been S.O.L. for longer than you want to know. I gave up right around the time I sent out my resume and brilliant, perfectly-tailored cover letter for the 500th time.

Result: Two interviews. Didn't get one, and the other job was cut before they filled it (thanks to offshoring!).

Can't offer you a bit of advice, except: Do NOT come to Silicon Valley -- it's worse here than almost anywhere else.

Can't offer you anything else, except, again: It's not you.

[JailForBush]

7. The Seattle Mafia LOVES Biotechnology

Our corrupt Mayor Greg Nickels and corrupt media are helping billionaire Paul Allen transform South Lake Union into a biotechnology hub. I don't have a clue about the job situation, because I'm not in that field.

If you should ever get a job there, please remain politically active and keep your eyes, ears and mind open, as this city desperately needs reformers.

[bleedingheart]

8. Yes it is bad but that doesn't mean you aren't worthy of a job

it just means waiting longer to find one or perhaps taking a job in your field that isn't as grand as you thought it might be as unfortunate as that may sound.

When I graduated in engineering in 91 I recall that the economy stunk so bad that it took some of my college buddies a year to find employment. I found a job in about four months and it was a job in my field but working for a lot less because they knew they could get away with it.

[Yupster]

9. The good news is

You only need one job. Realise that at some point you will get that one job and all your months of looking and hurt will be gone overnight and you'll be excited to start your new job. Just keep working toward getting it.

I don't know anything about your field.

I'm a salesman. I just two weeks ago sold my company and fielded offers from bigger companies to work for them. I got many offers because my attraction is they think I can bring my old customers to my new business, which is just what I am doing now.

I guess a lot depends on what field you're in. I know high end salesmen are always in demand because they have a customer base that's loyal to them. Companies see large dollar signs if they can be enticed over.

[KharmaTrain]

11. It's Good If You're In The Game

I feel for those who are trying to crack the job market today...it reminds me of when I came onto the market during the Raygun days of the early 80's. You needed experience to get the job, and you couldn't get the job without the experience. We didn't have that in the 90's as so many new opportunities appeared and the tech sector offered nice jobs to those coming out of school. No more.

Anyone who can produce money for a company is going to be in demand...especially a salesman and especially in tough times. Your client list is gold...as long as they are filling orders. It took you years to develop that rapport...far different from trying to crack a tough job market that favors cheap over experience and cuts corners to maximize the buck.

I sold my business several years ago and have been on the sidelines through this recession/depression...luckily secure enough to be able to do that. Many in my field have lost their jobs in recent years and have left the biz altogether (some deservedly as their skills were limited), but many quality people with experience were turned out so large corporations could squeeze bigger profits to boost stock prices that make their principals rich...far removed from the "rabble" that actually run their businesses and produce the revenues. How quick this gets lost when you have money or can use the system to your benefit.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

13. I'm in sales, have a great rolodex and references

the market is so tight for salespeople right now that companies won't talk to you if you have gaps in your resume (like layoffs).

You got lucky-trust me.

[Jose Diablo]

12. Hang in there. Keep trying.

It is not you, the job market is tight.

Do not give-up your dream.

[shrike]

14. Hi, Nick. I'm afraid it is that bad.

And no, it's not your fault. Five months is not a long time to be job-hunting these days. I graduated in '82 and it took me a year to find a good job; I took whatever I could get in the meantime. The other posters on this board have given you some good advice. The Quizno's job pays the rent, yes, but try and spend as much time with people in your field, even if it means putting in a lot of unpaid hours at a professional society, etc. That's how you're going to get in.

[Fleshdancer]

15. please please PLEASE don't question yourself

With a major in biotechnology and a minor in chemistry, there's absolutely NO reason to question yourself. You've accomplished great things already so don't let a Bush failed economy make you think less of yourself.

You're young, right out of school, and you don't have a house to deal with. Have you considered relocating? I don't know where you live or what state/city is the best place to go for your field, but the market is disgusting right now and the best solution (if possible) is to be flexible.

My heart goes out to all college grads right now. It's a mess out there.

[Bandit]

16. You want work ~ Move to India.

Your field is being totally out-sourced. Learn how to flip burgers I guess.

[nickinSTL]

18. Yeah, it's that bad

Don't mean to be harsh or depressing, but my fiancee has been out of work for over 2 years. 10 years of experience in computer programming, and she can't get a job flipping burgers. It's insane. She's applied to all kinds of jobs. Mostly, if it's a programming job, she never gets a call back, if it's a service/retail/other job, they don't hire her (maybe thinking she'll be gone soon to a programming job)

She's decided to take up writing in her (now abundant) spare time, and is looking for a publisher for her first book.

The democrats need to make JOBS the main issue in the campaign. JOBS.

[Skittles]

17. You're OK Nick, it;'s BUSH INC that f***ing STINKS

count yourself lucky that you are young and will be able to hang in there without the added burden of AGE DISCRIMINATION.

[rocktivity]

19. I've worked in only one place for more than six months since 2000

and only two of my jobs were meant to be temporary--the others were at IT companies which tanked. Consequently, I look like a unstable job hopper on my resume and can't get interviewed for permanent work. Fortunately, one of my temp jobs was at a pharmaceutical company (they're the only ones making money, I guess), and they just offered me a temp-to-perm position. I'll have no benefits for three months, but I least I can make plans beyond them--and maybe I'll be able to donate more than five bucks to DU!


rocknation

[tanyev]

20. Biotech pros and cons

Pro: There should be lots of job openings out there. Haven't lots of scientists died mysteriously in the last year or two?

Con: Seems to be a dangerous career choice right now.

Sorry, poor taste. Good luck and be careful!

[nostamj]

21. it could be worse...

you could be 50 and losing your job after 10+ years in IT.

good luck, and wish me a little. i will need it.

[adriennel]

22. Yes, it is.

My sympathies to you, my friend. I know how you feel and I am confident the situation will not last forever.

When I got my BA in 1995, I immediately started working for a company at $6/hour and before I knew it, I was a salaried employee working at the headquarters. There was so much opportunity for advancement at that company, plus I was interviewing for other positions at the same time (just "playing the field" as it were).

When I got my MSI in 2001, it took almost two years to find a full-time job. I worked a couple of part-time and temporary jobs within my field, but it never led to a full-time position. I questioned my skills and my decision to return to school, especially since I thought having a masters would be an advantage when job-hunting. I was confused because it was so easy to find a job after getting my BA, but when I got my MSI, it was nearly impossible to find a job.

I am now happily employed, thanks to a manager who took a chance by hiring me. We are now great friends and I couldn't be more grateful. I got lucky. You'll get lucky too.

PS there is no job security for anyone these days. I don't know a single person who does not currently fear losing their job, regardless of performance or seniority.

[Tinoire]

23. Where are you and what are you looking for? n/t

[dweller]

24. obviously not here

or at this thread...i left it open b/c i didn't want to add to the misery of 'yes, it's that bad', but i could've.
Personally, i think we will be looking at the Depression era souplines before it's all said and done, but that's just me.

hopefully Nick hasn't read these and decided btwn the blue pill and the other pill or something...


dp

[Nikia]

25. I have a job but I'm looking too

I don't know if you have found pertainent ads online or in the Sunday classifieds, but many of these jobs seem to be rather low paying. Many entry level lab jobs are paying in the $9-$10/hour range. Most of these ads want someone with experience as well as a pertainent degree. I think that is ridiculous but these places are probably finding people to fill them.
Since you are starting out, my advice is that if you see any of these ads, apply for them. I don't know if you are set on biotech or not. You might want to consider other industries: food, paper, chemicals, consumer products, etc. You might even want to apply for manufacturing jobs in these areas at a bigger company. Those jobs probably pay better than Quiznos and might make it easier for you to get a better job.