Not a single response?

[dualman7]

I have been sending my resume to a bunch of employers from sites like monster.com, hotjobs and a few others. I have gotten no replies at all in about a week. Is this a normal thing? I have applied for about a dozen positions. I got so desperate I even applied for an internship, even though I just graduated and need a real job. Not even internships are responding. I am very very nervous. Parents are starting to give me funny looks like 'why are you still here'. My biggest worry is to be one of these people who ends up doing soemthing totally opposite of their major. I am a television and radio major, and nobody will give me a chance.

[pinoychink790]

Just keep trying it for a few more months. If nothing comes up, then maybe you should try something else. It's really up to you.

[skier]

go places. Apply in person, even to spots that aren't hiring at the moment. Show you have determination, and confidence, and that you have a desire to persevere. You're not setting yourself apart from the 100's of other people with resumes similar to yours on these internet sites.

[Moskie]

Call them. I can't stress that enough. Make sure you're more than just words on a screen/on paper to them. Ask when you might be able to come in for an interview. If they say they haven't reviewed your resume yet, ask them when they'll get around to it, then call them back at that time. Stand out, give them a voice to attach to the lifeless text that is your resume. A face is even better.

[FngKestrel]

Using the internet to get jobs is still hit or miss. I used to post my resume everywhere and only now (2 years later) am I getting head hunters calling me on it.

The better way is to make contacts by going to industry events and talking to people in the industry. You'd be surprised at what kind of things come up in casual conversation.

[Schwan]

I found that delivering the CV personally and calling the company is the thing to do - it shows the HR people that their company is not just another point on your mass mailing list, but that you actually care and really want to work there. Also, personalized CV's, tailored for each company individually, are the way to go. Hang in there .

[FngKestrel]

Also, how long have you been at it? After I graduated, it took close to a year before I could find a job and even then, it wasn't really in my chosen profession. I was lucky that it was at least the right industry. Hang in there.

[d*d]

Radio and Tv are VERY difficult industries to break into, your coveted degree means squat against experience at the moment so don't be too precious about what jobs you apply for in the industry. Network, find and make contacts-do this by attending seminars, workshops and keep in touch with others off your course, think about doing pro bone work to beef up your experience on your resume and call, pester go in person to the people you want to hire you.

I know plenty of people who have media degrees then had to start at the bottom as runners - I also know someone with no experience who got a job as a cameraman because he met a producer on holiday (life is not fair)

It's tough I thought a degree entitled me to a job (what more do they want they from me!!), but found this is not true, but hang in there, expect it to be shitty for a little bit and it'll come together

[lurkette]

This is completely normal. You must be proactive. They're getting probably hundreds of applicants, and you're just a faceless name they saw on the web site. Do informational interviews with people in the business, go to networking events, job fairs, etc. If they meet you and know your experience and education and your personality, they're a lot more likely to consider you and remember you.

[ShaniFaye]

I recommend locating personnel services in your area (yellow pages is a good place to look) and calling and talking to them. Last time I did that the lady was calling me back practically before all of my resume was finished faxing. I had an interview with the company Im with now the very next day. 4 1/2 years later Im still here....I send people to her all the time and she's been great about getting them placed too.

Please note I mean personnel services, NOT temp agencies

[Konichiwaneko]

sometimes it's good getting a job in an unrelated field. Sell your good points, the fact you have a degree says you have the tenacity to educate yourself.

Sometimes the field that you hear so well of is a double edge sword. If people like it, it probably has a low turn around.

I did tv in high school and knew it wasn't a field I could easily find a job in, but I used what I learned to elvolve what I eventually was hired into and that was the IT field.

[hilbert25]

I have learned a couple of things: It's not what you know, but who. Especially in Television and Radio. Do you know anyone in the industry? Do your professors? Go through your school's alumni office and start calling (not emailing) alumni.

That brings the second point: Call, do not email anyone. Monster, hotjobs, etc don't really mean anything. Maybe 1 in 50 will reply. A lot of jobs posted on there are just HR drones going nuts or putting up ads to satisfy legal requirements.

Don't be picky. I have a friend who had a similar major at one of the most prestigious colleges in the field. His professor hooked him up with all kinds of contract stuff, but after 2 years, he's pretty much still doing bitchwork. But, he's doing bitchwork for one of the most successful shows currently on television, so he's starting to work his way up.

[wolf]

I wouldn't spend too much time on the job boards, yeah post your resume there and send it out to any ads you find, but you have to understand the sheer number of people looking for jobs on those sites. You also might want to talk to your college. Many colleges have job placement departments who can help you find a job.

[flamingdog]

Your field is pretty competitive, and unless you've got experience and professional qualifications, you're going to be very lucky to land the job of your dreams. The way I got into the media was to go to a paper that was hiring, did an interview and failed it. As I left, I asked if I could come and work voluntarily for a couple of weeks. They said sure, and gave me some dates on the spot.

I went along, I applied myself, I did everything they asked me to, and did it well, then at the end of my two weeks, I marched up to the woman who was to be my boss and said something along the lines of: "I'm really grateful for the opportunity you've given me, but I want you to know that I'm here because I want to work for you. If you're happy with the work I've done, I'd love to work here on a permanent basis." They gave me a couple of assignments to do in my spare time, then invited me back for a second interview, and I started a week later.

Now I have two years' reporting experience, a professional qualification, and a cuttings book. Don't give up, and don't be afraid to reach out and grab what you want. The media is cutthroat, and competitive, and for every resume you send, they'll be receiving hundreds of others, on a daily basis. Most will go in the bin.

[troit]

Dualman - Keep plugging away. The right opportunity will present itself when you least expect it.