finding a job

[myfakeID 2]

Sigh...

I really love my husband. Alot. I want to help him, but don't know how. He wants to find a job, but hasn't had any luck. He's been looking for a long time. What worries me is that he seems to think his name is the main reason no one is calling him for an interview. Yes, I'm sure it doesn't help having a "non-American" name, but I think his lack of education and work experience (here) is a big part of it as well. He doesn't seem to want to go to school. He's talked about it several times, but hasn't gone. He did get his GED, which helps, but it's really only a first step. I think he's worried he won't do well, and has also mentioned about the cost. I tried to explain that whatever is spent on education is made up with a decent job. He wants to open a store and sell things, but it takes money to do that, and we don't have 'extra'. I think he'd take a job if one was offered him. One problem is that I'm not up on the process - I'm not the person to go to if you need advice on how to write a resume, interview, or even where to look for jobs. I'm trying to learn. I just think, even if I knew more about the whole process, that it's not going to be easy for him to get a job, considering the economy, his lack of education, and his lack of experience. I've seen threads about where people first worked when they got here. He's applied "everywhere", and I think he's just doing something wrong - missing something or whatever. Oh, and we even went last year and paid to have a professional resume done for him. I think the guy who did it didn't do the best job, though - it seems too ... flowery or something.

I don't really know exactly what my question is. I'm just sad that I can't do anything about it, and don't know if anyone has any advice or anything.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

He can start by redoing his resume. If he is like many of my former students; they tend to build their resumes the way it was done "back home" (wherever that is, not the US); and these resumes do not translate culturally -- causing many great employees to be overlooked by US employers. Not more than 2 pages; unless it is a teaching dossier or something like that.

You can help him by googling "build resume" or something to that effect; and make sure the format is what employers are looking for. And don't pay anyone again, you guys can do it just fine. Check library books on the topic.

As for the names, it does happen. It svcks, and it is unfair

oh! almost forgot --- special attention to cover letters.

Best of luck,

[S and S 12]

I totally understand where you are coming from. My husband was here for 8 months before he found his first job and that was only because the local mosque helped him. Not to mention that job was as a waiter and he only made about $150 a week because of slow business and they wouldn't give him more than two tables. Oddly enough he got a call back last week from one of the many, many jobs he applied for months ago. It is telemarketing, but still better pay than the waiting job was. We were so surprised they called back after three months, but we are glad he is working this new job now that is closer to home. As for education, it hurt my husband to be a college graduate as everyone said he was over qualified so it goes both ways. The whole process of finding a job is really frustrating, but hang in there and keep trying. Much like the visa process, it happens eventually, you just never know when.

[AlHayatZween 2]

Salaam FakeID,

i agree with Len.

Re-do his resume and keep applying. Leave no stone unturned. Craig's List, local newspapers, temp agencies, even if he has to go door to door asking. Where are you located? How's his English? Have you tried some community resources? A lot of churches have community programs that help with job placements for immigrants and refugees. Talk to everyone. Keep an eye out for temporary positions, especially now with the holiday season coming... Major chain stores should start hiring for extra help, keeping inventory and whatnot. You never know what a temporary job can turn into. Also, maybe have him do some volunteer work, just to get him out of the house. You never know who he might meet. Also, take a look at apprenticeship programs if he'd like to learn a trade. Usually all you need is a GED and a DL and they will take you on and pay you while you study. If his English is good, maybe try to find some translation work... He might be able to work from home.

If he is getting interviews, remind him to get a business card/e-mail/ or contact number of the person who interviews him. Have him follow-up and be persistent. Even send a thank-you note, just to stay on an employer's radar.

It is a bummer about his name. i can totally commiserate. It is his choice, but something to consider. i always put "Mr." on my husband's resume so even though his name might be difficult to pronounce, at least employers knew his gender.

Good luck! It is rough out there for everyone these days!

[Olive♥ 2]

hi. I did not read thru all the responses here but has your husband thought of working for a temp agency? I did this after high school (had limited experience) and it was a great way to get a foot in the door...and...aquire alot of things skills etc...to add to my resume. He might even get a full time position. If nothing else it is fun. I loved it and met alot of people. Olive

[anitacastillo 0]

Not sure where in the US you are - most bigger towns have job centers. They can help with resumes and interview coaching workshops. They have job listings - which may or may not be helpful - but the search skills may be. Seems most jobs are found through friends/acquaintances --- I'm sure you both have told everyone you know he is looking.

Good Luck!

(fyi - my husband has been working out of state for several months --- not our preferred situation, but he is happy to be working and has friends to stay with)

[amysaid 9]

My husband is antsy to get out and start working. He's been here 2.5 weeks and I think he's already getting depressed about not being able to work (no EAD yet) and not having prospects for work even when he is able to do so. Not sure how to help him out with that stuff. I can feel his self-esteem plummeting day by day and it worries me. This was expected, but I don't think he anticipated how hard it would be on him.

[Amoon 0]

My husband is having the same dificulties. He has been here 3 months and has applied everywhere and had only one interview. He needs to have his drivers license and that has been a difficult road. He gets very depressed especially when I get up at 5 am to drive an hour to work everyday. I moved back to the small town where I am from to be closer to my family and because before my husband arrived, my house was broken into and I moved for security too. So the small town, plus his name (his middle name is Mohammad) and the fact that he doesn't have any work experience here (people don't want to call Jordan for references, plus they don't speak Arabic even if they would call) and he has no drivers license yet...it is difficult. I mean, I can't even find a second job to keep us above water until he finds a job. The economy right now makes things harder. It is a very difficult time. There is a small community college nearby and there were several programs offered for free if you are unemployed, so he is taking advantage of that now and taking an In Home Aide class for now. It worries the heck out of both of us though.

[*Maureen* 0]

My husband is having the same dificulties. He has been here 3 months and has applied everywhere and had only one interview. He needs to have his drivers license and that has been a difficult road. He gets very depressed especially when I get up at 5 am to drive an hour to work everyday. I moved back to the small town where I am from to be closer to my family and because before my husband arrived, my house was broken into and I moved for security too. So the small town, plus his name (his middle name is Mohammad) and the fact that he doesn't have any work experience here (people don't want to call Jordan for references, plus they don't speak Arabic even if they would call) and he has no drivers license yet...it is difficult. I mean, I can't even find a second job to keep us above water until he finds a job. The economy right now makes things harder. It is a very difficult time. There is a small community college nearby and there were several programs offered for free if you are unemployed, so he is taking advantage of that now and taking an In Home Aide class for now. It worries the heck out of both of us though.

Has he tried a temp agency yet?

[Amoon 0]

My husband is having the same dificulties. He has been here 3 months and has applied everywhere and had only one interview. He needs to have his drivers license and that has been a difficult road. He gets very depressed especially when I get up at 5 am to drive an hour to work everyday. I moved back to the small town where I am from to be closer to my family and because before my husband arrived, my house was broken into and I moved for security too. So the small town, plus his name (his middle name is Mohammad) and the fact that he doesn't have any work experience here (people don't want to call Jordan for references, plus they don't speak Arabic even if they would call) and he has no drivers license yet...it is difficult. I mean, I can't even find a second job to keep us above water until he finds a job. The economy right now makes things harder. It is a very difficult time. There is a small community college nearby and there were several programs offered for free if you are unemployed, so he is taking advantage of that now and taking an In Home Aide class for now. It worries the heck out of both of us though.

Has he tried a temp agency yet?

Yep, he has gone to a temp agency and to the employment security comission, all the fast food places...etc. He is on craigslist everyday, the local newspaper everyday...nothing.

[*Maureen* 0]

You know, x-mas is approaching and maybe there's a good chance he can get hired for at least x-mas help. It can be a foot in the door. Maybe it would be a good idea to put another application at some retail shops. Crossing my fingers for you Amanda and hoping some good things come out for you.

[myfakeID 2]

Thank you, everyone - I got lots of good ideas. We'll have to try them out now.

I wasn't planning to pay again to have his resume done - that was a waste of money, and (more than a year later) hasn't resulted in even one call. I think cover letters are a really good thing to mention - I was making the same mistake recently when trying for a job. I wasn't getting any responses until I started adding cover letters (it's easy to forget that when you're applying online).

Maybe the difficult job search is to "make up for" the relatively quick and pain free visa/green card process? just kidding

His English is really good, and he does have his GED and DL. I did find a place nearby that might be able to help him with this process. I just didn't realize how much was out there! I also found a volunteer job that he might be interested in. A paycheck would be really nice, but getting work experience is even more important right now. I never knew about apprenticeship programs - great idea! Also about putting "Mr." to indicate gender.

Temp agencies, job centers, etc - lots of good ideas. I will let everyone know how it works out for us. I hope all of this information helps the others who are in the same situation. Maybe we can all keep each other updated on our progress, and let everyone know what does and does not work.

Good luck to all!

[morocco4ever 63]

He has been here a year and he still hasn't found a job? How depressing! I would like to think it has nothing to do with his name, but honestly you never now. If you live in a small town there is a higher chance of that kind of discrimination.

I don't have any advice, but it seems that you have some good ones here. I wish you and your husband the best. I did have to laugh about your pain free visa journey joke....pretty funny.

[New Beginnings 32]

Once my husband started really looking he was able to find something in about 3 weeks. Just keep applying for everything he's qualified for. He's going to need to start at the bottom and work his way up!

With kids going back to school more jobs should open up!

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Yeah, I won't even go into AbuS' job wohs, but they continue, and continue, and continue. But, along the way, he's gotten a lot of experience with job interview, resume writing and cover letters. If the OP's husband wants to chat with mine, just email me - ummsqueakster at gmail dot com.