Job Hunting Frustrations

[ASUADPi]

Okay, does anyone have any good sound advice for the frustrations of job hunting.
I have only been out of work for a month, but the job search has been hell so far.

Also, I'm not sure if this has happened to anyone else, but I have always been told that being Greek will open up 'great oppurtunities' and that I will have 'connections in the job force'. I would really love these 'connections' right about now. I state on my resume that I'm Greek and it has never gotten me a hit. Has anyone else wondered this.

[DeltAlum]

Unfortunately, I think that Greek affilliation would be considered less than favorable by some people.

[Cedar]

Originally posted by ASUADPi
I state on my resume that I'm Greek and it has never gotten me a hit. Has anyone else wondered this.

I *strongly* suggest that you take your Greek affiliation off your resume, for a few reasons. 1) As much as we all may love being Greek here, not everyone feels the same way and anti-Greek recruiters may automatically pass you over because of your membership. 2) No personal information regarding interests outside work should appear on a resume. List professional organizations only. This prevents discrimination in the job search. It is perfectly legal to pass up someone's resume if they list an affiliation with a Greek organization, or pretty much any organization that doesn't have to do with the job. Being Greek may be a reason for a recruiter to interview you, but it can work equally in the other direction.

A better way to make connections through your sorority is to contact the local alum association, or a director of alumnae relations. Often, these people have information regarding careers and career connections within your group.

[aephi alum]

I was in your shoes about two years ago, suddenly laid off in an economy that was even worse than it is now. It took some doing, but I regrouped and ended up going into business for myself.

Don't let yourself get discouraged. If you sit around all day trawling the job boards, sending out resumes, and hitting up your network, you will only drive yourself nuts, especially if you're not getting callbacks. Absolutely look for work, but also take some time for you.

Keep your skills sharp, or better yet, take advantage of your downtime to learn a new skill.

I agree that you shouldn't list your GLO. Anti-greek sentiment runs high in some places. And especially for alums who have been out for a while, there is the misconception that GLO membership is just for college, so by listing your GLO it looks like you can't let go of those days (does that make sense?).

Good luck!

[ASUADPi]

Thanks for the encouragement.

I took your guy's advice and removed my GLO affiliation from my resume.

[CarolinaDG]

Originally posted by ASUADPi
Okay, does anyone have any good sound advice for the frustrations of job hunting.
I have only been out of work for a month, but the job search has been hell so far.

Also, I'm not sure if this has happened to anyone else, but I have always been told that being Greek will open up 'great oppurtunities' and that I will have 'connections in the job force'. I would really love these 'connections' right about now. I state on my resume that I'm Greek and it has never gotten me a hit. Has anyone else wondered this.

I had heard that it is good to put that you were in a fraternity/sorority on your resume' b/c it shows that you work hard, particularly if you are an officer. This has been told to me by non-Greeks particularly.

[decadence]

But (re taking off affiliation) if you held a position of responsibility within an org that would look good for your resume, yes?

[dakareng]

If you're putting your affiliation on your resume just to say you're a member then it probably won't help and could hurt. If, on the other hand, you had leadership experience/ training that is applicable to the position you're seeking then it should be on their. For example, if you were chapter treasurer and managed a $300,000 annual budget then that is an important job skill that deserves mention.

Do I have my affiliation on my resume? Yes, I do. The experience and training I've received as an international officer add value to my employer. Would I still have it on my resume if I was not actively serving in a leadership capacity? I doubt it....

The true value that you receive from membership is the ability to MAKE connections. It isn't automatically from wearing the pin/ letters or putting it on a resume. Try logging onto the 'sisters-only' side of your GLO's website. There may be helpful resources and ways to make connections there.

Good luck!

[chideltjen]

Originally posted by decadence
But (re taking off affiliation) if you held a position of responsibility within an org that would look good for your resume, yes?

I put my affiliation on my resume because I was the web designer for 3+ years... and I am a graphic designer.