Where it's at???

[jillkm]

So I graduated in August with degrees in Int'l Business and Spanish....and I thought, "I can't get a real job yet!" So I, the mid-western girl, moved from St.Louis Missouri to LA to have some fun, bartending and something else temporary.
Too bad I picked the worst possible time! There are NO jobs! I don't know many people and my ideas are wearing thin of what to try next.
I set a time limit when I first got here of when I should have a job...and I keep pushing it further back!
It's also hard to make new friends and connections when you don't know anyone your age in the first place, and don't have a job to meet them at! I can't go back home unsuccessful (as in saying I had a kick ass time and met some kick ass people).
It could be worse, I know, but I feel like I'm wasting time.

[michipoo128]

I hear you...I graduated in August from the Univ. of Pittsburgh with an English Writing Degree. I dcided to move in with a current bf and 'take a break' after graduation. However, now that I am ready to go to work...I can't! I can't afford to take any jobs in my field, and I have no real experience.
The good news is that now that I am back in Philly (goodbye pitt and bf) I am taking advantage of employment agencies. I know these agencies are usually accompanied by negative criticism, but they can actually become a useful post grad tool and stepping stone. Many agencies (in my experience Option One, Careers USA, and Office Team) check out your resume, call your references, evaluate your abilities with computer tests, and are therefore qualified to "sell" you to prospective employers.
Many employers are more willing to hire someone that comes with a kind of 'guarantee' rather than a person off the street or the Net. Also, whether you are hired for full time or part time under these agencies, you have the opportunity to experience a company and decide whether or not you would like to explore the 'temp to perm' option. That way, the company knows your work and you come fully recommeded.
Plus, if you still want to do the bartender thing as well as get some professional experience, the agencies can usually work with your schedule. Good Luck...