I have been trying to find a job for the past 2 years and I have not been able to go further than a round two interview of four. I have applied to multiple jon openings through LinkedIn, Indeed, SimplyHired, and other smaller platforms that I can’t remember because I’ve been through so many. I have tried directly contacting companies asking if they are interested in freelance work or even an opportunity to have an informative interview and nothing. I have tried temp agencies and it’s either truly crappy pay work or they are just not interested in me. I have updated my resume numerous times, I have gone to job fairs and talk with companies and nothing. I have tried to reach out to what little network that I have and they have really not been helpful. Hell, I’ve even tried applying to Walmart and I still got no response and it’s been like 2 months. I just don’t know what to do anymore. If anyone can kindly give me some advice, that would be greatly apperciated.
- I have a Bachelors in Psychology and I have over 5 years of customer service experience.
Consider working as a security guard, you’ll get hired quick just don’t put ur degree on your resume. Allied universal pretty much hires anyone with a pulse
Its the kind of job where it’s 80% downtime so you can just read books or study your field as you hold out for a better job (speaking from experience)
I suggest looking into getting your TEFL certification and teaching English/living in another country. It’s a lot more accessible of an option than most would assume. Especially with your credentials.
Here’s a cat Sankara 2.0 on tiktok who gives great advice and resources: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP85suKTM/
Living aboard is a very enriching experience. While things are shi here, you can work, make new friends, learn a new language and build technical skills in your spare time from work.
However if leaving the country is simply not an option, look into state/government jobs. This current administration shook this sector up badly but generally there’s opportunity with less competition: https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs
I looked into getting a TEFL certificate before, but I got mixed results. I can look into again and pursue it if I like it. I would loove to live/work abroad as it would be a nice change. Even if I’m not able to leave the country, hopefully, maybe I can still find some tutor jobs with my certificate.
As for state/government jobs, I can look into it and see if there is anything. After the shit that the current adminstration did to that sector, I figured it’s just a mess, but it can’t hurt to see if there is anything available. Thank you for thr advice.
No problem. Feel free to DM the tiktoker for any specific questions regarding the TEFL path, I got the impression that he’s open to questions directly
Most online hosting websites are a waste of your time.
Compile a list of businesses in your area. Go to their website. Look for jobs. They usually have an opportunities link or something similar.
Most legit job postings aren’t being put on the big websites cause they just get spammed.
Schools. Businesses. Organizations. Use Google to look up Businesses in your area.
You can do secretary work and h.r work. Management for a wide range of industry. Correctional facilities. Juvenile services.
You can’t do therapy but you can work as support staff for therapist and clinics.
Go to their individual websites.
Thank you! I’ll get this going.
This is solid advice. I’m employed but things are feeling iffy so I’m going to be looking my self too.
My local library has career coaches. They go over results, do mock interviews, but the career coach at my library? He’s a straight up headhunter, and he gets the best walk-ins referred to HR at companies that fit. I had a buddy who was four months unemployed, suggested he talk to the career coach, and dude got him a job in less than two weeks. Also, maybe look at non-profits in your area, might have volunteer or low-paid psych jobs that can get a foot in the door.
You know, I was looking into seeing my local library is looking for part-time workers, but I can see if they have career coaches and perhaps help me out. I never consiered that, so I will look into it. Thank you!
I’ve heard Walmart won’t even consider your application unless you list yourself with completely open availability. I can confirm that is what I listed when I was hired, over a decade ago. (I don’t work there anymore, so this isn’t direct insight.)
Dollar general is always looking for people. It’s a shit job, but I worked there for a couple years back when nobody would hire me. Working somewhere looks better than not working anywhere for 2 years on a resume.
Perhaps that’s why I haven’t heard anything back from Walmart. I didn’t put open availability and now they won’t give me a response. That’s ridiculous. We all have a life outside of working! Anyways, perhaps I should amend my application to open availability and see if that changes anything. I also look into Dollar General. Thank you for the advice!
Try heading down to a local Service Canada centre or a provincial employment hub. If there isn’t one in your town, just give them a shout on the phone. These places are there to help you out, I happen to work at a place like that myself.
You might also want to think about leveling up your education. These days, a general Bachelor’s degree can be tough to market on its own, especially in a field like psychology where you almost always need a Master’s or a PhD to actually practice.
Get out there and volunteer or just start chatting with people. Tell everyone you meet what you’re passionate about and that you’re looking for work. You never know who is hiring until you ask.
When it comes to your resume, get a second pair of eyes on it. Ideally someone who knows the industry. If your experience is a bit thin, stick to a one-page functional resume that highlights what you can do rather than just where you’ve been.
When you’re applying through online portals, use an AI tool to cross-reference the job posting and find the specific keywords or “buzzwords” that will help you get past the automated filters.
Don’t underestimate the skills you already have, either. If you’ve got retail experience and a degree, you’ve actually got a great foundation for a pivot into something like marketing.
For the interview, it’s all about the vibe and selling yourself. Practice talking about your wins with confidence and make sure you have solid, real world examples ready for their questions. Always have two or three good questions ready for them at the end so you look engaged.
Do your research before the interview. You should know as much as you can about them before talking (particularly if they have a mission statement).
Every job market is different. I live in a small town, but because it is a tourist hub it is more like a small city. Most jobs here are word of mouth and shaking the right hand, but a lot of the tourist jobs with the bigger shops are more corporate so you need to apply online.
Most importantly, don’t let this process get you down. Keep yourself moving, stay active, and do things that make you happy. If you’re not working right now, use that time to sharpen a skill or just better yourself in some way. It doesn’t really matter as long as you’re moving forward.
Also, keep in mind that if you’re dealing with any health issues or disabilities, there are specific Canadian programs and vocational rehab services designed to help folks find the right fit and get back into the workforce.
Honestly, having a friend refer you gives you a major advantage over online applications.
Trying learning a new skill and getting some freelance jobs on Upwork, TaskRabbit, Fiver, Freelancer, and those sorts of platforms. You could try something like Uber or Doordash, it may not be something you really want to do, but you can make some money while searching for a job that you do like.
Also Id get a friend to review your resume. Also try running it through a handful of AI tools to see if it suggests anything helpful. Or maybe pay someone to help you with your resume. Id probably exaggerate the skills on your resume by like 10% without saying anything completely false.
Get your LinkedIn profile polished up. Id probably try to apply to about 10 jobs per day.
I think there are some AI tools you can use to help you fill out job applications faster.
What does it take to get a counselling cert etc. Out our way therapists and psychologists charge $120-150 per hour to listen to peoples problems. Some work from their own house.
My advice is to check if there is a public job agency sponsored by your province/state that offer free help with job hunting.
Additionally, getting micro credentials or short-term training for niche jobs can open you up to a whole new market (eg. 6 month healthcare tech certificates so you can work at blood donation centers)
I’ll look into micro credentials/short-term trainings. Thank you.
Leave the country for a masters / doctorate scholarship elsewhere.
Your skills will always find use elsewhere, don’t have loyalties to a nation that cares not for your death.
Move to an in-demand field. Blue-collar workers are in short supply, and the trades pay well.
Break the law. Its in style these days.
