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ShadowGX
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Default Aug 29, 2019 at 06:13 AM
  #1
Starting to lose hope that I'll ever get a better job. I've applied for a few recently that I thought I'd be good at, one especially I know I could do with ease. Sad fact is I have no proof of that, just life experience, no piece of paper to back me. I do have links to things that can show my skill, but I wouldn't be able to make a proper "portfolio" out of any of it, it would require me linking it and then explaining it, which a cover letter addition can't portray properly either. Everything I've applied for is entry level and doesn't state any specific degree or experience is required, yet no luck.

So my main question is, how do I stand out to employers when I don't really have anything to show them?

For example, the job I'm super bummed about right now is a marketing assistant job calling for good writing skills and creativity. I've been told I'm good at both by complete strangers and family alike, and they're both skills I think I'm good at too (which is rare for me to admit I'm good at anything). I could totally do that job easily. Of course, I need to convince the employer of that somehow...

I thought I did a really good job on my cover letter. They say to take the mood of the job listing as a hint of how your letter should be, so I did. They asked for a "nerd" in their listing and I mentioned I am just that. I explained my experience and why I felt I would be perfect for the job. Yet... I see they've read the application 2 days ago thanks to the website telling you so, but no response either way, which I can only assume means they tossed it aside.

I'm afraid my previous work experience of being a CNA for so long is hurting me, like they're looking at that and thinking "why is she applying for this, she must have submitted to the wrong job" without even looking at my cover letter or giving me a chance. v.v I can't stay a CNA anymore though, the only way to make a living in this career is work for a nursing home or hospital which I just can't do. I have too much anxiety in stressful situations and empathy for the people there would kill me, as though I'm not already dying inside as it is.

Just dunno what else I can do. Entry level, no experience required doesn't even want me... ugh.

Edit: Oh, and before anyone suggests it... No, more school is not an option for me. I have too much debt from the first failed attempt and my credit is shot so I can't get or afford more loans to go back, nor can I afford to miss out on work for school because I'm barely surviving on what little I make now.

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hvert
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Default Aug 29, 2019 at 04:04 PM
  #2
Can you make an online portfolio and include the link in your cover letter? It's hard to stand out nowadays when employers get so many applications for each job and so many process them with software rather than human eyes. I think the best way to get a job is through someone you know. There's a great blog called 'Ask the Headhunter' that you may get some good ideas from.
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Default Aug 29, 2019 at 05:01 PM
  #3
Quote:
Originally Posted by hvert View Post
Can you make an online portfolio and include the link in your cover letter? It's hard to stand out nowadays when employers get so many applications for each job and so many process them with software rather than human eyes. I think the best way to get a job is through someone you know. There's a great blog called 'Ask the Headhunter' that you may get some good ideas from.
This was also my suggestion. Include relevant work samples with your application. If you can attach samples directly, that's best (I hate having to go visit websites and download things for other people to see them too when we review resumes) if not possible, include links to your samples online.

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Primary Dx: C-PTSD and Severe Chronic Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Secondary Dx: Generalized Anxiety Disorder with mild Agoraphobia.

Meds I've tried: Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Effexor, Remeron, Elavil, Wellbutrin, Risperidone, Abilify, Prazosin, Paxil, Trazadone, Tramadol, Topomax, Xanax, Propranolol, Valium, Visteril, Vraylar, Selinor, Clonopin, Ambien

Treatments I've done: CBT, DBT, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Talk therapy, psychotherapy, exercise, diet, sleeping more, sleeping less...
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Default Sep 11, 2019 at 10:14 PM
  #4
Well here's my issues currently...
1. Not sure what site to use for a portfolio. I tried to settle for a website builder like what I used for my mom, but I'd have to pay to get the branding removed and custom domain that I would want. I could use something like Deviant Art because it lets you post writings, but the writings I have to display aren't creative writings, they're writings I wrote for a gaming website. See next problem...
2. I might not even be able to access the writings I did for the gaming clan because I no longer have an active membership to that site and that would be required for much of what I wrote. Also, because they don't technically belong to me but were something I wrote for them, I would need to be able to send a screenshot or URL and then explain why it's not signed with my real name or something. It may be I just won't be able to use those, but then I have no writing samples.
3. Even with all of my image samples, photography and graphics included, I don't think it will look very impressive compared to people who have actual professional experience because while my images may be "ok" or in some cases "good", they lack professional features that I'm unsure about.

Lately I've been considering going into freelancing as a graphics designer since I probably won't be able to get a regular job doing it, plus freelancing pays more, but I'm very nervous that I would put in a lot of work to try to look good but get passed up over and over again for other professionals. v.v

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