I graduated cum laude from college, with honors from a prestigious business school and have earned a law degree. I have 15 years experience as a management consultant, software consultant, project manager, business analyst, European sales manager and senior corporate manager. I also have 8 years experience running my own legal support business. Although self-employed part time right now, I have sent out over 1500 resumes in the past three years and have only obtained 3 or 4 serious unsuccessful interviews.

After graduating from law school (and not passing the BAR) I sent out over 4,000 resumes and finally settled for a very low paying job because I could not obtain an interview for a “real” job.

I know you must being thinking there is something wrong with my resume but I have had my resume analyzed my numerous consultants and they state that my resume is state of the art.

Obviously when I apply for low level “survival” jobs I’m rejected because I’m over qualified but when I apply for jobs more suitable to my education and experience I am also told I’m over qualified. If you had cancer; is there any doctor that would be too over qualified to operate on you? I don’t believe anyone can be over qualified for a job.

I think it comes down to two things. First the old adage that “It’s not what you know but who you know” and second I know for a fact that I have not been hired for several jobs because the person I would be working for was afraid I would out perform them and take their job (and their right).

I truly empathize with your mother because I’ve gone through the same situation several times in my life. The best advice I can give is “NEVER GIVE UP”.

I’m a radio broadcaster with a some expierience(2 to 3 years, FULLTIME). I’m not the best presenter in the world, but I sure know alot about the business and can hold my own.

For example… I applied for a Part Time job at a Small station in an unrated US Market. I didn’t get it, but someone with not even a 1 year PART TIME expierience got the job. After about 6 months on that job, this person got a FULL TIME job in a MAJOR market. What gives there?

It seems when I don’t have a radio job, it’s hella hard to find one. Yet, when I’ve got a radio job.. I seem to have an easier time of it.

My mom is currently a clerk at a shipping, and manufacturing company, and is close to getting layed off because of economical issues here in North Carolina(US.) She also had a career in retail merchandising for 6 years, as well as alot of other long term career references.

My uncle was a forest ranger for close to 30 years, and is now in entry level construction which amazes me.

I even have these problem’s at 23, but I don’t exactly have career expierience, or a 4 year degree(yet.) I usually work through temp company’s doing plant production to pay my way through school.

Here in the US laborer work, and blue collar work is demolishing do to outsourcing, and poor managment by CEO’s.

I don’t interview well at all these days simply because I refuse to acquiesce to a “human resource” manager. I make it clear that my “humanity” is of far greater concern to me–and should be to their company–than is my perceived value as a “resource.” Put bluntly: Job interviews are patronizing, condescending, insulting, and generally conducted by someone whom I would never, ever employ if the situation was reversed. And I’m certain they can sense that from me just as I sense their complete ambivilence to my situation.

I knew I should’ve taken “Sycophant 101.”

I hope the newspaper still runs this story, I think it speaks for a fair few people in our community. The more people who are able to get something out of reading it, the better. If anyone wants to place the letter on their blogs for others to read, you are quite welcome to.

To new readers: Continue to comment as you find this article, I will continue to respond to emails I get regarding this article.

Am I too old? Is it my Cancer history?
After 6 months I had the choice to go to Social Security or to start my onw business. A business was the obvious choice which I haven’t regret for a second although my current income is – still- not much more then SC level. But I will get there, I am not going to make myself redundant! Now I am the boss
The third option, any job, was just not available. Why? I am still as puzzled as your Mum.

But with her positive attitude someone, sometime, will notice her. I wish her all the luck in the world.

Here is Australia, you loose your unemployment benefits if you knock a job back. Now there is some logic.

Seb I hear you mate and you have confered it well.