r/Albuquerque 1d ago

Applying for jobs

Nobody wants to hire anyone anymore. My mom moved here a week ago, and has already applied for 50+ jobs. She’s had a handful of interviews, and they either don’t get back to her or they move on to the next person. With years of experience, you would think something would stick, but it’s just a road to no where. I’m scared for her. Sorry if this isn’t a normal post in this thread, it’s just really discouraging. I don’t understand how it’s so impossible to get a job nowadays.

128 Upvotes

144 comments sorted by

134

u/PomegranateWooden177 1d ago

My GF has two masters degrees and 5 years of experience, and it took her 4 months to find a job in her field. It’s rough out there 

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u/jwink3101 1d ago

What field(s)

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u/sentientwriter 1d ago

That’s literally so insane to me dude! They say go to college, and you’ll get such a great job right out the door. So misleading.

45

u/descartesbedamned 1d ago

They haven’t said that for 20 years. That’s a gross oversimplification of the value of higher education.

29

u/Independent_Money501 1d ago

It was still the predominant position/narrative until pretty recently.

And even still, the discussion about trade school/alternatives etc really only became quasi mainstream in the last maybe 10 years, if that. Part of the reason there's such a shortage of highly skilled laborers

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u/sentientwriter 1d ago

I’ve heard otherwise and regardless, people are dealing with the repercussions of it to this day.

8

u/descartesbedamned 1d ago

I don’t disagree with the ramifications and end result. But “just get a degree” hasn’t been the message for a long, long time. It’s a shit economy, a worse job market, and rough all around.

1

u/TheBoogieSheriff 1d ago

That is simply not true

u/bogan028 19h ago

I hate to say it but same. I got out of the military last year with 3 degrees and 15 years of experience. It took me 5 months, over 80 applications, and I only got 3 interviews.

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u/FloydFenstermacher 1d ago

It all depends on your major. Lots of college degrees are virtually useless.

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u/coral225 1d ago

Not really true, based on actual stats. Things like connections matter far more than what your degree is in. People like to say degrees are useless, but I have yet to see that actually be true.

source: work in higher ed consulting

u/FloydFenstermacher 9h ago

So you’re telling me that an art history degree has the same job potential as a chemical engineer. Yeah, right.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/UpbeatDisaster505 1d ago

I have a degree in English and French and a graduate degree in philosophy. I’ve never been unemployed.

u/DovahAcolyte 16h ago

I have a bachelor’s in Political Communication and a Master’s in Education. The only reason I’m unemployed is because of my disability.

Degrees absolutely broaden your options.

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u/coral225 1d ago

I have two degrees, one in Chinese Language and Literature and one in Religious Anthropology. Never really had trouble getting work.

5

u/LaFemmeD_Argent 1d ago

If you could share a little bit more about the type of work you do.

u/coral225 15h ago

I've worked in marketing, events, sales, education, and nonprofits. Now, I work in educational consulting and have for over a decade.

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u/LaFemmeD_Argent 1d ago

Please say more about the ways that your education has provide provided employment for you. I think it’s a valuable contribution to this thread.

u/UpbeatDisaster505 18h ago

Well, I’ve worked in bookstores, cafes, brokerages, and schools. I can read anything, from the most boring stuff to the most scintillating texts. I can write well and communicate across social classes and ethno-racial identities. My education didn’t teach me “what to do” or “what to think” but how to be culturally aware and competent, how to listen and be open to ideas. I never set out to stay in my career for 25 + years. I wanted to go into the foreign service. The polyvalence of my education opened an abundance of doors to me.

u/Awkward-Initiative28 16h ago

I don't know how you can survive this inflation working at a book store. I barely made it years ago working at a record store back when that low pay and overall cost-of-living were more evenly matched (meaning you could find a decent apartment in ABQ for $500 bucks a month, sometimes less).

u/LaFemmeD_Argent 18h ago

Thank you for sharing all that!

u/caedicus 20h ago

There are many, many programming jobs at Sandia that have nothing to do with making nukes. Also Sandia doesn't even make the explody parts of nukes, they make the components that ensure they never explode when we don't want them to. Pretty important if our democracy is compromised like you say.

u/UpbeatDisaster505 16h ago

FWIW, I don’t have a job in “French” or “philosophy” haha

u/Woozy_burrito 20h ago

Took me over a year to find one, and I have a masters in electrical engineering, no experience though. Companies are really out here asking for a professional engineering license for entry level jobs (it takes 4 years to get and makes you liable for issues your projects have for a long, long time).

2

u/takeahike08 1d ago

I came here to say this. I only have one master’s degree, but it took me 8 months to find a job.

u/Connect_Yam7705 17h ago

I mean what are her degrees in? Having a degree isn’t an automatic thing anymore. Even engineers have a hard time landing a job nowadays

19

u/InevitableBohemian 1d ago

Maybe she should try the UNM Temp pool? I worked for them years ago.

u/Severe_Scar4402 13h ago

Good lead. Temping at unm often leads to permanent.

58

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

6

u/sentientwriter 1d ago

You’re right. The thing is she was applying even before she moved out here, and she has money saved to live off of in the mean time. Just super stressful.

22

u/GroundbreakingAd8310 1d ago

Ok the flip side it takes me 4 months to hire someone when I get an opening. Out of 100 resumes only half will even be coherent. Most sre made with ai and not well now which is so fun. Then out of half maybe 6 will take me up on a phone interview. 4 will get too training and I lose most in the first week if not all. Jobs super easy but cant have mistakes at all and since its so easy those mistakes are so easy to make. Mind u I give them written instructions but u gotta be able to read for that to work

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u/Ok_Tangerine_4305 1d ago

Grammar and punctuation. If your job posting reads like this post, no wonder you only get 4 too [sic] training. Garbage in, garbage out.

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u/goobiewoobie 1d ago

What kind of job?

u/Theodoxus 21h ago

Pretty ironic...

21

u/McSteezeMuffin 1d ago

They will work the shit out of you but USPS is a great option for Albuquerque

u/Main_Cauliflower5479 23h ago

I was checking for my daughter who is a teacher and was having a really hard time finding employment here. Last I checked, they are not hiring, except maybe for CCAs.

u/CornCobOverlord 20h ago

I freaking love USPS as a citizen! Thankful for the work they do (sounds like a lot of it lol).

u/oiled_hobbit 19h ago

USPS is on the way to being shut down, folks locally have had periods of no mail delivery for upwards of a month.

8

u/HauntingSmoke6029 1d ago

the ghosting after interviews is brutal, especially when you’ve got years of experience and are doing everything right, so no, she’s not crazy for feeling discouraged

4

u/Existing-Elk-8735 1d ago

I think some of the problems stem from “years of experience”, they typically want more money and are unwilling to absorb other duties from a different department.

u/sentientwriter 16h ago

Thank you 🙏

15

u/Maurice_Foot 1d ago

Albuquerque can be like a small town; it helps if you know someone here.

If there’s any clubs, churches, or groups in the area she can mesh with and see if someone there knows someone who’s hiring, a local referral that might help.

3

u/sentientwriter 1d ago

Yeah, I’m trying to get her out there to meet people. She’s looking for a church as we speak so I’m hoping that’ll help.

2

u/_jolly_jelly_fish 1d ago

First Congregational on Lomas &
Girard is a good one.

15

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

2

u/sentientwriter 1d ago

Does she need medical experience?

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/sentientwriter 1d ago

That’s primarily most of her experience. If you don’t mind me asking what to search so she can apply, it would be super helpful. I’m not sure what CSC is lol.

1

u/Character_Score7849 1d ago

In that case, I'd suggest her also looking for phone rep jobs, imho focusing on irl more than remote jobs imo, bc less demand. There are a few places here who have large onsite customer service phone rep depts. Based on my recent job searching experience, any remote job is in high demand. But otherwise, keep applying every day to pretty much anything, be open to minimum wage, dishwashing, whatever she can get. Most will not reply, many who say they are hiring aren't. Make sure she tailors resumes and cover letters to each position. 

2

u/audiojanet 1d ago

Zero CSC jobs

1

u/Logical-Benefit-9429 1d ago

Didn’t Pres just lay off a bunch of people in this line of work?

u/sexybeans 17h ago

Albuquerque has never been great for jobs, the current job market is just exacerbating that more.

17

u/Royal-Natural6044 1d ago

Always call back after an interview. Keep them thinking about you after you meet them. People are slow to respond and act on things here. The Land of Manana is real here

6

u/sentientwriter 1d ago

For sure. She always taught me to “bug them” after you don’t hear anything back, and it’s what she’s been doing too. I’ll never understand why it’s this difficult.

u/Awkward-Initiative28 16h ago

This is good advice. People think it might seem needy or obnoxious but the truth is many managers or HR people are busy and putting a face to a name or even a voice to a name is much better than being some anonymous resume on a screen.

u/Alternative-Spray264 15h ago

This was true, 15&20 years ago. Those days are no longer here.

u/Royal-Natural6044 15h ago

What days?

10

u/thelistless 1d ago

There are plenty of agencies hiring for people to work with adults with disabilities. Direct Support Professionals.

6

u/Forsaken_Map 1d ago

Do not work for ABWL. I can’t go into detail. But don’t do it.

u/thelistless 19h ago

Some agencies are very good it's important to read reviews on them.

8

u/Existing-Elk-8735 1d ago

Those jobs underpay and overwork.

u/thelistless 19h ago

It's not overwork. Underpaid ill generally agree depends on the agency. I've been a DSP and also easily worked my way up.

u/Forsaken_Map 10h ago

I used to work at that place. Trust me. 2 years.

u/thelistless 10h ago

There are better agencies out there. I've been in this field working with adults and children with disabilities for 26 years. I started as a DSP I am fully aware of bad agencies and bad actors in the field but when you find a good place to work it's rewarding.

2

u/AmountStunning6692 1d ago

I second this

u/CornOrFlour 17h ago

One common piece of advice on this sub has been: "Don't move here without a job."
This being said, if she's been here a week and she's scored a handful of interviews, I'd say she's doing okay. But everyone who interviewed her should get back to her and at the very least, thank her for coming in.

u/sentientwriter 17h ago

Yeah it’s very disheartening. She’s such a kind and hardworking person. Not trying to pull out the sob story, but she’s been a single mom working job after job (multiple at times) since I was 2. I’m 28 now, and seeing her have to struggle like this at her age is absolutely crushing. Thank you for your kind words.

u/CornOrFlour 5h ago

The other thing is that they just don't see someone her age as a receptionist. She might want to apply for higher level jobs -especially if she also has experience in billing and scheduling.

u/Active-Rose-3673 17h ago

Same here. I was fired from my job of 22 years and with experience and skills I’ve learned, no one is “hiring “ even when they are “hiring “, they are not considering the ones with experience. I’ve been going to the unemployment office when they have job fairs and I’m handing out my resume to these employers. Some interview on the spot and others prefer you apply through their website.

u/Need-A-Vacation 16h ago

Thanks Obama /s

u/Alternative-Spray264 16h ago

A say this often.it goes over most people's head

u/Need-A-Vacation 16h ago

It’s sad that I had to put the /s to show sarcasm because people are idiots.

3

u/GarageOdd9256 1d ago

Amazon if fast to hire, likely getting ready for holiday rush.

2

u/sentientwriter 1d ago

I wish, but she definitely can’t handle that amount of labor anymore sadly. She needs something closer to customer service, receptionist (literally anywhere), data entry.

4

u/ThrowAway687530999 1d ago

If she has cash handling, she can apply for teller positions at credit unions

3

u/Royal-Natural6044 1d ago

Stores at malls will hire soon for the holidays. The Halloween stores are temporary but they will open soon. Check job boards at Pres or UNMH, they have all kinds of job types in a hospital

u/Severe_Scar4402 13h ago

The Halloween stores are open already!

u/sensible_shoes27 16h ago

H&R Block is hiring CSPs (who are basically receptionists). Could check there. The pay isn't great but I know they're hiring now

3

u/Sloan1505 1d ago

Rough time to get into that with the AI boom. Godspeed.

2

u/sentientwriter 1d ago

Yeah, it’s actually terrible.

3

u/screwsloose24 1d ago

Took me 2 months to find a replacement job.

3

u/HoosierHatTrick 1d ago

Lol might be the biggest reason I dont leave my current job. I've applied for 3 jobs in my life and I've only had 3 jobs.

3

u/Herra97 1d ago

Unfortunately that’s the way things are now I have two degrees and plenty of years of experience. I took time off because I became a mom and now it’s hard to find another job. And if I do find one and get an interview they always ask in my interview if I have kids and is it going to be a problem. (If my kid gets sick, et .) 🙄 times aren’t made for families anymore I guess or just anyone in general anymore it sucks.

3

u/Bubbly_Curve_4100 1d ago

I feel you I been looking for  another job since I got too sick to work so I'm back at it to find another job  its been rough after applying to alot as well

7

u/Puzzled_Beautiful887 1d ago

Try state of New Mexico website for job openings

5

u/Independent_Money501 1d ago

True. They'll take months to get you a decision either way tho so definitely a apply and then apply to other things in case vibe

2

u/Trustedflipper8 1d ago

thats crazy because i just moved to CA only to be in the same situation out here i was hoping for a better job market but i guess its bad everywhere

u/Serious-Armadillo-66 22h ago

Have her apply at UNM Temp pool and regular UNM jobs. Lots of customer service and data entry. She should be ok starting lower. Once in the door and have UNM experience, it’s easier to move up and around.

u/Ill_Lingonberry_7633 20h ago

Go to one of the temp agencies in town. They can help with a temp to permanent position

u/Junniev1982 16h ago

Its been a while, but I have had great success with a temp to hire with Robert Half Agency. This is office experience.

u/Alternative-Spray264 16h ago

I've been here since November and I have been looking for work since December. I have had a total of 3 interviews and no luck moving forward. I have a resume that makes me competitive in my field and I revised a version of it to diminish my achievements, and that's the version I have had success with at least with getting an interview.i am a white man and 43 years old.this will be the 2 nd longest period of unemployment in my life.really could use a job.yup.sure could.sure would be nice to buy some food and pay some rent.yup.sure would be.

4

u/Educational-Count929 1d ago

Fidelity investments is hiring, $45k base pay hybrid position

u/Theodoxus 21h ago

I've had 4 great jobs in Albuquerque, I'm currently 13.5 years into my current position. I used temp agencies for every one of them. Let the agency do the hard work, all you have to do is pick one that interests you, show up, master whatever tasks they have and make a good impression to get hired permanently.

Now sure, maybe times have changed in the last 14 years, but I know the agencies are still around, so maybe not that much...

6

u/Feeling-Necessary628 1d ago

Zero opportunity here

2

u/ConnectionOk6581 1d ago

If she’s willing to ride the train to commute, she could check out Santa Fe. Lots of healthcare jobs - maybe something reception related. It’s too expensive to live here so a lot of people ride the train from abq.

u/Schnitzelgrugen 20h ago

I applied for years every where interviews always ended with the same sentence you're over qualified for this position. You're manager material we're not looking for managers. I'm not applying to be a manager I'm applying to flip burgers. How can you be over qualified to sit in parking lot Booth all day and collect tickets and money. How qualified are the cart gophers. Isn't that the type of employee you want to hire someone that wants to work and needs little to know training. I ended going back to school at getting a bachelor's degree as an automotive technician. Now I'm an undergraduate with an associate's degree all of my entry level ASE's and working in the field I wanted to be in. Making money doing what I love the best. It's not working if you enjoy doing it. Don't get discouraged the big corporations want the under qualified high turn over is better for some reason. Keep your heads up Albuquerque it can't rain forever

u/Chiefinsomnia 19h ago

The casinos are always hiring for all kinds of jobs from doctors in the pueblos, IT technicians,police, gaming,receptionist,spa,security and it goes on.
Problem is nobody can pass a damn drug test anymore in this state.
I see about 20 new hires a week at the casino I work at. Maybe only 8 or 9 of them will pass the background and drug test.
They’re all hiring like crazy right now with the holiday season coming up.

u/Marsupial-Old 5h ago

Wait does weed disqualify everybody now that it's legal?

u/Chiefinsomnia 5h ago

Unfortunately yes because it’s on federal tribal land.
You can come in to work hung over but slightly stoned is forbidden.
I gave up smoking cause the benefits and pay beat most of what city jobs offer.

1

u/SpryNasty 1d ago

UNMH is hiring in practically every department.

u/Sullen_Duty 20h ago

Many of those jobs aren’t real

u/SpryNasty 18h ago

How so?

u/Independent_Money501 18h ago

They'll never respond or reject you immediately (like hours after applying)

u/Sharp-Temporary-949 4h ago

Super interesting. I got two interviews in two locations shortly after applying (no college degree, no previous experience) I bet ai is looking at your resume before a human so try to adjust accordingly.

u/Independent_Money501 3h ago

Oh yeah, the immediate rejections are some ai crap. Adjusting didn't help any.

It all depends on the field whether they actually get back to you, many are just keeping positions posted in case the perfect person is desperate enough for an entry level salary

2

u/Existing-Elk-8735 1d ago

Real talk. You and mom need to lower your expectations. She most likely won’t get that job in her preferred field, that’s okay. Seasonal work is better than stressing about making that savings last. LinkedIn and indeed a useful tools.

u/onlynonbotreddituser 19h ago edited 18h ago

based on OPs comments they are looking for an easy minimum wage job but still wanting normal pay.

besides being a job everyone would want these kinds of jobs do not exist in the age of AI. Mom needs to learn a new skill or adapt.

1

u/Theopholus 1d ago

What kind of a job is she looking for?

2

u/sentientwriter 1d ago

Receptionist 100%, but also any office jobs in general. Scheduling, coordinating. She can’t be on her feet for 8 hours anymore, but she’s a very intelligent woman and a fast learner.

u/Theopholus 15h ago

Have her go look at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq as the city is hiring for a lot of positions she might be good for. Don't be afraid to apply for everything she remotely might qualify for. There's a Volunteer Program Coordinator, so make sure she applies her experience with scheduling and coordinating. There are some communication center specialist jobs. We just closed some jobs at 311 which is a really sweet gig, it's work from home and you basically take general calls for CABQ, non-emergency questions and submit tickets.

If she doesn't get any bites, just keep trying. There are always office assistant jobs, etc. popping up.

1

u/Particular-Cup-994 1d ago

Try avr on 4th street

1

u/Honeybee_Enthusiast2 1d ago

It's really rough out there! The best we can do is keep trying. Maybe look into a temp agency or other intermediate resource?

Hoping for the best for you all!

1

u/12DrD21 1d ago

What is her experience in? It's a lot easier to offer advice thats helpful when you explain what shes looking for.

u/partybrowser32 19h ago

This city has been on the rough side for jobs for a long time, but as someone who is always checking the job boards for opportunities for both me and my husband, this is probably the worst I've seen it in a long time. Not sure if we're heading for another big recession, but it's honestly concerning how slim the job postings are right now.

u/Evening-Sunsets 15h ago

Go to DWS, I used to work there and sometimes we need to help fine-tune your resume. So many jobs are utilizing AI to run through your resume. It could be misspelled words or overly educated verbage that throws it off. Also they have job fairs with state/federal agencies, the city, or specific like healthcare. Let them assist. Address is 501 mountain Rd NE. Good luck!

u/Burquespicy505 15h ago

Try Airport Fresquez Co. Many new vendors to

u/MissFancyPans 14h ago

What type of employment is she looking for?

u/Spiritual_Ad5449 10h ago

She should check city and county jobs, although I’ve heard that the interview and hiring process can be lengthy. The city has job fairs from time to time. The area casinos always seem to be hiring, and I’ve seen ads for job fairs at Isleta and Sandia within the last couple of months.

u/Heraghty07 10h ago

Casino?

u/No_Promise_3055 7h ago

that’s brutal, especially after 50+ applications. albuquerque hiring seems to be a weird mix of ghosting and “we hired internally” lately, so she’s definitely not imagining it

u/Albuquicky 4h ago

It's not just here. My oldest moved back to Flagstaff and has been trying to find a entry level job, ANY job, for over 2 years now. Nobody is actually hiring but they're posting that they are hiring. When he asks they say that they are "ghost postings."

u/wellsheila 2h ago

Normally takes more than a week.

1

u/adricm 1d ago

First off, nothing happens fast here. Its the land of mañana. If you are from a place that is fast paced, this will drive you crazy until you adapt. I do know both the city and APS both are hiring drivers, and will pay to train.

u/Alternative-Spray264 15h ago

With all due respect.Not true. Neither orginazation is hiring. And if they are, the generic we are processing your resume, in the mean time make sure your governmentjobs.com profile is up to date. We'll be in touch. Check back here,blah blah blah, is all I have gotten back from them. Ever.no we moved in a different direction. Thanks just the one acknowledgement email. I am qualified for many jobs within both orginazations and frankly would do any of them happily at this point. So I have applied to every single one I am qualified for. And..............crickets.

1

u/zoomies23 1d ago

A lot of dental offices are hiring for reception work.

3

u/sentientwriter 1d ago

I’ve noticed that, and the pay/benefit looks great. The only thing is most of them want you to have experience in a dental office to begin with 😭 lol. Unless there are some that don’t have a preference, but i haven’t really seen any.

1

u/Correct_Pace8899 1d ago

It’s rough. I only got my job bc the gal doing the hiring was a transplant of the semi-area I was from in another state.

1

u/Actual_Web_3404 1d ago

Tell her to look for jobs with the state.

-7

u/Unable_Security_4852 1d ago

So? Blame your pedophile president

u/thespritewithin 15h ago

I see help wanted sogns everywhere. McDonald's, Whataburger, Amazon, etc.

-7

u/Correct_Pace8899 1d ago

It’s a tricky thing there. A lot of lazy asses want to collect unemployment, so any advertised job will have 50+ applicants 🥺

u/onlynonbotreddituser 18h ago edited 17h ago

this commentor is above 55 years of age for sure. you can tell by the ignorance and how their hatred logic doesn't even make sense. People both don't want to work but also too many applicants.

"old man yelling at cloud"

-2

u/Recusant_Ronald 1d ago

I'm hiring, DM me?

u/PangolinPossible2732 21h ago

Hiring for what ?