Question:

I went straight from high school to college and graduated with a four year degree. I worked for a few years and then went back for an MBA. I just graduated but can't find a job. Employers who are hiring MBAs tell me that I don't have the seven to 10 years of experience they require. Employers who would have hired me before I went back to school tell me that I'm over qualified. What should I do?

First Answer:

My first response is that if you're being asked for 7-10 years of experience, you're probably NOT looking for jobs at a level appropriate to you! You may not be a beginner, but with just a few years' experience and a newly-minted undergraduate degree, you're going to be a "hard sell" to an employer whose job description includes having a decade's worth of experience! On the other hand, if you're going for that "go-fers" job and competing with first-timers, you will definitely be over-qualified and perhaps, bored with the daily realities of a beginner's job.

The trick here is to find jobs that require SOME work experience, but leave room for growth. Read the job descriptions carefully and choose jobs that require the types of experience and skills you have. Make sure you define what skills you have to offer that make you particularly enticing and clearly note them in your cover letter. Make sure you have a good response to every "objection" you've heard, and those you anticipate in the future. Appear enthusiastic, and the employer may loosen the requirements just to get you onboard.

-- Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column.

Second Answer:

Make networking a priority. Expand your network so that you'll be exposed to a wider assortment of employers seeking MBA-level staff. Scrutinize your resume to make sure you're making the most of your MBA program. You may be able to parlay your MBA education so that, when combined with your experience between college and grad school, it may come closer to the required experience employers seek. For example, you could list group projects, simulations, major research papers, and presentations from your MBA program on your resume. You could also endeavor to gain more experience by volunteering to do a business plan or a marketing plan for a local nonprofit. In fact, you could offer to apply your MBA-level skills on a trial basis for one of the employers who says you don't have enough experience. Ask them to give you a chance to show what you can do. Also check out job boards that specialize in MBA grads; you can link to them at http://www.quintcareers.com/MBA_jobs.html.

-- Katharine Hansen, former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for the Web site, Quintessential Careers, edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for jobseekers, and prepares job-search correspondence as chief writer for Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters.

Third Answer:

Having a MBA degree with no experience to complement it makes it difficult to get a job as you are finding out. An employer does not want to pay a MBA salary to someone who has not proven they know how to apply the information and knowledge they profess to have.

A suggestion, (this may seem underhanded, so think on how it fits your values) is to omit the degree from your resume and do not bring it up in the interview and to pursue a lower level position that is in keeping with your career goals.

If the interviewer asks a direct question about a MBA you can reply that you are not lying by omitting the degree but that you recognize that with out work experience you are not truly "educated" enough to apply for a position that requires the advanced degree.

Once you gain the experience you feel will qualify you to apply for a position in keeping with your education you can begin your job search once again.

In the interim, do not overlook networking, and keeping your eyes and ears open at the job you do have for opportunities to move up to a more challenging position.

-- Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College

Fourth Answer:

The best way to conduct a job search is to get others to help you - know as -- networking. To accomplish this, you will need to seek advice, ask for leads, join social or job clubs, attend trades shows, seminars or workshops, Chamber of Commerce mixes, join toastmasters, or just go to the local stores - wherever you go - network.

Let's discuss how to maximize your networking results. First, instead of asking for help, make a request in conjunction with specific information.

Make it convenient and easy for friends or colleagues to help you. Have the information readily available whenever you request help. For example, you might ask a past co-worker if they know of any manager among some companies on a growth spurt. Alternatively, ask a sales executive to review recent sales job openings with you. Request permission to us their name in a cover letter that may make it easier to arrange an interview. Notice, all of these requests would evolve around information that you have on hand, and the request itself would be easy for others to perform. Make the request sound important. Inform them how much their help means to you and how specific jobs or companies interest you. Don't "beat around the bush" - be direct.

Have you thought about discussing this with the career center at the school where you obtain the degree? They may be able to help with placement or share some leads.

Don't let your contacts forget you. Never assume that if you have contacted someone in the past, they will not be helpful in the future. Follow up calls with them, and keep them posted on your progress. Don't wait too long between calls, you may lose the enthusiasm you have developed with someone who wants to help you reach your career goals.

Use a positive approach. People are more enthusiastic about helping people who are up beat and positive. Follow up every lead, this means contact all people that you are introduced to, be sure to let everyone know how the meeting went.

It is believed that 80% of all jobs are in the hidden job market, jobs that are never posted and are still in the minds of the hiring person. Research companies that interest you know their needs and how you can meet them. You will be one step ahead of the competition most if you do your homework!

Candace Davies, Director and Founder of Cando Career Coaching and Resume Writing and All Trades Resume Writing.

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