When You Can't Land an Interview

I am having a very difficult time finding a job in the D.C. area. I have a master's degree in education from Boston University. I taught English to immigrant elementary students for two years where I designed and implemented the entire language program from scratch. I do not want to teach any more, but I can't seem to change careers with ease. I have excellent references and amazing grade point averages in both undergrad (history) and grad school. I can't imagine that recent college grads applying for the same jobs could be as qualified. The jobs I am looking for are with nonprofit agencies. I would like to assist with programs and projects, but no one will give me a chance. I have had many experienced and successful people help me revamp my resume, but I can't seem to get an interview. What is the problem here?

Patricia Mathews, a St. Louis-based human resources consultant, says that "one of the concerns I always have" is that hiring agents often "are not good resume readers."

With that idea in mind, she says that job seekers should craft their resumes to include "job goals or career objectives." In this case, the applicant should specifically say that she is "seeking a job at a nonprofit organization, preferably involving project management or project development. You make it very easy for that resume reader to connect."

She suggests that it is also important for applicants to "make sure that you state your specific accomplishments from your previous work life, to show some measurable successes. Use language that is similar to the job that you're applying for."

In this case, for example, the applicant ought to examine what happened as a result of the language program she started. Were students able to advance far more quickly into English-only classes or study subjects they previously could not? "Quantify the results," Mathews says.

For career changers, Mathews says it is especially important to network among those in the field they hope to join. She says such job seekers should certainly ask people they meet to intervene on their behalf, both for information, get-to-know-you sessions with professionals in their new field and for interviews with those who make hiring decisions.

"She's got to get her name and credentials in front of others," Mathews says.

Kenneth Bredemeier has six years of experience writing about the workplace. On the Job, a column addressing real worker questions about office relationships, corporate policies and workplace law, is written exclusively for washingtonpost.com.

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