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Sales / Management Executive, and I still cannot get anyone to hire me, here in Los Angeles?

I am a former Sales / Management Executive, with experience in the Dot.coms, Private Post Secondary Education Industry, Stock Photography & Entertainment business, with some District Retail Management experience, I had a professional look over my resume, and he said I should not make any changes....but... no one will hire me... I am a person who is a outside of the box thinker, innovator, and who takes ownership of tasks, and projects... I have interviewed with over 20 potential employers this month, and I get a run-around from every single one of them....one slipped and told me that the reason he wouldn't hire me, is that I "know too much.." That based upon the interview, he figured that I would be able to mainstream the company, and not only cost him his job, but cost others their job... I know it sounds weird, but I appreciated his honesty.. because I couldn't figure out the run around... Any suggestions, because my mortgage is due on the 26th.. (sorry for the rambling)

Public Comments

1. Try American Airlines. They have a very difficult time hiring people for LA because of the cost of living. You can check out their website at: aacareers.com Best of luck to you! Take care and keep the faith!
2. Ok, I got this. This just happened to me. Customize your resume to the industry or company. Dumb it down if you have to. Dont over dress. If you are in a $1,000 suit and the guy/gal you are interviewing with is in dockers, they might be intimidated by you or think that you are not right for the culture. He/She might think that if they hired you, you would take their job. (This might not be a place where you want to work anyway if they stifle growth or creativity) Also, use your sales skills (I assume you were onece a salesperson) like you were talking to a prospect i.e. What is your dream candidate like? What types of concerns would you have hiring a person with my qualifications? What do you like about my qualifications? What do you not like? What is the office culture like? How do you see a person like me fitting in. The trick is to find out the obstacle and get around it then becuse when you walk out that door it is all over. Also, look at your salary requirement. If your salary requirement is too high, then they will pass on you like a wilted salad. I just got a job after going over concerns and dream candidate. (I wasnt their dream candidate but being honest about it worked).
3. Hey. I had a miserable time getting a job because I wanted to do too much. Many companies simply want to hire unimaginative cogs. You're willing to think, innovate, all that stuff, that's GREAT, but ONLY when you offer your services to nimblefooted entrepreneurs and other people for whom your skills and inclinations will cause more benefit than complication. Also, you might have a bad attitude ;) hahaha The very very very very very best tip for the job hunt though is to cover more ground. Apply to more than fifty relevant positions a day, and have 12 or more interviews per week, and you can't stay unemployed for long. I know that's not the best answer but it will get you on the right side of too much / too little at least. Okay, maybe this one's even better. In Michigan, when you file for unemployment benefits, you have to join a site called the Michigan Talent Bank. This is a job hunter's paradise, with tens of thousands of jobs (adding about 150 daily) and no scams. Find out if your state has something similar. The unemployment office should know about it if anyone does. And you may also be intersted in picking up a copy of Sharkproof (Harvey Mackay); but don't buy it at the store, order it on half.com =)
4. I am sorry to hear about your situation. If you do not mind I would love to see if I can help you, and get you back on track. If you are interested in in the mortgage industry email me your contact information, and I will follow up with you in 24 hours and see what I can do. My contact information is emmanuelfleming@yahoo.com I wish you the best and see you at the top. Emmanuel J. Fleming
5. With all the interviewing you have been doing, you must have received a lot of important feedback. Take a moment to recall from each interview the major thing that you learned about the job, the employer, you and the fit. Then for each interview reach a conclusion about why it didn't work out. In the case you describe, I suspect you were more concerned about selling what you believe to be your best qualities and less concerned about learning the employers real needs and exploring with him how you could solve them for him. If I'm quite wrong, just use this as an example of the kinds of feedback you can give yourself from each interview you recall. Also, find a way that your urgent need to pay the mortgage doesn't cause you to try and fit into a job that simply isn't right for you. A couple of suggestions to reduce the pressure. Make sure you arrive at an interview feeling relaxed and confident, having just accomplished something important to you even if it is just sweeping the yard, getting a haircut or taking some exercise. Also, call your mortgage lender and let them know well in advance that you will be unable to make this month's payment; you won't be the first and they'll appreciate your straightforwardness. Good luck!