I lost my job one week ago today, and I haven't been able to find anything since. Any and all resumes handed out in person or online before Wednesday are completely useless. It turns out some of those places called my last employer and he completely slandered me because he's a bitter old drunk, not based on my working abilities at all. It's illegal to do that where I live but hard to prove in court. I had to re-haul my resume and come up with a good lie to cover that. So I scrapped the last two restaurants I worked at and said I've spent the last year working at one restaurant in a neighboring province and I just moved back. I hate lying on my resume but I can't see any other options. My roommate is practically freaking out about rent for October but i'm trying my best. it's not like him freaking out gets me work any faster you know? I'm starting to get quite scared about my situation and I have been living and breathing stress for the last week. I've also been hitting the booze quite hard in the evenings after still not having a job. I know there isn't much I can do besides keep trying but any advice on how to take it a little less hard?

I wouldn't lie on your resume. Just tell them no, they cannot contact your employer. That's what I do. My manager is crazy and I really don't want any future employers contacting her. As for not taking it so hard... Think of it like this, if it wasn't meant to be, it wasn't meant to be. If you're getting turned down for jobs, then maybe the ones you were applying for just wouldn't suit you at all? Keep trying, expand your horizons! Good luck and don't let it get you down!

Could you get your resume professional edited? I know a lot of companies look at the professionally edited resumes first out of all the piles.

And def try to apply for jobs out of your comfort zone and ones you would never think to apply for that probably wouldn't contact your previous employer!

Good luck, and don't give up!

Yeesh.. they're contacting your old employer for entry level positions? Where I live, they only really contact ex-employers if you're applying for supervisor or above. Just be honest and say that you old employer and you didn't see eye to eye, and you wouldn't be comfortable with them contacting them.

Did you end up getting a job?

I would just leave your employer off your resume or offer other references in place of your last employer. My last boss is a jerk as well and gives terrible references so I'm using personal references (past co-workers, people I supervised) and employers instead of him. It's not ideal but its better than working for a man who didn't give breaks, laughed in face when I asked for vacation and telling me I'd never amount to much.

Look at this situation as a positive change, you now have even more opportunities to try a new field or work for someone who appreciates you. Positivity in this situation is your friend, even when you'd rather punch positivity in the face.

In this job market a week is nothing. I've been unemployed for 7 months and still sending out resumes. I'm applying to entry level jobs for hours every day. You are definitely not alone and that depression/anxiety is totally normal. I've been constantly worried that I'll end up homeless, but the reality is that every time I apply for a job my chances of getting a job are better than if I gave up.

I'm not sure where you live but checking with temp agencies could help you pay rent while you look for something more permanent. It's also experience that may come in handy when applying for your entry level jobs.

Yes, temp agencies! If you find a good one they can be your best friend.

Best of luck to you! Please do your best to stay positive, I know it's rough. ❤

I lost my job due to a power hungry owner slandering me because I needed a medical card about two months ago so I sympathize. (So much for Christian values!!!)

My best advice for you would be that there's no place stating you have to list every single job you've had unless you're openly, explicitly prompted for. Then if you do, tell your potential employer that it was a bad experience and you'd rather not discuss it further personally.