I live near Mesa AZ and have been searching for a p/t job. I have put in over 15 job applications at places like fast food restaurants and retail stores (9 out of 10 are not accepting applications).

There are no p/t office jobs at all with the temp agencies. I called one and they wouldn't even let me come in to register.

I have responded to several ads for p/t Administrative Assistant jobs from craigslist and local newspaper. I only heard back from one and they said they had over 50 applicants.

I have only had one interview at Sears and it was more like an interrogation.

It didn't used to be this way.
I'd like to hear from people who can relate to my story and tell me what city they live in and what their personal experience has been.

28 percent unemployment reported in Detroit.

welcome to Obama's economy. all the jobs that are being created are in government -- most of them are telling others what to do. probably the unemployment office needs help -- and they probably don't have the budget to hire anyone.

You should pay more attention to the news. Over 30 million Americans are looking for work (14.5 million is the "official" figure based on unemployment insurance, but that counts less than half of all jobhunters). Over half a million people per week are losing their jobs. There were only 2 million jobs available. Average number of unemployed per job = 15; nationwide, average # applicants per job is running closer to 1000.

If you want a job, get cracking. You need to outshine everyone if you want a job - better skills, education, work habits, appearance, and everything else.