Job-search setback is temporary

Q. I have great experience from the various temporary jobs I've held, but I've been told by some temp agencies that the reason I can't get a temp job today is that it looks as if I love to "job jump." I have been so fed up with that response it makes me want to scream! What am I doing wrong?
A. Don't scream. You're not doing anything wrong. If the very employers who hire workers through temporary agencies don't approve of temps' changing jobs often -- isn't that the point of temp work? -- it seems somewhat paranoid to me. But hang in there. The temporary job market is picking up, and you should be able to find something soon.
Q. I recently met a former co-worker at a party, and we exchanged information about our current companies. I liked what I heard about where she works and expressed my interest in finding a job there. We swapped business cards. Is it appropriate to follow up with a letter and a copy of my r & eacute;sum & eacute;? If so, how soon should I send the info?
A. It's perfectly OK to send her your r & eacute;sum & eacute;. And do it ASAP.
Q. I am the concerned -- no, make that genuinely worried -- mother of an unemployed adult son. He has worked but recently was downsized out of a job. He pores over the want ads, e-mails out r & eacute;sum & eacute;s, goes to job-search groups, frequently has job interviews but can't find a job. He has good people skills, is computer literate, has good phone skills and is known as an excellent problem solver. Is there someone we can hire for a fee to find him a job?
A. No matter how much you love him and are concerned about him, he will have to do it himself. You can't do it for him, and neither can anyone else. He must research the job market thoroughly and network with anyone and everyone. Warn him never to pay for a job or to pay anyone to find one for him. He will have to do it the old-fashioned way: by hard work. Continue to be encouraging and supportive.
Q. Numerous companies are requesting job applicants to fill out a profile in order to search their Web site for career opportunities. Many ask for your Social Security number before searching their Web site in order to determine if there's an opportunity to match your skill sets. I would like to be able to do that but don't want to provide such personal information. What do you think?
A. I think it could be very dangerous to put your Social Security number on the Internet without any assurance that it will be protected. And even then, I wouldn't do it. Your identity could be stolen, and that's a nightmare you want to avoid.
Q. My last two positions have been with small companies and now I've been approached by another small firm. But I'm concerned about small firms because I was laid off from one and had my salary cut by the other. Would a job with a larger company be safer?
A. Unfortunately, in today's employment market, no job is safe, regardless of the size of the company.
Q. I'm 26 years old and have worked in the insurance industry for five years. While working, I've earned my bachelor's degree and insurance license. The problem is that now I want to work in a different field and can't seem to get hired. I want a fulfilling career, where I can be creative and use my talents. Is there any way to make potential employees see beyond my insurance experience and realize I have so much more to offer?
A. What you need to emphasize on your r & eacute;sum & eacute; and in your interviews are your transferable skills. That means the things you do now that can apply to a new profession. Obviously, you have excellent sales, communications and customer service skills. They should stand you in good stead in many other fields.
XCarol Kleiman is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune and author of "Winning the Job Game: The New Rules for Finding and Keeping the Job You Want" (Wiley, $16.95). Send e-mail to ckleiman@tribune.com.