job search: a theory

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

...only due to your help. again, "thanks" doesn't do justice.

off to the 2nd job.

think nothing of it...if i didnt think you can do the job i wouldnt encourage you...you do good work and so yah...dont thank me till you get a job

[supralight]

yeah and no one wants to hire a recent college grad with no experience in the field.
but at least I went to college and dont have any loans to pay off.

but...

DAMN I WISH I HAD AN INTERNSHIP WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL!!! AAARRGHHH!!!

[bighit8]

Originally Posted by 0gravity

Just some lessons I've learned....

Persistence pays. Don't be afraid to call an employer many times until you get a yes or no response to coming in for an interview. I once called a company ten times before finally getting a call back from the boss there saying "I like your persistence, come on in." Squeaky wheel gets the grease.

There are two doors into every building, the obvious front door, with the big stack of competing resumes, and the the back door. In other words, trying to find a way into a job through someone you know at another company who can give your resume that personal push with management.

And I haven't tried this myself, but a friend who's been in the job hunt and landed a decently high level job HIGHLY recommends paying $200 or so for a professional resume writer to do your resume. It makes a big difference in "selling you."

Good luck,

Good point.I got all my contracts by constant naggin.If I had not followed up I would not have the accounts.Due to this I have accounts pending with Odesa auctions now through word of mouth.

[Blue Rat]

A resume is a sales document. It sells a product you!

1.The resume summarizes your skills, accomplishments and qualifications. The resume illustrates to an employer what you can do, how you can do it, and how you can contribute to their company.

2.Employers use the resume as a screening tool. The resume helps them decide what candidates may be the best fit for their company and who they want to interview.

3.The resume will help get you a job interview. It’s up to you to get the job!

//

Remember you have a product to sell - yourself! The best way to do that is to use every available method that is right for you to distribute your resume. What methods will be best for you will be based on your career objectives, the position you want, the industry you're targeting, the geographic location and your salary requirements.

1. Networking: Networking is the key to a successful job search and the number one method that people get jobs. Talk with anyone who may know of an opportunity that would be right for you: friends, colleagues, neighbors, relatives, etc. You may also want to join a professional association that is related to the career field you wish to work in. Many times these associations have regional meetings specifically for networking.

2. Personal Referrals: Another great marketing strategy. Personal referrals open doors that may not be accessible to everyone. So, if you know an individual who is employed in a company that you wish to work for, ask them to talk to the appropriate hiring manager and submit your resume.

3. Job Fairs: A great way to meet potential employers. Instead of cold calling or surfing the Internet, job fairs offer the chance to chat with hiring managers in person and pass around your resume.

4. Professional Associations: There are hundreds of professional associations for a variety of industries and career specialties. Do your research and find out the professional associations in your field. Many have websites and publications that post available jobs. Many associations also hold national conferences and local "chapter" meetings which are great networking venues.

5. Targeted job search campaigns: This is where you send your resume directly to recruiters or hiring managers working in the industry or company you want to work for. You must be careful to select the right recruiters, which can be done through networking or research online.

6. Newspaper Ads: Responding to job ads in print advertisements is another method. If you see a job ad in a newspaper, professional association journal or other job announcement publications that you are qualified for, send them your resume. These ads are usually time sensitive so don’t wait.

7. Posting your Resume Online: Many sites such as monster.com and careerbuilder.com (there are a multitude) allow you to post your resume on their sites for free. Employers then search for suitable candidates who meet their job qualifications. Many jobs sites give you several options how to post your resume. You will either be able to develop an online resume using their system, upload it in a Word Document or cut and paste it into the website.

8. Responding to Online Job Postings: Responding to online job postings is another option, especially with the explosion of online job posting sites such as monster.com and careerbuilder.com. Remember that networking and personal referrals are the number one way that most people find jobs, so only use this as one of your job search methods.

9. Corporate Web Sites: Employers are using the internet more than ever to direct applicant flow. Many companies accept resumes and/or have resume builders directly on their own employment sites.

10. In person cold calls: This is where you go door to door to companies to look for work. This method depends mainly on luck and being in the right place at the right time. Very time consuming, it is not considered a very effective or productive method, but it does work from time to time.

[stinkyrider]

My Theory:

The human resources department at 95% of US companies SUCK.

It took me a while to learn this during my job hunt fresh out of college but I got more interviews by sleuthing around and finding out who the hiring managers are and sending my information directly to them, thus circumnavigating the dreaded HR department.
Otherwise, no matter how good you are or how much experience you have, your resume just gets thrown on the heap of paper with the rest of them.

[BrewMaster]

Networking has paid off better than anything else in landing me jobs. I also enjoy recommending friends for jobs. Use your network (like you are doing with Foo) and see if they can score you the interview you need to impress the hiring managers.

We hardly have to advertise because referrals of friends tend to fill our open positions. Our company likes hiring people their employees recommend because at least there is some trust and history versus a resume that just shows up.

From my perspective, I think companies are being more careful about adding headcount unless absolutely necessary.

Our company is hiring for customer service if anyone is interested. Great benefits and pay is around $14-$15/hr; more for people with higher qualifications and experience. Personality and work ethic are more important than anything for this job. We're in Chino. PM me if interested.

[bighit8]

Just so you know, look up job opportunities at Manhiem. Pay is so so but great benefits.
http://www.manheim.com/corporate/car...l?dest=trainee

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by stinkyrider

My Theory:

The human resources department at 95% of US companies SUCK.

...then don't ever apply for a city, county, or state government job. trust me. 3-4 weeks to get a "no" is considered fast.

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Networking has paid off better than anything else in landing me jobs.

aint that the truth- I've discovered that the further along you are in your industry its quite a bit more "who you know" instead of "what you know".