Tips: Finding/Getting a "Real Job"

[weegegirl 2]

Hey All!

I haven't posted in a bit, so here goes...

Someone I know who frequents this site is looking for his/her FIRST "real job". They don't know quite how to go about it.

We've all (well, most of us) have been there before. Let's put together some tips. I'll start....

- Make a list of things you are already good at.
- Think about people you know who have kickass jobs... what do they do and how did they get started?
- Put a resume together and have someone help you "tweak" it.
- Look in the local paper and start to get an idea of what's out there.

Also, check out some of these websites:

- Dice.com (techie jobs)
- CareerBuilder.com
- Monster.com
- Hotjobs.com

[lifewithoutanet 0]

Monster.com has some excellent resume writing tips. The best tip I can offer in that regard, though, is that a resume is NO place for modesty. Most get just a cursory glance to determine if they make it into the short pile or the 'round file' (trash). If you've got it, flaunt it. Make it stand out. Put every related accomplishment on there. With respect to 'related accomplishments', if your friend isn't sure what s/he is looking to do, there's nothing wrong w/ drafting up a couple of different resumes for different positions.
Also, *any* management or leadership experience should go on there, almost regardless of the context.
Hope some of this helps.
Good luck to your friend!
-C.

[weegegirl 2]

yeah. good call. you have to more or less "brag" in a tactful sort of way. that is their 5 second look at who you are. so if you have anything that makes you "special" or "unique" next to anyone else... you should throw that on.

what do you guys think of skydiving stuff on a resume?? i've heard both sides. i guess it depends on the kind of job you are going for.

[Nightingale 0]

call local city, county, and state agencies and ask what positions they have open. you usually have to take a "civil service exam". Pays pretty well, lots of upward mobility, great benefits. Civil service has worked well for several of my friends and family members.

www.lacity.org

[lummy 4]

I'll throw in references.

Make a list of who you want to use and in what context. Try to have a variety of people who can and will discuss their knowledge of your strengths. In my profession, I typically choose a few different types such as former managers, former direct reports (to me), peers, and people I have supported, even personal references. I'm in technical support BTW. This way, I represent myself across the board and don't limit myself to just customers, or just my manager.

Also, make sure you ask permission of these people AND make sure they are agreeable to give you a good reference. The last thing you want is a reference that'll trash you. Send them a copy of your resume and what if anything you'd like them to point out to someone calling.


good luck

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[crewkeith 0]

never had a real job this is good though

The skies are no longer safe

I'm back

[TheAnvil 0]

Prep for any interviews - well. Know that you're not going there to get a job. You're going there to BORROW a job so long as your work makes your employer a profit.

Also, try and balance pay and happiness. To me, being happy is far more than being wealthy. One of my friends currently makes 6 figures plus, but he's really unhappy. Salary isn't everything.

I'm too tired to think right now. Need a sip or three of Herradura and to get a bit o' work done.

Good luck with the job search.

Beers to all,

Vinny the Anvil

Vinny the Anvil
Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL
JACKASS POWER!!!!!!

[lifewithoutanet 0]

Quote

what do you guys think of skydiving stuff on a resume?? i've heard both sides. i guess it depends on the kind of job you are going for.

I'd have to agree with you, there. It will depend on what you're going for. If you hold instructional ratings, I could see putting those on there, without question. If you're listing it as a hobby, I don't know... The personal touch depends on who's reviewing it and probably won't do much for you on the first-glance, but might when the resume ends up in front of the hiring manager, or YOU end up in front of the hiring manager.

After taking a new role w/ my company my new VP found out that I skydive. Since then, I can barely hold a conversation about business with him. If I'd interviewed w/ him and it came up, it certainly wouldn't have hurt me. The hiring manager who first interviewed me couldn't have cared less and to some extent, still thinks I--and all of you, for that matter--are crazy. You never know what type of personalities you're going to encounter when you're introducing yourself on paper.
Just my $.02.
-C.

[Nightingale 0]

If you know someone who's a manager, or who owns a business, ask them to do a mock-interview, and talk about it with you afterwards, what to say, what not to say, etc...

[unformed 0]

Be relaxed. If you absolutely don't know an answer to something, say you don't know. Employers know that those right out of college won't know everything. That would rather hire somebody who is honest and says they don't know something rather than make something up. If you do make something up, however, do it confidently, as if you know that's the correct answer. If you're wrong, oh well, at least you truly believed you were right.

Remember to dress appropriately. (That doesn't necessarily mean suit and tie, but at least a polo shirt and dress pants.)

One of the biggest things companies look for is whether they would like to work *with you*, not just how much you know. Keep that in mind.

and good luck!

This ad space for sale.

[Icon134 0]

when I was in college... I got my co-op job through shear enthusiasm.

its hard to fake... and that's probably just as well because if you're not enthused then you are less likely to enjoy the job.

good luck...

S

Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife...

[skycat 0]

Make a list of what you want to do, and what kind of enviornment you want to/can tolerate to work in. (ie. couldn't sit behind a desk for 10 hours strait) Then add in what kind of training you currently have and if on the job training will be needed what entry level possition you are willing to take to get to the kind of job you want.

At my job what I see most is people who want to a lead tech/engineer possition, but don't have the training or experience for it yet refuse to be an entry level tech because they believe it's below them. Sometimes you have to take one step back to get ahead 3 steps. Kids strait out of college seem to be the worst about it, probably cause of that spanking new deploma or something.

Fly it like you stole it!

[PrairieDoug 0]

Know the company that you're interviewing with -- what product/service they provide, some history, etc.

Often this info can be found on a corp. website or annual report.

I always ask applicants "Why do want to work here?" It makes a good impression if they can point to specifics instead of saying something generic. This is true even for entry-level admin positions.

And oh yeah -- grow a thick skin. Usually you gotta hear a lot of "you're not what we're looking for" before you hear "we'd like to hire you."

Good luck!

[turtlespeed 219]

Just chuck it all and buy a video camera, helmet, trailer, and move to a DZ.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[lawrocket 3]

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The best tip I can offer in that regard, though, is that a resume is NO place for modesty

Good point. A resume is not an objective memo. Write what you know, what you can do, and most of all, how you can help the employer.

It's also a good place to let them know you are realistic. No juvenile "I dream of running my own business and changing the world." Employers don't want that bullshit. The more you focus on changing the world, the less you focus on your job. No good.

Othr examples of realism? This quote from my cover letters opened more doors than I ever thought possible: "I expect duties, responsibilities and compensation commensurate with my experience. That is, I expect long hours, high stress and I don't expect a $100k salary for that lifestyle."

Employers don't care about your friends, egos, or personal hardships or accomplishments. College and highschool BS is over. Wanting work to live your fun and exciting life doesn't count for much. Making enough money to visit friends, road trip to Cali, or do tunnel time won't fly.

So, it should be fully centered on how good you can be for them, and be limited in terms of your future plans. They don't care. You should make them money. That's all.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[HeatherB 0]

Definitely have at least one other person, preferably a few, look over your resume before distributing it.

I have seen so many poorly written resumes. I always tossed out the ones with spelling and grammar errors. Some looked like they were written in 5 minutes flat. Then I'd weed out the ones with too many "BS" terms.

First impressions are so important. And typically the first thing they see about you is your resume.

[lummy 4]

OOO OOO!! Along those lines, whatEVER you do,please make SURE you don't have a virus on your pc if you submit it online....

talk about DUH factors...

and yes, I've actually seen it happen, a few times in fact.

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[LuvToFly 0]

Quote

Just chuck it all and buy a video camera, helmet, trailer, and move to a DZ.

Motion seconded!

"The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment
of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

[champu 1]

Quote

what do you guys think of skydiving stuff on a resume?? i've heard both sides. i guess it depends on the kind of job you are going for.

It went on my resume because I was president of the skydiving club at my university for a year. I probably wouldn't mention it otherwise unless your interviewer asks.

The department head at a company I interned with was a "fact chucker" who was always sure to update me on injury statistics and clauses that insurance companies and professional athletes / actors had regarding skydiving being too dangerous.

At my interview for the company I'm at now I was first asked about my role as president and that slowly drifted off on a half hour tangent discussion about how I used the rental car they had given me to drive out to perris the day before.

/edited to add: oh right so suggestions? I'd say if you can mention skydiving or other hobbies in a way that demonstrates personal strengths that will be useful to the employer, then good, put them on there. but don't write, "Skydiving is a blast and I wouldn't spend my weekends any other way!"

[yoink 321]

Quote

Be relaxed. If you absolutely don't know an answer to something, say you don't know. Employers know that those right out of college won't know everything. That would rather hire somebody who is honest and says they don't know something rather than make something up. If you do make something up, however, do it confidently, as if you know that's the correct answer. If you're wrong, oh well, at least you truly believed you were right.

The first bit - absolutely. Great Advice... The second is dodgy. I'd go with honesty and enthusiasm - "I don't know but I'd like to learn" is a far more acceptable answer than "It's like this" and being wrong.

Also, decide carefully what field you want to go into. Personally, I took a job that didn't pay as much as some I was offered because I enjoy doing it. To me, that's more important. Decide what's important to you...

Remember that if you get to interview stage, most decisions are made in the first 3 minutes, regardless of how long the interview is. Use this to your advantage - 1) Turn up on time. 2) Look professional. 3) Enter the interview room with a nice smile and a confident hello or good morning. 4) Be aware of your body language. Try and think of an interesting way to start the interview - don't wait for them to initiate it.

Prepare and re-prepare your CV and interview technique. Have friends and family look over them and give suggestions - think carefully about which to take.

Prepare answers to questions that you are pretty sure will come up - Why do you want to work for us? is one... What can you offer the company? Is ofetn another... and the classic What do you think your weaknesses are?
This last one is a really good question for you - you can use it to your advantage. Think of a weakness that you can actually use as a strength - For example, I went for an interview with a consultancy and used over confidence when giving presentations as a weakness... it is, and can lead to trouble in the small percent of the time you get it wrong, but a consultancy is all about coming across as confident and being able to communicate... see? A weakness that's actually a strength

Read up as much as possible on the company you are applying for and taylor your CV. General CVs sent out to dozens of companies lack a personal touch and show apathy.

At the end of the interview you will probably be asked Is there anything you'd like to ask us? Take this opportunity to show your enthusiasm. Something like, "I was looking at a case study on your website and didn't quite understand this bit - does it mean... have I got it right?" BEFORE you do this - make sure you do have it right... They will see you as someone who is keen enough to do some research, honest and sensible enough to ask when you're not sure about something, and intelligent enough to get it right... bonus.

End the interview on a good note - smile and thank them for inviting you. Say something like "I look forward to hearing from you..."

Lastly - if you do all this preparation, you'll be pretty well ready for most interviews, but never go in with any arrogance... do not try and tell the interviewers their job, what their company does or how it does it, what they're doing wrong or look like you're doing them a favour by being there - It's the other way around...

Good luck...

Oh - and proof read your CV about 40 times - nothing worse than sending out a CV only to realise later that there's a typo on it...


Dayum... sorry for the massive reply...

[lemonjelly 0]

http://www.jobserve.com

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