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How'd you guys get your present job?
- Thread starter Drozmight
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DaCocoBrova
Finally bought a new PSP, but then pushed the demon onto someone else. Jesus.
Knowing the right people at the right time...
Coming into the interview w/ the mind set of 'They want me more than I want them...'
Looking and smelling good.
Coming into the interview w/ the mind set of 'They want me more than I want them...'
Looking and smelling good.
ArcadeStickMonk
Member
Like sticky icky?DaCocoBrova said:
The job placement coordinator at my college ran into me in the halls one day and mentioned to me that she had a job opening I may be interested in. She helped me get my stuff in order and I've been working for the IT department at my present company for a year now.
I worked as a Mentor for incoming freshmen for 3 years -- I got the job when it was recommended to me by the head of the Honors department.
From there, I met a classmate who offered me Saturday job with a monthly stipend as a lab admin. I worked with them during my last year as a mentor, and the year following they wanted me to work for them as a full-time student worker.
After that, I worked with them for another 2 years until my boss offered me a job working with his wife because they just fired their tech guy of 17 years for drug possession or something. He reccomended that I go for an interview because the past 3 people didn't know what they were doing, never showed up for work the next day, or quit after a week because of the amount of work they were responsible for.
I was interviewed, got the job, picked up the tasks pretty easily and have been working as the assistant director for information systems for around 6 months now. I still work as a lab admin on saturdays, though.
The other job I got while dancing for our school's hip hop team. We have a few High School members who attend our martial arts club meetings every tuesday and thursaday who perform for the school assembly. When then heard that I danced, they contracted me to teach them every Sunday during Nov-February. I've been choreographing for them for the past 3 years.
From there, I met a classmate who offered me Saturday job with a monthly stipend as a lab admin. I worked with them during my last year as a mentor, and the year following they wanted me to work for them as a full-time student worker.
After that, I worked with them for another 2 years until my boss offered me a job working with his wife because they just fired their tech guy of 17 years for drug possession or something. He reccomended that I go for an interview because the past 3 people didn't know what they were doing, never showed up for work the next day, or quit after a week because of the amount of work they were responsible for.
I was interviewed, got the job, picked up the tasks pretty easily and have been working as the assistant director for information systems for around 6 months now. I still work as a lab admin on saturdays, though.
The other job I got while dancing for our school's hip hop team. We have a few High School members who attend our martial arts club meetings every tuesday and thursaday who perform for the school assembly. When then heard that I danced, they contracted me to teach them every Sunday during Nov-February. I've been choreographing for them for the past 3 years.
Particle Physicist
between a quark and a baryon
its all about networking.. ALL .. start asking family and friends if they know of poeple you can talk to. check your schools website (or career center) to see if there is an alumni network you can use. send them e-mail asking for career advice.. see if you can set up an information meeting where you can ask questions and they can hopefully help you out. dont directly as for a job or anything like that.. if they cant help you try asking if they can direct you to someone else who can. maybe start thinking about internships.. they can help you gain experience and extend your network.. dont give up. and dont take it to heart if you are shot down. i personally think the first job is the hardest one to get.. its the ice breaker.. i was in the same position as you until recently. it sucks. i know. just keep pushing yourself. try taking some classes at a local college in your related field? you might be able to network through there as well.. have you checked to see if there are organizations of your related field? maybe you should try attending some of their meetings or conferences..
main point is. network . as much as you can.
main point is. network . as much as you can.
It pretty much comes down to who you know. Seriously, looking in the want ads and then making phone calls/sending emails/whatever is for the birds. My dad used to work with a guy who was later the human resources director for my current company. He got me an interview and I was hired.
The old fashioned way- started at the bottom, endured years in a frustrating work environment, got a few lucky breaks wherein I probably should have been fired, and waited for the old boss to quit. And remembered, in my interview, to project 'valuable asset'.
I just went through a long round of interviewing and hiring new staff. The biggest thing I could personally suggest is projecting ownership of the task- that you are without doubt capable of being responsible and committed towards the job you are trying to obtain. Makes no difference if we're talking burger flipping or rocket science- the same rules apply.
Show up for interviews on time (too early is a nuisance!), clean, and smartly dressed. Answer questions clearly, and avoid the one-note response. I know this stuff sounds too basic to bother with, but I was amazed by what some folks considered 'clean' and 'dressed'. Sorry for the heavy lecture-ish tone, but goddamn; as a prospective employer, I wish more folks would take some time to think about this stuff before showing up at my door.
Edit: Networking is important, no doubt. However, I've seen folks hired out of the blue who performed just as admirably as folks who worked a connection. It comes down to how well you sell yourself, in the end.
I just went through a long round of interviewing and hiring new staff. The biggest thing I could personally suggest is projecting ownership of the task- that you are without doubt capable of being responsible and committed towards the job you are trying to obtain. Makes no difference if we're talking burger flipping or rocket science- the same rules apply.
Show up for interviews on time (too early is a nuisance!), clean, and smartly dressed. Answer questions clearly, and avoid the one-note response. I know this stuff sounds too basic to bother with, but I was amazed by what some folks considered 'clean' and 'dressed'. Sorry for the heavy lecture-ish tone, but goddamn; as a prospective employer, I wish more folks would take some time to think about this stuff before showing up at my door.
Edit: Networking is important, no doubt. However, I've seen folks hired out of the blue who performed just as admirably as folks who worked a connection. It comes down to how well you sell yourself, in the end.
I can never seem to get to the 'job interview' part. I figure that if I ever did it wouldn't go well. Everyone tells me I don't seem very confident when I talk to them. Thing is, 90% of my time is spent alone and when I'm suddenly faced with the prospect of talking to someone I've no social skills at all.
But yeah, now that I think about it, my network is zero. I'm also a student, and about to get my degree so I guess I should start talking to my profs about how they got their job.
But yeah, now that I think about it, my network is zero. I'm also a student, and about to get my degree so I guess I should start talking to my profs about how they got their job.
This cannot be said enough. It's all about networking.DaCocoBrova said:
My first job out of college was from the college job fairs, but my last two jobs are from contacts.
If you're having problems, find local groups/chapters of the field you're in (like engineering, marketing, accounting, etc.) and start attending the meetings on a regular basis. Even though most of the people there will probably be unemployed, you'll start building a network of contacts. You never know who you'll start a conversaion with and who is out there secretly recruiting.
Knowing the right people helps... but if you're talking about what to do during actual interviews a few times from my own pocket:
Come in to interview with clothes pressed, teeth brushed, short trimmed facial hair, and dentyne fresh breath.
Show interest and enthusiasm when you speak about how you would perform in the job, show genuine smiles.
Strong eye contact, strong voice full of confidence.
Sit forward in the chair with your back away from the back of the chair so you can sit straight up.
People are back and forth about whether hand gesturing is good or bad.. I personally think a medium amount of medium range hand gesturing is ok.
Don't be afraid to admit you don't know the answer to a question, be honest, but also show that you are willing to learn (i.e. I will get the answer to that question).
Come in to interview with clothes pressed, teeth brushed, short trimmed facial hair, and dentyne fresh breath.
Show interest and enthusiasm when you speak about how you would perform in the job, show genuine smiles.
Strong eye contact, strong voice full of confidence.
Sit forward in the chair with your back away from the back of the chair so you can sit straight up.
People are back and forth about whether hand gesturing is good or bad.. I personally think a medium amount of medium range hand gesturing is ok.
Don't be afraid to admit you don't know the answer to a question, be honest, but also show that you are willing to learn (i.e. I will get the answer to that question).
Gorey said:
I don't think anyone is making the mistake of claiming that networking and competence are mutually exclusive. There really is no relationship between the two -- it's just that much easier to get a job through friends or aquaintences than otherwise.
Though, I think it's pretty much a given that if you're recommended a position at so and so company, that it's assumed the people who want you know that you're qualified for the job.
bob_arctor
Tough_Smooth
Well, currently I'm an assistant leasing agent for Rockrose Development here in the heart of the West Village. My wife used to be a property manager for them, so when I lost my job at Gameloft.com (prior to the site going all cell phone gaming) she placed a call and here I am, 3 years later. So if you're rich, need a place in NYC, and love to blow wads of cash on rent, look us up.
I know he can get the job, but can he do the job?
Networking is a must though, for me anyways. Without networking I started at McDonalds at 16, worked for 2 years and quit. As I started college, I wanted a job with little work and decent pay. I work less than a half and hour a week making decent money. Also with my networking I got an internship at Monolith Productions over the summer.
Networking is a must though, for me anyways. Without networking I started at McDonalds at 16, worked for 2 years and quit. As I started college, I wanted a job with little work and decent pay. I work less than a half and hour a week making decent money. Also with my networking I got an internship at Monolith Productions over the summer.
cubicle47b
Member
I answered an ad in the newspaper with my resume and cover letter and then replied to the technical director's questions with a long, detailed email and some nice example code. That's it (well, there were two interviews but they were trivial).
My friend is going to get a job here because of me, though. I wouldn't have put in a word for him if he wasn't damn good, though.
My friend is going to get a job here because of me, though. I wouldn't have put in a word for him if he wasn't damn good, though.
3pheMeraLmiX said:
Woah, I wasn't trying to say anything of the kind- rather what you said, which is that one assists the other. I do think it's important to encourage people to be pro-active, to remember that you make your opportunities one way or another. Whether that means working an inside line, selling yourself well, or both, it all equals one thing, which is getting yourself the job.
DaCocoBrova
Finally bought a new PSP, but then pushed the demon onto someone else. Jesus.
I don't know you like that, but you seem rather passive. Being passive is not conducive to landing a job or scoring some pu$$y.
You have to act like you want it!
Means everything.
Job 1: Office Cadet in the military.. had to get good marks in High School, but it really came down to my Dad being a Commander in the Navy (Connections).
Job 2 (current): Security work.. My Mother's best friends brother is the Operations Officer for the security firm I work with. That scored me an interview.. they liked me, I had a military background thanks to other connections. Got the job.
You have to be pretty good, but it's still all about connections. In life, I'm generally shy.. but when it comes to pursuing work, I'm the most outspoken person you can find. I actually think that no one will get a job over me heading into an interview.
Job 2 (current): Security work.. My Mother's best friends brother is the Operations Officer for the security firm I work with. That scored me an interview.. they liked me, I had a military background thanks to other connections. Got the job.
You have to be pretty good, but it's still all about connections. In life, I'm generally shy.. but when it comes to pursuing work, I'm the most outspoken person you can find. I actually think that no one will get a job over me heading into an interview.
I was just about to post a new thread about this Job I Got. I felt similar to that commerical where the guy walks in a meeting and lets everyone know He nailed his interview. Well Thats exactly what happened yesterday.
I'm a third year civil engineering student and I've been working at this foster agency tutoring 2-6 grade kids for just a little over 3 months with great pay (12.47 an hour) and flexible hours. So I walk in and my superviser ask me if I will be free to work all of next week. I was still caught up in the moment from getting hiered in previous interview I told her "I had an interview earlier and I nailed it." Of course she congradulated me but still I felt bad for the agency and the kids I will leave behind. And what makes things more fucked up is there are only 2 tutors, me and this girl but it will be her last week too.
Anyways my new job, I will actually do grunt work for my superivser in the engineering division which he foresees all the city of Pasadena.
I've had a total of 2 jobs in my entire 22 years of existance and I could only give you the same advice other friends have giving me. Its all about connections. What helped me get the second job was a great interview I had and two of the project development guys I will be working for, both are alumnis at my college so we started talking and I guess that finally impacted the head of engineering divsions decision at the end.
After I settle in I'll probably put a good word in for my friend.
I'm a third year civil engineering student and I've been working at this foster agency tutoring 2-6 grade kids for just a little over 3 months with great pay (12.47 an hour) and flexible hours. So I walk in and my superviser ask me if I will be free to work all of next week. I was still caught up in the moment from getting hiered in previous interview I told her "I had an interview earlier and I nailed it." Of course she congradulated me but still I felt bad for the agency and the kids I will leave behind. And what makes things more fucked up is there are only 2 tutors, me and this girl but it will be her last week too.
Anyways my new job, I will actually do grunt work for my superivser in the engineering division which he foresees all the city of Pasadena.
I've had a total of 2 jobs in my entire 22 years of existance and I could only give you the same advice other friends have giving me. Its all about connections. What helped me get the second job was a great interview I had and two of the project development guys I will be working for, both are alumnis at my college so we started talking and I guess that finally impacted the head of engineering divsions decision at the end.
After I settle in I'll probably put a good word in for my friend.
WasabiKing
Member
The hardest process of getting the nod is making it through the resume pile. But once you score that interview, it's in your hands. Do research on the company, and make sure in your responses that they can tell that you've done the research. Get there early, not just 2 seconds before the interview. Sometimes you can pick up on how they work just sitting in the lobby, and/or filling out the application.
Sell yourself, have examples of how you've met or exceeded goals in the past. If they haven't asked you what you want them to know, tell them before you leave the interview. Appearance is somewhat important, like showering, but it's not EVERYTHING. Especially in my office, I could come in wearing pajamas and they would not care.
EDIT - As for being a reference for friends, you always have to be careful. Sometimes, we aren't so objective when judging our friends, so if s/he is a total fuckup after your referral, it looks bad on you. It's harsh, but sometimes if your friend is a little bit on the sketchy side, or if it's some favor for some girl you're into. just remember that almost every bad thing they do for the first few months, it will reflect on you.
Sell yourself, have examples of how you've met or exceeded goals in the past. If they haven't asked you what you want them to know, tell them before you leave the interview. Appearance is somewhat important, like showering, but it's not EVERYTHING. Especially in my office, I could come in wearing pajamas and they would not care.
EDIT - As for being a reference for friends, you always have to be careful. Sometimes, we aren't so objective when judging our friends, so if s/he is a total fuckup after your referral, it looks bad on you. It's harsh, but sometimes if your friend is a little bit on the sketchy side, or if it's some favor for some girl you're into. just remember that almost every bad thing they do for the first few months, it will reflect on you.
I just wish I could get to the freaking interview process. I've been interviewed twice, hired once. Tons of applications sent in, tons of managers pestered...tons unbothered, but the app/resume gets stuck in an endless supply and never seem to get around to mine. I don't have a problem with the actual interview. Once I start talking with someone, I'm good. It's just getting to that point that's my prob right now.
Miguel said:
Lol same boat here. I've sent in countless apps just trying to get some part time work. Everytime I'd go in and follow up, there'd be some sort of excuse. I'd call... all sorts of things to try and get myself noticed. Never been able to land an interview. I've failed at life... I think I'll just take my accounting degree and make an amazingly complex and cool paper airplane.
Echoes of Pink
Member
My mom told me to go ask for a job. I filled out an application and got hired. Boy was that a mistake.
Tommie Hu$tle
Member
I majored in McGuyver
Try to hand in the app to a human being, and not mailed or left in a slot- if possible. First impressions are a big deal. As for call backs, it depends on how they recieved your app. If you were able to hand it to a human management type person, ask if there's a particular time they'd want you available for interviews, so you can 'be available. It sounds crazy, but it made my life easier when people asked me that, which increases my interest. If you mailed it, figure out about how long until they'd get it, then call to 'make sure they got it'. Personally, when people called me once, it felt like they gave a damn (good sign). Twice was iffy, depending on the person calling and their pushiness. Three times was just aggravating.Drozmight said:
I'm not so sure about the job market right now. I don't exactly employ for high-end type jobs. When I advertised for two weeks- for what ended up being two positions- I got upwards of 50 applicants. There's a lot of competition right now, I guess.
CerberusXXL
Member
Getting a job after getting a Bachelor degree and no experience wasn't very fun. I had to search the internet and newspapers on a daily basis and eventually it worked.
I used to work in a brewpub (true story) and one night after work I went across the street to one of the many local bars. I was drinking away my paycheck when in walks this guy. He sits down next to me and starts chatting up the bartender. I instantly recognized his voice. I said to him, "Hey, you're that disc jockey at that radio station." He confirmed my suspicion.
I pointed my glass at him and said, "You know what? I'm going to be the next big radio personality in this town." I think that caught him off guard. He laughed and said, "Oh really? Alright, look. Here's my card. Why don't you come down to the station on Saturday and we'll see." The next week I was a disc jockey.
Moral of the story: T.P.O.
Time. Place. Opportunity.
I pointed my glass at him and said, "You know what? I'm going to be the next big radio personality in this town." I think that caught him off guard. He laughed and said, "Oh really? Alright, look. Here's my card. Why don't you come down to the station on Saturday and we'll see." The next week I was a disc jockey.
Moral of the story: T.P.O.
Time. Place. Opportunity.
Confidence is EXTREMELY important. If you don't have it, learn how to fake it.
A good way to prepare yourself for job interviews is to do as many of them as you can. If you're having severe difficulty in interviews, why not apply to a couple of other jobs as "throwaway experiences"? It sounds dumb, but the more and more interviews you do, the better you get at them. If you can't land any interviews that closely match the job you want, just go down to the bottom level. Apply for a grocery store position, or at Subway.
Also, I can't say enough about the follow-up. I turned in an application once to a sub manager on a Monday. I came back the Tuesday (when the submanager told me that the big manager would be there), and told the main manager that I'd like to introduce myself, and ask if he'd gotten a chance to look at my resume. He said, "Oh no, I haven't...", and pointed to this huge stack on his desk of over 100 applications, but then said, "But you just jumped to the top of the list." It was quite easy to get an interview after that.
So do lots of followups, but be courteous about it. And phone calls and e-mails don't count. Go there in person. That says a lot about the kind of person you are if you're willing to take time out of your own day to drive down to a buisness and wait for the manager or HR person so that you can introduce yourself.
A good way to prepare yourself for job interviews is to do as many of them as you can. If you're having severe difficulty in interviews, why not apply to a couple of other jobs as "throwaway experiences"? It sounds dumb, but the more and more interviews you do, the better you get at them. If you can't land any interviews that closely match the job you want, just go down to the bottom level. Apply for a grocery store position, or at Subway.
Also, I can't say enough about the follow-up. I turned in an application once to a sub manager on a Monday. I came back the Tuesday (when the submanager told me that the big manager would be there), and told the main manager that I'd like to introduce myself, and ask if he'd gotten a chance to look at my resume. He said, "Oh no, I haven't...", and pointed to this huge stack on his desk of over 100 applications, but then said, "But you just jumped to the top of the list." It was quite easy to get an interview after that.
So do lots of followups, but be courteous about it. And phone calls and e-mails don't count. Go there in person. That says a lot about the kind of person you are if you're willing to take time out of your own day to drive down to a buisness and wait for the manager or HR person so that you can introduce yourself.
SpoonyBard
Banned
I'm unemployed you insensitive clod.
Drozmight said:
Same problem here. I'm stuck in low-end part-time retail and I'm terrified about the prospects of paying rent in January. I've lived here for just over 7 months and I know absolutely nobody. At this rate, I have no clue how I'm going to afford to get back to school. I'm trying my best to keep a good attitude, but a lot of the days it feels like I've walked into a situation with insurmountable odds. I guess that's what you get when you move 2500 miles from your home base without really knowing that many people.
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