Hi Alex, I figured since I recently went through this whole process that I might as well add my two cents in and give you an idea of what I went through and has got me where I am today. I apologize in advance for what will likely be a lengthy rambling collection of thoughts, but oh well.
February 2000 I started my 6-month accelerated techie course. Essentially 2 yrs worth of edumacation and extensive hands-on experience. At that time I had some time in the trenches but it was never enough to get the job...few interviews but someone always beat me. The tech course was primarily to give some meat to what I already had. At that time the tech industry was pretty healthy and I was able to land a job within 2 months. It was an excellent job and I didn't have to throw many resumes out before I got it. A few months in the company moved to brand new facilities and new desks, chairs, etc. Shortly after that time came the dot-bomb and because three of the major companies that were affected were our biggest suppliers...well...laid off and pissed off. I thought I would try going it on my own for awhile and see if I had what it took, but without a lot of connections and without actively promoting myself I found it a struggle to survive. Closer to the end of the year (2001) my fiance moved in with me and basically laid the law down and said get a job. I really had to swallow my pride and that was when I started my job with Staples. I did look a bit during that time and had a couple interviews. I remember one where I was one of only 4 people that were interviewed out of almost 300 resumes. It always seemed like someone else was beating me out. I would get discouraged and wouldn't try and then get bummed. Then Lisa would get mad at me...stress...stress...stress...a never-ending cycle. I even tried moving up the chain but it seems unless you kiss people arse around there, or are someone's pet you aren't going anywhere and will never even get recognition for your efforts. So ended 1.5 years of misery and unhappiness. It was actually kind of a fluke the way I got the job I have now. If I hadn't been working at Staples at the time, I may not have got it. It is not ideally where I want to be or what I am trained for, but it is in the tech industry again and more related than what I was doing. Plus...a little more money, better hours, more responsibility, more authority. More inline with where I see myself. Lots of room to grow and evolve as a person and a technician. SO why have I rambled on about all of this? Simple...through out the whole process I learned that there is no one way to find or keep a job. It is a combination of efforts and opportunities and that there is nor formula that works for every person every time. However, there are a few common key to success. The best tool you can have is a network of people, speaking on your behalf. If you don't many people...volunteer...give time away...anything to get your foot in the door somewhere and get your name known. Be humble and thankful. Don't pretend you know it all because every opportunity is a chance to learn something new...I don't care if you invented the process or not...do it their way. Always thank those people who helped you and those who interviewed you. Ask why you didn't get the job. Ask for another chance down the road. As far a resumes go...try and personalize each one, but definitely do something to make yourself stand out. I developed a personal letterhead, envelopes, resume and business cards that all matched. It is all about marketing yourself and your skills. the business cards is a great idea. List a brief synopsis of your skills on the back. When you meet someone in a coffee shop or on the bus, its a lot easier to hand then a card then a 10 page resume. Use every resource you can out there...agencies.. the web...but mostly your network. Really important....always follow-up on the leads you get where people are speaking for you. They are putting their name and reputation on the line for you...don't screw it up for them or you. I wouldn't waste time with ads in the paper for reasons that were already stated. Practise interviews with people and get all the critiques you can on your presentation...resume and physical. Dress one step above the position you are applying for. Could try making deals with people so that you have accountability for your actions. But probably the most important keys to success are these...be positive...persistent and be willing to start in something that isn't directly related. You never know where something will lead. Humility is a great learning tool and really makes you appreciate the job your do get and motivates you for your search. So ends my sermon for today....we will now pass the collection plate around and take up an offering! :-) Hope this helps!
