I have some advice for all you job seekers out there....

[VerbalIntercourse]

I've been on the hunt lately, and things are turning to be very positive right now. I was just invited for 3 interviews and that includes the big-time top tier firms. I'm a career changer, so keep that in mind. However, I think this applies to everyone though.

Here are some things I've learned.

1) There is no substitute for the street. Yeah, linkedin, and facebook are cool, but that just ends up become meaningless spam. You have to go those career fairs, events, and social gatherings. These people get 1000's of resumes. They will filter you out with keywords, GPAs, school prestige, but if you connect with someone, they won't filter-out your resume.

2) Don't be shy. Talk to people. Ask them questions, and SMILE. Make yourself into an extrovert. Even though, so far, I have received interviews with people I didn't send thank you notes to, SEND THEM OUT. Keep your name relevant to people. Be friendly. People like to talk about themselves. Especially, when they know they are more important than you. Keep that in mind.

3) Check your resume! is it up to par? If not, do something about it. I wanted to show that I could handle a lot of things at once, so I got involved and volunteered for the Rep. Party on top of my Full-time job, and my school (I went back last year)

4) Play the game. Dress appropriately, get your suit tailored. Get a nice haircut. Speak professionally. Limit vocalized pauses. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, then make the sacrifice. If you don't want to play the game, there are thousands of people that will.



I know a lot of you guys are still in college, and right now is game time to land a job next fall. Good luck.

GPA matters, experience matters, but personality is what makes or breaks a candidate. I've found that people don't want a socially awkward nerd on their team, so put on your best face.

 

[Robbie3000]

A positive thread from Gundam? Sly being rational about right wing media smears? is the world coming to?

I hope success in your career makes you a better human being.











Anyway I hop

 

[aliG]

I've been on the hunt lately, and things are turning to be very positive right now. I was just invited for 3 interviews and that includes the big-time top tier firms. I'm a career changer, so keep that in mind. However, I think this applies to everyone though.

Here are some things I've learned.

1) There is no substitute for the street. Yeah, linkedin, and facebook are cool, but that just ends up become meaningless spam. You have to go those career fairs, events, and social gatherings. These people get 1000's of resumes. They will filter you out with keywords, GPAs, school prestige, but if you connect with someone, they won't filter-out your resume.

2) Don't be shy. Talk to people. Ask them questions, and SMILE. Make yourself into an extrovert. Even though, so far, I have received interviews with people I didn't send thank you notes to, SEND THEM OUT. Keep your name relevant to people. Be friendly. People like to talk about themselves. Especially, when they know they are more important than you. Keep that in mind.

3) Check your resume! is it up to par? If not, do something about it. I wanted to show that I could handle a lot of things at once, so I got involved and volunteered for the Rep. Party on top of my Full-time job, and my school (I went back last year)

4) Play the game. Dress appropriately, get your suit tailored. Get a nice haircut. Speak professionally. Limit vocalized pauses. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, then make the sacrifice. If you don't want to play the game, there are thousands of people that will.



I know a lot of you guys are still in college, and right now is game time to land a job next fall. Good luck.

GPA matters, experience matters, but personality is what makes or breaks a candidate. I've found that people don't want a socially awkward nerd on their team, so put on your best face.

In other words, dont be a square. Be likable, be that dude that they want to hang out with during happy hour, etc.

Everyone gets bogged down with the latest FASB codification but when stress levels are high they want to work with someone who can hold their own socially.

 

[zerozero]

ehh

I agree with you halfway but this stuff about become an extrovert and putting down nerds etc might be going too far

if you have a personality you have it, you can't fake your way into something else

what I'd say is, work on relationships and conversational skills, for sure.

 

[brick james]

The fact of the matter is that there are a number of factors that can help you land a job, just play to your strengths, and do not get discouraged.

 

[kash10003]

my advice is to be looking for job all the time. do it at least once a week or once every two weeks even if you are employed (everyday if you aren't), using your personal home computer. figure out what the market demands are and how can you continue to improve yourself.

ask for feedback. and as the OP said, most jobs are gotten through networking. People will take a mediocre candidate they know over taking a risk on an seemingly decent potential of an employee.

 

[Berniewood Hogan]

I got involved and volunteered for the Rep. Party

In other words, dont be a square.

Spoiler

 

[Brown_Pride]

ehh

I agree with you halfway but this stuff about become an extrovert and putting down nerds etc might be going too far

if you have a personality you have it, you can't fake your way into something else

what I'd say is, work on relationships and conversational skills, for sure.

there is somethign to be said of it though
MIT Charm School Teaches Social Skills, Street Smarts: Not Sure if This is the Hardest or Easiest Course for MIT Students

and fair or no hiring managers are people with the own personal opinions. Qualifications don't ALWAYS speak the whole story.

IMHO a sales type of class should be mandatory for every college grad.

I also don't think you have to fake anything, just learn to feel comfortable around people.

 

[VerbalIntercourse]

An hour ago, I was just invited for an interview with a company I have wanted to work for most of my adult life.

I always drive past that building with starry-eyes. Thinking maybe one day... i'll be there.

I think this is one of the happiest moments in my life.

It's just an interview and who knows what will happen, but Never give up on your dreams guys. It's never too late.

 

[Dusty Bake Activate]

A positive thread from Gundam?

lol...I know. That was my initial reaction when I clicked on the thread. I was shocked to hear positive advice coming from Gundam. I thought it was going to be some dry, sarcastic, angry post about affirmative action or Obama.

 

[Brown_Pride]

An hour ago, I was just invited for an interview with a company I have wanted to work for most of my adult life.

I always drive past that building with starry-eyes. Thinking maybe one day... i'll be there.

I think this is one of the happiest moments in my life.

It's just an interview and who knows what will happen, but Never give up on your dreams guys. It's never too late.

Good luck man hope it works out.

 

[trollol]

Some more general tips:

- Most people in the position to hire in my firm, including me, get tons of resumes. I look for either experience or a GPA. Most managers like experience, but I let it slide if the GPA is high. If you don't have either, I'm not even going to think about bringing you in.

- Please know what job you're interviewing for. And act like you want the job. Gotta be prepared for the "Why do you want this job?" question.

- Don't be too eager to please (comes off as phony to me, like you'll say anything just to get the job) or too laid back (it'll show you don't care).

- Personality counts. Don't gotta be an extrovert, but I and most managers want someone who can get along with the current team. Don't act like an arrogant azzhole during the interview or have your resume stretch the truth too much.