job-seeker contacts/advice

[GAME05]

i don't know if this thread might be a help to people or not. but i was just thinking of the handful of people on brewerfan like myself who have been looking for work for quite some time with no luck. with every job opening, an organization gets 200+ resumes, so more than ever, even getting an interview means having a contact who can help get your foot in the door. or maybe there's just a use for advice from someone in the industry. so considering the diversity and knowledge on this site, maybe people are open to getting PMd to offer help.

 

i'm currently looking for Park and Recreation work (state or municipal, anywhere). i used to be an editor and would be happy to offer anything i might know about the industry.

 

Thanks!

[GAME05]

wanted to answer a couple comments from the "What's Bugging You" thread since this thread is more appropriate here, and i don't want to hijack the other thread:

 

Find a headhunter

is that like a temp agency? i'm looking into them right now to find one who isn't IT or Engineering specific.

 

Do you have any connections at all in your new community?

vaguely. someone i haven't met forwarded my resume on to an HR person in Austin. i emailed him a simple hello when i finally got here, but he didn't email back. not sure how much more i'd be able to bug him or even what to say beyond what i have already. but i think i'll try another hello and mention a job i'd applied to that is STILL in the "review" stage but has my Wisconsin address on the application (i called and the City won't let me change it, but I mentioned my move in the cover letter).

 

looking forward to a conference on the 19th. will chat up everyone i can and hopefully make some job contacts or non-aggressively pass out my resume during conversation.

[JaDerHeyski]

GAME05[/b]]Find a headhunter

is that like a temp agency? i'm looking into them right now to find one who isn't IT or Engineering specific.

I've noticed that a lot of folks use the terms interchangeably. According to the dictionary; it's a personnel recruiter. There doesn't seem to be very many any more, since just about everyone uses online applications or job boards.

 

I've used two temp agencies, and let me tell you, they are so busy with all the folks on unemployment, that they become less than personal. I had been with the first one for almost a year, at the same job. When I was laid off, they promised up and down that they'd call if something fit my resume. I never heard from them again. Coincdently, the exact same job I was laid off from was posted on Milwaukeejobs. and careerbuilder like a month after I was laid off. The second agency was just as bad.

 

I'm not saying they are all bad. There is a lot of companies using them just so the workforce is more disposable. It is great for the companies, not so much for the workers.

 

It is really rough out there. I had been off for 11 months, worked for a company for 4 months, laid off again, and have been scraping by with 2 (now 1) part time jobs.

 

I know I'm not much help, and not much of a contact either, but I'm in a similar boat and feel the pain.

 

 

 

[InsomniacInkRoss]

I just want a simple bar tending job and it seems darn near impossible - i feel your pain (to a much lesser degree)

[stoops17]

I have been at my current job for 14 months, before that I was laid off for 6 months. I got the interview for my job through a family member and have been happy at the job. Though long term I make less than what I think I am worth and would like to be working in WI (Live in Kenosha, commute to Northbrook, IL) to think I will be here permanently, but I need the work and hate being jobless (I need that day to day activity).

 

Before I got the job, I was going to networking groups to be around other job seekers, possibly find someone who had connections at places I was applying, that didn't happen for me because I only went for about 3 weeks, but I plan on using these resources in the future should I be in that position again.

 

The groups I went through were:

Workforce Development - Washington County - Under the calender you can see the event for "Networking". I found out about when I went there one day.

Lumen Christi Employment Network - No link but if interested, I can provide the email for one of the leaders, I still get the roster email with alumni and current position seekers. This group meets in Mequon, at least when I went. There was even an off-shoot mini-group for technical/engineering types like myself.

40+ of Southeastern WI - Went once, had a presentation from a recruiter that gave a lot of insight on what it's like from their side of the desk.

[rwa12]

When I went through my unemployment, I found that hotels were always hiring. The pay stinks, and you work a lot of nights, but it is a relatively high turnover industry. Have you tried picking up with a landscaping service?

[GAME05]

i've never heard that hotels tip, thanks. i think i'll end up trying those out toward the end of the week. today was some applying at Subway Restaurants. now that i've been turned down for a stocking job at a grocery store, i need to apply to anything and everything i can find.

 

the glimmer of hope right now is that i've kind of made a contact in the Parks field (an Aunt living here knows him). and he's no ordinary contact--you could probably say that his direct bosses are senators. he doesn't know me from Adam and certainly doesn't deal in entry-level stuff, but i'll just cross my fingers that he has a chance to call and might have some ideas for me that i haven't thought of yet.

[SquirrelMaster]

You guys should put in an application at my work. 18-22/hr average, plus great benefits. Not sure if they are hiring right now, but we are putting in a new production line within the next 6 months.

 

C&D technologies, 900 E. Keefe. I found it on Milwaukeejobs.com, but you might want to stop in and fill out an app..

[JaDerHeyski]

A week ago on a whim I decided to delete my milwaukeejobs account and start from fresh. I re-configured my resume to look all tidy and different, almost like I was a whole new job applicant. I figured maybe I'd look more fresh to the companies looking for employees. I'm almost positive (but have no way to prove) that companies can see how long a profile has been there.

Within 5 minutes of re-posting my fresh new resume I had someone call me. It was a staffing agency. I'm not a huge fan, due to really bad experiences, but wanted to just give it a chance. The worst that could happen was I would just have to say no.

For the first time ever I had a recruiter go out of his way to get me the position. I interviewed with him like an hour after his call and was all set for an interview with the company the next day. He called me like 4 times to wish me luck, tell me I'd do fine, remind me to have questions prepared, and any helpful hint he could think of. He made sure to call the company to reiterate my strong qualities and portrayed me in the best light.

I did get the job, which is part time, but set hours and days.

So for those still looking, hang in there. Maybe try refreshing your resume (and PM me if you would like my recruiter's information, I would love to give him more quality people to work with)

[Paul77]

I'm almost positive (but have no way to prove) that companies can see how long a profile has been there.

 

Milwaukeejobs DOES show employers the date your resume was posted. It is a good idea to refresh your resume every once and a while. If nothing else, it lets the hiring manager or recruiter know that your are actively looking for work

[GAME05]

awesome tip. i've suddenly got a project to do tomorrow.

 

got me a job at Wal-Mart and have an interview tomorrow at an outfitters. should i get that second job i'll be able to break even financially, which will be awesome.

[dadofandrew]

If you have to explain an absence from the job market (you know, took a 2 year break and lived off your girlfriend), the phrase "I spent the past couple years helping to take care of my grandmother. She passed away two weeks ago. I'm ready to get back in the real world."

 

They can't verify it, and if anything, it'll probably get you the job. Plus, if you get hired and want to stay on, the best thing you can do is show up early, stay late, and cover an extra shift or two if asked.

 

Ask to talk to the manager on duty if you fill out an app in person. Be confident but let them know you want a job, and can begin when needed. Call every 2-3 days, at various times, and ask for the person in charge of HR, or a manager. And never put on an app you can't work Fri/Sat nights, or Sunday, if you want a job in retail or restaurants. Even if you can't, explain it later. Half the battle is getting an interview. If they ask fluff questions like "Why did you apply here today," put down you are a regular shopper, or if you know an employee, say that, even if you're not close to them. Attach your resume to the app, bring your own paper clip.

 

If you're a guy, short hair, no cap, and business casual attire. No athletic shoes. Firm handshake, clean shaven. If you're a woman, almost anything is ok except prostitute attire, but conservative is better. Don't hide the fact you're attractive, though, it'll get you employed at plenty of places. Easy on the cologne/perfume, I've cut interviews short because of it. Remove piercings and cover tattoos, unless you want to prove a point...that you like being unemployed. Sit up straight, and if you think you might be there a while, a bottle of water is fine. Don't mumble, bring a pen, pencil, and 3-4 resumes in a plain folder or manilla envelope. If they ask questions about school, be honest, they might come back to it later, but never say you are worse than a C student. Don't say your favorite subject is history if it's not, because they might ask a similar question later, and you'll have to recall your fib. If they ask your best quality, think of what your grandma would say about you, "honest" or "loyal", not "good at math". Weaknesses? Turn it into a positive. "I used to be unorganized. Then, I took a class on it, and I'm much better. In fact, I organized the garage sale at church last year." Embarrassing moment? Same thing, minor negative, turn it around. If you have to fill out a test about your behavior/beliefs, on a scale of 1-10, every answer should be a 1 or a 10. If you're not sure, answer it like the pope or a nun would. Don't overthink.

 

EDIT: You can say prostitute but not hook-er? Heh.

[GAME05]

my professional resume lists relevant jobs only and i never even bother talking about work gaps--would take up too much space that i otherwise fill with more appropriate information. i just let them ask if they want.

 

i don't know, i feel like i should save the dead grandmother excuse for getting those three days of paid grievance time off once i'm on the job.

 

or maybe the grandmother excuse would work if you're ever accidentally late for an interview. "sorry i'm late; grandma's funeral ran long."

[dadofandrew]

Well, everyone has 4 grandmas...

[sgtcluels]

We are hiring like crazy. But its mainly for PR, Account Management for Agriculture type stuff. But if that's your thang drop me a DM.

[GAME05]

Same thing, minor negative, turn it around. If you have to fill out a

test about your behavior/beliefs, on a scale of 1-10, every answer

should be a 1 or a 10.

 

interesting. i'll get those questions every so often and always go with "8". i feel like answering "10" would show a little overconfidence, and as a kind of made-up, haven't-thought-about-it answer. i like "8" because it says you're good, but accept that you can always get better.

 

for the "What's your weakness" i always go with "confidence," and also mention that it was my previous supervisor's negative comment about me (shows it's not made up). then i add an example of how i tried it and realized i could do it successfully. haven't decided yet if that's a strong answer yet or not.

 

the question that always throws me is "Describe a problem you faced and how you solved it." i seriously can't think of any particular problem i've had, so i typically just tell them about how i go about solving problems.

 

side note, i got a job at Wal-Mart part-time, and just yesterday got a job at an outfitters (an hour away, which stinks). so with two part-time jobs i should be able to get by financially now, which is a huge load off. now to wait it out for a year+ until something career-oriented comes along. hope i don't need a hospital in the meantime.

[JaDerHeyski]

GAME05[/b]]side note, i got a job at Wal-Mart part-time, and just yesterday got a job at an outfitters (an hour away, which stinks). so with two part-time jobs i should be able to get by financially now, which is a huge load off. now to wait it out for a year+ until something career-oriented comes along. hope i don't need a hospital in the meantime.

Congrats to the job! Even if it's not the most ideal scenario, it looks half decent on a resume that you have the ambition to work two jobs at once. Shows people the depth of character, that you willingly did what it took to get things done. I think it will speak volumes.

 

 

[GAME05]

just updated the resume and on the advice above, will repost it on the industry job sites so it looks fresher. i think i'll exclude the WalMart job from the resume just because i don't want to end up pushing down or deleting the industry-specific work, but my outfitter job will be on there so that people see i'm doing something.

 

now the decision is whether or not to apply for jobs in Dallas (three hours from me, in Austin). have zero money to pay an apartment, but the father would be more than happy to front me. wouldn't like Dallas as much, but then it's industry-specific work. ok, just decided to apply and if it's a management job, then i've got to take it. knowing it's not as good of a city, if it's menial work, then i won't.

[GoudaBrew]

I have a few questions regarding the job application process and I'm reading some contradicting things on the web (surprise!) so I thought I'd see if anyone here has any advice.

 

The job I am applying for requires that an application be filled out and a résumé may be included as well.

 

1. They give the option of mailing, faxing or emailing the application. Is it safe to assume that email is the preferred way to receive applications these days? I've filled out the application using Adobe Acrobat. I'm definitely going to include my resume and write a cover letter too. Should I convert the cover letter and résumé to a PDF and send them 1 file (the cover letter, followed by the application, followed by my resume)? Or should the cover letter be written in the email with the application and resume attached as a PDF?

 

2. It's unclear to me whom I should be addressing in the cover letter. The application is to be sent to HR. I'm not writing to HR, right? The job description says the successful candidate will report to the "Program Manager", but there are two Program Managers in the office. Is, "Dear Program Manager" appropriate?

 

3. Is it OK to include personal information in the cover letter? I live in Illinois, but the job is in Wisconsin. I was thinking it would make sense to mention that my fiancée and I are originally from Wisconsin and are looking at moving back to be closer to our families. That way they have no qualms about interviewing an out-of-stater.

 

4. References. When I got my current job 5 years ago my references were my academic adviser (I had just graduated), a boss I had at an internship one year prior and a family friend. I would like to continue to use my academic adviser and two co-workers who are in supervisory positions slightly above me. Is it acceptable to just put, "references available upon request"? I don't want my current employers contacted as they do not know I'm job hunting. They don't ask for references on the required job application, but I usually put them on my résumé.

 

Sorry, these questions all seem kind of basic, but I'm a firm believer in making the best first impression I can. Thanks!

[dadofandrew]

1. I'd mail it, and use nice paper. That still matters, and may get you an interview.

 

2. To Whom It May Concern would be correct, if you do not know who will be reading it.

 

3. Personal stuff like that is fine, and again, may boost you over George Generic, who is from Chicago, went to school in IL, and is now applying. If you will not require a relocation fee, mention that as well.

 

4. They will call references if you make it far enough, so only put down people you are ok if they contact. I used to put "references available upon request," until it occurred to me that sending them another sheet later is a pain for me, and likely isn't looked at fondly by them either. I just put 'em on the resume.

[GoudaBrew]

Thanks for the input DOA!

[dadofandrew]

No problem sir. I have been on both sides of the fence in regards to looking for a job and people.

[Beerambassador]

I had two interviews in Oct./Nov. for a professional position with a Fortune 500 company. At the second interview, I asked and was told to expect to hear something back around the end of November, start of December. They were unsure of when they would make an offer, since they said there was still a final approval needed from corporate headquarters. But they had told me they HOPED to have the person start in mid-December. I've heard nothing from them since my second interview. At this point, I would have expected to have either gotten an offer or a letter telling me they hired another candidate. I know there was some uncertainty about when they would be able to actually make offers, so it's a possibility they just haven't gotten an okay to make an offer.

 

 

I felt I really nailed both interviews and made good connections with both people I interviewed with, sent them thank you notes, etc. In essence, I think I did everything right, and now I'm kind of bewildered with the extended silence.

 

My question is this: I have email contacts for both people I interviewed with. Would it be appropriate to contact one or both of them to ask what the status of the position is? If so, would I contact the higher up who initially interviewed me, or the second person, who would be the direct manager of the position I interviewed for? How would I go about following up?

[Corn Trader]

I have a question regarding unemployment benefits and eligibility for them.

 

I've been with a company for 4+ years and on Oct. 1st, my salary was cut completely leaving me working 100% comm. With my family situation, that has made things extremely stressful and uncomfortable. I've very recently discussed with management my discomfort and they are putting together a part time alternative if I were to choose to look for different work. It has not been made entirely clear if there is the only path I will have to choose from. My question is, if the part time alternative does not suit my family's needs (re: pays too little to live on), what are my options? If they decide not to offer an alternative position and simply let me go, would I have a claim for unemployment? If what they offer is completely insufficient and I had to leave, would I qualify in this situation? I've never been in this position before so I have no idea how to handle it or what my rights to benefits would be. Any help that can be provided would be extremely helpful. I have to figure this all out within the week, so im in a pinch

[JaDerHeyski]

You can collect unemployment while working part time. For instance if you only work 25 hours a week, you can claim the other 15 hours as unemployed. There's information and a payment calculator on the unemployment website.
Hope that helps.