job-seeker contacts/advice

[adamb100]

Bus route or where I can get to easy (train to Chicago, bus to Madison, etc).

[Invader3K]

Couldn't you relocate for a position though (ie. move to Fort Atkinson)? Might be tough given your apparent situation, but you're really limiting yourself if you're not willing to.

[adamb100]

I'm not a sales guy but could I move? Absolutely.

[nate82]

Try applying to jobs that you don't qualify for or are just under the qualifications. Even if you don't qualify for the job you should be applying for it if you have some of the qualifications for the job. My most recent job I applied for and got I only had one qualification that they were looking for it just happened to be what they were actually looking for. Just keep on applying to everything even if you do not fully qualify for the job.

[rwa12]

Some may disagree with me, but the whole "start in the mail room" thing still can work. I'm not sure what the statistical proof to the adage "it's easier to find a job if you already have one" is, but there is merit to the statement. Many companies prefer to promote from within, and offer some positions only internally. If you find a place that you like, getting any job there may be the foot in the door that you need to get the job you actually want.

[RobDeer 45]

rwa12 - I agree. I think you find the place you love, and are passionate about, and do anything you can to get your foot in the door. If you believe in yourself and you are willing to work hard, you can get there. Continue to apply to as many places as possible, but concentrate on a few companies. In the meantime, anything you can do to get any experience in your field, do it. Volunteer, side jobs, part time jobs, maybe a blog or something? Just throwing out ideas. If you can do anything to show an entrepreneurial spirit, it will help you a ton. Companies are looking for people that can take them to the next level someday, not just a person that does their job.

[adamb100]

It is definitely easier to find a job when you have one, because it doesn't raise questions about why you don't already have one. I found two networking events in my field that appeared in my Facebook news feed. I'll probobly attend them and try to drag my friend along to feel less uncomfortable.

[TooLiveBrew]

It is definitely easier to find a job when you have one, because it doesn't raise questions about why you don't already have one. I found two networking events in my field that appeared in my Facebook news feed. I'll probobly attend them and try to drag my friend along to feel less uncomfortable.

That's the right kind of activity for finding a job, as frustrating as that can be. Glad to hear you found some events!

[adamb100]

I ordered business cards (since I should have some and it took me 9 months to realize). Also, a company that I applied for in California called me about a job. I was stupid and said "I dont really want to live in San Francisco." That was monday. I may call them up on Monday and tell them that I actually want to live in SF.

 

[Invader3K]

Good move on the business cards. Not sure what you were thinking telling them you didn't want to live in San Francisco. I know everyone says foot-in-mouth things sometimes though, especially during interviews.

 

Years ago, after college, when I was trying to get into radio, I applied and was interviewed for a one night a week, part time news position at WTMJ. The guy asked me where I saw myself in five years. I said, "Working as a DJ at an FM rock station." Well, that interview lasted literally about five minutes.

[jjkoestler]

"I had a job interview at an insurance company once, and the lady said "Where do you see yourself in five years?" I said, "Celebrating the fifth year anniversary of you asking me this question." - Mitch Hedberg

[NievesNoNO]

There's not enough jobs in my field with my experience to where I can apply to say 6-10 jobs a week. I look mainly in the Milwaukee area, Madison, and Chicago. I've done the odd applying to two companies located in the San Francisco area but only because they are two companies that I have a deep passion for.

 

There's one thing that I'm not happy about my resume and that is it still has an objective. I'd love to nuke it but I don't have anything to replace it with.

 

I'd get rid of the Objective in favor of a list of qualifications that make you a good candidate.

 

Have you considered working for a staffing agency and have them do some of the job hunting for you?

 

I'd try to be open-minded about what exactly qualifies as a job in your field. You can probably use your skill set in a good number of jobs that maybe technically don't fall under your field or what you'd like to do long term. However, as others have basically said, sometimes having A job is more productive than searching for THE job. Once you're in an organization you'll have more contacts and resources available to continue to grow.

 

There's a lot of good advice given. Good luck to you.

[Baldkin]

Contact every staffing agency. Don't just contact them, find jobs on their website and apply for them specifically.

http://www.net-temps.com/staffing-agencies/Milwaukee/1/

 

Is a solid list, although I'm not sure how often it is updated.

[FVBrewerFan]

I'm somewhat familiar with the Advertising field. Forget obsessing about the resume. Yes, you need to send them- it's worth a try. However, 99% chance you can keep sending them and nothing will happen. Didn't you intern somewhere in college? Are you on LinkedIn, and joined the Milw, Madison, and Chicago groups? Doesn't each city have an association, or professional group of some kind that had regular outings?

 

Bottom line, entry jobs are filled with people who interned for these firms in college. Plus, and sorry but this is just true, preference is for attractive females. Not looking to stir up controversy, it's just true.

 

Why not start your own business? Offer your services for free or nominal amount and build a client base and portfolio. Before long, you can start charging more. You can also now approach agencies with a client list you can bring to them.

 

Another idea, you are in a creative field so....be creative. Sending resumes to HR depts. is not creative. Think outside the box. Look at the client list of the place you're applying and put together a press release, or print ad, radio ad...whatever for one of their clients. Show them what you can do! Find the creative people in the agency, not PR. Lots of different ways to get noticed, don't be afraid to get a little crazy, yet stay professional. Nothing to lose right?

[GAME05]

probably just thinking out loud here, but i could work my current job for 11 hrs/day for $140/day which i plan on quitting in two weeks anyway, or take a two week stint as a flyer-hander-outer guy for a TV show scout for $125/day.

[NeedMoreFans]

Every year around this time, I check area schools to see if they have any jobs posted that I may be interested in. This past week, the high school in the town I live in posted a job that is very similar to the current job I have, and I am going to apply for it. However, the school district requires applicants to submit three letters of recommendation. My three letters are all five years old, so I should probably get new ones. The problem is I don't necessarily want people in my school to know I am actively looking for a new job. Any suggestions on what do to with the letters of recommendation?

[Invader3K]

I'd probably be inclined to just use the current letters you have. I don't see a problem with that.

[GAME05]

I'm going to be laid off in six weeks. the job doesn't start up again until mid-April and unemployment would only pay $100/wk. I could always do McDonalds until it starts up again and skirt by on $2500 in savings (rent is only $300/mo), or move back home (paying to race back should an interview come in).

 

I'm a fairly qualified candidate for a Park Ranger job, guessing somewhere around 20th in the State based on interviews landed. It shouldn't take forever to land a job, but the competition is tough and dependent on openings, so who knows. Could be a month, could be a year. I currently have about eight applications out right now. If hired, the State would pay for Police Academy along with hourly pay during that time.

 

The next semester of Academy starts up in January. Out-of-state tuition is $4500 plus whatever incidentals (not sure yet if dorm life is included).

 

What I'm starting to seriously consider is taking out yet another student loan and paying for Academy myself. I would be busy in the offseason, plus I would have about four months of time to do nothing but work out (the Academy physical requirement is tough). I have been told by a Ranger that having gone through BLET (Academy) and with my strong background, that I would be the #1 candidate out there. Essentially, spending $4500+ would speed up getting hired by some rough guess of months. The theory is that I would recover the tuition+ through being hired full-time at a sooner date.

 

Not quite sure yet. I'm hoping that the applications out right now are simply being put on hold until the fiscal year ends in September.

 

The "What's Bugging Me" part: I have a great resume and it's still tough as heck to land this job which doesn't pay well, is inherently dangerous, works weekends and has a terrible work schedule.

[Raw Biz]

 

The "What's Bugging Me" part: I have a great resume and it's still tough as heck to land this job which doesn't pay well, is inherently dangerous, works weekends and has a terrible work schedule.

 

Just curious, but why did you get into it then?

[GAME05]

that's just the downsides that come out in slight frustration. it's working outdoors, protecting nature, a lot of different roles, and you never know what you'll be doing from one hour to the next. And find the right park and you get to focus on whatever aspect of the job you like the best.

 

anyway, I talked to a couple Rangers about it today. The boss said he's known people who went to Academy and got hired on right away, though the other said Law Enforcement isn't near as big a focus as Environmental Education. Also dorms aren't paid for with tuition, so we're talking about $7000 to pay for it myself. That's a year+ to recover that cost, and I'm confident I'll have a job before then.

 

Apparently my 1:4 Interview:Application rate is really good. The boss added that often if you're Top 3 for Position A, then they won't interview you for Position B because a decision hasn't yet been made if you'll be hired for that first position.

 

Sorry if this ended up being some thinking out loud. I'll talk to a higher-up about it all tomorrow, but I'm thinking my best bet is scraping by at McDonalds for the winter and strengthening my Environmental Ed background (which isn't much of a cost).

[endaround]

Just wanted to note that if you talk to unemployment you may be able to get unemployment while in the academy.

[mattsr0625]

Just putting this out there for everyone. I am a Skilled Trades Recruiter and can assist people looking for work. I work in West Allis and have a customer base all over the area. I deal in a little bit of everything; machining, maintenance, shipping, soldering, panel wiring, printing, welding, engineering, quality, and many more positions. if anyone is interested or you happen to know someone looking feel free to pass my name and number along. Matthew 414-921-3158. Thank you

[GAME05]

I've hit the point of frustration with my Park Ranger search. I have a very solid resume yet only three interviews this year. The state wants teachers and I'm sorta everything-but. I'll be able to work on a teaching-related certification, but I'm also not so committed to a $32000/year job that I want to devote yet another year when I'm in my late 30s, just scraping by in order to land it.

 

I'd enjoy working for the Job Service. Resumes and cover letters fit my editing background and I enjoy helping people. But nothing's popped up yet.

 

I've reached the point (and age) where I just desire a career. Grind out 25 more years staring at a computer screen? fine. Hoping to come across a career-type job which'll hire based on my solid education despite a complete lack of direct experience. I've been looking into energy companies today. But I feel quite lost for just where to look and how to go about doing it.

 

But good news is my current $7.75 job loves me and I've just been extended through December, so at least now I've got some extra time to look.

 

My apologies, this was probably more a rant than a question.

[superfly]

I've hit the point of frustration with my Park Ranger search. I have a very solid resume yet only three interviews this year. The state wants teachers and I'm sorta everything-but. I'll be able to work on a teaching-related certification, but I'm also not so committed to a $32000/year job that I want to devote yet another year when I'm in my late 30s, just scraping by in order to land it.

 

I'd enjoy working for the Job Service. Resumes and cover letters fit my editing background and I enjoy helping people. But nothing's popped up yet.

 

I've reached the point (and age) where I just desire a career. Grind out 25 more years staring at a computer screen? fine. Hoping to come across a career-type job which'll hire based on my solid education despite a complete lack of direct experience. I've been looking into energy companies today. But I feel quite lost for just where to look and how to go about doing it.

 

But good news is my current $7.75 job loves me and I've just been extended through December, so at least now I've got some extra time to look.

 

My apologies, this was probably more a rant than a question.

 

 

Not sure where you live, but have you looked into working in the Dakotas in the oil industry? If you're willing to move you can make some pretty serious money (and have a very good career) out there. Might be something to look into.

[rwa12]

The answer could always be Alaska. Seasonal employment with the fishing industry, or year round with the pipeline...they both pay very well. Plus there is the dividend to consider. Always could try your luck working at Denali.