Jobs

splendor · #1 01-08-2001, 11:25 PM

Hello,

I am a new graduate looking for a job almost any where within a reasonable pay level. I have a B. S. degree in Management. I graduated in the Fall of 2000. Therefore, it's only been about a month since I've graduated. I have applied to at least 15 jobs so far with not replies in sight. So I was wondering to all new graduates and older graduates (who are now employed), exactly how long was it after graduation before you received a reply for a new job opening? I would really like to know your about your job hunting experiences and hopefully gain some insight.

Talaxe · #2 01-10-2001, 09:49 AM

Splendor,

I am in the same boat. I recently graduated and have been to numerous interviews (20 and counting!) no job offer yet. I try different leads and they are dead ends. It takes time. Try to stay positive.

I won't give you all the cliches given to me because they tap dance on my nerves. Some of my friends took six months or longer to find the job that they wanted. Some of my classmates recieved jobs before they graduated (most of these were white students). There may or may not be a connection there, but I don't know?? Just an observation. Sorry, I'm digressing. Although the job market is tight, unemployment is down, it's still difficult to find a good career. I'm kinda at the point where I'll take anything that pays more than 30K, but I try to stay positive. Why don't you email? We can talk about this some more. GOOD LUCK!!

Eclipse · #3 01-10-2001, 11:59 AM

Splendor,
I had a job before I graduated, so it was not an issue for me, but I understand where you are coming from and may be able to give you some tips...
Are you still living in the same town that you went to college in? If so, please make sure you utilize your career planning and placement office. Most schools allow graduates to interview for a while after they graduate. This way, you will make sure that you are interviewing with companies who are seriously looking for candidate with a degree , but little to no experience. If you are going through the internet or newspapers, unfortunately most companies that use those resources are looking for experience. Find out if there is a professional association in the field that you are interested in and attend their meetings to network. For example, if you are interested in Human Resources try to find out if there is a SHRM chapter in your town.

Get someone you respect to look over your resume (preferably in your field) to make sure that you are presenting your self in the best light. Make sure you have all (or most) of the "required" items and some of the 'prefereds'. Think about how you have positively impacted a previous job and make sure that you include that, with a measurable outcome (i.e. Redesigned sales floor which lead to a 16% increase in sales for the month) Also compare your resume to the job descriptions that you are most interested in. Use the same 'buzz' words that they use to describe yourself, then make sure you have a concrete example to back it up. Have someone, preferably someone who is experienced in human resources, take you through a mock interview.

Those are my general suggestions. If you have some more specific questions, I'd be happy to help you. Good luck and above all else, PUSH (Pray until something happens!)

Eclipse · #4 01-10-2001, 12:09 PM

One more thing...and this is to graduating seniors..

It is MUCH easier to get a good, career potential job, when you are in college, versus after college. The people in your career planning and placement office should be your best friends right about now. Get to know them, go to the receptions, go to the informationals for the horrible companies that no one else wants to go to (they will be glad to see you. It makes them look good when their is a crowd at those things), sign up for interviews, even if it is just for the practice.

When I graduated sldkfj (muffled sound) years ago I did not have the best GPA in the world and had not had any internships. I was determined that I would have a job by graduation. I was always one of the first ones to sign up for interviews in our CPP office. I kept a blue suit in my car (I lived off campus) just in case there was a cancellation and I could fill a slot. Before graduation I had 3 job offers and so was able to choose the one that best suited me. I had a good starting salary, a signing bonus and they paid my moving expenses (from GA to MN). Now, I ended up hating Minnesota, but that's another story!

sunnydays96 · #5 01-11-2001, 01:02 AM

Here an option..
Online-there's Monster.com
You can post your resume and apply for jobs there. One thing is that it contains more job hunters(recruiters, head hunters) than the companies themselves. Therefore, the recruiters will get in touch with you and do the job finidng process for you. Cons-you will get constant calls from the recruiters trying to set up interviews for you. Pros- they do all the work, you tell them what you want, and they try to get you the best salary because that's how they get paid. It seems to be just like on-campus recruiting, but a little different. This was the way I found my internship a week after the semester ended. It only took a short time to get an offer, but I went on 7 interviews in that week. Yes, 7 in one week. I hope this helps.

splendor · #6 01-11-2001, 01:27 AM

Thanks to everyone for the great replies. I have good news. I finally got a reply from one of the jobs at UAB. I am so happy. I still haven't got a job yet, but at least they are interested in me. I was on monster.com for a while also, but I never got any job offers that were of interest to me so I deleted my resume. The college that I attended is in a small town and most of the jobs that they help find for students are in that area. So I didn't leave my resume on file. Most of my job hunting as been through the Internet. I currently live in a small town, but I have no desire to stay here. I will be glad to relocate if given the opportunity.