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Finding a job... In the real world.

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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
So as some of you all on NS might be, I am a recent grad of college. Personally I see grad school as pointless with my degree, Advertising and Public Relations. Im about a month out of college and on the job hunt. Looking to find something with Advertising or sports marketing.

Anyone have any tips to finding a job? I dont even know where to look or who to call/e-mail.
Jun 22 2011 11:49AM
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General_Ripper
Posts: 3327 - Karma: 189
There is like a stat somewhere that it takes on average like 40 resume submissions to get one interview. Basically apply everywhere and make your resume very good.
Jun 22 2011 11:52AM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
I get that. But im having trouble finding places that are even hiring.
Jun 22 2011 11:56AM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
youve already heard this too many times but networking is where it's atttt
Jun 22 2011 11:57AM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
yeah let's get some tips flowing, i'm in the process of looking for a new job.

here are some job search links i've been using...



Jun 22 2011 11:59AM
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JsNeagle
Posts: 1405 - Karma: 1,576
be open to moving to a new location if you really want a good job
Jun 22 2011 12:01PM
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Mike-O
Posts: 14593 - Karma: 1,089
http://www.monster.com/

Jun 22 2011 12:01PM
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.Blake.
Posts: 1911 - Karma: 38
I would be careful on monster and careerbuilder, a lot of the jobs on those sites are very misleading. If you know of any agencies you would like to work at do some digging for the hr managers name and actually mail them your cv and portfolio (can get pricey though). Also, making a website of yourself and your work (projects and works from school or internships as you are a recent grad) is helpful. Agencies get tons of resumes a day so make yourself stand out. Good luck!
Jun 22 2011 12:11PM
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sugarloaf
Posts: 7866 - Karma: 299
same here.

mythreads
Jun 22 2011 12:14PM
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rudeboy
Posts: 270 - Karma: 375
if you want to work for a big company.

Make a list of companies you'd like to work for. eg Nike, Adidas, Northface, Qucksilver etc etc. a massive list of companies. Then go through each individually, go to their website, go to careers, then see whats open. For each one you'd have to make a separate cover letter and tailor your cv for the specific position on offer (i guess you'd be looking for like an entry level / junior position or maybe look at some management trainee positions where they fast track you).
Aim to send off 2 applications per day (its takes longer than you think). Do that for 20 days in a row and you will get at least 1 interview.

good luck
Jun 22 2011 12:14PM
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.Blake.
Posts: 1911 - Karma: 38
This
Jun 22 2011 12:16PM
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eheath
Posts: 61590 - Karma: 122,942
Does your school have career services?
Jun 22 2011 12:18PM
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soulskier
Posts: 17806 - Karma: 3,841
good start, and dont be afraid to dress up nice and pretty to go drop off a resume/get some face time
Jun 22 2011 12:21PM
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Brenone
Posts: 4944 - Karma: 296
You have to have some idead of companies in your realm of expertise. When you were in school what were you thinking you wanted to do? Think about where you can do that job and send out resumes. And dont send out blanket resume's and cover letters. Customize each one to the company you are sending it to.
Jun 22 2011 12:24PM
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scratchproteen
Posts: 5173 - Karma: 286
You seriously should apply every where and not just something your degree is related to...most employers want someone who has been working a steady job for a while.

Did you not have a internship or anything in college? That would be the best because if you do good enough with that you're more than likely hired on.
Jun 22 2011 12:24PM
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seemeski
Posts: 4210 - Karma: 124
Dress for the job you're applying for. Apply everywhere, collect business cards, network.
Jun 22 2011 12:37PM
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skier_boy26
Posts: 11295 - Karma: 502
Don't assume that a place that doesn't have a current opening isn't hiring or won't be hiring in the near future. Send your shit everywhere. If it is unsolicited, make sure you give them something to remember so if/when they do need somebody, they might consider you.

But as the first person said, apply like a fiend.
Jun 22 2011 2:22PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
damn that sucks, here in sask its about 8 out of 10 places you apply you'll at least get a call back from if you havent already taken a job
Jun 22 2011 2:33PM
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Alex_G
Posts: 11902 - Karma: 1,019
INTERN SOMEWHERE DOPE! look all over the internet theres internships available everywhere at awesome companies in big cities.
Jun 22 2011 2:46PM
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hey-dude-its-me
Posts: 4238 - Karma: 412
My friend's boss will hire literally anyone who brings in their resume in person, they don't always last that long since its a sales job but they at least get the shot
Jun 22 2011 2:54PM
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moonofendor
Posts: 1484 - Karma: 14
yes the career builder, monster, indeed sites are helpful, but what i did for my job was snail mail out a resume to the HR departments of places that i could work (important thing here, not where you want to, but anyplace that hires for your degree.) I then waited a week, and started making calls asking to speak with the person i sent the letter to.

I ended up sending out close to 300 letters, and only had 8 interviews. but I was able to land this job and it's been great.

also, talk to your academic adviser. they might be able to point you in a good direction.
be persistent.
after interviews write (yes hand written) a letter to the person you interviewed with thanking them for their time, and opportunity to meet them.

that should help.
and always keep a positive attitude.

good luck.
Jun 22 2011 3:11PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
http://www.malakye.com/ASP/front/sendmail.asp?Recor=20&sm=&keywords=&ID=14766

http://www.malakye.com/ASP/front/sendmail.asp?Recor=40&sm=&keywords=&ID=14663

http://www.malakye.com/ASP/front/sendmail.asp?Recor=50&sm=&keywords=&ID=14651

http://www.malakye.com/ASP/front/sendmail.asp?Recor=60&sm=&keywords=&ID=14785

There are probably plenty more on there that you could apply for.

Advice (Used to work for Malakye which had me working directly with HR at places like Volcom and Vans...)

In the Outdoor sports world, forget pretty much everything you were taught in school.

1. Every position in S. Cal gets around 100 qualified applicants. (that are actually qualified) Out of California gets around 20 that are actually qualified.

2. You need to customize your cover letter and resume for every job you apply to. Make them look nice. In Marketing/PR they prefer you do an experience ordered resume with education at the bottom. They care that you have one, but dont care enough that you should put it at the top. They want your most relevant experience at the top. They also like it when you include something that closely relates. I applied to work for 686 and they loved that I had done outside sales for Mt. High which is a huge partner for them. Burton seemed to like that I worked retail for Zumiez for 3 years since it was their #1 retailer. They also like brief directly related statements. I spend about 5 hours on every cover letter/ resume combination I do.

3. If you get an interview, do not wear a suit. If it is a company that sells clothing, wear the nicest outfit you could purchase from them. If they do not sell clothing, call the HR department and ask. This will not negatively affect you in any way.

4. If you get an interview, read every piece of information you can possibly find. You never know what they are going to ask.

5. The one thing I almost always get asked, what is the your biggest professional accomplishment?

6. Sometimes you wont always be qualified... I rarely ever am for the jobs I get interviewed for. Be interesting, be different, show that you want to learn and that you feel that you can do what they are asking. You may not get the job, but you will likely get an interview.

7. Only apply for positions with in companies that you are at least 80% qualified for. If you apply for marketing coordinator, PR assistant, and customer service representative, HR frowns upon this.
Jun 22 2011 3:40PM
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