I need a little job advice.

[Mindibun]

I don't know if anyone on here can help me, but as I'm not getting much help from my "real-world" people, I figured it can't hurt to try.

I've been looking around for ages for a new job. I'm a junior in college now, will have my degree very soon and already qualify for my AA if I'm not mistaken. (The application process is very involved so I haven't gone through with it yet) I've worked in "lowly" retail stores for the past several years and I feel that I'm ready to move up to something more "grown-up" and perhaps something that will give me experience in my field. The only problem is, I honestly don't know what to look for.

I am double-majoring in English and Sociology so my people skills are usually great and my language abilities are above-par. I'd love to go into something involving editing but there's nothing like that around here. The closest I could get would be an office job. I am also minoring in business administration, so really, I've got all the bases covered and could handle just about anything.

I just don't know where to look or what kinds of jobs I should be searching for. And in all honesty, I don't feel that I can compete with adults who are already out of college so if I were to find a good job, I'd probably not apply due to feeling this way.

How do you guys locate decent jobs? And what kinds of things have you done in interviews that you feel have helped your case? I always feel so awkward...

Any suggestions are welcome.

[twometal]

Try job sites on the internet. Craigslist has always worked well for me. Make sure you have an awesome resume, it helps you get your foot in the door. And don't let your attitude defeat yourself. You know you're the best candidate for the job, so make sure they know it too. With your people skills and speaking ability, you should do awesome on your resume/interview. And look up resumes and interviews on google, there's lots of help for this sort of thing on the internet. Good luck!

[Mindibun]

That's another problem - my resume. Since I've only worked in retail, I have no office experience or anything like that. I have pet store experience. -lol- The only thing I have to offer is my education and that's nothing compared to people who have graduated already and have the experience for the job.

[bsd13]

Funny, because most adults question if they can compete with you kids just coming out of college, lol.

The best way in my opinion to locate jobs is by personal referral. So if you know a friend of a friend who has a friend whose mother is the manager of Acme Co. by all means get someone to refer you to her. The closer related to her the better off for you. (This is just an example, but you get my point)

As far as interviews go spend time having a conversation. Build a relationship. Make the interviewer laugh and get them off their game plan. Remember their only purpose is to eliminate you from getting to the next round. You're job is to make them forget that. Make them think they are your best friend and they'd do anything for you.

Make them WANT you to have the job. Not because you're more qualified than anyone else (at this point you're not), not because you have better answers to their silly questions (believe me if they've interviewed for any length of time they know all the answers), but because they like, no not like, adore you.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared to answer questions. It means that you should always be working them.

As far as your resume goes remember you can put more than just your jobs on there. A resume is supposed to reflect your experience which isn't limited to the jobs you've had. It needs to tell a story about who you are which goes far beyond a few crummy little jobs you might have held.

My final piece of advice - If you want to be an editor start offering your services on Craig's List and other places as a freelancer. It'll put some money in your pocket, give you real-world experience, and keep you busy while you're looking for work.

[Mindibun]

People have suggested free-lance editing to me before but I don't know how to go about it. Can you point me in the right direction?

[bsd13]

People have suggested free-lance editing to me before but I don't know how to go about it. Can you point me in the right direction?

Sorry I'm not an editor so I have no idea. I see ads for it all the time on Craig's List. Might try there.

[jeffjr464]

try workopolis, make up a resume, embelish is the key!! employers contact you about positions they think you match, like say you were the cashier at the pet store, say you have accounting, money management, customer relations experience, etc, make it sound more grand than it really is, it works

[kneepoles]

try workopolis, make up a resume, embelish is the key!! employers contact you about positions they think you match, like say you were the cashier at the pet store, say you have accounting, money management, customer relations experience, etc, make it sound more grand than it really is, it works

I second that! What you really want to do in any situation where your applying for a job, or being interviewed is embellish what you've done previously. Your an english major ( among other things) use that ability to make your previous jobs SOUND like you've had this tremendous responsibility in the company. For instance, like Jeffjr said, suppose you were a cashier at a petco. In your interview, and on your application try saying : "I was committed to providing the utmost in customer relations, while being responsible for cash transactions. Also, as a representative for the company, I had the task of not only pleasing our clients through face to face networking, but also through providing quality product which I personally maintained." What potential employers are really looking for , is a just a few things 1. what will it cost me to train this person to do this job? if your already trained, that's a plus cause it saves them money. 2. will this person be committed to this company for a long time. Average cost of hiring a new employee in a gas station ( the one I used to work at) was almost 3000 dollars( paying someone to train me, getting me my ABC certification etc). Employers want to KNOW that your not gonna come in and leave in 6 months after they've spent a ton of money on you.
Just sell yourself as an ASSET to the company rather than a risk.

[littleindiangirl]

Ever thought about temp services? For example, Kelly services has several different areas of expertise. I've often found job openings for clerical, data maintanence, management, even some higher education like microbiologist, engineer, chemical.

Just an idea, go to kellyservices.com and check job openings for your area. See if anything catches your eye.

[kc261]

Your college should have some sort of career office. Go there and see what they can do for you.

Connie mentioned temp agencies, and they are an excellent way to get a wide variety of experience which can help you both in identifying what you like in a job, but also beef up your resume a lot. Many temp agencies also are employment agencies, and can help you find a permanent position. There is a sort of synergy in that you are working for them and so they get to know you better while they are looking for that perfect job for you.

Browse help wanted ads anywhere and everywhere you can find them. Even if you don't apply to any of the jobs, it will help you clarify in your own mind what types of jobs are available and which ones you are interested in.

Don't sell yourself short. Don't have experience? So what? Figure out what you do have, and use it to your advantage. As bsd13 pointed out, many people with more experience feel they can't compete with everything younger folks have to offer. One thing you can have about any job is enthusiasm, and employers like to see that. Make sure they know you are excited about starting to move into a real career type job, and about working for them in particular. Do call them back after the interview, even if they say they'll call you.