Need tips/advice: looking for a job

[GLC1968]

As someone who hires recent college grads exclusively, I may have a tiny insight into what you are going through.

Yes, most companies use online systems now. And they do ask a lot of repeat questions or the same questions show up for multiple jobs. It mostly goes towards record keeping and streamlining things on the hiring end. Don't let it discourage you! When you are applying for a job, don't just apply for everything. Read the descriptions carefully and apply to the positions for which you think you'd be the best fit (that align with your experience or background). Blanketing a company by applying for every single entry level position or internship without regard for what the job is will not get you hired (ask me how I know!).

That said, I think it is totally fine for you to ask if a business is hiring (and perhaps ask for an application) while in bike clothes. Just don't show up for a scheduled interview that way!

Have you tried online tools like Monster or Indeed? These systems pull job postings from all over the world and consolidate them into a place where you can search for them and then have a resume online to make application easier.

Also, do not hesitate to pull every string you can. There is zero shame in using a guidance counselor, a parent, a dentist, the friend of your hair dresser, your sisters boyfriend's third cousin, etc as a source for information. If they can get you names of people they know at places that might be hiring, it's a start. And let every single person you know that you are on the hunt for a job or an internship. Tell them what you are looking for and ask them to keep their eyes open. It is mind-boggling how many jobs are gotten through random contacts.

Check with your school for 'industry' events sponsored by student groups, academic departments or career services. I've attended many of these as a rep for my company where seniors (or just students) from different majors get to mingle with industry people. It's a great way to get to know what is out there and to get yourself in front of people. In fact, one of my engineering internships came about because I had the balls to sit down at a table with the CEO of a company during one such event and chat him up. I impressed him and he created an internship to suit me the following summer! So the idea is to make some contacts and keep in touch with them. You never know where the next person you meet may lead you. And, in that vein, don't go out in public looking like you don't care about life. Bike clothes are one thing...PJ bottoms and dirty/messy hair are something else. That random person who is looking at canteloupes next to you at the grocery store could be your in to your next job!

Another idea would be to seek out non-traditional ways of getting experience. Internships (paid or not) are great for this. Volunteering could be a good route. Seek out professors at your school that do the things you want to do and see if they need help in any way. I got most of my engineering experience from internships and assisting professors before I had graduated. And from a hiring manager's perspective (at my company anyway), internships are sometimes critical to whether or not a manager will even consider a recent grad at all. And some companies offer training programs, so I would a little research there in your area of interest. When I graduated with a BA in Sociology from a liberal arts college, I lucked out and landed a position in a department store 'executive training program' where they paid us to learn for the first few months and then...if we were lucky...we got permanent jobs as department managers. That program is long since shut down, but I'm sure there are others out there if you look. I know that my company is looking to implement something like that in the next 5 years, so I'm sure others are as well.

Lastly, don't give up. It's a difficult process and the work-world is not kind to recent grads (depending on degree - if you have an MSEE with an RF specialty - send me your resume, we are hiring!!) these days. Don't get discouraged and do get creative.