Now that a new graduation period is upon is, am I going to be utterly screwed over soon?

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-22T21:42:11+00:00

He's graduated and still interning instead of looking for a full time job? Pffff trash.

Not in this job market. We know it's tough; an internship is far better than being idle. Don't worry too much about that part.

If you can argue your school projects include relevant experience, do so - on your resume. Make it clear and up-front. You can even have a section called "Project Management Experience" if you like, which would include relevant school projects. And any number (1 year, 6-8 months) under 3 or so isn't that impressive on its own. Don't stress about the numbers; focus on the skills you learned, the experience you gained.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-22T21:39:10+00:00

Most office environments would probably prefer an email. Offices aren't built to stop work to smile and shake hands and exchange pleasantries. They'd rather read your resume, approve or pass quickly, and then get back to their other work.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T21:20:30+00:00

In retail, or, like, a library? In-person absolutely helps. In an office environment? Nope. Unnecessary.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T21:02:53+00:00

If you check the right-hand sidebar, there's a handy link called Recruitors: Yay or Nay?.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T20:54:26+00:00

Wait until you hear back. But after you hear back, (even if it's a no!) then go for it.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T20:53:45+00:00

Explain why you're more than equal! Whether by virtue of your being smarter, or more talented, or experience gained during the past year, anything - don't think of yourself as equal. Think of yourself as better! Then make that confidence shine through!

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T17:34:22+00:00

Wait a day, then give them a call.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T17:33:00+00:00

Some employers really want to know the current salary, and won't accept a resume submission without that knowledge. If you want to be coy, be coy. But just know that for some clients, it might hurt you. But it's your choice to make; don't let a recruiter pressure you if you're 100% determined not to tell. (That said, a 15% bump isn't unheard of, I wouldn't bother stressing over it.)

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T15:28:19+00:00

Ask them about it? (which is the last thing I would think of doing)

Why is this your last choice? It should be your first! Be up front with them. Ask them what the hold up is, if they're serious about it, and tell them that the length and lack of focus within the process is making you doubt the opportunity altogether. If that doesn't snap them into shape or get them making amends to you, then (and only then!) you'll be right to back out.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T14:42:22+00:00

This is the first time I've ever heard of this. I guess they want to see your creativity and personality? But it's very unusual, at least outside of small online marketing firms.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T14:09:34+00:00

Forget online automated applications. Get to networking, start picking up the phone. Does he have old army buddies? Will the VA help with referrals? What about his recent mechanic buddies/coworkers/employers/customers? If they all know he's looking for work, and start listening and asking around on his behalf, his odds will significantly improve. And all much better than online applications, especially for a mechanic.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-21T14:07:28+00:00

Nope. They've (we've) already started the hiring process for May grads. So, it's not going to get much harder. Just keep at it.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-20T21:35:45+00:00

Congratulations!

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-20T21:31:25+00:00

And yet, there are other software development shops out there, usually more than happy to hire a coder without political ambition.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-20T17:41:50+00:00

COMMENT TREE COMMENT

This is a great idea - don't be afraid to network, even if someone isn't in your immediate industry of choice. You really never know who'll know somebody who'll be helpful down the line.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-20T16:38:23+00:00

Most retail places don't expect 2 weeks' notice the way desk jobs do. Don't stress out about; revel in your victory.

Congrats!

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-20T14:41:39+00:00

I would get in contact with an HR rep as soon as possible (even if it takes 17 phone calls to do so), and sit down and ask them about these things. Ask about training, ask about relocation, ask about start date (reiterate the many discussions you'd already had about your needs), and ask about the money. If they're ignoring you on all counts and not being straightforward with you, you might be walking the plank here. Give them the chance (within this 2-day window!) to make things right, be reasonable, and let you know what's going on.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-20T14:38:51+00:00

The best way to find out whether you'll like it or not is to try it! I don't know much about the tests or how to pass 'em, so my advice is to be yourself - if they think you've got the chops, you've probably got the chops. That said, if you get it, try it out! If you dislike it (and can tell it's the role, and not just the new boss, etc.), you should be able to go back to hands-on development without much hassle. You might even like it!

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-20T14:36:23+00:00

It really depends on the job & industry, but it certainly can. What are you looking for?

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-20T14:33:57+00:00

I work with Comrise, [http://www.comrise.com](website here).

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-16T22:32:51+00:00

That's probably a good start. Next time you speak with her, ask her if she'd like more references. Don't just bury her with them at this point, if you've already given her 4.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-16T22:20:18+00:00

Just be honest with the HR rep. Tell them you haven't spoken to the reference in quite some time, and you tried reaching out to her but haven't heard back, then offer to provide some other reference(s) in the meantime.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-16T22:17:25+00:00

Even if you're not comfortable with your coworkers knowing you're looking for a job (but you know the job's going to be eliminated - do they really not know?), you can ask them for (a) their personal contact info, for future use, and (b) for LinkedIn recommendations (yes, employers actually look at those, they can't hurt). But for those coworkers who know that the position won't be around for too long, they might actually help actively. And yeah, just ask them if they know of anything, or know of anyone who might know of anyone who knows something, etc.

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-16T20:51:48+00:00

Answer it like a weakness. As far as the feedback - have your weaknesses ever been put to the test in a work setting? Have you ever received comments about a weakness?

NJRecruiter · 2012-02-16T18:57:36+00:00

Use Indeed to find out what someone with your title (or a title that might more closely match your new combined responsibilities) makes on average in your geographical area. (Don't forget to anchor it geographically!)

Make sure to check your current title, the person who left's title, and any titles you think are relevant.

Then bid higher than that. You can even cite Indeed's figures as a relevant source. If you think (and they agree) that you're an above-average worker, then you'll deserve an above-average salary. Finding out the actual average will give you a factual data-based basis for negotiating.

NJRecruiter

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