Job Hunting is about a bitch!!!

[The KSB]

After attending classes for the past three years I'll be graduating on August 21 with my B.S. in Technology-Magna Cum Laude. Not to brag, but I've done pretty good. I have a 3.78 GPA, been on the President's list 4 times andthe Dean's List twice, and I'm a member of Golden Key. And I did all of this while raising a daughter, working, and putting up with a bitchy wife (J/k). Long story short, I've worked my ass off. So I figure I got all my ducks in a row and the whole world should be lining up to kiss my ass and shove money down my throat. WRONG!!! WTF!!! I can't even get a decent interview. I even tried a technical temp service, they won't fucking touch anyone w/o 3 years proffesional work experience, which I dont have, at least not above the table. I know everyone says that you have to network, but get this, I've been working in a factory for the past 7 years, I HAVE NO CONNECTIONS. FUCK!!! The only thing I can do is send resumes, make calls, pound the pavement, etc.... And that just isn't working. I think maybe my resume sucks so if it's not too much trouble could you fine folks critique it. I would appreciate it. Oh, and if any of you need a programmer that specializes in databases who is high on potential an short on experience I'm your guy. thanks in advance for any help.

btw: The resume is attached in doc format. I scan my system religiously, I keep my virus protection updated, and use a firewall. So it is clean.

 

[RugbyBuck]

Sucks, mate. Been there. Are you open to moving? I heard of a software job in Indy last week. A guy in my rugby club sent around an e-mail about a couple of open slots. I'll see if I can find it and forward the "who to talk to" info to you.

 

[The KSB]

My wife has decided to go back and finish her degree at KSU so moving isn't a possibility. I broke anyhow.

Also, I figured it would be easier if I attached a picture of my resume. This is a general resume. The one send for IT positions has a more of my specific IT related coursework.

 

[MolGenBuckeye]

KSU,

Can you post your IT-specific resume? It'll probably be better to critique that if you're looking for tech positions.

Does KSU have any job fairs available for tech companies to come in and recruit? Going to one of those at OSU yielded many contacts, at least a few of which turned into interviews. If not, I *think* OSU allowed outsiders to register to go to their fair for a fee. Might be worth it.

Another route to take is to research for any companies in the area you're willing to commute that are dependent on IT. Some companies will let you register on their website for job posting updates. From my experience, the best way to get into the right offices for an interview is to know someone at the company, even if they're not in IT. Just having an internal reference can be a huge difference-maker.

Finally, though they don't tend to pay as well, you might check academic listings at the universities up there. They tend to be a little more receptive to less experience sometimes, since many do hire their new grads.

Don't give up, I'm sure there's someone out there that needs your skills.

 

[FKAGobucks877]

KSB -

I made a couple of minor changes to your wordings, which I do believe will help. Additionally, I would advise you to expound more on your service-related experience, and emphasize any leadership or management experience you have, even if you "stretch the truth", so to speak. Especially with your job experience - if you were ever in charge of a project, department, etc., specifically mention it. Just suggestions, of course.

 

[ScarletInMyVeins]

I know you said you don't want to move but one of these may be the foot in the door you need. I work for Columbia Gas so I may be of some help there and if you can get a hold of Turd, he works for AEP as an engineer I believe. Good luck!

http://nisource.eapps.com/columbia/jobsearch.nsf/(webcurrent+job+posts)?openview&count=200

http://www.aep.com/careers/default.htm

 

[NorthShoreBuck]

KSB

You are probably not going to like what I say but you are correct, you are short on experience. The IT job market is soft unless you have specific application experience such as Peoplesoft, SAP or Oracle.

What specifically did you have in mind when you got your degree; working in programming, DBA, networking?

A resume will not get you a job. It only serves to get the attention of someone hiring. I get quite a few resumes from recent grads. KFA hit on one thing, you may have to have several resumes and make sure that your key words match that of the job posting you are applying for.

Is there an Akron, Kent of Ohio technology council you can join or attend? How about the chamber of commerce or business socials?

You need to network and see about getting some experience. Do you still work at the manufacturing facility? They have to have basic IT software for payroll and billing, perhaps you can work on that to gain some experience.

I always stress that people close to graduating should go on as many informational interviews as possible. You get practice answering questions and can see what trends are developing in the industry. Always ask for the job. Ask what is the next step for me to get hired.

Networking may mean calling all your family and friends and asking them where they work and who does the hiring and then trying to contact that person. It ain't easy or pretty.

I would skip the temp agencies and try to work with KSU and possibly a local recruiter. Recruiters will be bluntly honest in your capabilities and opportunities. Ohio used to have a job services group that helped unemployed and recent grads get jobs. I am not sure if that is still in existance.

If I get a call I'll keep you in mind.

 

[Sloopy45]

KSB,

Don't get too down on yourself, my brother. I'm in the same boat. I graduated OSU in '98, and found a job that paid me very handsomely. After a few years & awards at my job later, I moved to Miami and got my MBA.

And I'm having problems landing a great job. Don't fret. Its the state of the economy right now. I had people busting down my door in '98 with no experience in a booming economy, and have nothing in '04 with an MBA and years of experience to boot.

The job market will be a lot better in the Fall. Hang tough for a couple more weeks.

 

[The KSB]

First and foremost I want to say thank you for all the great advice and leads, you guys are the best. Oh, and thank you Clarity for creating such a great place that attracts such fine people. I tweaked my resume accordance with the suggestions I’ve received. I think I’ll be tweaking it some more before the end of the day. I’m attaching a copy of my tweaked IT resume. Once again thanks.

Bucknola, when I started my degree I had no idea specifically what I wanted. I just knew I wanted a degree (personal reasons). However, I soon found out that databases were the thing for me. I really love working with them. So becoming a DBA is the direction I'm moving in. Since I'm done with classes I'm working towards my MCDBA right now. I'm hoping that will help. Anyhow thanks all. If there ever is a time I can help you out I'm there for you.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

KSB: Let me give you some advice after taking a quick once-over of your resume (I was in a very similar situation exactly three years ago):

1. Don't include coursework in your resume...everyone who has your degree will have the same, or very similar, coursework. The only educational info you should include is your degree itself (along with award, such as Magna Cum Laude).

2. Don't include your military awards except for your highest award earned as an individual (such as Army Commendation or Army Achievement Medals)...the one you included are "service awards", i.e., those awarded to everyone who met a set criteria.

3. Emphasize your IT expertise in databases and any other type of independent computer experience you have (companies won't necessarily care if you were employed while you were doing the computer stuff, just as long as they know what you were doing and what the results were).

I had no job-specific computer experience when I retired after 26 years in the Air Force, yet I was still able to build a decent resume my listing what I did in "additional duties" during my time (writing a C+ script to take a text dump of a 2,000-person and convert it to a DB-III database for our division to allow our personnel managers to schedule technical training, back in 1991). This showed that even though computers were not my specific job at the time, I was still proficient enough to make a huge positive impact for our section (plus companies love seeing employees "going the extra mile" for their company). Plus I did act as the web page maintainer for our section's web pages (very minor stuff, but still it was a bullet on the resume, and showed web experience...by the way, I'm a web administrator now with an emphasis on databases).

Bottom line, no fluff, just list everything you've done computer-wise...that's what they'll want to see.

(edit) KSB's IT-specific resume wasn't appearing before I wrote this.)

 

[Mothra]

you're telling me! i just graduated w/ two bs's in mechanical engineering and engineering administration along w/ two minors in business and math and can't find anything! i think most of it has to do w/ i'm mainly looking to stay around home, but come on, there's got to be something out there.

 

[gregorylee]

Mothra,

Dude, no offense.... but where the hell is "Vanlue Ohio"???

 

[Mothra]

it is about 10-15 mins east of Findlay

 

[BuckBackHome]

KSB,

Here are some tips that are worth what you are paying me.

* Get a more specific objective. There is nothing more boring than looking at 100+ resumes for one position and all the objectives are the same. Separate yourself.

* As mentioned by others, target your resume to a specific position. It is handy to have several different versions of your resume that you can tweak depending on the position you are seeking.

* If coursework is all the experience you have leave it, but mention the most salient courses for the position you are seeking. Also, if you have done any projects for outside of the classroom list those. Any kind of real world experience outside of the classroom, even a class project, is beneficial.

* List the years you received the academic honors, not just the number of times.

* Tell of any responsibilities you have had in your time at J&H. I am guessing you had some training, advancement, honors, responsibilities there. If you are still there take off the 2004 and put Present.

* Do not be afraid to emphasize the positives of working and having a family while in school. These show responsibility, an ability to prioritize, and goal achievement. I know a guy who once told me he would take the 3.0 student who had outside activities as opposed to the 4.0 student who did nothing but school.

* List your references right on the resume with their titles and contact information.

* Do not be afraid to go over one page. If you have enough important information that it takes two pages then do it.

* The person who may be reviewing your resume may not be in your field. Often times the HR person is the first line of review and they may not be as interested in Workgroup Productivity Software. Try to put things in common language.

* Don't forget your cover letter. It is probably more important than your resume as it provides a chance for you to tell a little about yourself. Be yourself in it. If you have a good sense of humor or interesting hobbies, work it in. It may cause someone to spend a little more time looking at your resume.

Remember, resumes and cover letters are the foot in the door. Do not lie, but make sure they clearly understand what you are seeking and what you bring to the table. It can be hard for humble people to brag about themselves, but you are now selling yourself. Don't be cheap and don't shortchange yourself.

We are in totally different fields, but if you would like a copy of my resume and cover letter, just PM me.

Good luck. Be patient but be aggressive.

 

[buckeyegrad]

Having just finished an eight month search for a job in higher education in the Cleveland-Akron area, I can understand your frustration--at least partially, I was lucky enough to have a job here at OSU while searching.

It seems like the only people who can find a job anywhere they want right after college these days are nurses.