Job search tips...

[Canadave]

I've been searching for a job for the past while, and have come to the conclusion that the job market is, in fact, completely and utterly shit right now.

Okay, that out of the way, I have a couple questions that I thought I'd throw out for the collective wisdom of the BBS.

First, I'm basically 98% done my degree. I have one class I need to finish, which literally takes place in a week at the end of summer. I haven't been able to take it in the past couple of years because it conflicted with work obligations at the time, but it has led me to a bit of a conundrum. I don't think there's any way this course could greatly impact my qualifications, but it does mean that, technically speaking, my degree is incomplete. So what should I say on cover letters? Fudge the truth slightly and say I've completed a degree? Or be upfront about it? And if the latter, how to get around the lameness of saying I "almost" have a degree?

Second, I was wondering if anyone has good tips about following up on applications. I know it's something that's important to do, I'm just unsure of the best way to do it. Call a couple of days after submitting the application? Just after the deadline to submit? And what sort of things should I ask when I do call?

Okay, that's all the specific questions I have, but if anyone has any other advice, I'd appreciate hearing it. Also, if anyone in Eastern Ontario is looking to hire a recent grad with solid communication skills, please let me know.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Never, ever lie about having a degree. They will find out. Trust me.

Just put on your resume that you've completed n credits toward a degree in [insert major here]. That's plenty acceptable without lying.

Definitely follow up after submitting an application. Normally, you should give it a week, and call with intent to find out when you can learn the status of your application. Sometimes, persistence pays off. You just don't want to be the guy calling every other day and annoying the hell out of them! So, no more than once a week unless they're specifically asking you call back in a couple days.

 

[Cornholio]

I've been searching for a job for the past while, and have come to the conclusion that the job market is, in fact, completely and utterly shit right now.

yeah, it is shitty right now, but there is always a job for people who are willing to work. be positive.

Okay, that out of the way, I have a couple questions that I thought I'd throw out for the collective wisdom of the BBS.

First, I'm basically 98% done my degree. I have one class I need to finish, which literally takes place in a week at the end of summer. I haven't been able to take it in the past couple of years because it conflicted with work obligations at the time, but it has led me to a bit of a conundrum. I don't think there's any way this course could greatly impact my qualifications, but it does mean that, technically speaking, my degree is incomplete. So what should I say on cover letters? Fudge the truth slightly and say I've completed a degree? Or be upfront about it? And if the latter, how to get around the lameness of saying I "almost" have a degree?

keep your resume simple. don't mention anything about a degree. just list the school your attending, and your major (prime focus of your studies).

Second, I was wondering if anyone has good tips about following up on applications. I know it's something that's important to do, I'm just unsure of the best way to do it. Call a couple of days after submitting the application? Just after the deadline to submit? And what sort of things should I ask when I do call?

a couple of days after has always worked for me. be confident. ask when a good time would be to come in for an interview.

Okay, that's all the specific questions I have, but if anyone has any other advice, I'd appreciate hearing it. Also, if anyone in Eastern Ontario is looking to hire a recent grad with solid communication skills, please let me know.

sorry, that's way out of my area. you can always use me as a reference though!

good luck!!

 

[Canadave]

Okay, that's all the specific questions I have, but if anyone has any other advice, I'd appreciate hearing it. Also, if anyone in Eastern Ontario is looking to hire a recent grad with solid communication skills, please let me know.

sorry, that's way out of my area. you can always use me as a reference though!

"So here are my references: a former supervisor, a professor of mine, and this guy from a Star Trek message board."

Hmmm...

Also, what about this sort of language for cover letters? "I will soon have a degree in..." Keeps things noncommittal about whether or not I actually have it, while still sounding confident\qualified. Or is it a bad idea?

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Put in that you have nearly completed a degree and roughly when you will have it, if you are going to mention it in the cover letter at all.

I can tell you right now that the market sucks major ass for people coming right out of college, though. If you don't have a lot (or any) experience, it's going to be tough to find anything. I have too many friends fresh out of college who just can't get jobs because nobody wants you if you don't have experience already.

If it's at all possible, you might even consider just pursuing a higher degree until the market picks up.

 

[Finn]

Second, I was wondering if anyone has good tips about following up on applications. I know it's something that's important to do, I'm just unsure of the best way to do it. Call a couple of days after submitting the application? Just after the deadline to submit? And what sort of things should I ask when I do call?

a couple of days after has always worked for me. be confident. ask when a good time would be to come in for an interview.

Two days? I wouldn't try that unless there is some kind of urgency or you need some information. Otherwise, I'd wait two weeks at the least. They probably have applications and resumes piling up not to mention their other work commitments so you don't want to appear as if you think you are entitiled (over other applicants) in a rude way. Two days is really pushing it and it may make you look bad.

Oh, and it should be obvious but if the closing date is a way off, it may be a good idea to wait

 

[Canadave]

^ Oh I know, believe me.

I've definitely considered doing more school, but at this point I can't do anything further until September 2011 at the earliest, and financially... well, I'd prefer to avoid more debt, if I can! So my logic is I might as well try... you never know, I might get lucky.

And thanks for the advice, btw, it's appreciated.

 

[Cornholio]

"So here are my references: a former supervisor, a professor of mine, and this guy from a Star Trek message board."

Hmmm...

you never know, maybe the people you're going to interview with are Trek fans too!

Also, what about this sort of language for cover letters? "I will soon have a degree in..." Keeps things noncommittal about whether or not I actually have it, while still sounding confident\qualified. Or is it a bad idea?

I say either don't mention the degree, or go with Robert Maxwell's suggestion.

Second, I was wondering if anyone has good tips about following up on applications. I know it's something that's important to do, I'm just unsure of the best way to do it. Call a couple of days after submitting the application? Just after the deadline to submit? And what sort of things should I ask when I do call?

a couple of days after has always worked for me. be confident. ask when a good time would be to come in for an interview.

Two days? I wouldn't try that unless there is some kind of urgency or you need some information.

I wasn't thinking literally 2 days. I answered a 'couple of days' since that's the way the question was posed.

Otherwise, I'd wait two weeks at the least. They probably have applications and resumes piling up not to mention their other work commitments so you don't want to appear as if you think you are entitiled (over other applicants) in a rude way. Two days is really pushing it and it may make you look bad.

two weeks is too long. I wouldn't let more that one weekend pass. apply early one week and call the following Monday or Tuesday, apply later in the week and call the following Thursday or Friday. let them know you are serious about working. be friendly, be polite, and be confident. and always thank them for their time.

unless:

Oh, and it should be obvious but if the closing date is a way off, it may be a good idea to wait

 

[Lindley]

Just put down the month you expect to graduate. If it's more than a month away, write "anticipated" in front of it. If less, don't worry about it.

 

[Finn]

^he should be sure. I knew a guy who marched in the graduation ceremony only to be told by an interviewer (for a job) later on that he didn't actually graduate.

 

[RevDMV]

+1 on the never lie on your resume about easily verifiable details. I've just been through a hiring process and it's a very process to run a complete background check. The form had the option for them to send me a copy as well, it was very detailed.

For job searching, network. Then network more. LinkedIn is an option to start that process.

Since your still at school see what intern options are available.

Like Robert mentioned experience is king right now use your school to help you get some.

 

[Ashu]

Honestly, I could try giving you tips, but seeing as i graduated over a year ago now, I don't see how they'd be very useful.

I think I'm going to be stuck working retail for the rest of my life =/

 

[Canadave]

^ It's at least comforting that I'm not the only one...

Thanks for the tips, folks. I appreciate it.

 

[Ashu]

^ It's at least comforting that I'm not the only one...

Thanks for the tips, folks. I appreciate it.

I'll let you know if I figure out something that works though.