[Balkanite]

I got my job from networking connections. Fall of 2008 I had a polished resume good to go and sent to company where a friend worked. I got in touch with the HR director several times, via phone and email, and showed my desire and eagerness to work for the company upon graduation in Spring 2009. She arranged a set of meetings with several VP's of the company during my winter break. Showed up in a suit looking great and hit it off with all the guys I met, including one VP who was a huge fan of the same football team I root for (phenomenal luck). I sent thank you emails to everyone after I met them yada yada yada.

So around April/May 2009 I turned up the frequency of calls to one of the VP's, asking if a position had opened up. He kept dodging and not committing to anything. This was right around the time of the worst financial crisis of our life time so economic conditions were dogshit. But what did I know I was a naive college kid...

I graduated and moved back home. After more calls with the same VP, I got re-connected with one of the other VPs I met (the football connection guy) late 2009. I came into the office a couple more times just to stay hello and show I still had interest. Around Feb 2010 he finally told me funding was approved for a position, and something may happen soon. So one day I was playing a cheap round of golf and I got a call from the HR director saying please monitor your emails, we will be submitting a formal soon. And boom offer was received and accepted. Salary a little below national average but I was in. Fast forward to now I'm looking at my second promotion early next year and loving what I do.

Be persistent and tell people what you want to do and go after it.

[ninja26]

I got my job during the later part of 2008 when the economy was in deep recession. Since the options were slim I pulled out all sources for contacts. My colleague from school posted about the job he got on his facebook wall and I went ahead and googled the company. Next I emailed my resume to the company without much hope. After few days in dispair I pulled out their phone number from the website and started calling the company for openings. After 3-4 calls finally I got called in for an interview and after 2 onsite interviews I got the job. I was kind of favored in the end because my friend worked there ( and recommended me) but I felt I really did earn that job.Still going strong there 4 years after!

[Joga Bonito]

I was lucky enough to get contacted through my LinkedIn profile, which I thought to create after reading about it on the forum. I have also been able to reconnect with old mentors and gain valuable references for the future.

[Kickb]

A guy gave me his business card and told me to call him.

I called, got the job, and then a week later that guy got fired

[The Great Basilisk]

-1st job was in grocery store, got it through contacts.
-2nd job was paid internship at a marketing agency. Did html/css/php there. Answered their posting in my uni intranet, sent my CV and some school project i had done. 2 interviews, easy as balls -html test and that was it.
-Current job is junior level web developer at a web agency. Answered their posting on uni intranet again with CV, work i had done in previous firm and the same school project. Interview lasted 2 hours, busted my balls properly, no test or anything. They offered me the job next morning.

Next job will be even easier cause i've done some cool shit in my current firm.

[Mike5055]

Got my current job by meeting my department's VP at an economics conference my senior year of university. Kept in touch with him and when I was tired of global finance, I gave him a call.

[reaper23]

the number one way to get a job is networking

its not what you know, its who you know

always

[Pinocchio]

recruiters

[Mentavious]

My main job was through an alumni from my grad school program.

My online gig I applied through normal means.

[Belize King]

I had been applying online while I was deployed. Got three job offers but I couldnt leave Kuwait. Anyway, I was in Thailand and figured I would get on unemployment and finish my degree somewhere international. One week in BKK turned into 2 months.

I got a phone call on a Friday. They wanted to interview me. I asked if we can do it over the phone. They said no. The last job offer I got from L-3 Vertex they hired me on the spot so I figured I would get hired. I really didnt want to work so I told myself 15hr no, 17hr I would think about it, 20+ and Ill probably take it. The offered me 23hr so I told them when do you want me there for the interview. They said Tuesday. It was a holiday so the planes to Japan were packed and I fly standby. I missed Saturday because I was too faded, got bumped Sunday and barely made it Monday. I got to the States on Tuesday morning and made the interview.

They told me they had another two people to see. I was shocked. Almost pissed off because I could have stayed in BKK. Ended up getting the job anyway.

Crazy because the FAA were downing planes in LA the same day. Also, my company wanted to hire a woman who had previously worked there, had the experience with the system and she was in the Navy Reserves. Corporate overruled them told them to hire me. I am the only black dude at the site haha. Sometimes it pays being black. Sometimes

[Belize King]

(10-30-2013 11:50 AM)reaper23 Wrote:  

the number one way to get a job is networking

its not what you know, its who you know

always

I was coming back from Mexico two weeks ago. Chatted with an American cat. We were making small talk. He was coming from GDL and I was there for a week last year so I told him about some places to stay and sites to see. I kept the convo clean. We touchdown in San Antonio and he gave me his card. Told me to send him a resume. Cool whatever I got a job already. I sent one anyway. Looked at his card and he is the plant manager. Two days later his logistics manager wants me to do a site visit. They are a private company but have crazy contracts to supply auto and engine companies with computers. I'll go this Saturday for the site visit. If it isnt 60K it isnt worth it.

Point is, resumes dont mean shit. Network, smile and leave a good impression. You never know who you may be talking to.

[Cattle Rustler]

When I read Gawker on a daily basis there was someone who mentioned using Craigslist as a way to get a job. The Rustler never considered CL but took a shot at it after sending 200 resumes.

The company called back a few days later, did a phone interview, and I bombed the "describe the company's services" question.....somehow still managed to get an onsite interview the next morning. Next morning (Friday) I show up and talk with two guys about the job. They start telling it's stressful and say if I'm up for it. After they noticed my interest in the job, they invited me for "shadowing" on Monday.

So I show up, see what the guys do and ask questions as I wish. The Exec Director pulls me over and says if I'm still interested, I say yes and he said he likes the fact I worked my way through college. He then tells me I'm free to go and I'll get a call from the regional director. The next morning I'm taking a shit and my phone rings, it's the ED and he's offering me a job. I accept and state that I'll show up the next day.

I accepted a job while taking a shit.

[artur jedi]

First real job (longer than a few months) back in 2011.
Was sending CV to various positions (fresh graduate) and 1 real estate agency picked the interest. They called me back, but then it got silent (no meeting schedule). Called them few weeks later asking if they are still looking, so I was set for an interview.
After 30 minutes was asked when I can start. Did 3 weeks later, spent over a year on the job (and remain on good terms with manager until nowadays).

Second was in China. I was desperate for some cashflow, since extensive travelling in SE Asia shrank my budget to the last few hundred USD.
I was browsing shenzhenparty, shenzhenstuff and echinacities. Sent out dozen or so CVs'. Zero response.
Was networking like crazy, but at best there were some shady language schools offering a position of english teacher. Never wanted to do something like this.

Bought myself a premium account on Linkedin with several inmails. Out of 5 sent, got zero responses...


Started walking from company to company (being able to find places with great help of the chinese guy, since google maps turned out to be completely useless there, and local version [I think it was baidu] not too good either). I knew exactly that I wanted to be in international trade and development, so narrowed my search to those positions.
Visited 3 companies within 2 days (starting Monday), getting myself into non-solicited, walk-in interviews. On Thursday one of the guys called me back, saying he wants to try me. I was on the job on Monday.
Only later my boss would tell me that he never received my curriculum (sent via echinacities platform). So limiting myself to just send CV would probably never land me anything. Being there in person was the key.

[El Padrone]

Blew the interview but still got the job because... I knew someone.

[Edmund Ironside]

I've been working in IT for over 15 years. It was a career change for me, which involved taking some computer science classes but not getting a degree. I got an internship through the school, then was offered a full time position.

Every subsequent position I got in IT was through applying to online job ads. I've never gotten a position where I had any previous contacts at the organization. I've only rarely tried because my specialization leaves me best qualified for very specific positions, and the limited number of suitable openings rarely coincide with the limited number of companies where people I've worked with before also happen to work.

Whether it's a coincidence or not, I've also never gotten a job offer when I dressed formally for the interview. All of my offers came after interviews where I went in business casual (dress pants or khakis and button-down shirt, no tie.) Maybe that just says something about the culture at places where I am a personality fit. IMO, places that are hung up on dress are more likely to have a style over substance culture.

[qwertyuiop]

OH man. Here are my post grad gigs.

I decided to go into sales after college. First job I applied like hell and had an offer before college. Sales/marketing at a trading firm. I applied to thousands of jobs during my final semester and took the most promising.

Second job (current job). had exp and applied online. Currently in tech sales at a software start-up. The previous sales experience really helped and I got a call after I had applied online. Not sure what my next adventure will be. It might be a while here.

[Ski pro]

I knew that I wanted to change my life and ski for a living.

Made a plan as follows;

1. Found somewhere that meant I could take my ski exams in the summer to get the minimum exams I needed to get started.

2. Worked my ass off to get to the top of the class, got letters of recommendation etc etc

3. Wrote to every ski school in Switzerland in the French speaking part with a resume translated into French

4. Got invited to 4 interviews, nailed 3 of them and got offered three jobs. Took the one I wanted.

5. Went back home and did a 14 week course in French language skills

6. Moved out here and never looked back.

[AneroidOcean]

Past Job: Volunteered in an organization that needed paid work done. (knew someone)

Past Job: Went to semi-social events held by the company (these were pretty informal but it was a start-up). Went by to have lunch/talk to some of the employees I'd met/knew/was friendly with. Happened to ask if they were hiring. Talked to the new hiring manager super casual-like. Asked him how I could apply for one of the open positions he'd just talked to me about. His answer was something to the effect of, "you just interviewed, when do you want to start?" (So, foot in the door by knowing someone)

Part-Time Current Job: Friend who owned the company asked if I would help him out doing one of the lowest-position jobs. Not incredible money, but enough to go help him out. He lost his manager and asked me to help him manage. Why not? Now I'm part owner and we're growing. (knew the owner)

Current Job: Knew the owner. He lost his #1, asked me to come help him. Stayed too long since I'm still here as of this post. (knew the owner)

Former (set to the side) Self-employment: Friends asked me to help their family member, business partner, etc... with computer shit. Started charging double what I thought was market price. People happily paid me with no questions asked. Started doing it a little more then eventually stopped because I was busy. Never tried to grow this. (knew someone/networking)

Self-Employment #2: One of the clients referred to me for the computer shit ended up becoming a friend/mentor for a different type of business. He encouraged me to start my own thing to become an early retiree like him (he still works plenty, but doesn't have to in order to maintain his lifestyle). Started doing this on an unofficial basis and through enough encouragement by my mentor and efforts on my part finally landed a potential client big enough to move it from random side income to at least a somewhat significant stream of income/official business. (again, knew someone/networking)

I point out that in some way I knew someone or networked in order to get all of my past jobs and current employment (self employed or otherwise) because it's really that crucial to success. Will it get you your next job? Maybe not, but if you learn to network successfully you can MULTIPLY your success or at minimum your chances of getting your next job.

[Seth_Rose]

(03-22-2017 08:19 AM)Edmund Ironside Wrote:  

I've been working in IT for over 15 years. It was a career change for me, which involved taking some computer science classes but not getting a degree. I got an internship through the school, then was offered a full time position.

Every subsequent position I got in IT was through applying to online job ads. I've never gotten a position where I had any previous contacts at the organization. I've only rarely tried because my specialization leaves me best qualified for very specific positions, and the limited number of suitable openings rarely coincide with the limited number of companies where people I've worked with before also happen to work.

Whether it's a coincidence or not, I've also never gotten a job offer when I dressed formally for the interview. All of my offers came after interviews where I went in business casual (dress pants or khakis and button-down shirt, no tie.) Maybe that just says something about the culture at places where I am a personality fit. IMO, places that are hung up on dress are more likely to have a style over substance culture.

What's the best way to go about doing this? I'm interning for a company now I really like, and want to turn it into a full-time gig. Any advice?

I'm planning on just being forward with them next week, expressing interest, and hope to have something by the time I'm done my program in May.

[Edmund Ironside]

(03-24-2017 09:32 PM)Seth_Rose Wrote:  

(03-22-2017 08:19 AM)Edmund Ironside Wrote:  

I've been working in IT for over 15 years. It was a career change for me, which involved taking some computer science classes but not getting a degree. I got an internship through the school, then was offered a full time position.

Every subsequent position I got in IT was through applying to online job ads. I've never gotten a position where I had any previous contacts at the organization. I've only rarely tried because my specialization leaves me best qualified for very specific positions, and the limited number of suitable openings rarely coincide with the limited number of companies where people I've worked with before also happen to work.

Whether it's a coincidence or not, I've also never gotten a job offer when I dressed formally for the interview. All of my offers came after interviews where I went in business casual (dress pants or khakis and button-down shirt, no tie.) Maybe that just says something about the culture at places where I am a personality fit. IMO, places that are hung up on dress are more likely to have a style over substance culture.

What's the best way to go about doing this? I'm interning for a company now I really like, and want to turn it into a full-time gig. Any advice?

I'm planning on just being forward with them next week, expressing interest, and hope to have something by the time I'm done my program in May.

I would say expressing interest is definitely a good idea. In my case it was easy because the manager of the team where I worked as an intern had a couple of positions open and offered me the full time position without me needing to campaign for it. I just demonstrated competence, and with the supply-demand being better back then, that was enough. (It also probably didn't hurt that I was happy to take the default starting salary they offered.)

Depending on your specific situation and the size of the company, it might help to try to network outside of your immediate team. A lot depends on the specifics of the situation. Also, I'm probably not the best person to give advice because I'm much better at doing jobs than at getting jobs. If you like the organization though, definitely do everything you can to learn about it, get to know people, and understand how often positions open up and how they get filled ... all while you are there. It's much easier while you are inside. Just don't give the appearance of neglecting your work in the process. Being an intern is a great position for learning because people are going to be more predisposed to react favorably to you digging into things outside your immediate duties. If you are a full employee in a low level position usually they just want you to stay in your box.

[dallasguy]

Network network network. Most resumes go straight to the garbage bin

[El Padrone]

Really grateful for this thread. Impressed on me the importance of networking. Thanks to all you guys especially Aneroid.

I'm about to put in practice something I read about how best to go about Networking.

It says to get in touch and appreciate something the person put out or did, and to take it from there.

Is this good??? Is that how you guys would have done it?? If not, what do you suggest as the best way to Network especially if you're in the early stages of a career.

Gracias.

[Thomas the Rhymer]

(03-26-2017 03:44 AM)El Padrone Wrote:  

Really grateful for this thread. Impressed on me the importance of networking. Thanks to all you guys especially Aneroid.

I'm about to put in practice something I read about how best to go about Networking.

It says to get in touch and appreciate something the person put out or did, and to take it from there.

Is this good??? Is that how you guys would have done it?? If not, what do you suggest as the best way to Network especially if you're in the early stages of a career.

Gracias.

You can either download the networking guide in my signature, or go see the original thread the guide is based on here:
thread-13795.html

[El Padrone]

Thanks Tom. Will see to that.

[Thomas Jackson]

First job - campus recruiting

2nd (current) job - Good friend worked there and referred me. Interview was a breeze having someone on the inside.